Board of Education Briefs - April 10, 2017

Board of Education Briefs - April 10, 2017

Students from North High's DECA team provided an overview of recent successes to the Board of Education members

The District 99 Board of Education held a workshop meeting on April 10, 2017. Please click here to see the video. Please click here to see photos taken during the meeting.

Highlights of the meeting include:

Student Recognition

Members of the D99 Hoops Teams, including students from North High, South High and Transition 99, were recognized for their victories at the Special Olympics basketball tournament. The students joined nearly 1,600 other Special Olympics athletes from across the state, representing 135 teams.

“It’s been an honor playing basketball for eight years, and I just wanted to say thanks,” said student Charles Huddleston. “If it weren’t for your support, I never would’ve had this opportunity.”

Student Perspectives

Members of the North High DECA team provided an update about the team’s focus and growth. DECA is a national organization that prepares students for careers in finance, hospitality, and management. Competitions include timed decision-making challenges. For example, a small group may be given a product to market and the students must develop a promotional plan and make a presentation to judges.

North High students Nick Chudzik, Matt Gilman, Kaitlyn Marra, Charles (Jack) McGuire and Kevin Sachtleben spoke about their experiences, and how DECA has helped them develop relationships with other students who are also interested in studying business. DECA at DGN has grown from 30 students a few years ago to over 100 students participating this year.

“DECA has been a part of my life for four years now, and it’s had a lasting impact on me,” said Matt Gilman, who serves as president. He said that joining DECA has led him to want to study business in college next year, and has given him more maturity and confidence.

AVID

Assistant Superintendent Gina Ziccardi provided an overview of the AVID program at District 99. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college prep program for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Tutorial sessions and study strategies are core elements of the program. Teachers Jennifer Wolf (South High) and Britni Mitchell (North High) explained the selection process and benefits of the program.

Students Keyarra Eaton (South High) and Paige Williamson (North High), as well as parents Takisha Emory (South High) and Yvette Garro (North High) also spoke about the many benefits of AVID.

“This is a great opportunity that’s been given to me,” commented Eaton. “I now know what it takes to be successful in college.”

Community Engagement

The Board of Education was reminded that Community Meetings about facilities will be held on April 19 at North High and on April 20 at South High. Registration is available online.