• In-person event tomorrow night!
• Curriculum Questions - Learn about the NSSD112 curriculum
• Important February dates
  
• 24-25 registration information
• Social and emotional learning (SEL) resources
• Board of Education news
• Safety and security update - safe firearm storage
• And more!

Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., helps empower parents/guardians with strategies to help their kids navigate growing up in a world where nearly every moment of their lives can be shared and compared. Sponsored by Deerfield Parent Network in partnership with Districts 113, 112 and 109.

Heitner shows parents/guardians how to help teens navigate boundaries, identity, privacy, and reputation in their digital world. Using relatable stories and research-backed advice, Heitner helps parents/guardians to cut through the overwhelm to connect with their kids, recognize how to support them, and help them figure out who they are when everyone is watching.

The NSSD112 Board of Education will attend this event and then return to Northwood Middle School (945 North Ave.) for a discussion about the presentation. This discussion will be open to the public.

Welcome to Curriculum Questions! Each month, we'll delve in the what, how and why of our school curriculum. This month...what does it mean when we refer to the "curriculum." Spoiler alert: it's not just about the resources we use to teach.

If you are unable to view the video here, you can find it on our Vimeo page.

Do you have a question about the curriculum at North Shore School District 112? You've come to the right place! Submit your question in a Google form and we may use it in a future video. Questions are anonymous. Thanks for your interest in learning more about our curriculum!

2/6: "Growing Up in Public" Presented by Devorah Heitner (at HPHS)

2/13: Board of Education Regular Meeting

2/16: Early Release (No Early Childhood)

2/19: Presidents Day (No School)

2/20: Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting

2/29: Final Day to Apply for 24-25 Dual Language Program

Kindergarten Pre-Registration is now open for 2024-2025! If your child will be entering kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year, you can now begin the registration process. The first step is to fill out a pre-registration form. Once you have completed the form, we will share the next steps with you.

Registration for all other grades will open on May 1, 2024. If you have questions about registration, please email parentportal@nssd112.org or call 224-765-3052.

If your child will be entering kindergarten or 1st grade in 2024-2025, they are eligible for the program. How to apply:

• For Kindergarten…you will have the option to apply while filling out the pre-registration form

• For 1st grade…please fill out a 1st grade application form, you do not need to complete pre-registration

The deadline to submit a Dual Language Program application is Thursday, February 29. A lottery will be conducted on Friday, March 8 to determine which students will fill the available slots at either Oak Terrace or Red Oak. Please visit our website to learn more about the program or contact Enrique Castro at ecastro@nssd112.org.

This Black History Month, our district is committed to recognizing the significant contributions and history of African Americans. We look forward to engaging in education and dialogue, celebrating achievements, and honoring those who have fought for justice and equality. Throughout Black History Month, our schools will organize a series of events and activities.

• Black History Month Resources (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
• Celebrating Black Leaders (PBS)
• What is the CROWN Act? (Anti-Defamation League)
• What is Voter Suppression? (Anti-Defamation League)
• Your Guide to Black History Month Events in Chicago (WTTW)
• Black History Month Exhibits and Collections (BlackHistoryMonth.gov)
• Brown v. Board of Education (National Museum of American History)

North Shore School District 112 is thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for our exceptional maintenance team. Our district stands out because of the unwavering commitment and expertise of this incredible team. No matter the challenge – be it the fierce winds of a blizzard, the biting chill of extreme cold, or the myriad of everyday issues that arise within the bustling environment of our schools – our maintenance staff is always on the frontline, ensuring that our day proceeds seamlessly.

Their dedication is not just about maintaining the physical infrastructure of our schools; it's about creating a safe, welcoming, and conducive learning environment for every student and staff member in the 112 community. The reliability and efficiency with which they operate, often behind the scenes, allow our teachers to teach and our students to learn without interruption, making them unsung heroes in our district's success.

We recognize and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of our maintenance team. Their hard work and dedication are pivotal in making North Shore School District 112 a beacon of excellence in education. To each member of the maintenance staff: Thank you for your tireless service and for being an indispensable part of our community. Your contributions are truly invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do.

Meeting agendas can be found on our website.

(Posted at least 48 hours prior to a meeting)

Livestream feeds for regular meetings can also be found at nssd112.org.

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our school board.

In January, the U.S. Department of Education hosted a town hall with school principals to promote safe and responsible firearm storage.

The Department emphasizes that secure storage practices play a vital role in enhancing the safety of school environments and their immediate areas. Implementing these measures can significantly mitigate the risk of accidents or incidents within the community. It's imperative for responsible parties to ensure potentially harmful items are securely stored, especially in locations frequented by children and teenagers. Adopting such precautions safeguards individuals from unintended harm and contributes to the collective well-being. For those who have such items or oversee spaces where they are present, initiating steps to secure them and restrict access is crucial for maintaining a safe and secure community.

You can watch the town hall in the video below or by visiting the White House's YouTube page.

In this section, you will find several events and programs for parents/guardians and students. You can also find more information about these and other social and emotional learning (SEL) resources on our website.

Throughout the year, our district is partnering with ParentGuidance.org and the Cook Center for Human Connection to deliver presentations developed by licensed therapists. These events are virtual, interactive and designed to help parents and guardians support students. Registration, attendance and interactions are kept completely anonymous from other viewers. Recordings of these events will be shared with out parent/guardian community, as well.

The next event is on Thursday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m. It is called “Compassionate Parenting & Self-Compassion” Anyone interested in joining the webinar can register right up until the last minute by visiting https://cookcenter.info/Feb22NSD. Viewers will be anonymous to other viewers.

