Hello Meteors!
Unfortunately we did not receive enough interest to hold the PTA's Minute to Win It activity this Friday. The PTA will regroup and work on a new fun event for the spring.
The Superintendent leads an annual evaluation of staffing needs to maintain equitable and appropriate class sizes and supports for student learning needs, while remaining within budget guidelines. Highlights of this work include:
-Annually monitor spending by student through building based budgeting and site based accounting
-Annual evaluation of staffing needs for core and non-core staff based on school and student needs
-Yearly staffing recommendations presentation provided to the Board of Education based on above evaluation
Join the PTA on Tuesday for their school board candidate meet and greet!
Hello Meteor Families!
This week's edition of the MJHS Friday Update is now available. Please take a few minutes to review the update and check out the links in your email.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/9LoRfZTkxlQ
MJHS students celebrated Special Olympics Illinois "Respect Week" in many ways this week! Our PE teachers provided education on various topics each day as well as engaged students in adaptive games . Students signed a banner pledging respect and inclusion, passed out kindness grams, received beads from staff members when spotted displaying kindness and inclusion, and designed posters!
Our district has conducted ongoing work on this goal area to ensure all students are engaged in rigorous curricular programming as well as extending opportunities for advanced learners. Below are highlights of this work:
-Curriculum program adoptions for ELA and Math were all centered around the alignment to the rigorous Illinois learning standards
-Updated information and procedures for the district’s Accelerated Placement Programs were made available on the district website
-Reviewed MJHS Math Enrichment Course criteria and expanded additional sections for these courses
-Partnered with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development to conduct a district review on advanced learning needs in our district which included staff, student, and parent feedback
-Convened a District Task Force that utilized Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development’s report to identify, plan for, and strengthen opportunities within the district for advanced learners
-The Board of Education approved the Task Force’s recommendations to expand advanced learner programming across the district starting in the 2025-2026 school year
-Professional development for staff focused on differentiation and instructional practices for advanced learners
⭐ Attention 2025-2026 kindergarten families! Please save the date for kindergarten informational night! ⭐
Thank you to the Mokena Fire Protection District and Fire Marshal Tom Murray for providing members of our staff with important CPR training throughout the day. We appreciate your partnership and support!
Goal 3A: The district has developed a Facilities Master Plan to organize, prioritize, and forecast maintenance and infrastructure projects. Funds from the 2019 referendum are utilized to pay for these critical projects to ensure our schools are “warm, safe, and dry”. In addition to the many projects at individual schools, below are project highlights that have occurred in all three schools:
-Renovations or replacements of HVAC systems
-Updated and expanded parking lots
-Improved sidewalks
-Tuckpointing and building envelope work
-Exchanged exterior door locks and added multiple keyless entry points
-Expanded security coverage with additional interior and exterior cameras
Friendly reminder, tomorrow is an early dismissal day!
Congratulations to the 7th Grade Monthly Medalists!
Today is "Thank an Athletic Director Day"! Let's give a big shoutout to Mr. Munch and Mr. Shaughnessy for working behind the scenes to keep our junior high athletics thriving! From coordinating practices and games to scheduling buses and supporting coaches, we are very grateful for all they do! #ThankAnAD #IESA
The Human Resources Coordinator in conjunction with the Superintendent and the Administrative Team have developed a set of resources and processes for the onboarding of new employees. Highlights of Goal 4C’s work include:
-A new hire onboarding process for all new staff members led by the HR Coordinator that includes completion of paperwork, review of policy and procedures, and an explanation of all benefits
-Substitute teacher onboarding process including the review and receipt of a newly designed district substitute teacher handbook
-Yearly substitute teacher orientation that provides substitutes with information regarding the district, policies, and procedures
-Three day New Staff Orientation in August that includes learning about district department supports, meeting mentor teachers, curriculum and instruction training, time with building principals, and our infamous district bus tour
-Two year mentoring program for new certified staff members
Families who wish to allow their child to participate in midday prayers for Ramadan must complete this form to give them permission. https://forms.gle/YUEmNVk39D6k5PBb6
Students will not be permitted to leave class for midday prayers without a completed form
Happy School Social Workers Week! Join us in celebrating our district's dedicated social workers who play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being and success of our students!
WOW! What a great performance by our students last night! Opening night was a huge success! Showtimes today are 3:00pm and 7:00pm at Lincoln Way Central.
MJHS Musical made the Patch.
Check out this article! And come see the show tonight or Saturday!
https://patch.com/illinois/mokena/mokena-jr-high-cast-set-shine-high-school-musical-jr?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&user_email=594bf0f5dd576f112aa7ef53281b642cf64b99bb6b7d881270ca9c0bd8b89215&user_email_md5=0592608b213e6880bd79f360a6dfbd79&lctg=4fb1773190658cce4aae8814
Hello Meteor Families!
This week's edition of the MJHS Friday Update is now available. Please take a couple of minutes to review this week's update and families should check their email for important links.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Kp5fbuEmVoM
Strengthening the district’s website as a means of communication and information has been a continued goal over the past several years. Accomplishments within this goal include:
-Launch of brand new, modernized website
-Regular review and update of website contents including school sites and department specific pages
-Survey sent to families seeking input on website and adjustments made based on the trends in survey data
-Sought feedback from Parent Advisory Committee on how to make the website more user friendly and efficient for parents
-Addition of transparency page to include a one stop place for information on contracts, financial reports, tax levy, budgets, audits, bids, and grants.
-Linked district and school calendars with important dates and events
📣 Thank you for celebrating National Public Schools Week with us! Our schools shape the future! With your continued support, we will prepare our students for success! Drop a 💚to show your support for Mokena SD 159! #PSW25
