February 2013 - School District U-46

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Personal Reflection
School District U-46 has made great
strides as we work together to align
our curriculum and instruction to the
new Common Core State Standards.
From the Superintendent
for Parents
Feel free to continue to send me responses
and ideas for future topics for Monthly Plus
Messages at Superintendent@u-46.org.
This statewide education reform initiative will better prepare our students for college and
career readiness.
To align with Common Core Standards, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has
raised the bar on the performance expectations of the Illinois Standards Achievement Test
(ISAT) in Math and English for elementary and middle school students. Raising the bar
means, for example, that to exceed, or meet a standard a student needs to score higher on the
ISAT scale. Some students, who “exceeded” standards last year, might merely “meet” it this
year. Other students, who “met” standards last year, might score “below.”
These higher expectations will cause the number of students who meet and exceed standards to drop significantly. This year,
some students who previously excelled on the ISAT will instead show the need for improvement.
Change is never easy. These new expectations mean that our students and staff will have to build on the knowledge and
capabilities they had in previous years. Schools will continue to identify students who need extra help on their road to
academic success. The new expectations also pave the way for the state to replace the ISAT tests in Math and English
Language Arts with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exams, which are
scheduled to begin in the 2014-2015 school year.
School District U-46 1 February 2013
At U-46, we are committed to embrace these changes boldly. Students will always rise or sink to the level of our expectations.
Though more difficult, these higher expectations will better position students to tackle the challenges of college and careers.
I know the students and teachers at U-46 will rise to the occasion.
Sincerely,
2013-2014 Calendar Changes
José M. Torres
Superintendent
On February 25, the U-46 Board of Education will be considering a school calendar for the 2013-2014 school year.
There are several changes to the proposed calendar, including:
-Beginning the school year 5 days earlier.
-Moving parent-teacher conferences to October.
-Holding school on Veterans Day.
-Ending first semester prior to Winter Break.
-Having students attend school on the Monday and Tuesday prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, and,
-Ending the school year in May with the last day prior to Graduation Day on Memorial Day weekend.
The proposed calendar is available for you to view on the District’s website, www.u-46.org and was developed by the
U-46 Staff Development Committee which represents all school sites and district programs. You can provide feedback
to the Board of Education by e-mailing calendar@u-46.org.

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School District U-46 2 February 2013
All Third Graders Participating in
SWAS General Screenings
This February, all School District U-46 third grade
students will participate in the SWAS universal
screening process to determine, in part, which students
will be assigned to our Gifted and Talented services.
The Cognitive Abilities Test 7 (CogAT 7) will be
administered to students February 11-21, 2013 in their
classrooms unless it has been determined standardized
testing in that setting is inappropriate for the student due
to some specific disability.
The CogAT 7 measures students’ verbal, quantitative
and nonverbal abilities. Each child’s comprehensive
student profile will be evaluated by School District U-46
Gifted Identification Committee. They will identify
students who are in need of Gifted and Talented services.
Notifications will be mailed to parents by April 8, 2013.
If you have any questions, please contact Nan Ochs at
nanochs@u-46.org.
Illinois 5 Essentials Survey
In February, U-46 is launching the Illinois 5 Essentials
Survey, an evidence-based system with more than 20
years of research designed to drive improvement in
schools nationwide. The survey is mandated by the
Illinois State Board of Education as part of a state law
requiring school districts to implement learning surveys
every two years. The “Five Essential” components for
school success include effective leaders, collaborative
teachers, involved families, supportive environment and
ambitious instruction. The survey will help our schools
identify their strengths and weaknesses and lead to better
informed policy making.
There are three components to the Illinois 5 Essentials
Survey, a student survey, teacher survey and parent
survey. District U-46 is not mandating the parent survey
since we recently received parent input through our
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) survey.
However, certified K-12 teachers and students in sixth
through twelfth grade will take the online surveys which
must be completed by March 31.
Extended Day Kindergarten
We are excited to introduce an Extended Day
Kindergarten (EDK) option for incoming kindergarten
students for the 2013-2014 school year. It’s a tuitionbased
program and will be located at two satellite
sites; two classrooms on the west side of Elgin and two
classrooms in the Bartlett area during the pilot year.
Depending on the hours of the site, the length of EDK
will be 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
If demand exceeds the spots available, a lottery will
be conducted for interested families. Dual Language
Kindergarten will be available in EDK depending on the
interest.
Applications and fee information is available at U-46
schools and on http://www.u-46.org. The application
deadline is March 15.
Parents will still have the option to send their child to
Half-day Kindergarten.
Superintendent’s Scholarship
Last year, I announced the first annual Superintendent
Scholarship program and due to the generous efforts of
the community, we were able to recognize twenty-one high
school students who each received a $1,000 scholarship.
Recipients of last year’s scholarships – in addition to being
the first in their families to attend college – may have had
the following experiences:
• Participant in the Ten Boys Initiative
• AVID Participant
• Teenage Parent
• Former dropout who graduated from a U-46 school
with a high school diploma (not GED)
• Completed entire education in U-46 (K-12)
• Member of Superintendent’s Student Advisory
Council
• Member of Future Teachers Club
• Intend to pursue studies in the following area(s):
science; technology; mathematics; education field
• Plan to attend a two-year technical college
There is no greater joy than making a difference in the life
of a young person. These scholarships support the ‘average’
student, who like me, is a first generation college-going
student who might earn B’s or C’s. Many of the students
who received scholarships last year made significant
positive changes during their high school careers and are
on a road to success, but need a little extra support.
High school seniors can click here to find applications
for the Superintendent Scholarship program, which must
be submitted to high school guidance offices by March
7. Students who plan to attend a two-year technical
college are also eligible to apply for the Superintendent’s
Scholarship. Scholarship recipients are notified in April
and attend an award ceremony later that month.

