I have created this blog for continuing communication with the COGS community and hope you will let me know of ideas for postings and information you will find useful throughout the school year.
Joe Burgess
Superintendent
Common Core
Common Core State Standards being Unpacked by Genoa-Kingston Schools
In June of 2010 the State of Illinois, joined forty-four other states in adopting a set of common core standards in relationship to students learning. The mission statement from www.corestandards.org states; The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.
The state-led effort to develop this set of core standards was championed by the National Governors Association for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Teachers, administrators, and school experts developed the standards to reflect the clearest and most consistent framework of direction in education that I have witnessed in my 28 year career in education. This framework is meant to prepare our children for college and the workforce. It has been rare in the past that states agree on a set of standards to hold their students to but this new set of common core standards is being implemented and accepted throughout our country.
www.corestands.org also states that these standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards are aligned with college and work expectations; are clear, understandable and consistent; include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills; build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards; are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and are evidence-based.
Genoa-Kingston CUSD # 424 has started the process of having our professional staff unpack the new standards in language arts and math. Our districts staff development efforts over the next few years will focus on putting the new standards to work in our class rooms and changing the way we assess student learning along with the common goal of improving student achievement in all areas of the curriculum. District # 424 has accessed the assistance of two of the state’s finest resources in the area of the common core curriculum in Dr. Anthony Kroll and Mr. Joe Crawford. Both gentlemen bring a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding the development and understanding of the new common core and the development of local assessments that match student expectations and learning. They are part of the staff development program entitled partners4results and will be assisting our district over the next school year.
I have asked myself several times what the new common core will mean to education. I have been in education long enough to see fads, trends, and buzz words come and go, so naturally my first thoughts were “here we go again reinventing the wheel”. Despite those initial feelings, I have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the common core standards and feel that this common sense approach to assessing what we are teaching along with high level staff development will lead our district in the right direction for years to come.
If you wish to find out more about the common core standards please visit our website at www. gkschools.org and go to the District 424 tab. A link to the common core and several resources will be available for you to review. Please know that our staff and administration will continue to unpack and implement the common core to the best of our ability and have one goal in mind; improving student achievement at Genoa-Kingston Schools.
In June of 2010 the State of Illinois, joined forty-four other states in adopting a set of common core standards in relationship to students learning. The mission statement from www.corestandards.org states; The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.
The state-led effort to develop this set of core standards was championed by the National Governors Association for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Teachers, administrators, and school experts developed the standards to reflect the clearest and most consistent framework of direction in education that I have witnessed in my 28 year career in education. This framework is meant to prepare our children for college and the workforce. It has been rare in the past that states agree on a set of standards to hold their students to but this new set of common core standards is being implemented and accepted throughout our country.
www.corestands.org also states that these standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards are aligned with college and work expectations; are clear, understandable and consistent; include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills; build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards; are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and are evidence-based.
Genoa-Kingston CUSD # 424 has started the process of having our professional staff unpack the new standards in language arts and math. Our districts staff development efforts over the next few years will focus on putting the new standards to work in our class rooms and changing the way we assess student learning along with the common goal of improving student achievement in all areas of the curriculum. District # 424 has accessed the assistance of two of the state’s finest resources in the area of the common core curriculum in Dr. Anthony Kroll and Mr. Joe Crawford. Both gentlemen bring a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding the development and understanding of the new common core and the development of local assessments that match student expectations and learning. They are part of the staff development program entitled partners4results and will be assisting our district over the next school year.
I have asked myself several times what the new common core will mean to education. I have been in education long enough to see fads, trends, and buzz words come and go, so naturally my first thoughts were “here we go again reinventing the wheel”. Despite those initial feelings, I have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the common core standards and feel that this common sense approach to assessing what we are teaching along with high level staff development will lead our district in the right direction for years to come.
If you wish to find out more about the common core standards please visit our website at www. gkschools.org and go to the District 424 tab. A link to the common core and several resources will be available for you to review. Please know that our staff and administration will continue to unpack and implement the common core to the best of our ability and have one goal in mind; improving student achievement at Genoa-Kingston Schools.
