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Message from Assistant Principal Amy Durkalski
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Dear parents and community members,
Hope you are all enjoying this crazy November weather! I know the kids are.
I wanted to let you know that our security guard Mr. Perez had his last day at Audubon last Friday. He interviewed for a paraprofessional position last Thursday, was offered the position that afternoon, and started at his new school this past Monday. Mr. Perez is pursuing a career in the education field so this position was a step forward in that direction. We will miss Mr. Perez and wish him well in his new endeavors.
With that being said, we immediately posted the position and held interviews on Monday and Tuesday this week. The interview team consisted of three teachers and myself. We interviewed and offered the position to a delightful and experienced man by the name of Frank Doyal. He was a marine, he has experience working as a security guard, and has most recently worked as a Safe Passage worker at Dunbar High School and one of the military academy's in Chicago. He was also a security guard at the Harold Washington Library where he had experience working in a setting with children. He has a fantastic demeanor and repeated in the interview that the "student's and teacher's safety of this school is paramount and the main focus of my job." The team and I were all impressed by his enthusiasm, professionalism, and positive attitude. We all believe that he will be a great addition to our staff.
Mr. Doyal has begun the CPS HR process and once he gets through that he will begin. Right now, CPS Safety & Security is providing a substitute security guard until Mr. Doyal begins. I look forward to introducing him to the amazing students, teachers, and families at our school.
Highlights in this newsletter:
- Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Harbottle (4th grade)
- Audubon Accolades: Class of 2017
- Upcoming events
- TONIGHT! Charlie Brown movie trio
- Lake View HS principal, Scott Grens visits Audubon
- Class of 2016 fundraiser: Big Fork sausage
- 2015 Harvest Fest THANK YOU
- Quarter 2 Right at School Electives classes and programs
Have a wonderful weekend!
Audubonly yours,
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How are we doing this week?
Current Attendance Rate*: 97.28%
*40% of our annual school rating is dependent upon student attendance rate.
*To receive the full 5 points on the School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) report and to ensure we maintain our Level 1+ status, we must maintain an attendance rate of 96% or above.
You can help maintain this status by:
1. Helping your student(s) get to school before 8am
2. Filling out an e-absence note |
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Dates written in blue are new additions from the last newsletter:
11/5: Audubon Student Council presents: A Charlie Brown trio of movies (Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Christmas), 5:00pm *$2 per person, proceeds go to Audubon's Student Council*
11/6: Friends of Audubon (FoA) Fall Mixer, 7:30pm at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
11/9: Fall Picture Day RETAKES
11/9: Informational meeting with Principal Scott Grens (Lake View High School), 7:00-7:45pm*
11/11: No School, Veteran's Day (non-attendance day for students)
11/12: End of Quarter 1 (attendance day for students)
11/12: Potential K-8 parent tour, 9:00-10:00am
11/13: No School, School Improvement Day (non-attendance day for students)
11/16 & 11/17: Eat Out for Audubon at Bartoli's Pizzeria
11/18: Q1 Report card pick-up & Parent/Teacher conferences, 11:00am-2:00pm and 2:45-6:00pm (contact your child's teacher to sign-up for a P/T conferences)
11/18: 8th grade fundraiser, Big Fork Sausage pick-up at Audubon*
11/19: Middle School Science Fair, 9:00am-12:00pm in the gym
11/19: Middle School Science Fair Awards, 5:30-6:45pm in the gym
11/20: Audubon Variety Show, 6:00-8:30pm in the gym
11/25 - 11/27: No School, Thanksgiving Break
*More information can be found below
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Meet Ms. Harbottle: Fourth Grade Teacher 
Hello, Audubon families!
My name is Tonya Harbottle and I have been at Audubon since 2007!
Prior to that I was teaching in Michigan. I attended Grand Valley State University then finished my undergraduate degree at Spring Arbor University. I earned my masters degree in math for elementary and middle school math teachers from Northeastern Illinois University in 2014. I love teaching math, science, and social studies to fourth graders.
When I'm not at school, I enjoy playing with my son, reading, and running.
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Thank you Audubon Class of 2017!  Thank you Audubon community!
THANK YOU to the entire Audubon community and greater Roscoe Village neighborhood for helping Audubon's 7th grade class to collect over 440 new/gently used Winter Clothing items for RefugeeOne. Your donations included 130 jackets and coats, 40 pairs of boots, and over 250 hats/gloves/scarves.
