October Peirce Family Newsletter

Our first month of school was a huge success! Peirce Panthers are following our core values - Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe & Be IB and our routines and procedures as a school are well underway. Students voted and named our mascot “Pickles” - be on the lookout for Pickles the Panther to visit school-wide events. As we work our way into October, please remember to send weather appropriate gear as students will be outside for recess daily - with fall comes cooler temperatures.

Below are highlights from the first month of school:

• Friends of Peirce voted to financially support several components of our schools program including In-School Assemblies, Garden Materials, Arts Partners, Debate, Bollywood, Dance materials, Library Books, Teacher Stipends and support for our Band. The support of FOP allows us to offer quality programs despite financial setbacks with our school's operating budget. We thank FOP for the ongoing support!
• Our first band is beginning through after school programs - we look forward to hearing the talent of our students as they are exposed to instruments! Band Scholarships are available for students who are still interested - reach out to Rich Daily at richdaily67@gmail.com for more information.
• Curriculum Night took on a new format, with students leading much of the evening by showing and explaining their classroom and their school to parents - we look forward to continuing our work with a student centered learning environment as we prepare for student-led conferences during Report Card Day.
• Peirce Parents led our first Farmstand - with donations going to support the efforts of our garden, many parents shared recipes on dishes made with ingredients from our garden.
• Peirce Parents and staff helped organize our Leveled Book Room - Thank you to everyone who was able to participate - our teachers now will have easier access to books for their students!
• Students created kites with their wish for Peace to honor the International Day of Peace.
• Students, Family and Community members participated in the Edgewater 5K, a community event which raises money for local schools.
• Bollywood Dancers and Peirce Artists showcased work at the Edgewater Arts Festival.
• A group of parents attended our Special Education informational session which highlighted changes to our Special Education Program and the use of co-teaching to support our students. 
• We had a wonderful turnout for Coffee with the Principal and great discussion on how we are moving forward as a school!
• Anya Kompare was elected as our Parent Advisory Council chairperson, the next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 14th at 8:15am.
• Students participated in a Fire Drill and Shelter-In Place Drill, they will also participate in a lockdown and bus evacuation drill in October along with a monthly fire-drill by the Chicago Fire Department.
  International Day of Peace 

Read the full newsletter in Spanish or English.