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Fierke Education Center

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11/29/25 Fierke Family Flash

Posted Date: 11/29/25 (09:08 PM)


Fierke Family Flash

Fierke Education Center

November 29, 2025
 
Newsletter Graphic
Dear Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed the time with loved ones. As we move into December, we are excited for a month of learning, growth, and continued partnership. Please see the sections below for some important updates.
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The Benchmark MAP Assessment testing window opens on December 1st and ends on December 18th. Our first through fifth grade students will take the MAP test during this time. This benchmark assessment shows each student’s growth since the Fall Benchmark. We use this data to identify strengths and needs, plan targeted instruction and interventions, monitor progress toward standards, and communicate students’ progress with families.

As a friendly reminder, December 5th is the last day we are accepting donations for the Glove and Mitten Drive.

Our PTO's Elf Shelf Holiday Shop for students will begin on December 8th and ends on December 12th. More information will be shared soon.

Important Reminder: For the safety of all students, playground use before school requires direct parental supervision, especially for our younger learners. Staff supervision begins at 8:40 AM. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

With the chilly weather settling in, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for winter conditions.

As always, thank you for your continued involvement and support of our school community!
 

3rd Grade Thanksgiving Celebration

Students work on crafts at desks in a brightly decorated classroom.
Students in a classroom work on a craft project, cutting shapes from colorful paper.
Students watch a cartoon projected on a screen in a large, bright room.
Children and adults gather around a table with snacks in a classroom setting.
Students enjoy a snack time in a brightly lit classroom, with food and drinks on their desks.
A classroom of students sits at tables, enjoying a meal together.
 

Kindergarten's Macy's Day Parade

Our Kindergarten students read Balloons over Broadway and decorated mylar balloons to create their very own parade!

Book cover illustration of 'Balloons Over Broadway' with a man holding strings attached to parade balloons.
Students in a classroom hold up balloons, possibly for a celebration.
Children walk down a school hallway, holding colorful balloons.
Children walk down a school hallway, carrying colorful balloons.
Children walk through a doorway, holding colorful balloons in a school hallway.
 
Upcoming Events Graphic

Upcoming Events

December:
12/1 MAP Testing Window Opens
12/5 Last Day for Glove Donations
12/8-12/12 Elf Shelf Shopping
12/18 Fierke Festive Follies Concert -**Times per grade level are listed below
12/18 MAP Testing Window Closes
12/19 1/2 Day for students
12/20-1/4 Winter Break
 
A cartoon bee wearing a winter hat and mittens, with snowflakes and text that reads 'Fierke Festive Follies'.

Fierke Festive Follies Holiday Show

Our Fierke Festive Follies winter concert will be taking place this year on December 18th.

This year’s concert will be featuring songs performed by every grade’s classes. So, no matter what grade your student is in, you will be able to see them perform and sing.

Our school’s choir group will not be performing at this concert; however, we will be having a new bucket drumming ensemble performing that is made up of 4th and 5th graders that were nominated for the opportunity by their classroom teacher.

Date: DECEMBER 18TH 

The Schedule for the event is as follows:

Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grades will perform between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Intermission will be at 5:30 p.m. - We ask that all families that do not have children in grades 3rd, 4th, or 5th exit the gym promptly in order to ensure we have ample space for other families that have children in those grade levels.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Students will perform between 5:40 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

We hope to see you there!
 
Spirit Wear
Elf Shop Volunteers

RAIZE CRAZE Fundraiser

Fundraiser
Raize Craze
 
Attendance Matters
At Fierke, we believe every day counts! Regular school attendance is one of the most important ways you can help your child succeed. Each day of learning builds upon the last—when students miss class, they miss valuable instruction, collaboration, and connection with their peers. Even a few absences can add up and make it harder for your child to stay on track.

We know that illnesses and emergencies happen, and we appreciate your partnership in scheduling appointments and trips outside of school hours whenever possible. Together, we can help ensure every child is present, prepared, and ready to shine bright each day!
 
Accepting Donations
Glove & Mitten Drive
 
super stingers
Each month, we proudly recognize our Super Stingers – students who go above and beyond to demonstrate what it means to “Aim High and Shine Bright!”

These students are nominated by their teachers for showing exceptional kindness, integrity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. They lead by example, treat others with respect, and consistently give their best effort in all that they do.

We are so proud of our Super Stingers - thank you for making Fierke a brighter place to learn and grow! We are so proud of their leadership, kindness, and commitment to our Hive values. Congratulations to this month’s Super Stingers! 💛🐝


November Super Stingers will be recognized on December 12th with a special Pizza Surprise Lunch with me, Mrs. Lamorte.
 
