Monthly Highlander
March 1, 2024
From the Superintendent's Office
Meet Provisos Interim Co-Superintendents
In a special meeting on February 21, 2024, the Proviso District 209 Board of Education announced the appointment of Mr. Alexander Aschoff and Mr. Luke Pavone as interim co-superintendents. Mr. Aschoff, a seasoned educator with a background in science teaching and educational leadership, is actively involved in advancing personalized instruction. Mr. Pavone, who joined the district in 2023, brings extensive experience in operational services, demonstrating leadership in various roles.
Mr. Aschoff's notable career began in 2004 at Proviso East High School, evolving into roles such as District Coordinator of Science, and Data & Assessment. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Meanwhile, Mr. Pavone, serving as Deputy Superintendent for Operational Services since July 2023, boasts a comprehensive background in overseeing departments such as Human Resources and Technology.
Both interim co-superintendents express eagerness and dedication to collaborative leadership, emphasizing their commitment to stakeholders' needs, including students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and the community. With their combined expertise, Mr. Aschoff and Mr. Pavone aim to contribute significantly to the ongoing progress of Proviso District 209.
From Struggles to Strength: Proviso's Student Advisory Board Takes Charge in Superintendent Search
The following article was written by PMSA senior and Public Relations Leader of the Student Advisory Board for the Superintendent, Milo Gittings.
On February 21, 2024 Proviso’s Student Advisory Board for the Superintendent met with HYA Associate, Dr. Constance Collins, as she helps in the process of searching for a new Proviso Superintendent. The Student Advisory Board is a group of approximately 20 students from East, West, and PMSA that have been selected to work directly with administration, to advocate for the students and community of Proviso.
Lead by PMSA Sophomore Jarrell David, the purpose of this meeting was to provide student perspective on finding a new superintendent. As we engaged in productive conversation, we not only explained the characteristics we’d like to see of a new superintendent, but we also discussed the strengths and challenges a new superintendent would experience here, and how they should be equipped to best promote growth. We explained how we needed an advocate for the people of our communities who would promote transparency and provide support to the places in need throughout the district. Most importantly, I personally discussed the need for a leader that wants to learn the people, history, and culture of Proviso. When one can learn to care about the community they serve, then they can lead them.
Proviso has faced struggles for a long time now, but it is time to refocus efforts on our schools and communities. While short term solutions can mitigate certain problems, our students now need a strategic plan, and to do so, we need proactive leadership that can see long term benefits for the students, teachers and support staff they represent. This opportunity for our student leaders to meet with a representative of the HYA hiring firm is just the start, but the real change continues to happen every day. As we work on finding new leadership for our district, we also must preach change in our own lives, for the betterment of our schools, for us, as well as the next generations of Proviso students.
We were very lucky to have the voices of the students be heard in this meeting. As stated by Dr. Collin’s herself, the students’ perspective is extremely valuable because we are the ones directly affected by the people in charge. Therefore, it is our duty as a student body and community to make our voice heard, as we heal from past wounds and become stronger together as One Proviso.
Proviso District 209 Unveils Leadership Profile Report in Search for Next Superintendent
As the district continues the search for its next superintendent, a Leadership Profile Report has been created and unveiled, providing valuable insights derived from diverse outreach methods.
The report is a culmination of information gathered through surveys, forums, and focus groups, actively engaging the perspectives of Proviso administration, staff, students, parents, and community members.
The Leadership Profile Report, accessible through the provided link below, includes crucial components such as Leadership Profile Objectives, Survey Highlights, Focus Group/Interview Insights, Desired Superintendent Characteristics, and more. It serves as a roadmap for identifying the ideal candidate who aligns with the collective vision and values of the Proviso community.
2024-2025 Registration and Enrollment Coming Soon!
Please keep an eye out for more information on registration and enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. District 209 will be offering online registration, which will make for a more efficient and user-friendly process. Designated dates, times and locations will also be provided for those who require in-person assistance.
