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Gower 62 Community Newsletter
November 16, 2023
Practice eLearning Day - Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Monday, November 20th is a full day of Parent Teacher Conferences in Gower. On Tuesday, November 21st, our students are not in session, but do benefit from taking part in our practice eLearning Day. This is an excellent way for our families to understand and become familiar with the eLearning process and gives everyone a chance to practice how we maintain continuity of learning on what would otherwise be an Emergency Day. We had over 90% student participation in our practice eLearning Day last year and look forward to another high turnout this year!
Technically, November 21st is a Teacher Institute Day, but knowing how tough midwest winters can be, it is important for everyone to be familiar with the process and to be prepared for when an Emergency eLearning Day is actually called. Visit our dedicated eLearning webpage under the Parents info tab on our school and district sites for more details about our program and be sure to review the eLearning FAQ to help answer any questions you may have. Remember, the 'e' is for 'engagement'!
Again, students will not be in session physically, but they will have access to the eLearning assignments no later than 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21st. Our teachers will also be 'e'-vailable to help answer questions and guide students through the activities from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on this day. This is great practice for them too!
If you have any questions about the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences or eLearning Day, please contact the Main Office at Gower West or Gower Middle and we will be glad to help.
Lots to be thankful for in Gower...
At around this time each year, I make it a point to remind the Gower School Community that change is inevitable; growth is optional. The repeating cycle of deliberate planning and action, followed by intentional adjustments based on feedback collected, works in our favor when it comes to continuous growth and improvement. That is why your feedback is so important to us and is so highly valued. It helps us to check on whether or not we are doing what we said we were going to do - closing the gap between our words and our actions. And being able to make adjustments in an attempt to get better is what it's all about, isn't it? Progress over perfection. Another step forward. Growth and development.
This cycle will be on full display in the Gower Community next week. With Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, our parents will have an opportunity to check in, give and receive feedback, and gain some insight into the progress their child is making in a particular class or area of learning. This is a perfect opportunity to share your feedback with us as you consider the growth and development that your child has demonstrated in the first part of the school year. What's working? What's not? What would you like to see us do differently? Do more of? Less of? What is something we currently do that just doesn't make sense? And please keep in mind, our scheduled parent-teacher conferences next week are simply one way for your questions to be answered or for your concerns to be addressed. We are always open to receiving your feedback.
The annual feedback cycle continues on Tuesday next week with our practice eLearning Day! This is part of our plan to ensure that our school community is ready if/when an emergency day is needed (e.g. snow day, extreme cold day, etc.) and an eLearning Day is scheduled in its place. We know how important preparation is and practicing the eLearning procedures is a smart way for our students, parents, and staff to know what to do, where to go, and what is expected of them on an eLearning Day. And keep in mind, when we talk about an eLearning Day in Gower, ... say it with me... The 'e' is for 'engagement' :)
I know that I speak for many when I say, as an educator, that I am grateful to serve in a community that places such a high value on its Pre-K-12 school system and has such a high level of parent and community engagement. I have shared this sentiment a number of times, but I always find it worth sharing again :)
Enjoy the upcoming Thanksgiving break with your family and friends, and as always, if you would like to discuss this or any other Gower Community topic further, please reach out to me directly at vsimon@gower62.com.
With gratitude,
Dr. Simon
Superintendent of Schools
Board of Education Meeting - Regular Meeting 11/14/2023
Regular Board Meeting Summary: The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. There was no public comment from the community. Dr. Simon acknowledged that Wednesday, November 15, 2023 is School Board Members Day in Illinois. The Board members were presented with certificates to recognize their dedication to the Board of Education and the Gower community. A big thanks to our Board members!
The meeting continued with the monthly Superintendent's Report. The Superintendent's Report included information on the 2022-23 School Report Cards. The Illinois State Board of Education has made the 2022-2023 student performance data on IAR available to schools and to the public. This information can be found on the Annual School Report Card as a means to help support and increase parental engagement and build partnerships with community members and leaders. School Report Cards are accessible at www.illinoisreportcard.com. A separate Gower Middle Showcase presentation by Principal Murphy and Assistant Principal Prorok was also featured. The presentation highlighted the wonderful work happening there every day. Thank you to the Gower Middle administrators and staff for all you do!
The Board reviewed a series of reports, including the Tentative 2023 Tax Levy which will be presented to the Board for approval at the December 19th Board meeting. A number of Board policy revisions were also approved as part of a 4-year revision cycle, a bus lease bid to replace three of our current buses was approved, as was a contract for snow removal for the coming winter.
The Board did not enter Executive (closed) session and the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is scheduled for December 19, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gower School District Board Room, Gower West, south end of campus Door #B22. As always, you are invited to attend and share your thoughts and feedback with the Board.
November 15, 2023 was School Board Members Day in Illinois. Thank you to our Board Members for their time and dedication to the Gower Community!
Pictured left to right: Melissa Pitsoulakis, Gena Lupo, Board President Ryan Asmus, Ericka Polanco-Webb, Evan Williams, Board Vice President Nagla Fetouh, Board Secretary Sarah Smith
Tomorrow, Friday, is an Early Release Day. Monday is Parent-Teacher Conferences from 8 am to 2 pm. Tuesday is a practice eLearning Day from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Wednesday through Friday is Thanksgiving Break. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!