Board Highlights

The board meeting kicked off with the Superintendent’s Overview, which underlined that District 97 is steadfast in its commitment to elevating the identities of every member of our diverse community. Our shared values are our guiding force, and we will continue taking bold steps to advance our equity policy.

This April, we are recognizing and uplifting:

• Arab American Heritage Month

• Autism Acceptance Month

As part of our ongoing dedication to recognition, we are also proud to link arms with community partners to host the Oak Park Multicultural Fest on April 26.

For more information on this vibrant event celebrating diversity and inclusion within our community, visit the Park District of Oak Park website.

This February, in celebration of Black History Month, Longfellow co-teachers Molly Masters and Ryan Winchell partnered with teacher librarian Lisa Shea to help students use various digital resources and search engines to create biographies of prominent African-American figures. Knowing Louie’s deep interest in animals, Ms. Masters and Mr. Winchell took an innovative, student-centered approach to help him choose the perfect individual for his project.

That search led to a unique opportunity: through a series of virtual connections, Louie and his classmates had the chance to meet Craig Saffoe, a Black zookeeper at the Smithsonian National Zoo, who became the subject of Louie’s biography project.

“Through email, LinkedIn and Facebook, we were able to reach out to Craig Saffoe,” Winchell said. “We could never imagine that not only would we find someone so perfect for Louie’s biography, but a person who is a kind, loving person who was willing to give his time and knowledge to our whole class.”

Saffoe coordinated with Masters and Winchell to provide:

• A live Q&A session where students asked Mr. Saffoe questions directly

• Fascinating insights into the field of zoology

• A behind-the-scenes look at the feeding of a bearcat

The Q&A was recorded, and—with the help of one the classroom teacher assistants—Louie was able to take notes to develop his biography.

Masters credits the activities with changing Louie’s perspective on learning.

“Louie went from saying, ‘I’m bored’ in school to really pursuing learning,” she said. “He began to enjoy learning and he would share about Craig Saffoe across the entire school day... It really opened up his world... he became so motivated.”

Longfellow Principal Amy Jefferson said the assignment is a perfect example of how technology and universal design can bring a personal and dynamic dimension to student learning.

“Thank you to Ms. Masters and Mr. Winchell for going above and beyond; for making learning relevant, inclusive and exciting; and for showing students that their identities matter,” Jefferson said.

Building on examples like Louie’s project, the district’s Educational Technology program continues to focus on strategic updates that empower student-driven, meaningful learning.

The updates presented during the April 8 meeting reflect extensive stakeholder engagement and a forward-thinking approach to integrating technology in meaningful, student-driven ways.

This year’s recommendations focus on refreshing student devices (iPads and Chromebooks), teacher assistant devices, and teacher iPads, ensuring that all users have access to reliable, up-to-date tools to support learning and teaching. These updates build upon the foundation already in place, strengthening strategic alignment and fostering cross-functional connections through the Portrait of an 8th Grade Graduate framework.

At the April 22 board meeting, the team will seek approval to finalize contracts and create an implementation plan for refreshing student and staff devices.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, plans include:

• Hosting family-focused technology sessions.

• Supporting staff collaboration on AI tools and planning.

• Improving internet filtering.

• Ensuring plans are aligned with the Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate.