Inside this edition: • Technology Makes Learning Personal • Board of Education Candidate Profiles • Peperkorn Named Associate Principal of the Year • Fairview South Students and the Community • Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool • Elmbrook Welcomes the Class of 2028! • Celebrate Success!
District Leverages Technology to Make Learning Personal The jobs of today require critical thinking, collaboration, and communication with people located all over the world. One way the Elmbrook Schools are equipping students to be successful at college and in future careers, is by making learning personal and engaging all students in the learning process. “For the past two years many of our teachers and students across the district have begun the journey towards personalizing learning,” said Dana Monogue, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “Thus far, we have experienced strong academic results, increased skills, and outstanding student engagement. We are excited to expand this approach to all classrooms over the next two years, with dedicated access to technology for every student in grades 4-12 by 2016-2017.” Gabbie Zastrow, an 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School explained that “Providing all students with a Google 5th grade student teams develop sales presentations in social students to Chromebook device allows encourage others to settle in their colonial region. each student to engage in their learning anytime, anywhere. It redefines the learning experience as something that is not limited by a school building or during school hours.” Using the Google Application suite and a variety of web-based resources, students become motivated to deepen their learning, often exceeding teacher expectations. Alix Kasmarick, Principal of Tonawanda Elementary School, adds that “Technology access combined with expert facilitation by our teachers empowers students to pursue knowledge and information in ways not previously possible in a traditional classroom. Students are able to quickly access content that matches their interest levels and readiness.” Kasmarick continued, “Personalizing learning has become an integral part of our district’s mission, and has been made a top priority in terms of professional learning and resource allocation. At the school level, we feel incredibly grateful to have such powerful tools for learning.”
February 2015
Message from the Superintendent Our District has a tradition of excellence that is evident in the work of our students, staff members and the Board of Education. Mark Hansen, Superintendent Through the generous support of our community we are able to provide opportunities to our students to thrive in the classroom as Presidential Scholars, excel as award-winning Artists, and actively participate as community volunteers. We celebrate all of their accomplishments in this edition of LINK. Similarly, we celebrate our staff members who have received local and state recognition, awarded for their dedication and commitment to the success of all students. Finally, our community is fortunate to have a rich history of service to our school board. We are grateful to Meg Wartman as she concludes her fourth consecutive term later this spring, and for all community members willing to give of their time and talents to continue the Board of Education’s tradition of excellence.