2008 State Assessments Results
ISAT Reading results show that D62 fifth and eighth grade student performance mirrored State results. Learn more...
Getting' Down with Mama Goose
On Thursday, April 15th the kindergarten and first grade students of Central Elementary School performed Getting’ Down with Mama Goose. This wonderful show was performed at both 2:00 and 7:00 for students, family members, and Central School staff. Congratulations to the kindergarten and first grade students for a fabulous performance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leigh Radnitzer, LMC and CHIPS Specialist,
847-824-1107
Annual Tech 2010
CENTRAL SCHOOL TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL TECH 2010
TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION AT STATE CAPITOL MAY 6, 2010
Central Elementary School, in Des Plaines, is among approximately 100 schools statewide that will participate in the annual TECH 2010 Students for the Information Age event on Thursday, May 6 at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield.
From approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., students will show the public, and elected members of the Illinois State Senate and the House of Representatives, how technology is being used in the classroom to improve achievement. Computer workstations will be set up in the Capitol Building Rotunda so students may show how technology has helped them with their schoolwork.
Taking part in the demonstrations locally are Alex Zimmerman, Olivia Scanlon, and Aiden Grubbs and Leigh Radnitzer. Central School will showcase Digital Storytelling: Awakening Student Voice. Digital storytelling uses technology to enrich writing instruction. The project integrates technology with the Six Traits instructional approach to writing, focusing on the trait of voice. The digital stories are based on students’ personal narratives.
The purpose of TECH 2010 is to show how Illinois is preparing students to succeed in the Information Age. Students will demonstrate for lawmakers and the public the creative ways technology is being used to enhance and accelerate student achievement in Illinois schools today. The importance of this event lies in making the public aware of the central role technology has come to play in our schools and generating support for its adequate funding.
Entering the job force without a strong foundation in information-age technology is not an option for today's high school and college graduates. Understanding computers and related tools is a requirement, even for entry-level jobs, and computer literacy is essential for further education and advancement in almost every academic sphere. At the elementary and high school level, technology expands the walls of the traditional classroom, bringing in people and events from all over the globe. Technology captures and holds the attention of this generation of learners far better than textbooks alone. Computers allow for more individualized instruction as teachers, using technology, move from the traditional "sage on the stage" role to becoming "guides on the side," providing students the tools they need to become more active in managing their own learning.
TECH 2010 is a not-for-profit initiative presented by Illinois Computing Educators (ICE), and is supported by a broad range of education and business organizations. Corporate Platinum Plus partners are: Comcast, CDW-G and Chicago Office Technology Group. Corporate Platinum Partners are: AVerMedia and FTC Publishing.
Without the understanding and support of the public and the legislature, adequate public funding for education technology is hard to come by, and without it, Illinois cannot remain competitive in the global economy. Central Elementary School is pleased to support and be a part of Tech 2010: Students for the Information Age.
On Tuesday, March 31st Central School students in first though fifth grades participated in another PTO sponsored Science Night! During the “Un-build a Bike” Science Night, the children learned about simple machines and tools as they completely took apart bicycles. Thank you to the Central School PTO for another successful Science Night!
On Friday, March 19th Officer Colin Johnson, from the Des Plaines Police Department, presented Operation Lifesaver to all students attending Central Elementary School. Operation Lifesaver is an educational program designed to teach children about railroad safety at railroad tracks and crossings. Our children learned how and where to cross railroad tracks safely, to stay a safe distance from railroad tracks, that tunnels and bridges are only wide enough for trains, along with many other safety tips and tools. Thank you to the Des Plaines Police Department and Colin Johnson for helping us keep Central’s children safe!
Des Plaines City Officials were invited to read to students at Central Elementary School last Friday. Prior to visiting individual classrooms to read one of their favorite books, officials attended an all school assembly with Skates, the Chicago Wolves Mascot, school officials, students, faculty and a special guest, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Brett Wood. (pictured above left to right) District 62 Board of Education School Board President Brenda Murphy, Superintendant of Schools Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, Des Plaines Fire Chief Alan Wax, Mayor Martin J. Moylan, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Brett Wood, 2nd Ward Alderman John “Jack” Robinson, Secretary to the Mayor Donna Catlett and Des Plaines Police Officer Colin Johnson pose for a photograph with the books they read to their assigned classes.
Provided by Karen Kozenczak, Director of Community Relations, City of Des Plaines
The Central Elementary School children have been working hard on their tumbling and gymnastics unit in their physical education classes. The children have had a wonderful time working on basic tumbling skills and using the balance beam, climbing wall, and cargo net. The gymnastics and tumbling unit allows students to work on rotation, center of gravity, and flexibility. The climbing wall and cargo net allow the students to work on upper and lower body strength. We are looking forward to our next physical education unit, volleyball!
100th Day.
On Thursday, February 4th many students at Central Elementary School celebrated the 100th day of school. Many students brought 100 items to school that day; such as 100 noodles, 100 marbles, and 100 pennies. The students then spent time during the day completing different instructional activities using 100 items. The 100th day of school was an exciting day for all! I am so proud of the progress that the students have made thus far into the school year.
On Wednesday, January 20, 2010, the first Central School Science Night of this school year was held. Representatives from the Museum of Science and Industry and parents led our students through a fascinating and hands-on exploration of Roller Coasters! Using common household items, the students studied gravity, centrifugal force, and perpetual motion—all of which are used in roller coasters. Don’t miss out on the next exciting Science Night!
