2250 N. Clifton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 Telephone 773/534-5535 Fax 773/534-5777

Chicago Public Schools, – Pedro Martinez, Chief Executive Officer

Dear Mayer Families, 

Happy Superbowl Sunday! We are always rooting for the best team - our students!

It is hard to believe we are two months into the new year and four months away from the end of the year. We have accomplished so much since the start of school. We are proud of our Mayer students and staff!

Here is our combined newsletter for January and February highlighting news from our school and district. Please consider participating in the outreach surveys that CPS is providing so that you have a voice in our district. Also note the links for our "Lost and Found." We have many items that are waiting to be reunited with their owners.



Respectfully,

Danielle Drayton, Principal

Sarah Roche, Assistant Principal

The Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and the Office of Equity are partnering to better understand and accommodate the religious practices of CPS students and families. We are writing with two opportunities to share in order to gather feedback about how we can best accommodate the unique needs and aspirations among the diverse religious traditions and cultural practices of our school community:

Community Survey Please complete by 5 p.m. on March 17, 2023

Survey Link - This is a 15-20 minute anonymous survey to help inform how we accommodate religious practices and learn about more opportunities for engagement. 

Focus Groups - February 13 - May 22, 2023

Registration Link

Community members will collaborate to review the drafts of the updated policies. Meetings will consist of a reflection, presentation, and small group discussions.

Need access to a computer? You are welcome to visit any Chicago Public Library location to complete this survey or register for our focus group. Click here for more information about locations and hours.

For more information about FACE and the Department of Faith-Based Initiatives, please visit the FACE website. For more information about the districts’ current efforts to create more equitable schools, we encourage you to review the Office of Equity website. If you have any questions, accommodation requests, or ideas about how CPS can foster more inclusive partnerships, please email face@cps.edu and equity@cps.edu.

Learn more and share your voice at cpsengagement.com/ReligiousSurvey.

The CPS Accountability Redesign Initiative is our District’s effort to develop a new approach to school quality that promotes equity and academic excellence in our schools. It is entering its final phase of stakeholder engagement to garner feedback ahead of a planned April 2023 Board vote on this new policy. We encourage you to complete our survey (available in both English and Spanish) to share your thoughts. You can also visit the Accountability Redesign website to review the stakeholder engagement that has occurred so far and learn about how to participate in upcoming town halls.

Entry Procedure

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. In an effort to do this, please find the entry process procedures.

1. Ring the school bell located at our main entrance on Clifton.
2. Our office staff will answer the bell. You will be asked to share the reason for your visit.
3. Our office staff will buzz you in. Please report to the security desk.
4. You will be asked for your driver's license or state ID at the security desk. The security desk staff will provide you with the next steps.
5. Please note: If you are picking up your child for an early dismissal, you will provide your driver's license or state ID to our office staff as well. You will also be asked to sign the early dismissal log.

Safety is a community effort.

• Do not bring pets to drop-off and pick-up. If you are walking your dog please stand across the street.
• Park only in legal parking spots. Do not park in tow zones for any amount of time because it blocks pedestrian sight lines.
• Do not cut through or drive through the staff parking lot.
• Do not hold building doors open for others entering the school. 

The American Montessori Society (AMS) provides monthly family connection newsletters as an opportunity for families to gain more understanding of Montessori education.

Here is the Family Connection Newsletter.

In this issue:

• The Mathematical Mind of the Child
• 5 Easy Ways to a Cultivate Language-Rich Environment in Your Home
• Elementary Students as Scientists

Animals of Oscar Mayer

Did you know Mayer is the home to fish, guinea pigs, birds, geckos, a box turtle, a snake, and a gerbil? Many of our students did not know either so the first week in January there was an Animals of Mayer exhibit set up in the Awesome Room so everyone could learn about the pets who call Mayer home.

Dr. Steinmiller, Lincoln Park HS principal, at Oscar Mayer

In grades 6th-8th Oscar Mayer has the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP). The Middle Years Program is just one part of an entire IB continuum that goes from prek-12th grade. A student may choose to continue with an IB education after Oscar Mayer by attending one of Chicago´s IB high schools. Lincoln Park High School is an authorized IB World School located close to Oscar Mayer. Dr. Steinmiller, principal of LPHS, will be at Oscar Mayer on February 13th at 5:30 p.m. to share information about LPHS with the Mayer community. 5th-8th grade students and parents are invited to attend. Please click here to RSVP.

Important IB MYP Dates for the 2nd Semester

From the 6th grade History Fair to overnight trips and graduation there is a lot happening for IB MYP students 2nd semester. Stay up to date on IB MYP dates here.

We are living in a time where instant gratification is much more popular than perseverance. Encourage your child to take the beginning of a year, a new quarter or semester as an opportunity to set a new goal. There are many benefits to teaching elementary aged children to set goals.  

Goal Setting 

• Teaches the value of a strong work ethic
• Teaches Time Management and Responsibility 
• Develops perseverance and grit 
• Increases Self Confidence 

Here are a few steps to help with the process of goal setting. 

1. Choose a goal that is just out of reach- An attainable goal that is within reach is recommended. 
2. Break it down: Use the 5 Ws and How to guide the process 
3. Let your child own it: Set up checkpoints to review progress 
4. Show Support and Model for your child: Talk with them about their process and take the time to show them how you reach your goals. 
5. Review Accomplishments and Offer Encouragement: Offer your words of affirmation.
6. Reflect and Revise: Discuss what went well and what needs improvement.

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness at home

• Kindness Bingo
• How many random acts can you and your family complete? 101 Random Acts
• Read about the HISTORY of Random Acts of Kindness