2008/9 PTA Council
PTA Council meets monthly at the Administration Building (1401 Greenwood Ave.) and includes PTA leaders from each District 34 PTA, Dr. Hill, D34 Superintendent, Administrators, School Board members, representatives/liaisons from Glenview community groups, and other interested parents. The group's goal is to discuss district-wide ideas and challenges and share ideas and best practices among all D34 PTAs.  The meetings are always open to interested parents.

Meeting/Topic SCHEDULE
- Meetings start at 9:15 a.m. 1401 Greenwood Road Administration Building -

PTA Council meetings are open to anyone interested in attending.

September 4 - School Calendar
 Guest Speakers: Phil Collins, Asst. Superintendent and Chris Northwick, Parent (see highlights)

October 2 - Bullying and Cyberbullying
Brian Engle, Dir. of Instructional Technology and School Social Workers (see highlights)

November 6 - Food Services/School Nutrition (see highlights)
Kim Radzinski, Dir. of Food Services

December 4 - Environmental Education (see highlights)
Brett Clark, Dir. of Community Relations; Tammy Burke and Mary Hershey, Chairwomen of BabySteps

January 8 - Middle School Task Force (see highlights)
Middle School Task Force Report Members

February 5 - Standardized Testing
Phil Collins, Asst. Superintendent and Brian Engle, Dir. of Instructional Technology

March 12 - Different Cultures. (see highlights)
District 34, Glenbrook High School, Youth Services, Springman Latino Youth Program, Hoffman School's MAPA (Teachers, Parents, Students Advancing), and B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim Early Education Equity Program

April 9 - Transitions to Intermediate
 Dr. Lori Hinton, Principal,Middle and High Schools Mark Walther, Principal, Jim Woell, Principal,Dr. Heather Hopkins, andBrian Wegley, GBS Principal

May 7 - PLCs (Professional Learning Communities)
Dr. Jill Engle, (Professional Exec. Dir. of Human Res. Learning Communities)

 

Highlights from 2008-9 Meetings

The March meeting included discussions on...

  • Join PTA Council!  PTA Council meets monthly to discuss issues that are important to our school community.  Join us as a member for the 2009/10 school year!  We are seeking many roles that are compatible with many different volunteer schedules.  Contact President Kris Haramaras if you are interested or would like additional information.  kharamaras@comcast.net
  • Learning with and from our many cultures.  We are fortunate to have such a diverse community and our key discussion in March focused how to better reflect our diversity in our schools and PTAs/activities, as well as to gain a better appreciation of the opportunities and challenges faced by families who become part of our community but may not speak fluent English or be familiar with how our schools operate.   With representatives from District 34, Glenbrook High School, Youth Services, Springman Latino Youth Program, Hoffman School's MAPA (Teachers, Parents, Students Advancing), and B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim Early Education Equity Program, the discussion brought forth some key points.
    • Educational cultures in some parts of the world do not encourage the same level of parent involvement that our district advocates.  Can our community do a better job in welcoming and helping new families understand how our schools work, how to navigate the system, and encourage their participation?   Can our community do more to understand and learn from other cultures to enhance our community?
    • Parent work schedules can limit the times and availability for parent involvement as well as limit transportation arrangements for students.  Are there new or better ways/methods/places to communicate with parents and students?  
    • Language barriers have been lessened in other communities with more translation options.  Are there other ways that PTAs and other groups can better open lines of communication with non-or limited English speaking families?  Can we empathize with the experience of attending a school (or any) event where we were not well-versed in the language being spoken?
    • All kids in Glenview don't have safe places to play before and after school, health insurance, homework support, books at home, a library card, or extra curricular activities.  Those families that also have English language learners can find the combination of these challenges overwhelming.   Do students and their parents know of those options currently available to support their efforts to learn? Can we offer more support and options for these families?  
    • Other school communities offer different or varying options for English Language Learners and their families.  What might the future hold for Dual Language Programs, enhanced Early Childhood Education options, Bi-Lingual PTAs, or other ideas in Glenview?
    • Success in school can be related to a student feeling part of the school community.  As parents and educators, can we be better role models for demonstrating to our kids how a community makes all members feel welcome and part of the whole?  Do all our kids take advantage of opportunities to engage with the schools and all their peers? Should more opportunities to promote this be available?
    • All kids in Glenview do have parents that want the best for their children and for them to grow up to reach their greatest potential.   Can we do more as a community to advance that goal for all?
    • Volunteer Opportunities.  Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook currently offers programs that touch on some of the areas above, and they are seeking volunteers.  Some examples include:
      • Study Buddies:  The Study Buddies program is held once a week during the school year at Glen Grove School and is available for kids in Grades 1 – 8.  Kids attending the group are assigned a volunteer study buddy to assist them with their homework.  Study Buddies for the children are either volunteers from local high schools or generous adult volunteers from the community.  Study Buddies begins at 6:30pm and lasts until 8pm.  
      • Befriend a Youth:  a big brother/sister program; 12 hrs of training required, 1 year commitment.
      • Parent Partner: Parents are often under a great deal of stress when raising their children. Parent Partners provide support for those moms or dads in need of a little extra support and someone to talk to.  Parents involved with the Parent Partner program are matched with a trained volunteer who will be there to help and support the parent through a difficult time.  A Parent Partner may be someone to share a coffee, talk on the phone, or accompany a parent to a school meeting or other appointments. 
      • Michael Todd Squad: Lead crafts, games, and gym activities for kids after school, Thursdays 2:30-4 at Hoffman School. Social Skills Group:  activity-based program to help kids gain social skills; 2 Saturday afternoons/month, volunteers must drive and be 18 years or older.
      • For more information or to volunteer link to http://www.youthservices-gn.org/volunteer.html or contact Nancy Bloom, Executive Director, at 847-724-2620.