A SEASON OF GIVING AT GENOA-KINGSTON SCHOOLS
A SEASON OF GIVING AT GENOA-KINGSTON SCHOOLS
“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” ~ Anthony Robbins. Giving back to the community is not just a slogan or a quote that we read from someone famous at Genoa-Kingston #424 Schools. The students and staff are working together to help others during this holiday season. As you probably are aware, they have organized numerous fundraising and collection events at all of our schools. Our Mission Statement at Genoa-Kingston states that we are committed to preparing our students to excel and contribute to their community. There are times that the lesson is not taught within the walls of the classroom but rather outside the brick and mortar, taught throughout the two communities that make up Genoa-Kingston. As educators we take the responsibility of teaching lessons that will impact our students for a life-time. I am very proud of our students and staff as the holiday season nears and the fruits of their labor begin to improve the lives of those less fortunate. We are presently involved in the following community service projects.
Collection of non-perishable items for the local food pantry has been a project for all of our schools, particularly our elementary schools. The FFA collects the donated items from our schools and delivers them to the food pantry. This is a project for the entire school year and not just for the holiday season.
High school students actively support the local animal shelter with donations of food, health care items and toys.
U.S. Troops stationed in the Middle East are remembered by the FFA. The students send holiday greeting cards to let the soldiers know that they are appreciated.
The United States Marines program, “Toys for Tots” has the wonderful support of our students, staff and families at the middle school. The middle school “COGS” was recognized by the Marine Corps in 2009, for the highest donation total in DeKalb County. The students and staff are hoping to achieve that honor again this year.
A special “Giving Tree” in the middle school is adorned with donations of hats, gloves and scarves placed on it during the month of December. Needy children will be the recipients of these items.
It is our hope that the lessons of giving to help others will be instilled in our students so that it becomes a part of their adult lives.
Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”
If you wish to participate or help with any of these worthy causes, please contact one of the Genoa-Kingston schools. Hopefully, each of you will reach out to help another less fortunate person.
“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” ~ Anthony Robbins. Giving back to the community is not just a slogan or a quote that we read from someone famous at Genoa-Kingston #424 Schools. The students and staff are working together to help others during this holiday season. As you probably are aware, they have organized numerous fundraising and collection events at all of our schools. Our Mission Statement at Genoa-Kingston states that we are committed to preparing our students to excel and contribute to their community. There are times that the lesson is not taught within the walls of the classroom but rather outside the brick and mortar, taught throughout the two communities that make up Genoa-Kingston. As educators we take the responsibility of teaching lessons that will impact our students for a life-time. I am very proud of our students and staff as the holiday season nears and the fruits of their labor begin to improve the lives of those less fortunate. We are presently involved in the following community service projects.
Collection of non-perishable items for the local food pantry has been a project for all of our schools, particularly our elementary schools. The FFA collects the donated items from our schools and delivers them to the food pantry. This is a project for the entire school year and not just for the holiday season.
High school students actively support the local animal shelter with donations of food, health care items and toys.
U.S. Troops stationed in the Middle East are remembered by the FFA. The students send holiday greeting cards to let the soldiers know that they are appreciated.
The United States Marines program, “Toys for Tots” has the wonderful support of our students, staff and families at the middle school. The middle school “COGS” was recognized by the Marine Corps in 2009, for the highest donation total in DeKalb County. The students and staff are hoping to achieve that honor again this year.
A special “Giving Tree” in the middle school is adorned with donations of hats, gloves and scarves placed on it during the month of December. Needy children will be the recipients of these items.
It is our hope that the lessons of giving to help others will be instilled in our students so that it becomes a part of their adult lives.
Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”
If you wish to participate or help with any of these worthy causes, please contact one of the Genoa-Kingston schools. Hopefully, each of you will reach out to help another less fortunate person.
Parent Teacher Conferences
This week the staff of Genoa-Kingston # 424 will have the opportunity to meet with the parents of our students during parent/teacher conferences on Thursday, November 3th and Friday, November 4th. I encourage all parents to make an appointment with their child or children’s teacher and discuss the academic progress that is taking place so far this year. I have included some various tips and reminders to make the conference productive and as informative as possible for all involved
With so much to talk about in so little time, here's how you can make the most of your meeting:
Before the Teacher Conference
• Start preparing early. Don't wait until the night before to get organized. Create a folder at the beginning of the year in which you store test scores, big homework assignments, your notes, and topics you want to address.
• Talk to your child. Ask how they are doing in class, what's going on during lunchtime, recess, and when she goes to special classes like music or gym. Make sure to understand any situation thoroughly.