We will share a recording of the webinar with the whole district, in case you are unable to join live. The live webinar will not be in Spanish, but a subtitled version will also be shared at a later date.

If you have any questions about these events, please contact Dr. Holly Colin at hcolin@nssd112.org.

• Supporting Your Child's Mental Health (English)
  
• Supporting Your Child's Mental Health (Spanish)
• Bullying - Stop the Cycle (English)
• Bullying - Stop the Cycle (Spanish Subtitles)
• ABCs of Substance Abuse and Vaping (English)
• ABCs of Substance Abuse and Vaping (Spanish)
• School Avoidance (English)
• School Avoidance (Spanish Subtitles)
• Emotional Regulation: Recognizing What's Wrong (English)
• Emotional Regulation: Recognizing What's Wrong (Spanish)
• Helping Your Child Succeed (English)
• Helping Your Child Succeed (Spanish)
• Effects of Screen Time and Children's Mental Health (English)
• Social Media: Protecting Your Child (English)
• Social Media: Protecting Your Child (Spanish)

ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff and community in finding local mental-health and substance use related treatment. The service complements the district's existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow up care.

School families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:

• Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options.
• Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/NSSD112 to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously.

The State of Illinois has developed a school safety program called Safe2Help Illinois in an effort to raise awareness of 21st-century threats facing schoolchildren in Illinois. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com).

The purpose of the NSSD112 BPAC is to advocate for academic excellence in all programs serving English learners. BPAC strives to provide family support, communication and information regarding the district’s Dual Language and ESL programs. BPAC is a multilingual space where members can access information, voice priorities and take steps to strengthen our schools and community.

Upcoming BPAC Events:

• 02/20: Language First and Literacy Night
  
• 04/23: Multilingual Learner Month Celebrate

All families are welcome to attend. An interpreter, childcare and food will be provided.

Email bpac.d112@gmail.com for more information or to sign up for our mailing list. Learn more about BPAC on our website.

Our students have so many wonderful opportunities to express themselves creativity - in school, our park district and at home. In CTAD's February newsletter Tamara Jenkins, the Director of Arts Festivals for HPHS & DHS, shares the lifelong benefits exposure to the arts can have on our students.

In this CTAD newsletter:

• Lifelong benefits of exposure to the arts

• Ways to encourage your child's creative expression

• Free parent webinars on a variety of topics

• CTAD's new PSA - your teen wants to follow the law!

• Meet CTAD's new program coordinator & 2024 Board of Directors

Our staff works hard to create schools where students want to learn and teachers want to teach. High-quality materials and technology give our staff and students the tools needed to be innovative and highly engaged. As a member of District 112, you’ll be working to advance yourself as well as fulfill a long legacy of District 112 being the home of pioneering educators, dedicated staff, and innovative instructional practices. Visit careers.nssd112.org to learn more!

Join our dynamic team at Red Oak Elementary, one of the district's two Dual Language schools. As a Dual Language program teacher, your expertise in Spanish and English will shape the future of bilingual education. In this vital role, you'll implement cutting-edge curriculum models, collaborate with a dedicated team, and serve as a cultural bridge, enhancing students' linguistic and cultural understanding. Learn more or apply

Join District 112 in nurturing the next generation of learners and leaders. As we seek Associate Principals for Edgewood Middle School and Sherwood Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year, you have the chance to impact students' lives in a district that values innovation, respect and global community engagement. With a commitment to a world-class education, these roles offer the unique opportunity to foster both personal and professional growth, drive instructional innovation, and strengthen community ties. Ideal candidates will share our dedication to excellence in education, embodying our mission to prepare well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to a global community. This role promises a regionally competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to shape educational experiences in a progressive environment. Learn more or apply

Embark on a fulfilling journey as a Library Information Specialist at Red Oak Elementary, where your passion for literature and information technology will inspire young minds. In this diverse role, you'll manage the library, curate a collection that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, and collaborate with educators to integrate library resources into the curriculum. With your expertise, create an environment that nurtures a love for reading and critical thinking among students. Learn more or apply

As a school psychologist, you'll play a crucial role in nurturing the academic, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being of students. Your expertise in conducting psychological assessments, developing intervention plans, and participating in the MTSS process will be invaluable. With a focus on effective communication and collaboration, you'll contribute to creating supportive educational environments for diverse learners. Learn more or apply

Do you want to choose your own hours and make a difference in our students' lives? Consider becoming a guest teacher (substitute) for North Shore School District 112. Rates were recently increased to $150 a day for guest teachers. Please feel free to reach out to Valerie Kilen (vlariviere@nssd112.org) with any questions or apply to be a guest teacher today!

Having an issue with your student's device? Need assistance with district software, such as Infinite Campus? Submit a support ticket and a member of our tech team will reach out as soon as possible.

Please continue to be aware of our guidelines for emergency closings. The decision to close school or to change start or dismissal times because of inclement weather or other unanticipated emergencies will be based upon available information from local law enforcement agencies, weather forecast services, and neighboring school district administrators.

If school will be closed, every effort will be made to finalize the school closing decision by 5 a.m. of that school day. Roadway conditions and the possibility of dangerously unsafe temperatures are the main factors that drive the decision.

In these situations, you will be notified via email, text and phone. A message will also be posted on our website at nssd112.org.

ParentSquare is North Shore School District 112’s primary communication tool. It is used by the district office and schools to send emails, text messages and phone calls to parents/guardians, staff members and the community.

Visit the ParentSquare page on our website to learn more or access your account.

Address: 445 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040

Phone: 224-765-3000

Website: nssd112.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nssd112

Instagram: instagram.com/nssd112

Twitter: @nssd112

If you have any questions about the newsletter, please contact Ben Finfer at bfinfer@nssd112.org