The January meeting included discussions on...

  • Middle School Task Force provided recommendations to the Board of Education. Overall results indicate that our Middle Schools are performing well. Goals have been identified to work toward in the near future. Some of these goals include,
    • To develop and implement the use of common, consistent district learning targets in all curricular areas;
    • Create and align common, formative assessments to those learning targets in order to help students identify what they know and what they need to know;
    • Use the common assessment data to help teachers differentiate instruction and challenge each student;
    • Reduce the student-to-teacher ratio (both class size and team size) to provide a more personalized learning environment and support differentiated instruction;
    • Communicate and consistently follow grading practices that encourage and support learning;
    • Communicate and consistently follow homework practices that encourage and support learning. Examine the use of the school day to optimize time to meet students' academic and social/emotional needs. More information on the findings is available to view on the District Website or www.d34mstaskforce.ning.com.

December 4, 2008 meeting.

  • School Calendar/Survey.   Overall results indicate that of those parents that shared an opinion, most would like to maintain the existing student calendar as it relates to national, religious, and election day holidays and continue with 180 student attendance days.   Generally, parents also indicated that a start date closer to Labor day was more important than an early June end date for the school year.  Full survey results are available to view at: school calendar survey results. The calendar committee is currently reviewing calendar options for 2009-10 and will present their recommendations to the school board in the new year.  
  • Middle School Task Force is scheduled to make it's recommendations to the Board of Education at the December 15th School Board Meeting.  All parents are welcome.  The task force has a website for those interested in learning more at www.d34mstaskforce.ning.com.
  • Environmental Education and Programs.   The Green Team's Mary Hershey and Tammy Burke, as well as, Carol Christiansen, newly appointed D34 Energy Educator, spoke to the group.  Things that parents should know...  
From the Green Team....
    • REDUCE!  This year the Green Team is focused on ways to reduce the amount waste created.  Two things that really can make a difference:  Use reusable containers for snacks and lunch! Lessen the amount of plastic baggies. Send a reusable water bottle instead of plastic!  Stainless steel water containers are now widely available and don't have the same concerns as other plastic reusable bottles.
    • WALK/CARPOOL to School!  National Walk to School Month may have passed, but kids can make a difference by walking or riding the bus and reducing those car pool lines!
    • Baby Steps Website is available to all parents and has wonderful ideas and resources for taking those baby steps towards reducing your carbon footprint.  In December check out the Green Living Gift Giving Guide. View at www.takebabysteps.org.
    • P.S.A. Contest:  Kids can make their own environmental commercial to enter a contest! Due March 13-- see www.swancc.org for details, or contact maryhershey@mac.com.
    • Recycling is now "co-mingled." You can put in any paper, glass, plastic cups, bottles, or cans that are completely empty, along with plastic utensils. 

