Geneva Board Of Education Meeting Recap

From the Geneva Community School District 304: There's nothing like a good book to connect us with others, third-graders from Harrison Street and Western Avenue elementary schools explained to the Board on Monday night. During their classrooms' participation in the 2017 Global Read Aloud, students read "The Wild Robot" and blogged about their reactions to the book with students in Massachusetts. In addition to fueling an interest in reading, the project instilled some valuable lessons about digital citizenship and online safety, the students explained, including:

• Privacy: Don't divulge your personal information online
• Stay on topic: Focus on one idea and don't get sidetracked by distractions
• Proofread: Check your work just as you would on paper
• Respect: Treat the opinions of others with value, even if you don't agree with their viewpoints. There always is something positive to say about the work of others!

Teachers Ms. Kovarik and Ms. Doyle stressed the many ways this project aligns with the District vision: Students become self-directed learners through a lifelong appreciation of reading; their communication skills are strengthened through two-way dialogue with their peers; and the book assessments challenge them to be critical thinkers.

A link to the presentation can be found here.

Student Services Presentation

Director of Student Services Anne Giarrante updated the Board on recent successes of three programs designed to provide instruction to students eligible for special education services:

1. Alternative Learning Opportunities Program: provides extra assistance to at-risk students who might not otherwise be able to finish school. The blended model combines online and direct instruction, as well as social and emotional support. With about 20 students in the program, the majority are on track to pass their classes this year, Giarrante said, adding that the District will collaborate with outside agencies to provide targeted interventions to support students, such as suicide prevention services.
2. The Functional Academic Skills Training: Housed at Geneva Middle School South, this program provides instruction for special education students. The Student Services team is planning some enhancements for 2018-19, including independent-living skills instruction and the addition of a vocational component, so students can learn about possible employment opportunities following graduation.
3. Geneva Early Learning Program: Program Director Stephanie Martin joined Giarrante in providing this update to the District's preschool program. Tuition is now open for the next year, and staff are working to form a PTO.

A link to the presentation can be found here.

The Geneva Early Learning Program is enjoying a successful first year: Students participated in the GenOvation Forum, they've formed a collaboration with Geneva High School, and several preschool fairs are planned for the year for prospective families.

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Kent Mutchler thanked students, staff and the community for attending the 2017 GenOvation Forum on Nov. 14. He commented on the Leadership Breakfast, which was well-attended by various community members, including P.R.I.D.E. volunteers, local business owners, clergy, first responders and more. Dr. Mutchler also thanked the Board for attending the Illinois Association of School Boards Conference. Board members and the communications staff delivered a presentation during the event, highlighting community engagement best practices. "There's so much more to being a board member, and these professional development opportunities are just one example."

Board Comments and Reports

The Geneva High School PTO is looking for volunteers, especially for post-prom activities. The Board really enjoyed attending the GenOvation Forum and was blown away how students are using innovations in the classroom.

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