During the Teacher Conference
• Arrive early. With only a few precious minutes to spend, you don't want to be late. It will shorten your time with your child's teacher and affect her day's entire schedule.
• Enter with the right attitude. The goal of both the teacher and the parent should be the success of the student, but sometimes parents have a hard time discussing tough issues. Rather than put the teacher on the defensive, arrive with a compliment to start the conference off on the right foot. ("My son is really enjoying the unit on space" or "We had a great time on the field trip.") Then address any concerns in a respectful way.
• Find out the communication protocol. Don't let this be the only time you talk to your child's teacher. Ask how they like to communicate, whether it's by e-mail, notes passed through a folder, or phone calls. Let the teacher know you want to be a partner in the education process
After the Teacher Conference
• Follow up. If the teacher brings something to your attention that needs to be addressed with your child, take steps to put the plan in motion, whether it's helping with organizational skills, getting extra help, or addressing a social issue.
• Update your child. Start with the positive things their teacher had to say, then fill them in on any concerns you and the teacher discussed. Explain how you can all work together to ensure your child has a successful year.
Five questions to ask:
• What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year?
• How will my child be evaluated?
• What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?
• How do you accommodate differences in learning?
• How are older students prepared for further learning after high school?
Have a great conference and please contact your student’s school with any questions.
With so much to talk about in so little time, here's how you can make the most of your meeting:
Before the Teacher Conference
• Start preparing early. Don't wait until the night before to get organized. Create a folder at the beginning of the year in which you store test scores, big homework assignments, your notes, and topics you want to address.
• Talk to your child. Ask how they are doing in class, what's going on during lunchtime, recess, and when she goes to special classes like music or gym. Make sure to understand any situation thoroughly.
During the Teacher Conference
• Arrive early. With only a few precious minutes to spend, you don't want to be late. It will shorten your time with your child's teacher and affect her day's entire schedule.
• Enter with the right attitude. The goal of both the teacher and the parent should be the success of the student, but sometimes parents have a hard time discussing tough issues. Rather than put the teacher on the defensive, arrive with a compliment to start the conference off on the right foot. ("My son is really enjoying the unit on space" or "We had a great time on the field trip.") Then address any concerns in a respectful way.
• Find out the communication protocol. Don't let this be the only time you talk to your child's teacher. Ask how they like to communicate, whether it's by e-mail, notes passed through a folder, or phone calls. Let the teacher know you want to be a partner in the education process
After the Teacher Conference
• Follow up. If the teacher brings something to your attention that needs to be addressed with your child, take steps to put the plan in motion, whether it's helping with organizational skills, getting extra help, or addressing a social issue.
• Update your child. Start with the positive things their teacher had to say, then fill them in on any concerns you and the teacher discussed. Explain how you can all work together to ensure your child has a successful year.
Five questions to ask:
• What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year?
• How will my child be evaluated?
• What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?
• How do you accommodate differences in learning?
• How are older students prepared for further learning after high school?
Have a great conference and please contact your student’s school with any questions.
October Brings Awareness
October 6, 2011
October is a month of awareness throughout our great nation. Breast Cancer, Health Awareness, Bullying Prevention, Cyber Security, Domestic Violence and Energy Awareness are all recognized in October.
All of these efforts have great merit and should be acknowledged by those of us who work day to day with individuals who we know from work, school, or are a social acquaintance who is impacted by at least one of these issues. None of these are issues we would ever wish to face on our own and that it is important to recognize those who step forward and help others when they are in need.
I am very proud of our students and staff who are participating in assisting in fundraising in one or many of these causes. It truly shows what a caring and thoughtful community our school district is when an individual or family is in need. A huge thank you goes out to them and to the countless volunteers in the Genoa-Kingston communities that make someone’s day a bit brighter by caring and being part of the many awareness opportunities in October.
October is a month of awareness throughout our great nation. Breast Cancer, Health Awareness, Bullying Prevention, Cyber Security, Domestic Violence and Energy Awareness are all recognized in October.
All of these efforts have great merit and should be acknowledged by those of us who work day to day with individuals who we know from work, school, or are a social acquaintance who is impacted by at least one of these issues. None of these are issues we would ever wish to face on our own and that it is important to recognize those who step forward and help others when they are in need.
I am very proud of our students and staff who are participating in assisting in fundraising in one or many of these causes. It truly shows what a caring and thoughtful community our school district is when an individual or family is in need. A huge thank you goes out to them and to the countless volunteers in the Genoa-Kingston communities that make someone’s day a bit brighter by caring and being part of the many awareness opportunities in October.
Vision 2020
Vision 2020
October 7, 2011
Vision, 2020 vision, wouldn’t we all like to have perfect vision? What defines a leader’s vision of his or her group? A learning community has been formed to answer these and other exciting questions about the academic future of Genoa-Kingston CUSD # 424. October 17, 2011 will be the date for the first meeting of community members, parents and staff who will come together to research the best learning practices for our school district. This group will share ideas, hear from nationally known consultants, and be encouraged to look to the future educational needs of our students.
This year’s fourth graders will graduate from Genoa-Kingston High School in the year 2020. We want to focus our efforts to have in place the learning environment that we envision for the year 2020.
The task that our group Vision 2020 has is simply this; to create a template that defines the direction our school district should follow toward the year 2020 in the area of curriculum, technology and school learning climate. Understanding that the world we live in currently is changing faster than at any time in modern history, it is vital for the group’s success to create a plan that is flexible and has the ability to reflect ever changing opportunities in the field of education. The template will be shared with our board of education, community groups, and our families that make up our district. John Scully once stated that “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” The possibilities are endless for our students. The Vision 2020 group will have a great task determining what the future holds for us.
Rich Voltz, from the Illinois Association of School Administrators, will be in attendance on our first meeting on October 17th. Rich is a former superintendent of schools who now does professional development classes for administration throughout Illinois in the area of technology. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States studying the uses of technology in today’s schools and will share his knowledge and findings with the Vision 2020 group.
Educational leader Warren Bennis defines leadership in this statement, "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” I am excited to begin the work ahead of us because rarely we have the opportunity to spend time with our community members to focus on educational opportunities and discuss the image we possess for what a learning environment should be in the future for all our students. We hope to turn our vision into the reality of being pacesetters in the area of curriculum and learning.
Please look for Vision 2020 information on our district website and on my blog attached to the superintendent’s link at www.gkschools.org .
October 7, 2011
Vision, 2020 vision, wouldn’t we all like to have perfect vision? What defines a leader’s vision of his or her group? A learning community has been formed to answer these and other exciting questions about the academic future of Genoa-Kingston CUSD # 424. October 17, 2011 will be the date for the first meeting of community members, parents and staff who will come together to research the best learning practices for our school district. This group will share ideas, hear from nationally known consultants, and be encouraged to look to the future educational needs of our students.
This year’s fourth graders will graduate from Genoa-Kingston High School in the year 2020. We want to focus our efforts to have in place the learning environment that we envision for the year 2020.
The task that our group Vision 2020 has is simply this; to create a template that defines the direction our school district should follow toward the year 2020 in the area of curriculum, technology and school learning climate. Understanding that the world we live in currently is changing faster than at any time in modern history, it is vital for the group’s success to create a plan that is flexible and has the ability to reflect ever changing opportunities in the field of education. The template will be shared with our board of education, community groups, and our families that make up our district. John Scully once stated that “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” The possibilities are endless for our students. The Vision 2020 group will have a great task determining what the future holds for us.
Rich Voltz, from the Illinois Association of School Administrators, will be in attendance on our first meeting on October 17th. Rich is a former superintendent of schools who now does professional development classes for administration throughout Illinois in the area of technology. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States studying the uses of technology in today’s schools and will share his knowledge and findings with the Vision 2020 group.
Educational leader Warren Bennis defines leadership in this statement, "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” I am excited to begin the work ahead of us because rarely we have the opportunity to spend time with our community members to focus on educational opportunities and discuss the image we possess for what a learning environment should be in the future for all our students. We hope to turn our vision into the reality of being pacesetters in the area of curriculum and learning.
Please look for Vision 2020 information on our district website and on my blog attached to the superintendent’s link at www.gkschools.org .
The End of Summer
The fall solstice brings an official end to summer and starts the beginning of autumn. This particular year has always been associated with festivals, football games, scenic drives, and the harvest by our farmers in the community.
Fall for those of us in education seems to be the opposite in many ways. It is our beginning, the start of a new school year and a renewed energy for the school year. We look to fall to have an opportunity to educate a new group of students, get to know new parents, and welcome new faculty to our respective buildings.
