A Newsletter from the Northbrook School District 28 Board of Education

spanish program Flourishes in Elementary gradesif you hear singing coming from an elementary classroom in District 28, it’s probably in Spanish. For 30 minutes every day, students in first through fifth grade sing, play games and practice listening and speaking Spanish as part of the district’s World Languages program.

Five years ago, District 28 expanded the elementary school day to allow time for 30 minutes of daily Spanish instruction. The Spanish teaching team built the curriculum from scratch, pulling together resources and creating activities and games to teach language in the most engaging way possible: with full immersion and lots of practice speaking and listening.

“When we started, it felt completely hopeless,” said Alice, a 5th grade student at Meadowbrook. “Now, i think how much we improved is a whole lot more than we ever thought.”

Cultural lessons on a variety of Spanish speaking countries are also woven into the lessons.

“The goal of the program is to give

students a love of language learning so that they want to continue throughout their learning career no matter what the language,” said Lynsee Whitman, a Meadowbrook Spanish teacher.

“They’re like sponges. They are able to grasp the language so quickly,” said Marcela Witkowski, Westmoor Spanish teacher. “immersion helps them learn in a natural

setting instead of teaching grammar rules and translating.”

immersion helps students build vocabulary even when they aren’t trying, said Kristin Cash, Greenbriar Spanish teacher.

“Even though they think they learned just 15 words, every day there are 40, 50, 60 words they are learning through straight immersion just by being in the classroom and interacting with each other,” Cash said.

Next year, a new curriculum will be offered for these fifth graders as they enter junior high. Both Spanish and French are offered as an elective for grades 6-8.

tEacHing lEarning

caring

The World Languages Program, launched five years ago, provides 30 minutes of Spanish instruction daily for students in first through fifth grade. The program has helped students appreciate language learning and expand their cultural awareness.

“They’re like sponges. They are able to grasp the lanugage so

quickly. immersion helps them learn in a natural setting instead of teaching grammar rules and translating.”

Marcela WitkowskiWestmoor Spanish Teacher

Learn more about the World Language Program by watching a video. Just scan this QR code with your phone, or visit www.northbrook28.net and

look for it in the news section.

Our motto in District 28 is “Teaching… Learning… Caring!” These are not words with a hollow ring, rather they express our

commitment to educate every child in an environment that values academics, the arts, and the development of healthy, positive relationships.

During 2016, several new learning opportunities were added to our educational offerings. Full-day Kindergarten became a reality, with discovery learning and enrichment activities being foundational to the program’s goals. The District’s second organic garden/outdoor classroom opened at Westmoor, so children will have a better understanding of the meaning “farm-to-table.” Coding Club joined the Video Game Design Club to expand opportunities for exploring technology. Programs such as Hour of Code, Sphero, and Scratch are used to teach the basics of computer science programming.

We are also very proud of our elementary Spanish program. The first-graders who started in the program in 2012 are now fifth-graders. From day one, our focus has been on language acquisition using fun and motivating instruction. Additionally, District 28 was awarded the Best Communities for Music Education from the NAMM Foundation for its ongoing support of music education. This recognition was given to less than 4% of school districts nationwide.

The last word of our motto, “Caring,” is more than a glib term. Through everyday teachable moments and structured social/emotional literacy lessons, our staff members work with children to ensure everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We value the diversity of our families and community. We firmly believe that by caring for others, our lives are enriched. District 28 has spent the last ten years raising funds to build a high school in Nairobi, Kenya, so that girls from the Kibera Slum will not only have a safe place to learn, but will encounter one of the most powerful of all human experiences… hope. How thrilled we were to learn that this new high school opened its doors in January 2017, and began its life-changing mission!

Hope is essential - it helps us overcome obstacles, dream big dreams, conquer fears, and believe that good ultimately wins. Regardless of what transpires in our world, District 28 will continue to be a highly visible beacon of hope for our children, families, and community as we continue our mission of “Teaching… Learning… Caring!”

in sHOrt...community news

apply to Be a substitute teacherDistrict 28 is accepting applications for substitute teachers. The district is seeking enthusiastic, energetic and child-centered substitute teachers in physical education, music, and Spanish to work collaboratively with students and faculty in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Candidates need to hold the Type 39 illinois Substitute Teaching Certificate. Once you have met all the criteria, apply to the North Cook Regional Office of Education for a background check. Experience in teaching at elementary and middle school levels is preferred.Visit “Employment” on the district website, www.northbrook28.net home page to apply.

summer school Open to allThe District 28 Summer School enrichment program is open to all students who live in the Village of Northbrook. There are more than 40 classes to choose from for incoming first grade through eighth grade. Summer school information and course descriptions are available on our website, northbrook28.net under ‘programs.’ Registration for parochial schools and students from Districts 27 and 31 opens at 8 a.m. March 20.For additional questions, contact Lisa Tenuta, 847-504-2520 or email summerschool@northbrook28.net

February 2017 | www.northbrook28.net2

rEFlEctiOnsfrom SuperintendentLarry Hewitt, Ed.D.

