Proviso Township High Schools, District 209
Robert J. Libka, Superintendent
Weekly Update to the Board of Education and Proviso Community
For the Week of January 13, 2008
The purpose of this comprehensive weekly update for Proviso Township High Schools, District 209 is to inform the Board of Education. Staff, students and community are also kept informed.
Important Dates:
January 22................................ District 209 Educational Summit
PMSA 6:30-7:45 PM
January 28............................................... BOARD OF EDUCATION
Proviso West 7:00 PM
January 31.................. District Improvement Plan Drafts are Due
February 15........................... School Improvement Plans are Due
1...................................................................................................... LEADERSHIP
DISTRICT LEADERS
SUPERINTENDENT................................................................................... ROBERT LIBKA
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION............................... OPEN
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR FINANCE AND OPERATIONS.................. DR. NIKITA JOHNSON
DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY PROGRAMS.......................................................... KYLE HASTINGS
DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE AND INTERNAL RESOURCES.................................. MARGO UMANS
DIRECTOR OF IT................................................................................. TRACY AVANT-BEY
DIRECTOR OF SECURITY.......................................................................... BRANDON GALE
COORDINATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION....................................................... DIONA KELLEY
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS................................................... DR. PHYLISTINE MURPHY
OFFICE MANAGER FOR HUMAN RESOURCES.................................................... KELLI BROWN
PROVISO EAST PRINCIPAL......................................................................... MILTON PATCH
PROVISO MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY PRINCIPAL........................... EDWARD MOYER
PROVISO WEST PRINCIPAL...................................................................... ALEXIS WALLACE
1.1 Senior Leadership
… and Marlene McBrien. We’ve reduced the Central Office staff to so few employees, it’s a little difficult to miss introducing one, especially the individual I’ve known the longest, but I managed to do so. We are grateful for your immense service, Marlene. Thank you!
CABINET INVITES FACULTY STAFF CHAIRS TO IDENTIFY DATA WHICH WOULD SHOW STUDENT ACADEMIC PROGRESS OTHER THAN REPORT CARDS AND PSAE RESULTS
“Catching Proviso Rising!” is more than just celebrating success. While that is important, so is focusing colleagues on desired behavior, contributing to a positive work environement and collecting empirical evidence that initiatives are or are not working. THIS IS A CHALLENGE FOR ALL FACULTY AND STAFF.
o Send ideas for ways to measure student progress, and view building and other subgroup performance prior to the administration of the PSAE.
o This data will become the basis for frequent (at least monthly) reports to the BOE, Staff, and Community. The ISBE now has specifically requested monthly goals and reports on progress.
o Ideas already discussed include:
§ KEYTRAIN progress on computer based instruction
· Pre and post assessments
· Paper tests
· More KEYTRAIN work with freshmen
§ LIKE ASSESSMENTS
§ PRACTICE TESTS
§ ACT PLAN AND EXPLORER
Thank you to the students for adding “not fluff” but a terrific example of the potential of our students. The play scenes were executed very well. Congratulations Ms. McCallister.
1.2 Governance and Social Responsibility
DISTRICT 2O9 CORRECTIVE ACTION
· The superintendent and Board President met this past week at the request of the Illinois State Board of Education.
· Perhaps the most important message conveyed to District 209 is that Corrective Action is not synonymous with a state takeover.
· These representatives of the ISBE and State Superintendent indicated an elevation in accountability was in order, but that they should be perceived as the school district’s partner in “turning things around.”
DISTRICT 209 ADMINISTRATORS PREPARE FOR ROE AUDIT.
o The official ROE Compliance Audit has been moved back to February 1, 2008
o An office has been identified for the collating of requested materials and for the auditors to meet as they review the records.
THE DISTRICT 209 EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO CONDUCT FIRST MEETING JANUARY 24TH.
· Carla Johnson, Coordinator of the Foundation, has announced their first meeting for January 24 at 5 PM at the Proviso Math and Science Academy.
2............................................................................................. STRATEGIC PLANNING
2.1 Strategy Development
ADMINISTRATION SEEKS BOARD APPROVAL OF SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR FY09
JANUARY BOARD MEETING TO CONSIDER GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
o The superintendent is recommending an increase in the minimum credits required for graduation based on faculty surveys, college admissions standards, comparisons of other high school programs, ACT guidance on preparation for post secondary education and recommendations of principals. Special thanks to Dan Johnson for research and analysis on this subject.
