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Need an easy Dinner? Want to help a neighbor? You’re going to love Pizza for the Pantry!

1/12/2021

 
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Scouts BSA Troop 894 (boys and girls) is hosting a fundraiser to help both our scouts AND our neighbors through the Friendship Center. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Pizza coupons may be redeemed at any area Lou Malnati’s location for one 9” FROZEN pizza (sausage, pepperoni, cheese, or spinach). When you buy a coupon below, you can decide who gets a Pizza in their pantry: you or the Friendship Center (a neighborhood food pantry) or both! Get 1 for $13 or 2 for $25.

Troop 894 receives a portion of the proceeds, which will go toward upgrading camping equipment and deferring camping expenses for our scouts. Many in our troop attend Waters!

​Go to https://tinyurl.com/pizzas4pantry to place your order! Thank you!

Teacher Feature: Mrs. Vecchioni

1/12/2021

 
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It’s the moment so many of you have been waiting for: Amy Vecchioni’s Teacher Feature! Our much-beloved visual art teacher has been doing her thing for 20 years, all of them at Waters. Super fun fact: She’s never driven a car, but she does have an adult tricycle!
 
Waters Today: Where did you grow up? Has art always been a big part of your life?
Ms. Vecchioni: I grew up on Big Blue Lake in Michigan. My front yard was a lake! It was a wild place. I learned so much from observing plants and animals. I was in and out of the water all day and would only go inside at dark. Most of my early art experience came in the form of making lakeside seaweed and mud pies. If I played in the woods, it would be elaborate fairy houses out of old stumps, flowers and stones. In winter, there was plenty of snow and ice to make stuff with. A life-sized snow unicorn with an icicle horn was a favorite…I was always making things as a child—but  did not have formal exposure to art until high school. That said, art is a huge part of my life and always has been. Most of what I created as a child was ephemeral. I was always remaking it, so I never was too attached to the finished product. That starting over and over again is what I think draws me to art—I have a lot of energy!
 
That’s an understatement! So if for some reason you couldn't teach art, what would you do instead?
I don’t know! I learn so much and have so much fun teaching art!  When I was little, I wanted to be an archeologist at Giza—I was a huge fan of the then-famous King Tut exhibition. I’d like to make a picture book series for children or create art adventure camps, so maybe that? I also think it would be cool to be a folklorist or oral historian too…I love listening to stories. Brené Brown says she’s a researcher storyteller, and that sounds fascinating. 
 
What kinds of things do you create at home?
I work a lot in 3D media and have a good-size copper enameling kiln set-up in our laundry room. I feel like a modern-day Hephaestus sometimes! Teaching is my favorite art form though, always!
 
We suspect you have other hobbies, though we can’t imagine how you find the time…
Yes, I grow orchids and cactuses, I love to garden., I knit and enjoy board games…and I’m thinking our new Milkweed & Monarch Club is becoming a favorite hobby too.
 
You do such a great job showing kids that art is about creativity and self-expression, not perfection or even talent. Why is that so important?
My favorite visual art concept is wabi-sabi. Imperfection, impermanence and incompleteness are what make beauty in art. A crack in pottery is painted gold and celebrated! I share with the children that there isn’t a prescribed perfect, but a perfect for you. Creativity is a life skill we all use every day! I think talent is often mislabeled hard work, study or practice. I avoid praising product and focus on effort and intention. I love listening to students express themselves and explain their choices in a project. As students talk and share, they create a safe space for self-expression together. (I just keep track of the time!) Ultimately, I always go back to nature: there isn’t any perfect existence, there are just unending interpretation. We take risks in the art room and celebrate every iteration. 
 
Love that so much. Lots of people think that fostering a love of art in their kids requires having an entire room filled with art supplies, which is expensive and intimidating! What do you recommend having on hand?
I think it’s best to ask your child what kind of art they like and/or would like to create. Often, we can build an art kit from those questions. A lot of youth are interested in new illustration media and have specific requests. Younger students may need some suggestions and/or options. 
 
Some Quick Tips: 
 
Paper: One thing that I think is always important is a lot of good paper. It needs to be heavy stock (thicker than printer paper) and matte finish. 
 
