THE PEIRCE POST

Giordano Dance Performance - Free Tickets to Peirce Students/Parents

2012-02-21T23:16:00.003-06:00

Giordano Dance Company provides science enrichment through dance & movement to Peirce students. In collaboration with our Science department, dance is used to demonstrate the physical sciences, biology, study of human anotomy & physics. For many years Giordano has supported the education of Peirce students with this extraordinary partnership.

Giodano continues to give to our community .... Peirce students and family members can receive free tickets to the Passion & Fire Show on March 9th 2012. The performance is at the Harris Theater @ 8pm. Contact Ms. Leventis, middle school science teacher (vmleventis@cps.edu) if you are interested.

Peirce Career Day - Share Your Path, Challenge a Student to Focus on Their Future

2012-02-21T23:01:00.000-06:00

The 2nd annual Peirce Career Day is April 12, 2012. Leveraging from it's inaugural success, Ms. Foss & the faculty team have put together a website to share the Peirce Career Day information & facilitate sign-up. Many parents participated last year - sharing experiences in nursing, social work, retail, small business enterprises, food service & law to name a few. Even a professional athlete joined the discussions. All careers & experiences are welcome.

For Peirce Career Day info, visit: http://peirceschoolcareerday.weebly.com/about.html

Think back to the sixth grade. What did you envision your life would be like when you grew up? Did youever think that you would be where you are now? Who were the people thathelped set you on your course in life?

We would like to offer you anopportunity to be that person that plants a seed in a young person’s mind at ePeirce Middle School Career Day on Thursday, April 12, 2012. We areinviting professionals in a wide-range of careers to share how they achieved theirgoals and to meet with students to discuss their career plans. We are also looking for parent volunteers to recruit speakers and tohelp on the day of the event.

We hope you will consider joining us! Visit the Career Day website for more information and to register as aspeaker or volunteer: www.peirceschoolcareerday.weebly.com. We will be awarding prizes for the best recruiters,

including toprecruiter, most interesting career, and most famous person.

Thank you,

Ms. Foss, Middle School Coordinator

jafoss@cps.edu

Peirce International Dinner Picture Album

2012-02-10T13:54:00.000-06:00

If "pictures speak a thousand words" than these wonderful shots will tell the story of our recent (January 2012) International Dinner. Celebrating the food, customs, entertainment from selected countries around the globe.

Enjoy our slideshow.....

Many thanks to our talented and dedicated parent photographers - Heather Gregg & Christine Pinalto (http://christinekay.com/ ) who captured the evenings' smiles, laughter & community. Thank you!

Global Menu, Peirce Community, Ethnic Journey's... Peirce International Dinner

2012-02-05T21:36:00.002-06:00

Peirce School provided an international taste to the 350 attendees of the International Dinner held on January 26th.

As a way to celebrate the "country's of study" and further experience and learn about other heritages and nations - the parent organization, MPTSO, joins forces with students, teachers, administration, and ethnic local restaurants to provide a wonderful multi-ethnic celebration.

In order to host and provide an authentic taste to all, we Peirce receives much support and generosity from local businesses.... please be sure to thank them for their support when you visit -

Anna Held Florist & Cafe

Kate's Famous Cookies

Bolat

Hema's

Huey's Hot Dogs

Milo's Pita Place

Harvest Time/Edgewater Produce

Mei Shung

Thank you to Little Linguists Academy for sponsoring the Chinese Egg Rolls.

More than 350 parents and students enjoyed food from Brazil, India, Iraq, China, South Africa, Spain and the United States. It was a great event!

A few parents have taken pictures of the event. Please consider sharing yours - feel free to post any online albums or send pictures to PeirceSchoolParentsGroups@gmail.com.

Kate Merrill (parent) and students prepare decorations.

The Peirce Community enjoys the evening.

The menu was yummy.

Myra Alana (parent) and students work on decorations.

Students create decorations for the dinner celebrating different countries.

The cafeteria was filled with Peirce community members enjoying the themes of the evening.

The Peirce community enjoys the International Dinner.

Mr. Soto (Art Teacher), students & Beth Mroz (parent) support the decorating efforts.

Artwork displayed for the dinner.

Dinner is served in a truly multi-lingual spirit.

Artwork in the Polish tradition is displayed.

Families enjoy the International Dinner.

Project work celebrating an assigned country.

Middle school students explore Chinese math 'tangrams'

Scissor-work in the Polish tradition.

The Iraqi table is "dressed" in the national flag.

Artwork on display.

Brazilian flag is displayed on the table.

The table dressed in the flag of the United States.

An Iraqi flag in progress.

The cafeteria tables get "dressed" in different flags for the evening.

Student projects are on display for the evening.

Student projects celebrating India.

Little Linguists Enrolling Mandarin, Spanish & French Classes NOW

2012-01-16T22:28:00.000-06:00

In case you missed the flyer.... Little Linguists is enrolling for after school language (Mandarin, Spanish or French). Classes are held at Peirce after 2:45 dismissal.
Please contact Angel Li (Little Linguists) to register. Call 773.557.9726 or info@LittleLinguistsAcademy.com .

Do you know:

● ¼ of the world’s populationspeaks Chinese.

● There are 400 millionSpanish speakers in the world.

● Foreign language learningincreases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind.

● The young developing brainis perfectly suited for learning a second language. They learn better.

Foreign languagelearning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility ofmind in young children. We will learn ina fun, interactive and enjoyable environment by discovering Mandarin/ Spanish /French through songs, arts and crafts, games, and dances. In addition to learning daily conversations,we will celebrate holidays. This class will end with a bigshow at the end of the school year!!!

Grade: K-5^th graders ClassSize: Minimum:6; Maximum: 12

Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm Date: 1/17--5/31/2012

Spanish/French/Mandarin

Tue/Thurs

38 lessons

$512 or $266 in 2 payments; 2^nd payment is due by 3/18

No classes on: 4/3, 4/5

*Pleasenote Mandarin is on Tu/Th now.

*Paymentin full reflects $20 discount.

Any questions about the program? Please contact Little Linguists Academy at 773.557.9726 or info@LittleLinguistsAcademy.com.

** Scholarships available on a need basis.

** Smaller payments can be arranged.  Please contact Little Linguists Academy.

** Late enrollment is possible if space is available.  No prorated refund will be issued.

New ! Peirce Apparel is Available By Order - Check it Out!

2011-12-21T22:07:00.000-06:00

Show your PantherPride!

MPTSO will be takingorders for new Peirce-wear

at the International Dinner
Thurs. Jan. 26th

New items include:

Peirce Panther Paw window clings for your car orhome - Only $5 and include a free school magnet

Zippered hoodies in white or navy with PEIRCEacross the front. $19

Three different styles of exercise pants forgirls and boys in youth & adult sizes in navy featuring the Panther Paw.$18-26

The windowclings will be available for purchase at the International Dinner.

Orders will be taken for the hoodies andpants. Cash or check accepted. Order forms have been
All orders and payment must be received byJanuary 31st.

The exercise pants andhoodies will be delivered by mid February to your student . Order forms with payment can be turned into front office attention LynnCarro.

If you have any questions please contact Cara Rudolph (773.450.4054) or cara@cranleyscholastics.com .

J.B. Alberto's Pizza Provides Generous Donation !

2011-12-13T08:22:00.002-06:00

Last Thurs. (12/8) J.B. Alberto's Pizza and so Much More gifted Peirce with 10 - 18inch pizzas. Wow! So yummy and generous. We wanted to send a "shout out" in the form of a THANK YOU to Tony & staff at Alberto's.

Tony, owner of J.B. Alberto's, was approached by a Peirce parent to donate pizzas to Peirce as Classroom Rewards for our Walk-A-Thon collections.

And not only did he agree to the request.... he had his staff come in early to prepare AND deliver the pies. You see, J.B. Alberto's doesn't open till 4p.m.

THANK YOU, Tony & J.B. ALBERTO'S !!

The Peirce Character Education/IB Learner Profile for the month of December is: Communicator. Here at Peirce Post we wanted to be sure that we practiced this skill and communicated our thanks & appreciation and shared with everyone the J.B. Alberto's menu.

Please don't hesitate to mention your appreciation for their generosity. Visit their Facebook page too.

Hmm...What's for dinner this week?

(They deliver too!)

International Dinner "Gets Cooking"

2011-12-07T22:48:00.001-06:00

Peirce's tradition of hosting an International Dinner (Jan. 26) continues with a multi-ethnic twist.

