Let me be one of the first to welcome your family back to Tripp Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year! It is so exciting to see all of the smiling faces again and hear about different summer adventures!

I would like to extend a special welcome to those families who are new to Tripp this year! We are excited to have you join our school community. In an effort to welcome all new students in 1st- 4th grade to our school and to ensure that they are adjusting successfully, I will be hosting one-time “New Student Lunch Bunches” during their scheduled lunchtime.  The purpose of these gatherings is to provide students who are new to Tripp with an opportunity to discuss experiences and ask questions related to being in a new school environment while also meeting other children who are new to our school.  If you have any questions about these lunch bunches or would like to be sure that your student is included, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (847) 955 – 3623 or kjennings@d102.org.

We could learn a lot from crayons.  Some are sharp, some are pretty, some are worn out, some have interesting names, and all are different colors, but they all exist in the same box. 

“Students thrive—socially and academically—in schools that are inclusive. Yet, for far too many students, schools are hotbeds of exclusion. Social scientists have long maintained that contact between diverse groups helps alleviate tensions and reduce prejudice. Mix It Up seeks to break down the barriers between students and improve peer relations so there are fewer misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts, bullying, and harassment.” (http://www.tolerance.org/)

During the week of April 12 – 16, Tripp Elementary School will be celebrating Mix It Up Week! Students will be given opportunities to participate in different activities, such as Mix-It-Up day in the lunchroom, in which they are able to spend time with students that they might not otherwise sit next too. Additionally, the social worker will be leading classroom activities intended to promote acceptance, understanding, and appreciation of each other’s differences. During this week, students will also be encouraged to recognize and embrace qualities that make them special and unique by creating a crayon for Tripp School’s giant crayon box, which will be displayed for the entire school community to see.

Does your child have trouble making or keeping friends? Do you worry that your child may lack important social skills? Friendship groups are being formed  Tripp Elementary School. These groups will run for approximately eight weeks and will focus on helping children develop positive relationships with their peers by teaching them necessary social skills and building their self-confidence. Together, we will work on ways to be more assertive and enter new friendships with greater ease. Please contact me directly at (847) 955-3623 or kjennings@d102.org, if you feel that your child may benefit from being part of one of these groups. 

Thank you so much for making Red Ribbon Week such a success! Throughout the week, students participated in various spirit days to promote a positive, healthy lifestyle. On Monday, students wore red to kick off the week. On Tuesday, students wore sweat pants and shirts to school in order to promote the idea that “Being Drug Free is No Sweat!”. Students “Teamed up against drugs” by wearing apparel from their favorite sports teams.

On Thursday, October 29, the Tripp Community celebrated “Drugs Don’t Make Cents” day by raising a total of $175, which will be donated to OMNI Youth and Family Services’ Reality Theatre! Reality Theatre is an ensemble comprised of high school students who are dedicated to promoting positive messages and healthy lifestyles through the medium of theater. This diverse group of teens from Chicago’s northwest suburbs offers dramatic interpretations of issues relevant to today’s youth. Topics have included: harassment, peer mediation, special needs, diversity, rumors, depression/suicide, substance use/abuse, parent-teen communication, violence, dating and more. For more information on this program and others offered through OMNI, please visit: www.omniyouth.org. 

On Friday, students “Said BOO to Drugs” by wearing their halloween costumes and participating in Tripp’s annual Halloween parade! Additionally, some students cut out and signed red hand prints, which were posted on bulletin boards around the school, signifying that they intend to be “Hands Off Drugs!”

Let me be one of the first to welcome you and your students back to Tripp Elementary for the 2009/2010 school year! My name is Kjersten Jennings, and I am excited to inform you that I am joining the Tripp team this year as the school social worker. I am a graduate of Loyola University Chicago’s Master of Social Work program and recently completed my school social work internship with Aptakisic-Tripp District 102 at Aptakisic Junior High School. This summer I also served as the social worker for District 102’s Extended School Year/Bridges program. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you have at kjennings@d102.org or (847) 955-3623!