Only a few short weeks of school has gone by and already so much academic progress by our students has been made, several days of training has happened for our educational staff, and all of our fall extra-curricular activities are in full swing. So, as the rest of the world slows down and says good-bye to summer, know that those of us in education are renewed and ready to begin our journey to the end of the month of May and saying welcome to a new year!
Fall for those of us in education seems to be the opposite in many ways. It is our beginning, the start of a new school year and a renewed energy for the school year. We look to fall to have an opportunity to educate a new group of students, get to know new parents, and welcome new faculty to our respective buildings.
Only a few short weeks of school has gone by and already so much academic progress by our students has been made, several days of training has happened for our educational staff, and all of our fall extra-curricular activities are in full swing. So, as the rest of the world slows down and says good-bye to summer, know that those of us in education are renewed and ready to begin our journey to the end of the month of May and saying welcome to a new year!
9-11
9-11, it used to have only one meaning, the numbers for an emergency call. A decade ago our entire world changed when the United States was struck by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Most of us can remember exactly what we were doing that late summer morning and recall the levels of confusion fear, and sadness our country experienced. Patriot’s Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives in the attack or sacrificed themselves trying to save those who were victimized. It is a day that represents our will to be a free nation and celebrate the lives of all Americans who have sacrificed for all of us on that day and since that day, 9-11. I know I will never forget and respect the words of Winston Churchill, who stated, “If we do not learn from our mistakes in the past we are bound to repeat them”.
Take a moment to reflect on what 9-11 taught us, take time to thank those who protect us, and most importantly those who sacrificed their lives for us.
2011-2012 School Year
“It Couldn’t Be Done”
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
But he with a chuckle replied that “maybe it couldn’t”, but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried?
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin on his face.
If he worried, he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it. - Edgar Guest
I never allowed the words “I can’t” in my classroom as a teacher. I firmly believe that with positive thinking and common sense most task that are within our grasp to accomplish can and will be accomplished if we are willing to put in the effort.
The staff and students of Genoa-Kingston truly have that “can do” approach to learning and we want to continue to challenge our faculty and staff to be creative and look to the future when preparing our students for the next phase of education in their lives, regardless of what that challenge might be for them.
With school starting in a few weeks the challenges of 2011-2012 will be confronted with a can do approach and a continued sense of pride, dedication and a commitment to learning that our communities expect of Genoa-Kingston Schools.
Have a safe and peaceful rest of the summer and come back in August ready to challenge yourself and others to achieve beyond those expectations.
Joe Burgess, Jr.
Superintendent
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
But he with a chuckle replied that “maybe it couldn’t”, but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried?
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin on his face.
If he worried, he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it. - Edgar Guest
I never allowed the words “I can’t” in my classroom as a teacher. I firmly believe that with positive thinking and common sense most task that are within our grasp to accomplish can and will be accomplished if we are willing to put in the effort.
The staff and students of Genoa-Kingston truly have that “can do” approach to learning and we want to continue to challenge our faculty and staff to be creative and look to the future when preparing our students for the next phase of education in their lives, regardless of what that challenge might be for them.
With school starting in a few weeks the challenges of 2011-2012 will be confronted with a can do approach and a continued sense of pride, dedication and a commitment to learning that our communities expect of Genoa-Kingston Schools.
Have a safe and peaceful rest of the summer and come back in August ready to challenge yourself and others to achieve beyond those expectations.
Joe Burgess, Jr.
Superintendent
Back to School
August 11, 2011
If you have yet to register your child please do so before the start of school on Wednesday, August 17th. Registration forms are available on our website at gkschools.org Please consider mailing in registration forms and fees to any of our Genoa- Kingston schools as soon as possible or stop in at your child’s school office during normal school hours.
Also, Genoa-Kingston School District reminds all parents that Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines for school entry require all students entering Kindergarten provide proof of a physical examination and current immunizations. Also required for Kindergarten entry are dental and ophthalmologic exams.
Students entering the sixth and ninth grades must also have an updated physical and proof of current immunizations, which should have been completed upon Kindergarten entry. A Tetanus booster is required every 10 years and for your convenience it is recommended that your physician complete this as your child enters High School.
The physical examination for school entry doubles as a sports physical for those students wishing to participate in school athletics, however a sports physical will not meet the requirements for school entry.
In 1997 Genoa-Kingston adopted a first day exclusion policy which states that no student will be allowed to attend school until proof of immunity and a current physical are on file. Please contact Jane Olson, RN, School Nurse with any questions @ 815-757-2219.
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