Parent University

A Different Kind of Cool

Thursday, August 16, 2018 6:30-7:30 p.m. Lincoln Middle School (Learning Resource Center), 200 S. Lincoln, Park Ridge
The first Parent University of the 2018-19 school year will feature a presentation by Jack Gallagher, former educator, comedian, author and Dad. "Cool" is something that stands out from the crowd and makes the person an individual -- unique from everyone else. Gallagher demonstrates from his own personal experiences how important it is to accept differences in people. . . and how our definition of "cool" may differ from others'. His presentation focuses on his relationship with his son, who is a child with autism, whom Gallagher comes to realize is truly a "Different Kind of Cool." His talk illustrates the intersection of family, school and community working together to support the unique needs of every child.

A professional comedian, author, actor, TV host and three-time Emmy Award winner, Jack Gallagher has been entertaining for most of his life -- first as a child for his family, then for friends and teachers at school before adopting it as a career. Adapted from his one-man play, a "Different Kind of Cool" is his own funny, relatable, and ultimately moving story.

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE
D64 Innovates! 21st Century Student Learning Showcase 2017-18 was held on Monday, May 21, 2018.
Students shared the wonderful learning they have achieved using the 4 C's: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The District 's 1:1 Learning Initiative provides tools for students to amplify their learning opportunities and practice skills that will help them be future ready. Students demonstrated their learning projects. The program was organized by the Instructional Technology Coaches, teachers and students of District 64.

VIEW PRESENTATION HERE
Home-School Connection: Nurturing Social Emotional Health was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.
To introduce the topic of social emotional learning (SEL), the D64 Superintendent Focus Group on Social Emotional Learning invited noted expert Dr. Charlene Myklebust to join us in launching this conversation in our community. Dr. Myklebust provided an overview of SEL, an introduction to 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. All parents and community members were welcomed and encouraged to attend!

See Maker Night Gallery Here!

Our family maker night offered an evening of hands-on Making, Coding and STEAMing (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) exploration on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Hosted by the D64 Tech Departrment, the program was geared towards families with school-aged, grades K-8 students. Families tried MakerSpace activities, coding, and learned about the fundamental ideas behind our innovation and design mindset. Families had the opportunity to learn and problem-solve through exploration and play. Popular activities from last year's family night returned, and some new ideas and activities were introduced to explore! The evening was facilitated by D64 Library Information Specialist Denise Reeder and Intructional Technology Coaches Megan Preis and Kevin Michael. Extra maker supplies? Donate them to D64! D64 invites families and community menbers to donate supplies for Maker Night, and would particularly welcome: duct tape; fabric; felt; craft/ice pop sticks; plastic interlocking building bricks; plastic straws; painter's tape/masking tape; egg cartons (cardboard); and toothpicks. Please drop off materials to D64 school offices.

The Whole (Internet) Truth: The Challenge of Evaluating Internet Resources -

ON DEMAND VIDEO AVAILABLE NOW!

Our information-rich world requires a higher level of Internet know-how. Unlike much of what we hear on news broadcasts and what we read in newspapers, most of the content that is published on the Internet is not regulated for credibility and reliability. Since almost anyone can publish anything they want on the Internet, it's important to learn how to assess resources effectively. This informative new video will provide topics on how to evaluate online resources for accuracy and quality. The video features D64 Instructional Technology Coaches Tiffany Costa, Rachel Labuz and Angel Villarreal.

Stay Connected - Making the Most of #engageD64 Video is now available!
Instructional Technology Coaches, Jessica Radek (Field) and Beth Rihtar (Emerson) help viewers navigate 21st century iinformation and learning resources that can help parents enhance students' educational experience. This informative video gets you connected to digital resources in our district and beyond!

Failing Forward and Making it Happen - Join us for a night of Maker mindset! was held Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Roosevelt School.
Families were invited to join the D64 Technology Team for a hands-on night of FAILING FORWARD. As John C. Maxwell puts it: "In life, the question is not IF you are going to have problems, but HOW are you going to deal with your problems. Failure is simply the price we pay to achieve." Coupling this resilience with their creative selves, students can learn about the fundamental ideas behind the Maker mindset with innovation and design. Families had the opportunity to problem solve, iterate, and create solutions through activities centered around the design process. Practice failing forward and making it happen! This program was geared towards families with school-aged students. The evening was led by D64 Instructional Technology Coaches Tiffany Costa, Kevin Michael, and Angel Villarreal.

G-Suite for Education was held Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Carpenter School. See the presentation below. G Suite (formerly known as Google Apps for Education) has become an integral part of District 64's learning ecosystem. Students at all grade levels use this powerful productivity tool in their learning environments. In this session, parents learned about Google Drive, how it works, and the awesome suite of apps students use to be creative, to think critically, to communicate to a variety of audiences, and to practice collaboration skills. The basics of G Suite were reviewed and some of the great ways G Suite is being used for student learning were highlighted. The session was presented by District 64's Instructional Technology Coaches Angel Villarreal (Franklin School) and Kevin Michael (Carpenter School), and was suggested for parents of students at all grade levels.