Detailed information on required forms and documentation will be available on our District website. We want to ensure a smooth and efficient process for getting your student(s) ready for the next school year!
Current parents/guardians are encouraged to login to their parent portal of PowerSchool to update contact information. If you need support, please work with your building's parent coordinator. Letters will be mailed home closer to when registration will open.
Proviso East Registrar: 708-202-1629
Proviso West Registrar: 708-202-6314
Proviso Math & Science Academy Registrar: 708-338-4184
5Essentials Survey
District 209 teachers and parents still have the opportunity to participate in the online 5Essentials Survey! The purpose of the survey is to collect information that will help us better understand our schools' conditions and guide improvement. Please take a moment to complete the 5 Essentials survey to share your thoughts on effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environments, and ambitious instruction.
The survey is available until March 29, 2024. Students will have the opportunity to take the survey during school.
District Spotlight
Dr. Alexander Brandon Named President Elect of INRS Affiliate at IACTE Conference
During the IACTE Conference held on February 15-16, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Alexander Brandon, the District Director for Career and Technical Education and Early College, achieved a significant milestone by being appointed as the President Elect of the Illinois New and Related Services (INRS) Affiliate Association of IACTE/ACTE.
The INRS Affiliate strives to keep its members well-informed about trends, plans, policies, and current happenings within the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE). Additionally, it acts as a valuable clearinghouse for the dissemination of new ideas, research, and other resources that contribute to the enhancement of CTE programs in Illinois.
Dr. Alexander Brandon's appointment as President Elect reflects his dedication to advancing the goals of CTE and ensuring the continued success of the INRS Affiliate. The Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to the organization under his leadership.
Proviso West's April Senase Receives Top Awards in Manufacturing Education
Congratulations to April Senase, CTE teacher at Proviso West, for receiving two prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to manufacturing education. She was honored with the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP)'s 2024 Outstanding Manufacturing Educator award and the 2024 Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service in the Early Career Educator category for the second consecutive year. The Board of Education recognized Ms. Senase for her outstanding achievements during the February 27 BOE meeting. To read more about her inspiring journey, click the linked article below.
Celebrating Black History Month!
See the AMAZING Black Cultural Assembly that our incredibly PMSA students put together! Our talented students delivered exceptional performances, featuring song, dance, spoken word, fashion, stepping, strolling, and more, capturing the essence of the rich history of Black culture. Fantastic job, everyone!
Engaging Students in the Math Classroom
Proviso's dedicated mathematics educators are actively engaging students and guiding them toward mastery in the subject. From February 20 to 22, 2024, Chris Luzniak, a math consultant and instructional coach, visited Proviso schools to collaborate with teachers in refining their instructional methods using the Savvas textbook series. During his visit, Mr. Luzniak conducted planning sessions, modeled lessons, and observed teachers in action. The classrooms showcase impressive efforts, encompassing station work, thorough review, and skill scaffolding to address areas not yet mastered. The ongoing work is truly remarkable, and students stand to benefit significantly from the resources provided to teachers, aimed at enhancing their instructional practices and delivery in the mathematics classroom.
Evening School Students Recognized for First Semester Achievements
Proviso Evening School celebrated student achievements in a dedicated ceremony on February 28, 2024, where over 50 students who were recognized for their first-semester accomplishments. The event drew more than 70 attendees, including students, families, community leaders, and partners, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with food, refreshments, and exciting raffle prizes.
Esteemed guests, including Interim Superintendent, Alex Aschoff, Board members Della Patterson and David Ocampo, Maywood Mayor Nathaniel George Booker, and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, added to the evening's significance by addressing and inspiring students and their families. Evening School Coordinator, Dr. Debra Thomas, played a crucial role in hosting the event, with her dedication to overseeing the program evident in the success of the evening. Dr. Thomas highlighted the collaborative efforts of the dedicated staff and the entire community for their partnership and promoting of educational excellence.