Wet Media: My favorite watercolor paint set is 24 Washable Colors by Crayola. Great colors!
 
Dry Media: Crayons are really the best media for most of us---such range of color and mixing potential. A black marker or Sharpie is great for any form of definition and a set of markers is a great option. Older students often enjoy illustration markers and watercolor pencils.
 
3D: I like cardboard, scissors and 3D adhesives such as clear tape, glue stick and other tapes. A couple other great supplies for 3D construction are brass fasteners and tempera paint sticks. 
(Our next Cardboard Challenge: 01.29.21!)
 
Great tips, and the challenge is on our calendar! What advice would you give to your 10 year old self?
Be YOU. 100%.
 
And now for the Art Teacher Quickfire Round! What's your favorite...
 
Museum: NEUE Galerie: Museum of German and Austrian Art, NYC, Gli Uffizi, Florence, Italy, Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Venice, Italy. 
 
Artist: Oh My! I have so many…Three artists that are always inspiring to me: Yayoi Kusama, Frida Kahlo and Wassily Kandinsky. 
 
Work of art: 3AGAIN…Lady with Ermine, Leonardo da Vinci and Tree of Life, Stoclet Frieze Gustav Klimt, and all of the many biomorphic installations of Ruth Asawa!
 
Color: GREEN!
 
Place to travel: Santa Fe, Italy & the Yucatán! 

Band or musician: Jorja Smith (current), Johnny Cash (classic) and Billie Holiday (all-time favorite)

​Movie: Bladerunner (Ridley Scott)
 
Book: I love Russian literature--The Idiot, Fyodor Dostoevsky. And I still love my first favorite book too--Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell… Right now, I’m reading We Make the Road by Walking by Miles Horton and Paulo Freire—Excellent!
 
PHEW! Thanks so much Ms. Vecchioni! We’ll take some of that boundless energy to go, please! 

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Teacher Feature: Mrs. Collins-Gonzalez

1/5/2021

 
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​This week we caught up with Jessica Collins-Gonzalez, a 6th grade teacher who’s currently on maternity leave with her baby girl, Helena. She’s been teaching for 14 years, 4 of them at Waters—and she’ll be back next fall! 
 
Waters Today: Maternity leave in the middle of a pandemic! What’s that been like?
Ms. Collins-Gonzalez:  It’s been wonderful so far. We are blessed to have a happy, healthy baby girl. The good thing about having a baby during the pandemic is that everyone is staying home these days, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything staying home with your little one. 
 
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed now that you’re a mom? 
The super mom senses!  Moms can hear and see everything. I never believed it before, but it’s true. 
 
As fellow moms, we totally agree! When Covid is over, what's the first thing you'll do that you can't do now? Take my baby girl to meet all of our friends and family.  There are so many aunts, uncles and cousins that she hasn’t been able to meet yet.  
 
Aww. Where did you grow up and go to elementary school?
In Waukesha, Wisconsin—I loved my elementary school!  Some of the things that stick out as highlights of my grade school years were my awesome teachers, playing the flute in our school band, and going camping with my 5th grade class. 
 
What's the best thing about teaching middle school?
The thing that I like about teaching the intermediate grades is that you really get to know your students’ personalities and sense of humor. It’s kind of a pivotal point where students are discovering who they are and who they want to be. 
 
If you couldn't be a teacher, what would you be? 
I think that I would like to be a travel journalist. It would be so fun to see the world and write about my adventures. 
 
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been?
The Amazon Rainforest!  I lived in Ecuador for a year and taught English with a volunteer organization called World Teach. When my parents came to visit me we went on a week long vacation to the Amazon. It was a dream come true. We stayed in a little hut and spent our days exploring the jungle, with a guide of course. Our incredible guide lead us to 8 different types of monkeys, pink river dolphins, sloths, poison dart frogs and so much more. 
 
That’s awesome—speaking of animals, what’s your spirit animal?
Probably an elephant. A few years ago I visited and elephant sanctuary in Thailand and fell in love with these gentle giants. 
 