Beginning this year, Peirce has adopted a multi-country approach to the International Studies curriculum. Each grade level is studying an assigned country from different regions of the world.

The parent volunteer team is needing assistance with:

catering/restaurant contacts
helping students complete the decorations needed
"day-of" assistance with decorating, set-up, service, clean-up

Please contact Kim Biggs (kimbiggs@rcn.com) to assist or with questions.

The International Dinner celebrates the selected countries-of-study and their native cultures via food, family, song, and dance. The dinner portion of the evening allows diners to sample small portions of representative foods. We aim to obtain the food items at discounted or no cost.

Recently our Student Council leaders joined the Parent Planning team in a brainstorming session. Our students are eager and brimming with good ideas, we are in need of more parents to join us in executing this key event.

During the month of January, afterschool "arts-n-craft" sessions will be scheduled to create the decorations needed for the event. A fun way for all our students to meet and work together.

Of the 9 countries of study - the following countries have been selected to be featured in cuisine and entertainment portions of our evening event: United States, Brazil, India, Spain, Iraq, China

Peirce Student Council leaders brainstorm with parents in planning the International Dinner.

Pictured from L-R: Giancarlo Alana, Jeremy Coleman, Elarido Cruz, Jessica Trujillo, Cade Pinalto
The Student Council will determine and execute the dinner decorations in the cafeteria and at the tables. Jessica provided a wonderful idea of highlighting traditional games from some of our featured countries. Thank you, Peirce leaders.

A student produced dragon dance as part of the 2011 Vietnamese International Dinner.

DonorsChoose.org Offers Matching$$ to Peirce Project Requests

2011-12-07T22:36:00.001-06:00

Until December 12th, every donation to projects on Donor's Choose are matched 100%!

Two Peirce teachers currently have projects posted: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/search.html?keywords=Peirce+

Please consider donating to Ms. Buchbinder's or Ms. Roche's projects.

Both teachers are needing support with Art Supplies as they develop our Peirce Middle Schoolers art education.

To qualify for the "matching $$", please enter the code SPARK at checkout.

Please consider making a donation toward these projects before December 12th.

Reminder: Forward this request to family and friends that would be inspired to help Peirce's teachers reach their goal as all of our kids benefit.

Thank you!

If you are unfamiliar with DonorsChoose:

DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.

Here's how it works: public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org. Requests range from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class.

Then, you can browse project requests and give any amount to the one that inspires you. Once a project reaches its funding goal, we deliver the materials to the school.

At DonorsChoose.org, you can give as little as $1 and get the same level of choice, transparency, and feedback that is traditionally reserved for someone who gives millions.

Get Your Science On ! Be a Judge @ the Peirce Science Fair

2011-12-04T16:02:00.001-06:00

Needed: Science Fair Judges

When: Thursday, December 15, 2011

Time Slots: 9:00-10:30; 10:20-11:40; 12:15-1:35

Where: Peirce Gym

Volunteers are needed to judge science fair presentation boards.

Judges meet with students in 5^th-8^th grades to hear them explain their Science Fair projects.

Judges are asked to rate/grade approximately 4 to 6 science fair projects. Scoring instructions are provided.

Pick one of the three time slots, or stay for all three. We appreciate any time that you can give to our students!

If you are interested, please contact Ms. Foss - e-mail at jafoss@cps.edu or call her at 773-534-2564.

If you need some "scientific inspiration" check out Ms. Leventis's picture blog of activities in 5th grade science.

Observe, discover, report, & analyze.

Scientific observation in 5th grade science.

'Tis the Season, Be An Elf for a Teacher

2011-12-04T15:55:00.000-06:00

An initial survey has been conducted, and our fantastic teachers have some needs in their classrooms. We're hoping our Peirce community can help fulfill the list (Wish List below) which will have an IMMEDIATE & IMPORTANT impact on our kids' learning in the classroom!

Some of the listed items (CD players, cassette players, digital cameras, etc.) may have found their way into attics, closets and storage lockers might be re-purposed for classrooms. For certain purchased items, remember Target REDCard holders can support Peirce with the Take Charge of Education program.

If you wish to donate any items or have questions about this Wish List effort, contact Craig Seip, Peirce (craigseip@gmail.com) or 917.593.7503.

Please be on the lookout for additional ways to assist our teachers, preparations are being made to communicate classroom/grade-level volunteer requests as well.

PEIRCE TEACHER WISH LIST *

CD Players with headphones

Individual cassette players with headphones

Document camera

Projector

Digital cameras

Mac Computers

Video Recorders

Blank DVD-roms

TAG pen books

Books on CD

Leveled books (levels A-M)

Art Supplies (nice paper and paints)

Blank Story booklets

Cans of shaving cream

Motivational banners

Plastic pouches

Novel reading sets for grades 5-6

Chart paper/Loose-leaf paper/Easel pad chart paper

Dry-erase markers

Vis-a-vis markers

Small dry-erase boards

Tape/Glue/Glue Sticks

Crayons/Pens/Pencils/Colored pencils

* The attached image file shows the wish list sorted by classroom/teacher.

WISH LIST SORTED BY CLASSROOM/TEACHER GRADES 4th - 8th (Page 1 of 2)
Click on the image to make larger/more readable.

WISH LIST SORTED BY CLASSROOM/TEACHER GRADES K - 3rd (Page 2 of 2)
Click on the image to make larger/more readable.

Parents Serve Up Lunch to Teachers/Staff - Thank you !

2011-12-04T15:01:00.001-06:00

Hi Peirce Parents,

Thank you so much for your donation of food for the Peirce staff lunch. A number of staff stopped me to give a heartfelt thank you and wanted all parents to know they really appreciated the delicious event.

Thank you also to Mary in the cafeteria for her generous donation of "valuable space" in the refrigerator. And also, thanks to Chris Inserra, Maria Carrera, Karina Brito and Myra Alana for their help in setting up the serving tables.

Solveig Roverud, Peirce parent of 6th grader

Thank Youto All who Donated Food for

the Staff/Teacher Luncheon on Report Card Pick-up Day

November 2011

Sandra Macedo NancyMendez

Irene Vasquez PeirceMPTSO

Mariela Rivera Emily Salmon

Karina Brito SandraKane

Esther Bello JodyVan Swearingen

Maria Hernandez SolveigRoverud

Peggy Sutor ChrisInserra

Lucrecia Platt BethTarrant

Kara Hetz SarahOrtega

BethMroz KendraJohnson

MyraAlana KaraleeRobb

KimBiggs MalidsaOcampo

Maria Carrera Susan Christmas

SusanChristmas Lori Zaimi
Kathryn Ahitow Becky Wanberg

MikeItta-owner Piatto Pronto, 5624 N. Clark St.

Stop by the MPTSO bulletin board, the teacher thank-you card has been posted. ** The next Luncheon is April 18th **

Peirce Day at Leona's Restaurant - Sun. Nov. 20th

2011-11-16T20:06:00.001-06:00

Enjoy Leona's Restaurant for Good Food & to Benefit Peirce School on Sunday Nov. 20th .

Leona's on Sheridan (6935 N. Sheridan Road, 773-764-5757)

has kindly agreed to donate 20% of all proceeds (pre-tax, pre-gratuity) back to Peirce School.

The offer is for dining-in AND for take-out all day this Sunday, Nov. 20!
Be sure to print the flier below and bring to Leona's for take advantage of this offer.

They have a kids' play room in the back if you've never been there before.

Join fellow Peirce families at 5pm on Sunday for fun, food & fundraising.

We're looking for ways to continuing to spread the word to the entire Peirce community! Feel free to pass this on to family and friends of Peirce!

PRINT THIS FLIER & BRING TO LEONA'S
TO RECEIVE OFFER

Did you Hear? Communication Committee is Meeting on Tues. Nov. 15th, 6pm... spread the word !

2011-11-12T14:28:00.001-06:00

Communication Committee Mtg., Tues. Nov. 15th, 6pm Peirce Fieldhouse

Join us at the communication committee meeting to discuss and implement this years communication efforts.

We hope to see you there, and please spread the word.

Agenda:

Outdoor Communication Boards

Vests for outdoor Peirce staff during morning entry

Translators

Community outreach

Crisis information managment

Donations Appreciated: Teacher Luncheon on Report Card Pick Up Day, Wed. Nov. 16th

2011-11-12T14:15:00.001-06:00

The community of Peirce parents and caregivers, through the MPTSO, has always provided mid-afternoon lunch for teachers and other Peirce staff on Report Card Pick-up Day. This day is a long day for staff and they have always appreciated lunch as a “thank you” and to keep the day on track.

