Westmont School District 201 news, February/March 2020

CUSD 201 Dual Language Program is a success When you enter Ms. Afre’s 4th grade Dual Language classroom it is abuzz with activity. There is discussion, concentration, quiet reading, sharing, reflection, and—because they are kids—occasional giggling. Students are at stations working on reading, analyzing text, and answering each other’s questions as well as her animated questions in Spanish. One student listens to a fellow student read a text in Spanish and then offers feedback, “You read that really well, just one word was pronounced wrong.” Ms. Afre fist bumps and high fives her students . It is clear she has a deep passion for teaching and caring for her students. From kindergarten to 5th grade each dual language classroom was alive with activity and the walls are adorned with student work in both English and Spanish as well as an American flag next to a picture of Frida Kahlo in one room. Picture books in English and Spanish fill the book shelves of the younger grades and the students take deep pride in showing off their language skills. It is clear the teachers and leaders of the school are engaging their students in much more than just curriculum.

Students were eager to share why they love being a part of the Dual Language Program. 3rd grader Maxwell Hoover shared, “I think it is so cool because we go to Mexico for summer break and now I can talk to the people there.” 4th grade student Zohanna Coyle shared “What I like most about dual language is learning to write in Spanish!” Emelia Meza, another 4th grader added, “Plus we get to make Spanish projects!” Giovanni Cruz said, “I really like learning to speak more than one language.” Robin Montgomery, a 3rd grader said, “I think it is really important to learn other languages to be able to help someone. If they need something then I can help.” Abigail Martinez, a 4th grader added, “I like to translate!”

The Dual Language Program goes beyond teaching a second language though. Mrs. Gonzalez, a 2nd grade teacher shared, “This program is about open mindedness and acceptance of one another. We learn together and focus on respecting and appreciating each other’s differences. I love to see them learn! They are like little sponges and it is so amazing to see them understanding.”

Ms. Afre shared, “For our students having dual language at the forefront of their life they will have the ability to interact and integrate and adapt to each other’s lives without merely accepting preconceptions.” She continued, “From an academic standpoint we are helping them to be globally confident, not just linguistically but also socially, emotionally, and culturally. They will have not only an academic but a social advantage in the workplace. We choose to come together on equal footing to create a platform of understanding.”

Ms. Moller, the Assistant Principal who is also bilingual stated that the Dual Language Program has grown into a program at the forefront of other programs. “We are raising the banner of biliteracy and bilingualism and as a new administrator I am excited to see all that has already happened in six years. We are already rolling out programs to the junior high.” Ms. Moller hopes to create a vision about the great things students can do with their bilingual education, help teachers grow professionally in the teaching of Spanish, and to help more parents and students see the value and asset of bilingualism. “The district has a goal to graduate students from high school with the ‘seal of biliteracy’ so they can get college credit for language competency as this will set them apart from monolingual students.“ She is clearly proud of the great work in each classrooms and seeks to be involved in the day to day of the Dual Language Program. A community member and parent of a 1st grader Leesa Lance shared why she feels grateful to be a part of the program at Miller, “Our school in general is a fantastic close-knit learning environment. Yet even more importantly for us, as a transracial family, I’m thrilled that my son’s learning experience is not simply one that teaches children to

tolerate difference. But rather, his mind is being formed in a place that is empowering and encouraging him to celebrate diversity! The science behind the academic benefits of children having a dual language teaching experience is undeniable. And honestly that just feels like a bonus to the rich cultural and social emotional aspects of this outstanding program.”

Luke Jimenea, one of Ms. Afre’s students is learning more than just language. He talked about his

cultural heritage from the Philippines and how being a part of the Dual Language Program has helped him appreciate language and culture even more. “I can learn another language because it is important to know more languages and we can even help teach others language and we can learn from them too.”

He along with many other students are learning the importance of being a global citizen as a part of the Dual Language Program at Miller.

Registration in CUSD 201 for incoming kindergarten students for the 2020–2021 school year will take place at both J. T. Manning Elementary School and C. E. Miller Elementary School beginning Tues., March 10 through Fri., March 13; Mon., March 16 and Tues., March 17, 9–11am and 1–3pm. CUSD 201 offers a full-day kindergarten program at both Manning and Miller as well as a full day bilingual kindergarten program (housed at Miller Elementary for all district kindergarten students). State law requires that the child must be five years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2020. In order to be admitted to kindergarten, we must have a notarized copy of your child’s birth certificate with the embossed seal. Hospital birth certificates are not acceptable.

Westmont High School wins DuFour Award

Westmont High was named the 2020 award winner. To be considered for the award, the school submitted an essay along with a video demonstrating their commitment to building a successful professional learning community, improving student learning, and advancing instructional best practices. A school must be a high achieving school.

Established in 2015, the award is named in honor of the late Dr. Richard DuFour. An award-winning educator and best-selling author, Dr. DuFour was recognized as one of the leading authorities on the PLC (Professional Learning Community) at Work process.

The DuFour Award winner was announced during The Summit on PLC at Work in Phoenix at the end of January and included a $25,000 check.

District 201 Schools

Manning Elementary School 200 N. Linden Ave. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8050 Principal: Lindsay Pietrzac Miller Elementary School 125 W. Traube Ave. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8300 Principal: Tim Wyller South Early Childhood Center 133 S. Grant St. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8015 Director: Linda Klawitter Westmont Junior High School 944 N. Oakwood Dr. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8200 Principal: John Jonak Westmont High School 909 N. Oakwood Dr. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8100 Principal: Jack Baldermann

District 201 School Board

Board President Marie Charlton Board Vice President Joel Price Board Secretary Gary Armstrong Board Members Laura Coyle Jon Rudey Judy Wilson Dana Strohmaier Superintendent Kevin Carey