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@D114Stanton
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Kudos to Sami Harshaw for having each member of the Kindergarten team take the Strengths Finder test so we could work cohesively and see what each persons strengths are! It has made me view each person in such a positive light and recognize what we each uniquely bring to the table. You rock!
-From Samantha Rusciolelli
Kudos to Jeff for meeting the police on Elm Street to move cars that were parked in a restricted area. Jeff had the problem resolved before our bus arrived. This allowed us to stay on time on our route and get the kids to school on time and safely!
-From The Bus Drivers!
Kudos to Jill Glauser, Kathy Lamberty and Linda Rasmussen for making these amazing visual supports for our snack time in the ECSE and blended programs. The kids are already verbalizing so much more! You guys are the best!-From Abbey Vraney
When you have a kudo to share for someone, please just email me and I'll include it here! The goal is to create system celebrations--so your input is truly welcome!
News from the Business Office
Lotus Color Copier
Thanks for the feedback on the color copier, everyone! While it seemed like a good idea to put it in the conference room, it's becoming clear that this move is creating a real issue for our staff. So, Maureen has kindly agreed to put the copier in her office, as her door is almost never closed and this will allow staff to get their copies ASAP.
Thanks for your patience, and thanks for sharing your frustration. While I don't want anyone frustrated, I always want to try to solve any problems that are out there---so thanks for letting me know of the issue.
Thanks also to Mo for being such a team player!
Field Trips
Please note that all field trips must be requested at least two weeks in advance of our monthly transportation meetings. This allows us to schedule and plan for trips---not an easy task with our few buses/vans and all the routes we run!
To be on the safe side, I'd suggest making sure that any field trip request is turned in on the 10th of the month before the trip. So, if you want to take a trip in NOVEMBER, I'd suggest that you turn in the form by October 10. Thanks so much for all the advance planning--this allows us to support your efforts and make sure we're all organized!
Professional Development
Thanks to everyone who has filled out the needs assessments. The survey is still open, so click the link below to share your input. You can trust that we'll use it in planning!
Please also note that we continue to support and encourage attending workshops to build your skill set. In fact, I've sent out a couple to people already that I'd like them to attend! If you have a conference you want to attend, please complete the form and attach the registration details. We'll either provide a purchase order or a check so that you do not have to pay costs out of pocket. I'll be reviewing all requests, so feel free to contact me with any questions or for additional information.
Stipend Ideas???
Great news! As a result of some programming/support changes, we now have a few stipend positions that have been budgeted for but now can be filled with a new offering. Please contact me or Melissa Williams if you have an idea for a new club/extracurricular offering!!!!
FACILITIES UPDATES
The Spiceworks link was acting a little wonky (technical term..LOL!) last week. It seems to be up and running again, so please use it for submitting your maintenance requests!
Keep watching for technology updates and news you can use!
Education Association of Fox Lake News and Updates
Last Wednesday, members of the executive board had the opportunity to meet with Heather to collaborate on ways we can continue to work together to make District 114 the best it can be. We are thankful to have this time together to share and listen to ideas, and plan for positive growth.
On Wednesday, September 20th we will be meeting as an entire association for our 1st semester articulation. The meeting will be in the Stanton cafeteria at 1:45 p.m. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
We are looking for committee volunteers! If you are looking to serve the district and let your voice be heard in an area that interests you, consider joining a committee. Committees are a great way to help make positive changes for our students and staff. Some of the committees include the evaluation committee, professional mentor committee, insurance committee, strategic planning committee, and wellness committee. We will touch on committee membership more at articulation on Wednesday, but if you would ever like more information, or to volunteer, please touch base with Melissa Williams.
Upcoming IEA Events:
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Presentation on 10/2/17 from 5-6:30 (https://
- Resilience: The Biology of Stress and The Science of Hope documentary viewing and panel discussion on 10/4/17 from 4:30-7:00 (htt
Melissa Williams, President
Maureen DeVoss, Vice President for Certified Staff
Chris Brown, Vice President for Non-Certified Staff
Katy Gardner, Treasurer
Betty Cwiak, Secretary
Barb Brown, Region Representative
Matt Shannon, Stanton School Representative
Tiffany Tardio, Lotus School Representative
Questions for thought as you read...
What are you seeing us plan for differently this year?
How can we continue to improve?
How has professional learning already impacted your practice this year?
Have you indicated areas where you want to grow in the needs assessment survey (click to access)?
October 26, 2016
Collective Inquiry and Building Shared Knowledge
One of the factors that makes the PLC at Work model unique is the emphasis on building shared knowledge and building the professional capacity of practitioners. The traditional school model featured individual development, and the PLC model supports collective development. In fact, one of the key principles of the model is that learning for educators is the key to improving student learning (DuFour, DuFour et al. 2016). One of the most important responsibilities of a school leader is to invest in the capacity of those who influence student learning. In the PLC process, we call this activity Collective Inquiry.
A central theme in my literature has been that “if people don’t know better, they can’t do better.” In the book, The Will to Lead, The Skill to Teach, I emphasize that the essence of leadership is the ability to use leadership influence to improve professional practice and productivity (Hollie and Muhammad 2011). Leadership is a balance of support and accountability. Effective leaders recognize that accountability is only ethical and useful if a leader first provides his/her subordinates with all that they need to have a reasonable chance to be successful. One critical need of a professional is access to powerful and relevant learning opportunities.
In my experience as both a school leader and consultant, I have observed several different effective methods to address this critical need without adding an additional time-consuming obligation for teachers.
1) Integrate a short article for a team to review and discuss during collaborative time after reviewing data on a learning standard for which all of the team members struggled to generate desirable outcomes.
2) Use aggregate student achievement data to design a professional development plan based upon evidence of student gaps in learning essential standards.
3) Arrange for a group of teachers to observe another teacher who has been highly successful at moving large numbers of students to mastery on a particular standard or topic.
4) Use technology to allow a teacher access to a video or live stream of another teacher teaching an essential standard for which he/she is trying to improve pedagogy and student results.
5) Gather a team and visit a school that has created a system or strategy that your staff has been trying to address, but has been unsuccessful in doing so.
In a world that is growing more interconnected and competitive every day, it is more critical than ever that we ensure that our children have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to have a fighting chance to thrive in this environment. This reality means that consistent, job-embedded professional development for educators is not a luxury, it is a necessity. School leaders must have the courage to break down the walls of isolation, not just in professional practice, but also in professional learning. If we learn together, we grow together. A school can’t be a Professional Learning Community (PLC) without professional learning.
September 19--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus, 7PM
September 20--EAFL Articulation Meeting during Early Release
September 23--TRIVIA NIGHT! We only have 3 seats left! HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!
September 29--D114 Day of Service
I was talking with a friend last week about all the plates life has me spinning right now, and she sent me this...
It was awesome, and reminded me of why she's my friend...and how much we all need each other. So, know that I hope you're learning that, if you hang out with me...you'll believe you can do anything, too!
Let's make this week amazing! Thanks for all you do!
Heather
