Summer is a time for kids to kick back, take a break from routine, and enjoy lazy days. It also, in many cases, is when learning loss- aka “The Summer Slide” can take place. Summer setbacks are nothing new regarding academics and the phenomenon has been researched by educators since the beginning of time. On average, student achievement can decline... READ MORE >
On the quest to raising good humans, I realize that most people tend to use the holidays as a teachable time for kids. We encourage the need to do good for others who might have less than we do as we donate food, toys, money and help in our communities and beyond. We do this on overdrive in November and... READ MORE >
Lately it seems that platforms like Tik Tok, YouTube and even texting can be useful ways to get information out, quickly, to young learners. Microlearning and Nanolearning are growing learning modalities that also take engaging content, condensed into just a few minutes with maximized retention levels as the goal. This emerging educational trend is designed around short chunks of time... READ MORE >
Last year I did something I said I’d never do. I became a traveling soccer mom. This term usually describes a North American, suburban woman who spends much of her time transporting children to sporting events. I had figured these events took place all throughout the week, in all different towns and places, and in a three rowed SUV. I... READ MORE >
The first few weeks of school are in full swing, and students are in the building! Eager to hear about the start of the academic year, I had the opportunity to check in with Cook County science teacher, Emma Spoon. Emma has a unique employment situation at ISD 166 and was happy to share her experience over the past few... READ MORE >
K-12 Assistant Principal and Activities Director of Cook County High School, Mitch Dorr, announced that he will be leaving his position on November 1. He announced to his fellow staff, “After much thought and prayer, I have decided to take the principal position at Saint John the Baptist Catholic School in Jordan, Minnesota. After 24 years at Cook County Schools... READ MORE >
CherryRoad Media Inc. has made another exciting change and is pleased to announce the acquisition of 20 additional (existing) local news publications, formerly owned by Gannett Company, Inc. Within this positive expansion initiative will be a strong, renewed focus on local news reporting, community engagement, and local advertising. CherryRoad will remain committed to the individual spirit of each of the... READ MORE >
As the summer draws closer to an end, it is time to start thinking about the new school year. For children, late August is usually filled with the excitement of new clothes and backpacks, show-and-tell of their summer adventures, and seeing old friends after a few months away from the routine. This September might look and feel a bit different,... READ MORE >
Time stood still at 8:46 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, and I can still remember every single moment that followed. The sky was clear and blue that morning. It was the first year of my teaching career, my fifth day- to be exact. I was just out of college, still living with my parents in a NYC suburb and... READ MORE >
Preparing for a new school year can be exciting and overwhelming, even for teachers. There are many factors to take into consideration to make sure each new year will be successful. Teachers put time and effort into being organized, setting routines from day one, and keeping the lines of communication open with both students and families. ISD 166 Fourth Grade... READ MORE >
