The Winnetka Wire

March 2012

The Winnetka Wire

Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools

From Dr. Hagerman

Talking to your children about tough subjects

Dear Parents, Colleagues, and Community Members,

As I well know from raising my son, being a parent is likely the toughest job any of us will ever undertake. From the moment our children enter our lives, our primary concern becomes caring for their physical and emotional well-being. It's a concern that never goes away--as parents of fully launched adults will attest. Of course, we can't always protect children from having to cope with difficult issues. But no matter the tribulations our children face, we can help them navigate challenges by maintaining good communication and engaging in clear, open discussion.

Wondering exactly how to provide children with the right information can be a concern, of course. It's important to consider the age and developmental level of your child during these conversations. You may find the following tips, which come from the New York University Child Study Center, to be helpful:

Be extra aware of your child's emotions. Does your child seem distant, shut down, or more anxious than usual? Invite open-ended discussions.
Be aware of your own emotional state. Children will pick up on tone of voice, body language, and conversations you have with other adults. If you can be calm while discussing the news with your child, it will help to reassure him or her.
Find out how your child is feeling asking a direct, open-ended question and convey sincere interest in hearing your child's answer.
Find out what your child has seen or heard. Once you know your child's specific fears, you are in a better position to be reassuring.
Be sympathetic and non-judgmental about children's reactions and feelings. There is no right or wrong way to react to traumatic news.
Don't provide unnecessary details. While you don't want to shield your child from the truth, keep in mind his or her age and what is appropriate.
Don't avoid the subject. Children often are exposed to more than parents are aware, and a child's fears can grow out of proportion if there is no opportunity to address them.
Be honest. If you're scared, say so, but try to be as calm and reassuring as possible. It's also okay to say you don't know the answer to a question.
Be reassuring. Feeling safe and secure is very important to children, especially young ones. Even if you're afraid or sad, make sure they know you will do everything you can to keep them safe.
Don't minimize your child's fears. Avoid trying to cheer him or her up by saying it's not so bad. Children can feel embarrassed or criticized when their fears are minimized.

The Winnetka Public Schools endeavors to build not only students' academic knowledge but their social-emotional skills as well. In partnership with families, we can help children become self-advocates, to recognize when they need to ask for guidance, and to provide an environment where they feel comfortable asking for assistance. We recognize that parents also have questions, and that students often will take emotional cues from their parents. If you ever have questions or concerns with which you feel you need assistance, we have very capable staff at each of our schools, including social workers and psychologists. Moreover, we have an extensive list of referral services available for a variety of issues. Feel free to contact your building principal for additional information or, at the District Office, you can contact Director of Pupil Services Mark Ditthardt.

In service,

Dr. Thomas Hagerman

Superintendent

District Hires April Jordan as
New Principal of The Skokie School

The School Board has selected April Jordan to be the next

April Jordan

principal of The Skokie School, replacing Principal Thomas Eber, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. Ms. Jordan, who will become principal on July 1, 2012, currently is the principal of Fairview Elementary School in Mount Prospect, Ill., where she was named a NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Blue Ribbon Principal in 2008. She is also a doctoral candidate at National-Louis University.

Before joining District 57 in 2007, Ms. Jordan served as an assistant principal and Curriculum Coordinator in Romeoville District 365U, where she was named an ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) National Emerging leader in 2007. She received her Master of Education and administrative certificate from Northern Arizona University in 2002 and 2003 respectively. Her Bachelors degree was awarded by State University of New York at Oswego, and she served in the United States Peace Corp for two years.

"April has a passion for working with middle school students, a collaborative attitude, and a deep knowledge of the Common Core. She understands both the school and broader Winnetka community, and is fully committed to the work that we do. She will be a tremendous asset to both the
school and the District," said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Hagerman.

Ms. Jordan will be introduced to the community at the School Board meeting on March 20, 2012.

Strategic Planning Update

Thank you to all who participated in the 25 focus groups, which concluded this week. Input from the groups, as well as work done by staff on their February 17 Institute Day, will inform the Strategic Plan and an online survey, which will launch in April. Each household in the village will receive a mailing with information on how to take the survey. Your input is essential, so please be sure to take the survey!

Board Approves 2012-2013 Calendar

At its February 28 meeting, the School Board approved the calendar for next school year. The first day of student attendance will be Monday, August 27, 2012. To see the complete calendar, please click here.

Curriculum Review Updates

Math

The Math Curriculum Review Committee met on March 8 to review the draft mission statement for the curriculum, and to develop belief statements. A subcommittee will gather in April to develop a formal draft to send to all staff for feedback in May. In addition, the committee reviewed the agenda for the April 2 and April 3 release days when the group will begin to write grade-level units based on the Common Core.

World Language

The original World Language program revision did not include an option for sixth grade band and orchestra students to participate in the art/music/drama course offering. In response to community feedback, the administration developed additional options for all sixth graders to increase choice and access to related studies courses. Pending sufficient enrollment, sixth grade students will select two of the following five choices for sixth grade related studies classes:

Art/Music/Drama strand
Daily Band class
Daily Orchestra class
Daily French class (three-year commitment)
Daily Spanish class (three-year commitment)

In addition, The Skokie School will continue to offer an Art Club before school and a Drama Club after school.

The District has partnered with the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), a highly respected nonprofit organization dedicated to improving language education nationally and internationally. CAL will work directly with our classrooms and teachers to provide guidance as the District moves ahead and implements the revised World Language goal of functional language proficiency.

CAL facilitators will co-administer the Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA) to a representative sample of District students in fourth, sixth, and eighth grades on March 20 and 21. This oral proficiency interview is not used for individual evaluation purposes but rather to gauge the effectiveness of language programs, specifically in the area of language proficiency. These interviews will provide critical information to help with program improvement.

Spots Still Open in Junior Kindergarten

The District's Junior Kindergarten program is a go! There are still a few spots open for children who will be 4 years old years old by September 1, 2012 (born before September 2, 2008). The cost of the program is $4,183, with a $150 non-refundable deposit. For more information and a registration form, click here. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Janice Sward in the District Office: (847) 501-2735.

Concerts Showcase Music Programs

District 36 is well-known for excellence in music programming, and spring is the time when when we show off the talents of our music staff and students. All community members are invited to enjoy any of these performances:

District Choral Concert
Tuesday, March 20
7:00 P.M.
The Skokie School
Washburne Jazz Night
Thursday, April 12
7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Carleton Washburne School Little Theatre
District Suzuki Recital
Wednesday, April 18
6:00 - 9:00 P.M.
The Skokie School Auditorium
Fifth-Eighth Grade Spring Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 1
7:30 - 9:00 P.M.
Carleton Washburne School Gym
Spring Band and Choral Concert
Thursday, May 3
7:30 - 9:00 P.M.
Carleton Washburne School Gym
Cadet Band and Washburne Jazz Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 10
7:30 - 9:00 P.M.
The Skokie School Auditorium

The Skokie School Orientation--
April 4, 2012

The Skokie School will host an orientation meeting for current fourth grade students and their parents, Wednesday, April 4, 2012, from 6:30 - 8:10 P.M. Skokie School students identified last year's orientation meeting as one of the most helpful components of their orientation activities. Students enjoyed the opportunity to tour the school, meet the staff, and have a conversation with current Skokie School students. Please plan to attend!