Utilizing additional avenues for communication with our families and community is an ongoing goal. Our work thus far includes:
-Increased social media postings to highlight events, happenings, celebrations, and student learning throughout the district
-Creation of district app that allows families to have a mobile version of the website
-Use of a new communications platform, Apptegy, that has allowed administrators easier and more efficient access to communicate within multiple platforms at the same time
-Increased development of news stories that are published on the website and/or other news outlets
The MES cafeteria was full of 1st graders and their special someones as they made bird houses together as an extension to their reading and writing module about birds! We can't wait to see birds in their new homes around town! Thank you to the PTA for providing the bird house kits for this wonderful event! 🐦
Third grade students in Mrs. Lacny's class have been thoroughly enraptured with reading the novel Peter Pan! You can hear a pin drop in the classroom when they read each chapter. The students beg to read more each day!
As we approach warmer temperatures, The Matthew Kocher Foundation wanted to educate our students on water safety. Our students will learn or learned preventable measures to take near the water by learning the meaning of the flags at the beach, how to keep little siblings safe at home, and survival techniques if caught in a rip current. Ask your child to explain FLIP, FLOAT, and FOLLOW and be sure to share this information with family and friends.
A big thank you to Dave Benjamin from The Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project for dedicating his life to educate others, as he himself is a survivor of drowning.
MIS and MJHS had their presentations last week. MES will have their presentation April 18th.
The nominations form for the Galaxy Award opens today! Check your email for more information.
Congratulations to first grade students Mikaela Mathis and Evan Loulousis, runners up in the Mokena Fire Department coloring contest! Both students received certificates and gift cards, and their coloring pages are displayed at the Mokena Public Library. Here they pose with Fire Chief Cirelli.
🏐 Come out tonight to cheer on the 8th grade girls volleyball team as they compete in the Regionals Championship Game! The game is at 4:30 at Summit Hill Junior High. 🏐
Continual work in this goal has been a major focus of the district and will continue to be throughout the life of the Strategic Plan. Some highlights of the ongoing and completed work in this goal include:
-English Language Learner (ELL) program review conducted by ELL teachers and Administrative Team which included the strengthening of our programming models and processes for monitoring exited students
-Multilingual Guidebook created by above committee that outlines district wide programming models, procedures, and expectations
-Interventionists reviewed current instructional materials and resources for reading and math intervention classes and have added materials for both content areas based on the needs of students
-Addition of teachers within our Interventions, Special Education, and ELL departments based on student needs
-Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) staff committee created district wide processes and procedures for interventions which includes the development and publication of a staff MTSS Guidebook to ensure consistent practices from school to school
-Creation of three year school-based MTSS improvement plans based on above guidebook
-Strengthening of differentiated practices for all students in reading and math through professional development
-Special Education programming review conducted with recommendations for furthering the department’s work
-Special Education Steering Committee formed to utilize recommendations and currently planning for next steps in improvement
Looking for a fun family event this weekend? The Lincoln-Way ArtWorks Festival is Saturday from 10-3 at Lincoln-Way East. Many of our students will have art on display in addition to hands-on workshops, music, and more!
The Superintendent leads an annual evaluation of staffing needs to maintain equitable and appropriate class sizes and supports for student learning needs, while remaining within budget guidelines. Highlights of this work include:
-Annually monitor spending by student through building based budgeting and site based accounting
-Annual evaluation of staffing needs for core and non-core staff based on school and student needs
-Yearly staffing recommendations presentation provided to the Board of Education based on above evaluation
Join the PTA on Tuesday for their school board candidate meet and greet!
Our district has conducted ongoing work on this goal area to ensure all students are engaged in rigorous curricular programming as well as extending opportunities for advanced learners. Below are highlights of this work:
-Curriculum program adoptions for ELA and Math were all centered around the alignment to the rigorous Illinois learning standards
-Updated information and procedures for the district’s Accelerated Placement Programs were made available on the district website
-Reviewed MJHS Math Enrichment Course criteria and expanded additional sections for these courses
-Partnered with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development to conduct a district review on advanced learning needs in our district which included staff, student, and parent feedback
-Convened a District Task Force that utilized Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development’s report to identify, plan for, and strengthen opportunities within the district for advanced learners
-The Board of Education approved the Task Force’s recommendations to expand advanced learner programming across the district starting in the 2025-2026 school year
-Professional development for staff focused on differentiation and instructional practices for advanced learners
Special shoutout to Mrs. Catain (2nd grade teacher) and Ms. Youngblood (Instructional Coach) for presenting at the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's "Pump Up Primary" Conference today. We are very proud of you and thank you for showcasing the great work happening in our classrooms with educators from across the state!
⭐ Attention 2025-2026 kindergarten families! Please save the date for kindergarten informational night! ⭐
Thank you to all of the families and students who came out to MES Family Night! Thank you to our amazing staff for planning and running this memorable evening. Smiles were abundant and fun was had by all!
Did you know that penguins looooove snow? It's the perfect night to come down to MES to celebrate all things penguin! We will see our MES families soon!
Thank you to the Mokena Fire Protection District and Fire Marshal Tom Murray for providing members of our staff with important CPR training throughout the day. We appreciate your partnership and support!
Goal 3A: The district has developed a Facilities Master Plan to organize, prioritize, and forecast maintenance and infrastructure projects. Funds from the 2019 referendum are utilized to pay for these critical projects to ensure our schools are “warm, safe, and dry”. In addition to the many projects at individual schools, below are project highlights that have occurred in all three schools:
-Renovations or replacements of HVAC systems
-Updated and expanded parking lots
-Improved sidewalks
-Tuckpointing and building envelope work
-Exchanged exterior door locks and added multiple keyless entry points
-Expanded security coverage with additional interior and exterior cameras
📢 MES Family Night is Tomorrow! 🎉
Join us for an evening of science exploration, crafts, and penguin fun! 🐧✨ Dive into the world of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, snap a picture with our special guests, and enjoy hands-on activities for the whole family.
📅 Date: March 5, 2025
📍 Location: MES
⏰ Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Don't miss out on this exciting night of learning and laughter! See you there! ❄️🎨🔬 #MESFamilyNight #MrPoppersPenguins
Friendly reminder, tomorrow is an early dismissal day!
