Volume 22, No. 10 | April 29, 2019
News From the April Board Meeting
New Member Joins Two Incumbents
Mara Silver-Schack took her seat on the Board of Education, along with returning Board Members Tracy Katz-Muhl and Michelle Kohler at the April 23 Board meeting. The three were uncontested in the April 2 election for four-year terms.

Board Member Carol Currie was recognized for eight years of service as a board member before stepping down.

"This is the most caring, thoughtful and focused group. This board has always worked hard to find an answer we could all support," Currie said.

Following the swearing-in of the new board members, Tracy-Katz Muhl was elected President and Michelle Kohler was elected Vice President by board members. Both will serve in those positions for two years.

Pictured, from left: Mara Silver-Schack, Tracy Katz Muhl and Michelle Kohler.
Math Program Review Update
Approximately every six years, each academic program area undergoes a thorough review to identify improvements and enhancements.

Math is up next in the revision cycle. The Board of Education reviewed an update on the work plan for the Math Program review at its regular meeting April 29.

The first phase of the improvement process is underway. The work focuses on revising math curriculum pacing guides, assessments, homework policies, improving parent communication and professional development.

Demographic Study Shows Ups and Downs in Enrollment

A demographic study of student enrollment in District 28 forecasts a 4% increase in students over the next five years and then a decrease by almost the same amount in the following five years.

The study was conducted by McKibben Demographic Research, which also completed enrollment forecasts for Glenbrook High School District 225 and Glenview District 30.

Some of the data used for the forecasts included past enrollment trends, birth and death data from 2000 to 2017, migration reports from the Internal Revenue Service, approved new housing developments and census data.

The primary factor causing the district’s overall enrollment increase over the next five years is existing elderly housing units turning over to young families, according to the report.

The report helps monitor enrollment trends and helps anticipate future space needs in the schools. The report will be updated following the 2020 census.
Parents to be Surveyed on Standards-Based Grading
Parents of junior high students will be asked in the coming days to provide feedback on Standards-Based Reporting. The survey is intended to help improve and enhance the grading practices at the junior high.

A standards-based grading task force used feedback gathered from parents, students and teachers after the first trimester to gain insights in order to make adjustments.

The spring survey will be sent via email to all junior high parents. The district will also gather feedback from students and teachers before the end of the year.
District News
Help Support Scholarships:
Run or Volunteer on May 4
It’s time to register for the HOH5K, which raises money for college scholarships awarded to NBJH alumni. The whole family can join in the fun on Saturday, May 4.

The race, which includes microchip timing, begins at 8 a.m. An obstacle course/fun run for children 11 and under will begin at 9 a.m.

Visit the  HOH5K.com website  to register to run, or contact Alice Seay at  aliceseay@gmail.com to volunteer
Junior High Students Launch 'Inclusion Revolution'
A group of junior high students started an ‘Inclusion Revolution’ at Northbrook Junior High the week of April 22. They capped off a week of dress-alike activities with a ‘Pack the Place’ celebration and basketball game where special needs students played alongside typically developing peers. Students, parents and staff joined in the festivities cheering on the players. The entire week was planned by the Builders Club.

“We’re trying to unite those kids who are socially shy and also get more students involved in our school activities,” said Jack Gaffney, another 8th-grade student. 

“I hope it goes farther than Friday,” said Ryan Kreiter, also an 8 th -grade student. “Maybe you will remember something different about them from seeing them in the basketball game. Maybe something will come to mind other than their disability.”
District Receives Fourth National Music Education Award
Northbrook District 28  has been honored again with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The District has received the designation four of the last five years.

Now in its 20 th  year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

“This is embedded in the culture of the District 28 schools, and is made possible by an exemplary level of support from students, parents, teachers, administration, the Board of Education, and the extended District 28 community,” said Band Director Greg Scapillato, who applied for the award.
Tech Coach Named Apple Distinguished Educator
Instructional Technology Coach Ronit Shapiro has been accepted into an elite class of educators as a member of the Apple Distinguished Educators Class of 2019.

Apple refers to ADEs as ‘trusted advisors, passionate advocates, authentic authors and global ambassadors for integrating technology into learning environments. The program has grown into a worldwide community of over 2,800 visionary and innovative leaders in education, helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac.
“I am inspired when I work with other passionate people, and the Apple Distinguished Educator community is a place full of innovative risk-takers,” Shaprio said. “I'll be heading to the Apple Distinguished Educator Institute this summer to meet my fellow Apple Distinguished Educators from the Americas, and I'm looking forward to bringing back new ideas and projects to the district!”