December 20, 2012

Dear District 109 Community,

Over the last week, our focus has been on the safety of our students and staff in the wake of the school shooting in Connecticut. It has been heart wrenching for all of us. But it also has been extremely heart warming to see firsthand what acaring community we are, from law enforcement officers who increased their reassuring presence; to school social workers, psychiatrists and guidance counselors who spent hours finding resources and being accessible to help teachers and students work through their reactions; to teachers, staff and parents who always kept the best interest of students front and center, even when dealing with their own emotions – and to our students, so many of whom immediately wondered what they could do for the survivors and families fromS andy Hook school.

Our crisis communication efforts are a planned part of our communication plan. That communication plan includes a growing toolkit of ways in which we can connect to the community and improve the connections between teachers, students and the material they teach and learn:

• Social Media: I am excited about last week’s launching District 109 on Facebook and Twitter. We know that our community seeks out news that’s important to them from these sources, and we hope you’ll join the growing number of people who get school and District news when they like the DPS109 Facebook page and follow @DPS109 on Twitter.
• District Dashboard: In January, the District will launch its online dashboard, which will be the primary tool to share the progress of our strategic plan toward the plan goals. The dashboard will show our accomplishments, point out areas for improvement, and give clear focus and absolute transparency into the five priority areas of the strategic plan. Look for a link from the home page of the District 109 website just after winter break.
• Google Apps for Education: Parents recently received information from Jill Maraldo, our Director of 21^st Century Skills, about our roll out of this rich suite of online tools that allow students to collaborate online with their teachers and with each other, extending their curricular learning wherever they have Internet access.
• 109 News & Notes Community Newsletter: The latest issue of 109 News & Notes, the regular publication about District 109 for the community, is now online. After winter break, printed copies will be available at any District 109 school, the District Center, and many locations throughout the community:

o   Deerfield Park District locations (Jewett Park, Patty Turner Senior Center, and the Sachs Center)

o   Deerfield Public Library

o   Deerfield Village Hall

• Email: Our principals and the District send regular emails to parents, who have a direct connection through Skyward Family Access to update their contact information and select the ways in which they want to be contacted; we also include a community opt-in list in many of our emails. If you’d like to be included on this list, visit the sign up form on the District home page.
• The Old Fashioned Way: My phone is open to parents and community members, and I regularly meet with those who have questions, concerns or suggestions. Though it may take me a day or two to return a call, no call to my office goes unanswered.  Often, a face-to-face meeting, without any technology in between, is the best way to connect and really understand each other. 

I wish you and your family a safe, warm and wonderful holiday season.

Dr. Renee Goier
Superintendent
Deerfield Public Schools District 109