You’ve traveled a ton! What else would your students be surprised to learn about you?  That my first job was working as a farm hand. I would ride my bike to the farm early in the morning to pick melons and vegetables from the fields. It was super hard work! The  corn fields were wet and muddy in the morning and the stalks cut you up as you walked through. Plus for all my mud stains, cuts and sore muscles I only made $4.24 per hour. It was a tough job, but it really made me appreciate all the work that goes into the delicious food we eat. 
 
Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
I would have to say, “Be a leader not a follower.” My dad always told me this growing up and as an adult I still believe it’s true. 
 
Great advice! Thank you so much Ms. Collins—see you in the fall!

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Circle of Help Wraps Up an Incredible Year

1/4/2021

 
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As 2020 comes to an end, The Circle of Help would like to thank the Waters administration, our incredible teachers and staff, WatersToday, Waters Local School Council, and all of you who have helped support our most vulnerable families during this very difficult year. 

As the year wraps we are incredibly thankful for so many of you who have volunteered time, donated money, delivered items, and stepped up in so many ways during this pandemic time. 

Over the last few months, we have accomplished so much, therefore, we wanted to share with you a few personal stories that The Circle of Help has made possible with YOUR help.  

We have delivered food, medicine, and good cheer to families with COVID who were so glad to have additional help in their most difficult time of need.

We have provided a family with child care assistance after they had to take a different job to accommodate their child’s remote learning schedule. ‘

We hand delivered printers to families that needed an extra boost for their learning because a teacher noticed they needed some extra help. 

We have put Christmas presents under a family’s tree when they didn’t have any. 

We have purchased special glasses for children who were struggling with increased screen time. 

We have provided housing essentials to families that have lost family members this year and who needed the extra help.

We have purchased cat toys for a family with special needs that are comforted by their animals.

We have made care packages for teenagers who were struggling with the lockdown. 

We’re still going strong! In 2021, we're hoping to expand into providing educational support/tutoring, extracurricular opportunities, and helping with childcare for working families. Stay tuned!

We are so grateful for your generosity and help, and so are our families in need. From the whole of our hearts, thank you so much for giving so generously of your time, money, and spirit!

If you would like to learn more about The Circle of Help, join our Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/2016484045301461/) or email us at circleofhelp@friendshipcenterchicago.org

If your family is in need, please email us at circleofhelp@friendshipcenterchicago.org

We hope you had a wonderful holiday!

Online Student-created Library is PUBLISHED!

12/16/2020

 
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Our WE ARE WATERS Online Student-created Library is PUBLISHED! Bravo:)! Check your Google Classroom or the December 17th edition of Green Notes for links to view all of the amazing books. You can even leave a shoutout for your favorite on Mrs. Vecchioni's Flipgrid!

Pizza for the Pantry

12/16/2020

 
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Queen of Angels Scouts BSA Troop 894 is hosting a Pizza for the Pantry Fundraiser to help both our scouts AND our neighbors through the Friendship Center. Purchase Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Pizza coupons which may be redeemed at any area Lou Malnati’s location for one 9” FROZEN pizza (sausage, pepperoni, cheese, or spinach). When you buy a coupon from the site below, you can decide who gets a Pizza in their pantry: you or the Friendship Center (a neighborhood food pantry) or both! Get 1 for $13 or 2 for $25. Troop 894 receives a portion of the proceeds, which will go toward upgrading camping equipment and deferring camping expenses for our scouts, which we hope to resume in 2021!!

Go to https://tinyurl.com/pizzas4pantry to place your order! And remit payment to troop894chicago@gmail.com. Thank you!

Teacher Feature with a Twist: PE Department

12/7/2020

 
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IT’S A PHYS ED DEPARTMENT TAKEOVER! This week, our favorite PE teachers, Bradley Kurz and John Archer, teamed up for a special edition of Teacher Feature. Here’s how it went down…
 
FIRST, MR. KURZ INTERVIEWED MR. ARCHER:
 
MR. KURZ: So, how long have you been a PE teacher? How long have you been teaching at Waters? 
 
