Finding answers is a lot harder than pointing fingers

Differentiated Learning-could it be an answer for many of the students of D131?

Curriculum goals may be similar for all students, teaching methods must be varied to suit the individual needs of all children: ie. learning must be differentiated to be effective.
Differentiating instruction means creating multiple paths so that students of different abilities, interest or learning needs experience equally appropriate ways to absorb, use, develop and present concepts as a part of the daily learning process. It allows students to take greater responsibility and ownership for their own learning, and provides opportunities for peer teaching and cooperative learning.
Differentiating is not new, the concept has been around for at least 2 decades for gifted and talented students. However, it is now recognized to be an important tool for engaging students and addressing the individual needs of all students.

Source: www.enhancelearning.ca

By any other name it is enpowering and inspiring

D300- ISAT tests taken by students in the spring show boys typically score lower than girls in reading. The boys-only book club is an innovative way to bridge the national gap in reading skills between boys and girls.

Elgin-based USD 46 -Proposed by district Supt. “The 10 Boys Initiative” involves 120 admin, each volunteering to work with 10 boys considered at risk of academic failure. The program mentors boys from 4th - 12th grade.

WVHS-Members of 100 Black Men of Chicago, a group that mentors at-risk youths, came into the class on a regular basis throughout the year and talked about everything from team-building to starting a business.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1857792,3_1_EL01_BOOKCLUB_S1-091101.article

http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/mar/12/local/chi-elgin-mentors-nzone-12-mar12

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=214692

Can we afford any more? Can we afford not to?

In the past few months it has been quite apparent in local communication mediums there are definitely many views to whether 131 needs a magnet school, alternative school or a preschool program. Though, all of these programs have young people who need them and parents who want the opportunities for their children, there are just as many families who would like educational opportunities geared towards their own children’s needs. Some neighborhoods have suggested we need a new school built to alleviate overcrowding. How much more should we offer? Is there excess in 131’s attempts to accommodate ALL our children?

Feeding off the negative will keep you constantly hungry

A frenzy has erupted in the media and community forums such as blogs. On the national and local news levels, healthcare, education and the economy are the topics that hit every person close to home.
Media loves to quote the rude and feed into the negative frenzy. While some are busy trying to point fingers, outlook to a future with positive change is passing by.

At home, in 131, change is happening. You will find whatever you are looking for, whether it be change or reasons to continue to be a EA cynic. I won't deny we need to keep looking for the flaws so they can be mended. At least equal time to rejoice in those things that have been accomplished.

It has taken more years than most will admit for our district to get to the level we have been. We are on the upside of this cycle of change. Naysayers delay change. We can make excuses, sit and do nothing or be an active part of change.

Where are you?

I can't put you in the seats......

But you may now have all info the Board members receive. With exception of sensitive/ confidential information.

Go to the 131 website:
http://d131.org/
Click on Board of Education in the left hand column.
Then click on Board Packets in the right hand column.
You will come to a page called BoardBook.
Click on agenda packet.

You can now be an informed community member.
Questions? Plenty of people are an email away.

Open invitation to ALL East Aurora Alumni

Come enjoy a tailgate party before the East/West football game Friday August 28th 2009 from 4-7 pm to get us pumped up and ready for the big cross-town rivalry.
Together with EA students we will be having a gathering of alumni in the NE corner of the stadium area.
The purchase price of the ticket, $10.00, will include admission to the game, food, a beverage and an alumni gift. Games, music and lots of Tomcat spirit will be available to enjoy.

Alumni T-shirts will be available for purchase. Presale tickets may be purchased by contacting any of the event coordinators through Facebook.

Anita Lewis alewis4244@msn.com

Rayanne Carlson 1-630-851-8569 or JCarl419@aol.com

Shiane Gonzalez

Tickets will be sold at EA staff Red and Black pride day, too!

A limited number of tickets will be available the night of the game.

Many meetings, late hours, no pay-it's OK! It's all for the students in 131.

Few people attend the meetings, and the Beacon rarely comes and reports what transpires. I’d like to share a few things that have been decided in open session in the last few months in 131.

The Board decided to not approve a raise for the administrators at this time.

The Board has decided to make a change and do business with a local attorney who resides on the Eastside.

Policies are being changed and spending is being monitored more closely.

The Board has created it’s own mission statement:

“To create an environment of accountability, trust and open communication, to empower students, staff and community members.”

The 131 School Board is working hard for it's students.
Please support them, attend meetings.