This year we’re trying something different. The MPTSO is requesting donated food items from parents. You can choose to make a dish/item or purchase it.

The items to bring are:

RICE DISH

SALAD (green or pasta)
FRUIT (cut or ready to serve)
DESSERT

Please bring the item in a disposable (throw away) container to Peirce School cafeteria on Report Card Pick up Day: NOVEMBER 16, by 2pm.

Your dish should serve about 10 people. We will provide serving utensils.

If you can help, reply to chicagosol@sbcglobal.net and let me know what category you will provide. I am hoping to get 7-8 parents per item.

Thanks for your time and your donation!

Solveig Roverud (parent of Cale Roschen, 6^th grade)

Peirce Pledge Drive has been Extended till Dec. 31st

2011-11-12T14:13:00.001-06:00

Friends of Peirce has Extended the Technology Pledge Drive

Receive a tax deduction for this year and make a charity donation to the Friend of Peirce Technology Pledge Drive! Friends of Peirce has extended the deadline to December 31st.

To make a pledge you can either go to www.friendsofpeirce.org and click the "Donate" button or leave a check payable to "Friends of Peirce" at Peirce's front office. Help us meet our goal of $10,000 and make a pledge toady!

To all those that have already donated, Thank You!

Parent Volunteers Needed for Prospective Parent Open House

2011-10-30T16:47:00.000-05:00

Please help us greet and present Peirce to fellow parents & neighbors who are interested in our school.

Peirce's Fall Open House is Tues. Nov. 8th , 9:15 am.

We are in need of:

Greeters to welcome and guide visitors to the gym (9:00 am - 9:30ish)
Tour Guides to accompany visitors on the building tour (10 am - 11 am-ish)
Folder Stuffers to put together info packets (Monday Nov. 7th 1:30 pm - dismissal)
Parent Statement to provide a "2-minute elevator speech" at the top of the program (approx. 9:30 am)
Post Flyers if you have a favorite local bulletin board (physical or electronic)

To help with any of the above, please contact Kathryn (kahitow@hotmail.com or 773.944.5761)

Thank you to the parents who have already offered assistance. We hope to show-off our school, students & faculty as they deserve to be shown!

Parent Volunteers Needed for Middle School Learning Celebration - Wed. Nov. 9th

2011-10-30T16:26:00.004-05:00

Volunteers Needed!

First Quarter Learning Celebration: Team Building

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sessions at: 9:00-10:30; 10:20-11:40; 12:15-1:35

For the Team Building Learning Celebration we need help with setting up "The Biggest Board Game Ever," leading student teams, judging the Alphabet Assembly, and running games in the Math Olympics.

It's a fun day for students and adults! We need 10 volunteers at each of the three sessions.

You are welcome to sign-up for one or stick around for all three.

If you are interested please contact Ms. Foss at jafoss@cps.edu or 773-534-2564.

MPTSO at Night ! Meeting Reminder - Thurs. Nov. 3rd, 6:30 pm

2011-10-30T16:11:00.003-05:00

Reminder - This month's parent organization (MPTSO) meeting is held at night.

MPTSO will hold their November meeting at 6:00 pm on Thursday November 3rd in the Peirce Fieldhouse.

Please join us... we will report on ongoing projects (Childcare Co-op, Room Parents & Student Directory, Peirce Apparel) & also review past/current/upcoming events (Walk A Thon, Open House, RAVEN Theatre Benefit & Faculty/Staff Luncheon).

If you are interested in supporting efforts on any of the these causes, please join us. Also scheduled, will be the Principal report that will provide information from our Administrators concerning all-things Peirce.

Spanish translation is provided, a playroom is available within the fieldhouse for playtime. Encourage your fellow parents to join us !

Fun under the 'chute at Walk A Thon

Two friends at Walk A Thon.

Parents Vie for the Open Parent Seat on the LSC

2011-10-30T15:37:00.002-05:00

Peirce's Local School Council (LSC) filled the vacant parent seat during the Oct. 27th meeting. Six parent candidates presented themselves, to the council, in hopes of being selected to fill the remaining 7 months of a 2-year term.

Beth Tenney, parent of 3rd & 7th grade students, was chosen. Peirce Post salutes Beth and the LSC members for their contributions & efforts on behalf of Peirce.

Post Post would also like extend its appreciation to the candidates - Jack Dogs, Jeff Korte, Beth Mroz, Lucretia Platt, & Max Weinberg - Peirce is fortunate to have dedicated parents who are interested in participating on the LSC. Thank you for your candidacy!

To all Peirce parents, there will be LSC elections held Spring 2012 for the next council. Please watch backpacks for information sent home regarding candidacies and/or voting.

Prospective Parent Open House - Tues. Nov. 8th

2011-10-30T15:13:00.001-05:00

Peirce School is holding a Prospective Parent Open House

Date: Tues. Nov. 8th

Time: 9:15 a.m.

Location : Peirce School, 1423 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

Come meet our parents, teachers, principal and learn about our PK -8th grade offerings.

Parents will hear a presentation that details curriculum, enrichment activities, parent organizations, and our new IB (International Baccalaureate) Candidate status; followed by a building tour with current parents.

Please RSVP to 773.534.2440.

(Please forward to your neighbors, friends, block clubs & community boards.)

Sun and Smiles and Great Strides: Peirce Walk-a-Thon

2011-10-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Fitzgerald leads her Kg class around the bend during the Annual Peirce Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser.

Peirce Soccer Goes to City Wide Final 8

2011-10-19T19:55:00.000-05:00

5th and 6th grade Peirce boys soccer team continue to move through the playoffs! They defeated the Field Bulldogs in a shoot-out 4-3 on Tuesday 10/18. They play in the Regional Finals tomorrow against Stone Elementary at 3:45 pm at Cricket Hill, between Wilson and Montrose at the lake.

If they win tomorrow, they will be in the final 8 city-wide!

Let's cheer them on! Let's Go Panthers Let's Go!!!

Peirce Kg and Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm

2011-10-19T19:40:00.003-05:00

A favorite Peirce kindergarten field trip: Goebbert's Farm

Peirce School Could Win a New Playground! Play Danimals Rally for Recess

2011-10-19T19:25:00.000-05:00

Play for Your School/Danimals Rally for Recess – Visit www.rallyforrecess.com

Our school could win a $20,000 playground makeover and ultimate recess day! All you have to do is purchase specially marked Dannon Danimal Yogurt products and get the code off of the cardboard container.

Or, better yet, you can get a FREE CODE just by sending in a 3X5 card or paper with your date of birth and email address on it. Put it in an envelope & mail to: Dannon Danimals Rally for Recess Free Code Request, PO Box 1941, Danbury, CT 06813-1941.

Limit one code request and must be sent in by 1/31/12 & received by 2/7/12.

Codes will be sent to your email address to be entered at www. rallyforrecess.com

Thanks and pass this onto your friends and family!

Cara Rudolph

Walk-A-Thon Rescheduled to Friday Due to Rain

2011-10-19T16:13:00.003-05:00

"Houston, we have a problem." All astronauts need the correct conditions on their outings. "Mission control" has determined that the Peirce Walk-A-Thon will be held on the rainout date of Friday October 21st.

This is a tough call to make as there are some impacts but for the enjoyment and safety of all students - the weather forecast for Friday contains sun & warmer temps.

Pre-School students (AM & PM) are invited to join in the activities at 11 a.m. on Friday. Pre-school students don't otherwise have class on that day.

Parent Volunteers will be needed for Friday. We have parents who can't commit to the rainout date of Friday. Please check you calendars...and consider joining in the fun. Contact Susan Christmas (susanxmas17@gmail.com) or Kate Merrill 773.480.6030.

Thank you for all your support and pledge collection efforts.

Peirce Panthers Run With Pride !

2011-10-17T21:27:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday (10/13) may have been a little wet, as the Cross Country Meet for our Area was held at Amundsen H.S. but that didn't stop the Panthers from giving it their all! Jasmine Smyles, Peirce 8th grader, won the Area event 2 weeks in-a-row. Good luck to Jasmine as she represents Peirce in further competition!

Peirce Panther Jasmine Smyles runs away with it. Placing 1st in the Area, 2 weeks in a row.

Some Peirce Panther runners wait in the drizzle during the Area meet.

You may have noticed our Cross Country runners taking practice laps around our campus in the afternoons. Coach Dietz & Coach Roche have 39 runners in their pack representing grades 5 - 8. Go Panthers!

