October 2022
Fabian Ramirez Speaks Against Bullies
Fabian Ramirez visited the three junior high schools in September and gave a presentation about bullying and the importance of choosing kindness. After the presentation, many students were heard discussing their takeaways which included reporting acts of bullying and treating people with kindness rather than choosing violence. We are excited to see how the junior high students emulate what Ramirez spoke about and choose kindness throughout the school year.
Background Picture: Fabian Ramirez poses with OJH students after his presentation.
Liberty & High Point Schools - Apple Distinguished
Liberty & High Point have once again been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools! After assembling an ebook that illustrates the innovative teaching and learning environment that has been created and maintained, Liberty and High Point secured the designations.
Apple Distinguished Schools are selected based on a variety of factors: the school must demonstrate a clear vision of how technology enhances learning, they must strive for continuous innovation, and they must do so using iPad or Mac products. Additionally, 75% of leadership and teachers in the building must be Apple Teachers, meaning they have gone through many professional development courses to improve their technology skills for the classroom.
Winning schools receive a special plaque and banner to be displayed in their school, as well as personalized Apple Teacher certificates. The recognition will be good for three years, and then the school must apply again to show that they are consistently developing innovation with technology in the classroom. Liberty and High Point have been named Apple Distinguished Schools in the past along with Meadow Ridge and Century Jr High.
OSD135 continues to celebrate the innovative teaching and learning that occurs in our schools each day. We are so proud of the work our staff and students continue to do to earn this recognition.
Background photo: Ms. Nock and Mrs. Westman show off artwork that Liberty students made them.
Culture Boards are Back!
Last school year we enjoyed learning about the cultures, traditions, and celebrations of our students and families! This year we will continue learning about our students and families through the Culture Boards with these monthly themes. The school Culture Boards are meant to help us learn more about the diversity that makes Orland 135 unique and to strengthen the community and relationships within our schools.
We are encouraging families to send in pictures and/or drawings to match the themes each month. Families can send in one submission during any or all months. Submissions need to be 8.5 in x 11 in, which is a standard piece of paper, or smaller and can be sent to your child's principal. Artifacts will not be accepted as well as any submissions larger than a piece of paper. The displays will be rotated each month with different pictures and drawings of what families are proud to share.
Pictures are due at the end of the month and are hung up for the following month. All pictures will be returned at the end of the month.
- October - Food: Share pictures, drawings, and/or a written description of food your family enjoys or food that is part of your culture.
- November - Favorite Holiday: Share pictures, drawings, and/or a written description of your favorite cultural holiday.
Do You Know About The Bridge Teen Center?
The Bridge Teen Center is an innovative nonprofit community center that was designed around the interests and needs of teens in the suburbs. The vision of The Bridge Teen Center is to provide teens with a place to find hope, purpose, and direction. They welcome students in 7th-12th grade, and also provide ongoing programs and resources to help parents navigate through the teenage years. Learn more about the activities and programs that the Bridge Teen Center offers on its website!
Upcoming Events
- October 7: Early Release - K-2 dismissed at 11:30 am, 3-5 dismissed at 12:00 pm, 6-8 dismissed at 12:45 pm
- October 10: No School - Columbus Day
- October 11: Board of Education Meeting @ Jerling
Follow OSD135 on Social!
If you have a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, follow OSD135!
Background Photo: The High Point Library was recognized with the Exemplary School Library Award from the Association of Illinois School Library Educators.
Special Recognitions
Congratulations to the following OSD135 employees for being nominated for an ABCDE Award during the month of September:
Lucy Shalash - Century; Inspiration
"Mrs. Shalash develops a special rapport with her students. She has the perfect balance of humor and classroom management. My son has remained engaged and looks forward to class. Mrs. Shalash also has a welcoming personality not only for students but for parents as well."
Melissa Collins - Century; Inspiration
"I had her as a Spanish teacher during my 6th grade year. She taught with the utmost enthusiasm and joy. She would sing songs that would help us remember the vocabulary, and she truly made me fall in love with the Spanish language. She was also kind and just an overall amazing educator. I strongly believe she is the reason I got up to Honors Spanish 5 in high school. She is a teacher who continues to inspire me, and she deserves the utmost recognition for all she does. I am proud to have been one of her students because she touched my life in a positive way. We need more teachers like her."
Want to share good news? Promote a peer? Bring attention to a topic?
The District Digest is always looking for positive stories to share from around the District! Reach out to Allie Kaleta at akaleta@orland135.org or call 708-364-3335 with information that you believe should be shared.
Staff Shout-Outs
- Carol Elliot (Liberty) was recognized by Breanna Coe for the value of Outstanding Achievement.
- Alicia Moten (Jerling) was recognized by the JJH OCE Building representatives for the value of Outstanding Achievement.
- Christine Lowery (Jerling) was recognized by the JJH OCE Building representatives for the value of Outstanding Achievement.
- Paula Schackle (Jerling) was recognized by the JJH OCE Building representatives for the value of Outstanding Achievement.
To nominate a colleague, email Allison Kaleta at akaleta@orland135.com. Please include the following items in your submission:
- The staff member's name
- Their position within OSD135
- What they are doing that deserves recognition (please be as detailed as possible)
- Who is nominating them
Background Picture: Students in Mrs. Kaminsky's class practiced interviewing each other for the new MRTV newscast!
October 2022