HELEN C. PEIRCE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
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peirce update

8/27/2020

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Greetings Peirce!

Remote Learning officially begins on Tuesday, September 8th! This year we begin school in historical ways - while we cannot be together in person, please know that every staff member at Peirce is looking forward to getting to know your children as we create a virtual classroom and school community.

The same energy and nervousness is flowing through the work-spaces at Peirce as we finalize our back to school plans. Please give yourself grace as remote learning will present challenges for families (and school staff) - know that our team will do everything possible to support you and your child(ren).

This update includes information on:
New Information
  • Family Meeting to review back to school start up information - this is a different session than what was held last week.
  • Welcome new Peirce staff
  • Chromebook Pick Up & Headset Request
  • Classroom Assignments & Aspen Access
  • School Schedules
  • School Supplies
  • Meal Distribution
  • Sports & After School Program
  • External Program Opportunities

Repeated Information
  • Support for Peirce Families

Lori Zaimi
Principal

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Welcome to Peirce!
Please join me in welcoming new staff members to Peirce as highlighted below! I would like to make note of the following staff who have transitioned from their time at Peirce this summer:

  • Luis Ortiz, Engineer: Earlier this summer, Luis accepted a position with the City Colleges of Chicago - we wish him well in his new position.
  • Melvin Blay, Custodian: Resigned from CPS in August after ten years as a custodian with CPS - best wishes Melvin!
  • Ms. Berenson-White will be on a leave of absence this school year.

Meruche (Mary) Chierici, Teacher Assistant
My name is Meruche (Mary) Chierici I am a happy easygoing person with a passion for early childhood education, I am a mom of three grown sons also a grandma to five beautiful grandchildren whom I adore. In my spare time I love to read, cook, watch TV and spend time with my family. Looking forward to working at Peirce.

Art Haduch, Engineer
I will be replacing Luis, Building Engineer at Peirce Elementary. I’m married for 36 years and have three grown-young adult kids. Building maintenance has been my livelihood for over 25 plus years. Looking forward to use my skills and to work with Principal Zaimi through these difficult times as well as in the future here at Peirce Elementary School.
Cordially,
Art, Building Engineer

Tonya Harbottle
I have been a teacher in CPS since 2007 and have previously taught second and fourth grades. I began teaching departmentalized math and science after completing my masters degree in mathematics for elementary and middle school teachers. Additionally, I have endorsements for English as a second language and as a Learning Behavior Specialist. I am excited to be at Peirce as I value inclusion and diversity. I love thinking and learning right along with my students while sharing my love for math. When I’m not teaching, I love reading and watching my son play baseball and hockey.

Michelle Lovato, Teacher Assistant
My name is Michelle Lovato. This is my 5th year teaching. I graduated from DePaul University. I grew up in Waukegan, IL. I am passionate about literacy - and I I love to share great books through read alouds! My favorite drink is cold brew coffee. When I am not teaching, I enjoy hula hoop dancing, picnicking at the beach or resting with my 2 dogs.

Paige Lowenstein, Pre-School Special Education
My name is Paige Lowenstein, and I am one of the pre-k special education teachers at Peirce. I have been teaching for 8 years and have worked with both elementary and preschool students. I just moved from Kansas City to Chicago and am excited to be part of the Peirce team.

Maria Munoz, Custodian
Maria comes to Peirce with 21 years of experience as a custodian! She looks forward to getting to know the students, staff and families.

Camila Navarrete, Teacher Assistant
Hello, my name is Camila Navarrete, I'm a second year graduate student getting a master's in school counseling. This is my second year working for CPS, first year as a teacher's assistant. I was born in Chile, and moved to Chicago in elementary school. I studied at Lincoln Park High School, then Illinois Institute of Technology before deciding that working in a school was in my future! I look forward to meeting the students and families at Peirce!

Denise Pinos, Teacher Assistant
My Name is Denise Pinos I have been in the education field for six years now in the Infant Toddler setting. I have My bachelors in English from Northeastern Illinois University and a Masters Certificate from Erikson that specializes in the birth to three year old field. My passion to be an educator came from when I was younger I loved to baby sit when I was a teen. As I began to explore Day care Settings my passion for the birth to three field increased, I got to see the developmental milestones from the very beginning until they would leave for Preschool. It was quite the journey. I attended Erikson and my passion for Early childhood just blossomed. I love what I do and I am very excited to be joining Peirce and getting the opportunity to see what else my passion for the field can do. I am an advocate for families I serve and I am only ready to meet new families and new children. I am bilingual I speak Spanish and English and come from an Ecuadorian background. On my down time I love to read and write I am a lover of Poetry! I am a hands on learner and love to collaborate with others,. I love out the box ideas and am I am ready for the next step in my professional journey! Hello Peirce!

