District 203 celebrates online classes, Mission Makers

At Naperville Unit District 203, we welcomed 2018 with the excitement and opportunity that a new year brings. We are refreshed and re-energized for what's to come in our district. Please allow me to share a few recent, inspiring achievements of our students and educators.

At a recent school board meeting, teachers, students and staff presented feedback on new blended learning courses at the high schools. Blended learning courses offer students a combined online and traditional classroom experience that enables them to work at their own pace, while still keeping up with the rigor of a traditional classroom.

Teachers praised the opportunity for students to learn important life skills like time management and self-advocacy through this type of course. The blended courses also allow teachers a greater ability to differentiate and meet the instructional needs of students.

Students shared that they enjoyed the freedom the courses allowed them to complete assignments at their own place and pace, while knowing they have the classroom time and support from their teachers. Based on the success of nearly 400 students enrolled in 11 blended learning courses this year, we will be offering 37 courses for students to choose from in 2018-19.

Each month at our school board meetings, we honor Mission Makers - students who exemplify a part of our district mission. Recently, two Mission Maker Awards were presented - one to a group of eighth-graders and another to a second-grader - who prove that at any age, we can make a difference!

In December, we recognized Scott Elementary School second-grader Knox Held. Knox was nominated by teachers Kate Boyens and Jill Jacobucci for being a leader and role model in his classroom by going above and beyond to help and do things that aren't asked of him.

His teachers said he is also an incredibly empathetic, collaborative partner who is patient with all students and is willing to help guide his peers through challenging activities.

In January, Washington Junior High School eighth-graders Deirdre Curran, Anna Melnikoff, Mia Kunath and Ella Carnahan were honored for their leadership. The girls created and lead The Ripple Effect, which promotes kindness through inspiration, action and a welcoming climate for all. They were nominated by school psychologist Stephanie Guglielmucci.

The club promotes random acts of kindness among students at Washington Junior High. Their intent is to inspire all students to do what is right and make the school a more positive environment for all students.

We continue to be inspired by our school district community members who every day continue our mission to educate all students to be self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers and community contributors.

I look forward to working together to continuously improve the educational experience for all our students and prepare them for their next stage in life. Thank you for your continued support. #Inspire203.

• Dan Bridges is superintendent of Naperville Unit District 203. During the school year, his column appears monthly in Neighbor.