2011 is almost over...

And what a year it was! A record-breaking blizzard in February, extreme heat in July and August, and a mild December (so far, anyway)! Our district also "weathered" a wide variety of experiences this year, both positive and negative.

What were the highlights of 2011 in District 131? And what can we look forward to in the coming year?

Reputation

Shakespeare said it best:

"Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash...
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed"

Individuals, businesses, communities, school districts--all value a good reputation.

How can we improve ours in District 131?

Students' best interests?

One of the things most of us in this community have in common is our concern for the well-being of our kids. Ideally, every decision made by administrators, teachers, parents, and taxpayers is made with the best interests of students in mind. What are some examples of recent decisions made in our district that have been good for students? And how could we make better use of available resources (time, energy, funds) to benefit the people we claim to care about most: our children?

Continuing the money discussion

It seems like a lot of us like to discuss finances; there have been more than 200 postings on the previous thread in less than 3 weeks. So we'll refresh the topic, and continue the discussion!

Money makes the world go round...

...or at least it can seem that way! Whether it's fund-raising, petty cash, legal bills, referendums, pensions, fees, or taxes--money is a hot topic right now. Are we spending our money wisely? Are we getting maximum "bang for our buck"? And if not, what can we do differently?

Consequences

When my kids were in middle school and high school, I used to remind them at the beginning of every school year that the choices they make now will produce results later. Good choices (studying, paying attention in class, following rules) were usually reflected on their report card or at teacher conference time. Poor choices could result in a negative consequence--maybe a detention or loss of privileges.

The start of a new school year is a good time for all of us (students, teachers, parents, staff, community members) to remember that the things we choose to say and do NOW will have ramifications LATER. Let's think before we speak or act!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

No, we're not getting into the Christmas spirit quite yet; we're talking about the beginning of a brand new school year. It's a fresh opportunity for students, staff, and the entire community to pull together to help our kids succeed. It's a new start, and a chance to do grEAt things here in District 131.

On your mark...get set...GO!

Things are really heating up around here...

...in more ways than one! But as the saying goes, "let cooler heads prevail".

Summer "marches" on!

Today is the first day of the 2011 East Aurora Band Camp. This has been a wonderful experience for our band students for many, many years! Young musicians ranging in age from middle school through high school (and a few alums, too) spend the week sharpening their skills and getting to know their band-mates in the beautiful setting of LaSalle Manor. Then, the entire group marches in Aurora's Fourth of July parade.

Band Camp is definitely one of the many grEAt things happening this summer in our district. We're proud to support you, D131 band students!

End of the school year!

And what a year it's been...we've dealt with extreme weather (including a record-breaking snowstorm in February, and an April with the least amount of sunshine in recorded history). We've said "goodbye and good luck in retirement" to some of our district's finest, including Rollins Principal Karen Hart and Dieterich teachers Ms. Diane Backes and Mrs. Liz Hardy. We've witnessed a contentious School Board election, and are hoping to have a full Board seated later this summer. And we look to the future with optimism, because those of us who've been part of this district for awhile know that our KIDS are the best, and deserve our support and encouragement!

Shades of Gray

A lot of us have been less than thrilled with the weather lately; it seems like it's been one cold, gray day after another. And yet my neighbor (who teaches at a middle school) notices that her students concentrate better and work harder in this kind of weather. Maybe they're less likely to be distracted by the sight of sunny playgrounds and bike trails outside their classroom windows, or maybe the sound of rain and wind has a calming effect--but for whatever reason, the lousy weather can turn out to be a blessing in disguise in some situations.

Sometimes situations (like the weather) are neither terrible nor wonderful, but somewhere in between. Often the answers aren't black or white, but shades of gray.

Decisions, decisions...

Life is full of decisions: how to spend our time & money, who to vote for, what to say and do in a particular situation. Parents, students, teachers, administrators, and taxpayers all have the opportunity and responsibility to make decisions in the best interests of our students.

What are some examples of decisions made recently that have benefited our district?

And how can less-positive decisions be corrected so our students get maximum benefit?

Continuing the discussion...

The topic of the previous thread (our district's image) must have struck a nerve with a lot of folks--there have been more than 200 comments in a relatively short period of time. So I (the co-administrator, and originator of the past several topics) decided to refresh the discussion. Oh, and don't forget to VOTE next Tuesday!

It's about our image--or is it?

Is it possible for a school district to have a high degree of transparency and accountability, as well as maintain a positive image in the community? Can we "agree to disagree" on some issues, while having as our ultimate goal doing what's best for students?

And what questions would we ask those candidates who are hoping to represent us on the School Board this spring?

Changes...

Spring is always a time of new beginnings, and it looks like 2011 will be no different! We will have fresh faces on our School Board, new policies regarding district Internet use, and reworking of our state's education budget (to name just a few).

Change can be both a blessing and a challenge. How can District 131 embrace necessary changes, while looking out for the best interests of our students?

The Blizzard of 2011

Some called it "Snowzilla"; some called it "Snow-mageddon"; some called it "Snownami".

Whatever we call it, it was the third worst snowstorm in area history.

And we all can call ourselves survivors of the Blizzard of 2011.

We east-siders are a hardy, resourceful bunch! Share your experiences over the past few days.

EA blog life continues

I have been fortunate to find an East Aurora resident to agree to monitor the blog in my absence. This person has been in district 131 for 25 years and has had children attend East Aurora schools.

The posts & deletions will be at the discretion of the new co-administrator of the EA131 blog.

Just a "heads up" and FYI

I am considering handing the blog over to another person.
I have not been able to be a part of discussion or post as
I had hoped when I initiated this chat forum.
If unable to complete the transfer I will be suspending the chat,
temporarily, within the next week.

What the heck is going on?

Is there no more converstaion about education or about the woes and benefits of being an EA resident/ student?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

2011

May 2011 bring a happier new year to all!