We are PROUD to officially announce West Oak Middle School has been designated as a 2022 Illinois Horizon School to Watch! We will be honored at the annual National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer. As an Illinois Horizon School to Watch, West Oak Middle School will be part of a network of over 400 schools throughout the United States who have attained this prestigious status.
As we continue celebrating Black History Month, our very own West Oak Middle School Black Student Union and Mundelein High School Black Student Union joined forces to speak with our middle school students. The student panel shared about BHM, representation, the importance of mentorship and service within the community,. The panel also opened the floor for questions from students to their BSU peers. It sparked great conversation and showcased the student leadership qualities from all who were a part of this amazing experience. Check our their presentation by clicking here.
Teaching and Learning
D76 prioritizes social-emotion and physical well-being for both our students and our staff. While our students experience a host of learning lessons related to well-being through our regular curricula and our physical education curriculum, our teachers will be offered similar opportunities during our March Wellness Institute. On March 18th, during our Teacher Institute Day a portion of the day will be set aside to focus on healthy dietary choices as well as the benefits of mindfulness and physical activity. These activities are aligned to our district goals and priorities of creating a safe and healthy and social emotional teaching and learning environment.
Facilities
D76 is currently planning for Summer 2022 renovation projects. Projects will focus on school safety, professional development, and beautification. At Diamond Lake School the small gymnasium will be renovated to transform it into a multipurpose/professional development space, the playground will receive new benches and additional fencing, and the parking lot will be re-striped. At West Oak Campus the boiler plant will be replaced with new energy efficient options, the playground and sports field will receive new benches and fencing. All projects are expected to be completed prior to students returning for the 2022-23 school year.
Finance
The district has worked diligently over the last several years to remain fiscally responsible and spend appropriately. Since 2012, the district has more than doubled its Fund Balance vs. Expenditure which means our reserves are at a comfortable level to better prepare for unforeseen events that may occur with new legislation or obstacles that might arise.
Instructional Technology & Communications
With the tremendous variety of apps involving student data, there is an overarching district responsibility of knowing, understanding and compliance of Federal and State laws surrounding student data privacy and protection. Our Student Data Privacy web page is dedicated to transparently inform our stakeholders and illustrate our compliance with the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA). When viewing our Student Data Privacy webpage families have access to the following information including data privacy laws explained and approved apps for students at District 76.
STUDENT services
This month the Student Services department presented a Parent University of “Understanding the Difference Between 504s and IEPs”. This presentation focused on what services and supports a 504 plan and an IEP can provide our students. The Parent University was recorded and can be reviewed on our D76 website. Our next Parent University will be on March 16th and will focus on tools and strategies to help support the social emotional needs of your children.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Tuesday, 3.1 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
- Monday, 3.7 - Late Start for Students
- Wednesday, 3.9 - Kindergarten Parent Orientation, DLS, 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, 3.13 - Daylight Savings Time Begins - turn clocks ahead one hour
- Tuesday, 3.15 - PTO Meeting, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, 3.15 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
- Thursday, 3.17 - Early Dismissal for Students, Parent Teacher Conferences PM
- Friday, 3.18 - Teacher Institute Day -No School for Students
- Monday-Friday 3.21-25 - Spring Break - No School for Students or Staff
