Volume 21, No. 8 | April 3, 2018
News From the March Board Meeting
Teachers Share Learning from Technology Pilot  
The findings of a six-week pilot program involving seven teachers across five grades will help set the direction for future student device purchases. Teachers involved in the project shared their experiences with the Board of Education on March 20.

The Anytime Anywhere Access pilot is one of the initiatives developed by the Innovate 28 Committee, which was created to examine how to implement technology in the classroom to further engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

Two devices were piloted, the HP Probook360 with a stylus and the iPad with keyboard case and stylus. A Devices Subcommittee of Innovate 28 thoroughly researched the devices by working with school districts across the state and experts in technology. These selections met the committee’s goals for learning, device management, cost, durability, brain research and device operating system.  Read the full story
Teachers who presented their findings to the Board of Education on the Anytime Anywhere Access pilot program were, from left, Ronit Shapiro, Instructional Technology Coach; Michael LaCerra, Eighth-Grade Language Arts; Mandy Shulman, Second-Grade; Krissy Pierce, Junior High Instructional Coach; Kathryn Finch, Elementary Music Teacher; Wendy Hicks, Eighth-Grade Language Arts; and Jason Piechowiak, Sixth-Grade Social Studies.
Strategic Plan Vision: Empower Every Learner
District 28 will embark on a new strategic plan with a mission to empower every learner to be an engaged, confident, caring and inspired citizen.

The Board of Education approved the work of the Navigate 28 strategic planning committee, which focuses the work of the district for the next five years and beyond with a refreshed mission, vision, and values along with five organizational goals.

The committee, made up of 30 members representing staff, parents, community members, administration and high school students, met five times since September to formulate the blueprint for continuous improvement. In addition, surveys and public forums gathered nearly 2,000 comments and feedback along the way that influenced the plan. The board hired the Consortium for Educational Change to facilitate the process.

“The CEC did an outstanding job guiding the process. We are very grateful to the staff, parents and community members who committed their time and energy to this project,” said Superintendent Larry Hewitt, Ed.D. “We look forward to working on action plans that will make this a living document.”

Monitoring the progress of the goals is an integral part of the plan. Additional communication to staff, parents and the community will continue as the administration develops action plans and measures to accomplish the established goals.

District Happenings
Unique Learning Environment, Comprehensive Staff
The Young Explorers Early Childhood Program offers comprehensive, professional support staff, small group instruction and project-based learning. 
The program serves children age 3 to kindergarten. Typically developing, at-risk and special needs children participate in a blended model classroom. Watch the video to learn more.
NBJH Students Pioneer
New Google AR Technology
Northbrook Junior High students and teachers were pioneers on Monday, March 19, testing Google Expeditions latest learning tool, called Augmented Reality.
Students in sixth and eighth grade each had the chance to experience the new technology, part of Google’s Pioneer Program. Using a mobile device in a “selfie-stick,” students scanned QR codes and were able to view 3-D moving images controlled by the teacher. They could move around the image to view the top and bottom, and even reach inside.
Upcoming Events

Family Fun for a Students in Kenya
The PTO Council presents the Family Fun Day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 7 at Athletico, 1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook.
Activities include: inflatables, games and food. Tickets are $15/child or $40 for a family pass (adults are free!). Tickets will be sold in advance at fredouta.org or at the door. 
Proceeds benefit the Fred Outa Foundation. This year’s fundraising will help sponsor two girls to pursue their dreams by attending high school and beyond.

Fred Outa is traveling from Kenya to visit District 28 schools April 5 and 6. He will also be present at the Family Fun Day.

Save the Date!
HOH5K is May 5
The HOH5K Scholarship 5K Run/Walk and Children's Obstacle Course will be held on Saturday, May 5.

All proceeds fund college scholarships for NBJH alumni. The 2017 event raised $7,000. Since the fund was established in 1989 in honor of longtime superintendent Homer O. Harvey, 343 graduates have received $307,500 in scholarships.

Registration will open in April. See more details on the  HOH5K webpage.
#TLC28
District 28’s official hashtag! You can search the hashtag on Twitter or Facebook to monitor posts from teachers, administrators and the district accounts. This hashtag helps us tell the story of Teaching, Learning and Caring in District 28.