Quote of Note
Maya Angelou said “Do the best you can until you
know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
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Black History Family Festival
Last Saturday, School District U-46 partnered with the Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Community College, the
City of Elgin, and the Links, Incorporated to offer the 8th Annual Black History Family Festival at the Gail Borden
Public Library. Participants discovered the connection between a “Healthy, Body, Healthy Mind,” with special
events, interactive lectures, and literacy-based programs. The Black History Family Festival was free and featured
performances by the acclaimed Muntu Dancers, professional storyteller Linda Gorham, fitness guru Dr. Ron “Sweat”
Anderson, and the culinary experts from Elgin Community College’s Food Services Department. Click here to read the
Daily Herald article about the event and our students who were recognized for their academic achievements.
Help Support Our Teachers
Donors Choose is an online website that enables teachers to post projects where they’d like additional funding from the
public. Traditionally teachers have asked for books, special equipment such as document projectors or funds to take
students on an educational trip. To learn more about the program and to support projects in School District U-46,
please visit http://www.donorschoose.org/.
Free Practice ACT at the Gail Borden Public Library
The Gail Borden Public Library (GBPL) is offering a limited number of free practice ACT tests for high school
students. Students must have a GBPL card to be eligible and a parent must be with students to receive scores. Students
can take the test on Saturday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. with scores being returned on February 21 at 7:00 p.m. Please
call the GBPL 847-429-4597 to register for one of the practice test dates and for additional information.
School District U-46 3 February 2013
February Calendar
Presidents’ Holiday/Offices Closed February 18
Board of Education Meeting February 25
Special Needs Parent Resource Fair
The Citizens’ Advisory Council and the U-46 Special Education Department are offering a free Special Needs Parent
Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Elgin High School. The event, which is open to the
public, is an opportunity for families to learn about the services and programs that local, regional, and state agencies
provide for our special needs community.
Programming will include discussion panels hosted by local service providers and by District U-46. The Autism Society
of Illinois will lead a discussion with other experts in the field of autism at 10:15 a.m. Ray Graham Association, AID,
and the Illinois DHS Office of Rehabilitation Services will host a panel on respite care options at 11:15 a.m. Two
presentations on high school/post-secondary transition programs will be held first at 9:15 a.m., and again at 12:15 p.m.
For a full schedule of events and list of participating agencies, visit http://cac_resourcefair.eventbrite.com. You may also
contact the U-46 Special Education Department at (847) 888-5000 ext. 5065.
Social Media
You can always visit us at our website www.u-46.org or you can follow us on several social media sites including:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdu46 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SchoolDistrictU46 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/schooldistrictu46
If you’d like to get up to the minute information directly from me, you can follow me on my Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/josemtorresm

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School District U-46 4 February 2013
Dual Language Informational Meetings
U-46 80:20 the Dual Language Program model serves Spanish-speaking English Language Learner students in grades
Pre K through third in thirty elementary schools which have the ELL Program, including the two Early Learners
Centers. Students need to have met ISBE’s eligibility criteria to receive English Language Learners’ (ELL) services in
Spanish according to the Illinois Administrative School Code 228 in order to be entitled to receive services in the Dual
Language Program.
In addition, Native-English speakers and English-dominant students participate in the Two-Way (TW) Dual
Language Programs at sixteen (16) of the thirty schools that currently have the ELL Program in Spanish in grades
kindergarten through second. For a complete list of the schools with Dual Language Programs, please click here. The
following are informational programs for families with students entering Kindergarten or first grade.
February 27, 2013:
ESC Bldg., 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin, Room 240-English
ESC Bldg., 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin, Room 239/339-Spanish
9-10 a.m.
5-6 p.m.
March 21, 2013:
ESC Bldg., 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin, Room 240-English
ESC Bldg., 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin, Room 339-Spanish
6-7 p.m.
6-7 p.m.
April 9, 2013:
ESC Bldg., 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin, Room 240-English
ESC Bldg., 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin, Room 239-Spanish
5-6 p.m.
5-6 p.m.
Moving Forward with STEM
The next “Moving Forward with STEM” event will connect excited U-46 middle school girls with fun hands-on STEM
activities on Saturday, February 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northern Illinois University for a day of Engineering
Investigations. Permission slips are due on Monday February 4 by 4 p.m. For more information, contact Marc Hans,
U-46 Coordinator of Math, Science, Planetarium and Instructional Technology at marchans@u-46.org or 847-888-
5000 extension 5313.

