9/6/24 OG DISTRICT NEWS

Welcome back to a new school year at Oak Grove Elementary! As your Interim Superintendents, we are honored to be part of this incredible community and excited to embark on this journey with you.

Thank you to our families, staff, students, and PTO for our warm welcome to the community. We have started the year off on the right foot and were glad to meet so many of you at Popsicles on the Playground. The sun was shining, but the smiles were even brighter! Moments like these remind us of the strong, supportive community that makes Oak Grove special.

Dr. McKay here: This year, I helped Dr. Lemon bring back his tradition of handing out apples to each of our dedicated staff members at the start of the new school year. Symbolizing a nourishing and fruitful start to the school year, this act reflects our hopes for a year filled with growth, learning, and more joyful moments here at Oak Grove.

Looking ahead, we are committed to supporting our students, staff, and families every step of the way, ensuring that Oak Grove continues to be a place where everyone shines. We are optimistic for what the school year will bring!

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

With Oak Grove Pride,

Dr. Lemon and Dr. McKay
Interim Superintendents

At a Special Board Meeting on September 4, 2024, the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) presented the results from the Superintendent Search Survey and Focus Groups. On the same day, the vacancy for the Superintendent position was announced, and IASB began promoting the role. Below is our timeline:

• Application Deadline: October 15

• Candidate Review: October 22 (closed session)

• First Round of Interviews: Week of October 29

• Final Round of Interviews: Week of November 4

• Announcement of New Superintendent: November 19
  
  

Thank you for your continued support and involvement!

1st Row - Front: Safa Amin (1st Grade), Larisa Falconer (1st Grade), Madison Zaengle (1st Grade)

2nd Row: Lisa McCauley (7th Grade Math), Michelle Hill (4th Grade ELA/SS)

3rd Row: Jenny Argaez (K-5 Spanish Substitute), Lisa Foley (7th Grade Science), Justine Braskich (Instructional Coach)

4th Row - Back: Elisa Bailis (5th Grade Math/Science), Elaine East (Kindergarten)

Note: Kristina Padula (7th Grade ELA) is not pictured

At Oak Grove, we're dedicated to providing the best education for our students by using high-quality resources and continuously improving our programs.

• Math Improvements: After reviewing student performance, we found that our current math program, College Preparatory Math (CPM), isn't aligned with the latest teaching practices. This year, we are piloting two new programs: Big Ideas Math & You, which connects math to real-world careers, and Savvas EnVision, known for its strong instructional support. Gifted 5th graders and all students in grades 6-8 will try these new resources. We're also updating K-5 math with the latest version of Bridges in Mathematics.

• Health Instruction: We have been enhancing health education for K-8 students. For grades K-8 we will introduce The Great Body Shop, a magazine-based program that includes Social Emotional Learning (SEL) content.

• Social & Emotional Learning (SEL): To boost SEL, we’re updating our K-5 curriculum with the latest version of Second Step, featuring digital supplements and engaging activities. Grades 6-8 will continue with Second Step lessons, supplemented by guest speakers and assemblies.
  
  

By investing in quality resources and innovative teaching, we aim to create a dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive!

Oak Grove is more than just a school to me—it's a family. Whether I'm cheering you on at sports events or sharing a smile at local concerts, our community's spirit truly warms my heart.

This year, my goal is to inspire each of you to see the bright side of every situation and to view challenges as opportunities to grow and set new goals. I can't wait to celebrate all your successes, big and small, and support you every step of the way.

I am constantly inspired by our students and my amazing colleagues, whose uniqueness and dedication make Oak Grove a truly special place to learn and grow. Here’s to a year of learning, sharing, and becoming the best versions of ourselves!

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!

1st Grade Teacher Bonnie Brown is celebrating her 30th year at Oak Grove School!

"I am very excited to start a brand new school year! This year, I will be walking through the doors at Oak Grove School for my 30th year of teaching, welcoming students as excited as I was when I started at OGS in 1995. Each year is as exhilarating as the first, with many hopes and promises for the students I greet daily. I always have a wish for my students - To believe in themselves, to persevere, and to show me the RAINBOW of possibilities they have inside of them."

3rd-grade teacher, Heather McCarty, has been a cornerstone of our community since 1999.

"We are excited to be led by two outstanding Superintendents this year. Dr. Lonny Lemon & Dr. James McKay truly want what's best for our incredible students and staff. They are working hard to make sure that teachers feel supported and that our community is valued. It's going to be an amazing year at Oak Grove School!"

The Oak Grove staff turned the school pink on Monday, August 19 to show their support and caring for one of their own, Lynn Klunder, who is having to battle breast cancer for a second time.

Mrs. Klunder was surprised by the staff matching t-shirts that said, “Her Fight is Our Fight” which was organized by Ms. Gibbar, Ms. Douglass, Ms. Honaker. This amazing support shows the best parts of this staff and school family! It is a beautiful start to the new school year in a unified way that helps everyone involved.

Our Interim Superintendents, Dr. Lemon, and Dr. McKay revived a beloved tradition, personally handing out apples to each of our staff members. This gesture, started by Dr. Lemon during his previous tenure as Superintendent, is more than just a welcome—it's a symbol of a nourishing and fruitful start to the school year.

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and many more joyful traditions!

9/11/24 - Curriculum Night Grades K-2 from 6:00 - 8:00

9/12/24 - Curriculum Night Grades 3-5 from 6:00 - 8:00

9/17/24 - BoE Meetings; Committee of the Whole 6:00 pm & Regular Meeting 6:45 pm (JH Cafe)

9/18/24 - Curriculum Night Grades 6-8 from 6:00 - 8:00

Please click HERE to view the flyers in our virtual backpack. Flyers are updated weekly, so please check back often so you won't miss any of the events going on in our community.