MR. ARCHER: This is my 2nd year at Waters and my 6th year as a teacher. I have taught PE for 5 years. I also spent a year as a High School Drivers Education Instructor. Teaching both the classroom phase and the Behind the Wheel phase. I attribute my patience as a teacher to sitting in the passenger seat of a car with a 15 year old who has never driven a car before or taking that student on the highway for the first time. 
 
Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in the Carol Stream in the Western Suburbs. 
 
What sports did you play in school?
In middle school, I played basketball. In high school, I played basketball for 3 years and ran Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track and Field for 4 years. At Lewis University, I competed in Cross Country and Track and Field for all 4 years.
 
As an adult, what’s your favorite sport to watch? 
My favorite sport to watch is probably Basketball. However, I could also sit down and watch any type of endurance race like a marathon, Tour de France bike race, or any track and field meet. There is something amazing about runners who push their bodies to achieve goals deemed impossible by so many people. 
 
What about to play?
I have played basketball for most of my life. For a few years after college I played in a few different adult mens leagues, however that stopped after I had 3 major ankle surgeries. I am still very active as a runner. I have completed the Chicago Marathon a few times, and I was supposed to run the 2020 Chicago Marathon until it got cancelled . I also love to run local road races, trail races through the woods, and Spartan obstacle races. This year has been rough with all the races being cancelled, however, it gave me a chance to train and build my base mileage up. Hopefully there can be races next year. 
 
If you could meet three people, dead or alive, who would they be?
1. Michael Jordan: I grew up in the 90's, and everyone wanted to "Be like Mike!" 
2. Steve Prefontaine: American runner who competed in the Olympics. Changed the American running scene in the 70's. Was also one of the first Nike athletes.
3. Jim Ryun: First American to run faster than 4 minutes in a mile. 
 
What's your favorite way to spend a free Saturday?
I love to spend time outdoors, unplugging from technology and the world for a bit. I usually spend time going on walks with my wife and our dog, going on bike rides, or going to her parents’ lake house. I also love going for long runs to enjoy the weather. 
 
THEN IT WAS MR. ARCHER’S TURN:
 
Mr. Archer: How long have you been a PE teacher? How long have you been teaching at Waters?  
Mr. Kurz: 16 years—and I’ve been at Waters the whole time.
 
If you could time travel, where would you go?  
I would just go back to the 90's. It was an exciting time to be alive.  Music was great, and the Bulls were actually good!
 
What's the one thing you couldn't live without? 
Pizza. For nostalgic reasons, I would have to say Aurelio's always brings me back to my childhood.  
 
Would you rather hit a world series winning grand slam or a NBA finals clinching three-pointer?  
I would pick the three-pointer. I was always into basketball more than baseball. I enjoyed watching The "Last Dance" documentary.
 
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Always put your family first and never forget where you                 came from. 
 
Thanks guys! We appreciate all that you’re doing to keep our kids as active as possible!

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Order Your Holiday Cards from Minted to Support Waters

12/1/2020

 
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WatersToday has an awesome holiday giveback with Minted.com this year! Shoppers will get 20% off all holiday card and gift orders throughout the month of December. Minted will also donate 15% of each order back to WatersToday with promo code FUNDRAISEWATERS!

Teacher Feature: Mrs. Johnson

12/1/2020

 
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Next up: Olga Nunez-Johnson, a beloved first grade teacher who’s taught at Waters for, as she puts it, “eight amazing years!” She’s been with CPS for 26 years—23 as a teacher, and three as a paraprofessional.

 
Waters Today: You’re pretty famous—Waters famous, that is—for your love of reading aloud to your students. You have the best reading voice! What's your favorite book for first graders?
Mrs. Johnson: I have so many favorite children’s books and children’s authors and would never be able to pick just one! However, I can share a Thanksgiving tradition that does include a favorite story: Every year I make homemade butter with my students and we read Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ by Eileen Spinelli. After we make our butter and read the story, we share what we are most grateful for. It is a very special tradition! As we speak, I am trying to figure out how I will weave this into virtual learning.
 
That’s the best! It sounds like you are definitely in the right profession. Did you ever want to be anything other than a teacher?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten and can’t imagine myself in any other profession. As a child, I would play school with my brothers and sister. They would always get mad at me because my dolls would get all the right answers and they would not.
 
