Diamond Edge April 2024 Edition

Diamond Awards

Congratulations to Kathryn Roth and Barb Ciosek who were recently nominated and presented with the Diamond Award at our April 23rd Board of Education meeting.

Mayor's Cup STEM Challenge

The Mayor's Cup STEM Challenge, organized annually by Mayor Steve Lentz at Mundelein High School each spring, welcomes students from 5th to 12th grade. Local businesses and community members contribute their time as volunteers and donate cash prizes for the competition. Participants include students from Districts 75, 76, 79, 120, and Carmel Catholic High School.

Throughout the STEM competition, students were challenged to design bumpers minimizing damage in simulated accidents. Judged on weight and force, three groups excelled, with one winning overall. The victorious team was from none other than....West Oak Intermediate School! Congratulations to students Cara Eaman, Allison Gonzalez, Finn Sullivan, Charlie Swanson, and Nolan Scafidi and staff sponsors Cindy Gomez and Katie Levy. Our school's name will be engraved on the trophy for a year and students will split a $300 cash prize.

We are so proud of our team who completed and represented D76 with teamwork, collaboration and excellence. A true example of LevelUp, LeanIn and SparkleOn!

TEACHING AND LEARNING

April has been a busy month for assessments. This month the 5th and 8th grade students completed the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). This assessment’s results will be returned to the district sometime in the fall of 23-24 and will be part of the WOIS and WOMS School Report Cards. Similarly, students in 3rd-8th grade took the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in literacy in math. The results will also be returned sometime in the fall of 23-24 and will be a part of the WOIS and WOMS School Report Cards. Lastly, K-8 students are in the process of completing our spring STAR assessment in literacy and math. Students take this assessment three times a year to measure their progress, and teachers use the data to plan instruction and intervention.

Currently, all students in grades 6-8 take the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). We will be piloting the AAPPL for Dual Language students in grades 3-5 during the first week of May. Students will take four assessments in Spanish (speaking, listening, reading and writing). This assessment informs teachers of student progress toward biliteracy and helps inform future instruction and intervention. An individual report for each student should be made available for families by the end of the school year. For more information on the exam, please visit here.

The district has completed the selection process for a new science curriculum. Students in K-5th grades will be using Mystery Science by Discovery Education, and students in grades 6-8 will be using Twig Science by Imagine Learning. Both of these programs will be implemented in the fall of 2024.

FINANCE

Mr. Rogers, Director of Finance and Operations, met with students at each school to take part in a food service tasting event. Students tried a variety of food and provided feedback on the overall food service program at D76 in order to make it the best possible program. Thanks to the great feedback from students, future menus will reflect several changes that were proposed by students.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS

2024-25 Registration Now Open

Online registration for the 2024-25 school year is now open. Visit our Registration webpage to access the 2024-25 online registration form including access to next year's supply lists, supply fee form, proof of residency, and registration support. Please note, if you are new to D76, begin the registration process by visiting our Pre Registration web page first.

Important Links

Student Services

This Spring, D76 continued to focus on our students' Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The preschool through second grade students completed the Diamond Lake SEL student survey and the third through eighth grade students completed the West Oak Campus SEL student survey. The student survey questions were aligned with evidenced-based SEL categories, such as safety and wellness, teacher and student relationships, and self-awareness. Each school will be reviewing the results and will make adjustments as needed to meet the SEL needs of the students.

Community Liaison

Mark your calendars for May 3rd, because our school is transforming into a fiesta for Day of the Child! Get ready for a day filled with laughter, creativity, and a taste of Hispanic culture. The halls will come alive with the vibrant sounds of a mariachi band, while classrooms become hubs of artistic expression. Students can unleash their inner artist with fun crafts. And to fuel all that creativity? Delicious snacks will be on hand for a tasty treat. It's a day to celebrate the joy of childhood, explore cultural traditions, and create lasting memories!

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • May 6-10 2024: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 6, 2024: Late Start
  • May 7, 2024: Board of Education Meeting
  • May 21, 2024: PTO Meeting
  • May 22, 2024: Board of Education Meeting
  • May 24, 2024: Last Day of School
  • June 3, 2024: Summer Exploration Camp Begins
  • June 4, 2024: Board of Education Meeting
  • June 18, 2024: Board of Education Meeting
  • June 19, 2024: Juneteenth (No School)
  • June 28, 2024: Last Day of Summer Exploration Camp

STAY CONNECTED #SparkleOn

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Diamond Lake District 76
Diamond Lake District 76