Quote of Note
Maya Angelou said “Do the best you can until you
know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
African American Advisory Council Parent Presentations
The U-46 African American Advisory Council is hosting a series of presentations for parents on important topics that
will help parents become more engaged in their child’s education. Topics include:
1.
2.
3.
Common Core – College Bound and Career Ready. Exploring the Common Core standards and College and
Career Readiness.
Parent Engagement – Parents as Partners in the Educational Process. Helpful tips for parents about what can
be done at home to help children succeed in school.
Parent Resources – Scream-Free Parenting – Services provided by U-46 for parents and students including 3
Keys to scream-free families and responsible children.
Dates, times, locations, and topics are as follows:
On Tuesday, February 19, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Topic: Common Core
Location: Century Oaks, 1235 Braeburn Dr. Elgin, IL 60123
Topic: Parent Engagement
Location: Kimball MS, 451 North McLean, Elgin IL 60123
Topic: Parent Resources and Scream-Free Parenting
Location: Boys & Girls Club, 355 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
On Tuesday, March 19 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Topic: Parent Resources and Scream-Free Parenting
Location: Century Oaks, 1235 Braeburn Dr. Elgin, IL 60123
Topic: Common Core
Location: Kimball MS, 451 North McLean, Elgin IL 60123
Topic: Parent Engagement
Location: Boys & Girls Club, 355 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
On Tuesday, April 16, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Topic: Parent Engagement
Location: Century Oaks, 1235 Braeburn Dr. Elgin, IL 60123
Topic: Parent Resources and Scream-Free Parenting
Location: Kimball MS, 451 North McLean, Elgin IL 60123
Topic: Common Core
Location: Boys & Girls Club, 355 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
Further information or questions, please email velma_sept@hotmail.com
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School District U-46 5 February 2013

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School District U-46 6 February 2013
Citizens’ Advisory Council
Meetings
Please join us for our upcoming Citizens’
Advisory Council meetings. Each school may
have up to five regular members, appointed by
the principal and PTO president, and two atlarge
members, approved by the CAC Executive
Committee. It is important for schools to have
a representative in attendance at each meeting,
as the CAC will be voting on their committee
reports in April and May and those schools who
have not been sending representatives will be
ineligible to vote. If you are interested in joining
the CAC, please contact the principal of your
school.
March 14:
April 11:
May 9:
School Board Candidate Night
CAC Committee Reports
CAC Committee Reports
2012 Illinois Honor Roll
We are pleased to announce that Bartlett
Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Prairieview
Elementary, and Wayne Elementary Schools
received Academic Excellence Awards as part of
the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and
Northern Illinois University (NIU) 2012 Honor
Roll program. The Academic Excellence Awards
are given to elementary schools where at least
90 percent of the students met or exceeded state
standards in reading and math for at least three
consecutive years. We applaud the teachers, staff,
students, and parents at these award-winning
schools for their commitment to hard work and
academic success that led to this prestigious
recognition.
Members of the Board of Education
President: Donna Smith
Vice President: Amy Kerber
Secretary Pro-Tem: Traci O’Neal Ellis
Members: Maria Bidelman, Joyce Fountain, Jennifer Shroder, Dale Spencer
Student Advisor: Diana Castillo
Standardized Testing Dates
Please note that some of our students will be taking the
ACCESS for ELLs through February 15. Please check with
your school for specific testing details or visit the assessment
page of our website.
First “U-46 Mix” Speech
Competition
Students from five of the district’s high schools
recently competed in “The Perennial U-46 Mix” Speech
competition to showcase their speaking and acting skills
in 14 events such as Radio Speaking, Original Comedy,
and Poetry Reading. Students benefited from receiving
professional critiques to improve their performance
before competing in the IHSA Regional Tournament.
Professional judges included ambassadors of the Illinois
Communication and Theatre Association, former IHSA
state competitors, award-winning college-level speech
competitors from area colleges, and communications
professors. The event concluded with an awards
ceremony, during which the tournament champion
competitors performed their prize-winning work on
stage.
District Employees Go Red for
Women
U-46 employees kicked off the month by participating
in National Wear Red Day on February 1. Go Red
For Women is a national movement to raise awareness
about the number one killer of women -- heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, heart
disease kills one in three women each year. That’s
more deadly than all forms of cancer. The movement
advocates for more research and action to prevent heart
disease. http://www.goredforwomen.org/
Books That I Have Been Reading Lately
In reading Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools, by Glenn E.
Singleton, I’ve come to recognize three requirements that will help U-46 close its equity and achievement gaps:
Passion, Practice and Persistence.