Sounds about right! Where did you grow up?
I grew up just a few blocks from Waters in Lincoln Square. I always tell my students that this is the BEST neighborhood in all of Chicago. It still has all the wonderful things I remember from my childhood: Diverse neighbors, a rich history, Wells Park, Sulzer Library, great eats, and the list goes on.

[Fun fact: That adorable child in the picture is Mrs. Johnson in 1977 at McPherson school!]
 
Did you have a favorite teacher as a child?
My favorite teacher was my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Willis. She was strict but I loved her! I remember she was very fashionable, had a smile for everyone, and her laughter was infectious. For my first teaching job, I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Willis. Yes, my first teaching job was at my elementary school! That’s when I found out the truth: Teachers don’t actually live in the school… LOL! Working with her made me realize that what made Mrs. Willis so special was the motto by which she taught: If we, as educators, set the bar high, there is no child who cannot reach his or her full potential. 
 
That’s so lovely. If you could be a student in any Waters teacher's class for the day, who would you choose? 
Mrs. Vecchioni’s art class! She is such an incredible artist. If you look up the word “art teacher” in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Mrs. Vecchioni. Every time I see her, she has a smudge of paint or ink somewhere on her. That tells you she doesn’t just teach art to her students, she lives art. 
 
She really does. [Editor’s note: Mrs. Vecchioni, we’re coming for you!] What do you like to do for fun?
My family and I love to take long drives. It's a great way to connect and catch up on what’s going on in our lives and in the world. Recently we drove the entire Northshore admiring the fall colors. It was spectacular! We also LOVE trying new restaurants. With the recent pandemic, we have learned to create dishes from around the world in our own kitchen. When I say WE I am referring to my husband Jerry, and my daughter Athena, they are the true chefs in the Johnson household. Love and laughter are the key ingredient in any recipe. That is why our family motto is; “Our kitchen is made for dancing”!

 
We’ll be right over! Kidding, but only because of the pandemic. Does your family have any pets?
We don’t—I am allergic to almost everything! I am also quite scared of animals. If a dog gets too close to me I immediately lose all senses and start running and screaming. It’s an awful sight. I can’t believe I just shared that. 
 
Oh no! Ok, we’ll distract you with a random one: Would you rather live in a house made of cheese or a house made of cookie dough?
I would rather live in a house made of cheese—Gouda cheese, please. I love cheese and I often tell my daughter the stinkier the cheese, the better! 
 
Us, too! What about your superpower? If you could have one—besides teaching, that is—what would it be?
To have everyone get along! It has been my lifelong wish since I was a little girl. Is it foolish? Perhaps it is. But it is my superpower and I am the superhero so anything is possible.
 
Yep: If everyone got along and shared stinky cheese, the world would indeed be a better place. What’s the bravest thing you've ever done?
The bravest thing I have ever done was volunteer to be a week-long counselor at camp Timberlee in East Troy, Wisconsin. The reason I volunteered was because my daughter, who was in 1st grade at the time, could attend the camp if I volunteered. Now, if you know anything about me, you know that I am the least outdoorsy person you will ever meet. I love taking long walks and low-intensity hikes, but that's about it. 
There were so many activities each day: horseback riding, canoeing, archery, crafts, and something called blobbing. You are probably wondering, What is blobbing? Well, blobbing is an outdoor water activity in which a participant sits on the end of a partially inflated airbag and is launched into the water when another participant jumps onto the airbag from a platform on the opposite side. 
I thought, why not? You start off in a curled up position, and as you ascend into the air you need to straighten up. I failed to follow the directions and ended up doing a somersault and landed headfirst into the water. Thank goodness I was wearing a life vest. Risky? Yes! Worth it? Absolutely!
 
Ok, so you’re not an outdoors person…what else would your students be surprised to learn about you?
I think my students would be surprised to learn that school did not come easy to me. I struggled a lot in elementary school, and being a bilingual student—I spoke both Spanish and English—in a monolingual class was difficult at times. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and so I had to work that much harder to achieve my goals. I truly believe that my struggles in school are what helped me get through not just my academic career, but life in general. 
 
