• Safety and security update
• FUNd Run recap video
• Important upcoming dates
• Useful resources for parents and guardians
• Board of Education news
• Curriculum Corner
• And more!

North Shore School District 112 prioritizes the safety and security of its students, staff, and community through a multi-layered approach, including partnerships with law enforcement and an emphasis on preparedness. This commitment ensures an environment where learning thrives alongside traditional educational focuses. Our district has implemented comprehensive practices and protocols to enhance safety and security.

A New Director of Safety and Security

In a collaborative effort, North Shore 112, Bannockburn District 106, and Deerfield Public Schools District 109 welcomed their shared Director of Safety and Security, Ms. Solveig Jurmu, a former sergeant with nearly three decades in law enforcement. As director, she strengthens crisis preparedness, oversees strategic safety planning, and acts as a liaison with local first responders. Her extensive experience reinforces the districts' commitment to a unified and secure educational environment.

More Cameras, Physical Fortification, and Other Security Features

Over recent years, North Shore 112 has significantly enhanced surveillance across its schools, especially after securing an additional $6 million from a referendum dedicated to safety improvements. As a result, building access points and internal security features have been upgraded, ensuring stronger protection. The district remains devoted to evaluating these systems and leveraging the latest in school safety technology.

Significant and Regular Training

The foundation of safety and security is the actions and awareness of individuals, prompting extensive training for our teachers and staff. Our Director of Safety and Security ensures our protocols align with current requirements, and principals regularly conduct various safety drills. As demands change, we adapt to address them effectively.

Resources for Parents and Guardians

Physical safety is paramount, but mental well-being is equally essential, necessitating discussions even with younger students. Recognizing the challenge, we support parents and guardians in addressing these topics. Our recent partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection provides resources and support for parents in their interactions with their children.

Addressing school safety is a challenging yet essential responsibility that District 112 takes seriously, and we continually refine our approaches. We are grateful for our collaborations with the City of Highland Park and the City of Highwood, and the unwavering support from first responders. True safety is a collective effort, and our community's active participation ensures a secure school environment.

• Joint statement about safety and security from District 112, District 113 and the City of Highland Park

Thanks to the 112 Foundation for organizing another amazing FUNd Run event! If you weren't able to make it, check out the video below to see some of the fun we had at Ravinia Festival on Saturday.

If you are unable to view the video here, please visit our Vimeo page.

10/03: BOE Finance Committee Meeting

10/06: Early Release

10/09: Institute Day (No School for Students)

10/10: BOE Committee of the Whole Meeting

10/17: BOE Regular Meeting

Meeting agendas can be found on our website.

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

If you are looking for information on how you can support your child’s mental health, check out ParentGuidance.org resources where you can access free courses led by licensed therapists on more than 50 topics. Also, check out the course titled, Guiding Your Child through Difficult Times, by Dr. Kevin Skinner.

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.

In October, there are two scheduled events in this series (including one this Thursday). You can register for both by clicking the images or by scanning the QR codes. If you have any questions about these events, please contact Dr. Holly Colin at hcolin@nssd112.org.

• English recording of "Supporting Your Child's Mental Health"
  
• Spanish recording of "Supporting Your Child's Mental Health"

Have you signed up for Securly Home yet? This is a new resource to help you manage and monitor your children’s use of school-issued devices outside of school hours. The goal of this tool is to promote the responsible use of technology, prevent access to inappropriate content and identify potential concerns that may require our attention.

Home-monitoring features for parents/guardians include:

• The option to lock devices or limit access to the internet

• The ability to monitor which websites students visit or searches they make on school-issued devices at home

• Weekly email reports summarizing your child’s online activity

• Real-time notifications about serious concerns like cyberbullying or self-harm-related content (this is in addition to the other tools already in place that alert school administrators)

This is a free resource for parents/guardians in our district. You should have received a registration email directly from Securly in September. If you did not, please reach out to your school or the district office.

Many local students say that being a good role-model is the reason they choose to be drug-free -- for their siblings, their teammates, or younger students. It's likely they learned the importance of setting an example from you!

Read more about role models in our community in CTAD's October newsletter. It includes:

• Easy ways to instill a sense of giving back in your child
  
• Why CTAD volunteers volunteer
• Ways you can give back
• New awareness campaign poster on DHS role models
  
• How to get paid to make a difference as CTAD's part time program coordinator

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 Deerfield Parent Network is hosting an event on November 30 called "How to Raise Successful Kids." The event will be held at Deerfield High School and District 112 parents/guardians are invited. Check out the image below for more details.

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:

• 11/7: How to Understand Your Student's Progress and Performance
• 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.

Looking for math resources to support your child/children at home? Check out the following links:

• MAP Accelerator (Grades 3-8)
  
• Dreambox Learning (Grades K-2)
  
• Bridges Math at Home (Grades PreK-5)
  
• i-Ready MyPath (Grades K-5 Students who Qualified for Math Intervention and Grades 6-8 Math Plus Students)
  

What is an Institute Day? For students it is a non-attendance day. For teachers and staff it is an invaluable opportunity to engage in professional development activities. It consists of workshops, training sessions, curriculum development, team meetings and other professional growth opportunities. It ensures our staff can continue to learn and gain resources needed to meet the modern needs of students.

On October 9, NSSD112 teachers and staff will attend attend sessions covering various subject matters, including accessibility, instructional practices, school safety, and social-emotional learning.

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.

Do you enjoy working with kids? Are you looking for an exciting and upbeat working environment? Are you looking to work on a daily basis and receive benefits? If so, check out our current paraprofessionals job openings and apply today!

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.

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