May 21, 2016


Class of 2016 we are thankful for everything you have contributed and look forward to seeing your future endeavors! Best of luck!!!
 
A Message from Principal Benioff
The Fig Tree
 
Early last fall, I planted a fig tree in my front yard. It was only a foot high sapling and looked tiny in the place of the old tree that had been removed. It kind of remained a stick with just a couple of leaves until January, when I started to see a new leaf unfolding. Every morning as I went out to pick up the newspaper, I started to check the progress of the leaf. It went slowly, but finally the full leaf materialized and at the same time, another started. The progress has been minute, but constant and looking at the tree in May shows an additional six inches and five new leaves.  

Maybe it is an easy metaphor for watching our kids grow, but the end of a school year brings reflection. At the beginning of the year, we often comment on how small the students look as compared to last year's class. And incrementally, we see the growth. Not just physically, but in their knowledge, their skills and maturity. We think back to the events, the lessons, the struggles, the friends, the highs, the lows, moments that encompass the school year. There is so much that took place this year! Every event and experience, lesson and interaction contribute to how each student has grown.

Students and parents may not know that the end of a school year is often very difficult for teachers. We get to see the daily incremental growth and as they leave to a new grade level, there is a bit of grieving. After spending so many hours with a child, we become obviously attached. Most often, we do not see them again as they move on in their life journeys. This is of course necessary and natural, but difficult to say goodbye. Every once in awhile, a former student makes contact and lets us know how they are doing, where they are. The reward for hearing from a former student is immeasurable and I hope that our departing students check back with us in future years.

I want to thank our students for being the wonderful people they are, and for all their hard work, creativity, laughter, and even their dramatics (it is middle school after all!). I wish you all good journeys and lifelong happiness! Keep growing! 
 
Have a wondrous summer vacation!
 
Sincerely,
 
Brad Benioff
 
Important - Notes from the Office 
Reminder that the final week of school is on a different schedule:
  • Monday  - Regular schedule
  • Tuesday - Friday - Minimum Day schedule:  Release at 12:35
  • Wednesday - 8th grade students released at 12:00 noon
NOTE: There is no cafeteria service for lunch on the minimum days.
 
Teen Entrepreneur Class - Bake Sale 

Mrs. Wechter's Teen Entrepreneur class will be having a Bake Sale after school on Tuesday, May 24th to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. 
 
8th Graders - OPHS Summer Conditioning Information
Make-up days to register and/or turn in physical/blue card are May 31 and June 1 from 8-10 a.m.  For more info, students should see Mr. White in room C8 ASAP
 
Attention 8th Graders  
Universal Trip 
On Monday, May 23rd, 8th grade students will go on the trip to Universal Studios.  Students must report to the school no later than 7:30am.  The buses will be returning at approximately 7pm.

8th Grade Awards 
On Wednesday, May 25th, we will hold our 8th grade Awards Ceremony in the gym starting at 8:30am.  Family and friends are welcome!  After the Awards, the 8th grade students will have a Culmination rehearsal and will then be released from school at 12 noon.

Culmination May 25th at 6:00 pm 
Students must arrive at the Oak Park High School Gym no later than 5:30pm.  The Culmination Ceremony will start promptly at 6pm at the Oak Park High School Stadium.  Gates will open for seating starting at 5:15pm.

8th Grade Breakfast and Video
The 8th Grade celebration breakfast will be held at 8:30 am in the lunch area. Followed by the showing of the 8th grade video.
 
 A Message from the PFA President - Julie John  

Dear MCMS Families,  

I cannot believe the school year is coming to a close! This message is all about thanking the many parents who volunteered their time to make this school year so successful.  
I want to thank the entire PFA Governing Board for their leadership this year and the many parents who came to the monthly meetings and provided valuable input. I truly appreciate your support and friendship. Many thanks to the PFA Officers: Andrea Klopert and Beth Felsen who oversaw the many student and district programs; Beth Zeolla who managed to take minutes during some very lively discussions; Ragini Aggarwal for keeping us up to date with weekly email communications; Pamela Krys and Lisa Shaevitz who made sure all the bills got paid; Sunita Brown for heading up our fundraising efforts; and Rose DeMattia who managed the student window office volunteers and always managed to find extra volunteers whenever needed. Thanks to our Parliamentarian, Julie Hearst, for heading up our Nominating Committee and finding so many wonderful new volunteers.   
We have several new volunteers for next year's Governing Board, and I thank them all for stepping up to help our school. I especially want to thank Andrea Klopert and Tas Sutarwala for taking on the PFA President role. They are both outstanding women and I know they will be fantastic. I could not be leaving you in better hands.  
Finally, this is also the time of year when we say good-bye to our graduating 8th grade parents, and this year, that includes me. Thank you all for making these past three years as PFA President so enjoyable. I appreciate all the support you have always shown me and to Medea Creek Middle School. Have a wonderful summer! 
 
