Woodlawn Principals' Blog 1-18-13

Friday is here and we accomplished quite a bit this week.  6^th & 7^th graders completed MAP testing, while our 8^th graders did a great job on their Stevenson placement tests.  After speaking with the staff as a whole, each grade level was exceptionally pleased with the effort of their students. 

Even though our students have had moments of questionable decision-making, this group of Woodlawn students has been excellent.  On top the academic progress our students have made, we are working with parents to create good citizens.  I will be talking about Social-Emotional Learning often and I hope your students are getting the message in class.  Please check out our district website for more information. 

Foundation K.I.D.S. 2013 Student Grants

The District 96 Foundation is proud to sponsor the 2013 “K.I.D.S” Grants (Kids Initiating a Difference in Schools), a grant program for students in the district.  By offering small grants, “K.I.D.S.” provides a great opportunity for students to put their ideas into action to help fellow students; and ultimately make their classroom and school a better place to learn. 

This year, the Foundation is extending a challenge to middle school students to consider projects that enhance any after-school program or help improve how peers learn or study.

The maximum grant amount awarded is $300.  The deadline to complete your on-line application found at www.96foundation.org is Friday, February 1, 2013.   A “Prize-Patrol” will be out and about to surprise the winners by the end of February.

Kids, be creative!  Focus on your strengths and passions to drive your ideas and actions and see what a difference you can make!

A Q&A Opportunity for Parents of 8th Graders

Parents of 8th-grade students who will attend Stevenson High School next year are cordially invited to the 10th-annual District 96 Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network program, Simplifying Stevenson, at 7 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 4, in the Twin Groves Middle School Cafeteria, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove. This popular program for parents only (no students, please) is a Q&A opportunity with a panel of current Stevenson freshmen and seniors. Hear high school students share their perspectives on making the transition to high school, making summer school decisions, balancing the workload, and more. The program is free and no reservations are needed. Questions? Call the public info coordinator at 847.459.4260, ext. 7722.

Evolving Role Of Coaches

How does District 96 use coaches in the classroom to build our teachers' capacity to implement best practices and extend learning for our students? On Jan. 8, the District 96 Board of Education heard a presentation by Director of Professional Development Jeanne Spiller and District faculty on the EVOLVING ROLE OF COACHES and the positive difference that coaches are making.

From the D96 Foundation

• Who in District 96 is your child’s champion?

A call for Crystal Apple nominations

Do you know someone who exemplifies the best of District 96? Nominate him or her for 2013 Crystal Apple recognition–an honored tradition in District 96 since 1998! ONLINE NOMINATIONS are now open for submission through Feb. 8, 2013, at www.96foundation.org

Be sure to save the date for the Annual Recognition Dinner: March 15, 2013, at The Arboretum Club, 401 Half Day Rd., Buffalo Grove

From Nurse Fox

The School Nurse did an audit this week of 7th grade immunizations. Thirty-two letters went home today to 7th graders who will need to provide proof of one Tdap vaccination before fall of 2013. Please check with your student to see if they received a letter.  

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable weekend. 

Mr. G-