Superintendent 2017-18 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus Group
May 15 Program for D64 Families and Community Members
Home-School Connection: Nurturing Social Emotional Health
SEE PRESENTATION HERE ON COMPANION WEBPAGE
The D64 Superintendent Focus Group welcomes noted expert Dr. Charlene Myklebust to introduce the topics of social emotional learning (SEL) and launch a conversation in our community. Dr. Myklebust will provide an overview of SEL, an introduction to the framework offered by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), and a description of how the new District-wide Second Step curriculum addresses students’ social emotional development. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School (Learning Resource Center), 200 S. Lincoln, Park Ridge. Read more about the focus group here.
Download the flier by clicking on the image:
First Meeting - January 23, 2018
Superintendent Laurie Heinz welcomed 36 members of the new Focus Group on Social-Emotional Learning. Read more about this event here.
Dr. Heinz (center) and Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Lori Lopez (right) invited focus group members to introduce themselves, describe their interest in SEL, and their desired outcome for the group's work together.
During a table activity, Dr. Heinz asked each group to answer the question: "What is social emotional learning?"
With lots of conversation and topics to cover, some of the material in the presentation below will be returned for deeper review at the next meeting.
Second Meeting - March 14, 2018
Third Meeting - May 29, 2018 (rescheduled from April 30)
Call for Applicants December 2017
As you may know, two years ago I launched a Superintendent Community Relations Council with the goal of opening new lines of communication, expanding awareness of District initiatives, and developing relationships between District 64 and the larger Park Ridge-Niles community. This dedicated group of community volunteers immersed themselves in learning about the 2020 Vision Strategic Plan and its six strategic objectives, and acted as ambassadors to create a two-way dialogue to share information and perspectives to and from the community.
Building on the experience of our time together and the invaluable feedback of this inaugural council, for 2017-18 I am establishing a one-year Focus Group that will explore a single topic -- social emotional learning, or SEL -- in greater depth. During Year 3 of our Strategic Plan in 2017-18, social emotional learning is a key initiative as we implement a new curriculum on a District-wide basis that will affect every child in grades K-8. We believe parents/guardians as well as community members will find this subject of great interest and significance.
I hope that you will consider applying if you share this interest and/or would like to learn more about the topic. Focus Group members will be selected to represent a cross-section of D64 parents/guardians and local residents. The goal is to assemble a diverse group that provides a balance of stakeholder perspectives and voices from throughout the community.
Just as the original Community Relations Council members did, SEL Focus Group participants will be expected to act as communication ambassadors to increase the community’s understanding of SEL in District 64 and to provide D64 with feedback about how the District is meeting the expectations of the community on this topic. Members will serve for the 2017-18 school year, and must demonstrate willingness to openly communicate, work toward positive outcomes, and have the best interests of both District 64 and the larger community at the center of their volunteerism.
The group will meet a minimum of three times, with the kick off meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Other meetings currently planned are Wednesday, March 14 and Monday, April 30.
Applications of interest for selection to the Superintendent 2017-18 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus Group should be submitted on or before Friday, December 22, 2017. Electronic copies are preferred, but applications also can be mailed or hand delivered as long as they arrive on or before the deadline. Members will be notified by email on or after Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Please see the application form for details. Open Application Form Here
I thank you for your interest in District 64 and look forward to continuing to strengthen relationships and develop more lines of communication between the District and larger community.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Laurie Heinz, Superintendent of Schools
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