Throughout this publication, you will see the following
color-coded dots
accompanying each article. They represent which
strategic goal
the article addresses.
• Focusing on Learning
• Connecting the Community
• Securing the Future
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First grade teachers look to the stars!
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A look at professional learning in District 58
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First grade teachers were starry-eyed during professional learning on Monday, Dec. 9! They spent their time exploring
StarLab
, an inflatable, portable planetarium what allows students to study the stars, constellations and planets in an authentic simulation. During this time, the teachers shared ideas on how to enhance their future StarLab lessons.
First graders will enjoy two StarLab classes in January and February!
Learn more here.
Did you know?
The District's curriculum team works closely with admins and teachers to plan out each professional learning session to ensure teachers can fully use the time to improve their instruction. The Dec. 9 session was a "District-directed" learning day, during which time most teachers explored science professional learning. This week's Dec. 16 session was "teacher-directed,"
which means that teachers had the freedom to design a professional learning experience that best met their needs. During these experiences, many teachers partner up to delve more deeply into a topic.
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View the District's dashboard for Strategic Plan progress
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In 2018, District 58 set three ambitious goals as part of its Strategic Plan: Focusing on Learning, Connecting the Community, and Securing the Future. On a quarterly basis, the District Leadership Team, a Board committee, reviews the District's progress toward each goal and updates are shared on the
Strategic Plan dashboard
!
Visit the
dashboard
to view the December 2019 updates!
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District updates lice parent communication practices
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The Board of Education's Policy Committee recently reviewed the District's lice parent communication practices and recommended an update.
Beginning after winter break, parents will be notified if there is one confirmed case of lice in their child's grade. If there is more than one confirmed case across multiple grade levels, a notification will be sent to the entire school. The notification may come either in a standalone message or within the principal's weekly newsletter.
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Have a happy winter break!
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District 58 schools will be closed
Dec. 23-Jan. 3
for winter break. During this period, the District’s Administrative Service Center will be
open
Dec. 26, 27, 30 and Jan. 2-4
.
School will resume on
Monday, Jan. 6. See you next year!
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Grove Children's Preschool will hold open houses Jan. 22-23
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Grove Children's Preschool invites all current and prospective families to attend an open house next month! The Henry Puffer open house is Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6-7 p.m. and the Indian Trail open house takes place Thursday, Jan. 23 from 6-7 p.m. Learn what makes Grove Children's Preschool one of only three preschools in Downers Grove to earn a gold rating -- the highest preschool rating awarded!
Learn more.
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Parent feedback requested!
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Register for the Science Fair
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Students in grades 1-8 can
register here by Dec. 20 for the Science Fair. The Science Fair will take place Saturday, Jan. 25 at O'Neill.
Learn more.
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Winter weather procedures
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Read the District's winter weather procedures to learn how and when District 58 decides to cancel school due to snow or other inclement weather.
Learn more.
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Video: Design Day at Henry Puffer!
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Did you know: Everybody Plays at Puffer earned a $70,000 grant from the Timken Foundation last summer, getting them much closer to their inclusive playground fundraising goal!
Recently, they hosted a Design Day, during which Puffer students could vote on the playground options that appealed most to them. The options with the most votes will be included in the future playground!
Watch this short video to learn more
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Hillcrest embraces Hour of Code
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Several District 58 schools participated in computer science activities last week in recognition of Computer Science Education Week and
Hour of Code
.
Hour of Code is a worldwide initiative that aims to get as many students as possible to spend an hour coding in the classroom. Coding is inquiry based, hands-on and encourages problem solving.
At
Hillcrest,
for example, kindergarteners learned how to code using the Box Island, Daisy the Dinosaur and Kodable apps. Second graders completed a fun "unplugged" coding activity to help understand the importance of following commands correctly. Fifth graders used the Tynker app to embark on a "Dragon Blast" mission to code a dragon through 27 levels to get to a treasure.
View photos
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A team of
O'Neill
students won "Best Machine Performance" at the Deltrol Fluid Power Challenge on Dec. 6! This challenge required students to gain tremendous knowledge of fluid power and to independently demonstrate their expertise through an all-day competition.
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Pierce Downer and
Henry Puffer schools each held Stocking Stuffing events to support Sharing Connections. The schools filled a combined 250 stockings with household essentials that they collected from students and families. Way to give back!
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Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell enjoyed visiting and reading a book to
Grove Children's Preschool students! Afterward, each student shared their favorite part of the book. Dr. Russell was very impressed with their listening skills!
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• The
Herrick Chamber Strings, Jazz Band and Chamber Choir spread holiday cheer by visiting and performing at several elementary schools and at the nearby Peace Manor retirement home.
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The
Kingsley Student Council organized a giving tree that will directly support Kingsley families who are struggling this holiday season. Their giving tree was a huge success: many students donated useful gifts and items to help families in need!
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Indian Trail
students learned about coding in a unique environment: P.E. class! They followed coding commands to "move" their
robots around the gym. Certain codes triggered the students to complete different
physical activities. Very creative!
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Belle Aire fifth graders are using Keynote to create animated realistic fiction as part of the
30 Days of Keynote, a challenge created by D58 instructional coaches to encourage children to grow proficient with Keynote.
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Fairmount second graders created holiday placemats for the DuPage Care Center!
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El Sierra's Breakfast with Santa event was a huge hit! Thank you, El Sierra PTA, for organizing this fun morning!
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Highland second graders are learning important research and reporting skills during their habitat curriculum unit!
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Whittier
kindergarteners learned about beloved children's author/illustrator Eric Carle and designed their own Carle-inspired creations!
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• A group of
Lester fifth graders created
this video to show how perseverance helped them learn how to properly code an Ollie and Sphero!
Watch the 1-min video.
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December Board Briefs
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The December 2019 School Board meeting included a Belle Aire presentation, a Health and Wellness Committee spotlight, a proposed 2020-21 school calendar review and more.
Read the Board Briefs to learn more.
Pictured: the Belle Aire Student Council poses with Superintendent Dr. Russell and the Board of Education on Dec. 9.
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Roadrunners Soccer Club fulfills holiday wish lists for 128 students in need
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District 58 thanks the Downers Grove Roadrunners Soccer Club for, once again, generously providing between 500-600 gifts for 128 District 58 students in need. The Roadrunners collected the gifts, wrapped them and delivered them to each school. Special thanks to Carl Turk and Lisa Forst for leading this effort! We appreciate everything you do to help our students!
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Downers Grove Public Library staff donate gift cards for District 58, District 99 students
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The
Downers Grove Public Library
staff organized an employee gift card drive and donated several gift cards for District 58 and District 99 students in need! The cards will provide a mix of "need to have" and "nice to have" options for the recipients. The library only asked that the gift cards go to the students who need them the most and otherwise might not be able to afford things others take for granted. Thank you for your support!
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District 58 emails parents relevant e-flyers on the
first and third Monday of the month during the school year.
Learn more about e-flyers.
Here are the
Dec. 16 e-flyers.
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Wednesday, Dec. 18
3:45 p.m. Board Legislative Committee Meeting at the ASC
Thursday, Dec. 19
7-8:30 p.m.: O'Neill Band, Choir and Orchestra Concert at O'Neill
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Friday, Dec. 20
Monday, Jan. 6
School resumes
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Downers Grove Grade School District 58, 1860 63rd St., Downers Grove, IL 60516
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