2.2 Strategy Deployment
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION COHORT BEGINS AT PMSA
70% OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN TUTORING AT PROVISO EAST WERE REFERRED BY TEACHERS OR ELIGIBILITY REMEDIATION
INSUFFICIENT STAFF IS AVAILABLE FOR MANDATORY TUTORING PROGRAM
o Staff is encouraged to consider identifying a subset of the student populations in their schools for mandatory tutoring that would fall within the size the staff can manage effectively
PRINCIPALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER AFTER AND BEFORE SCHOOL TUTORIAL SERVICES.
INTERESTED IN CARRIBBEAN COOKING
o ESL classes returning to Proviso West
MATH AND READING LITERACY DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES EVIDENCE OF IMPLEMENTATION
o Teachers are encouraged to provide evidence of particularly successful instructional techniques to their department chairs.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: KEEP LOOKING
o All are encouraged to share energy saving ideas with building principals. Turn off equipment when not in use, unless there is a technical reason this is disadvantageous.
3......................................................... STUDENT, STAKEHOLDER, AND MARKET FOCUS
3.1 Student, Stakeholder, and Market Knowledge
PRINCIPALS ARE DIRECTED TO COMPLETE COLLECTION OF ALL PARENT EMAIL ADDRESSES BY JANUARY 22ND.
· This is an important initiative and the goal has not been achieved yet, but district and building staff need to work together to complete the acquisition of emails.
· Interested parents, who do not own a computer may access information like parent connect and the e-newsletter in their local library and in some cases within their churches.
· Let’s make this happen
DISTRICT SUMMIT: January 22nd, 6:30 PM in the PMSA CAFETERIA
o All three principals and district officials will be present for the District 209 community summit.
o Email addresses are being sought to increase communication amongst stakeholders. If you know someone, who might not be on the District mailing list, please call your respective building or send addresses by email to pr@pths209.org.
o If you know of a caterer that might give the district a very reasonable rate for food, a dinner may be offered to create a more relaxed and family like atmosphere.
o The cabinet has been discussing the availability of child care on January 22nd also, in order to increase parent and community involvement.
o While the emphasis of this experience is listening to our community constituency, teachers and other staff may attend.
o News Releases have been sent out, the “all call” feature on the district computer to call all parents has been used twice, news papers have advertised the evening and in one case a editorial was written to encourage participation.
SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS GOAL OF 20,000 COMMUNITY EMAIL ADDRESSES BY JANUARY 22ND
o The current email address file is approaching 2,000, so there is a long way to go at this point.
INFORMATION IS BEGINNING TO COME IN SHOWING THE IMPACT OF VARIOUS INITIATIVES SUCH AS PARENT CONNECT AND TUTORING. WATCH THIS NEWS LETTER FOR MORE IN SUBSEQUENT WEEKS.
STUDENTS, WHOSE PARENTS ARE REGISTERED FOR PARENT CONNECT, RECEIVED FEWER FAILING GRADES, WHETHER THEIR PARENT EVEN CONNECTED. IF THE PARENT CONNECTED, THE RESULT WAS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS FAILURES.
3.2 Student and Stakeholder Relationships and Satisfaction
PROVISO HAS SOME GREAT NEWS TO SHARE OF AMAZING SUCCESSES OCCURING DAILY IN OUR BUILDINGS. PLEASE SUBMIT THESE STORIES FOR PUBLICATION IN THE DISTRICT 209 E-NEWSLETTER.
o Content submitted for the weekly enewsletter should include but not be limited to factual, observable and measurable progress at improving student academic performance, sound fiscal accountability, and enhanced student behavior and safety.
o Digital photos are really desired, as well as digital video footage.
o Provide content to pr@pths209.org.
o Remember this isn’t the “Spin Zone” so be factual. The truth about Proviso is impressive enough that embellishment is not only unethical, but unnecessary.
THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED AND PMSA APPLICATIONS REACH RECORD HIGH OF 415.
NEXT SUPERINTENDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE ON JANUARY 22ND
o The District Superintendent will host interested district staff parents and other community members at the next advisory council meeting on December 22nd at 6:30 PM at the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy Cafeteria.
o The February date may also be changed to accommodate a presentation “State of the District” highlighting the years initiatives and evidence that they are making a difference.
