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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!


Teacher Feature: Ms. Kipp

11/9/2020

 
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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!

Order Holiday Cards from Minted and Support Waters!

11/9/2020

 
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WatersToday will be launching a holiday giveback with Minted.com this year! Shoppers will get 20% off all holiday card and gift orders now through December and Minted will donate 15% of each order back to WatersToday with promo code FUNDRAISEWATERS.

Big Night Planning is Underway

11/3/2020

 
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Attention Waters community! Planning for Big Night 2020, everyone's favorite fundraising event, is already underway! We are looking for a few volunteers. Do you know someone in the spirits or beer/wine industry? Are you in a band (or do you know someone who is)? Want to lend your video production expertise? We need you! Reach out to Jennifer Davidson for more information and to get involved. There are plenty of other ways lend a hand if you are interested. This year's event will be like no other!

Save the Date! Pledge Drive & Maker Fair Coming Your Way

11/3/2020

 
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November 12-23
​

WatersToday is kicking off the fundraising year next week with our annual Pledge Drive! This year the Pledge Drive and Maker Fair teams have joined forces to create an event that will help our students, teachers AND local businesses who need us so much right now. 


Your generous donation will not only help fund our teacher wishlists but also our unique Ecology Program, items for our new addition (because we will be back to school one day) and so much more.  By supporting our local businesses, you will help keep our neighborhood thriving.  

Stay tuned for ways you can Help Waters Grow!

    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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