Tyler 360 Interface option

While we have pilot users looking at Canvas and will be making that platform available to all staff in the near future, Tyler SIS has also begun upgrading their platform to Tyler 360 and making new features available to users.

Tyler 360 is a graphical overhaul to the teacher experience for Tyler alongside some added functionality.  Over time, Tyler is working to gradually update the interface and functionality features for all users, but at this time the student/parent portal and the teacher interface are all that have had the 360 upgrade.

In order to use the 360 version of Tyler, you must select the "360 login" option at the sign-on screen.  Classic version will also remain available.

Tyler is creating several video tutorials for the 360 version:

If you are interested in trying out the 360 version of Tyler, please feel free to do so.  As questions arise and training from Tyler becomes available, we will look to share opportunities for staff to participate and will seek feedback on the tool.  For now, the majority of training will be found inside the Tyler system by using the help links.

We are committed to trying to find solutions that will support the work we are doing to personalize learning throughout the district.  We are appreciate of all the feedback we get regarding the tools at our disposal

Outdoor Ed Kudos!

A huge thank you to all 5th grade staff, Especially Nancy Palpant and the 3 Coordinators, for a flawless 5th grade Outdoor Ed experience.  It was such a wonderful day to see the Class of 2025 meeting for the first time and coming together!  A thank you to KHS Student Volunteers for being great role models and working with our students.  Once again, what a wonderful day!

Initial Canvas training follow-up

This week we were able to host about 25 teachers representing all grade levels for an initial review and training session for the Canvas LMS platform.  Initial responses were positive, so we are going to look to bring Canvas here again as soon as possible (potentially even over the summer) for additional training for those that are interested.  We will communicate as soon as possible all future training opportunities.

As soon as we have the capability to turn the Canvas system on for all staff, we will email login instructions to all staff so those that are interested can access Canvas.  Our goal is to also create a Canvas 101 course that users can access within the platform for instructions on how to use elements of Canvas.  Users could work through this at their own pace as they are interested.

We are excited to pilot this platform and hear more user feedback!

Congratulations to Denise Michels!

Kaneland School District is proud of all of our nominees for educator of the year, and we are especially proud to share that Denise Michels was recognized with the Kane County Student Support Personnel of the Year Award!  Congratulations, Denise!  Click here to read a bit more about the event and the educators involved!

EC-5 Behavior Team Meeting Update

This week the Behavior Team met to make final decisions for next year.  The following were decisions from the committee:

September PHH use each day for SEL lessons, setting school expectations, and learner profile reflection until cycle one starts (typically the 24th of Sept).  In the months of December, January, and May, Reading PHH will only be 4 days per week on those months and SEL will be the 5th day. All other months will be 5 days Reading PHH per week with SEL embedded in other content areas the rest of the day. Classroom teachers will be doing the lessons at this assigned times with lesson support from Social Work staff (i.e. resources will be shared in August, including themes and focus areas).  During the months of 4 day PHH, the school will choose the SEL day, avoiding Monday and Friday when possible. Exploratory staff will support classroom teachers during the SEL lessons that are held during PHH. Expectation walks will be embedded into this PHH September. Expectation walks in January will be implemented as needed and as structured by the school.

A revised calendar of lessons, including but not limited to: learner profile reflection, SEL Standards, Executive Functioning, and expectations will be provided and posted for all staff on August 20th. We are excited about the revised lessons and structures.

IXL for K-5 for Next Year

As you begin to plan for next year, we wanted to share an update on the licensing of IXL.  In order to reduce funding a bit to save for other licenses that schools have requested, we will have 350 seats per K-5 school for IXL.  Just a note for now in order to help you best plan next year. 

Staff Spotlight...in Hong Kong!

Fire Asia 2018 is an international triennial conference held at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Hong Kong.  This year’s theme is “Join Hands Towards a New Era of Safety”.  Gary Baum, the Fox Valley Career Center Fire Science instructor, was invited to present his research paper entitled “The Potential Reduction of Firefighter Exposure to Carbon-based Carcinogens in Structure Fires Through the Use of Class A Compressed Air Foam Systems.”  Gary’s paper won the Don Munn Outstanding Research Project Award from the U.S. Fire Administration's’ National Fire Academy.
Fire Asia flew Gary to Hong Kong and provided accommodations for him to attend the entire conference from May 7 – May 9, 2018.  Congratulations to Gary on this tremendous professional honor!

I-Ready Initial Training

First through Fifth grade teachers interested in learning more about the I-Ready system and getting an initial sneak peek at the assessment process and toolkit, save the date for August 14th at 10:00am.  Our Harter Staff will host a get to know your I-Ready session on that date for anyone interested in seeing more about the program.  Please come join the fun and explore this great new tool you will have access to next year.  RSVP to Sarah Mumm.  See you in August!

Staff Spotlight!

Kudos to Katie for being the monthly highlight in the MG Book Village article.  Check it out and get to know one of our own!  Katie you make us all Proud to be Knights!

https://mgbookvillage.org/2018/05/07/educator-spotlight-katie-reilley/

Council Positions Open...Apply Today!

We are excited to announce the following positions open on our advisory councils.  Please consider using the google form link to apply for next year.  Without your voice collaboration cannot happen.

Remember TAC is needing innovative thinkers who would like to explore possibilities for change and shifting practices, while TIC is needing logistic review teams that monitor the effectiveness of our current practices. 

The following seats are open:

TAC: 
3 exploratory positions
2 primary positions
3 intermediate positions

TIC: 
2 primary positions
4 intermediate positions
2 exploratory positions

Please use this link to apply today:  Council Application