Elizabeth Roe, 8th Grade Language Arts
My name is Elizabeth Roe and I am thrilled to be back in CPS and joining the Peirce team. I began my career in Little Village as a bilingual teacher and also taught in Des Plaines as a middle school ELA educator. Moving into my 8th year (AH!) of education, I find that inclusive practice, social justice, student voice, and humor are central to my work as a middle school teacher. I hope that students in my classroom feel valued, supported, challenged, and empowered. As a graduate of UIC's urban education program, I believe strongly in quality public education and am beyond excited to begin working with Peirce students, families, and staff.

Martha Torres, 2nd Grade
Hello! My name is Martha Torres. I have been a Chicago Public School teacher for 17 years. I have taught third and fifth grade literacy, math, and social studies in a self-contained classroom. I have also taught middle school social studies and literacy. I am married with two children and I am a figure skating instructor at Niles Iceland. I am excited to be at Peirce because I want to continue to grow as an educator. I love getting to know my students individually and making learning enjoyable for all students. I want to create a culturally responsive classroom that connects all families together. I am looking forward to a great school year!

Sara Walsh, Special Education
Hello Peirce Family!  I am excited to join the team as a Special Education Teacher. This year, will be my 9th year of teaching. My previous experience has been working with Diverse Learners in grades 3 through 8. The last 5 of which have been with grades 6-8. All of my teaching experience has been within CPS. I come with a background in the performing arts, and bring the spirit and creativity of it into my teaching. I am committed to ensuring that all learners are challenged, nurtured, and included.

I am a long time Edgewater resident and am active in the community. My family has a history with this wonderful school as I completed my student teaching there, and my daughter (now in high school) attended Pre-K at Peirce. I am looking forward to re-joining the Peirce Community and getting to know the students, staff and families! Here´s to a great school year!


Family Orientation to Remote Learning School Meeting
Join Ms. Zaimi to learn more about Peirce's Remote Learning Plan from a high level on Tuesday, September 1st at 7:00pm. Complete this form with your email address and a link will be sent prior to the meeting. Spanish translation will be available. This session will be recorded for those unable to participate.

Classroom Meeting
Please join your child's classroom teacher for an orientation session on Thursday, September 3rd at 2:00pm, a google meet link will be shared with families prior to the meeting and will come directly from your child's teacher.

We understand that some families have more than one child enrolled - therefore, sessions will be recorded and available in your child's google classroom for you to review when able. Teachers will also be reaching out to families to support you and your child in the transition to Remote Learning.

Chromebook Pick Up
Families still in need of Chromebooks for students are able to pick one up from the main entrance. Pre-registration is not required. We want all Peirce students to have access to a working device in order to access remote learning.

When: Any Monday-Friday
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Main entrance.


Classroom Placements & Aspen Access
Classroom placements will be available in Aspen on September 1st. If you are unable to access Aspen, please email Lynn Carro in the main office at lcarro@cps.edu.

Please note that you may see classroom assignments in aspen prior to September 1st - these assignments may not be final.

School Schedules
During the classroom orientation meeting on September 3rd, teachers will review individual classroom schedules, on a high level, please note the following:

  • School Schedules: This link will take you to our school schedules, there are three tabs at the bottom of the document - K-5th Specials, 6th-8th Specials and Grade Level Schedules. Please know that while this is how we are planning to start the school year, there may be adjustments as we begin remote learning.
  • These schedules are only applicable during remote learning.
  • Lunch: Schedules were created so that all students PK-8th grade have lunch from 11:15 - 12:00
  • Kindergarten-5th Grade Specials: Students in grades Kindergarten through 4th grade will have one specials class that will run for 2 weeks, with the opportunity to engage in all specials by the end of the quarter. In addition, students will have a "Free Choice" Friday where they can engage in the specials class of their choice - we understand some students will be missing their "favorite" specials class.
  • 6th-8th Grade Specials: Similar to K-5th grades, students will be programmed to have 1 class for an extended period of time. 2 weeks of Spanish, 2 weeks of PE and 4 weeks of their elective. Electives will change at the end of each quarter.
  • Special Education, Bilingual and Intervention Supports are built into the school's master schedule - service providers will be reaching out regarding any work they may be engaging in with your child. Not all Peirce students receive these services.