Words to live by. Thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson!

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Pledge Drive and Maker Fair Extended Through Saturday!

11/25/2020

 
WatersToday is extending the 2020 Pledge Drive & Maker Fair through Saturday, November 28. The funds raised by WatersToday will help support school initiatives that need us now more than ever. No matter how much you can give, your personal commitment and dedication is what ensures the success of Waters Elementary and its wonderful community! 

We are also continuing to support our local businesses and artists from the Maker Fair through Small Business Saturday. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping while supporting our school and community at WatersToday.market – Shop Small!

Waters Elementary depends on the generous support of its families and community members to fund many programs, projects and initiatives at the school. By donating to the WatersToday annual pledge drive, you help champion our students and school programs. Because of our generous supporters and business sponsors, WatersToday and the Local School Council were able to fund numerous items for the 2020-2021 school year including: 
  • Ecology Program
  • Fine Arts teaching positions
  • ​Technology, subscriptions, and materials for remote learning
  • Support for Circle of Help families  

Our Pledge Drive Goal is $85,000
Thank you to the many donors who have contributed more than $44,000 to the Pledge Drive! That will go a long way towards supporting Ecology, the Circle of Help, and remote learning initiatives at Waters, but we could still use your support. If each Waters family gave $250, we would meet our goal. If that amount isn’t in your budget this year, make a donation in any amount – every dollar counts! Families that can continue to give at the $750 level will help us maintain our support at a time when many others may not be able to donate. Pledges of any amount may be made in one payment or as a recurring monthly or quarterly donation.​​

Learn More and Make Your Pledge!

Thank You!

11/24/2020

 
Thank You, Waters Community!
As we approach this annual time of giving thanks, WatersToday would like to express its deepest gratitude to the entire Waters community. Here are some of the things we are thankful for …

​W
… Waters Elementary ­– Our Wonderful Neighborhood Public School

A … Awesome Academic Achievement of Our Students
T … Terrific Teachers, Administrators and Staff Members
E … Engaging and Excellent Essentials Programs – Fine Arts, Ecology and More
R … Rallying Together in a Time of Remote Learning
S … Spectacular Support from Our Community – Families, Educators, School Organizations, Volunteers, Donors, Sponsors and Local Businesses
 
We are thankful for all of you and all of the ways that you help Waters grow!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/2020

 
WatersToday is grateful for all of our donors and supporters and the kindness of the entire Waters Community.  We hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Check out this Thanksgiving message from your teachers and then make sure you thank them for all of their hard work this year!

Rockwell's Grill Giveback Today!

11/22/2020

 
Sunday, November 22
Burgers for dinner tonight! 25% of all Wildcat burgers and Aleman drafts at Rockwell's will be donated back to WatersToday on Sunday!
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Teacher Fashion Show at Genevieve on Thursday

11/18/2020

 
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Four of your favorite Waters teachers will be modeling the latest styles from Genevieve Thursday night at our Virtual Fashion Show. Check out favorites modeled by Ms. Walsh, Mrs. Frieswyk, Mrs. Ramos, and Mrs. Novak starting at 7 p.m! Twenty percent of sales at Genevieve now through Sunday will be donated back to WatersToday when Waters is mentioned at checkout or promo code WATERS is used online.

Check out the Waters Maker Fair for Holiday Gifts

11/17/2020

 
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Today is a great day to get a jump on holiday shopping at the Waters Maker Fair! Check out Gerri Whitley Photography for amazing holiday cards or buy one-of-a-kind gifts from shops owned by Waters parents, grandparents, and friends, including Mike Sebanc, Folk That, Scott Ray Designs, and Heather Clara. 10% of all purchases goes back to WatersToday!


Teacher Feature: Mr. Orlov

11/17/2020

 
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This week we talked to Brandon Orlov, a 5th grade teacher who’s been an educator for 12 years, 11 of them spent at Waters. He’s taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and middle school writing, and as of this summer he can add one more thing to his resume: proud new dad to baby Chase. (Congrats!)
 