There were many moving parts to this initiative from communications, to collection and sorting, and finally delivery. We are thankful that many of the students were able to carve out time before and after school to help make this a reality. It truly was a group effort.
On behalf of the Class of 2017, thank you and together we can make a difference. Way to go, 7th graders!
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Audubon News & Events
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TONIGHT!  Audubon's Student Council presents: A Charlie Brown trio
Thursday night at 5:00pm: Bring a blanket, some food, and your favorite friends! Join us for a Charlie Brown trio (Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas) in the Audubon gym.
Your $2 admission fee will help support the new Audubon Student Council.
See you there!
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Join us for an informative evening with Principal Scott Grens from Lake View High School 
Learn about all the exciting developments at Lake View, our neighborhood high school and get all of your questions answered about this amazing Level 1 school.
This event is open to all parents and students of ALL GRADE LEVELS.
When: Monday, November 9th
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Audubon gym
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You asked for it, we delivered! 
The Class of 2016 is selling Big Fork bacon sausage again for their DC fundraiser. This was a very successful fundraiser for them last year and the community has asked for it again!
Each pack of bacon sausage is $10. The Class of 2016 will receive $5 for each package you buy. The proceeds will go towards their 8th grade Washington DC trip.
Order forms are due Monday, November 16th!
For more information and an order form, click here.
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Back by Popular Demand: The Audubon Cooks! Cookbook 
Back by popular demand, the Audubon Cooks! Cookbook, a collection of Audubon family, staff, and community-supplied recipes featuring seasonal ingredients and inspired by our very own organic garden, is now ON SALE, just in time for the holiday season!
Quantities are limited so order today! To order, please visit the Hawk Store. Books will be delivered to your child's classroom within 72 hours of ordering. Please email Josie Washuk.
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Thank you for a terrific 2015 Harvest Festival!
On behalf of the Audubon Organic Garden committee, we want to thank everyone who turned out for our charming indoor Harvest Festival, in spite of the rainy evening! 
A special thank you to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of this fun, family-driven event.
Parent Volunteers: Maria Salazar (Vanesa, 1st grade & Jonathan, 2nd grade), Amy Quinn (Alanah, 4th grade), Katie Stevens-Justice (Scott, 3rd grade & Jack, 5th grade), Debbie Shelist (Alexa & Skylar, 1st grade & Riley, 4th grade), and to all the families who brought potluck dishes and donated decor to the event.
Teachers and Staff: Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Slotnick, Ms. Tavarczky, Ms. Stack, Mr. Rosen, Ms. Bowens, Miss Grisanzio, and Ms. Durkalski.
Audubon's janitorial and engineering staff: Tony and Roman.
Musicians: Zach Schroeder, Mr. Gilvary, and Mike Drassler.
Community Volunteers/Reps/Parents: Dawn Timberlake, Jeff Hubrec (Izzy, 3rd grade) on behalf of RVN for their generous donation of decor following the Roscoe Village Halloween Parade, Emmy Kolovic (Anthony, 1st grade & Elizabeth, 3rd grade) on behalf of Jewel-Osco for their generous donation of pumpkins.
Community Vendors: Wonderland Activities Center, Unicoi, & Fresh Market
Thank you again!
From your 2015 Harvest Fest Committee: Laura Fairman (Ruby, 4th grade & Franny, 1st grade), Edit Nagy (Aron, 3rd grade & Naomi, 8th grade), Nicole Phillips (Isabella, 2nd grade), Jodi Richman (Jacklin, 2nd grade), Josie Washuk (Eddie, 2nd grade), and Audubon teacher alumni Lourdes Valenzuela
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Help send the Class of 2016 to Washington, DC! Please support the final fundraising efforts of the Class of 2016, so that all 8th grade students can go to Washington, DC in the spring: Thank you,
The Class of 2016
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Media Lab Updates  Typing Agent Homework
All students in 3rd - 8th grade have their Typing Agent accounts and should be typing for 10 - 20 minutes a day (working on lessons). Please ensure that your child is logging on and check their progress.
An explanation of the program and grade level expectations can be found here.
