Daniel Wright
Inquiry Based Learning
Students paired up in eighth-grade Spanish class recently to discuss a select topic – community, family, etc. – in which they were challenged to ask probing questions of each other.
Author and national speaker Trevor McKenzie offers educators an inquiry-based learning model that equips students to become lifelong learners by nurturing wonder, curiosity and agency in the classroom. Spanish Teacher Erinn Vincent believes this model of learning brought into the classroom helps expand students' vocabulary and conversational speaking and prepares them for high school.
“This activity allows for conversation to easily flow because students provide detailed answers and their partner prompts them for follow up questions,” Mrs. Vincent said. “When students actively practice creating questions and working with them inside conversations, they gain confidence. With new found confidence, students begin creating their own questions, which results in countless benefits. Students are moving further up the language proficiency pyramid and deciding where the conversation will go,” she explained.
Upcoming Events
- Snowflake Program: Friday, Feb. 9, for seventh-graders.
- 5Essentials Survey: Opt out deadline is Noon Friday, Feb. 9, for Grades 4-8.
- No School: Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents' Day.
- Early Dismissal: Friday, Feb. 23.
Science Bowl Team Heads to Nationals
Two Daniel Wright Science Bowl teams competed in the regional competition last weekend placing 1st and 3rd. The first place team will represent DW at the national competition in Washington, D.C., in late April. Great job team!
Science Olympiads Place 1st in Tournament
The DW Science Olympiad Team took 1st place out of 30 teams at the Rockford Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 27. This was an incredible accomplishment as eight olympians weren’t competing due to another unrelated competition. Twenty-four of the team’s 32 students in grades 6-8 competed across 23 events. Individual medals won included one 7th place, four 5th place, four 4th place, six 3rd place, nine 2nd place, and 20 1st place. The team is coached by Lisa Solesky and Prajatka Joshi, with the assistance of parent volunteer event coaches. The team will compete next at the Solon, Ohio tournament in February. GO WARRIORS!
Book Tasting Raises Over $350
Thanks to the families who participated in the Leaders in Learning Book Tasting this week. The group raised more than $350.00, which will be used to purchase books for students at a school in Chicago.
The Book Tasting included community members and students sharing great books to read this winter from across different genres and reading levels. A winter market also featured local small businesses and artisans.
Partnerships
Valentine's Day Treats Extravaganza from Max and Benny's!
Indulge in the sweetest delights this Valentine's Day with Max and Benny's special treats! Choose from cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies Treats, and more. Not only will you satisfy your sweet tooth, but you'll also be contributing to a good cause. A percentage of all sales will be donated to back to D103 PTO.
- Learn more and purchase your treats today @ https://bit.ly/3UuOwaT
8th Grade Class T-shirt
The PTO is gearing up to celebrate our graduating eighth-graders! Keeping with tradition, the official DW Class of 2024 T-shirts are now on sale!
These commemorative T-shirts have been designed with our class spirit in mind. All graduate names are listed on the back of the shirt. They are a perfect way to showcase your pride and unity as members of the Daniel Wright Junior High School Class of 2024. Order the shirt by Wednesday, Feb. 14. T-shirt delivery will occur by the end of February at school.
- Get your T-shirt today @ https://bit.ly/3uftEcP
All Staff Chili Lunch
PTO is celebrating our D103 staff by treating them to a chili and soup luncheon on Friday, Feb. 9, at all three schools. We are looking for volunteers to make a crockpot of chili or soup (your recipe of choice!) for the luncheons. We are looking for at least 10 servings per crock. We would also like to supplement the chili lunch with desserts (again, recipe of your choice!).
We know not everyone is a chef, so if you would prefer to contribute financially, any donation will allow us to provide salads, decor, and all of the "trimmings".
Thank you so much for helping show the fabulous D103 staff our appreciation for all that they do for our children!
- Sign up today @ bit.ly/D103SignUp
Addressing Toxic Achievement Culture
Register now for a virtual discussion with Author Jennifer Wallace to talk about how we can teach our kids to strive toward excellence without crushing them.
- Register: https://bit.ly/3ScaduB
Community News
Library Survey
Community members are invited and encouraged to share their ideas and preferences as planning begins for improvements to the building and grounds of the Vernon Area Public Library. For additional opportunities for public review and feedback , visit VAPLD.info/LibraryPlan.
Library Book Study
On Monday, Feb. 5, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. the Vernon Area Public Library invites students to a Caudill book discussion about "City Spies," by James Ponti. Students should register for the invite on the library website. The library is handing out free books.
Blood Drive
LCHS will be hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
SHS Language Exam
Eighth-graders with prior language coursework or experience, Heritage, or Native speakers interested in taking Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, or Latin must take a benchmark exam for Stevenson High School. If you cannot attend the initial placement exam on Saturday, Dec. 16, you must register for the makeup placement exam scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17.
- Benchmark Makeup Exam Date: Saturday, Feb. 17 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Register: SHS Interest Form
Daniel Wright Information
- Daniel Wright Calendar of Events
- Daily School Announcements
- Archived Newsletters
- YouTube
- Kendra Perri, Principal
- Dr. Nina Nusbaum, Assistant Principal
- Dr. Susan Baker, Assistant Principal
- 847-604-5280
- Dw_attendance@d103.org
Principals