Kailee Carro (l) and Sonia Wanberg (r) sandwich a competitor.

And the 7th/8th grade runners are off!

Thank you to Mrs. Wanberg and her team for the field reporting.

Step - Up for Peirce.... Volunteers Needed for the Walk-A-Thon

2011-10-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

Peirce School MPTSO sponsors a Walk-A-Thon to help raise money for Peirce's Athletics program. In the past, our Walk-A-Thon has been held in the Spring however; this year we are shifting the Walk to the Fall. That way we can more clearly determine our funding levels for Athletics and we can balance our volunteer needs more evenly.

Volunteers are needed throughout the day -

Thursday, October 20th

Morning Session 9:00 am - 11:30 am

and/or

Afternoon Session 12:00 - 2:30 pm.

Assistance is needed to cheer the students on, support the Walk-A-Thon & fitness games, water & granola bar stations, set-up and clean-up.

Join fellow parents for a good cause.

Lunch sandwiches are provided to those who stay through lunch. Childcare will be provided in the fieldhouse for siblings. (Thank you Ziehyun Huh, Heather Gregg & Yazulin Lima)

Please contact Susan Christmas at Susanxmas17@gmail.com

Thank you for your support -

Kate Merrill , Walk A Thon Chair

Principal Mendez Thanks Parents & Supporters !

2011-10-11T21:56:00.001-05:00

Dear Parents, Friends, and Community Members,

I would like to extend a most heartfelt and cordial thank you to each of you for your hard work and dedication to the success of our fall fundraiser, Kegs for Kids. There are simply not enough words to express my deep gratitude for your positive commitment to this enormous endeavor.

A picture is worth a thousand words. A quick look around the room [Saturday] spoke volumes to the sense of community and pride for our school. We, at Peirce, appreciate the continued support of our parents and community members. Our school is a better place because of all of you! Our students will have access to twenty first century learning tools as a result of your steadfast devotion and perseverance. Truly, without the support of our parents and community members, we would never be able to achieve high test scores and promote the development of a well-rounded student body. It really does take a village and we are proud to have all of you working with us to achieve our goals for academic excellence.

On behalf of our entire student body and teachers, I would like to thank you, once again, for the many hours of meetings, phone calls, emails, donations, and energy that each of you put forth for this extraordinary fundraising event.

With warm respect,

Nancy

Kegs 4 Kids is a Succe$$ - A Beertasting & a Science Lab too!

2011-10-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

After many months of parental and business community effort - Friends of Peirce produced a successful 2nd annual Kegs for Kids Fall Fundraiser.

Saturday October 8th was a night to celebrate as parents, neighbors, community members, elected representative & local businesses came out in support of Peirce School.

As part of a wonderful evening filled with beer tastings, silent auctions & never-ending food, we were all treated to a wonderful education-focused, student supportive announcement by Senator Heather Steans (IL St. Sen.), Rep. Kelly Cassidy (IL St. Rep.) & Ald. Harry Osterman. They announced that Peirce is to be the recipient of a Capital Grant to build out Peirce's science lab.

Expecting to cost around $75,000, our new Science Lab will be located in the new wing on the 3rd floor. As part of the original building plans, this room was intended to become a fully appointed science lab but was never completed. Ms. Mendez, since becoming principal, has made this "wishlist" item come true. Congratulations Peirce & Ms. Mendez! Look for future updates on our new Science Lab.

Also, Mr. Wanberg's blog has an entry & wonderful pics about the event.

Friends of Peirce (FOP) has posted pictures of the event here.

Meeting Announcement: Walk-A-Thon Planning Meeting

2011-10-11T21:31:00.003-05:00

We will have a walkathon meeting Friday, Oct. 14th in the Fieldhouse at 10:00 a.m.

If you are unable to attend but are interested in assisting the day of the walkathon, please let me know. Thanks!

Kate Merrill

Kateanddavemerrill@sbcglobal.net

Meeting Announcement: Communications Committee

2011-10-11T21:28:00.002-05:00

The Communications Committee will be having a meeting on Friday Oct. 14th at 9:15 a.m. in the Fieldhouse.

Kate Merrill will be providing the agenda.

If you are interested in the work of the Communications Committee, please stop by.  If you are unable to join, please contact Kate Merill - kateanddavemerrill@sbcglobal.net .

Peirce Panther Football Pulls Blaine's Flags

2011-10-11T21:10:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful Thursday afternoon, and a Peirce Parent (that would be your author), came upon an afternoon game of organized, inter-scholastic flag football between the Peirce Panthers and Blaine School.

Stopping for just a few minutes revealed a wonderful treat to a well-run, respectful game of flag football between these two teams. Viewing 2 Panther touchdowns and a spectacular Peirce interception made one think that the Panthers might be victorious. Two days later, after tracking down Coach Parsons, it was confirmed - Peirce Panthers prevailed ! Well played team! Go Panthers.

If anyone knows the schedule, please feel free to add it to the blog here.... we could all use a beautiful afternoon of respectfulness and touchdowns.

Taken with a cellphone, doesn't do the game justice. Well played!

Policy Forum on the New Curriculum Standards Coming to CPS....

2011-10-11T20:46:00.000-05:00

You've heard of ISAT's and Illinois State Curriculum, right? But there's something new on the educational curriculum horizon-Common Core State Standards - known as "Common Core" for short.

The new CPS’ administration has embraced the Common Core as a reform centerpiece and plans to implement the new standards district-wide in 2012-13, one year earlier than required. Peirce School has also embraced Common Core, and is currently working on moving to this standard. Teachers were provided the new curriculum as part of their summer preparation. Ms. Mendez reports that before-school development time was provided in order for teachers to adopt Common Core into their school-year planning.

Adopted last year by Illinois and 43 other states, the Common Core State Standards are an ambitious effort to raise the bar of K-12 student achievement to one that is on par with the best education systems in the world. Illinois is part of a 26-state consortium that is developing a new testing system for implementation in 2014-15.

Do you want to know more about Common Core State Standards? Public Forums (beginning Oct. 27th) have been scheduled by Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, Catalyst Chicago and the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research to help educate those interested.

Also, The Chicago Tribune has provided a reporting about other "early adopter" schools and the quest for funding the transition to the new standards.

Morning News WLS-ABC Spotlights Peirce Fundraiser ... Tune In!

2011-10-04T18:09:00.000-05:00

The WLS ABC News Morning Show

Set your alarm early for Friday (10/7) morning.... at 5:45 a.m. our local news program ABC7 Morning News (WLS-TV) will be highlighting Peirce's Kegs for Kids Fundraiser.

Tune in to see Mike Roper, Peirce's benefactor and supporter, showcase the K4K craft beers in the early hour segment at 5:45 a.m. Watch it! Set the TiVo and share with friends and family.

Subscribe to the Weekly 48th Ward Update: Kegs for Kids, Free Flu Shots and More

2011-09-30T19:25:00.003-05:00

This week's 48th Ward Newsletter includes a reminder about Kegs for Kids! Subscribe to the Aldermanic email list here.

Read more about Peirce's fall fundraiser Kegs for Kids here (buy tickets, donate, volunteer!).

FREE Tickets to See Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago for all Peirce Students and their Family Members!

2011-09-28T21:53:00.003-05:00

Don't Miss Giordano Jazz Dance!

All Peirce students and their family members are invited to see this amazing dance company in a world class venue.

To reserve your free tickets to the Harris Theater show on October 21st at 8pm, contact the front office or Ms. Leventis as soon as possible.

Join the Discussion: CPS and Longer School Day Survey and Meeting

2011-09-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

Find out what other schools, parents and teachers are saying about CPS and extended school days. What is the process at each school? Who is involved? What are the costs and benefits?

Take the Raise Your Hand Coalition Survey on CPS and Longer School Days here.
Register for the All School Meeting on Extended Days here.

Another CPS School Opts for Longer School Day

2011-09-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

"On the city’s North Side, outside the Disney II Magnet Elementary School, which announced on Tuesday that it was the seventh school to choose a longer school day, parents said they were pleased with what this would mean for their children, even if they were not thrilled with the growing war between City Hall and the teachers’ union."...Click here to read The New York Times article 9/17/11

NEXT PEIRCE LSC MEETING: This Thursday, September 22 at 6pm Peirce Fieldhouse

CPS Longer School Day Website Launched: Email Brizard with Your Questions or Comments

2011-09-20T20:17:00.003-05:00

"The tug of war between Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Teachers Union over the mayor's strong pushes for instituting a longer school day has gone public with the launch of a new page on the Chicago Public Schools website that campaigns for the change.

