Oak Grove District News

Dear District 68 Community,

We’re back with our new monthly e-news on Oak Grove School District 68! Soon, you will also be receiving our printed newsletter that is delivered to all residents. Our goal is to keep our entire community informed and connected to the learning and growth happening daily in our school!

Upcoming this month are some exciting end-of-year activities. At the same time, our administration and board of education have our foot on the gas to continue moving forward on an updated strategic plan and facility assessment. These are important processes for high-functioning and forward-thinking districts.

Simply put, if we do not know where we are headed, how will we know when we get there? It is our intention to continue to stay a top-performing district through our research-driven teaching and learning practices and also a great investment for our residents with safe, welcoming and well-maintained facilities that are effectively and efficiently managed.

Sincerely,

Allison Sherman

Superintendent

The upcoming solar eclipse will be a special learning moment for our students. Our school schedule will stay the same, but we'll use this event to enhance our lessons. We’re excited to view this rare astronomical event safely!

In preparation for the Solar Eclipse viewing, students in the Junior High prepared lessons about the Solar Eclipse to share with students in grades K-5. The lessons took place in the Junior High science labs. They allowed all students to get a better understanding of what the solar eclipse is and discussed safety precautions for viewing the event. Each student at Oak Grove received a pair of certified viewing glasses for the event. Students in grades 6-8 were partnered with students in K-2 as part of a buddy system for the viewing as well.

Oak Grove School is excited to recognize Purple Up Day. The purpose of Purple Up Day is to honor and show support for military children. To honor our Oak Grove military families, a breakfast will be held for these special members of our school on the morning of April 15th. Purple Up Day encourages staff and students to wear purple as a symbol of gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices military children make in the face of their parents' service to the country. This day not only acknowledges the resilience and strength of these children but also fosters a sense of unity and appreciation within our broader community. Please join us in recognizing Purple Up Day by wearing purple on April 15.

Several Oak Grove teachers will provide camp courses for students over the summer. There will be opportunities for creativity through art camp, music camp and digital animation and Photoshop. Students will also have the opportunity to get active through the sports camp and focus on wellness through our Yoga camp. For younger students in kindergarten and first grade, there will be an opportunity to experience what it is like to go camping with Camp S’more Fun. Go to the RevTrak online store and select Student Summer Camps to register before April 30. We hope you join us for some summer fun!

Since their inception last year, student pizza lunches with Superintendent Allison Sherman have become a hit in our district. Each eighth-grade student is invited at least once and asked what they love about school and what could be better. With high school on the horizon, students are sharing their excitement, if anything makes them nervous, and have the opportunity to ask their own questions.

These lunches are a way to capture student perspectives and share student responses with teachers and administrators alike. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration between students and district leadership, we pave the way for a brighter future where every voice is heard and valued.

Led by Principal Murray, school board members have kicked off a new tradition: touring our school at least once a year. These building tours give board members a chance to see classrooms in action and chat with both students and teachers.

During these visits, teachers share what they're excited about while students eagerly converse. Board members hear firsthand about the exciting projects and challenges students and teachers are tackling every day.

But it's not just about the buzz—these tours serve a practical purpose, too. Board members can spot areas where our building might need extra support, like addressing facility and space needs. By taking this hands-on approach, our board members show how committed they are to understanding our students and their needs and supporting our school’s growth.

Each year, Superintendent Sherman provides an opportunity for direct dialogue with teachers and staff. These meetings have taken place over the last month.

Sherman's questions cut to the heart of the matter: "What are you celebrating? What's going well?" But it doesn't end there. She also asks, "What keeps you up at night? Where might you need more support?"

This feedback guides discussions within the administrative team, celebrates successes, and pinpoints areas for additional support. With this collaborative approach, the district aims to empower teachers to continue their remarkable work with our students.

Don’t Miss a Moment! These are the top posts from last month. Help select the top posts by following and liking our posts on Facebook or Instagram!

We were seeing double and triple on Twin Day for Spirit Week!

As seen on Instagram, the student recognition parade celebrated athletic teams, the cast and crew of Newsies, artists in the bookmark contest and spelling bee champions! Way to go, Eagles!

Special Guest Alert! Mrs. Thoune's second-grade students had a special lesson with Mr. Ryan Murray, our dedicated K-8 principal, during their morning meeting activity. The kids were buzzing with curiosity, asking questions to learn more about him.

• April 8 - Solar Eclipse, no schedule changes

• April 11 - Superintendent Chat, OGS PD Room, 5:30 pm

• April 15 - Purple Up Day

• April 20 - OGS Multicultural Fair, 3:30-6:30 pm

• April 30 - Last day to register for Oak Grove Summer Camp

Two of our Oak Grove students won first place in the Cook Library’s “Design a Bookmark” contest. This contest is open to students in Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Green Oaks, and Roundout. Oak Grove is so proud of 2nd Grader Esosa Osayimwen and 4th Grader Raksith Kannan.