We value the diversity of our families and community. We firmly believe that by caring for others, our lives are enriched.

northbrook 28

nOtaBlEs

February 2017 | www.northbrook28.net3

For the second time, Westmoor Gifted and Talented Teacher Sarah Wippman is a state finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

Mrs. Wippman’s passion is customizing instruction to meet the unique needs of all learners and to make learning exciting and interactive. While at Westmoor, Mrs. Wippman has been instrumental in forming the Coding Club, a lunchtime activity in which more than 80 students participate throughout the year. Her teaching career has spanned over 30 years and has included teaching in illinois, Missouri and at Tasis, the American School in London, England.

Mrs. Wippman says she draws her inspiration from her students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. “Each and every day i look forward to working with my amazing students,” she said.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected from the state finalists by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators typically a year after the state recognition. The National Science Foundation administers the award, which was established by Congress in 1983.

teacher nominated for national recognition for Excellence in teaching math, science

For Northbrook Junior High eighth-grader Angela Zhao and her cohorts, practice makes practically perfect.

This is the third time Northbrook District 28 students have tested their problem-solving skills against students across the nation in the Mathematical Association of American Mathematics Competition 8. Angela has participated each time. This year, she scored among the top 1 percent nationally, missing just two out of 25 word problems.

“Math is not that difficult for me because it’s really logical,” Angela said.

The sum of the top three scores also earned Northbrook Junior High a spot on the School Merit Roll.

The AMC program is dedicated to developing the next generation of problem-solvers through friendly competition, according to the organization’s release. The three other top-scoring students at NBJH were John Raub, Mason Durst, amd Joanna Gusis.

“it’s just fun. i don’t know how else to put it,” said John Raub, who is in sixth grade.

students shine in national math test

The four top-scoring Northbrook Junior High School students on the American Mathematics Competition 8 are, from left, John Raub, Mason Durst, Angela Zhao and Joanna Gusis.

Westmoor School students in Mrs. Wippman’s class show their excitement for their teacher, Sarah Wippman (back row center) winning another excellence in teaching award.

February 2017 | www.northbrook28.net4

experiential learning

insiDE Our scHOOlsnorthbrook Junior HighScience Fair Showcases Student Curiosityis your phone killing your memory? is the will to take a risk based on age? Does music affect long-term memory? Those are just three of the 43 questions seventh- and eighth-grade students spent the fall semester exploring as part of the independent Science Research class.Each student was required to develop a question and use scientific method to research and attempt to answer his or her question. Two independent judges reviewed the projects during a science fair Saturday, Jan. 21. The judges awarded bronze, silver and gold awards based on a rubric. Of 43 participants, 27 students received a gold award and qualified to advance to the regional science fair, the illinois Junior Academy of Science, in March.

meadowbrookFull-Day Kindergarten EnrichmentThis year all three elementary schools offer full-day kindergarten, with 98% participation rate. The full-day program allows teachers the time to encompass the whole child in discovery learning as well as social-emotional development. Free choice time in the afternoon gives students the opportunity to choose an area of interest and share with other students. The classrooms are designed to evoke thinking, discovering and feeling with areas for children to explore blocks, science, painting, role-playing and computers

WestmoorMusic Tech Club Brings New Sounds to Winter ConcertWhat happens when you mix electronic ‘invention kits,’ coding programs, iPads and computers? Music Teacher Mrs. Blair opened her classroom during lunch to find out and the Music Tech Club was born. interested fifth-grade students came to experiment with electronic music and created projects that were presented at the annual Winter Sing concert. The club was possible thanks to a grant which funded Makey Makey invention kits and Little Bits mini electronic circuit boards. See a short video on the district website in the news section.

greenbriarClass Celebrates Magic of Harry Potter After Read-AloudMrs. Nordberg’s fourth-grade class celebrated the conclusion of their class read-aloud of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” with a Harry Potter Day. Students were “sorted” into houses as in the Harry Potter books and began a series of magical activities. Students read and discussed themes from the book, “The Widow’s Broom.” During math, students practiced fractions by solving word problems related to Dudley Dursley and his ever more complex birthday parties. They also practiced operational skills by “shopping” at Diagon Alley for wizard school supplies. Several guest professors visited the room including Potions Master Professor Snape (Mr. Dan Toops) and Divination expert Professor Trelawney (Mrs. Ginny Hiltz). Students ended their day by making golden snitches and playing table-top Quidditch.

