Deep Dive with Dr. Hinz- A D47 Podcast

Catch up with Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Aimee Kasper as she unpacks our Illinois State Report Card results, FastBridge insights, and 5Essentials data. Listen in to explore trends, tackle challenges, and celebrate successes- a continuation of the presentation to the Board of Education in November.

This episode spotlights Project B3, where students promote online safety! Hear from Bernotas Middle School's Alex, Delainey, and Lilly, their advisor Justin Banaszynski, and Assistant Superintendent Dave Jenkins on the importance of being safe, smart, and kind online, including advice for parents/guardians.

"Every time I have a newcomer family I say to myself, remember that one person who helped you when you first came here and be that person now for the newcomer family." Our Newcomer Family Support Facilitator, Tatiana Balaur, plays a crucial part in helping families new to our country and our district navigate the school system. Tune in to this episode to hear some of the unique challenges newcomer families face and how Tatiana provides essential support and resources to ensure a smooth transition in District 47.

In this episode, we turn our focus to the new math curriculum, exploring what problem-based instruction means and what it looks like in the classroom. We’re joined by Dr. Carolyn Stadlman, Director of Math, Science & STEM, along with Krystal Winsor, Kindergarten teacher at West Elementary, and Hannah Martel, 7th grade math teacher at Hannah Beardsley Middle School.

Whether you're curious about how these changes will benefit students or just want to learn more, this is the perfect listen. It’s all about helping our students become stronger problem solvers and creative thinkers!

Join Dr. Hinz as she chats with Molly Alfonso, PreK Family Support Professional, about the Glacier Ridge PreK program and how family events build strong connections between home and school. Listen now to learn how we support and empower our youngest learners’ families!

We're talking school safety with two experts! Discover how the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is enhancing safety and creating a unified approach across District 47, other districts, and first responders in our community. Hear from Jim French, Training Director at I Love U Guys, and Gary Snep, District 47's Director of Safety.

Our PTOs and PTAs provide so much for students, staff, and families, but the biggest challenge is finding volunteers. Hear from three of our PTO/PTA presidents about the impact these organizations have and how you can get involved. "There are many opportunities to help out, even if it’s just 15 minutes. We need the help to continue providing activities, events, and everything for our students, staff, and parents." Plus, getting involved has its own rewards: "I like being in the schools and seeing the kids happy, especially when we run an event. The smiles on their faces—there's nothing more fulfilling than that." Get inspired by their stories and learn how you can make a difference!

Season 2! Our first episode of the year highlights the District 47 Resource Fair, bringing our community together to offer essential resources and services to families. This Saturday, D47 families in need can access physical exams, immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, school supplies, haircuts, and more!

Our goal in District 47 is to prepare our students for the future . While we are incredibly proud of our 8th grade students , it is always bittersweet to see them leave. This podcast is dedicated to our 8th graders! Joining Dr. Hinz to represent the class of 2024 and reflect on their journey, share memories, and discuss their biggest influences are John, Aryn, and Ethan from Bernotas; Jacquelin, Kaitlen, and Joey from Hannah Beardsley; and Lily, Lily, and Alex from Lundahl.

Dr. Hinz had the opportunity to chat about our annual exhibition of kindergarten through 8th grade artwork with Heather Evans, art teacher at Glacier Ridge and two of her students Wiktoria and Callie, and Sarah Cunningham, art teacher at Woods Creek, accompanied by her student Tym and Jason Brogan, assistant principal at Woods Creek. Tune in to hear about featured artwork, the planning process, our Dole partnership, and what students' love about art class! Open house for this exhibit took place on May 2nd and 3rd, however all art will remain on display through May 14.