Filed under "District Initiatives" on the main CPS website and accessible at www.cps.edu/longerday, the new page tackles "the five biggest misconceptions about the longer school day," which is directed at educators and addresses concerns including “my union won’t support me if I vote yes” and “I won’t be able to earn overtime.” A "Fact Check" section debunks "rumors" about the waiver process. Recent news updates herald the successes of the pilot program and celebrate schools that have signed on to add 90 minutes of classroom time, and as do links to research supporting longer schooldays"....Click here to continue reading the Huffington Post article on CPS Longer School Day 9/20/11

NEXT PEIRCE LSC MEETING:

This Thursday, September 22, 2011 Peirce Fieldhouse 6:00pm

Make a Difference! Join the Peirce Local School Council

2011-09-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

Peirce has an open position on the Local School Council for one parent. If you’d like to get involved, the candidate forms are due in the office by
Tuesday, OCTOBER 18th, 3 p.m. (amended date) The current members of the LSC will review and vote on a candidate at its Thursday, OCTOBER 27th meeting. The selected candidate will be seated at that October meeting.

If interested, stop by the school’s main office for the forms or use
this link: http://www.cps.edu/Pages/LSCElections.aspx
Chicago Public Schools have Local School Councils (LSCs) to help with
the operations of each school. The primary responsibilities of LSCs
include approving how funds and resources are allocated, developing
and monitoring the annual school improvement plan, and evaluating and
monitoring the school’s principal.

For more information on the LSC, check out this CPS link.

Peirce Parent Coffee & Tea

2011-09-14T07:26:00.004-05:00

PleaseJoin the Parent Organization for Coffee

Friday,September 30, 2011

9:00a.m.

PEIRCEFIELDHOUSE

Joinus for an informal gathering to meet other Peirce parents. Members of the Multilingual Parent TeacherStudent Organization will be on hand to answer questions and facilitateintroductions.

Volunteeropportunities for school events and activities will be highlighted.

Thank you to La Baguette forpastry items.

Thank you to Metropolis Coffee forcoffee.

See You There! Curriculum Night

2011-09-12T21:19:00.001-05:00

Curriculum Night

Thursday, September 15th from 6:00-7:30pm

Visit your child's teacher and find out what your child will be learning about this year! Meet other parents and sign up as a volunteer in your child's classroom.

Orders for Peirce School t-shirts will be taken.

Two sessions will be provided for Grade level presentations - beginning at 6pm (Session 1) & beginning at 6:45 pm (Session 2). (refer to the green take home flyers) Hope to see you there!

Sharpen Your Pencils .... Welcome Back to Peirce

2011-09-09T00:07:00.001-05:00

While we were enjoying the summer, Peirce School & its staff were very busy. First, summer school was held at Peirce. After summer session let out the janitorial & engineering staff were busy with infrastructure improvements. Then Ms. Mendez, Mrs. Makowski & staff were busy hiring no less than 5 teachers. Welcome new staff!

As the hot days of August came, it was time to get ready for school. Floors were shined, boxes of books were delivered, teachers arranged classrooms, computers were "stamped" & wait till you see what Ms. Mendez did in the gym (think murals, fresh paint & a newly sanded floor) !!

And a few more exciting school announcements -

YMCA Morning Care - The YMCA is offering a Morning Care program on-site at Peirce.

Here are the basics: 7:30 am - 9:00 am

Dedicated room, organized activities (including playground/outdoors time)

YMCA Contact: Andrea Hillsamer (773) 326-2995 OR ahillsamer@ymcachicago.org *please contact her with questions, she has been greatly responsive* Andrea is also the contact for AfterSchool Care as well.

New to Peirce This Year !

Afterschool Soccer - Four Plus One Youth Academy

8 week program offered to age-specific groups (K-2, 3-5 & 6-8) on Monday afternoons.

Start Date: Monday 9/12

Cost: $149

Times: Grades K-2 @ 4pm, grades 3-5 @ 5pm, grades 6-8@ 6pm

Check out their website - Four plus One Youth Academy Soccer

Receive soccer training from licensed coaches who utilize principles of 5-a-side soccer. Develop ball skills, passing, moving and awareness through the use of a custom made arena that will be assembled on Peirce's turf field. Contact Matt Rossine at 312.235.6680

Mad Science is back.... we will research the details and post back soon.

Hoping everyone had a fabulous & smooth week back to school.

Peirce Parents Welcomes New P.E. Teacher Ms. Lauren Levar!

2011-09-09T00:00:00.003-05:00

Questions about fall sports at Peirce? Please contact Ms. Lauren Levar at llevar@cps.edu

What do students need in order to try out for Peirce fall sports?

· Permission Slip

· Athletic Behavior Contract

· Running Shoes

Dates:

· 5^th/6^th and 7^th/8^thGrade Boys Soccer- Sept. 9 & 12

· 5^th/6^th and 7^th/8^thGrade Cross Country- Sept. 13 & 14

· 7^th/8^th Grade Volleyball- Sept. 13& 14

· 7^th/8^th Grade Flag Football- Sept. 13& 15

*All tryouts are from 2:45- 4PM.

Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl benefits Peirce - yum!

2011-08-06T22:11:00.001-05:00

Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is offering a great opportunity to raise some funds for Peirce via Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl and support your neighborhood eateries.

The Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl is taking place on Wed., August 17th from 6-9pm.

For each ticket purchased for the event where the buyer enters the Discount Code: Peirce, $5 of each ticket will be donated to Friends of Peirce.

Tickets can be purchased here: Taste of Andersonville Dinner Crawl Tickets

Consider joining the crawl as many of these establishments have supported Peirce and Peirce's fundraising in the past.

Kegs for Kids - Silent Auction Items Needed !

2011-08-06T21:39:00.000-05:00

The Silent Auction items at the Kegs for Kids event is a very important part of our successful fundraising event. In order to keep that success going.... we need your help.

Please consider donating or soliciting donations for our Kegs for Kids Silent Auction. Donated items that sell well at the event include - event tickets, vacation homes, art, professional services, dinners, restaurant certificates, sporting events, and unique items.

Please fill out this form if you are interested in donating Silent Auction items:

Kegs for Kids 2010 poster designed by Louise Molnar

Auction Item Submission Form

If you have any questions please contact Dave Tilson dtilson@friendsofpeirce.org .

Volunteer Sign-Up for Kegs for Kids

2011-07-17T23:08:00.000-05:00

It's gonna be fun, and it benefits Peirce School!

Saturday, October 8th 2011

Volunteers are needed for Peirce's Kegs for Kids Fall Fundraiser, grab your partner/neighbor/relatives/friends and RAISE YOUR HAND to VOLUNTEER! (fill out this easy form, so we know)

In case you need some convincing - Volunteer Benefits:

Free admission to the event (is this true?)
Free T-Shirt (these were a hot commodity last year)
Meet new Peirce parents and supporters

Volunteer talents are needed in all these areas - where will you share your time & skills?

Kegs for Kids2010 Keg Man poster by Louise Molnar

Set Up/Tear Down (10-15 people)
Beer Pourers (15-25 people)
Door Staff (to check people in, etc) (6 -8 people)
Food Setup/Maintenance (4-5 people)
Raffle (4-6 people)
Merchandise – t’shirt sales, etc (4-8 people)
Day of Event Staff/Floaters (4-6 people)
Follow Up Correspondence (1-2 people)

If you need more convincing check out last years photos of K4K 2010 .

Show how much you "like" it....

2011-07-17T22:21:00.001-05:00

.... Friends of Peirce has been updating Facebook.

Check out their wall, and give them some love ....
this is one way to "tap" into the energy & get involved in Peirce's Fall Fundraiser - Kegs for Kids.

Outdoor Movie Fest Comes to Peirce School - Tues. July 19th

2011-07-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Enjoy a screening of Shrek III Forever After at Peirce!

Peirce School's Playground will be the host location for an outdoor movie fest sponsored by Alderman Osterman.
Check out the movie schedule, and join your neighbors & classmates for a fun evening.

When?: Tuesday July 19th
Time?: 7:30 pm

Don't forget to bring lawn chairs, blankets.... and some popcorn. See you at the movies.

Kegs 4 Kids - Save the Date - October 8th, 2011

2011-07-16T21:32:00.002-05:00

If you haven't heard by now, Friends of Peirce are in the midst of planning for our annual fundraiser "Kegs for Kids" that is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th.

