Fall Fest & Playground


Last Friday our PTO sponsored and ran the annual Fall Festival – lots of work on the part of our great PTO.  The festival is an opportunity for our kids and their parents to come to school and experience school in a fun environment.  Irving is a community school – it sits in a neighborhood – a neighborhood of houses and apartments with families and, of course, kids. Last Friday with the coming together of neighborhood families, I was reminded of what Irving Elementary means for so many of our residents -our school gives families a sense of place and belonging.  Irving is a cherished landmark, and with the recent closing of so many Chicago schools, we know how fortunate we are to have our neighborhood school; Irving keeps the neighborhood healthy and alive.

And, a special shout out to Elizabeth, Tyler, Michelle, Alex, Sydney, Trish, Jess, Rebecca, Kelly, Shauna, and Julie.  You were not required to attend, but you did!  Your presence told all that our students are taught by teachers who care deeply about all aspects of their student lives. The kids and parents loved having you there. Without a doubt, you deepened your connection to your students and to all of us.  Thank you for the gift of your priceless weekend time and your participation!

Wednesday’s official playground opening ceremony further cements the importance of a neighborhood school –the new playground says that we not only learn together we play together.   Our commemoration of Caleb and Nancy remind us of that we are a community who celebrates and grieves together – a school community who joins hands and hearts and laughs and cries with one another.  We all belong to such a community!


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