Health Docs clip art

Health Documents

Families are asked to submit required health forms as soon as possible. Requirements for specific grade levels are listed below. Please turn in all medical forms to Nurse Cailin or call her directly if you have any questions about these requirements.

Kindergarten: Physical exam with up-to-date immunization record, dental exam and complete eye exam.

Grade 2: Dental exam

Transfer students: Physical exam with up-to-date immunization record. Complete eye exam (if attending an Illinois school for the first time). Parents are ultimately responsible for providing copies of the physical exam and immunizations if receipt of these records is delayed by the transfer school.
 
Office clip art

Office Communication

To ensure the safety of all students and to remain in compliance with state law, parents are required to notify the school office if their child will not be in attendance. This notification must take place within the first hour of school. When reporting an absence, please call the school office, use the voicemail system, or enter the absence into PowerSchool.

Additionally, if your child will have a change in dismissal plans (leaving early, not taking the bus, riding with a neighbor etc.), please let the office know by 2:00. Informing the office in a timely way makes dismissal run more smoothly for all.
 
Bus Information

Bus Students

To ensure that all students have a safe and positive experience on the bus, we are reinforcing our bus riding expectations. Students are expected to:
  • Sit in their assigned seats at all times.
  • Follow the bus driver’s directions promptly and respectfully.
  • Remain seated while the bus is moving.
  • Keep all parts of their body inside the bus.
  • Refrain from littering or leaving belongings behind.
  • Use quiet, respectful voices (no screaming or yelling).
We appreciate your support in reminding your child of these expectations so that everyone can travel to and from school safely.

 
Bus Bulletin

Bus Bulletin

American School Bus is using Bus Bulletin to alert District 146 parents of bus delays and schedule changes.

Bus Bulletin sends parents instant notifications via text message, email, and/or phone call. There is no cost for parents to sign up and receive notifications.

To sign up for notifications, please visit the Bus Bulletin website. Click Register, Select Parent/Student, Select SD 146 from drop down and complete personal information. Once an account is created, you can choose which bus route you want to be notified for both AM/PM.
 
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

Arrival and Dismissal

Walkers/Bussers: Please enter through the main entrance door #1. Car Riders: Enter the parking lot moving east on Victoria. There is no left turn into the parking lot while moving west on Victoria during arrival/dismissal. THERE IS NO PARKING ON VICTORIA DRIVE DURING ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL. Drivers may ONLY make a right turn when exiting the parking lot. See the included map for more details.

Car riders are dropped off at the car circle line and enter via Door #8. Door #8 will close promptly at 8:50am. Car riders arriving after 8:50am must be dropped off at the main entrance.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade walkers will dismiss via the east doors. Kindergarten students will dismiss via their classroom doors on the south side of the building. Car riders will enter vehicles at the car circle line for dismissal.

Ivy League: Door #10 (South Cafeteria Door). Students using this before/after school program will enter and exit DOOR #10 of the cafeteria black top.

Every child, on a daily basis, should know if they are a “car rider,” “bus rider,” or “walker.”
Drop Off/ Pick Up
No Left Turn Map
 
PTO Graphic
PTO Logo
Fierke PTO strives to create a strong community and raises money to fund special programs and events throughout the school year. By joining, you will make a positive impact for students and our Fierke community.

For more information:

Crystal Budney (President)
Lindsey Zaldivar (Vice- President)
Kim Salmich (Secretary)
Becky Cook (Treasurer)
Staff Favorites
November Information
Box Tops
A flyer for Fierke PTO membership, including donation incentives and a QR code.
Calendar of Events
 
Free and Reduced Lunch Graphic

Free and Reduced Lunch Information

We will continue to offer free/reduced/paid lunches for the upcoming school year. The costs for each paid category are: Breakfast $1.50, and Lunch $3.75. We use a debit card system through Pushcoin. Funds can be added to your child’s card via a Pushcoin link available on our district website: www.district146.org

Breakfast will be available each morning for students using the debit card system. Students needing breakfast will go to the cafeteria to pick up their breakfast and then return to their classroom. Students will eat breakfast in their classrooms.

The daily hot lunch program will begin on Thursday, August 21st The student’s debit card is
scanned and deducted $3.75 whenever a hot lunch is “purchased”. Debit card accounts can be opened or re-activated by paying online or writing a check to School District 146 marked with “debit card-student’s name” in the memo line.
 
Background Checks Graphic
Background Check
Anyone who would like to volunteer in classrooms or at school events must have a background check on file. Please be sure to submit an application here: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/ODQzMzplbi1VUw== If you are unsure whether you have submitted a background check in the past, please contact the office.
 
Ivy League
 
2025-2026 School Calendar
School Calendar
 
Fierke Stingers

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:
Phone: (708) 614-4520