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The Winnetka Wire
Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools
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Dear District 36 Parents, Staff & Community members,
Steam:
(n.) power or energy (v.) to generate (adj.) propelled by or propelling
The traditional definitions of the word "steam" illustrate the atmosphere of ingenuity in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) pilot spaces at Carleton Washburne School, The Skokie School, and Hubbard Woods School. Enhancing this program is one of the District's "Big 5" goals this year. STEAM education exists to foster innovation, spur design thinking, and encourage problem-solving. Through STEAM, students are able to explore the integration of math, science and the arts, and imagine the possibilities that result from experimenting within these disciplines. These early experiences may pique our students' interest in careers in technology and provide hands-on experience in subject areas that they may otherwise overlook.
On any given day in District STEAM spaces, you may see students tinkering with robots, using 3-D printers to bring their inventions to life, writing code, sewing items that they have designed, and building prototypes of inventions intended to conquer real-life challenges. Students are creating, risk-taking, and collaborating--all hallmarks of experiential learning. School Board members are visiting the three pilot environments this month as the District considers expanding the STEAM spaces at all schools next year.
Enjoy this short video, featuring students sharing their experiences in our prototype spaces. The outcomes from STEAM education are truly limitless and align with our goal to provide our students with access to innovative programming that inspires creativity and confidence. We are also proud that our STEAM program is attracting the attention of other school districts and leaders in the field. We all benefit from sharing ideas and practices, much like our students do.
Sincerely,
Trisha Kocanda Superintendent
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The next School Board meeting will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at The Skokie School Resource Center at 7:15 p.m. Agenda highlights include the following presentations:
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Kindergarten Day Study: Themes & Variables from Community Input
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2015 Tentative Levy
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Winnetka University
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SOAR (Social, Organizational, and Academic Readiness Program) Implementation Update
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Dr. Daniel Ryan Recommended to be Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources
Pending approval at the upcoming November 17, 2015, School Board meeting, Dr. Daniel Ryan will be named Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources. He will complete the current school year as Principal of Hubbard Woods School and begin his new position on July 1, 2016.
The Assistant Superintendent position is being reinstated with specific responsibilities that have been tailored to meet the current needs of the District. This position will replace the Director of Human Resources position currently being held by an interim administrator. This redesigned role will include the management of Human Resources along with a responsibility for fostering professional growth--including collaborating with the WEA on the recently launched Winnetka University professional education system and executing a strategic development plan for recruiting and retaining high-quality candidates for District positions.
Dr. Ryan's professional experiences (including serving as both a teacher and Principal at The Winnetka Public Schools) prepare him well for this vital administrative role. To learn more about him, click here.
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PARCC Update
According to State Superintendent Tony Smith, preliminary results for the PARCC test will be released to school officials this month. The District does not anticipate having individual student reports until later this winter. All Illinois Districts will be reviewing the initial test results for accuracy once they are received, which is consistent with the process that has been used with ISATs and other previous assessments. As more information is available, we will keep you informed.
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Shared Vision Community Engagement Opportunity
In order to refine the draft of the District's Shared Vision before it is approved by the Board, Superintendent Kocanda has been meeting with community members, staff, and students to review the draft vision statement. You are invited to attend an engagement opportunity to share your input:
Monday, November 16, 2015
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in The Skokie School Resource Center
Thursday, November 19, 2015
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in The Skokie School Community Room
To RSVP, please contact Communications & Community Relations Coordinator, Kate Hughes, at katehughes@winnetka36.org.
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Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Crow Island, Greeley, and Hubbard Woods Schools. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2016, are eligible to enroll. Online pre-registration is open now at www.winnetka36.org. Registration packets are available at all elementary schools, should you wish to pick one up prior to Registration Day.
Children will not be considered enrolled until residency documentation is verified and all forms are submitted. If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at 847-446-9400.
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"Ghost apps" are apps that are disguised as innocent apps--such as calculators--but are actually secret photo storage vaults. Examples of these apps include Private Photo Vault, Secret Calculator Folder Free, Calculator%, Photo Vault & Video Lock Safe, Hide It Pro, and Vaulty. The app may look like this:
To keep kids safe from storing and sharing inappropriate images via these apps, be sure to: -
Have conversations with your child about the importance of appropriate online behavior
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Use parental controls so you can view what is being downloaded on your child's device
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Look for redundant apps (i.e. two apps that look like a calculator)
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Check apps that have access to a the camera on your child's device
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Take these steps to turn on Android phone/tablet restrictions
The District takes the following precautions regarding app safety on school devices:
- District provided iPads are filtered through an Internet Content Filter at school and at home
- Students are instructed not to download apps without a teacher's approval
- Content restrictions are set to "Don't Allow" for movies and TV shows
- All approved apps must be rated "4+" for students in grades Kindergarten through sixth and "12+" for Carleton Washburne School students
Some of these tips were adapted from ParentToolKit.com.
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Important Dates
Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 17
7:15 p.m.
The Skokie School
Thanksgiving Break November 25-29, 2015
Kindergarten Registration Friday, December 4 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Crow Island School, Greeley School & Hubbard Woods School
Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 15
7:15 p.m.
The Skokie School
Winter Break December 21-January 3, 2016
No School Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 18, 2016
No School Institute Day January 19, 2016
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Wishing you and your loved ones a lovely holiday!
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District 36...
Carleton Washburne School students collaborate on a social studies project
The Hubbard Woods School community gathered to dedicate
"Aunt Ruth's Garden"
Students conducted "Don't Worry, Be Appy" sessions to teach tech tips to teachers & administrators during this month's
Institute Day
A Crow Island School student participates in the annual "Spooky Gym" tradition
Teachers at The Skokie School dressed as "Waldo" for Halloween
Students at Greeley School gathered for the annual Halloween "Ghost Dance"
Administrators toured the District's pilot STEAM spaces this fall, including the L(ab)@Washburne
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The Trex Plastic Bag Challenge, facilitated by The Green Team, will kick off on America Recycles Day on November 15, 2015.
Look for bins to recycle plastic bags at District schools.Winners will be announced on Earth Day on April 22, 2016.
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