D35 On the Go

As we enter summer, our teachers have supported students with making plans for summer reading. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Amy Stewart, District Literacy Specialist, and Michelle Gonzalez, Central Reading Specialist, to discuss ways parents can support their children with reading over the summer. Enjoy information on:

• Research behind the value of summer reading

• Tools parents can utilize to support student reading motivation 

• Ideas for great books to read and share

Resources: Summer Reading Note & Ideas/Links-2024

It seems to be the #1 topic on parents’ and teachers’ minds…how are smartphones impacting our children? In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with a Glencoe parent about what we are noticing and wondering when it comes to our children’s phone usage. 

Topics addressed will include:

• The interactions parents and educators are noticing our children have via phones

• Recent research and articles presenting ideas about this topic

• Ways we can support our children and each other in living a balanced life

For the past 5 years, D35 has partnered with Julie Freeman to provide dedicated Mindfulness instruction to students K-8. This May, some of our West classrooms are piloting a 21-day mindfulness challenge for our students, staff, and families. In this episode, Dr. Wang and Julie discuss:

• The benefits of mindfulness

• The ways we have partnered to bring mindfulness instruction to students

• The details of the 21-day Mindfulness Challenge

Special thanks to the Glencoe PTO for funding this learning experience for our students and staff.
 

Each year, West School invites Bill Buczinsky to lead a poetry learning experience for the 3rd graders. In today’s episode, Dr. Wang talks with Mr. Buczinsky about his work with the children. During the conversation, they will touch on:

• The role poetry can play in learning

• The idea that poetry lives within each of us

• The performances students make at West

Special thanks to the Glencoe PTO for funding this learning experience for our students.
 

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Dr. Kelly Zonghetti, South School Principal, as well as a variety of South School students. Topics discussed will include:

• The role of play at South School
• Ways parents can incorporate play at home
• Students sharing their views on play

If you are interested in learning more about social emotional learning at South School, you can visit our website at:

https://www.glencoesouth.org/learning-in-our-schools/social-and-emotional-learning-sel

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Clair Durkes, Central Project Lead the Way teacher, and Ellie, a 7th grade student, about the Project Lead the Way course D35 offers students. Topics discussed will include:

• Project Lead the Way approach and what you might see in the classroom
• Skill sets the course enhances
• The student perspective on what they most value about the course

If you are interested in learning more about D35’s Project Lead the Way course, you can visit our website at: https://www.glencoeschools.org/learning-in-our-schools/project-lead-the-way-pltw

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Molly Pope, an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant specializing in supporting children, families, and classrooms. She has worked with young children and families as a school psychologist for 17 years. Topics discussed will include:

• Enhancing connection with your children, even when you are feeling frustrated

• Ways to support your children in managing their emotions

•  

  Strategies to try to support your family’s well-being

If you are interested in learning more about Molly Pope’s coaching and consulting services, you can visit her website at: https://mollypopeparentcoach.com/

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Mrs. Lori Worth, New Trier Northfield Campus Transition Specialist about the transition process from Central to New Trier. She also interviews Alexa, a current 9th grade student, who recently transitioned to New Trier from Central. Topics discussed will include:

• What to expect in the coming months for 8th grade parents and students

• Ways parents can support their child during the transition process

• What students can expect during the transition process

If you are interested in learning more about the transition to New Trier, you can visit their webpage for incoming freshmen at: https://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/incomingfreshmen.

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise and Growing Up in Public. Dr. Heitner has written articles about children and technology that have been published in The Washington Post and New York Times. They delve into topics such as mentoring vs. monitoring when it comes to digital tools, ways to support our children in thinking critically about posting and engaging in online dialogue, and considerations to help you determine your child's readiness for various tech tools and apps.

If you are interested in learning more from Dr. Heitner, you can view her presentation to D35 parents from November 14, 2023 or purchase her book Growing Up in Public.

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Andy Pickett, Central School Assistant Principal, about the Spartans in Action. Spartans In Action is a framework that contains a common language that Central teachers are utilizing to talk about social emotional learning skills with students. 

If you are interested in looking at the Spartans In Action infographic, you can find it here on our website (scroll down to the bottom of the page).

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Lynn Lyons, psychotherapist and author of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents, The Anxiety Audit, and host of the FlusterClux podcast. The discussion highlights skills families can put into practice that support children with anxiety and worry.

If you are interested in reading Lynn’s newest book, The Anxiety Audit, please email us at d35onthego@glencoeschools.org.

In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Michelle Icard, author of 8 Setbacks that Can Make A Child A Success, Fourteen Talks By Age Fourteen, and Middle School Makeover. The discussion highlights the 3 steps parents can take to support a child through a setback and help them come out stronger. We also explore how we can work together as a community to support all of our children collectively.

If you are interested in reading Michelle Icard’s book, 8 Setbacks That Can Make A Child A Success, please email us at d35onthego@glencoeschools.org

During this podcast, Dr. Wang interviews Aman Bedi, parent, and Betty Weir, D35 Director of Professional Learning. The three discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community of Glencoe and within the D35 schools. They highlight the upcoming Family Belonging Night. The goal of the evening is to celebrate the diversity within Glencoe and enhance the sense of belonging in our schools.

If you are interested in taking part in Family Belonging Night, it will take place on October 19 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at West School. Learn more about the event and RSVP here.

As our students acclimate to the beginning of the school year, we know families are in the midst of setting up routines and supporting their children in staying organized. In this episode, Dr. Wang talks with Beth Bertoni, Central School Psychologist, about “executive functioning.” Mrs. Bertoni defines this term and shares practical strategies parents can use at home to support their children with homework, materials, and more. 
 

Dr. Wang has a conversation with Diana Thompson, our new Assistant Director of Pupil Services. They discuss how to support your child as you look to the new school year. Topics addressed include setting your child up for success on the first day of school, ways to handle conversations about school jitters, and suggestions for routines at home that will support a smooth transition. 
 

Meet Ben Baird, the new Principal of West School

What do parents and students need to know about the transition from West to Central?