This fundraising event features rare craft beers from around the country and around the world arranged for by Mike Roper & Louise Molnar of Hopleaf Bar & Restaurant. We will have food from restaurants around the neighborhood and city as well as an appearance by Alpana Singh (from "Check Please!") who will pour wine at the event and has donated a generous silent auction item. Thanks to our friend & Peirce parent, Tony Dreyfus, of Metropolis Coffee for getting Alpana!

Kegs for Kids 2010 raised over $30,000 was a fabulous success. Due to the overwhelming response to our event last year, we are moving locations into a bigger space at Loyola University.

Friends of Peirce will need even more volunteers and even more silent auction items and we need your help!

More information to come about volunteering and submitting auction items.

Summer Kindergarten Playdates for Peirce Families!

2011-06-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

Dear Peirce Kindergarten Families,

We are hoping to have some time to have our children (and all grown-ups involved!) get acquainted with one another this summer at parks in the neighborhood! We hope you can come with your child to one or all of these meet-ups in the park. We look forward to playing and meeting everyone!

Peirce Kindergarten Parents,
Max Weinberg
Craig Seip

Friday, June 24th, 4-6pm, Peirce Playground
Friday, July 22th, 4-6pm, DIFFERENT LOCATION: Cochron Park on corner of Bryn Mawr and Magnolia
Friday, Aug 26th 4-6pm, Peirce Playground

For more information, please contact Max Weinberg

Community Meetings on Magnet and Selective Enrollment Admissions Policy

2011-06-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

From the Office of Academic Enhancement

Make your voice heard at an upcoming community meeting to discuss the current magnet and selective enrollment admissions policy for the Chicago Public Schools. The policy is currently under review for the application process for 2012-2013 by the Blue Ribbon Commission, and all interested parents are encouraged to offer feedback on recommendations for revising the policy.

The meetings will be held on the following dates:

Saturday, June 25, 2011
10 a.m.
Westinghouse College Preparatory High School
3223 W. Franklin Blvd.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011
7 p.m.
Lane Tech High School
2501 W. Addison St.

Thursday, June 30, 2011
7 p.m.
King College Preparatory High School
4445 S. Drexel Blvd.

We also invite you to offer written comments at the Office of Academic Enhancement website via the following link below.

Let us hear from you!

http://cpsoae.org/apps/contact/

Peirce Kindergarten Sing 2011: Photo Album

2011-06-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

Peirce Parent is looking for contributors (photographers and bloggers) for the Peirce Post and the 2012 Peirce yearbook! Please contact Leni at peirceschoolpost@gmail.com

Last Day of School Picnic! See you this Friday!

2011-06-13T16:21:00.001-05:00

What: Peirce Last Day of School Potluck Picnic
Where: Senn School
When: Friday, June 17th 11:00am til ?

What to bring: a dish to share, yard games, drinks, paper products and a blanket for your family. See you there!

Contact Cara Rudolph for more information

Elementary School: The Magical Years

2011-06-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

To parents: what do you remember from your elementary years? Lisa Black of the Chicago Tribune recalls her days at Oak Grove near Libertyville. Read her article here: For some, innocence remains elementary.

To the Peirce 8th Grade Class of 2011: Congratulations and all the best. Thanks for spending a few of your magical years here at Peirce.

Field Day at Peirce: Parent Volunteers Needed Monday June 13th

2011-06-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the annual end-of-year Peirce Field day for kindergarten through 5th graders, Monday, June 13th. Parents, we'd love your participation for this outdoor event. Stay for the day, or come when you can! Help is needed for games, snack tables and hydration station.

Please contact peirceschoolparentsgroups@gmail.com for volunteer sign-up!

Kdg. – 9:20-10:00
3rd – 10:00-10:50
4th – 10:50-11:40
11:40-12:00 – LUNCH
1st – 12:00-12:50
2nd – 12:50-1:40
5th – 1:40-2:30
2:30-2:45 – CLEAN-UP

Peirce Summer Playdates!

2011-06-07T14:21:00.000-05:00

Keep cool and connected with Peirce families this summer!
Join us at the beach!

TUESDAYS: Foster Avenue Beach, south of the boardwalk
WEDNESDAYS: Albion Beach, north of the boardwalk
THURSDAYS: Hollywood Beach, south of the boardwalk

10:00 am to ??
See you there!!

Peirce Potluck Picnic: Celebrate Last Day of School!

2011-06-07T00:27:00.001-05:00

Friday, June 17th

Join us at Senn Playlot for the

Peirce Potluck Picnic

11am-??

Bring a dish to share and picnic items for your family

(paper products, blanket, drinks, games, etc.)

Hope to see you there!

Contact Cara Rudolph for more information

Grade a Teacher?! "Judges" Needed for Bake-Off

2011-06-07T00:07:00.002-05:00

Teacher Bake-Off at Peirce School
Thursday, June 16th
Noon
RSVP to PeirceSchoolParentsGroups@gmail.com

Remember: No school on this day! Children are welcomed to this event but must be accompanied by an adult at all times ;)

Kindergarten Sing! Come early for the best seats ;)

2011-06-06T23:54:00.000-05:00

Peirce kindergarteners celebrate the end of the year!

Friday, June 10th
9:30am

What to bring: cameras, video recorders, Kleenex (adios to kindergarten!)

Countdown: 8 Days and 1 Hour Left in the School Year! Snow Day Make Up June 15th

2011-06-05T20:03:00.000-05:00

View the Peirce calendar here:
http://www.peirce.cps.k12.il.us/pdf/calendar/2010-11/Peirce_Calendar%202010-2011.pdf

Peirce Middle School Updates: Subscribe to The Buzz!

2011-06-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Catherine Beza, Illinois History Fair Finalist! And Jatin Kapur, Chicago Metro History Fair Honorable Mention!

For more updates on Peirce Middle School program, check out the newsletter posted on the official school site. Or subscribe to the Peirce Middle School Buzz by contacting Ms. Foss jafoss@cps.edu

Open vs Closed Campus: Peirce to Decide by Tuesday, June 7th

2011-06-03T13:14:00.000-05:00

Peirce parent group, MPTSO, learned today that a vote will be taken next Tuesday, June 7th at 3pm on whether or not Peirce will become an "open" versus a "closed" campus. CPS is calling for each school to consider moving to an open campus model in order to include recess for all students during the day. See the South Town Star's article here: CPS gives recess advocates a victory The Recess Committee is comprised of the principal, three local school council parents, the school’s Chicago Teacher's Union delegate and three teachers.

Moving to an open campus would lengthen the day by 45 minutes, however, this would not increase instructional time at school.

Fortunately, Peirce students already enjoy recess during the day. So, a move to continue with the closed campus model would not change the recess schedule. However, an open campus model would require schedule changes and a need to dip into the already shrinking budget to cover costs for adult supervision on the playground as well as the need for an indoor plan during inclement weather. Teachers would also be asked to volunteer an extra 15 minutes daily. According to CPS' Developing a School Recess Plan, due to budget constraints, CPS will not be able to provide additional funding to support school recess plans.

For more information on Peirce's school recess plan for the upcoming school year, please contact the main office at (773) 534-2440.

Rats and Frogs in the Classroom: 7th Grade Science at Peirce

2011-05-31T23:57:00.000-05:00

7th graders donned the gloves and wielded the scalpel for their anatomy/dissection class this spring. View more pictures from Ms. Leventes room 302 Blog here!

Send in Your Pictures from Fiesta de Arte at Peirce School!

2011-05-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Do you have some great Peirce shots to share? Send them to peirceparentsgroups@gmail.com!

SAVE the DATE: Peirce Back to School Night! Thursday September 1st

2011-05-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

It's that time again: Peirce Fall Fundraiser K4K 2011!

2011-05-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

Contact garrett@friendsofpeirce.org to volunteer for Peirce Fall Fundraiser!

Peirce Playground Clean Up Pictures!

2011-05-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

Peirce's Playground Clean-up was a Shining Success....

Ms. Hopkins led Peirce student council members, family volunteers & teacher/staff volunteers on a wonderfully windy Saturday as all combed the Peirce campus for debris and garbage.

In all, approximately 250 lbs. of refuse were collected and tossed. We appreciated our very motivated middle-schoolers who teamed up to tip the scales with trash.

Also, Ms. Hopkins led a group of volunteer gardeners who planted some pretty annuals in our garden. Well Done to all!

Reminder: Kindergarten Tea this Friday!

2011-05-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

Parents with children entering kindergarten in the fall are all invited to the Peirce Kinder Tea!

