D303 Insider Newsletter
December 9, 2021
Upcoming Events
School Board and Committee Meetings
- 12/13, 7:00 PM: Regular School Board
- 12/16, 5:30 PM: Business Services Committee
- 12/20, 5:30 PM: Learning & Teaching Committee
- 1/10, 7:00 PM: Regular School Board
- 1/13, 6:00 PM: Citizen Advisory Committee - Exec
- 1/18, 5:30 PM: Learning & Teaching Committee
- 12/17: End of 2nd Quarter for Middle and High Schools
- 12/17: Last Day of School in 2021
- 12/20 - 12/31: Winter Break, Non-Attendance Days
- 12/23 - 12/24: Winter Break, Offices Closed
- 12/30 - 12/31: Winter Break, Offices Closed
- 1/3: School Improvement Day, Non-Attendance
- 1/4: School Resumes
- 1/12: High School Early Release Day
- 1/17: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Offices Closed
- 1/18: School Improvement Day, Non-Attendance
Thursday Thoughts from the Superintendent
Wondering...
I am one who loves the holiday season. As I reflect on this time of the year, I have come to realize that the reason this season is so meaningful is that it has historically sparked a sense of anticipation, expectation, hope, and WONDER.
As educators, we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with students every day. The learning process sparks similar emotions as we discover, explore, design, imagine, and create. We have all experienced that moment when a student has a personal “aha” that provides connection, meaning, purpose, or drives them to WONDER.
During this time of year, whether it be through family traditions, holiday events, festive decorations, the peaceful quiet of gently falling snow, or classroom energy created by learning, my hope is that you too will take time to reflect. As you think about all that has happened this year, please take a moment to look around, reflect on the things that make the holiday seasons and traditions special for you, and rediscover your WONDER.
John Baird
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Benefits
2022 Benefits Deductions on December 15 Paycheck
Communications Corner
Voices of D303 Podcast
Have an idea for an episode? Let us know by completing this form!
Share Your Story!
Learning & Teaching
As Dr. Pearson has engaged in Coffee with the Superintendent across all the district, he has consistently heard that you need more information about the Learning and Teaching (L&T) Department. In response to the feedback, we have designed a document that outlines the structure of L&T and includes each person’s responsibilities. We hope putting a face to a name and including roles and responsibilities into one document makes getting the information you need easier.
- Dr. Christine Igoe
Click this link to view and download:
Department of Learning and Teaching Roles and Responsibilities Document
Resources
St. Charles Education Foundation Grant Applications due by 1/21
- Grant proposal summary
- Grant proposal application (3 page limit)
- Grant Applicant Terms of Agreement Signature Form
- Leadership Authorization Form (awaiting signature from Leadership)
Grant applications are due by January 21, 2022. If you have any questions, you can contact Fran Johnson at (630) 803-7917 or fjohnson303@msn.com
What are you doing for your own wellness? That is a question I regularly get from friends, family, and even co-workers. I know the drill – eat right, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. But it’s hard. The adage says put on your mask first before helping others put theirs on is still true. To effectively take care of those around us, we need to take care of ourselves.
So, how can we learn about wellness and manage it? I checked with SCN Wellness Teacher Julie Pheney, Benefits Coordinator Alexia Montavon, and the District’s representative from the American Heart Association for some ideas to share with you. There are an abundance of free websites and apps that can teach you to meditate, exercise, eat right, and get to sleep.
Some of the more popular Apps are:
Free nutrition tracking, $9.99/month for Premium membership
Set reasonable goals and monitor progress related to eating and exercise.
FREE
Provides quick exercises in a variety of categories from cardio to yoga
40% Educator Discount and free classroom resources
Includes meditation, music, and sleep stories to help you relax at bedtime
FREE
As always, staff members can reach out to the professionals who are part of the Employee Assistance Program. The number is 888.931.1327 and is open 24/7.
The link above includes more wellness resources from the EAP, updated monthly.
The American Heart Association provided me with some ways to get moving – even in the winter.
Winter break is a great time to relax, rejuvenate, and make a plan for how you will make your own wellness a priority in 2022.