From our new Energy Educator...

    • A newly adopted Energy Conservation School Board policy created this new role in the District of Energy Educator.  The goal is to change building occupant behaviors that will allow the district to realize a goal of 20-30% savings of the District's annual $1.2 million dollar electric, gas, and water budget.
    • Some current areas of focus include:  lights off in unused classrooms- even during the school day; closing the blinds overnight to maintain room temperatures; turning off computer speakers and monitors when not in use; closing classroom doors to retain heat when class is in session or the classroom in not in use, as many school hallways are not temperature controlled.  
    • While the focus to date has been on staff to make these changes, many students have been adapting to the new procedures and helping these changes.
    • While no changes have been made to date, a review of temperature guidelines for the buildings is currently going on.  A key priority of the new policy is to support comfort for learning, but some modifications may be appropriate for certain times and certain buildings moving forward.
    • Regardless of any new practices, students should always DRESS APPROPRIATELY for comfort in the buildings.  Layering of clothes is the best way to allow your student to be able to adapt to any changes in temperature in the schools.
    • A reminder and review of items that are NOT currently available for recycling at our schools and included:  cardboard contaminated with food (e.g.. pizza box); food; plastic bags or plastic wrap (e.g.. Saran Wrap); styrofoam, waxed cardboard (milk containers).
  • The next PTA Council meeting will be held on  January 8 @ 9:15am at D34 Admin Building.  The discussion topic will be focused on the Middle School Task Force Recommendations.  All parents are welcome. 

November 6, 2008 meeting.

  • School Calendar/Survey.  In general, results indicate that parents by a slight margin, favor the continuation of a 180 day student calendar, national and religious holidays, as well as election day attendance schedules as they currently exist.   However, when parents were asked to select the most important guideline for the calendar, the highest response (43%) was to start as close to Labor Day as possible, followed by (24%) match district 225’s calendar, while an early June school year end date received only 16%.   The full PTA Council calendar survey results will be shared with parents soon.  Results have already been shared with the District calendar committee.
  • Early Childhood Education.  The district, as part of the Early Childhood Coalition (includes surrounding area pre-schools) is reviewing possible options for the expansion of efforts to support children ages 3-5 years old in need of early educational support to better allow them to be successful once in District 34's K-8 programs.
  • Middle School Task Force is scheduled to make it's recommendations to the Board of Education at the December 15th School Board Meeting.  All parents are welcome.  The task force has a website for those interested in learning more at www.d34mstaskforce.ning.com.    
  • Food Service and Nutrition at School.  Kimberly Radzinski, Director of Food Services, joined the meeting to review the food services program at the District.   Things that parents should know...
    • The food service program is completely self-funded;
    • Strict safety and nutritional guidelines are followed for all our student lunch options;
    • The district promotes a "offer" vs. "serve" program, encouraging children to select fruit/vegetables that they are most likely to eat at the salad bar each day (and reducing waste);
    • Students can select from at least a variety of 7 fruits/vegetables each day, 100% juice, 1% milk, and mostly whole grain food selections.  No foods are deep fried/only baked;
    • Students that buy a bagged lunch can also select items from the salad bar: An overview of "complete meal" food options are available at http://www.glenview34.org/parents/foodServices/completeBLSpringman.asp;
    • A complete food allergy guide for district food options is located at http://www.glenview34.org/parents/foodServices/menus/Food_Allergy_Guide.pdf;
    • Breakfast is served at buildings that service 3rd grade +;
    • The last student during a lunch period should be served by the time lunch period is half over.
    District 34 School Board Elections will be held in Spring of next year. Three board positions will be up for election. School Board applicants and Cacaus members are both being sought.  The purpose of the Caucus shall be to select and support for election candidates for the Glenview Elementary School District 34 Board of Education on a non-partisan basis.  For more information about Caucus, or school board candidacy please contact parent/community member Martha O’Connell at mrussis@aol.com.
  • The next PTA Council meeting will be held on December 4 @ 9:15am at D34 Admin Building.  The discussion topic will be Environmental Education. All parents are welcome.
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October 2, 2008 Meeting:

