Insight28: Stories and Voices of Northbrook School District 28

The 5th-grade musical in District 28 is a rite of passage, and parents and students alike reflect on it for a long time. In this episode, Dr. Pearson visits with each music teacher to talk about why it is an important component of the 5th-grade experience. You'll also hear students' perspectives. So let's have a little fun and experience what it's like to be on stage, what's behind all the effort and the lasting impressions it leaves on students.You can find the performances on our school's YouTube Channel:Greenbriar YouTubeMeadowbrook YouTubeWestmoor YouTubeMore about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director

In celebration of National Library Week, Westmoor Librarian Tara LaCerra and her assistant Kim Burnson, organized a school-wide writing project. Over the course of a few days, each K-5 class added a sentence based on the previous sentence to build “More to the Story: A Westmoor Tale in 18 parts.”It stars a central figure at Westmoor, head custodian Matt Kritzberg. “They (students) were really thoughtful, how do we create an arc, add detail and dialog,” Ms. LaCerra said. “It was cool to see them incorporate things they were focusing on the classroom into the story. And it was really fun to see how they incorporated someone like Mr. Matt who is a household name around here. How they see him as a character and used what they knew about him – he’s a Sox fan, so they had him sing Go Cubs Go, and the 5th grade incorporated the musical. Everyone brought their own flavor to the story.”Listen to the story as read by Ms. LaCerra….Like what you hear? Check out our Insight28 Voices and Stories of Northbrook28 podcast. New episode on the 5th grade musicals coming soon!More about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director

When the district implemented a one-to-one learning environment that provided iPads to all grades K-8, the goal was to ensure that technology was used to engage, enhance and extend student learning. This initiative is modeled after a framework developed by Liz Kolb, called “Learning First, Technology Second.”There are some pretty cool things going on in the classroom that we are excited to share with you today. Instructional Technology Coordinator Judi Epcke and Instructional technology coach Kristin Cash will provide an overview of the initiative, and then we will visit with 4th-grade students to share their projects and hear from teachers Joanna Wsol at Westmoor School and Jamie Flood at Meadowbrook School to talk about how technology has enhanced, engaged and extended student learning.More about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director

If you think school science fairs are little more than exploding volcanoes, listen in as students talk about their projects and how they implemented the scientific method of research. NBJH Science teacher Amber Paull shares what goes into these semester-long projects where Gold Award winners advance to the Illinois Junior Academy of Science regional competition on March 4th.More about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director

Listen as Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kris Raitzer, Director of Learning Michelle Jackson, Rebecca Stowell, a math interventionist and Nikki Penherski, our junior high instructional coach explain our change in instructional practice, then listen as we visit some classrooms and talk to students and teachers who are excited about math!More about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director

Students meeting in ‘Packs’ and flashing hand signs in the hallways? It’s all part of Greenbriar School’s efforts to build community and belonging. Listen in as Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson discusses the program with Principal Dr. Ginny Hiltz, School Psychologist Greta Montagano and Social Worker Meghan Dames. During once-a-month meetings, the whole school is divided into small groups comprised of students from every grade alongside teachers and support staff. Data shows the program has been a key component in building student-teacher trust and enhancing the building culture at the school.More about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director

Northbrook District 28 Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson talks with adults and students involved in the Northbrook Junior High  Community Art Club. NBJH art teacher Mark Hay collaborated with art therapist Mignon Dupepe of Twist Out Cancer to develop and lead a non-clinical after-school experience that emphasizes empathy, love, connection, healing and rebuilding community in a post-COVID year. The club met six times and included both students and staff who created a mosaic that will be on display digitally as part of Brushes With Cancer Midwest Art Exhibition throughout November at the WNDR Museum in Chicago. Hear from Mark Hay, Dr. Scott Meek, NBJH Principal, parent Joe Lombardo, who initiated the idea, Mignon DuPepe as well as teachers and students about this inspiring, healing project.  Visit Northbrook28.net to see a photo of the mosaic or stop by the hallway connecting the gym to the main lobby at Northbrook Junior High.More about Northbrook District 28Northbrook28.net; Facebook, InstagramContact UsHave a suggestion or comment about our podcast? Contact Terry Ryan, Communications Director