Inside: Miles Boykin, a Tech Update, and Student Awards!

Community Consolidated School District 146

The Horizon

Spring 2018

From the Superintendent

District 146 has been home to countless exceptional students. As you will see in this edition of the Horizon, there are many current students who have received awards and recognitions not only at the District level, but beyond.

This winter, the District hosted both the annual Spelling Bee and the Math Challenge, which always prove to be nerve-wracking, yet exciting events for our student participants. Winners of the District Spelling Bee and Math Challenge move on to represent the District at regional events. Everyone is so proud of these students for their achievements.

With the full-day kindergarten program right around the corner, the administration has been busy redeveloping the curriculum that will shape the minds of future participants of events like the Spelling Bee and the Math Challenge. We are very excited by the number of families who have already registered and shown enthusiasm for the new full-day kindergarten program. To register, please click here .

The District is in the midst of expanding our elementary schools to make room for the increase in full-day students. Construction on the buildings is expected to begin this summer, and will be complete for the 2019–2020 school year. The District is ready to accommodate the additional full-day students in the interim. Feel free to click here to review some frequently asked questions regarding full-day kindergarten.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in educating our outstanding and talented students.

Dr. Jeff Stawick

Superintendent

Visit the Superintendent's Blog

Student Recognitions

So far this year, a number of the District's students have been recognized for their hard work and determination. Congratulations to them all!

List of Student Awards

District Families Need No Lessons in Giving

Everyone knows that students study math, language arts, science, and social studies. They also, however, learn about the importance of philanthropy. Each year, our schools host drives, raise funds, and offer other opportunities for students to give to the community.

Throughout February and March, all of our elementary schools participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart. Not only were students being active and healthy, but they were also raising money for a wonderful cause.

Three students at Fierke take part in the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser.

Teri Charpenel, Fierke P.E. teacher, has been organizing her school’s Jump Rope for Heart event for over 20 years, with her students raising well over $100,000 during her time at District 146.

“In 2003, I lost my father to heart disease and the event became very personal for me,” said Ms. Charpenel. “Now, I also focus on teaching the students what is done with the money they raise. AHA uses that money to distribute to researchers, to develop new medications, and to teach children about the importance of making heart-healthy decisions throughout their lives.”

This year, District 146 schools raised more than $18,000 for the American Heart Association. This level of dedication to giving by our students, families, and staff has been evident throughout the entire school year.

Over the winter, students and staff collected food, toys, scarves, hats, and mittens to be donated to local nonprofit organizations, like Together We Cope. Also, at the beginning of the school year our buildings held special fundraisers to benefit those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

Students at Fulton pose with food they collected during a food drive.

A student and adult purchasing a hurricane relief bracelet from a Memorial staff member.

Central Middle School students outside of GiGi's Playhouse after volunteering at the organization.

Some schools participated in Pennies for Primates to "adopt" a primate from the Brookfield Zoo. The donations help the zoo provide care to primates housed there. Schools participated in this fundraiser in conjunction with this year's One District, One Book program. This year's reading selection, "The One and Only Ivan," was about a silverback gorilla.

Along with monetary donations, the Twister Leadership Team donated some time to GiGi's playhouse in Tinley Park. Students helped out with some cleaning duties after dropping off donations.

District 146 looks forward to continuing our partnerships with community organizations and teaching our students to give back whenever possible.

2018-2019 Registration

New and Returning Student Registration opened on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

Please click here to register.

Reminder: Full-day kindergarten is coming to District 146 starting in the fall of 2018!

E2T2 Supports Learning for All

Vern Bettis, Director of Technology

Every student in District 146 uses E2T2 as part of their learning experience every day. With E2T2 students can read digital information, have text read to them, turn their spoken words into text, ask questions, find answers, be creative, communicate their thoughts and ideas, apply critical thinking, collaborate with other E2T2 users, and much, much more. With E2T2 it’s like taking learning, “To Infinity, and Beyond!”

“What is E2T2?” you might ask. No, it’s not a droid cousin of R2D2, C3PO, or BB8 from Star Wars. E2T2 stands for "Enhancing Education Through Technology." The above examples are just some ways E2T2 have made it into classrooms. Though it started as a Federal Initiative as part of Title II, it continues to be a key implementation for learning at the local district and school level. The goal for this initiative is to improve student achievement through the use of technology.

In terms of our District vision of Learning for All, what does E2T2 look like for students and teachers in District 146? There are several foundational pillars District 146 has put in place to provide an environment where E2T2 can reach its fullest potential and intended goal.