Peirce Kinder Tea

Friday May 27, 9:15am - 10am

Peirce Gym

Free Admission! "Bugz" Perice 5th Grade Musical

2011-05-24T22:54:00.000-05:00

"Bugz"
the musical

An original theatrical production

Starring: Peirce 5th Graders

2 Shows Only!

Wednesday May 25th, 6pm
Thursday May 26th 1pm

this show is suitable for all ages :)

*free admission

You're Invited! May 26th: Coffee and Conversation with Peirce Principal and Assistant Principal

2011-05-24T22:40:00.000-05:00

Meet, greet and eat! Join us for the next "Coffee and..." with Ms. Mendez and Ms. Makowski this week:

Peirce School
Thursday, May 26th at 9:15am.
Room 321 (3rd floor, new wing)
Stop by the office for a visitors pass

Siblings are welcome. Stroller-friendly elevator!
773-534-2440

Fiesta de Arte, mucho gracias to all !

2011-05-22T21:15:00.000-05:00

Peirce artist - Ashley - Fiesta de Arte 2011

Many thanks to all who helped make the first Fiesta de Arte fundraiser a wonderful evening at Peirce School. The Peirce community turned out - reports have the attendance at 275 attendees - to support the many student artists at Peirce School.

Much thanks and appreciation to Beth Tenney & Kim Biggs and the many volunteers that helped create a wonderfully artful "street fair" in the hallways of Peirce.
Appreciation is also to be shared with Vaugh High School who provided the tasty culinary delights. The food received as much rave as the student artists. One parent was overheard commenting that "this was the best food I've ever had in a school".

As the art displays delighted and inspired all, so did the activity tables of Origami, Face Painting, Balloon Tying, and Silly Family Portraits.

Community musicians seranaded the Fiesta-goers throughout the evening including, Zane, Isaiah (on guitars), Hillary Bayley quartet (Music for Kids), Peirce drum circle, & SDS Trio (featuring our own Mr. Strening).

*** Special thanks for the donations of time, talent & treasure from our many Peirce parents ***

Rebecca Eichenlaub, Morgan Anderson, Christine Pinalto, Ms. Tarrant, & Maynor Vidal - all shared their photography skills.

From decorating the hallways, to hanging art, arranging the auction displays, and clean-up there were fabulous volunteers that helped us stage this event.

Thank you to our many teachers & Ms. Beers (our contract art teacher) who gathered classes to create collaborative pieces to sell and donated auction items themselves.

by Peirce artist Kindergartner, Mila - Fiesta de Arte 2011

And thank you to the Peirce student artists who created magical art....

To-and-From School: Safety at Peirce

2011-05-22T11:09:00.000-05:00

Getting to school safely and on time is a concern that all school communities face daily. If you have a suggestion, concern or question about Peirce pick-up or drop-off policies, or how we may improve them, please forward to peirceschoolpost@gmail.com or contact the school directly at 773-534-2440.

REMINDER Friday, May 20th: SchoolKids Orders are Due!

2011-05-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

Friends of Peirce is excited to offer the SchoolKids pre-packaged, back to school supply kit program as a service to the students and parents of our school! We believe this is a wonderful program for purchasing your child's exact school supplies and encourage you to take advantage of this offer.

We are currently taking orders until Friday, May 20. Please be sure to turn in your order on time and legibly since each package is personalized with your child's name.

Return your order form(s) and check (made payable to Friends of Peirce) to your child's homeroom teacher by tomorrow.

If you have any questions, please call Bethany Kaufmann at 773-865-3637 or email her at bljohnson1@cps.edu.

Wanted: Beer Booth Workers for Andersonville Midsommarfest

2011-05-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

Work the beer booths at Midsommarfest & Raise $$ for Friends of Peirce

ALL DAY SUNDAY JUNE, 12TH.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED:

Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - 10 volunteers
Sunday 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - 20 volunteers
Sunday 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - 36 volunteers

WHAT WE PROMISE
Enjoy the company of fellow FRIENDS OF PEIRCE - raise money
that will directly benefit the students of Peirce Elementary School.

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
Contact PGBurchard@yahoo.com and GAhitow@gmail.com with your shift request and phone number. Only 66 volunteers will be able to join in the fun - respond today.
Spread the word - invite your friends - you will have a great time.

Andersonville Midsommarfest 2011

Best Regards,

Paul Burchard, Friends of Peirce, Event Chair/Midsommarfest
773-944-9310
Garrett Ahitow, President, Friends of Peirce
773-531-1671

RSVP: Peirce Spring Fundraiser This Wednesday, May 18th!

2011-05-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

How can you support your neighborhood school, the arts, have fun and feed your family dinner all at once? Attend PEIRCE'S FIESTA de ARTE THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 FROM 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.

Family admission is $25 and includes food and live entertainment. There will also be art for sale created by Peirce students. The money raised will help support the school arts program.

On the menu? Tacos, tamales, Mexican style corn on the cob, pepinos, fresh fruit, and churros.

Entertainment will include a drum circle, SDS Trio, a string quartet, face painting, silly portraits, balloon creatures, and more.

Food will be ordered Monday so it would be great to know if you plan to attend. To RSVP, email kimbiggs@rcn.com.

Hope to see you there!

Guest Performer at Peirce: Chicago Philharmonic Violinist Heather Wittels

2011-05-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

Peirce welcomed Heather Wittels of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra for a mini performance in the music room. Check out the Peirce Photo Gallery to see shots of her visit! Also listen to her recent performance on ABC. Wittels performed the first movement ("Grave") of the Solo Sonata No. 2 in A Minor for Violin by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Peirce Kindergarten Room 128 Class Video: Thanks Mr. Wanberg!

2011-05-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

Room 128 from mr wan on Vimeo.

Peirce Walk-a-thon: Thank you!

2011-05-10T23:56:00.000-05:00

Peirce Walk a thon Photos
Apr 14, 2011

The annual Peirce MPTSO Sponsored Walk-a-thon event was an enormous success! We would like to cordially thank each of our parent volunteers for putting together a fun and energetic day filled with many games and activities. Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who contributed to this fundraiser and a special shout out to Peirce parent Kate Merrill for coordinating this event. Your contributions helped the MPTSO raise over $8000.00 for future projects and activities for Peirce students!

Universal Breakfast Starts This Week at Peirce

2011-05-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

Ready or not, Universal Breakfast starts this week at Peirce. For background information, check out the following articles, including a link to the Healthy Schools Campaign.

Greater Chicago Food Depository: Breakfast in the Classroom: "Fulfilling our hunger-relief mission stretches beyond our warehouse on the Southwest Side. One of the chief means for alleviating hunger is ..."

CPS Obessed: Free Breakfast in Class Program Approved

Healthy Schools Campaign: Breakfast in the Classroom in Chicago Public Schools: HSC's Perspective "Here in Chicago, the hot topic in school food recently has been Breakfast in the Classroom -- and more specifically, the recent decision by the Chicago Board of Education to provide Breakfast in the Classroom to students in all of the district’s elementary schools."

Peirce School Parents Groups Updates

2011-05-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

Springtime greetings!!

Happy Mother's Day to all our Peirce Mom's !

Preparations are underway for Peirce's Art Fundraiser - Fiesta de Arte.

Volunteers are needed to complete our schools transformation into a "street-style fair".

Beth Tenney (Peirce parent and artist extraordinaire) will be supervising afterschool "art studio" so that parent volunteers and their kids can help with creating decorations for our Fiesta de Arte.

Wed. May 11th, 2:45pm - 3:45pm parent volunteers and their kids can meet Beth in our Art Room (3rd floor) to paint, glue & create......

Additional afterschool decorating sessions will be held on Monday, May 16th & Wed., May 18th (event date) ; help is needed as we prepare displays of student artwork.

Please join us as we prepare for this fun event !

Don't forget to purchase your tickets to Fiesta de Arte !

Peirce's Playground Clean-up was a Shining Success....

Ms. Hopkins led Peirce student council members, family volunteers & teacher/staff volunteers on a wonderfully windy Saturday as all combed the Peirce campus for debris and garbage.

In all, approximately 250 lbs. of refuse were collected and tossed. We appreciated our very motivated middle-schoolers who teamed up to tip the scales with trash.

Also, Ms. Hopkins led a group of volunteer gardeners who planted some pretty annuals in our garden. Well Done to all!

Peirce Walk-A-Thon Needs a Thank-A-Thon.....

Thank you to Kate Merrill and her volunteer team for producing a fun & profitable Walk-A-Thon event this year. Our thanks to the approximately 2 dozen volunteers who ran the event - special thanks to Grandma Alice, Uncle Jim & Grandma Mary - Peirce volunteers were a multi-generational group this year. We appreciate your efforts! Walk-A-Thon proceeds will be used to support Peirce's athletic teams.