Waters Today: Let’s start with that adorable kid—what’s the best thing about being a dad?
Mr. Orlov: The love that I feel for my son and my family. It really is indescribable, the love you feel for your child.
 
It must be so strange to have an infant during the pandemic. When it’s over, what's the first thing you'll do that you can't really do right now?
I will let my Chase meet all the people he hasn't been able to yet and get together with family and friends.
 
Hopefully it will be relatively soon! Where did you grow up? 
I was born in Tucson, Arizona—that is where my love of all things University of Arizona started.  We moved here when I was 2 for my dad's job with Medline. I grew up in Buffalo Grove, which is a northwestern suburb of Chicago.  I would say that my middle school experience was similar to our Waters kiddos. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, playing sports, and definitely went through all the drama of those years.  Being Jewish in a heavily populated Jewish community was awesome because my 7th grade year was filled with Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties.  
 
Did you always want to be a teacher? 
Actually, the dream was always to do something in sports.  Unfortunately, I did not become the next Michael Jordan.  
 
Besides dominating the NBA, what else is on your bucket list? 
I would say traveling to other countries is at the top.
 
So if you had the opportunity to take an all-expenses-paid year-long break from reality anywhere in the world (with your family!) where would you go and why? 
I would choose Tucson so I can go to all the U of A sporting events and enjoy the 300 days of sunshine.
 
You weren’t joking about the Arizona obsession! What else would your students be surprised to know about you?
I think the students would be surprised that I have broken 10 bones in my life.
 
Ouch. Let’s end on a random note: What's one song that you'll always remember the words to?
Mr. Brightside by The Killers


Thanks Mr. Orlov!

Book Cellar Giveback Tuesday!

11/16/2020

 
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It was great to see so many happy faces at our Virtual Story Hour tonight! Thank you so much to our amazing teacher readers, Mrs. Ramos, Mr. Leatherwood, and Ms. Murat.  Buy their favorites and more at The Book Cellar tomorrow (Tuesday, 11/17) and 10% of all sales go back to Waters.  The Book Cellar is currently closed for in-person shopping, so order online and write Waters Pledge Drive in the comments section when you checkout.

Mrs. Ramos read After the Fall by Dan Santat
Mr. Leatherwood read The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
Mr. Murat read from Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia (the sequel just came out too!)

Pledge Drive Story Hour with Waters Teachers and The Book Cellar!

11/16/2020

 
oJoin us Monday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m. for a Zoom Story Hour with Mrs. Ramos, Mr. Leatherwood, and Ms. Murat.  Get cozy at home and enjoy as they read some of their favorite stories from The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square.  Then on Tuesday, 10% of all sales at The Book Cellar will be donated back to WatersToday when you mention the Waters Pledge Drive in the comments of your online order. Please note that The Book Cellar is not currently open for in-person shopping.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87280969562?pwd=UDBvb3o2ZWNRUzVnRlV4N0JGazZiZz09

Meeting ID: 872 8096 9562
Passcode: Waters
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Weekend Shopping Events and Solo Stove Raffle!

11/13/2020

 
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There are some awesome weekend shopping events starting today! Visit these retailers and a portion of your purchase goes to WatersToday. Don't forget to mention Waters. And donate to the Pledge Drive by today at 5:30 p.m. and be entered to win a SoloStove!


Merz Apothecary
10% back November 13-15

​At the walk-up window or online with code WATERS

Sacred Art
10% back November 13-15

Timeless Toys
15% back through November 22

In store or online with code WATERS
Genevieve
20% back through November 22
In store or online with code WATERS

Augusta Food and Wine
20% back through November 22

​
Raw Edge
10% back through November 22

The Pledge Drive Begins Today!

11/12/2020

 
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The Pledge Drive begins today!  Donate by Friday at 5:30 p.m. to be entered to win a Solo Stove! 

We also have in-person shopping events taking place this weekend and a virtual Maker Fair on line. Hope to see you in the neighborhood!


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    WatersToday News 
    provides information about  fundraising activities, news and events, and other Waters community updates. School News is posted on the Waters Elementary website.

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