Annual Report 2017-2018
Northbrook School District 27
Northbrook School District 27 Board of Education Message............................................................... 1 Overview/Superintendent’s Message................................................. 2 District 27 By the Numbers................................................................ 3 Our Schools Hickory Point................................................................................... 4 Shabonee........................................................................................... 4 Wood Oaks Junior High................................................................ 4 School Highlight Photos................................................................ 5 Accolades................................................................................................. 6 Key Success Factors KSF 1: Outstanding Student Performance........................................ 7 KSF 2: Rigorous and Coherent Programs......................................... 8 Technology Initiatives............................................................... 9 KSF 3: Highly Qualified Staff..............................................................10 KSF 4: Safe, Caring, Learning Environment.....................................11 KSF 5: Healthy Financial Position................................................12-13 Administration......................................................................................14 Photographs and More.................................................................15-16
BOARD OF EDUCATION MESSAGE Top row, from left to right: Frank Andreou, Alex Frum, Brian Paich, and Ed Feld. Bottom row, from left to right: Laurie Garber-Amram, Helen Melnick, and Melissa Copeland.
The Northbrook School District 27 Board of Education is pleased to present our 2017-18 Annual Report. Inside this report, you will find information about our staff, student performance, and our three outstanding schools. The Board of Education has identified five interests and requirements that are important to our community. We call these requirements our Key Success Factors. These requirements drive how we operate as a school system. These five factors are: • • • • •
Outstanding Student Performance Rigorous and Coherent Programs Highly Qualified Staff Safe, Caring, and Supportive Environment Healthy Financial Position
As you read through this report, you will be able to see how everything we do addresses these requirements. You also will read about the successes we’ve enjoyed this year, including news that our District scored at the top among all schools in the state on the PARCC assessment! We hope you enjoy reading the 2017-18 Annual Report. We have a wonderful school district, and we are all very proud of our staff and our students. This report represents just a snapshot of all the good work that happens in our classrooms every day. Sincerely, Helen Melnick Board President
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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OUR MISSION Educating Students to Succeed in a Changing World
From the Superintendent The 2017-2018 school year was a great one in District 27. We experienced many successes and made much progress on new innovations from our strategic plan. These successes enhanced the learning opportunities for our students as well as improved the effectiveness of our District. Throughout this report, results and information will be presented that address our five Key Success Factors, previously mentioned by our Board President, Mrs. Melnick. You also will have the opportunity to learn about the achievements and accolades the District has accomplished over the last year. Here are some highlights you will read about in this report: • District 27 achieved the highest percentage of students meeting/exceeding state standards compared with all other districts in Illinois on the PARCC State assessment • All staff members were trained on our Emergency Preparedness Plan, which includes an all hazards, options-based protocol if an active intruder enters their schools • The District completed another phase of a comprehensive revision to our K-8 Science Curriculum • The financial position of the District remained strong As the Superintendent of Schools, I consider it a privilege to serve the Northbrook community. It is our commitment to continue the tradition of excellence that you have come to expect from your public school system. Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools. We invite you to visit the District web site at www.nb27.org for more information. Sincerely,
David J. Kroeze, PhD Superintendent of Schools
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District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
DISTRICT 27 BY THE NUMBERS
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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OUR SCHOOLS HICKORY POINT
Grades K-2 / Enrollment: 370 Service Learning Highlights • Halloween candy collected for the troops • Coin Collection raised $1,200 for Bernie’s Book Bank • Collected and donated $450 to Horn Elementary School near Houston for hurricane relief • Flowers planted around the school for Earth Day • Made cat and dog toys for residents at animal shelter
SHABONEE Grades 3-5 / Enrollment: 429 Service Learning Highlights • Raised $1,000 for the American Red Cross through Chores for Cheers drive • Collected 100 winter coats for Little Fort School in Waukegan • Collected 344 pounds of food waste during lunch and turned into compost
• Used chalk to write messages of kindness on school sidewalks
WOOD OAKS Grades 6-8 / Enrollment: 431 Service Learning Highlights • Collected 250 toys for Toys for Tots • Sent 412 pounds of candy (34 boxes) to U.S. soldiers in Kabul and Kandahar/Afghanistan • Created Valentine’s Day cards for residents of Covenant Village • Raised $837.80 for hurricane relief through the One America Appeal • Volunteered at Feed My Starving Children as part of eighth grade service project 4
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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ACCOLADES
• Wood Oaks students received high honors in the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair. Fifteen students received gold awards and two earned silver awards. One student received a Best in Category award in Botany. • The Wood Oaks Wind Ensemble performed at the 2018 Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival in May. This is the ninth time in the past 11 years the Wind Ensemble has received the honor. • The art work of fifth grade students from Shabonee were on display at the Northbrook Public Library in May. The artwork was inspired by Izzy Wheels, an Irish company that provides colorful wheel covers for wheelchairs. • A team of four Wood Oaks students took first place in the 21st Annual Quiz Bowl Competition at Northbrook Village Hall in February.
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District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS KSF 1: OUTSTANDING STUDENT PERFORMANCE Student performance is an important indicator of success. In District 27, we use multiple assessments to monitor student learning and overall progress. The PARCC Assessments by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career are required by the State of Illinois and are designed to measure students’ knowledge and skills outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS.) Students in third through eighth grades took PARCC in English language arts and mathematics. The assessments are comprehensive and rigorous, requiring students to write essays in response to literature as well as explanations that articulate mathematical thinking and problem solving.
Percentage of Students Scoring at Level 4 or 5
District 27 achieved the highest percentage of students meeting/exceeding state standards in PARCC compared to ALL other districts in Illinois.