STMath/JiJi Students in 1st -4th grade are enrolled in their JiJi classes and working to make 100% syllabus progress by the end of the year. For more information about JiJi and instructions for logging in from home, please check out Ms. Bowens' section of the Audubon Webpage.
Media Lab Resources
- Commonsense Media - Check out this fantastic resource for all things Digital! Commonsense Media is a great site for parents to get advice on movies, games, apps, social media and more. Their site is very well organized and incredibly informative.
- "Student Zone" - Looking for online activities that are educational? Looking for help with research for your child's project? Check out the "Students" section of the Audubon Webpage.
- Do you know of other great educational sites? Feel free to email Ms. Bowens at rbowens2@cps.edu with suggestions for additions.
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Right at School: Electives 
RAS is now coordinating ALL after school programs including the after school care program as well as the after school electives. To register your child in a RAS Elective program, please click on the link: Right at School
We will be bringing back some of our favorite partners and adding some new ones. Check them out below; see a calendar and descriptions of each Electives program/class here.
- Adventures with Robots (grades 3-5)
- Amateur Basketball (grades 2-4)
- Chess Scholars (grades K-8)
- Cooking Club (grades K-5)
- Drama Club: Featuring Shrek the Musical (grades 3-8)
- Fun with Robots (grades K-2)
- Girl Power Yoga (graes 1-5)
- Happy Hands Mixed Media (grades K-2)
- Hip Hop (grades K-2)
- My Art Gallery Sketchbook (grades K-3)
- Pre-Engineering using LEGOs (grades K-1)
- Rookie Multi-Sport (grades K-2)
- SmArtist Artist (grades 3-6)
- Spanish Club (grades 1-3 & 4-6)
- Tae Kwon Do (grades 2-8)
Register by November 9th ($25 late fee thereafter).
Classes begin the week of November 16th.
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Right at School: Audubon's after school care partner
RAS will provide after school care to our students from 3:00-6:00pm at Audubon School. |
Wishcraft Workshops's Daily After-school Program 
Wishcraft Workshop, founded and operated by an Audubon family, offers a daily after-school program at their off-campus workshop. Fall classes start on November 2!
Now in its 7th year, the Crafter-School program is familiar, nurturing, and planet-friendly. It includes daily creative enrichment and elective classes in addition to homework, reading, tech, tumbling/balance, and snack time.
Audubon campus walking pick-ups are available Monday-Friday for student enrolled in their Crafter-School program (daily through 6pm), as well as those enrolled in their afternoon classes. Four sessions are available throughout the school-year and the program can be joined at any time during the school year with pro-rated fees (if space is available).
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Wonderland Activity Center: After-school Programming for Preschoolers 
Wonderland Activities Center has after-school classes for preschoolers. Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:15, and Fridays from 3:30 - 5:30.
*At the end of the session, Audubon receives 10% of the total tuition collected from students as a donation.
Find more information on their website.
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Student Enrichment Opportunities
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Attention Kindergarten parents! FREE after school Spanish class at  Audubon
Kindergarten students may join Audubon parent volunteer, Laura Martin (Alba, 1st grade), for a fun and educational introductory class to the Spanish language. Ms. Martin and her family have relocated to Roscoe Village from Spain, and she can't wait to share her culture and language with Audubon's youngest students. Please see below for a description of the class:
The main goal of this course is to introduce the Spanish language to non-native speakers or to children that have not had any contact with the Spanish language before.
Using games, songs, and crafts... children will have fun while spending one hour per week after school getting in touch with the Spanish language and European culture. As Spanish is growing exponentially as a language within the US, do not miss this FREE opportunity to broaden your child's mind and future possibilities.
Classes will be held at Audubon on Thursdays from 3:15-4:15pm starting the week of November 16th. The maximum number of participants is 10 students.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in this class, please email Senora Martin directly at lauramartindiaz@gmail.com.
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Winter Camp at Children's Lighthouse 
Come hang out and celebrate Winter Camp at Children's Lighthouse this winter break.
- December 21st-24th
- December 28th-31st
- 7:00am-6:30pm
- Ages 5 - 12
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Roscoe Readers is back, and they're excited to read with your kids!
Register here for a fall book club or visit roscoereaders.com for more information.
Book clubs for 2nd and 3rd graders are reading The Terrible Two and The Year of Billy Miller. Book clubs for 4th and 5th graders are reading All the Answers and Absolutely Almost.