And many thanks to our students who participated in raising funds and enjoyed the games and popcorn !

Our Communication Committee continues to update The Peirce Post, please take a moment to "click around" and enjoy the submitted posts from April and prior. Consider adding The Peirce Post to your "favorites" as submissions are continually added. Feel free to contact PeirceSchoolParentsGroups@gmail.com if you would like to help communicate Peirce happenings. News gatherers, article ideas & photos are always welcome.

-- ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please contact PeirceSchoolParentsGroups@gmail.com with any edits/deletions/changes to email. We appreciate your support.

Peirce Prospective Kindergarten "Tea" May 27th

2011-05-04T23:09:00.000-05:00

Peirce Prospective Kindergarten "Tea" will be held at 9:30am, Friday May 27th. Parents who would like to know more about this event should contact Sally at 773-534-2440 or stop by the office for more information.

Preschool and Kindergarten Registration
will continue now through June. Applications are still available at the office, but do not delay as space is limited!

Peirce Parent Group Meeting: Friday, May 6th, 9:15am

2011-05-04T22:58:00.000-05:00

Join us for the next Peirce Multi-lingual Parent Teacher Student Organization (MPTSO) planning meeting:

Friday May 6th
9:15am
Peirce field house

The influence of a beautiful, helpful character is contagious, and may revolutionize a whole town. ~Collier Graham

Teachers and Staff: We Appreciate You!

2011-05-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

“WHOSE CHILD IS THIS?”
author unknown

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should"
"Whose child is this?" I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school"
"Whose child is this?" I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever."

Teacher Appreciation Week 2011

Fiesta de Arte: A Sale and Exhibit of Students' Artwork to Benefit Peirce Elementary

2011-04-30T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Peirce Spring Fundraiser, "Fiesta de Arte" will take place Wednesday May 18th from 6:00-8:00pm at Peirce. Join us for food, fun, face painting and ...fundraising!

Peirce students take the spotlight as we showcase and auction original student masterpieces. Local musicians and entertainers will help set the stage for this indoor street festival. Ticket order forms may be returned to your child's teacher or stop by the front office to RSVP today!

$10 Adults
$5 Children
$25 Family Admission
Checks made payable to Peirce MPTSO are due by Friday, May 13

Peirce Family Reading Night--Hawaiian Luau

2011-04-29T22:52:00.000-05:00

The Peirce Family Reading Night event was spectacular! We had many parents, students and teachers in attendance! Everyone received a Hawaiian Lei upon entering our school and students were able to participate in many literacy activities that were tied to our Hawaiian theme. Thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers and book donors, students were able to choose free books and movie videos to take home.

We would like to thank Ms. Hopkins and Ms. Jump for organizing the event and would like to thank Ms. Puente and Mrs. Lawrenz for putting together the upper grades Poetry Slam. We have true poets in the making :-)

A distinctive thank you goes out to the North Shore Kiwanis Club and Women and Children First who partnered in supporting literacy development for all of our students at Peirce.

Peirce Family Reading Night March 30, 2011

Positive Loitering Workshop Wednesday April 27th

2011-04-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

Presented by the 20th Police District, this workshop will inform us on how we can increase safety in our neighborhood. Everyone welcome!

Positive Loitering Workshop
4/27/11 at 6:30pm
Peirce Field House

Read more on Positive Loitering here:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-10-20/news/0910200161_1_loitering-uptown-residents

Panther Pride: A Pledge Drive to Benefit the Technology Fund at Helen C. Peirce Elementary

2011-04-26T01:39:00.000-05:00

Dear Peirce Families and Friends,

We have exciting news to share! Friends of Peirce is launching a pledge drive to support the Technology Fund at Perice. The school's goal is to secure state-of-the-art technology that will benefit students in all grades.

We are in the middle of an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise money for five areas identified in the School Improvement Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement (SIPAAA). One of the primary goals of SIPAAA is to raise $62,000 for technology enhancements. Friends of Peirce was able to donate $20,000 toward that goal using proceeds from a community event we held in September 2010.

Now we turn to parents, relatives and friends of students. We are asking parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to make a gift to Friends of Peirce to support the Technology Fund. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by October 31, 2011. Make a donation in an amount that is most comfortable for you and your family. No amount is too small! you can pledge today and pay later. You can pay all at once or give a little every month. Just imagine: if we were to receive just $10 for each student enrolled at Peirce, we would nearly reach our goal.

Your gift will be used to help ensure our students have the necessary tools for improving their proficiency and competence in computer literacy. It will be used to give teachers the tools they need in a modern classroom. We want Perice to be an the cutting edge of technological innovations. You can help to make that happen!

Sincerely,
Kim Biggs and Cara Rudolph
Pledge Drive Co-Chairs, Friends of Peirce

Checks are preferred. Please mail donations to the school: 1423 West Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60660 or drop off at the school office.

Peirce Playground Clean-Up Day

2011-04-26T01:21:00.000-05:00

Saturday, April 30
9:00-11:00 am

Join other Peirce School families, MPTSO, and Student Council for a fun morning of work, play and creating a healthy and clean environment around our school! Meet by the fieldhouse on the track at 9:00 am. Rain or shine! We'll be GARDENING, too! Bags will be provided for trash and recycling. Sponsored by the Peirce MPTSO Multilingual Parent Teacher Student Organization.

PUENTE Dance Mar 18, 2011

2011-04-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who volunteered their time for our PUENTE Dance last month! Special thanks to:

Myra Alana

Edelma Aguilera

Karina Brito

Dee Brooks

Maria Carrera

Shelly Handschuh

Chris Inserra

and Ashley and Cesar from
Gus Giordano Jazz Dance!

Puente Dance Mar 18, 2011

Meet a Fierce Peirce Parent and Community Leader: Chris Inserra

2011-04-25T21:36:00.000-05:00

Adios amigos

Good-bye my friend

Hasta la vista

Until we meet again

When you know somebody’s name

You become a friend

No longer strangers

You can smile again

Adios amigos

Good-bye my friend

Hasta la vista

Until we meet again

song and lyrics by Chris Inserra

Chances are, if you’re a parent of a preschooler or kindergartenter at Peirce, you’ve heard your child sing this song either in the classroom or at home. Chris introduced this song 14 years ago when her oldest son, Nathan, started preschool with Ms. Pierce; Nathan, then had kindergarten with Ms. Mendez, our current principal. Gabriel, her second son, followed three years later, also under the preschool guidance of Mrs. Pierce. Both Nathan and Gabriel graduated from Peirce. Her daughter, Debra, is currently in 6th grade as part of the new middle years program.

A church choir director, community activist, and singer with the well known Chicago social justice group “Voices”, Chris has devoted many years at Peirce in the music program, the MPTSO, and PUENTE. She is currently serving as Chair for the LSC.

Meet Chris and other proud, fierce Peirce parents at one of the next Peirce Parent Group Meetings. Whether your children are in pre-school or eighth grade, new members are always welcomed. Come and connect with families across the grades and learn how you can make a difference at your child’s school. Hasta la vista!

Chris Inserra (second from right) with members of “Voices” including eldest son, Nathan, far right.

Theatre at Peirce

2011-04-25T21:29:00.000-05:00

RAVEN THEATRE UPDATE: Nearly 100 Peirce and Raven supporters gathered Sunday, March 27th to enjoy Raven Theatre's rendition of August Wilson's Radio Golf. Before the show, attendees were treated to fabulous food and drink from local businesses. Metropolis Coffee (yay! Peirce parents) served up some killer Joe. Taste of Heaven gave many delights including lemon bars, chocolate chip cookies, and pecan bars. Swedish Bakery offered assorted traditional cookies. Anteprima provided savory tarts. Anna Held Florist and Soda Fountain Cafe (another Peirce parent!) contributed delicious brownies and beautiful spring floral displays. Jewel Foods contributed toward punch and paper supplies. A little champagne was also enjoyed.

Nearly $2500 was raised to benefit Raven Theatre, which helps ensure continued Drama education through Raven for all Peirce 4th graders. Thanks to All faculty, staff, parents, and community members for making the event a big success!

Check out Raven Theatre pictures here.

Dream Big Performing Arts at Peirce School
Peirce is excited for the new after school enrichment class "Broadway Kids" for Kindergarten through 2nd graders! Read more about Dream Big Performing Arts and their involvement in CPS here.