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The Winnetka Wire
Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools
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From Dr. Hagerman
A Call to Arms on Strategic Planning
William Jennings Bryan once said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice. Not something to wish for, but to attain." As we move headlong into our work on Strategic Planning over the next many months, Bryan's quote is particularly apropos. In the absence of clear vision and focus, any organization can, at best, expect simply to maintain status quo. As a District fully committed to our student's success as twenty-first century learners, all of us at The Winnetka Public Schools understand preparing ourselves and our students for the future is absolutely critical!
Strategic Planning is essential for the District's long-term growth and development. Besides addressing the fundamental issue of what we intend to accomplish, the resulting Strategic Plan will specify how we will do so. In other words, not only will the District be establishing clear outcomes, but we also will be laying out the plan to accomplish those outcomes.
In addition, Strategic Planning also plays an important role in clarifying the District's values and operational systems, including:
- Alignment--focusing on shared objectives across all departments and areas.
- Operating efficiencies--improving efficiencies by targeting and focusing time, energy, finances, and other resources around common goals.
- Differentiation--providing a way for an organization to set itself apart, defining the ways the institution is unique. Once the point of difference is established, specific strategies can be identified that consistently build that frame-of-value reference.
- Perspective--establishing a foundation of beliefs, allowing stakeholders to understand organizational priorities and how their respective work contributes to achieving goals.
- Measurable progress--ensuring growth by providing appropriate metrics that indicate progress toward goals.
As these examples suggest, the benefits of Strategic Planning are multi-faceted and serve to not only provide an aspirational vision of the future, but also, when implemented correctly, improve District systems and operations.
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District Office Contact Information
The Strategic Planning information that was mailed earlier this month included an incorrect phone number for the District Office. The correct number is 847.446.9400. We apologize for this error.
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School Closing Information
It appears we actually are going to have a winter this year after all, so please keep in mind that inclement weather or other unanticipated emergencies may result in school being cancelled. School closing information will be posted on the District website. Staff and parents will also be notified by phone.You can find general information about school closings by visiting clicking here.
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Register for Junior Kindergarten and Little Learners
Registration is now open for both Junior Kindergarten and Little Learners preschool program.
Junior Kindergarten is for children who will be 4 years old years old by September 1, 2012 (born before September 2, 2008). 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 the program is $4,183. Parents will be notified of enrollment as each section is filled, and the first installment of tuition will be payable February 15, 2012. In the event there are enough students for more than one section, another section will be offered. In the event there are fewer than 18 students, we will be unable to offer this program. In that circumstance, deposit checks will be completely refunded. For more information and a registration form, click here.
Little Learners is a preschool program for children who will be 3 years old, but no older than 4, by September 1, 2012 (born before September 2, 2009). Jointly run by The Winnetka Public Schools and the Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED), this blended preschool has a maximum enrollment of 14 students, with seven spaces reserved for students with special needs and seven spaces open for same-age peers. The cost of the program is $3,300, and the first installment of tuition ($1,650) will be payable on February 15, 2012. For more information and a registration form, click here.
Registration for both Junior Kindergarten and Little Learners will open to non-residents beginning February 15, 2012, on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions about either program, please contact Janice Sward at the District Office: (847) 501-2735.
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Elementary Strings Update
The School Board voted to eliminate the fee for the Elementary Strings Program at its December meeting. The change will take effect with the 2012-2013 school year and will align District policy with state policy.
Although there will be some minor changes in the program, the current Suzuki philosophy will remain intact. Parents will have the opportunity to attend lessons and reinforce learning at home. Positive support at school and at home will continue to be a key component of the program.
Students will continue to progress in gradual steps, learn by doing, read music when they are ready, and participate in group experiences. They will have a weekly small group lesson and a twice-monthly large group experience, known as Lunch Bunch. The class size for the small group lessons will be capped at five, below the township average. The actual number of students in the small groups will vary based on program enrollment, instrument choice, and other variables including skill and grade level.
Parents of students currently enrolled in the Suzuki program will receive a letter from the music department with additional details. Information about next year's program will be available this spring.
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Math Curriculum Review Update
The Math Committee met for a full day on January 5, 2012, to focus on the training modules for the Common Core State Standards-Mathematics. Eileen Goodspeed and Sam Yusim, who have been certified as trainers by the state, facilitated the session. The group identified the major content shifts and learned more about the mathematical practices, research behind the reform, and the resulting changes in instruction. The Math Committee discussed ways to share the information with staff.
If you are interested in learning more about the Math Common Core State Standards-Mathematics, please mark your calendar for Friday, February 24, at 1:00 P.M. when Dr. Yusim, and the Winnetka Parents Institute, will be be doing a presentation on what these changes mean for District students. Additional information and the location will be sent home next month.
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World Language Curriculum Review Update
The World Language Curriculum Review Committee presented program revision recommendations at the December Board meeting. The Board agreed with the following goals as presented and authorized the group to proceed.
Recommended Program Revisions and Target Dates
1. Pursue a FLES (Foreign Language Elementary School) program model with a language proficiency goal.
2. Increase instructional minutes in grades 1-4 to at least 90 minutes a week (2013-2014).
3. Modify the fifth grade schedule to increase the frequency of language instruction (2012-2013).
4. Modify the sixth grade schedule to include daily instruction in the target language (2012-2013).
5. Maintain the seventh and eighth grade schedule of daily instruction.
6. Continue offering French and Spanish.
7. Offer a choice in language for sixth graders, so a daily commitment to world language is in place for three years (2012-2013).
The committee met on January 5, 2012, to discuss curriculum development. Nancy Rhodes, Director of Foreign Language Acquisition from the Center for Applied Linguistics, will be working with the team and in our schools on March 13-15. She will be assessing the current program and making recommendations for implementing the program revisions. Ms. Rhodes has more than 25 years of experience in language research, teacher professional development, and program evaluation.
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Important Dates
January 24
School Board Meetings Carlton Washburne School Resource Center
5:00 P.M.
Executive Session (Closed to the public) 6:15 P.M. Special Meeting for
Strategic Planning Updates and District Staffing Report
7:15 P.M.Regular Board Meeting February 17
Teacher Institute Day--NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE
February 20
Presidents' Day--
NO SCHOOL
February 22
District Office
Open House
1:30 - 4:00 P.M. District Office
February 24
Winnetka Parents Institute (WPI)--
Math Common Core
1-2 P.M.
February 28
School Board Meetings Carlton Washburne School Resource Center
5:00 P.M.
Special Meeting
7:15 P.M.Regular Board Meeting
March 7
Foundation Fest (formerly Learn-A-Thon)
4:00 - 5:30 P.M.
The Skokie School Gymnasium |
You're Invited to the District Open House!
The District Office underwent significant renovation last summer, and we'd love for you to see the changes. Please join us for an open house, with light refreshments and tours of the office, on:Wednesday February 22 1:30 - 4:30 P.M. |
Please forward this email to friends and community members who may be interested in The Winnetka Public Schools. |
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