In this 2017–2018 school year our learning community has come together with heartwarming sincerity to support those who grieve and to give to those who have lost their homes, schools, and possessions in natural disasters. The impact of students, faculty, and families collaborating with compassion for the well-being of others is powerful and significant and sends a resounding message to our children about what we value.
School District 96 also has values that guide our work with your children. Our values serve to sharpen our focus and hold us accountable as a Board of Education, faculty, and administrators to do what’s best for kids. Indeed, at our Board of Education conference this fall, our work together centered on KCSD96 values and their alignment with our goals and practice.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy my HOLIDAY MESSAGE VIDEO that not only highlights our District values but features many, many stars: our students, faculty, and staff district wide, as well as our Board of Education members. We work hard and we have fun together! Please take a look….
Winter Weather: What to Expect
We never know what’s in store for us when we anticipate Chicago winter weather! We do know, however, the practices we’ll follow as a school district if we should experience extreme cold or heavy snowfall.
Please read SCHOOL DAY OR SNOW DAY? for info on how and when I’d make a decision to close school due to inclement weather and how and when you can expect to be notified of that decision.
Parent Opportunities Ahead!
In District 96, we’re committed to giving parents of students of all ages opportunities to be involved. We know with certainty that a strong home/school connection is mutually beneficial.
Every year, we plan informational parent programs on topics that are interesting and relevant to parents. Plan ahead to attend the next one on Tues., Jan. 30, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Learning Center at Twin Groves Middle School. The topic is Understanding Personality & Character, presented by Dr. Michael Maniacci–a speaker popular with District parents for many years! What will you learn about on Jan. 30? (1) Why your parenting strategies need to differ to reflect each of your children’s personalities and (2) About character–the ethical component of personality.
Mark your calendar! We also look forward to presenting District parents with an opportunity to be informed on and better understand student assessment. Parents of students of all grade levels are invited to attend this program on Tues., Mar. 14, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Mat Room at Ivy Hall Elementary, 1072 Ivy Hall Ln., Buffalo Grove.
Also, I’m extremely proud of the work being done by our GCI (Guiding Coalition of Interculturalism) parent committee. Their purpose is to be a learning community that reflects and connects our District’s values of diversity and inclusion; that aligns parents, educators, and students in cultural and educational experiences; and that engages with a wide audience. They continue to be an important resource for our faculty and will have a significant role in our work together at an upcoming Institute Day in the spring. We’re excited about the continued potential for this group and plan for parent membership in GCI to grow in the 2018–19 school year. Watch Superintendent’s and Principal’s Messages for more info about that opportunity.
Likewise, our Parent Review Committee gives parent members the chance to facilitate conversations that deepen their understanding related to the “why” behind the work we do with District 96 students. At meetings teachers and academic coaches district wide discuss best practice to give parents a more detailed “behind-the-scenes” look and understanding of our students’ instruction. FIND MORE INFO on the purpose of our Parent Review Committee and terms of membership in this interesting and enlightening role for parents. If you’re interested in becoming involved, please send an email to your student’s principal.
Finally, our PTOs welcome all interested in getting involved, including those parents with limited time to volunteer. The elementary school years go by in a flash! Don’t miss this chance to participate in PTO-hosted family activities together.
In closing, I wish each of you relaxing and fun family time during our Winter Break and a new year of good health and learning and growth for your children. We look forward to welcoming your students back to school on Mon., Jan. 8, 2018!
Warm regards,
--Superintendent Julie Schmidt