December Community Board Brief
Exciting things are happening in District 113A. Most recently, we have integrated new technology into the hands of our students.
Several highlights of technology integration will be mentioned in this month’s Community Brief. When walking around our buildings, we are seeing teachers utilizing technology to enhance learning and students are creating and collaborating more than ever before.
Communications has been a central focus for us this year as we have been diligent in improving our communications to our families. Many of our teachers now have Twitter accounts and are sending out many learning activities from their classes. If you haven’t tried Twitter, you can follow me at @drorzel. We have also launched our District Facebook page. While this recently began, we already have 171 likes. If you haven’t liked our page, please do so. Amazing school events and activities are posted on a regular basis as well.
Moving forward with communications, we are exploring the option of updating our district website to streamline information and provide a site which is more user-friendly for our parents, students, staff, and community.
It appears that Senate Bill 16 has been placed on the back burner by the legislators- for now. There is no doubt that legislators are concerned about school funding reform and SB16 has begun important conversations surrounding school funding. Please know that I will continue to closely monitor the information coming out of Springfield and will provide information as it becomes available.
Additionally, the District is researching potential “pay to ride” options for students who live within 1.5 miles of their school and are currently not eligible for bus service. The Transportation Committee will be administering a survey to parents not eligible for bussing in early January to gain their feedback regarding this possibility.
Finally, the District is evaluating its residency procedures and the process of proving residency and is considering the option of having all students verify residency for the upcoming 2015-16 school year.
The first six months in the district have been amazing. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and suggestions as I have transitioned into the superintendency. I am looking forward to the many incredible opportunities that lie ahead for us in 2015.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with your suggestions, questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Dr. Courtney Orzel
Superintendent of Schools