District 70 Connections
Keeping you connected to Park View School!
From the Superintendent...
Dear District 70 community,
As we wrap up the first half of the 2020-21 school year, it is safe to say that this has been the strangest year of my entire career. However, this year has taught us many valuable lessons, including the power of resilience and hope. Over the past 9 months, I have had the opportunity to lead and watch our Park View community come together in a time of great uncertainty. Our collective efforts have allowed us to continue to provide a high-quality education for students, remain connected in new and virtual ways, and continue the important work of assuring the very best for every Park View Warrior.
As you read through this digital version of the District 70 Connections newsletter, I hope that you will find a moment to celebrate all that we have accomplished, reflect on our ability to weather any storm and feel a sense of pride in being part of this incredible community.
Our work hasn’t stopped and won’t stop here. As we look toward the future, our administration is working hard to close out this unique school year in a strong and connected way. Our goal is to ensure our students feel part of the community, celebrated for their achievements, and maintain hope that we will once again return to full-day, in-person learning.
Thank you for your continued support of our district and our students. I wish you and your family a joyous and healthy new year!
Be well,
Brad W. Voehringer, Ed. S.
Superintendent
A Reason to Celebrate!
ISBE Those Who Excel
Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored Those Who Excel to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in five categories: school administrator, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteer and teams. This year, we are proud to have two winners of Meritous Service:
- Principal, Matt Condon in the School Administrator Category
- Park View Physical Education Team in the Team Category
INSPRA Communications Awards
The Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) held its annual Communications Contest Awards on September 11, at which it recognized the top communications in the state. Professional school communicators from across the country judged the 133 submissions. Each entry was evaluated by three judges against a rubric of excellence, with awards given to those who scored within the established ranges for merit and excellence. District 70 is proud to announce three awards of merit in this year's Communications Contest:
- District 70 Connections Printed Newsletter
- Condon's Catch-Up Digital Newsletter
- This is Park View Video
P.E. Blue Ribbon
For the 6th time, the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance has awarded the Park View School P.E. department with the distinct honor of a Blue Ribbon.
Master Board Members
Two District 70 Board of Education members have earned the status of Master Board Members by the Illinois Association of School Boards. Congratulations to:
- Lori Eslick
- Wayne Youkhana
Once a warrior, Always a Warrior!
In a time where community and belonging are needed more than ever, we are proud to celebrate our staff members that have achieved milestone years of service! While we typically celebrate these milestones in person, we want to take some time to recognize the Warriors below that are dedicated and committed staff members in District 70.
15 Years of Service
- Nancy Chamnankit, Music Teacher
- Liz Frake, 2nd Grade Teacher
- Linda Kruk, Tech Specialist
- Jane Melnick, 1st Grade Teacher
20 Years of Service
- Julie Coyne, Enrichment Teacher
- Mindy Debes, Special Education Teacher
- Brian Hood, P.E. Teacher
- Pat Koob, Library Clerk
- Marika Mammas, Reading Specialist
- Alana McCloskey, District Data Manager
- Tracy Paskiewicz, 6th grade Social Studies Teacher
25 Years of Service
- Ivanka Emerson, ELL Aide
30 Years of Service
- Michelle Brodsky, Music Teacher
District 70's Credo
Highlighting Remote Learning
Mrs. Minelli: Art
Mrs. Minelli has taken to video production to keep her students engaged in their Art classes. While every video that Mrs. Minelli produces is amazing, we wanted to highlight a recent lesson on Pointillism. Click below to watch!
In 2nd grade, Ms. Kovacs has worked to build community in the classroom by celebrating a "Star of the Week". The star decorates a special poster and presents it to the class on Zoom. Students get to ask the star questions and give compliments. Later in the week, the star gets to choose a buddy to have virtual lunch with the teacher! Then their classmates each write a friendly letter which is put into a book for the Star Student to keep. This book is shared via Seesaw.
Additionally, students have shown success in participating in flipped learning experiences during remote learning. Ms. Kovacs records instructional videos for students to watch and rewatch as needed. From there, students complete practice and extension activities to follow up. Through this model of instruction, Ms. Kovacs is able to provide students with immediate feedback and assess their individual needs.
Another highlight of Ms. Kovacs' 2nd grade class is their work on digital reading responses. Response to text is an essential component of the primary reading experience. Responding to shared and interactive read alouds remotely has allowed students more choice in how they respond. Although a prompt is provided, students' creativity and individual preferences shine through as they complete their responses in various ways including print/illustrations, digital media, photography, etc.
Ms. Rice's 8th grade students have been enjoying dystopian books and topics. Together, all 43 remote students watched a Twilight Zone episode together and responded to critical thinking questions around why the story was dystopian.
Additionally, Ms. Rice has implemented virtual book club meetings. During the flexible afternoon time, students from different classes come together to meet and discuss their books via Zoom breakout rooms. This provides students the opportunity to have discussions with one another and socialize in a less formal classroom setting.
Ms. Rice has been intentional with her materials and decision-making as a teacher to limit the amount of time students are spending in front of their screens. Students spend time reading actual books as a break from their screen and they also spend time writing in paper notebooks.
Ms. Rice shared that she is "loving the ability to meet with small groups and individuals. No peer pressure on the student, just helpful conversations. Our situation may be called "remote," but it allows an intimacy that is difficult to duplicate in a classroom full of 8th graders!"
Morton Grove District 70
Maximize learning by challenging, guiding and inspiring individuals
Website: www.mgsd70.org
Location: 6200 Lake Street, Morton Grove, IL, USA
Facebook: facebook.com/MGSD70
Twitter: @mgsd70