• Important upcoming dates
  
• Curriculum Corner - learn about K-5 ELA/SLA resources
• 24-25 registration information
• Our new before- and after-school care provider
• Upcoming special community partner meetings
• Board of Education news
• Resources for parents and guardians
  
• A safety and security message
• And more!
  

• 5/14: BOE Regular Meeting
• 5/24: Early Release - No Early Childhood
• 5/27: Memorial Day - No School
• 6/3: Last Day of Early Childhood
• 6/3: Middle School Graduations
• 6/4: Early Release
• 6/5: Last Day of School - Early Release

Welcome to Curriculum Questions! Each month, we delve into the what, how and why of our school curriculum.

At the May meeting, the board of education will vote to approve new curricular resources for K-5 English Language Arts and Spanish Language Arts. What does that mean for you and your student?

If you are unable to view the video here, you can find it on our Vimeo page.

Do you have a question about the curriculum at North Shore School District 112? You've come to the right place! Submit your question in a Google form and we may use it in a future video. Questions are anonymous. Thanks for your interest in learning more about our curriculum!

North Shore School District 112 partners with Varsity Tutors for Schools, which offers private and group tutoring for students. Students in the district, kindergarten through 8th grade, can take advantage of learning resources at no cost. Access includes On Demand 24/7 Chat Tutoring, essay Editing, live online classes, and self-study resources like recorded content, practice problems, and adaptive diagnostic tests.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Logging in via Clever for student
• How to chat with a tutor in English
• How to submit an essay for review
• Register for a live class
• Logging in via Clever for teacher

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year at North Shore School District 112 is now open! Please note that all students need to be registered for the new school year.

• All Returning Students
  This applies to all current students who will be returning to the district in 2024-2025. To complete the process, please log into the Parent Portal. Once logged in, select "More" from the left menu and then click on "Registration."
  
  
• New Students (Including Kindergarten)
  This applies to all new students, including kindergarteners who have been pre-registered. Begin the process for your new student.

If you have any questions about the registration process, please do not hesitate to email us at parentportal@nssd112.org or call us at 224-765-3052.

Thank you for taking the time to register!

Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the contributions Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of American history, culture and society. Established to recognize the achievements of Jewish Americans in fields ranging from sports and arts to science and politics, this month honors the diverse heritage and numerous contributions of the Jewish community to the American way of life.

K-2 Resources:

• Tikkun Olam → repairing the world craft
  
  

3rd-5th Resources:

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes her Mark - Video Read Aloud
• Famous Jewish Americans
  
  

6th-8th Resources:

• 9 Ideas for Teaching Jewish American Heritage Month

• Jewish American Heritage Month: Teaching with Videos

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrates the contributions, culture, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This month-long observance recognizes the diverse experiences and achievements of AAPI individuals who hail from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, including East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander heritages. It is a time to honor the significant role that AAPI communities have played in shaping the nation's history, from their contributions to the arts, sciences, education, and politics, to their struggles against racial discrimination and advocacy for civil rights.

K-2 Resources:

• Asian Pacific and American Heritage Video
  • Optional Seesaw Activity
• Chinese Paper Lanterns
• Hot Pot Night! By: Vicent Chen (YouTube Read Aloud)
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Video
• Optional Seesaw Activity: Asian Pacific American Heritage Book Room Read Alouds
  
  

3rd-5th Resources:

• Asian Pacific and American Heritage (Video)
• Koinobori: Japanese Carp Windsocks (Craft Project)
• Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage (Video)
  
  

6th-8th Resources:

• 9 Ideas for Teaching Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In April, the Board of Education approved AlphaBEST as a new provider for before- and after-school services at North Shore School District 112. You can learn more about AlphaBEST, including their summer programs, at a meet and greet on Wednesday, May 15.

Join us for an inspiring series of community partner meetings in North Shore School District 112. These sessions, open to parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members, will feature national expert Dr. Sarena Shivers. Participate in our initiative, "Advancing Our Community: Creating a Social Just Learning Environment."

Meeting Dates and Location:

• Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. (at Northwood)
• Tuesday, June 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. (at Northwood)

Overview:

We proud to launch a multi-day professional development series, workshops, coaching, and support framework as part of our ongoing commitment to equity, culturally responsive practices, and inclusion. This initiative will focus on addressing real issues and lived experiences while transforming our district into a more equitable and just environment. This series is crafted around the insights gathered from the recent Thought Exchange survey and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, unique, creative, and joyful atmosphere.

