Monthly District Newsletter
June 4, 2024
Proviso West Senior Earns CCPE Honor, First in Proviso History
HILLSIDE, IL - Proviso West senior Lee Armstrong has become the first student in District 209 history to earn the College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) for the State of Illinois. Armstrong, one of six students from the Des Plaines Valley Region, was honored at a special breakfast at Triton College on May 17. Armstrong's achievement stems from their participation in Proviso High Schools’ Dual Credit program with Triton College, focusing on criminal justice and forensics.
The CCPE program enables high school students to explore specific career paths through college-level courses and collaborations with local agencies, including hospitals and law enforcement. Armstrong gained hands-on experience with the Triton College and Norridge police departments, learning skills such as radio communication, ticket writing, and community event organization. For a more in-depth article, click the link below.
Solar Panel Installation at Proviso East
A new solar panel has been installed at Proviso East High School as part of the Illinois Solar Schools Program. The 1 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system offers students a daily, hands-on learning experience in converting sunlight to electricity.
While the system is relatively small, it provides a unique educational opportunity for students to observe the process of solar energy production and understand how schools can reduce electricity consumption by using clean, renewable fuel. To further enhance the educational value, students will have access to real-time data on electricity generation and learn about the various benefits of solar energy.
This initiative not only supports renewable energy education but also promotes sustainable practices within the school community.
District's Technology Integration Leader Joins First Class of ILTPP Ambassadors
Ms. Felicia Lee, District Coordinator of Technology Integration, has been inducted into the first class of ambassadors for the Illinois Learning Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP). Representing districts from across Illinois, the ILTPP Ambassador program aims to generate insights and advocacy to help connect more K-12 districts with the benefits of cooperative purchasing.
The ILTPP Ambassador program focuses on uniting edtech leaders from around the state to leverage their shared wisdom and put it into action. This initiative empowers K-12 educators and technology leaders to play a significant role in influencing the edtech landscape, both within their districts and beyond.
"I am driven to become an ILTPP ambassador by my passion for enhancing educational initiatives and standards," said Ms. Lee. "My hands-on approach and dedication to contributing actively through various platforms align with my enthusiasm to make a positive impact in this role."
Congratulations to Ms. Lee on this prestigious recognition, as she continues to lead and inspire in the realm of educational technology integration.
Retirement Ceremony Honors Brigadier General Maurice M. McKinney at Proviso West
Proviso West High School celebrated the retirement of Brigadier General Maurice M. McKinney on May 24, with a special ceremony. General McKinney, an esteemed alumnus of Proviso West, was recognized for his dedicated service and commitment to the school community.
During the ceremony, General McKinney awarded scholarships to four deserving students, showcasing his ongoing support for education and leadership development. Cadet Alex Munoz, who is enlisting in the US Army, and Cadet Jazmynn Bardney, who plans to study Criminal Justice in college, received the prestigious Brigadier General (Dr.) Maurice M. McKinney Military Leadership Scholarship Award.
Additionally, students Bree Hardy and Alyx Garcia were honored with the Brigadier General (Dr.) Maurice M. McKinney Military STEM Scholarship Award, highlighting their excellence in STEM fields.
The Proviso community expressed gratitude for General McKinney's generosity and dedication to the students' success. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, District 209 extends warm wishes for a fulfilling and joyful future.
Savvas Consultant Co-Teaches at Proviso East
On May 1, Nancy Christman, Education Consultant for Savvas, co-taught a lesson using the new ELA textbook, myPerspectives, with Ms. Stephanie Reed, Learning Behavior Specialist at Proviso East. They co-planned and designed a lesson plan for English students to cite strong evidence when reading an informational text in their own words and in text-to-text comparison.
Ms. Reed’s lesson took students from a First Read to a Close Read after reading Romeo and Juliet and a follow up informational text about Muslims and Serbians during their civil war. She encouraged students to use their own words, to speak with power and conviction, to show confidence in their understanding and original thoughts. Students identified the central idea of the text by putting evidence together and sharing it with the class. Ms. Christman closed out the lesson by engaging students in generating questions during a Close Read exercise.
Ms. Angela Marino, District Coordinator for ELA and the Arts said, “The instructional coaching and support that Ms. Christman provides is an extension of the PLC work being implemented across the district in all core departments. Teachers continue to focus on student learning to increase student achievement in reading.” Watch the full 38-minute video below to see a complete myPerspectives lesson with total student engagement from careful questioning in a gradual release model led my our very own Ms. Reed. Further PD will be provided for all ELA teachers next year.
