Dear Wiesbrook Community,

I begin this month by extending a huge “Thank You” for your support this year relative to our many community service efforts. For instance, by the time you are reading this newsletter our Tigers will be almost finished with our “PAWS for Pennies” drive to support the international relief effort in Haiti. The most heartwarming part of this drive is that it was initiated by our students! Furthermore, on January 27th Wiesbrook hosted the Board of Education meeting, and during the home school report I chose to highlight how we are supporting District 200’s belief statement: “Successful schools result when a partnership exists between the school, parents and the community.” Several parents and students spoke about our Power Paws initiative, and I touched on last year’s 5th grade Class Gift/Service Project. Wiesbrook is truly fortunate to have a community that provides so many opportunities for students to make positive contributions to their school and community.

On January 14 th at the PTA General Meeting Dr. Charles Baker, Interim Superintendent D200, was the guest speaker. His presentation, “The State of D200,” addressed how District 200 plans to reduce its $8.8 million deficit, transition leadership to a new Superintendent, and the role technology will play in our schools. Additional information relative to the budget deficit is available on District 200’s website www.cusd200.org. Click on District 200 Budget Forecast.

This past month I had the wonderful opportunity to teach a half-day in Mrs. Vernetti’s 5th grade class. One thing I learned is that I am not smarter than a 5th grader! A game involving fractions definitely got the better of me. Getting back in the classroom is a consistent reminder of how dedicated and talented our faculty is at Wiesbrook! Also, it is a wonderful way for me to connect with our students.

As a faculty, we will finish our book study in February. We read Mindset-The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. The focus of the book is an examination of how we can learn to fulfill our potential in: school, relationships, parenting, business and coaching. We have connected this study with our values: Respect, Responsibility, Safety and with our vision:

*Providing a safe and secure learning environment.

*Providing a learning environment with clear, articulated, high standards.

Ask your child’s teacher(s) about this book study!

Finally, the Illinois Learning Standards Tests (ISAT) will take place March 1 st through March 12 th for 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th grade students. Look for more information relative to ISAT testing to come home in the middle of February.

It’s Tremendous To Be a Tiger!

Brian K. Turyna, Ed.D.