What to Expect:

• Facilitated by Dr. Sarena Shivers**, these stakeholder meetings will delve into:
• Understanding Social Identities and Implicit Bias
• Recognizing and Minimizing Microaggressions
• Identifying Privilege

Why You Should Attend:

These meetings are an integral part of our strategy to complement the ongoing leadership and staff training, along with our upcoming strategic planning efforts. Engage with us in these critical conversations and be part of the solution in creating a socially just learning environment.

Join us and help make a difference!

Meeting agendas can be found on our website.

(Posted at least 48 hours prior to a meeting)

Livestream feeds for regular meetings can also be found at nssd112.org.

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our school board.

In this section, you will find several events and programs for parents/guardians and students. You can also find more information about these and other social and emotional learning (SEL) resources on our website.

• Supporting Your Child's Mental Health (English)
  
• Supporting Your Child's Mental Health (Spanish)
• Bullying - Stop the Cycle (English)
• Bullying - Stop the Cycle (Spanish Subtitles)
• ABCs of Substance Abuse and Vaping (English)
• ABCs of Substance Abuse and Vaping (Spanish)
• School Avoidance (English)
• School Avoidance (Spanish Subtitles)
• Emotional Regulation: Recognizing What's Wrong (English)
• Emotional Regulation: Recognizing What's Wrong (Spanish)
• Helping Your Child Succeed (English)
• Helping Your Child Succeed (Spanish)
• Effects of Screen Time and Children's Mental Health (English)
• Social Media: Protecting Your Child (English)
• Social Media: Protecting Your Child (Spanish)
• Compassionate Parenting and Self-Compassion (English)
• De-escalating Cycles of Conflict (English)
• De-escalating Cycles of Conflict (Spanish)
  
• Navigating Divorce When Children are Involved (English)
• Navigating Divorce When Children are Involved (Spanish Subtitles)
• Grief - The Healing Process (English)
• Grief - The Healing Process (Spanish)

Cartwheel is a national mental health provider for students/adolescents. They provide rapid access to care for students by providing them access to a licensed clinician within seven days of referral (virtually). Clinicians are available during school hours, after school, nights, weekends, and breaks. Additionally, Cartwheel offers the ability for psychiatric evaluations and medicine management.

To learn more about Cartwheel, please reach out to your child's school or to Dr. Holly Colin, assistant superintendent for student services, at hcolin@nssd112.org.

Sometimes it can be hard to find the words to talk to kids and teens about certain topics. Parents and caring adults may feel nervous about saying the wrong thing or making matters worse. However, research shows that when it comes to topics like mental health and suicidality - talking is helpful, not harmful.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join Cartwheel and guest speaker Chris Smith, LCSW to learn practical tips and scripts for how to speak with kids and teens about mental health topics, including suicide prevention. They'll discuss how to break down communication barriers and let your child know that you're available to support them.

This virtual event is part of Cartwheel's free webinar series for parents, caregivers, and school staff in our community.

ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff and community in finding local mental-health and substance use related treatment. The service complements the district's existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow up care.

School families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:

• Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options.
• Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/NSSD112 to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously.

The State of Illinois has developed a school safety program called Safe2Help Illinois in an effort to raise awareness of 21st-century threats facing schoolchildren in Illinois. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com).

The purpose of the NSSD112 BPAC is to advocate for academic excellence in all programs serving English learners. BPAC strives to provide family support, communication and information regarding the district’s Dual Language and ESL programs. BPAC is a multilingual space where members can access information, voice priorities and take steps to strengthen our schools and community.

Learn more about BPAC on our website.

We are always striving to create a safe, secure and nurturing environment for the members of our school community, including students, staff and visitors. In doing so, it's paramount to emphasize the importance of maintaining security in our buildings. One way we can achieve this is by understanding the “See Something, Say Something” initiative.

