Talk203 E-Newsletter

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Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to share how advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models are transforming learning experiences for our students and impacting our daily lives.

What is Generative AI? AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to technology designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, solving problems, and making decisions. AI is already embedded in many tools that enhance education, from personalized learning platforms to smart tutoring systems.

What are Large Language Models? Large Language Models (LLMs) are a type of AI focused on understanding and generating human language. These models are trained on vast amounts of text, enabling them to assist with tasks like answering questions, summarizing information, translating languages, and generating creative content.

Benefits for Students:

• Personalized Learning: AI adapts to each student's learning pace and style, offering customized resources and feedback.

• Enhanced Engagement: Interactive AI-powered tools make learning more engaging through real-time responses and creative activities.

• Support for Diverse Needs: AI can assist students with different learning needs, providing tailored support in areas like reading, writing, and comprehension.

• Skill Development: Interacting with AI tools helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills, preparing them for the future.

Where Else Do We Encounter AI? Generative AI is not just in the classroom—it's part of everyday life for both students and parents:

• Virtual Assistants: Tools like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use AI to answer questions, set reminders, and control smart home devices.

• Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify use AI to recommend shows, movies, and music based on your preferences.

• Social Media: AI curates content on social media platforms, suggesting posts, friends, and ads based on your interests.

• E-commerce: Online shopping sites use AI to recommend products, offer personalized deals, and streamline the checkout process.

• Navigation: GPS services like Google Maps and Waze rely on AI to provide real-time traffic updates and route suggestions.

As we integrate these advanced tools into our educational approach, we remain committed to ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students. In line with our district beliefs about artificial intelligence, we prioritize privacy and safety, ensuring equitable access, and using AI responsibly to enhance learning experiences. We strictly adhere to the age restrictions of each AI tool to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect our students' privacy.

Furthermore, we want to emphasize the importance of academic integrity in our school community. Our district's academic integrity policy clearly outlines expectations around the use of AI tools. Students are expected to submit work that accurately represents their own knowledge and skills, and the use of AI in place of original work is only permitted when specifically authorized by staff. We encourage you to review the academic integrity section in the student handbook for more detailed guidelines.

We believe that these technologies will empower our students to reach their full potential and better navigate the AI-driven world around them. To learn more about our beliefs and approach to generative AI, please visit our website.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Supporting students’ social-emotional well-being is an essential component to building a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment. We understand a student’s mental health impacts every aspect of their life, from how they engage in relationships with peers and adults to how they engage in the academic learning within our schools.

In an effort to proactively support our students’ social-emotional health, D203 is continuing to partner with Elyssa’s Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention, to implement the Signs of Suicide (SOS) Program and/or refreshers in grades 6-12.

SOS is an evidence-based program that incorporates two key suicide prevention strategies:

• Introducing a curriculum that raises awareness of suicide and mental health issues; and

• Administering a brief screening for depression and other risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The program is designed to:

• Increase knowledge and attitudes about depression;

• Encourage students to seek help for themselves or on behalf of a friend;

• Reduce stigma around mental illness; and

• Engage parents and school staff as partners in suicide prevention.

Prior to the implementation of the program, your building principal will send a letter that includes detailed information about how the program will be presented to students and who to contact if you do not want your student to participate. Each building will have additional support available to meet with students as needed and parents will be informed of any additional support provided to their student.

Additional information about Elyssa’s Mission and the SOS program is available through the provided links.

If you have questions, please contact Kim Dreisbach, Supervisor of Social Work Services, at 630-579-7127 or kdreisbach@naperville203.org.

Sincerely,

Melissa McHenry

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

CogAT testing for 3rd-grade students will take place from September 9th to 13th.

Please encourage your child to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast the morning of a testing session.

Attached is a letter from Dr. Patrick Nolten, Assistant Superintendent for Assessment and Accountability, with more information about the CogAT Assessments.

Join NEF Founder Dr. Mary Ann Bobosky at J.McLaughlin Naperville on Tuesday, September 17 from 12 PM to 4 PM for a lovely afternoon of sips and fall shopping. 15% of sales will go toward NEF. Thank you for supporting Naperville 203 students!

Are you looking for a rewarding career with great benefits? Naperville 203 is hiring Bus Drivers, and we want YOU!

✅ Starting rate: $22.58/hour
✅ Multiple positions and routes available
✅ School Bus Permit preferred, but we offer training
✅ Amazing benefits including state pension plan and holiday pay
✅ Opportunities for extra work and overtime

Join our exceptional team and make a difference in students' lives every day. Whether you're an experienced driver or looking for a new career path, we've got a spot for you!

In partnership with area businesses, Naperville 203 will once again host our Fall 8th Grade Career Exploration Day to motivate students to continue career exploration & planning. The Career Motive-8 event allows students to connect with area businesses representing multiple careers. Does your company want to get involved? Link to get involved is below.

