Teaching and Learning
While many of our students remain at home for remote learning, D76 will continue to administer state mandated assessments to those students who attend in-person learning in both April and May. The assessment windows will include:
- ACCESS for English Learners: April 1st - 30th, Grades K-8th
- Illinois Assessment of Readiness: May 3rd - 14th, Grades 3rd - 8th
- Illinois Science Assessment: May 3rd - 14th, Grades 5th & 8th
- STAR Reading and Math: May 17th - 28th, Grades 1st - 8th
*More detailed information will be forthcoming prior to each testing window.
Facilities
D76 is busy planning and preparing for Summer 2021 facility projects. The main scope of work this summer is to renovate all classroom spaces at Diamond Lake School and West Oak Campus. This includes flooring, furniture, technology, lighting, and paint. This project would complete our goal of having truly 21st century learning spaces throughout the district.
In addition to the classroom renovations, there are several other HVAC related projects taking place throughout the district. At Diamond Lake School, all classroom univent heaters are being replaced with more modern units equipped with controls that tie into our building automation system. At West Oak Campus, the chiller plant is being replaced which will ensure a modern cooling unit is in place for the entire building.
Once these projects are complete, Diamond Lake School District will have replaced all major HVAC units, both roofs, and renovated all classroom spaces over the course of the last 3 years ensuring a modern facility for the foreseeable future.
Finance
With the recent swing of the financial markets, D76 continues to remain fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars by investing in safe short-term and long-term positions with competitive rates of return. The District works with an investment firm to maximize our return while still having access to funds to pay our outstanding obligations such as payroll and monthly bills. The District’s investment objectives can be found below:
The objectives for the D76 investment activities are:
- Safety of Principal - Every investment is made with safety as the primary and overriding concern. Each investment transaction shall ensure that capital loss, whether from credit or market risk, is avoided.
- Liquidity - The investment portfolio shall provide sufficient liquidity to pay District obligations as they become due. In this regard, the maturity and marketability of investments shall be considered.
- Rate of Return - The highest return on investments is sought, consistent with the preservation of principal and prudent investment principles.
- Diversification - The investment portfolio is diversified as to materials and investments, as appropriate to the nature, purpose, and amount of the funds.
More information regarding the District’s investment policy can be found HERE under policy “4:30 Revenue and Investment”.
Instructional Technology & Communications
New Interactive Panels in the Classroom
Over the past month in tandem with our Maintenance Department, our Technology Department has been installing and configuring new ViewSonic interactive panels at West Oak Campus. By Spring Break we anticipate all classrooms district-wide have updated their projectable viewing solution from past projectors to the new interactive panels. The upgrade allows for versatility in classroom instruction, digital interactivity tools and improves the audio/visual experience when presenting, teaching and learning in the classroom. In preparation as well as throughout the installation experience, our Technology Team has ensured synchronous and asynchronous professional development has been offered to staff presented by our Instructional Technology Coach, Mr. Smith. We are excited to see our classrooms continue to transform with robust technology along with informational and instructional support.
Special Services
Extended School Year (ESY) Update
Preparation and discussions regarding extended school year (ESY) are continuing in the district. As a refresher, ESY is a service provided to students who qualify for special education services and based on a determination from their IEP team (includes parents) that looks at the following:
- the severity of the student’s needs
- evidence of past loss of skills during extended breaks from school
- patterns of recoupment of skills when returning from breaks
ESY will tentatively take place from June 7th to July 15th running it’s normal Monday through Thursday schedule. We anticipate both in-person and remote learning options being available to students who qualify. More details will be provided as soon as they are available.
Health and Safety
2021 Spring Basket Gift Drive
Similar to our Thanksgiving, Coat and Holiday drive, D76 is partnering with D75/D120 and The Chapel (Mundelein) to provide Spring Baskets for 149 identified families. Collectively, we will be providing baskets to 425 kids in Mundelein!
If you are able and interested in purchasing/donating a basket, here is the sign-up genius with the drop-off date, location and items to purchase. The event is scheduled to take place the week of 3/29.
You can contact Daisy Carrera, Community Liaison, dcarrera@dist76.org with any questions you may have.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, April 2 - No School - In observance of Good Friday
- Monday, April 5 - Early Dismissal for Students, Teacher Institute PM
- Tuesday, April 6 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
- Monday, April 19 - Early Dismissal for Students, Teacher Institute PM
- Tuesday, April 20 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