ACCESS Testing for ELLs Assessment: Achieving English Language Proficiency and Seal of Biliteracy
During the month of February, English Learners at all three Proviso campuses participated in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment. This test assesses students' proficiency in English in the four domains of Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Students who score a composite score of 4.8 or higher exit the assessment and are no longer considered English learners. Students who exit the assessment are also eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma.
BPAC February Workshop
Proviso's Bilingual Advisory Council for Parents (BPAC) held a workshop for parents on the evening of February 28, 2024 in PMSA's library where they addressed a handful of topics including supporting ad strengthening relationships with their children post-pandemic. Special thank you to District ELL/Bilingual Coordinator, Mr. Dimitrios Kallieris and Digital Media Specialist, Ms. Noemi Mendieta for hosting the event.
Please be on the lookout for more upcoming BPAC events!
Shout-out to District 209 for their participation in the West40 Spring 2024 Educator Job Fair! The job fair was held on February 24, 2024 at West40 in Maywood.
Board of Education Corner
BOE Recognitions
During the Board of Education meeting on February 13, 2024, the District took a moment to recognize and applaud the exceptional efforts of several teachers across the district. The acknowledgment was specifically for those teachers whose students achieved the highest overall median Student Growth Percentile (SGP) on Star Reading and Star Math during the Fall to Winter assessment for the 2023-2024 school year.
These commendable educators included both English and Math teachers as well as those who teach other subjects. The district recognizes that the collective effort for academic achievement in reading and math is the responsibility of ALL Proviso teachers.
Congratulations to Brian Fischer, Martina McEllistrim, Angda Goel, Zachary A. Kjeldsen, Courtney Ann Beresheim, and Sarah Elizabeth Huels for achieving the highest median SGP in Star Reading. Congratulations to Miguel A. Lopez, Isabel C. Castellanos-Guevara, Parampreet Kaur Aulakh, Cynthia S. Morain, Kurt Wolff-Klammer, and Dr. John C. Wardisiani for attaining the highest median SGP in Star Math.
Student Recognitions
The board also proudly recognized Proviso East senior, Mariah Mell for her outstanding achievements, celebrating her well-deserved receipt of the prestigious President's Scholarship. Mariah secured a substantial scholarship of $30,000 per year at Loyola University.
Students Alaya Fraizier, Taylor Clash, Malika Coleman, Peace Thompson, Mariah Mell, Joyce Brown, Natalee Armstrong, Allison Gomez, Zion Elzy, and Nasir Styles were also honored for their exceptional participation in Proviso's CTE and Early College Programs, acknowledging their successful completion of the fall 2023 semester at Triton College.
Technology Department
Students Gain Hands-On IT Experience
Students Yehoshua R., Matt K., Emlio A., Gabriel M., and Scott K. seized the chance to collaborate with IT staff member Mr. Lamont Bennett at Proviso East, where they engaged in the repair and re-imaging of student laptops. This hands-on experience not only provided valuable insights but also aligns with District 209's Strategic Plan, particularly emphasizing Goal 3: Technology and Innovation.
In connection to Goal 3, which aims to design, implement, and sustain a technology plan for a secure network facilitating the integration of technology into teaching and learning, the students' involvement directly contributes to the objective. The objective focuses on developing and maintaining a technology plan that ensures a secure network for the seamless integration of technology into educational practices.
Nutrition Service
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Breakfast Menu
Lunch Menu
Evening School Menu
Upcoming District Dates
March
04 - Casimir Pulaski Day (No School)
07 - Imagine Your Future College and Career Fair (West, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
10 - Daylight Savings
12 - Board of Education Meeting (PMSA, 7:00 p.m.)
13 - Half Day Inservice (Students released at 11:15 a.m.)
13 - BOE Finance Committee Meeting (PMSA, 5:30 p.m.)
18-22 - Spring Break (No School)
19 - BOE Parent and Community Engagement Committee Meeting (PMSA, 5:30 p.m.)
25 - BOE Policy Committee Meeting (PMSA, 5:30 p.m.)
For more event details and upcoming dates, click the link below.