Dear Families,
As we close out an incredible school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership, support, and trust throughout the year. Together, we have celebrated so many moments of growth, learning, achievement, and joy for our students.
It has been wonderful to watch our students learn, build friendships, overcome challenges, and create lasting memories throughout the year. We are so proud of all they have accomplished both academically and socially/emotionally.
The energy, smiles, kindness, and enthusiasm our students bring to Fierke each and every day make our hallways and classrooms brighter, and I will certainly miss seeing them each morning over the summer months. While our students are certainly excited for summer break, the end of the school year always brings a bittersweet feeling. The busy hallways, daily routines, and most importantly, the smiles and energy of our students will be greatly missed over the next several weeks. At the same time, we are incredibly proud of all our students have accomplished this year.
As summer begins, I hope your family has the opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy special time together. Whether your summer is filled with vacations, camps, pool days, reading, or simply slowing down and enjoying the sunshine, I hope it is safe, fun, and memorable.
Thank you again for being such an important part of our Fierke community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August as we continue our commitment to focusing on every student, every staff, every day.
Have a wonderful summer!
Mrs. Lamorte |
At Fierke, our schoolwide theme for the upcoming year is “BEE the Extra Degree,” inspired by the idea behind 212 Degrees: The Extra Degree. At 211 degrees, water is hot. But at 212 degrees, water boils — and with boiling water comes steam, and steam can power engines. That one extra degree makes all the difference.
This theme reminds us that small extra efforts can lead to extraordinary results.
For our students, “BEE the Extra Degree” means encouraging them to give their best effort each day — whether that means showing kindness to a classmate, persevering through a challenge, taking pride in their learning, or demonstrating leadership and responsibility throughout the school day. It is about building a culture where every student feels supported, valued, and challenged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
For our staff, the theme represents our collective commitment to going above and beyond for students and families. It reflects the care, dedication, collaboration, and passion our staff brings each day to create meaningful learning experiences and positive relationships within our school community.
Families play an essential role in helping us bring this theme to life. You can support “BEE the Extra Degree” at home by: • Encouraging perseverance and a growth mindset when challenges arise • Celebrating effort, responsibility, kindness, and improvement — not just outcomes • Reinforcing the importance of positive attitudes, respect, and strong character • Helping your child establish routines that support learning and organization • Partnering with staff through communication, involvement, and encouragement
Together, we can help our students understand that even small acts of effort, kindness, leadership, and determination can have a powerful impact.
We are excited to continue growing, learning, and leading together as we focus on Every Student, Every Staff, Every Day. |
Last week, our fifth graders celebrated their final year at Fierke with a special end-of-year picnic. It was wonderful to see students enjoying time together, reflecting on their elementary school journey, and celebrating the friendships and memories they have made throughout the years. We are so proud of our fifth graders and all they have accomplished during their time at Fierke. |
1st Grade Frog Lady Visit |
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to Mr. Fitzpatrick for organizing all of Field Day! And to our amazing PTO for sponsoring the student pizza lunch, the bounce houses, and Italian ice for all of our students and to all of our parent volunteers - we couldn't have done it with out all of your support!
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PE uniforms will be available to purchase on Early Access Day. Uniforms are $24 ($12 for shorts, $12 for shirt). Only Cash or Check are accepted for payment.
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August: 8/18 New Family Tours 3:30-5PM 8/19 Kindergarten Meet and Greet *By appointment 9AM-3PM 8/24 Open House 5:30-7PM 8/26 First Day of School - 1/2 Day Student Attendance 11:45 Dismissal September: 9/7 Labor Day - No School 9/8 Teacher Institute Day - No Student Attendance |
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! |
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! |
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! 💛🐝 |
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. |
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. |
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.
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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. |
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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. |
As we wrap up another school year, we would love your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete our PTO End-of-Year Survey. Your input helps us reflect on this year’s events, activities, and communication while also helping us plan for next year. We truly appreciate honest and constructive feedback so we can continue building a strong and supportive Stinger community for our students, families, and staff. The survey is anonymous, and we encourage everyone to participate. Thank you for supporting the PTO throughout the year! Whether you attended meetings, volunteered, donated, or simply supported our events, every contribution makes a difference!🐝
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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) |
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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. |
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. |
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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 |
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