Superintendent's Corner
Avoca School District 37 - January 30, 2023
In this issue...
MTSS Parent Night on February 1 at 6 p.m. (in person)
Black History is All the TimeLunar New Year 2023
Scholastic Art & Writing Recognition
Hour of Code: Family Edition on February 11 (volunteers needed)
MTSS Parent/Guardian Night on February 1st
Really in only its second year, MTSS is still growing. Designed to accurately assess the individual learning needs of each student and provide intervention, extension, or enrichment, MTSS is most often achieved through what you have heard called "Viking Time" twice a week.
On February 1st at 6 p.m. at Avoca West, our principals and staff will focus on the role that assessment plays in MTSS and answer any questions you have regarding how our work on this strategic objective is meeting the needs of students.
Black History is All the Time
Unfortunately, in some communities, the teaching of race and history in America has become an unnecessarily divisive issue. Frankly, race and history in America are largely inseparable and ignoring the connections is more harmful than good. From our country's founding to its development, to its tragedies and its triumphs, we should all have a full picture of what has happened and who has been involved or, in some cases, excluded. Without such learning, we are doomed to repeat mistakes or make bad decisions that will negatively affect our future.
And the teaching of Black History, of the role of Black people throughout history, is consistent with our values and vision as represented in our Portrait of a Graduate, specifically when we think of graduates who are Culturally Competent and Socially Grounded.
The teaching of any people's history should not be compartmentalized in a given month. Our teachers strive for inclusive learning - and research shows that such inclusion (around race, gender, ableness, language, ethnicity) leads to better experiences for students - whether in literature, writing, language, history, science, music, art, or more. So during the next month, there might be a greater emphasis placed on those experiences, tribulations, triumphs, and contributions of Black Americans. I encourage you to explore what you can learn about Black History, preferably with your student at home. Below are some websites that can help get the ball rolling:
National Museum of African American History & Culture - Digital Resource Guide
"Black History Month: Teaching the Complete History" by Coshandra Dillard
Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools
Lunar New Year 2023
January 22 marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the multi-day celebration that takes place in many East Asian countries and East Asian communities throughout the world.
Avoca prides itself on being a community whose mission includes that we "nurture diversity" and recognizing and celebrating our diversity is just one small part of how we do so.
Rich, festive, celebratory and a time for families to be together, the Lunar New Year is a signal event for billions of people around the world. You can learn the basics about it by clicking here.
Unfortunately, this year, we cannot forget that in California for racism and hatred made this celebration a target of violence. Even as we support our community members who celebrate the Lunar New Year, our prayers of healing go with them too.
Scholastic Art & Writing Recognition
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 and for nearly a century they have inspired bold and creative ideas in teens across the country. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize winning poets and globally recognized visual artists. You can learn more by clicking here.
Annually a number of Marie Murphy students work with our Art teacher Kelly Sabatini and our Creative Writing teacher, Daira Tramontin on submitting pieces to this prestigious event. And every year our students demonstrate how amazing they and our teachers are when the recognitions are announced.
Art Awards:
Zayaan Dadwani - Honorable Mention - Photography
Margaret Lietzau - Honorable Mention - Mixed Media
Honorable Mention - Mixed Media
Maddie Long - Honorable Mention - Mixed Media
Sofie Panovich - Silver Key - Drawing and Illustration
Honorable Mention - Drawing and Illustration
Anisha V - Silver Key - Painting
Writing Awards:
Hallie Horwich - Honorable Mention - Memoir
Honorable Mention - Poetry
Evan McCarson - Silver Key - Short Story
Sienna Michelson - Honorable Mention - Flash
Silver Key - Flash - Lemon Bars
And a great thanks to Ms. Sabatini and Ms. Tramontin for all of the hours they invested in working with our students to earn this recognition.
Hour of Code: Family Edition
Do you know your student wants to be into coding, but you don't know where to start?
Coding is everywhere and fun is a good place to start.
Come to Hour of Code: Family Edition at Avoca West on February 11th from 10 - 11 a.m. For students Grades 3 - 5 with their parent or guardian, have fun moving through multiple stations with coding and robots. (Donuts also might be there.)
Click on the image to the right to access the QR Code to register or email Kelli Lane at lanek@avoca37.org
Also, if you would be interested in volunteering, we are looking for adults to run a station or two. You would only need to show up at 9:30 and you would be out by 11! Again, email Kelli if you are interested.
Contact Us
Email: osburnk@avoca37.org
Website: www.avoca37.org
Location: 2921 Illinois Road, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-728-4128
Twitter: @OsburnSupt