PARENTS, CHECK PARENT CONNECT
(ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO REGISTER SOON ON OUR WEBSITE FOR THE
E-NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST.)
o The IT department has been directed to provide an opportunity for people to register for the e-newsletter mailing list through the district website. GO TO pths209.org.
CHECK OUT DISTRICT WEBSITES AT pths209.org
o The district website (pths209.org) is still a valuable source of information and effective vehicle for communicating with community and district staff.
o In addition an electronic newsletter should be released in November, and residents may register now with their emails by calling their local high schools.
o This newsletter is also located on the website. If you would like this update emailed to you, please notify rlibka@pths209.org.
4.......................................................................................... QUALITY MANAGEMENT
4.1 Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement of Organizational Performance
CLASS OF 2012, FRESHMAN EXPLORER TEST SCORES ARE LOWER
· Staff is analyzing the data now and will report at the February board meeting on the profile of the new freshman class.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE PHRASE ”CATCH PROVISO RISING!”?
o Help the district identify superior performance by faculty, staff, admin, students by nominating individuals or groups with your building principal or the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations.
o We are looking for stories about Alumni, as well.
4.2 Measurement of Information, Information Technology, and Knowledge
SUPERINTENDENTS OFFICE TO UTILIZE FOUR INTERNS FOR DATA ANALYSIS THIS SEMESTER
o In many cases university interns will be able to assist administrators and teachers with research to determine which initiatives were working.
o Summer is a busy time for District 209. Consider recruiting interns to assist with summer school.
DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING…. THAT’S WHAT WERE ABOUT
5................................................................................................... WORKFORCE FOCUS
5.1 Workforce Engagement
CONSIDER REGISTERING FOR CONCORDIA AND TRITON COURSES ON THE DISTRICT CAMPUSES.
· Contact the office of Auxiliary Programs for more information 708-338-5901.
PROVISO EAST SCIENCE CHAIR COMPLETES NEGOTIATIONS FOR DUAL CREDIT AP PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY COURSES IN SUMMER SCHOOL.
· The tuition will be waived by Lewis University saving students thousands of dollars.
· Proviso will charge regular tuition and provide free busing to the classes from Proviso East and West high schools.
GRANT FUNDS ARE STILL SUBSTANTIAL FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT, WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES
PRINCIPALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO EXPAND SUMMER SCHOOL OFFERINGS AND PROMOTE COURSES OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT.
PROVISO AUTO TECH TEACHERS CONSIDER OFFERING A SUMMER PROGRAM IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY, POSSIBLY LEADING TO CERTIFICATION.
SUPERINTENDENT AND UNION LEADERS TO MET THIS WEEK TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION AND REVIEWED THE WEEKLY UPDATE.
SUPERINTENDENT REQUESTS THAT TIME CARDS BE SUBMITTED TO THE PAYROLL OFFICE ON A TIMELY BASIS BY SUPERVISORS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES REQUIRED TO USE THEM. THAT INCLUDES THE ENTIRE SUPPORT STAFF BARGAINING UNIT.
o All employees are expected to report to work on schedule. Persistent tardiness should be reported and progressive discipline followed to correct behavior.
o Employees should be at their work station except for breaks and lunch or when directed by supervisor to conduct a task that by necessity takes the employee off station.
o All employees will be held to the same standards of fairness and with the same expectation for exceptional work on behalf of the taxpayers of Proviso Township.
o Tenure status as a teacher, relationships to elected officials, relationship to senior administrators and multiple years of experience will not be used as an excuse for favoritism, insubordination, missing in action during the work day, or any other substandard performance.
o Most employees in District 209 work very hard and are highly skilled and this should be celebrated.
o Supervisors will receive specific instructions after the holidays on how to submit time cards. Thank you.
5.2 Workforce Environment
TEACHERS, PLEASE ADD OTHERS TO OUR EMAIL LIST… THIS DISTRICT WANTS THE WORD TO GET OUT
o The administration reads your mail, so please respond to what you read and/or observe through any means.
o Reading this report with a critical eye, and then providing input is terrific
o The administrators are not seeking agreement. They are seeking candor and respectful debate.
