Mokena 159 August BOE Highlights

Here are a few highlights from the Mokena 159 August Board of Education meeting:

• Dr. White has been honored to receive an invitation to participate in the Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI). This by-invitation-only organization was established in 1985. ERDI was initially established to provide a forum for meaningful dialogue between business leaders and Chief Executive Officers (Superintendents) of key school systems across the USA. ERDI now includes cohorts that include CAO’s, CTO’s, CIO’s, and other cabinet-level school district leaders.

• The Student Services Department has partnered with Rachel Chorley to implement the Young Athletes Program at MES. Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages two to seven years old funded and coordinated by Special Olympics. Students will be introduced to basic sports skills, engage in social and community experiences that are inclusive and partner with families to ensure fitness is a part of family life. Weekly motor skill lessons will be implemented with students whose families sign up and a culminating event that incorporates staff, students, and families will conclude the year. For more information, please visit https://www.specialolympics.org/youngathletes/.

• We currently have 1,031 students riding our buses and steadily growing.

• Our new playground set at MES is completed.

• Landscaping upgrading will begin in September.

• MES welcomes an expansion of our preschool program to serve more preschool students in the district. Students must participate in a developmental screening and meet the criteria for entry.

• The MES Leadership Team proudly announces this years’ theme: It’s An Incredible Time To Shine!

• All MPS 159 families and community members are invited to attend the MES Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, August 21 at 3:15 p.m.