Teaching and Learning
This past month our students in grades 3-8 took the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). This assessment measures both growth and proficiency in literacy and math through a series of 5 or 6 tests. The results of the IAR are released as a significant part of the Illinois Report Card for each school in October. We are proud of how hard our students worked this month in order to show their growth, and we look forward to reviewing the results next fall.
On March 23rd we will hold our spring parent-teacher conferences. These conferences will be led by students. Students are excited to showcase their work they have compiled with their teachers in their Student Target Portfolios (STPs). The middle school is piloting an electronic version of the portfolio that will be used with K-5 next year.
Finance
Financial Dashboard
D76 has created an interactive financial dashboard on its website so you can see financial information and data month-by-month. Each month is broken down by revenues and expenditures and presents how spending, salaries, and benefits are compared to the district’s budget. It also has historical information so you can see in real-time how the district has performed. We remain fiscally responsible, prioritize making \the best use of taxpayer dollars and are proud to tell our financial story.
Instructional Technology & Communications
Over the past month, virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly used in the classroom as an innovative and engaging tool for learning. Students at West Oak Campus have used the VR equipment to immerse themselves in interactive and simulated environments, allowing them to explore subjects such as history, geography, and the arts in a more interactive and dynamic way. For example, students are making historical and geographical connections with the curriculum by visiting any time/location in an instant through Google Earth. Students are virtually visiting and are modeling their exploration with the entire class. As virtual reality technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more innovative ways that students can use this technology to enhance their learning.
STUDENT services
Throughout the school day, our students sit and learn in multiple positions and locations. For example, at a table, at a desk, sitting on a wobble stool, and using different flexible seating options. These seating options can put stress on their bodies. It is important we are supporting ergonomics while the student is at school and home. Ergonomics draws on many disciplines to optimize the interaction between the work environment and the worker.
D76’s Occupational Therapist, Mrs. Rachel Lempa, has developed the information below to help families understand the impact of poor ergonomics, proper posture, and supportive stretches. Signs of pain caused by poor ergonomics:
Signs of pain caused by poor ergonomics:
- Heightened pain while at the workstation
- Pain that begins in the neck and radiates into the upper back, lower back, or extremities.
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Pain that goes away after switching positions while standing or sitting
Side effects/work impact of poor ergonomics:
- Poor control with writing
If you think your family may qualify for McKinney Vento services, please contact Dr. Kelly Olsen at kolsen@dist76.org or 847-388-2627.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- March 6, 2023: Late Start for Students
- March 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM: Board of Education Meeting
- March 8, 2023 at 6:30 PM: Parent University: Behaviors Happen, How to Meet Your Child's Needs
- March 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM: Kindergarten Orientation
- March 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM: Board of Education Meeting
- March 23, 2023: Early Dismissal
- March 23, 2023: Parent Teacher Conferences
- March 24, 2023: Teacher Institute Day (No School)
- March 27-32, 2023: Spring Break (No School)