TEACHERS AND ALL STAFF: IF YOU ARE NOT RECEIVING THE E-NEWSLETTER, A SEPARATE DOCUMENT FROM THIS REPORT, CONTACT TRACY AVANT-BEY VIA EMAIL: tavant-bey@pths209.org
6........................................................................................... PROCESS MANAGEMENT
6.1 Work Systems Design
INTERNAL (SELF) AUDIT OF DUAL CREDIT COURSES
o Principals and Director of Compliance are asked to complete a thorough report of the District’s progress in this area.
o The report is to be made at the January 24th cabinet meeting.
WEEKLY THE SUPERINTENDENT CABINET REVIEWS VARIOUS WORK SYSTEMS FOR EFFECTIVENESS
6.2 Work Process Management
SUPERINTENDENT CABINET IS CONSIDERING SEVERAL POSSIBLE REORGANIZATION MODELS TO REDUCE OVERHEAD AND INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS.
7............................................................................................. PERFORMANCE GOALS
7.1 Student Learning Outcomes
LESS THAN 10 RE-EVALS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS AWAIT COMPLETION THIS MONTH.
· Congratulations to special education department chairs, teachers, supervisors, psychologists, district director for completing the significant backlog discovered just 18 months ago.
21st CENTURY GRANT REPRESENTATIVE COMPLETES SCHOOL VISIT
· In addition to tutoring, case management, and other initiatives this program will result in a student produced video.
CABINET TO CONTINUE SELECTING ON GOING MEASURES OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE
· This newsletter will feature reports on student achievement in the immediate future.
· The first report received is a report on grade distribution at Proviso East High School where it was determined that nearly 6% fewer F grades were earned by students who received tutoring in the library.
· Keep those reports, charts, graphs, statistical analyses coming.
· And keep sending students to tutoring. It might make a difference for your student, as well.
7.2 Student- and Stakeholder-Focused Outcomes
DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY PROGRAMS VISITS AUTO DEALERSHIPS IN PURSUIT OF REASONABLE PACKAGE TO PROVIDE NEW DRIVER’S EDUCATION CARS.
DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY PROGRAMS NEGOTIATES WITH THE PACE BUS SERVICE TO PRESERVE DISTRICT ROUTES FOR CHILDREN WHO RIDE TO SCHOOL.
DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY PROGRAMS IS STRATEGIZING WITH LEADERS OF WEST SUBURBAN SENIOR SERVICES TO LINK THEM TO THE DISTRICT E-NEWSLETTER.
COMMANDER THOMAS LISOWSKI REPORTS FOR DUTY
o The superintendent endorses NJROTC for character building and wishes the commander much success in this new command.
7.3 Budgetary, Financial, and Market Outcomes
FY09 BUDGETING PROCESS HAS BEGUN WITH REQUESTS FOR BUDGET REDUCTION IDEAS FROM ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, AND STAFF
· January 9th the cabinet reviewed and approved the calendar for budget planning proposed by the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations.
THE BALANCED BUDGET IS STILL PURSUED VIGOROUSLY THE ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO SUBMIT A VIABLE BALANCED BUDGET TO THE BOARD BY EARLY SPRING
7.4 Workforce-Focused Outcomes
ILLINOIS MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION OFFERS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IN LASER ENGRAVING FOR PROVISO EAST STUDENTS. DISTRICT TO CONSIDER PROPOSAL.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE DEVELOPED THIS MONTH FOR FACULTY AND STAFF PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT PLANNING.
· These will largely be in areas of District Improvement Planning.
· In the meantime, please continue to communicate ideas to Department Chairmen, Principals, District Staff and other immediate supervisors.
7.5 Process Effectiveness Outcomes
CABINET TO PLAN SECOND LEADER RETREAT FOR FEBRUARY
o The primary purpose will be to review overall progress this year and plan strategically for the close of the academic year and consider changes in strategy for the next few years.
o The school improvement plans will be reviewed, as well.
7.6 Leadership Outcomes
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FIRST
o District 209 will benefit by all employees taking care of their health.
o Healthy employees are better employees.
o The Proviso Township community deserves to be served by healthy people.
o Watch this column next week for the Libkas’ Wellness Challenge.
o Are you capable of becoming a “big loser”?