CCSD15 Staff Newsletter
February 13, 2020
A message from Superintendent Laurie Heinz
Dear Staff:
I want to take a moment to celebrate our staff and all of the ways we came together as a team to support each other through a very difficult time last week.
The death of a student is tragic, shocking and absolutely heartbreaking. The loss of Daniel was one of the saddest days of my career and I’m certain so many of you shared the same emotions.
Despite the tragic circumstances, our utterly amazing staff banned together to support one another through a terribly difficult week. I’m simply in awe of the contributions our staff made to support students, parents, staff and especially the family of Daniel Saychuk. I am very proud of our staff for your compassion, concern and professionalism during this very difficult time. Thank you doesn’t begin to express my appreciation. #proudtobe15
Summer Construction Projects Approved
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board approved some very exciting (borderline amazing) summer construction projects!
As you may know, the Board has made a commitment to improve safety and security in our schools by creating secure vestibules at every building. At some of our schools, visitors gain access to the school’s main hallway upon being buzzed into the front door. Secure vestibules ensure visitors must first pass through the office before gaining access to the rest of the building. Last summer, the secure vestibule construction was completed at five buildings, and the Board committed to completing the remaining six buildings in the summer of 2020.
The Board approved the construction bid for the remaining school vestibules last night, with some exciting additions. While the vestibule construction is taking place, crews will also work to expand the very crowded main offices at Marion Jordan, Central Road and Walter Sundling. The expansion will allow for more functional office space, conference rooms for meetings, increased space for our nurses, and, in some cases, additional classrooms. If you are interested in learning more, information on the construction bids is available to review on the Board of Education website.
As we approach Valentine’s Day, I feel compelled to share how much I love being back in D15. We have so many exciting initiatives underway. I appreciate your investment and enthusiasm for the direction we are heading. I hope you have a wonderful long weekend and look forward to connecting with you again soon.
Warmly,
Laurie
Fountas & Pinnell Professional Development
Fountas and Pinnell Classroom professional development has been in full swing in our primary classrooms and is now in place in intermediate classrooms as well.
Junior High ELA Committees will be formed and the first meeting will occur prior to spring break. If you are a Junior High ELA teacher and are interested in being on the committee, please contact your building principal.
New and current cadre’s implementing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching will begin the next round of ‘in classroom’ professional coaching in the weeks leading up to spring break.
Get Fit and Save in February!
The holidays have come and gone. If you’re looking to get back in shape, now is a good time to join the fitness program offered to all Blue Cross Blue Shield members. The fee (a value of $25) will be waived for eligible new members who sign up between Feb. 1- 29, 2020.
The fitness program offers flexibility, convenience and ease for just one low monthly fee. You have access to a nationwide network of more than 10,000 participating facilities so you can work out whether traveling, at home or at work.
To get the waived fee, use the coupon code fit4feb when you enroll. To enroll, log in to Blue Access for Members (BAM) and click on Fitness Program in the Quick Links menu.
You can sign up, search for participating fitness program locations or learn more about the program. When you’re ready to sign up, click Enroll Now. Remember to enter the coupon code fit4feb when you check out to save $25.
D15 Standout Staff: Stacey Schilke
Stacey is a Bilingual Resource Teacher at Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School and was nominated by Melissa Hoeft.
"Stacey continually goes above and beyond for her students as well as her colleagues. This year, a new student joined my class who had some intensive literacy needs. Stacey went above and beyond by taking the initiative to not only help with one-on-one instruction of this child, but also in helping me navigate the new ELLevation websites and referral forms. She has also provided wonderful ideas on how to incorporate CLR strategies into our lessons. Stacey is a true asset to our school and district. She is the definition of incredible." —Melissa Hoeft
Congratulations, Stacey!
Multi-Tiered System of Support Process
In alignment with our district strategic plan, the district has been re-evaluating its current multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) process. MTSS is a layered continuum of academic and behavioral support that meets all learners’ needs. A robust approach to MTSS emphasizes the principle that all students can learn when:
All teachers differentiate instruction to enhance learning within a research-based core curriculum.
Early access to a multi-tiered system of research-based interventions is provided.
A problem-solving approach that depends on the use of reliable data and the progress monitoring of learners to assess the effects of interventions is used.
To align with these values, a district committee is working towards a comprehensive approach on how our district meets learners where they are and supports teachers in the process. The committee is excited to begin sharing some of it’s work before the year is complete. Stay tuned for more information!
Math Professional Learning
Session two of math professional learning is in full swing! This year’s math professional learning sessions have focused on the dimensions of powerful classrooms outlined in the Teaching for Robust Understanding Framework (TRU). The TRU Framework highlights the attributes of equitable and robust learning environment across all content areas.
Math session two focuses on responsive instruction that builds student agency. The usage of scaffolds and differentiation techniques have also been a highlight of the training, and a source of meaningful conversations among teachers.
Look for invites for session three! We will have collaboration across grade levels to further our collective efficacy as educators.
Morgan Delack
Email: delackm@ccsd15.net
Website: www.ccsd15.net
Location: 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL, USA
Phone: 847-963-3204
Facebook: facebook.com/CCSD15
Twitter: @D15Schools