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Fierke Education Center

Home of the Stingers

2/20/26 Fierke Family Flash

Posted Date: 02/20/26 (05:13 PM)


Fierke Family Flash

Fierke Education Center

February 20, 2026
 
Newsletter Graphic
 
Dear Families,

We have truly been enjoying the recent stretch of beautiful weather! Students have loved spending extra time outside and making the most of recess in the fresh air. You may also notice that we recently added new mulch to our playground area after the winter weather caused some wear and shifting. The refreshed surface helps keep our playground safe and ready for lots of active fun this spring.

We honored our January Super Stingers at our Student of the Month Luncheon today! We are so proud of the many students who continue to demonstrate leadership, kindness, and a commitment to our “Aim High, Shine Bright” expectations each day.

As we know, Illinois weather can change quickly! With temperatures expected to drop again soon, please be sure to send students with appropriate outerwear so they remain comfortable when we head outside for recess.

Also, please be sure to read the Attendance and PTO Sections for exciting upcoming events!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Mrs. Lamorte
 
Upcoming Events Graphic

Upcoming Events

February:
2/20 PTO Winter Skate Party from 5:00pm-7:00pm @ Tinley Park Skate Rink
2/24 PTO Dine to Donate Noodles and Company
2/25 End of Trimester 2
2/26 Orland Park Dental Service for Students
2/26 5th Grade Fan Bus to CMS
2/26 Attendance Letters are sent home
2/27 PTO Paint Night Orders Due
2/27 Surprise Author Visit for All Students (and each family will take home a special surprise!)

March:
3/6 Report Cards are sent home
3/6 Hive Lunch Buddies Day! (Wear Hive T-shirt)
3/6 February Student of the Month Luncheon
3/8 Daylight Saving Time Starts
3/13 Candor Health Presentations for 4th & 5th Graders
3/16 K-2 Parent Coffee Chat-Attendance Initiative 7:30AM
3/17 3-5 Parent Coffee Chat-Attendance Initiative 7:30AM
3/18 3rd Grade Field Trip (Charlotte's Web) @ Lincolnway North High School
3/19 School Improvement Day - No Student Attendance
3/20 Spring Break Begins (3/20-3/29)
3/31 Attendance CLAP- IN 8:30AM *See Flyer
3/31 IAR State Testing Begins for 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders
3/31 PTO Meeting at 6:00pm

April:
4/1 ISA State Testing Begins for 5th graders
4/3 No School
4/10 Hive Buddies Lunch Day! (Wear Hive T-shirt)
4/10 ELL Student Field Trip to Beverly Arts Center
4/13 Chalk the Walk- Attendance
4/14 Explore Theatre Assembly
4/15 Fierke Fine Arts Night (5:30pm-7:30pm)
4/17 IAR State Testing Window closes
4/17 PTO Sponsored Bingo Night
4/20-2/24 Attendance Spirit Week
4/20 Panorama Screener/Assessment
4/24 1/2 Day Student Attendance
4/22 Science Fair 5:00pm-6:00pm
4/23 March Student of the Month Luncheon
4/24 Attendance Awards Assembly
4/30 ISA State Testing Window closes

May:
5/1 Hive Buddies Lunch Day! (Wear Hive T-shirt)
5/4 Spring MAP Testing begins
5/6 Staley the Bear's Antibullying Assembly
5/13 5th grade Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center Field Trip (Mrs. Flood's & Mrs. Morris's classes)
5/14 5th grade Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center Field Trip (Mrs. Lisula's class)
5/14 Spring Choir Concert @ 5:00pm-5:45pm
5/15 Explore More Day! (times TBD)
5/20 PTO Meeting in the Cafeteria
5/20 Spring MAP Window Closes
5/21 Kindergarten Kick-off 4:00pm to 7:00pm
5/22 Institute Day - No Student Attendance
5/25 Memorial Day - No School
5/26 Kindergarten Picnic
5/27 Kindergarten Picnic Rain Date
5/28 Field Day
5/28 MAP reports are sent home
5/29 1/2 Day Student Attendance
5/29 Trimester 3 ends
 

Science & Art with Ms. Marx

Volcanoes

Volcanic Eruptions!