On Thursday, October 22nd, the 4th and 5th grade students of Central Elementary School performed Dateline: Rock and Roll. This incredible show was performed at both 2:00 and 7:00 for students, family members, and Central School staff. Congratulations to the 4th and 5th grade students for a job well done!
On Thursday, December 10th, the 2nd and 3rd grade students of Central Elementary School performed A Bear-y Merry Holiday. This wonderful show was performed at both 2:00 and 7:00 for students, family members, and Central School staff. Congratulations to the 2nd and 3rd grade students for a fabulous performance.
On September 17th, Central School celebrated Constitution Day.
All Central School students participated in special activities related to the Constitution. Some of the highlights of our celebrations included a reenactment of the 1787 signing of the Constitution. In addition, a first grade class gathered ideas for a “Class Constitution.” Together, they made a pledge to honor their “Class Constitution” and each student signed it. Fourth and fifth grade students performed a play where they dressed the part of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison complete with wigs and spectacles. Students also performed the Preamble in sign language. Central School students enjoyed commemorating Constitution Day on September 17th.
Central is amazing!
Located “in the heart of the city” near downtown Des Plaines, just a short walk from the Des Plaines Public Library, train station, City Hall and the downtown business district. The school is part of Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District #62 and has been proudly educating the children of Des Plaines since 1906.
The teachers at Central School are knowledgeable, dedicated and committed to both the academic and character development of each and every student. We believe in multiple intelligences, differentiation of instruction, brain based research and following best research-based practices. Traditional and multi-age classrooms are utilized to support student learning. Classroom teachers utilize whole group, small group and individualized instruction emphasizing word study (sight vocabulary, phonics analysis, spelling, structural analysis and word meaning), fluency (reading speed, oral reading accuracy and intonation/prosody), comprehension (types of information in text, information structure and strategies for constructing meaning), and writing (purposes, products, processes, and audiences). The teachers use a traditional math series and a supplemental program called Otter Creek, in order to teach both basic facts and problem solving.
Our School Improvement Plan focuses on math, reading and writing. The entire Central School team is committed to high academic expectations for our students. To that end, the staff will focus on fine tuning the Otter Creek math program, ongoing assessment of our students in reading in order to utilize flexible groups, identifying and assisting our struggling readers, and utilizing the writers’ workshop format and the 6 plus 1 Writing Traits (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions and Presentation) to continue to develop and improve students’ writing abilities.
Central School believes in creating and maintaining a positive learning atmosphere through developing positive character traits and communicating positive behavior expectations. Two nationally recognized programs are utilized to develop both positive character traits and behaviors in our students. These programs are “Character Counts” and “Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS).”
The Central School Staff has developed a matrix of expected behaviors entitled, “Eagle Expectations.” The three major behaviors are as follows:
Be Respectful
Be Safe
Be Responsible and Ready to Learn
All students in grades 1-3 are provided instruction in Physical Education twice a week. Art classes are provided to students in grades 1-5 for forty-five minutes once a week. Children in grades 1-5 are instructed in Vocal Music/Drama three times a week for thirty minutes. Students in grades 4-5 are instructed in Physical Education/Health for 150 minutes each week. 5th grade students will have the opportunity to have lessons in an orchestra or band instrument. Kindergarten students are provided with half-day developmental activities. Children participate in Physical Education once a week and Vocal Music twice a week for twenty minutes. Parents may choose to enroll their child in the Extended Day Kindergarten. Information on the program and its costs may be obtained by calling (847) 824-1065.
Kelly Krueger, Principal kruegerk@d62.org
Office: (847) 824-1575
Central Elementary School
1526 East Thacker Street
Des Plaines, Il 60016
Central School’s Got Goat!
Central School is partnering with World Vision, a relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. World Vision serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world.
Central’s sponsored child is Amara. He is 7 years old and lives in Sierra Leone, West Africa. In addition to communicating with Amara through letters, Central School students raised $245 toward supporting Amara and his family. With an additional $75 from Central’s PTO, we bought a pair of goats for Amara’s family. A goat nourishes a family with protein-rich milk, cheese, and yogurt, and can offer a much needed income boost by providing offspring and extra dairy products for sale at the market. We also raised enough money to provide 30 fruit trees to a village.
Central School’s sponsorship of Amara will continue throughout this year and we look forward to other global and domestic sponsorships.
Way to go Central School!
Central Reads Across America
Monday, March 2 Central Elementary School students joined millions of students across America in celebrating Read Across America Day. The event was kicked off at Central’s weekly flag-raising, and set the stage for Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) testing, which began this week and runs through March 13.
Aimed at raising awareness about the importance of reading, the school's reading event included special appearances by School Board President Brenda Murphy, Mayor of Des Plaines Anthony Arredia, Superintendent Jane Westerhold and Skates, the Wolves Mascot.
The challenge to get youngsters to read continues to grow, according to a recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts that found teenagers and young adults are reading less often and for shorter amounts of time.
Central School 3rd – 5th grade students recently enjoyed “Meeting the Lincolns”, a portrayal of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln performed by Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller. The Lincolns delighted the students with stories about the people and events that influenced their lives, the issues that troubled our nation during the Civil War, and their experiences in Springfield and Washington, D.C. A lively and engaging question and answer session followed the presentation.
Krebs and Miller will be the presenters for Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum’s Bicentennial Celebration on February 12, 2009. Visit abrahamlincolnperformance.com for more information on their educational programs
Central Elementary School
Make Up Day
A make up day is scheduled as a student attendance day to replace inclement weather day that may be called during the school year. At this time, the last day of school is Wednesday, June 08, 2011
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