Back to School 2023-24!
From the Desk of Larry D. Maynard, Superintendent
SCHOOL BOARD'S CORNER
Your Elected School Board Members:
- Randy Smith, President
- Brenda Ludwig, Vice President
- Erik Plotner, Secretary
- Bob Linn, Board Member
- Hanea Hicks, Board Member
- Mark Janesky, Board Member
- Clay Woodard, Board Member
August Synopsis
- Approved the Farnsworth Group as the district’s architecture firm for Health Life Safety and other projects.
- Approved the purchase of approximately 64.63 acres of land (Legal Description of Real Estate) Parcel Numbers; 21-24-300-005, 21-24-300-011, 21-24-400-002, 21-24-400-014, and 21-24-400-017 for the cost of seven hundred and seventy-five thousand, five hundred and sixty and 00/100 dollars (775,560.00) as presented. The purpose of the land is for the future growth of the school district’s facilities and will be paid for through a fund transfer. Purchase is contingent upon the architectural survey of the land for future construction projects.
- Approved the purchase of the High School Soccer Scoreboard and installation for approximately $13,000.00
- Discussion on revision of the high school extracurricular policy to align with the Illinois High School Association requirements and eliminate the "No Pass No Play" policy in order to enhance participation in after school programs. Policy revision expected to be presented at the September board meeting.
- Discussion on revision of the high school Dual Credit Policy and partnership with Danville Area Community College and to pay for the tuition for students who meet the requirements. Students and families will be financially responsible for books, materials, and other fees. Policy revision expected to be presented at the September board meeting.
School Board Mission:
To provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by practicing data-informed stewardship of resources and policy development, all done in partnership with educators, families, and stakeholders. (ISBE)
School Board Focus:
To establish the vision and goals for the public schools in their district, and they set standards for the performance of schools and superintendent. Elected by people in their community to represent their values, views, and desires for the public schools in their district.
Next School Board Regular Meeting: Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 5:15 p.m. for the Public Hearing of the Budget. The Regular Meeting will be at 5:30 p.m.
Unit Office Conference Room, 12190 US Rt. 150, Oakwood, IL 61858
For more information go to our district homepage : www.oakwood76.org
SUPERINTENDENT'S CORNER
Larry Maynard, Ed.S.
As Superintendent, it is my passion to effectively and efficiently utilize our available resources to maximize student achievement. I also want to provide employees with resources for development resulting in continuous school district improvement. It is an honor and a privilege to serve our students, staff, and community with a focus on the whole child as we are determined to do what's in the best interest of our students. Below are the five correlations for continuous school improvement.
- Safe and Secure (Orderly & Caring) Environment
- High Expectations for all students.
- Literacy & Acquisition of Basic Skills (Read, Write, Math, Listen, Think, Speak)
- Strong Instructional Leadership
- Student Academic and Behavioral Social Emotional Progress Monitoring
Our school year is off to a great start with a lot of excitement and momentum from our staff and the unification of our grade school PK-8. Our students have been busy with learning in the classroom as well as character development through our extracurricular activities. Thank you to all staff as well as all parents and guardians for moving us forward together in a great start to our school year.
We want to be relentless in telling the Oakwood CUSD #76 story about the value and impact of
education for our students and their learning!
CURRICULUM COORDINATOR'S CORNER
Michelle Kimbro, M.S. Ed. ~ Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment
Oakwood Teachers have been busy over the summer working together on curriculum, attending
professional development opportunities in classroom management, and training for implementation of our new math curriculum.
The biggest change will be switching from Go Math to Big Ideas Math. The curriculum adoption will be in grades K-7. Next school year (2024-25) we will adopt Big ideas Math in 8th grade, and the year after (2025-26) we will add Algebra 1. One of the reasons the math committee wanted to make the switch is because of the abundance of resources for teachers, students, and parents. These resources will come in handy when a student is at home working on homework and needs extra support.
Another big change in our buildings is the number of new teachers that bring a wealth of experience and add great ideas to the mix. We are supporting these new teachers with veteran teachers that are serving as their mentors. I am so excited to see what great things they will bring to our district.
PARENTS' CORNER
Dear Parents,
Our desire is to come along side and support you in the educational process of your child. Studies reveal that parental involvement significantly improves a student's school performance. Below are some helpful tips to guide us together.
- Insist on daily attendance, unless ill with a fever or nausea.
- Make sure your child has the recommended school supplies.
- Talk to your child about what's happening at school.
- Make sure that your child gets at least 9 hours of sleep.
- Make sure that your child stays hydrated with plenty of water each day.
- Make sure that your child is eating breakfast. It's a great start to the learning day.
- Monitor homework.
- Be supportive.
- Stay informed.
- If you have any concerns during the school year about your child's progress, contact your child's teacher.
SCHOOL CAMPUS SAFETY & RESOURCES
School & Campus Safety:
- Secured a new full time Student Resource Officer: Troy Hogren.
- Schoolguard911 app for staff has been implemented. Here is the link: www.schoolguard.com
- Threat Assessment Team Training for the district and buildings plans have been updated.
- District Administration Annual Review of Safety Plans, Protocols, and Procedures with emergency response professionals completed.
- ISBE created a new SEL Crisis line of 988.
- Kidaccount dismissal system for the OGS students.
OAKWOOD GRADE SCHOOL~ ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL
OUR MISSION...
"A Whole Community Investing In The Whole Child."
OUR VISION...
"To be the school district of choice that engages, inspires, and values the whole student."
OUR CORE VALUES...
Achieves knowledge through innovative learning.
Acts with integrity towards all in an honest and ethical manner.
Models respect in our everyday relationships with each other.
Sets high expectations for academic success and provides students with the skills to achieve career and college readiness.
Values teamwork and collaboration between school and community; staff and students; and all stakeholders.
Enriches the community through a unified district.
OAKWOOD SCHOOLS CONTACT INFORMATION
Principals
- Erin Smith, OHS Principal ~ smithe@oakwood76.org
- Zach Steele, OHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director ~ steelez@oakwood76.org
- Nicole Lapenas, OGS Principal PK-8 ~ lapenasn@oakwood76.org
- Lisa Acton, OGS Assistant Principal PK-8 ~ actonl@oakwood76.org
- Nicole Johnson, OGS Assistant Principal /Athletic Director 5-8 ~ johnsonn@oakwood76.org
Oakwood Community Unit School District #76
217-446-6081 (Office), maynardl@oakwood76.org (Email)
12190 U.S. Rt. 150, Oakwood, IL 61858
Every Student, Every Day, All Day, All In!