  • School Calendar.  PTA Council will be launching a parent-created survey the week of October 6th.  All parents are encouraged to participate in the online survey.   Paper and Spanish versions will be made available in the coming weeks.  The survey will be open until October 24th.       
  • Debra Gelfand Fund. The Debra Gelfand fund touches over 600 District 34 students each year with financial help in times of need.  The fund is used in times of major tragedies such as fire, and also on an ongoing basis to helping students to participate in programs and educational field trips when they may not otherwise be able.  Donations are always welcome from parents and community members and are accepted any time by each school's social worker.  
  • Youth Services "South Dreams Big Telethon" sponsored by GBS.  From noon to noon on November 7th & 8th (Channels 17 & 26) GBS students will be holding a telethon with hopes to raise $100,000 to help secure the new Youth Services facility.  Each cluster is looking for parent volunteers to help raise awareness and funds through District students.  Opportunities are available for presentation of these efforts during the telethon and offers a great way for kids of all ages to become involved in this service project and support our community.   Interested parents should contact their PTA President.  Youth Services provides many services to District 34 students and families.  For more information go to http://www.youthservices-gn.org/.
  • Bullying.  Social workers from all building levels discussed efforts across the district to educate students on how to cope with and prevent bullying.   Age appropriate activities were shared starting with the primary students learning the difference between "telling" and "tattling".   Students are taught to try to resolve issues on their own unless 1. someone is/could be hurt, 2. property is/could be damaged, or 3. the student can not handle after trying to solve on their own.  Suggestions for parents included:  create dialogue each day about the best/worst parts of the school day, be a positive role model, listen without reacting emotionally or becoming defensive, monitor electronic usage, know your child's friends and their parents, use books and movies as tools, communicate with school when appropriate, and get outside help if needed.  One program positively mentioned by the group was "Easing the Teasing."  To learn more about this program go to http://www.easingtheteasing.com/index.html.   Hoffman's Local School Council University will be hosting a program with them on October 15th. 
  • Cyberbullying.  Brian Engle, District 34 Director of Technology, presented how bullying options have been enhanced by new technologies such as computers, cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, email, etc.  The group discussed how important it was for parents to be educated on how technological devices are being used, and for students to be educated on how to appropriately use these tools.  Even if your student does not own these technologies, their friends may!    
  • The Glenview Education Foundation will be holding their annual benefit to raise funds for schools, teachers, and programs across the District.  The event will be held Saturday, November 8th at the Chevy Chase Country Club.  Details are available at the GEF website at www.gef34.org. 
  • Parents in Partnership district-wide education program will be held on the morning of November 15th.
  • The next PTA Council meeting will be held on November 6 @ 9:15am at D34 Admin Building.  The discussion topic will be Food Services /School Nutrition . All parents are welcome.

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September Meeting:
  • School Calendar.  The District 34 school calendar was discussed at length.  Various parent opinions were shared about the length of the school year and number of days of student attendance.   The Council decided to seek broader parent opinion and share additional information through a parent survey due out later this month.  Parents, please watch for this and take a moment to respond and share your opinion which will be used in the district calendar building process for next year.
  • Online Registration. The PTA and District new online registration systems were discussed and reviewed.  A group is being formed by PTA and the District to plan for a more coordinated and streamlined system for spring 2009.
  • Parent volunteers across the district are needed for two District-wide important efforts. 
    • Character Counts! October Food Drive that benefits the Northfield Food Pantry.  Interested parents should contact your PTA President or parent Kathy Heckler. 
    • Parents-In-Partnership is seeking parents to help plan the annual Parent In Partnership Educational Session scheduled for Saturday, November 15th at Attea.  Interested parents should contact parent Angela McCune or Hoffman Principal, Mark Walther, at 998-5042
  • The Glenview Education Foundation will be holding their annual benefit to raise funds for schools, teachers, and programs across the District.  The event will be held Saturday, November 8th at the Chevy Chase Country Club.  Invitations will be delivered to all District parents later this month.
  • The next PTA Council meeting will be held on October 2 @ 9:15am at D34 Admin Building.  The discussion topic will be Bullying and Cyberbullying with guest speaker Brian Engle, Director of Instruction Technology,  as well as school Social Workers.  All parents are welcome. Future Calendar Dates - link here.
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