School Supplies
Due to the nature of remote learning, the traditional school supply list of materials are not needed. Teachers will communicate specific needs for each classroom during the family orientation meeting. Basic supplies such as paper, pencil, crayons, glue and scissors are helpful to have on hand. Peirce does have supply packs on hand to pass out to those families in need - more information will come on how/when to pick up.

Meal Distribution
Peirce will continue to be a meal distribution site during remote learning. We are waiting to receive final details, but it will likely be similar to the spring where families were able to pick up meals Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm. Stay tuned for more information.

​Sports & After School Programming
The State of Illinois has cancelled all sports at the elementary level. Only some high school sports are running.

Once the school year is up and running we will begin looking for ways to offer remote after school programming - stay tuned!

External Programming Opportunities
pdflv Remote Learning Support Flyer (1).pdf

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274.9 KB
pdf2020 Camp Participant Emergency Information Packet_Fillable.pdf

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421.9 KB
pdfChildcare Registration Form (REMOTE LEARNING).pdf

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165.9 KB
YMCA Remote Learning SupportFrom the Lakeview YMCA:


The Lake View YMCA will be offering remote learning support services out of our Y facility located at 3333 N. Marshfield. The service would run from 7am to 6pm and offer support to students in their remote learning as well as facilitating enrichment activities to enhance participants continued development.


Registration is officially open. To register parents would need to call our membership team at (773)248-3333. Once registered with our team, parents will need to complete a registration packet and emergency contact form (attached)- the supporting documents can be dropped off to us at the Lake View Y or submitted via email to; lakeviewdaycamp@ymcachicago.org.
PearchutePearachute is helping families form in-home, in-provider, and virtual e-learning pods for our school community. Many of our families have already signed up. The Learning Pods will be led by early childhood education college students who would have been spending this year as student teachers. You can learn more here, including information about financial aid. (https://blog.pearachutekids.com/resources/pearachute-learning-pods)Solidarity Fund UpdateAn update on the Peirce Solidarity Fund from Mr. Lerner:


Thanks to everyone for their support of the fund that we started over the summer. To date, we have raised close to $8,000. So far we have provided payments of $500 to 15 Peirce families. Families have reported using this cash assistance for things like rent payments, paying overdue bills, buying groceries, and getting much needed medical care for their children when they could not find a doctor who would take their insurance. All payments have remained anonymous except to the school staff members who have been helping out with the effort.


Thank you to the staff who helped out with the Solidarity Fund in various ways. Sheila Miller, Bessie Reyes, Vickie Delgado, Berenice Heinlein, Tiffany Brugman, Tracy Fisher, Luis Carbajal, Marissa Moritz, Rebecca Zisook, James Callerstrom, Hannah Canale, and Stacy Gibson have all played some part. Thanks also to all of those who contributed. Various parents and community members have also helped with organizational roles. This continues to be a great team effort!




We are continuing to accept contributions as more families are awaiting assistance. You can find us on Venmo @PeirceSolidarityFund and on PayPal, at PeirceSolidarityFund@gmail.com.
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 Helen C. Peirce
School of  International Studies
1423 W. Bryn Mawr
Chicago IL, 60660
Phone: (773) 534 2440
Fax: (773) 534 2577

PK Branch
5300 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone:  (773) 534-2234
​Fax:  (773) 534-2235

Fax: (773) 534-2577 
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Non-Discrimination Statement It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of any protected category by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), specifically, but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender or sex (includes gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and pregnancy-related medical conditions), race or ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age, immigration status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, political belief or affiliation (not union-related), military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in the educational programs or activities the Board operates.

Concerns or inquiries regarding sex discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can be made to the Board’s Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Student Protections and Title IX (OSP) or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

For information on mental health, go to Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources
  • Home
  • About
    • Our History
    • Mission & Vision
    • School Tours
    • Enrollment Information
    • Policies & Forms
    • Staff Directory
    • Local School Council (LSC)
    • Continuous Improvement Work Plan
    • Support Peirce
    • Branding Guidelines
  • Family Information
    • Before & After School Programs
    • Case Management
    • Student Door Entry
    • New to Peirce
    • Family Communication
    • Parent Organizations
    • Principal's Newsletter
    • Volunteer Opportunties
  • Academics
    • International Baccalaureate >
      • IB Primary Years Programme
      • IB Middle Years Programme
      • IB Learner Profile
    • Pre K
    • Art
    • English Learner Program
    • Counseling Department
    • Dance
    • Garden
    • Music
    • Physical Education
    • Restorative Practices
    • Spanish
    • Sports Programs
    • Technology
  • Calendar