Ms. Marx brought science to life in the most exciting way this week as our 5th graders dove into learning all about volcanoes—how they form, what causes them to erupt, and the science behind chemical reactions. She thoughtfully guided each student through the process of building their very own volcano, carefully explaining each step and connecting it back to the content they’ve been studying for over a month.

Today was the big moment—eruption day! Using simple household materials like vinegar, water, a bit of dish soap and baking soda, students watched their creations bubble and burst right before their eyes. The classroom was filled with anticipation, cheers, and wide-eyed excitement as each volcano erupted.

It was hands-on learning at its best, and my favorite part was seeing the pure joy and curiosity on our students’ faces. Experiences like this not only deepen understanding but create lasting memories. Thank you to Ms. Marx for bringing science and art together and making it so engaging and fun! 🌋✨
Students in an art class work on volcano projects at long tables, with art supplies visible.
Students in a classroom are actively engaged in a science project, creating model volcanoes.
Students in a classroom conduct a science experiment, creating erupting volcano models.
Students in a classroom are actively engaged in a science experiment, creating erupting volcano models.
 

Candyland Math Night

Candyland Fun!

Fierke had a sweet time at our Candy-Themed Math Night! 🍬🍭 Families filled the cafeteria with excitement as students explored math through hands-on, interactive activities. From playing “Shut the Box” and strengthening number sense, to testing their skills at the Estimation Station with candy-filled containers, there was math fun around every corner! Students built 3D shapes with jelly beans, created colorful M&M bar graphs, and practiced problem-solving in creative and engaging ways.

It was truly wonderful to see so many students and parents learning side-by-side, laughing together, and experiencing the joy of math. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night such a success—we love seeing our Fierke families shine bright together!

A special thank you to all of the staff who helped plan and organize this incredible event! Their creativity in designing and preparing such fun, engaging games truly made the night special. Your dedication, positivity, and commitment to our school community — both from our incredible staff and our supportive families — are what make events like this such a success. 💛💛💛
A classroom table set up for a 'CandyLand' estimation game with jars of M&M's and Swedish Fish.
Children and adults engage in a craft activity at tables, with colorful artwork on the wall.
A math-themed Candy Land game setup with instructions and game boards on a wooden table.
Children and adults participate in a classroom activity involving dice and worksheets.
Children and adults engage in a colorful candy sorting activity at tables covered with pink tablecloths.
Children and adults sit at a table covered with a pink, candy-themed tablecloth, engaged in an activity.
A group of people, including children and adults, are gathered around a table working on puzzles.

Panorama 5E Survey

5 Essentials Survey

Dear Families,

Each year we ask our parents, teachers, and students to participate in the statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. In December 2024, ISBE approved a survey by Panorama as an alternative. This year, District 146 will be utilizing this shorter, easier-to-navigate survey to help us understand and enhance the experiences of our students, families, and staff.

The survey is now open, and we invite our parents to complete it today by visiting district146.org/5Essentials. Please complete one survey for each child attending a District 146 school, even if they both attend the same school. Parents have until Friday, February 27 to complete the survey.

The Panorama survey is available in multiple languages. Parents will see a language drop down button in the top left hand corner of the screen that allows you to change the language.

Your participation in the parent survey will help us understand the conditions at your students’ schools and will guide our continuing improvement efforts. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential. Results are used to create the Illinois School Report Card, and to help our district and school leadership teams drive ongoing school improvement plans.

We appreciate your time as your responses to the survey are important to us. 

Sincerely,

Gina Lamorte
Principal
A QR code is displayed with the text 'TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!' and instructions to scan for the 5Essentials Survey.
 