Please mark your calendar to join us for the 2024 Naperville 203 INC Volunteer Academy. We welcome ALL potential and current volunteers to attend this year’s Academy:

• Learn about, or enhance your experience, being a mentor or coach in the D203 junior high mxINCedu Program and/or in the high school INCubatoredu Program
• Engage in learning about the authentic, entrepreneurship curriculum and about working directly with students
• Gain a better understanding of the mutual benefits of being an active participant in the D203 INC pathway
• Network with other volunteers
  

We hope that you will be able to carve out some time in your busy schedule to join us for this event. We trust this partnership will be as rewarding for you as it is for the students with whom you will work in the mxINCedu and INCubatoredu classrooms!

Mark your calendars for Monday, September 23, and please RSVP with your lunch selection by September 17. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you on September 23 and to partnering to make this an exciting school year!

Please share this invitation with others who may be interested in learning more and possibly getting involved.

Journey Through the Galápagos – Spring Break 2025

Current Huskies and Redhawks have a unique opportunity to travel to the Galápagos Islands over Spring Break in 2025! This eco-driven tour offers students a firsthand learning experience of one of the most fragile ecosystems in our world. Students will discover these islands and follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps, complete with swimming, snorkeling, and hiking alongside exotic animals!

Peru: Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca – Summer 2025

Huskies and Redhawks can join us on a journey to Peru in Summer of 2025! Explore the vibrant culture of Lima, marvel at the ancient temples and fortresses in Cuzco, venture into the Sacred Valley, and behold the breathtaking wonder of Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Cap it all off with a mesmerizing experience on Lake Titicaca.

The parent info session for both tours will be in the NNHS Learning Commons on Tuesday, 9/17 at 6 pm. Respond today at rsvp.eftours.com/m84cw5f. For more info on Naper Life Abroad in District 203 and our future tours, check out our website!

Join S.U.C.C.E.S.S (School Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students) for Fun, Food, Games and Raffles at our 2024 Back to School Cookout on Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at Seager Park.

Mayor Scott A. Wehrli and the Naperville City Council invite all Naperville resident high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply to fill student positions on several City boards and commissions and participate in a Leadership Academy, presented through a partnership with KidsMatter. The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

Interested students should apply online by clicking the "Apply" button on the appropriate board or commission webpage. A complete list and description of boards and commissions, including their meeting dates and times, is available www.naperville.il.us/boards. Please note that not all sections of the application will apply to students. Instead of a resume, students may submit a statement of interest indicating their year in school.

Come meet Chief Puknaitis and Lt. Kostelny and learn more about their Community Advocate Response Team (CART), which provides around-the-clock support for the Naperville community. CART offers assistance for non-injury mental health incidents, lift assists, mobility help, failure to thrive cases, and family support services.

Date: Wednesday, October 2

Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle Street

The event will kick off with opening remarks by the Mayor, followed by a presentation from Chief Puknaitis and Lt. Bill Kostelny of the Naperville Fire Department.

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KidsMatter is holding our annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, September 17th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Fort Hill Activity Center 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville. Come to learn about volunteer opportunities in our community! Whether you like working outside, with children, animals…. There is a volunteer opportunity for you! Nonprofits in our community need you! No registration necessary. For questions, please contact KidsMatter Director of Programs at 331-249-6838 or sherilyn@kidsmatter2us.org www.kidsmatter2us.org

September 17, 2024 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Fort Hill Activity Center

20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville

Attention High School Juniors and Seniors!

Join the Alive Mentoring Program! Become a Mentor for 5th-8th Graders. Be trained to bond positively with their mentees, fostering confidence and developing essential social and life skills. Click here for more info and application.

Join the Wonder S.T.E.M. Art & Science Club! 🌟
Dive into fun S.T.E.A.M. activities with hands-on experiments and creative art projects. Discover where art meets science for 5th - 8th grades…Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™! 🧪🎨 Every Friday in October, 4:30 - 5:30 PM. FREE event!

October Snowball Unwritten registration Now Open Registration is now open for the Fall Snowball retreat October 25-28 at Camp Henry Horner! This teen-led/adult-guided retreat offers students the opportunity to discover something about themselves, make friends across school districts, have fun, and learn ways to impact peers. Spend a weekend focusing on self-care and Write Your Own Story, with us! https://360youthservices.org/snowball-registration/

Free Monthly Mental Health Webinars: Linden Oaks offers free mental health webinars for parents with teens. Webinars will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Register Here

Child and Parent Anxiety Program: Group therapy for children 8+ struggling with school anxiety. Monday-Friday from 8-11 AM for 3 weeks. Call 630-305-5027 for more details and to enroll.

Have a group looking to give back? Snuggles for Seniors, Kindness Kits for the Homeless & Puppy Pit Stop – we have 25+ volunteer events for pre-k to seniors. Schedule yours today! Perfect for scout troops, sports teams, youth groups, classes & more.

Join our audience of parents/caregivers, students, school staff, mental health professionals, youth organizations and the community at large to learn about issues facing today’s youth, adolescents and young adults.