“See Something, Say Something” encourages all members of our school community to take ownership and responsibility for the safety of their surroundings. It urges individuals to report any suspicious behavior and/or activity to the appropriate people. This is crucial because it helps prevent potential threats. Speaking up when something seems wrong is a way to avert a possible crisis and helps keep our schools safe and secure. Every member of this community plays an essential role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Here is how you can help:

• Know who to talk to in case of an emergency.
• Trust your instincts: More often than not, if something seems out of place or does not feel right, report it. Your actions could make a significant difference.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up!** Don't be silent. Whether it’s notifying a teacher, a staff member, or contacting the authorities, your actions could prevent harm and protect those around you.
• Working Together:** It’s important to support each other and adopt the “See Something, Say Something” mindset. When we work together, we create a culture of safety and awareness.

Reporting Protocol:
If you witness any suspicious behavior or activity, please report it immediately to a teacher, staff member, the authorities, or email me at sjurmu@nssd112.org. Remember, your report could make all the difference in ensuring the well-being of our school community.

Our staff works hard to create schools where students want to learn and teachers want to teach. High-quality materials and technology give our staff and students the tools needed to be innovative and highly engaged. As a member of District 112, you’ll be working to advance yourself as well as fulfill a long legacy of District 112 being the home of pioneering educators, dedicated staff, and innovative instructional practices. Visit careers.nssd112.org to learn more!

Red Oak Elementary School is looking for a 1st grade Dual Language Program teacher in the 2024-2025 school year. Play a pivotal role in fostering bilingual proficiency and cultural understanding among students. In this dynamic position, you'll teach engaging lessons in both Spanish and English, guided by our curriculum and standards. You'll assess student progress, collaborate with colleagues to support diverse learners, and serve as a vital link between students' families and the school. Ideal candidates will be fluent in Spanish and English, passionate about bilingual education, and dedicated to promoting inclusivity. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive community, and the opportunity to impact students' bilingual journey. Apply for this position

Elevate your teaching career with North Shore School District 112 as a middle school chorus teacher at Edgewood and Northwood for the 2024-2025 school year. This is a .8 FTE position with teaching responsibilities on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Join our mission-driven community where innovation, respect, and intellectual inquiry are at the core of our world-class educational approach. In this role, you will inspire young minds, foster their musical talents, and cater to diverse learning needs using cutting-edge resources and technology. Apply for this position

Edgewood Middle School is seeking a passionate mathematics teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. This opportunity is perfect for a dedicated educator with a valid Illinois Professional Educator License endorsed for middle school math. We provide competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a commitment to professional development. Join our mission to nurture every child into an inspired learner within an innovative and respectful environment. Apply today and make a lasting impact in a community that values engagement, diversity, and intellectual inquiry. Apply for this position

Join Edgewood's committed team and play a pivotal role in ensuring a world-class educational environment. As a nurse clerk, you will be at the heart of our mission to nurture and develop young minds by supporting both our health and administrative staff. This position offers a diverse range of responsibilities, from handling administrative tasks and maintaining vital health records to performing essential first aid and coordinating health screenings. Ideal candidates will have a passion for organization and a readiness to handle a variety of tasks that support student health and wellness. Embrace this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students by applying today! Apply for this position

Join the passionate team at Edgewood Middle School where innovation and commitment to diversity shape our educational approach. We're seeking a teacher with a valid Illinois license and LBS1 endorsement, offering a competitive salary, exceptional benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Apply now and contribute to a nurturing environment where every student's success is our priority. Apply for this position

Do you want to choose your own hours and make a difference in our students' lives? Consider becoming a guest teacher (substitute) for North Shore School District 112. Rates were recently increased to $150 a day for guest teachers. Please feel free to reach out to Valerie Kilen (vlariviere@nssd112.org) with any questions or apply to be a guest teacher today!

Having an issue with your student's device? Need assistance with district software, such as Infinite Campus? Submit a support ticket and a member of our tech team will reach out as soon as possible.

ParentSquare is North Shore School District 112’s primary communication tool. It is used by the district office and schools to send emails, text messages and phone calls to parents/guardians, staff members and the community.

Visit the ParentSquare page on our website to learn more or access your account.

Address: 445 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040

Phone: 224-765-3000

Website: nssd112.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nssd112

Instagram: instagram.com/nssd112

Twitter: @nssd112

If you have any questions about the newsletter, please contact Ben Finfer at bfinfer@nssd112.org