River Forest  

  District 90  
Primer
April 2013    

Superintendent's Message
 
Roosevelt Exterior Plan Update       
 
Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff,

 

As you may be aware, District 90 has been working over the last 14 months on a proposed plan to improve the exterior site of Roosevelt Middle School. The main objectives for this plan were to address the functionality of the site, improve student safety, and make the campus easier to navigate for visitors and community members. A more minor aspect of the plan included landscaping related to the repair of areas that would be disrupted by the construction.

 

The plan was the result of much work by an ad hoc facility committee that included parents, District 90 administrators, and members of the Roosevelt faculty and staff. Over the last several weeks, the proposed project has become a significant focus within the River Forest community, and many different constituencies and individuals have shared their concerns about various aspects of the proposal. At the Committee of the Whole Meeting on March 7, the Board of Education elected to forgo initiating the project this summer in order to consider more stakeholder input and possible alternate solutions that might be employed in achieving the project's goals.

  

While opinions about the project have varied widely, several common themes have surfaced. These themes include the universal value that our community holds for the well-being of our children, the importance placed on responsible financial stewardship, and the continuing desire for open and effective communication. As we move forward in considering the merits of the proposed Roosevelt project in more detail, I see these themes representing the "common ground" on which we are fortunate to have so much agreement.

 

Please be assured that we will keep these shared values in the forefront while we further engage the community about this project in the coming months. It is our sincere hope that expanded dialogue might open new pathways to explore or yield alternate solutions to the project's objectives. At the very least, it should go a long way to further our mutual understanding about the relevant benefits and concerns.

 

Whether the comments expressed about the proposed Roosevelt project were favorable or unfavorable, we are grateful that so many families and residents were willing to engage on the subject and share their input. We will be looking forward to hearing more from the community as we solicit additional feedback in the months ahead. At any time, I hope you will feel comfortable contacting me directly at (708) 771-8282 or [email protected] with your thoughts, questions, or concerns.  

 

Lastly, we have created a page on the District website, where we will post updates and new information as it becomes available. As always, thank you for your support for our students and our schools.

 

Respectfully,

Supt Signature  

Edward Condon, Ph.D. 

Superintendent
Curriculum Spotlight
From Tech to STEM

Roosevelt Middle School is planning to replace its current "tech class" in 7th and 8th grades with a new STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). After extensive investigation, we chose a curriculum model called Gateway to Technology, from Project Lead the Way. This classroom-based exploratory is designed to engage student's natural curiosity and imagination.

The Gateway to Technology program, although not a prerequisite to current high school programming at Oak Park  River Forest High School, is linked directly to current curriculum agreements being implemented at OPRFHS. Gateway to Technology units are based on two required areas of concentration known as Design and Modeling, and Automation and Robotics. Each course is designed as a 9-week sequence in sync with the current length of exploratory courses offered at Roosevelt Middle School.

 

District 90 will provide the Design and Modeling course to 7th and 8th grade students during the 2013-2014 school year. It will replace the current Technology exploratory class. In 2014-2015, 7th grade students will have the Design and Modeling course while, 8th grade students will be enrolled in the Automation and Robotics course.

 

Our students are already learning to be technology-savvy, particularly with daily use of iPads. Through the STEM/PLTW exploratory class, they will be further engaged in using technology to problem-solve, collaborate, and learn in ways that are a better match with college readiness and career skills they are likely to require.  

 

Project Lead the Way supports designated District 90 teachers with intensive training, curriculum models, recommended materials, and ongoing technical support.

District News
Summer School and Roosevelt Readiness Coming Soon!

The Summer School brochure will be posted on the District 90 and school websites on April 5. Registration will begin on April 15.

Roosevelt Readiness will be part of Summer School this year.
You'll find some of your favorite classes from past years, as well as new offerings. Summer classes will be held at Willard and Roosevelt.
Online Registration

This spring, District 90 will be implementing a new online system for student registration. For the first time, families will be able to both register students and pay registration fees electronically.

It is anticipated that the use of the online system will be more convenient for families and more efficient for the District. We will be test-driving the new process with parent volunteers later this month, and intend to open the system for District-wide registration in mid-May. Please watch your email for more information about this initiative in the coming weeks!
Advanced Differentiated Learning Report and Parent Information Night

The Superintendent's Leadership Council (SLC) will be completing its written report to the Board of Education on Advanced Differentiated Learning (ADL) in April. It is anticipated that the SLC will be prepared to present their findings and suggestions for implementation at the May Committee of the Whole Meeting. Following Board consideration and discussion, a Parent Information Night is  planned for mid- to late May (date yet to be confirmed). Families will be invited to hear the committee's findings and learn more about suggested changes to ADL programming.
Students are Embracing Their iPads

A survey of 7th and 8th grade Roosevelt Middle School students who are using school-provided iPads for classwork found that they are using them every day for a variety of functions.

  

The vast majority keep their assignments on their iPads, as opposed to assignment books, and prefer the new technology for note taking as well.  About 93% of both 7th and 8th graders report using their iPads to share/present their work with peers via  classroom AppleTV.

Students report that using the iPads is more efficient. They like being able to type assignments in class and take them home on the iPad. They don't have to worry about having the same program on a home computer.  

 

The Board of Education has approved moving forward with a 6th grade iPad implementation plan for 2013-14. This will supplement the current iPad initiative that will remain in place for 7th and 8th grades. 

Recycling Extravaganza - May 4 

Mark your calendars for the District 90 Green4Good Committee's annual Recycling Extravaganza! New this year, they'll be accepting carpeting and florescent tubes. For more information, click here.
In This Issue
From Tech to STEM
Summer School and Roosevelt Readiness
Online Registration
ADL Report, Parent Night
iPad Update
Recycling Extravaganza
 
Important Dates

 

April 2

Committee of the Whole Meeting 

7 p.m.

Roosevelt School

 

April 15    

Superintendent's Open Office Hours 

District Office

5:30-6:30 p.m.

 

School Board Meeting

7:30 p.m.

Roosevelt School  

 

April 17

No Homework Day

In collaboration with River Forest Public Library 

  

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Mission
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