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Roscoe Village has a kids coding school! 
If your kids can't get enough of their technology classes with Ms. Bowens, it may be time to extend that passion with after school coding classes.
Power Up Tech Academy is a locally owned business that offers kids coding classes for grades K through 8th. It is located at 2867 N Clybourn Ave, just north of Diversey.
Classes allow kids to:
- Make their own video games,
- Use computer programming to create art and music,
- Develop custom Minecraft plug-ins
- ...and more!
The groups are small so that each child can choose projects that they are excited about, and get individualized coaching and help along the way. This also allows students to move ahead quickly and take on new challenges if they are understanding things rapidly.
Coding is an awesome creative outlet and develops an understanding of 21st century skills and career paths. Plus, kids gain confidence when they are able to show games and animations that they made themselves. Maybe your child will create the next Minecraft!
For more information about Power Up Tech Academy, call (773) 382-0778 or visit the website.
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Important Reminders & Information
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Parent Portal: What it is and how to sign-up 
Parent Portal is a great way to keep an eye on your child's academics and attendance. Parent Portal allows you to:
- Review your child's grades and class assignments before, during or after parent-teacher conferences.
- Receive an email when anything other than "present" is recorded by a teacher.
- Set up text message alerts when your child's grade falls below or rises above a certain average or percentage.
How to sign up:
- Email Ms. Glascott (eiglascott@cps.edu) to obtain your child's Student ID # and PIN #
- Create an account at cps.edu/parent
- Link a student to your account
For more details on Parent Portal and other CPS parent resources, click here.
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Writing a student absence note is easy as 1-2-3! 
When your child is absent, we ask that all absences are documented. There are three easy ways to report an absence:
- Go to the Audubon website, click on the "Parents" tab, then click on "Absences." You will find an electronic absence note that you can fill out that goes directly to our office staff.
- Stop by the main office and ask Ms. Glascott or Ms. Perez for a "Reason for Absence" form. You can fill it out right there.
- You may write a note with the reason for your child's absence and put it in your child's folder to bring to school. As long as the child remembers to give the note to their teacher, that note will make its way down to the office.
We highly encourage parents to take advantage of option one, as it's so easy and is electronically saved for documentation purposes.
If your child has been sick for more than three days, we require a doctor's note along with the absence form that you fill out.
As a reminder, absences that are considered excused are:
- Student illness
- Death in the family
- Family emergency
- Observance of a religious holiday
*Please note that you do not need to call the school office to report your child's absence. The electronic or paper absence form is sufficient. We do ask that you fill these forms out as soon as possible.
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Box Tops for Education  Save your Box Tops and turn them into cash for Audubon. Click below to learn more.
Box Tops for Education |
Shop at Target. Get $$$ for Audubon 
If you have a Target debit or credit card, you should make sure that you've enrolled in the Take Care of Education program. One percent of sales will automatically go to Audubon! That's like free money for the school! It just takes a few minutes to enroll:
Step 2: Fill out the forms under "Sign me up."
Step 3: Enter your first and last names and REDcard number to complete enrollment.
Done!
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Get a loan. Get money for Audubon! 
For any referral or person that does a loan through Roscoe Village resident, Chris Woods, mention Audubon and Chris will made a $150 donation to Friends of Audubon in that person's name.
Chris can be reached at chris.woods@guaranteedrate.com.
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How do I keep up with everything Audubon?
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Instagram: audubon_hawks_ms.d
Twitter: @AudubonSchool
Text Updates:
- Send a text message to "40404"
- In the body of the text write "Follow AudubonSchool"
- You'll start receiving texts! SO EASY!!
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Learn more about these partnerships and initiatives at Audubon:
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Newsletter Submission Deadlines & Guidelines
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If you'd like to submit an item for the twice-monthly Audubon newsletter, please send your submissions to Sarah Shields at sarahashields@gmail.com (don't forget the middle initial "a"!). Please take note of the following newsletter guidelines:
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All submissions are limited to 300 characters and should be in Word documents sent as email attachments. If submissions exceed this limit, we can link the remainder of the submission to the appropriate page on the Audubon website.
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If you have a logo or photo, please include it in JPEG format.
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Student accolades must be limited to school-related activities, e.g., sports and clubs, and citywide, state or national competitions or awards.
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