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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KSF 2: RIGOROUS AND COHERENT PROGRAMS District 27 launched its K-8 Science Curriculum Revision in the spring of 2016. Using a research-driven process, the Science Committee reviewed all aspects of the K-8 science curriculum and developed a plan for revising the curriculum. A three-year plan will guide the implementation of new and revised science units. This past year, new units were implemented at kindergarten and third grade. In 2018-19, new units will be implemented in first, fourth, fifth, and seventh grades. Many of the new units incorporate an element of engineering and design. Students learn about the engineering design process and develop design solutions that take into account specific criteria and constraints. One of the key strengths of the science curriculum remains the extensive inquiry-based experiences. Students will continue to design and conduct science experiments. They will engage in the active practices of scientists at they build their scientific knowledge.
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District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES The District continues to focus on technology as we seek to prepare our students for Glenbrook North High School and beyond. Students and staff utilize technology in all aspects of the curriculum and communications, from online collaboration in the classroom to the use of wireless projection systems.
Technology Integration in District 27
Technology Access
Engaged Learning • • • •
Staff professional development Online collaboration tools Systematic technology integration with curriculum Online textbooks
• • •
Smart Panel deployment Wireless projection installation Student device program refinements
Communication Systems • • • • • •
Parent Information Portal Cloud-based Learning Management Systems Online Parent-Teacher Conference scheduling Parent Notification system for transportation Teacher & principal newsletters Library cataloging & circulation system
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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KSF 3: HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF This year, our professional learning included two non-curricular strands of study: Mindfulness and Emergency Preparedness Plan training. Mindfulness Training: Time was spent this year learning about “mindfulness” with facilitator Sarah Rudell Beach. Teachers who practice mindfulness develop their capacity to structure compassionate classrooms, build meaningful relationships with students, and manage their own stress levels. In turn, mindfulness training for students improves focus, attention, and impulse control. It helps students feel calmer. Sarah Rudell Beach visited District 27 four times during the 2017-18 school year. After teaching high school social studies for 17 years, Sarah founded Brilliant Mindfulness, LLC. She believes that teaching compassionate attention and self-care to teachers and students is life-changing. S
Emergency Preparedness Training: Our staff was trained by a team of law enforcement professionals on options if an active intruder enters their schools. The training is a part of the District’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP.) This plan is robust, and outlines procedures for all types of emergencies as well as off-site reunification should students need to be trasnported to another location. The District’s EPP is being implemented at neighboring school districts and community organizations throughout Northfield Township. Training will continue through the 2018-2019 school year.i, 10 District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
KSF 4: SAFE, CARING, SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT A safe, caring, and supportive learning environment has many aspects. It includes plans that provide for safe buildings, particularly in the event of an emergency. It also includes programs and services that support students in their social-emotional development; and finally, it includes schools facilities that are up-to-date and well-maintained.
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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KSF 5: HEALTHY FINANCIAL POSITION The Department of Finance & Operations is committed to long-term strategic planning for all operations, long-term financial planning and cost containment efforts in order to maintain financial solvency. We have taken this approach in managing the District’s financial operations in order to be both fiscally responsible and reasonable. Financial Management The long-range financial projection model is updated continually to forecast revenues and expenditures and plan for any new initiatives which may require additional funding. The projections allow for assessment of any current or future risk in terms of revenue generation and its impact on expenditures for meeting an annual balanced budget. Twice a year, the Board of Education reviews the District’s long-range financial projections in order to ensure the fiscal solvency of the District. This review is conducted to maintain a stable financial position so that we can continue to provide excellence in programming for our students.
Revenue Sources FY 18 Percent Breakdown
Expenditures FY 18 Budget Breakdown
Please visit www.nb27.org and click on “Finance and Operations” under the “Departments” tab to view a copy of the District’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. 12 District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
Stewardship The Department of Finance & Operations continues to be recognized for its financial reporting and management. The first recognition is the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting given by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). For nine consecutive years the District has achieved this award for its processes, financial controls, and results delineated in the District’s Fiscal Year Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports from 2009 through 2017. The second recognition is the Certificate of Excellence Award in Financial Reporting given by the Association of School Business Officials International. This award recognizes school systems for best practice in financial reporting and commitment to fiscal integrity, transparency, and best practice in management of public tax dollars. For nine consecutive years, the District has achieved this award for the District’s Fiscal Year Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports from 2009 through 2017. These awards are the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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THE ADMINISTRATION
David J. Kroeze, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools
Theresa Fournier, Ed.D. Asst. Superintendent for Personnel/Student Services
Sheila Streets Principal, Hickory Point School
John Panozzo Principal, Shabonee School
Meggan Buchanan Asst. Principal, Hickory Point, Shabonee
Rob McElligott Principal, Wood Oaks Jr. High
Kimberly Arakelian, Ed.D., CSBO Asst. Superintendent for of Finance and Operations
Julie Revello Director of Special Education
Cari Beake Asst. Principal, Wood Oaks Jr. High
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Katharine Olson, Ed.D. Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Gail Kahover Director of Communications
Douglas Heurich Director of Facilities
Reggie Ryan Director of Technology
“We moved to Northbrook for better schools and cannot be happier. Great teachers, great schools. We are very satisfied. Thank you!�
- Parent, 2018 Satisfaction Survey
District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
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“The various academic and extracurricular opportunities are abundant. The types of assignments my children are given are varied and also promote critical thinking and enjoyment.�
- Parent, 2018 Satisfaction Survey 16 District 27 Annual Report / 2017-2018
EDUCATING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN A CHANGING WORLD
Northbrook School District 27 1250 Sanders Road • Northbrook, IL 60062 www.nb27.org