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The Winnetka Wire
Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools
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From Dr. Hagerman
If you are like me, there never seems to be enough time to stop and reflect on what matters most in life. This is one of the reasons I love the holiday season. Although school and work continue on as usual in many ways through the months of November and December, there are also constant reminders all around us that things are different during this time of year. From service projects and seasonal music in all of our buildings to roving student carolers, from lighted candles and spinning dreidels to ornamental trees and festively wrapped gifts, it is clear that we are in a season of thanksgiving and celebration. How and why we celebrate the holidays may be different for all of us, but I suspect there are more commonalities than differences. When we take the time to reflect on what we cherish in our lives, it invariably centers on the significant people around us: our families, friends, teachers, co-workers, neighbors...the list goes on and on.
As one of the newer members of the Winnetka team, I find myself reflecting on how fortunate I am for having the opportunity to work everyday with such outstanding students, supportive parents, talented staff, and dedicated School Board members. Our District has a well-deserved reputation for our unwavering commitment to students and strong instructional programming; that is possible only because of the meaningful contributions that every individual here makes.
As we expand on our accomplishments to date, it is hard to imagine that we are still in the first half of the school year. Already, we have set meaningful school goals and revamped our District-wide communications; increased metrics, reporting, and transparency in a variety of ways; demonstrated progress in a variety of assessment measures; made large strides in the areas of math and world language; and completed a District Office remodel.
As we look forward to January, to a new year, and to the continuation of our work to date, it is clear that we have an ambitious agenda ahead. Focus on our School Board goals will continue. Our most exciting venture, though, will be the kick-off of the Strategic Planning process. This work started last summer with many Board discussions. The planning process is currently being developed and will include broad-based community input in a variety of formats. Community members, parents, and staff all can expect to hear more about the specifics via Board letters, which will be issued in the weeks ahead. We invite and encourage full participation in this process, as it will lay the groundwork for all our work over the next three to five years.
In closing, I know that I speak for the entire staff when I wish each of you, and your family, a healthy, safe, and happy holiday season. The next few weeks promise to bring the typical hustle and bustle that, no doubt, will consume much of your time and energy. While all the festivities are what help to make this time of year so special, remember the spirit of the season and take time to enjoy the special people around you, those who make it all worthwhile.
Fondly,
Dr. Thomas Hagerman
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Math Curriculum Review
Educators across the country, state, and township are working to prepare for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards-Mathematics (CCSSM) in 2014. One of the goals of the District's Curriculum Review is aligning our curriculum with the standards, which provide a description of content expectations and mathematical practices for K-12 programs in the United States. Helping teachers understand the curricular shifts and pedagogical foundation of CCSSM though professional development is another critical component of the process.
District 36 is fortunate that two staff members, District Math Facilitator Eileen Goodspeed and Carleton Washburne School Math Chair Dr. Sam Yusim, have both been certified by the state as Common Core Trainers. They are currently the only certified trainers in the township and began sharing the knowledge with the math committee this December.
In December, the full math faculty will have the opportunity to attend an Introduction to the Mathematical Practices in the Common Core State Standards. Jennie Winters, the Math/Science Coordinator for Lake County Regional Office of Education, Educational Services Division, will facilitate this session.
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Junior Kindergarten and Little Learners
The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 will offer Junior Kindergarten for children who will be four years old years old by September 1, 2012 (born before September 2, 2008).
Registration will be open to all Winnetka residents from January 4, 2012 - February 15, 2012. Applications will be available starting January 3, 2012 from the District Office and online at www.winnekta36.org. Enrollment in this tuition-based program will be on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of completed application and a $150 nonrefundable deposit. The cost of this program is to be determined pending approval from the Board of Education at its December meeting.
Little Learners, a preschool program for 3-5 year olds, that is run jointly by The Winnetka Public Schools and the North Shore Special Education District NSSED, will be accepting applications shortly. The blended program has a maximum enrollment of 14 students. Seven are reserved for students with special needs and seven are for same age peers.
If you have any questions about either program, please contact Janice Sward at the District Office (847) 501-2735.
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Board Meeting
Tomorrow December 13 World Language Program Revision Recommendations and the Strategic Planning Process will be discussed at a Special Board meeting at
5:00 P.M.
The 2011 Tax Levy Public Hearing will begin at 7:15 P.M.
The regularly scheduled monthly Board
meeting will be held immediately afterwards at 7:30 P.M.
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The Skokie School Principal Search
The parent and staff survey will be open through Thursday, December 15. Click here to participate. Parent and staff focus groups are scheduled for Wednesday, December 14 in the Skokie School Community Room. |
District Office Remodel Complete
Workers put the final touches on the newly remodeled District Office.
The District Offices were remodeled this fall to make better use of the existing space. The Superintendent's Office, Business Office, Pupil Services, Human Resources, and Communications are all housed in the beautiful new space. Stop by and say hello!
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