Whiteley Wildcat Update
December 20, 2019
Can you believe that this is the last day before break? It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2019. I hope this year has been wonderful for you and that you are able to reflect on many happy moments with your family. As a family, a few days before the end of the year, we pull out things we wrote down in our blessing jar to remember how fortunate we are. It amazes me and reminds me to always be thankful. May you enjoy these next two weeks with your family and may 2020 be the best year ever!
5 Essentials Survey
Last month we sent out a letter to our families in regards to our 5 Essentials survey. This survey allows us to collaborate with our families and provides an opportunity for parents to provide feedback. This survey is extremely important as it becomes part of our school report card that is issued by the state. Please take a moment to take the 5 Essentials survey. You can access the survey at https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/. Thank you for taking time to complete the survey.
Learning New Languages in D15
Anyone who’s ever heard a baby learning to say “da-da” or “ma-ma” knows the power and joy of learning how to communicate, connect with the world and acquire knowledge. That’s why language development -- learning how to listen, speak, read and write -- is fundamental to all academic learning.
But learning a second language is different than learning a first language, because it typically requires continuous guidance and instruction. In District 15, we are fortunate to have a robust second language program with a variety of options to meet the needs of our 3,366 English learners -- in fact, the 13th largest program in Illinois! In addition, D15 also offers our native English-speaking students the opportunity to learn a second language at the junior high level.
Choosing the right program for every child
D15 has eight different models for teaching English as a second language across grades K-8. For example, one of our many programs is what’s referred to as a “one-way dual language” model. This program best serves students in grades K-2 who already have a high levels of proficiency in Spanish (and qualify for ESL services). Students in these classes receive part of their instruction in Spanish and part in English, allowing them to access the curriculum and not fall behind in their academics as they learn English.
Our newest program is a “two-way dual language” program beginning in Kindergarten, which brings together students who are native English speakers (with little to no Spanish proficiency) and native Spanish speakers (with little to no English proficiency) to learn and experience instruction in both English and Spanish. The goal is for these students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural before they enter junior high. We’ll be hosting an informational night on February 20 at Winston Campus Elementary for families of students entering kindergarten in the 2020-21 school year. Read more here and please join us if you’re interested!
Our students speak more than 80 different languages
D15 students and their families come to us from around the world, and are fluent in more than 80 different languages -- after English and Spanish, our top four are Polish, Japanese, Telugu (spoken primarily in southeastern India), and Korean. For these students, D15 offers a “transitional program” of instruction. Our ESL-endorsed teachers co-teach with general education teachers and/or meet in small groups with students. They design instruction that helps students develop proficiency in English and access their grade level content.
Junior High second language electives
At the junior high level, D15 students may elect to take foreign language classes in Spanish or French, which include a rich balance of culture and language. The courses prepare students to continue their studies in high school.
Our diversity is an asset
In District 15, our diversity is a tremendous asset that we wholeheartedly embrace. It brings valuable and enriching opportunities to our classrooms and truly contributes to the mission of District 15 to produce world-class learners by building a connected learning community. For more information about the eight different program models in our second language program, please see our webpage and view this new, 3-minute video about our program.
Spelling Bee Winner
We are so proud of our school spelling bee winner, Avyay. He will be heading to do district spelling bee competition on January 31st!
Upcoming Events
December 23rd-January 6th-Winter Break
January 7th-School Resumes
January 10th-Spirit Day-Decades Day-Dress in your favorite decades
January 15th-PTA Meeting @ 7:00
January 20th-No School-Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observed
January 21st-No School-Teacher Institute Day
January 23rd-Beginning Band Concert @ 7:00
January 31st- PTA Multi-Cultural Fest @ 5:30