Kenyan Official Highlights Help From D28One meal a day. One pencil for school. No electricity or running water at home. Managing life without parents.

Those are just some of the facts of life in the Kibera slum of Kenya that Fred Outa shared with District 28 students during a recent visit.

A member of the Kenyan parliament, Mr. Outa through his foundation provides school supplies, food and medicine to more than 500 students of St. Christopher preschool, Spurgeons Academy for grades K-8, and the newly opened St. Esther’s Girls High School.

District 28 families have supported the Fred Outa Foundation for the past 10 years. The foundation was created by former Westmoor School administrative assistant Sue Vaickauski, after meeting Mr. Outa during a visit to Africa. The district’s Concerts for Africa raised $100,000 that was used to build the new girls’ high school.

Joli Fridman and husband, Ruben, along with Kim and Jared Svoboda took up the cause when Mrs. Vaickauski retired the post. The Svobodas visited Mr. Outa two years ago at Spurgeon’s Academy. Over the last two years, they helped raise $20,000 to dig a well and bring fresh water to the girls’ high school so it could open. The school officially opened on Jan. 9.

teaching empathy

suppOrting OrpHansscHOOls

Northbrook Junior High1475 Maple Avenue, Northbrook

Greenbriar School1225 Greenbriar Lane, Northbrook

Meadowbrook School1600 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Westmoor School2500 Cherry Lane, Northbrook

BOarD OF EDucatiOn

Josh ProberPresident847-564-8164

Carol Currie847-714-9477

Michael Gilmore847-559-8821

Louis Gross847-715-9567

aDministrativE tEam

Larry Hewitt, Ed.D.Superintendent

Kathy Horvath, Ed.D.Assistant Superintendent

Rosanne Dwyer, Ed.D.Director of Student Services

Jessica Donato, CSBOChief School Business Official

Stephanie SmithDirector of Learning

Terry Ryan, APRCommunications Coordinator

Please call (847) 498-7900 to reach any member of the administrative team.

Update 28 is published three times a year by the Board of Education for citizens residing in Northbrook School District 28 at a cost of 32 cents per issue.

Terry Ryan, EditorVolume 29, Number 2February, 2017

www.northbrook28.net | February 2017 5

St. Esther’s Girls High School opened Jan. 9 in rural Kenya after District 28 families raised $100,000 to build the school, and last year raised $20,000 to bring well water to the site.

Tony ForchettiVice President847-559-1436

Michelle Kohler224-723-5779

Tracy Katz Muhl847-480-5872

DiSTRiCT 28REAL WORLDGARDEN CLASSROOM

facebook.com/northbrookschooldistrict28

Mr. Fred Outa visited District 28 schools in January to share the progress of schools that serve the children of the Kibera Slum.

Learn more by scanning this QR code, or visiting www.northbrook28.net news.

NON-PROFiTORGANiZATiONU.S. POSTAGE

PAiDNORTHBROOK, iL

PERMiT NO. 53

Board of EducationNorthbrook School District 281475 Maple AvenueNorthbrook, iL 60062

World Language Program Turns Five. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Superintendent Looks at Year of Accomplishments . 2

Teacher Nominated for National Recognition. . . . . . . . 3

Experiential Learning in Our Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Sister School Opens in Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

stay in the Know: subscribe to E-news Northbrook School District 28 offers monthly district updates that include Highlights from the Board of Education meeting and happenings around the district. Subscribe by visiting our website, www.northbrook28.net.

We are also on social media. Like our Facebook pages to see in-the-moment updates on learning and events in District 28.

may 6 is 5K, Fun run and Obstacle courseJoin in the family fun May 6 by participating or volunteering for the Homer O. Harvey 5K-Fun Run/Walk-Obstacle Course. Last year, the event raised over $7,000 for college scholarships to Northbrook Junior High alumni.

There’s something for everyone: Race for your personal best time or enjoy a run-walk with friends and family. Awards are given for overall male & female runners and for age groups ranging from first grade to 60 and over. Afterward, there is an obstacle course for children ages 11 and under. Registration opens in April. information will be posted on the district website, or contact Paulagkolar@gmail.com.

t E a c H i n g | l E a r n i n g | c a r i n g

INSIDE This Issue...

The District 28 PTO Council sponsors the annual HOH5K Run to raise funds for college scholarships that are awarded every year to high school seniors who attended NBJH.