Notes from Mr. Zeman
January 3, 2025
Longwood Facility Projects
With the passing of the referendum this past November, IPSD 204 schools will be getting safety upgrades to facilities. Longwood is one of the first schools to be a part of the Safer, Stronger 204 plans. Beginning over spring break, some flooring will be updated with the gym, multipurpose room and office areas set to be updated over this coming summer. All classrooms and the remainder of the school will get new flooring during the summer of 2026.
During this summer, 2025, Longwood will have safety upgrades that include new exterior doors and a complete reconfiguration of the main entrance and office area. These improvements will help grow the safety of our school and we are excited for the projects to get started!
Refocusing Our Vision
We are continuously working to make Longwood the best place to teach and learn. A part of this is ensuring that we agree on what we want our school to become (Vision) and how we each need to act to get there (Commitments). I have received feedback from 15 families and hope that MANY more will take the 10-15 minutes needed to share their thoughts so that we can work as one to help support the continued growth of our students.
Continuing to Guide Our Pride
As we return from break we enter the winter assessment window. With the data we gain from math and reading assessments using the iReady tool, our staff will better understand the growth of our students and identify adjustments we need to make to continue to help them achieve at the highest levels.
Along with the skills associated with math and reading, we will be redefining the use of our social skills curriculum, Second STEP (👈
learn more here). Emotion management, problem solving and navigating challenges within friendships and peer interactions are what Second STEP refer to as 'human skills' that are necessary to not only support a safe and productive school setting but to be a successful adult and member of our community. This semester you will be getting more information about what is discussed related these skill sets. We look forward to continuing to support the growth of your students so that they can become well-rounded members of our school community. Interested in learning more about Second STEP? Check out the video below.