A Message from Dr. Kelley Gallt
November 1, 2023
Dear District 95 Families,
As October came to a close, there was excitement in the air (along with a few snowflakes!) as so many of our students enjoyed Halloween festivities. Our elementary students had the opportunity to wear a costume and participate in a Halloween parade - and many of our staff also got in on the costume fun! Be sure to check out some photos below.
This month in our continuing series about the District's new Empower95 Strategic Plan we talk about the district's Vision - an aspirational view of the characteristics of a District 95 graduate. Even though this vision is about a graduate as they leave our system, it applies to every grade level in our learning community because the skills outlined in the portrait are developed over time. Read more about the Portrait of a Graduate below and follow the district on social media @LZdistrict95 for more on Empower95 and other important information!
Also highlighted below are some amazing student accomplishments, monthly board awards, and a true "all in the family" fundraiser from one of our elementary schools.
Lastly, the district is very proud of the recently announced school report card summary designations, which place all district schools in either the Exemplary or Commendable categories. Read more below about these designations and the many factors that contribute to that calculation.
Have a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelley Gallt
Superintendent
A Day in the Class of....Ms. Starke, May Whitney
In this feature article, “A Day in the Class of…”, we highlight the Superintendent as a member of a classroom for one full period. A different school and class are highlighted each month, allowing readers a view into the classroom from a new perspective!. This lesson demonstrated Responsive, Dynamic, and Growth Focused Instruction (relating to the District 95 Instruction Learning Model).
We often talk about the power of exceptional teachers and the incredible moments of education that unfold within the four walls of a classroom. Such a moment occurred in Ms. Starke’s fifth-grade classroom this October.
The lesson I experienced was a profound exploration of self-awareness, collaboration, and the development of critical social skills. Ms. Starke designed the lesson to align with several important educational goals and standards, including 1) develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success, and 2) the importance of social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships. The lesson expertly tackled the concepts of identifying differences among various social groups, demonstrating effective collaboration with those who are different from oneself, and analyzing ways to work effectively in groups.
Ms. Starke's class also incorporated the 5th Grade Illinois State Speaking and Listening Skills, which allowed students to follow agreed-upon rules for discussions, pose and respond to specific questions effectively, review key ideas expressed, and draw conclusions from discussions. Students were provided the opportunity to think independently about their preferred learning styles.
One particularly intriguing activity involved a game where, as students, we were partnered up and had the chance to sort different types of learning activities into established categories. This seemingly straightforward task turned out to be quite challenging, as each student approached it from a unique perspective. However, the class was determined to find consensus during partner time and again during the whole group share time, fostering valuable skills of negotiation and cooperation.
In the next part of the lesson, the class participated in a live poll learning experience related to preferred learning styles. This exercise prompted vibrant conversations about the importance of understanding individual preferences, making informed choices based on these preferences, considering the opinions of others, and learning how to be respectful when making decisions that are best for oneself.This dynamic exploration of self-awareness and collaboration left a lasting impression on all who were present.
The experience in Ms. Starke's classroom serves as a poignant reminder that remarkable learning opportunities occur every day. It also underscores the indispensable role of dedicated educators who help students develop essential life skills while fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
LZHS ACCELerator - Success!
PhilanthroPrint is a student-led business developed through the LZHS INCubator and ACCELerator program, and has just become the first ACCELerator business at LZHS to sell a product (other ACCEL groups are not yet to the market phase).
PhilanthroPrints manufactures small keychains that represent different “causes”. All of the PhilanthroPrint products are 3D printed and use environmentally friendly materials. PhilanthroPrint’s more recent “cause” has been a pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each purchase of a Pink Ribbon keychain will have 20% to National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
Congratulations to LZHS student entrepreneurs Carter Kapanjie, Dillon Bathery and Nik Popovic, for achieving this major milestone.
District 95 Job Openings
In addition to an ongoing need for bus drivers (see below for more information), District 95 also has many other current employment needs including playground/lunchroom supervisors, classroom aides, and more. For a current list of openings, please visit our online job listings by clicking here.
Bus Drivers
Looking for an opportunity to give back to the community? Retired and looking for a way to stay active and connected? A parent wanting to have the same schedule as your children? Want to bring your preschool aged child to work with you? Join our amazing team of bus drivers. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Benefits Include: · Paid Behind the Wheel Training · Partial Paid Health Insurance · Retirement Benefits · Sick Leave · Personal Days· Competitive Pay including pay for prior experience
Qualifications: · Good Driving Record · Minimum of 21 years old (Drivers) · Pass required Federal Background check · Pass a pre-employment/ annual physical & drug test · Enjoy working with kids!!
If you have any questions, contact the District 95 Transportation Department at 847-438-2834.
Click here to apply online by visiting our website or go to www.lz95.org/jobs ~ Click on Job Openings ~ Select Transportation ~ Select Apply button
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
Email: feedback@lz95.org
Website: www.lz95.org
Location: 832 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL, USA
Phone: 847-438-2831
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LZdistrict95
Twitter: @LZdistrict95