Important Dates for Registration and the 2016-2017 School year 

  • Registration forms will be available on our Medea Creek Website on July 20th.
  • Registration is on August 4th and 5th. Makeup Registration is on August 8th.
  • Camp Medea for incoming 6th Graders - August 3rd 8:15 am - 2:45 pm
  • First Day of School - August 9th.
 
Are you Interested in After-school Enrichment at MCMS?
Please let us know!  Medea Creek is considering expanding its after-school enrichment program.  We'd like to know whether you and your children are interested in participating, when would be most convenient for you, and what your children would most like to do.  Your feedback will be used to help create a program that works for you.  To participate in our brief survey, please click here. Thank you for your input!
 
  Thank you Julie!
Thank you Thank you does not come close to expressing the sentiments of the 2015/2016 PFA board and chairpersons towards Julie John, our fearless president for the last 3 years! Julie's professional, thoughtful and positive approach as a leader has enabled the board to make significant strides in streamlining processes, eliminating unnecessary work and bringing fresh thinking to each event. Julie truly has been an "agent for change" while also supporting the long-standing heritage of the MCMS PFA. We were lucky to have you for three great years, Julie. THANK YOU and best of luck to you in the future. We know whatever you do will be a success!
 
2016-2017 Registration Volunteers Needed  
We can't run our annual registration event without the help of over 160 volunteers! We need many slots filled! Please take a look at the Sign Up Genius and pick a slot, or two!
Remember, you may register your child, the day that you work. MCMS Registration dates are August 4,5 and 8. First Day of school is August 9, 2016.

Any questions please email medeacreekreg@gmail.com
 
   Notes from the May 17, Board of Education Meeting
At the regular monthly meeting of the Oak Park USD Board of Education held on May 17th, the Board recognized Mr. Erik Amerikaner for his contribution to building innovative pathways for Oak Park students. They presented the Marie Panec Educating Compassionate and Creative Global Citizens Award to the following graduating seniors from Oak Park High School: Roshni Dugar, Amanda Reilly, Sophie Sigel, Caitlin Takeda, and Jake Whealen. Alexandra Kukoff received the award from Oak Park Independent School.
 
Lynn Moderhak, Neva Fast, Toni Paulson, Ken Paulson, and Patrick Quinn were recognized on their retirement from Oak Park Unified School District.

The Board also heard regular reports from Board Members, the Student Board Member, the Superintendent, and the school site councils.
 
The Board took action and/or approved the following: Click here for details...  
 
A Note from MCMS PFA VP of Communications 

It has been a wonderful journey these three years being the editor and handling communications at Medea. I hope you all have enjoyed reading the weekly communications as much as I have had the pleasure in bringing them to you.  

I wish all the very best to Samantha Kinkaid who will be handling communications next year and Lesley Lippel who will be the weekly eNews editor.They are a great note of thanksteam and will keep you well informed.  

Thank you! 
Ragini Aggarwal                        
Save the Dates

  • 5/23          -   6:45 AM - 7:00 PM 8th Grade Universal Trip
  • 5/24-5/27  -   Minimum Days for all grades - Dismissal at 12:35
  • 5/25          -   8:30 AM - 10:00 AM 8th Grade Awards (parents welcome)
  • 5/25          -   8th Grade Culmination at OPHS 6:00 pm
  • 5/26          -   8:30 AM - 9:00 AM 8th Grade Breakfast
  • 5/27          -   Last Day of School

2016-2017 Dates 

  • 5/31          -   First Day of Summer School 
  • 7/20          -   Registration Forms go live on the MCMS website
  • 8/3            -   Camp Medea 8:15 am - 2:45 pm
  • 8/4            -   Registration 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • 8/5            -   Registration 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • 8/8            -   Make-up Registration 8:30 am - 10:30 am
  • 8/9            -   First Day of School
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