Dear Parents and Guardians and Community Members, 

 Students returned from their Winter break refreshed and ready to tackle new academic challenges.  I am proud of the academic progress our students continue to demonstrate.  I am convinced that our children are demonstrating academic gains because of the successful implementation of our RTI (Response to Intervention) program.    

There have been many exciting “happenings” at Wolcott School recently.  We have officially kicked-off our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention s and Supports) initiative.  Students attended an assembly where they learned about PBIS and the “PAWS” that they could earn for demonstrating positive behaviors.  Our first “PAWS” drawing was held on Thursday, January 21^st, 2010, and the winners were given an opportunity to select from several prizes/rewards.  We will continue to focus on four core values: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be an Achiever, and Be Safe.  I am confident that PBIS will bring significant and positive changes to Wolcott School in regards to student behavior. 

Wolcott School also had representative form the Cook County Department of Public Health here in January to administer H1N1 vaccinations. In total, fifty-five vaccinations were given to students, staff, and community members.  Wolcott School has seen only minimal cases of the H1N1 virus among our student population.   

The Board of Education has approved the purchase of new computers and a mobile computer cart.  Now students will have access to updated equipment and the opportunity to work on projects in their own classrooms.  These new computers are compact and allow students to use a special stylus to take notes on the screen.  Also, our Director of Technology, Victor Monroe has repaired all three of our Smart Boards.  Teachers have been provided professional development regarding the use of Smart Boards and will begin to use them routinely in their classrooms.

Speaking of technology, Victor Monroe continues to plan technology workshops every month for community members.  These workshops are offered the second Monday of each month from 4:30-6:00 P.M. at Wolcott School in the computer lab.  These workshops are also being offered at no cost to participants.  Unfortunately, to date, no one has taken advantage of these great opportunities.  These workshops focus on a variety of computer programs and Victor Monroe will adjust the pace of instruction to meet the needs of participants. 

Wal-Mart, our Wolcott School store, has opened for business.  The school store will offer for sale a variety of school supplies as well as snacks for students.  Our goal was to provide, as a convenience to parents, school supplies at a reasonable price and prevent parents from making those late night runs to neighboring stores to purchase school supplies.  Eventually, we hope to have a variety of spirit wear also available for sale at Wal-Mart. 

If you have a child who will be attending Kindergarten next year, please notify the school office so that we can accurately determine our staffing needs for next year.       

Sincerely,

Dr. Carol A. Kunst