Science Fair Sign Ups

Registration

Spirit Wear Orders

Spirit Wear
 

PTO Family Skate Night

PTO Skate Night
Done to Donate
Paint Project
 

Attendance Letters Update

We are updating how we communicate with families about student attendance. Previously, attendance letters were sent only to families of students who were absent for 10% or more of the school year. Moving forward, all families will receive an attendance letter. This letter will share the total number of days your child has been absent and their current attendance percentage for the school year. Families will receive letters at the end of each trimester. Letters for second trimester will be sent home via regular U.S. mail on or around February 26th.

Each student’s attendance will be identified in one of the following categories:
  • Excellent Attendance: 97% or higher
  • Commendable Attendance: 94%–96.9%
  • Fair Attendance: 91%–93.9%
  • Concerning Attendance: 90% or below

While we understand that illness and emergencies do occur, our shared goal is for students to attend school 95% or more of the time. Research consistently shows that regular attendance is strongly linked to academic success, stronger social connections, and positive school habits. We appreciate your partnership in supporting consistent attendance and helping your child make the most of every learning day.
Coffee Chat
CLAP-IN
 

Free Dental Services at Fierke

Orland Park Dental Services

Parent Consent is Required

We are pleased to share that Orland Park Dental Services will be visiting Fierke Education Center on Thursday, February 26 to provide free dental services to our students.

This opportunity is available to students in all grade levels. In order for Orland Park Dental Services to come to Fierke, they require a minimum of 30 student sign-ups. We encourage families to complete the consent form as soon as possible.

How to Sign Up:
Parent/guardian consent is required. Please complete the online consent form using:

Paper consent forms are available upon request.

If you have questions or would like a paper form, please contact Mrs. Cooper, our school nurse, or call the Fierke main office for more information.

Thank you for your support in helping us provide this valuable service to our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
 

Kindergarten Registration

Begins on February 17th

Kindergarten Registration begins on February 17th. Please click on one of the links below to access a flyer for more information.
Announcement for 2026 Kindergarten registration opening on February 17, 2026, with a registration window from February 17th to March 6th, 2026.
English
 
District 146 announces Kindergarten registration for 2026, opening February 17th.
Español
 
Announcement for the 2026 Pre-Kindergarten registration period, opening February 17, 2026.
العربية
 
Illustration with text 'E-Learning Information', a cartoon bee, a laptop, a tablet, and a laptop showing a video conference.

E-Learning Information

Zoom Links and Schedule

In the event of an E-learning day, the district will notify you via phone, district website, and parent square notification.

Your students' teacher will provide specific classroom information via seesaw.

Please find additional resources below:

*All students will have lunch from 12:00-12:25
**Asynchronous work will be completed from 12:25-2:25 independently, staff will be available via email until 3:35.
K-2 Schedule
3-5 Schedule
Children with cameras, microphones, and newspapers surround a screen displaying 'Morning Announcements' and a smiling sun.

Start your day with us!

Each morning, our school community connects through student-created video announcements that are watched in individual classrooms. Students take the lead by recording daily messages that are shared school-wide, helping set a positive tone for the day. These announcements amplify student voice, build leadership and communication skills, and ensure that all students begin their day informed, engaged, and connected.

Click on the link below to begin your day with us each morning!
Fierke Morning Announcements
 
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. However, did you know that missing more than 10% of school attendance days may have a negative effect on student learning?Please let us know if you are having any difficulties with your child wanting to come to school. Together, we can help ensure every child is present, prepared, and ready to shine bright each day!

Please remember to call the office when your child is absent.
Our Attendance Initiative will Kick-off Spring Testing on March 31st.
Please be on the look out for upcoming events!
 
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! 💛🐝

 
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.”

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.

We would also like to remind parents to drive all the way up to the end of the car line. We ask parents to remain in their vehicles as staff are available to support as needed. With additional families opting to drop students off through the car line for arrival, we would like to ensure that all students are able to enter the building prior to 8:50am. Should your vehicle enter the car circle after 8:50am, there will be no staff supervision so we ask that you bring your child to Door 1.
Drop Off/ Pick Up
No Left Turn Map
 
PTO Graphic
Meetings
Box Tops
Calendar
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)
 
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