The first foundational pillar is access to technology. With our One-to-One iPad program in place at each grade level and classroom, every student has a dedicated smart device for their educational use at school and at home. Students also have access to classroom sets of Chromebooks as an additional digital learning device. Access to technology also includes access to the Internet. Every classroom and learning space in each of the District schools has WIFI coverage so every student and teacher can access the Internet at the same time. Learning for All means Access for All.

The second foundational pillar is Anytime, Anywhere Learning. Traditional teaching and learning has typically had limitations based on time and place. Technology allows for what has been defined as hybrid learning. The students have a physical classroom, as in a traditional environment, but also have a virtual classroom that can be accessed anytime, anywhere for learning not bound to a specific time or location. The student who is absent can log in anytime, anywhere to the virtual classroom to see the class activities and assignments and have the opportunity to complete them before the next class. The student with a question outside of regular class time can log in anytime, anywhere to the virtual classroom and post her question and receive help from peers and the teacher. One of the tools the District uses is Schoology, a Learning Management System. Schoology allows staff and teachers to create virtual classrooms that mirror our physical classrooms. A virtual classroom in conjunction with a physical classroom allows students Anytime, Anywhere Learning. Learning for All means Anytime, Anywhere Learning for All.

The third foundational pillar is apps. “There’s an App for That” is more than just a nice slogan. Apps are key in the educational learning environment. Apps are used for asking questions and finding answers, creating, communicating, collaborating, and thinking critically. Apps can be used in every content area and give students access to information and other learning resources. One key app used by our media centers is OverDrive. District 146 has one of the largest collections of digital e-books among school districts in Illinois. Students use OverDrive to check-out, read, and check-in books from the District’s digital library. They can check-out books at school or at home. The District digital library is open 24/7. Learning for All means having Apps for All.The fourth foundational pillar is professional development. In order for students to experience the benefits of E2T2, teachers must use technology in a way that enhances the teaching and learning experience. Professional development at District 146 can be self-pacing or self-taught, done in Professional Learning Communities, through workshops, peer-to-peer, and at conferences. A favorite of many teachers is the annual District 146 Tech Boot Camp that takes place in early August. This event provides teachers with the opportunity to learn about technology tools and their application to enhance education through technology for District 146 students. Learning for All means Professional Development for All.

The fourth foundational pillar is professional development. In order for students to experience the benefits of E2T2, teachers must use technology in a way that enhances the teaching and learning experience. Professional development at District 146 can be self-pacing or self-taught, done in Professional Learning Communities, through workshops, peer-to-peer, and at conferences. A favorite of many teachers is the annual District 146 Tech Boot Camp that takes place in early August. This event provides teachers with the opportunity to learn about technology tools and their application to enhance education through technology for District 146 students. Learning for All means Professional Development for All.

E2T2 has great potential at District 146 to improve student achievement and to support our district vision of Learning for All.

As spring nears, Central Middle School is preparing to say goodbye to its 8th grade students. Central’s Graduation Ceremony will be held in the Main Gym on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Those who cannot attend the ceremony may watch a live steam online. On the night of graduation, links to the stream will be available at central.district146.org and on Central’s Facebook page ( facebook.com/CMSTwisters ).

8th Grade Parents: Graduates will receive information packets and tickets in May.

Alumni Spotlight:

Miles Boykin (Fulton, Sandidge, CMS '11)

Photo provided by Notre Dame Athletics

Miles Boykin is known not only in the District 146 community, but across the country as a Wide Receiver for the Fighting Irish. He is currently a Junior at the University of Notre Dame.

After attending District 146 schools, Miles went on to attend Providence Catholic High School where he won a number of awards and recognitions for his football career. He has been interested in football since about fifth grade, and has successfully turned that interest into sheer talent.

We were able to ask Miles about his time at District 146 schools, his football career, and his plans for the future.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at Central?

I played basketball from 6th through 8th grade.

Did you have a teacher/administrator that sticks out as being inspirational to you?

Mr. [Tim] Johnson, my basketball coach.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at D146?

My favorite memory is winning the basketball championship at Central my 8th grade year.

So far, what is the proudest moment of your football career?

Making the game-winning catch in the 2018 Citrus Bowl.

What are your goals for the future?

To graduate from Notre Dame, win a national championship, and play in the NFL.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for current District 146 students?

School is extremely important and the moment you realize that is when you can truly accomplish anything you put your mind to!

Do you know someone to feature in an upcoming Alumni Spotlight? Contact Keegan at [email protected] .

District 146 at your Fingertips

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Search your app store for "District 146" and download the app today!

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