Speaking with Stawick
Speaking with Stawick is the blog of District 146 Superintendent Dr. Jeff Stawick. Please subscribe for update notifications to be sure you don't miss the latest news and information from the administration.

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On April 22, parents will be receiving an email from ECRA Group inviting them to take part in a survey for the District 146 Strategic Plan. It is very important for all parents to complete the survey so their values and beliefs can be taken into account as the District creates its Strategic Plan.

In 2014, the District began our first strategic plan journey. The outcome was a plan that guided us through years of improvement. I wanted to share some of the enhancements that were ushered in because of the efforts in 2013.

Addressing the Whole-Child
District 146 prides itself on teaching the whole-child. We focus not only on academics, but help shape upstanding, well-rounded, and effective citizens. At the elementary level, classroom teachers incorporate social/emotional curriculum into their everyday classes in collaboration with school counseling teams and social workers. Central students begin each day with an advisory class that focuses on social, emotional, and academic goals. They also take part in Encore classes that teach real-life skills tied to classes they enjoy like band, FACS, or art.

Full-Day Kindergarten
Full-day kindergarten is a reality today in part due to the 2014 Strategic Plan. We are already seeing the benefits of our full-day, play and discovery-based program. Teachers and families have commented on the growth and advantages of their students and are pleased with the results.

Enhanced Curriculum
The District has developed and adopted more rigorous curricula for kindergarten through grade 8 that align with the Illinois Learning Standards. Essential skills for students at all grade levels have also been identified and are being utilized by staff to drive instruction.

Time and Resources for Staff Collaboration
Collaboration between our staff is important as they share data, techniques, ideas, and information. Our staff has opportunities each week to meet in teams. Each year, some District staff attend a Professional Learning Community (PLC) conference that expands upon the best ways for our teachers to collaborate. 

The District’s Strategic Dashboard is currently built upon the Strategic Plan created in 2014. You can see more strategies we use to meet the Strategic Plan goals by visiting the Dashboard

Again, please take the time to complete the survey once you receive an email invitation from ECRA Group. It will only take about 15 minutes to complete, but will help the District for years to come. I really appreciate your time and commitment to District 146’s continuous improvement.
Posted by superintendent  On Apr 17, 2019 at 11:57 AM
  

Last month, I invited families and community members to breakfast to talk about full-day kindergarten and the construction tied to it. Here is a summary of the information presented at the breakfast.

All four of our elementary schools will have additional space constructed. The projects at Fulton and Memorial are smaller and will go to bid in March. The projects at Kruse and Fierke are scheduled go to bid in April or May.

Space being added to each building to accommodate full-day kindergarten includes:

  • Fulton: Two kindergarten classrooms with restrooms, a music room with storage, and outdoor storage for playground materials. 
  • Memorial: A new kitchen and cafeteria, additional resource space, and a PE office. 
  • Kruse: Four kindergarten classrooms with restrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, and additional resource space. 
  • Fierke: Three kindergarten classrooms with restrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, and additional resource space. 

Construction will be complete for the 2019-2020 school year. The District has been working on plans to temporarily house the full-day kindergarten program for the 2018-2019 school year

Please click here for answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the full-day kindergarten program.   

The District appreciates the support and encouragement of our families as we build a brighter future for our students. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. 

Posted by superintendent  On Feb 23, 2018 at 8:05 AM
  
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