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Parent Update

Parent Update

August 17, 2024

Orientation

We are so excited to be getting ready for the start of the school year. Many of our teachers have been in setting up their classrooms and preparing learning opportunities for our students. This week we had our 6th grade students in for their Middle School Orientation. Students set up their lockers, explored the classrooms, and walked their schedule. A big thank you to Mrs. Dave' and our many 8th grade volunteers who helped facilitate this terrific opportunity. We also had our first preschool screening of the school year. We continue to seek out preschool age students in order to provide opportunities for early learning and intervention. If you know any families that have not explored preschool, please have them reach out to Mrs. Nuvia Hernandez (nhernandez@winfield34.org - 630-909-4901). Early interventions and early learning can make a tremendous difference in a child's learning.

Social Media - #Winfield34

Instagram

We are looking forward to sharing a variety of stories and images as we learn throughout the school year. This year we will be using Instagram and Threads to share content. You can follow Dr. Rich at @mattrich22 and Mr. Meech at @principalmeech. All of our Winfield School District posts from any staff members will be marked with #Winfield34. Elementary teachers will continue to share individual class items on Seesaw. This year we will no longer be posting school information on X (formerly Twitter.

Board of Education News

Board of Education Recognition

The Winfield 34 Board of Education will be having their next Board Meeting on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Here are some of the highlights:

6:00pm - Start of Meeting and Closed Session

6:55pm - Budget Hearing (live streaming starts)

7:00pm - Regular Meeting

Presentations/Discussion - Recognition of Teachers Earning Tenure, Bullying Policy Review, Attendance Process Update, Strategic Plan Update, TIF 2, and Mandated Reporter Training

Action Items - Policy Updates, Personnel, Data Management Tools, and Revised Board Calendar


Here is the agenda for the Regular Board Meeting and for the Budget Hearing.

Public comments can be shared through the Google form or live at the meeting.

Video streaming will be live from our Facebook page.

Gaggle Provides Greater Level of Safety and Security for Student Google Accounts

Gaggle Safety Management

This year we will be using a Gaggle Safety Management solution for student Google accounts to proactively help ensure students are safely and correctly using school-provided digital tools. Gaggle uses a combination of artificial intelligence and trained safety experts to review students’ use of online tools within Google Workspace for Education and provide real-time analysis of potentially concerning behavior or content. Gaggle’s technology scans students’ accounts for harmful content and alerts our leadership team if students show signs of self-harm, depression, thoughts of suicide, substance abuse, cyberbullying, credible threats of violence against others, or other harmful situations. Gaggle will help us proactively identify students who are struggling, provide support where needed, and foster a safer school environment.

Parking Near School

Visitor Parking

Winfield 34 is a community school. As such, there is never enough parking. Parents who plan to attend a meeting or park at school in order personally drop off or pickup their child are encouraged to park in the visitor parking on Beecher next to the playground, the Winfield Primary parking lot, the Winfield Central parking lot, or at Lions Park. We have received complaints from the residents that live at the Winfield Station Apartments regarding parents who have chosen to park in their parking lot when dropping off and/or picking up children from school. They have also indicated that they have witnessed cars blocking their entrance off Beecher Street during school arrival and dismissal and residents have been unable to move in or out of the complex. Please be aware that the Winfield Station Apartments are private property (with signs that are clearly visible.) We ask that you not choose the apartments' parking lot to park/drop off/pick up before and after school. We would like to maintain a good relationship with our neighbors.

Updated Winfield Park District Aftercare Registration

Winfield Park District

Winfield Park District has updated its aftercare registration. For those still seeking this experience for their child, here is the registration form.

Parent Learning Opportunities

GPS Parent Series

The GPS Parent Series hosts a variety of Parent Education Events. Here is an overview of their parent learning opportunities for the year. Events coming soon include:

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