As the Educational Service Department has been further reviewing 10 tenet evidence, we have been so impressed with the level of reflection and the depth of connections made among the tenets and practice. We wanted to share an example of exemplary evidence collected. Kim Nelson submitted a portfolio of examples by tenet but then also shared a great student video. In the video the child took time to show their own growth mindset in recorder playing, the ability to give self-feedback and predict the feedback from the teacher, focused on their own customized path in learning the notes, and showed proficiency for the notes and expectations shared. This student video was one video that covered multiple (in fact might be all) the tenets. It only could have happened truly if the routines, expectations, and structures were already in place in the learning environment. Remember to not overthink the evidence process and consider samples of student work, videos and observations. Please let Educational Services know any questions that you have.
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Making Handwriting Visible
As we transition to a refreshed word study process, we want to remind all staff that the Fundations and Jolly Phonics letter formation posters should be visible in your classroom all day, not just during the word study portion. Please be sure that all students can see the letter formation that matches our word study program. While it is okay to also have the alphabet posted as a decoration, be sure that the students know the proper formation. It could also be posted on the student desks. If you have any questions at all please contact Sarah Mumm in Educational Service Department.
K-5 Student Friendly Examples
In order to begin to share the great work of our staff creating possible student friendly language PBP tables, we have created a folder for all to share ideas and templates in the district shared K-5 PBP Tables folder. You will find a folder labeled "K-5 Student Friendly PBP Tables". In this folder you can post a view only sample or template that you have created. In order to keep the formal Teacher PBP tables for the grade level, please do not post student friendly ones in the official file.
Congrats to One of Our Own!
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is pleased to announce Javier Martinez, a Marine Corps veteran and high school history teacher at Kaneland High School in Maple Park, Illinois, has been selected to receive its 2023 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the high school level.
Martinez, a native of Elburn, Illinois, and sponsored by VFW Post 5819 in Lemont, Illinois, was chosen for the passion and innovation he brings to his classroom, his efforts toward the development and enrichment of his student’s character, and for his dedication to bringing history to life.
A 10-year veteran of the Marine Corps, Martinez’s military service provides valuable insight when teaching his students the fundamentals of our democracy, the significance of our nation’s history, and the role their civic responsibility plays in the success and future of our nation.
“Teachers are the foundation of a free and just society, and teachers like Javier play a vital role in helping shape today’s youth into the strong and passionate leaders our country needs in the decades to come,” said VFW National Commander Tim Borland. “The VFW is proud to recognize these teachers, and those like them across our nation who help promote the importance of patriotism and civic responsibility.”
Co-sponsored by past VFW National Commander John Smart and retired VFW Quartermaster General Larry Maher, the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award was established in 1999 to recognize three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students.
Each of the three national recipients will be presented with a $1,000 award for professional development and $1,000 for their school during the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, July 22-27, 2023.
Word Study Correlation Charts
During the word study review, the teams have been working on word study correlation charts. Please use these as a reference during the implementation next year.