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.

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!

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!

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!

We're kicking off the Pledge Drive this week with a very special Teacher Feature. It's PRINCIPAL TIME!!! This week, we got to talk to the one and only Ms. Titia Kipp. She's been at Waters for 26 years—first as an art teacher, then as an assistant principal, and finally as our principal, a role she's held for the last 14 years. In a super fun twist, we switched things up and had the students ask the questions. Without further ado...

Did you think you’d be a principal when you grew up?—Lily 2nd grade
No I did not, I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I grew up. 

Can you do a cartwheel?—Leila-2nd grade
Not anymore!

Cubs or Sox?—Henry, 1st grade. 
Would you believe where I grew up, we didn't have a baseball team!  The teams closest to my home were Montreal Expos (they no longer exist) and Boston Red Sox.  When I moved to Chicago, I became a Cubs fan!  
 
Where are you from originally?—Lucy, 5th grade. 
I was born in New York but grew up in Vermont.

When you go on vacation, would you rather sleep in a tent or in a hotel?—Anonymous, 5th grade
Tent! I love the outdoors and camping can be very peaceful.

 Did you play a sport when you were little?—Freddy, 3rd grade. 
Yes, I played basketball in High School.
 
What’s your favorite food?—Vaughn, K. 
Sushi
 
Do you think Waters is haunted?—Anonymous, 8th grade.
I have heard that it is but I have never experienced it.
 
What’s it like to be a principal?—Quinn, K
It's Awesome!  Every day is different and I love it!
 
Do you like indoors or outdoors better?—Anonymous, 4th grade. 
I love the outdoors! 
 
What is your favorite sport?—Veronica, K.  
This is a hard one, I don't think I have a favorite, I enjoy learning about all sports.  
 
Do you have any pets?—Abigail, 2nd grade. 
Yes, I have a terrier named Bella
 
Have you ever broken any bones?—Anonymous, 5th grade. 
Yes, I broke a metatarsal. 
 
What is your favorite kind of cereal?--Callianne, 5th grade. 
Captain Crunch

If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?—Anonymous, 1st grade. 
Horse- because they are strong and graceful.
 
If you could live anywhere in the world besides Chicago, where would it be?—Reeve, 3rd grade 
I love to explore new places in the world and I am still exploring. I don't know yet, but I'm pretty sure it would be in a warmer climate.

 Do you live at school?—Lela, 3rd grade 
Sometimes I feel like it!  But no, I have a home. 
 
Are you afraid of heights?—Loretta, 4th grade. 
Yes! 
 
What was your favorite subject in school?—Anonymous, 6th grade. 
Geography, because I got to learn about the world.
 
What is something embarrassing that happened to you when you were young?—Micah, 7th grade.  
I got called on in class to answer a question and I didn't know the answer. 
 
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?—Anonymous, 4th grade. 
Pralines and Cream
 
If you could trade places with any teacher, who would you choose and why?—Anonymous, 8th grade. 
I used to teach art so I would have to say Mrs. Vecchioni.
 
What’s your favorite season?—Sydney, 3rd grade. Summer
 
Who did you want to win the world series?—Calvin, 3rd grade.  
No one, because the Cubs weren't in it!

What is something really surprising about you?—Anonymous, 7th grade. 
I used to milk cows on a dairy farm.


So much fun! Thank you so much, Ms. Kipp!