Calendar Reminder: Columbus Day on Oct. 9
No school on Monday, Oct. 9 in observance of Columbus Day.
Cox and Herman Earn MIEE Status
Congratulations to District #7 elementary technology specialists Shanyra Cox and Michelle Herman, who both recently became Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts.
When the district became a Microsoft 365 district, the duo knew there was a lot to learn.
“I quickly realized that I needed to accelerate my understanding of all things Microsoft in order to guide instruction,” said Cox. “MIEE helped me envision how to better support student and teacher learning in an ever-evolving world of technology, and it gave me the skills, mindset and supportive community to make that happen.”
“A great deal of school districts around us are Google schools, and therefore, I felt like my outside resources were limited,” said Herman. “Earning the MIEE not only taught me a lot, but also opened the doors to some amazing resources.”
The Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program brings together a diverse community of educators from around the world and gives them an opportunity to share innovative practices.
While the whole process consisted of many modules, the initial training academy was designed to teach coaches about the various Microsoft technologies while providing valuable insights and strategies for supporting teachers and students in integrating technology effectively in the classroom.
“The emphasis on 21st century skills and instructional design is crucial for preparing students for the ever-evolving world of technology and the workplace,” said Herman. “Not only did I learn a lot along the way, but I also gained access to a supportive Microsoft Educational community of fellow educators across the world and a wealth of resources that I can share with teachers and students across the district.”
“I am excited to help District #7 teachers and students leverage Microsoft tools to create, collaborate and grow as learners!” added Cox.
Nine EHS Students Achieve National Merit Scholarship Commend Status
Congratulations to nine outstanding Edwardsville High School students who have achieved the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Commended status!
Out of the 50,000 talented students who took the PSAT/NMSQT tests across the nation last spring, these remarkable individuals have proven their dedication, intelligence, and commitment to academic excellence.
The following students who accomplished this remarkable achievement include (from left to right): Sarah Davis, Cameron Reaka, Kenan Strahm, Houye Huang, Joseph Viox, Maria Linden, Kate Huang, Robert Molina, Alexander Ge.
Construction Update with Alex the Architect – September
Each month, District #7 will provide a construction update on the projects associated with the Bond Referendum with Alex Metzger, the architect for the district.
Lincoln
- The project at Lincoln continues to be on schedule and under budget.
- The demolition of portions of 1941 and 1953 buildings are complete.
- The utility and site grading package for $677,000 to S. Shafer Excavating was approved by the Board of Education at September’s monthly meeting. This will include utility prep for the addition as well as regrading the beginning of digging for the foundation. Additionally, trees between Lincoln and the tennis courts will be removed for the addition to allow for needed space that will benefit students and staff. Any tree removed with a circumference of 36 inches will be milled and utilized in construction projects.
- The addition is still scheduled to be ready for the fall of 2025.
see gallery of photos of Lincoln’s work during September below
Midway
- Package went to bid last week (which was also under budget) for work on mitigating the water around Midway’s building.
- Once approved by the Board of Education in October, work is expected to begin quickly thereafter in late October or November. The work to be done will be earthwork and grading. A new drainage swale will be put in to mitigate water from the building.
- Student activity outside will not be impacted. Students will still have access to the playground and the asphalt.
EHS Commons
- Working towards design development set, which should be available soon.
- Construction is scheduled to begin late August/early September of 2024 with exterior work. Upon the 2024-25 school year’s completion, this will be tied in and connected to the existing commons space. Scheduled to be open for use in the fall of 2025.
Playgrounds
- Project is in initial stages and playgrounds are currently being assessed with a consultant from Cunningham Recreation by looking at the type of play, equipment, surfaces, and accessibility.
Secure Entries
- Secure entry hardware at Liberty Middle School, Cassens Elementary, Goshen Elementary, Midway Elementary, and Worden Elementary is projected for competition for next summer with district funds.
- Edwardsville High School and Leclaire, Glen Carbon, and Woodland elementaries will undergo an interior renovation for secure vestibules. That is expected to be done by the fall of 2024.
- With the design of Lincoln Middle School and the future design of Hamel Elementary, secure vestibules will be incorporated.
- Nelson Elementary and Columbus Elementary will require additional design work.
Hamel Elementary
- Given the scope of work and costs involved, we are continually looking at Hamel to refine and ensure we can complete the project needed.
Unified Sports Ready for Another Successful Year
After a successful 2022-2023 year that included a state champion and lots of fun, Unified Sports in District #7 is excited to welcome new athletes and peers for this year!
Unified Sports consists of flag football, soccer, bowling, dance, bocce, esports, basketball, and track and field. All sports are offered to high school students, and some are offered at the middle school level.
A few of Unified Sports’ highlights from last year include raising $14,000 through the Polar Plunge, Respect Week involvement from all schools within the district, each school in in the district signing up to be a Unified Champion School, hosting the IHSA Unified Basketball Sectional tournament, the creation of Unified Dance, AJ Brewster winning a state title in swimming, and the YAC Bootcamp. YAC Bootcamp is a camp where youth leaders make the trip to Wisconsin from all over Illinois to learn leadership skills, plan National Inclusive Schools Week, and take part in fun bonding experiences like bonfires, laser tag, and swimming.
Unified Sports has several new goals for this school year. First, they want to recertify EHS as a Unified Champion National Banner School. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. Schools need to reapply every four years.
They also hope to help establish metrics at the middle schools so they can apply to be a National Banner School at the end of next school year. Additionally, Unified Sports hopes to incorporate all Madison County high schools during the Unified Field Day. And of course, they hope to continue to grow Unified programming.
Unified Sports is recruiting now for the 2023-24 school year! They are looking for coaches, assistant coaches, students to participate as an athlete or a peer, as well as volunteers and local businesses to help with events.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for or participating in Unified Sports, please contact Unified Sports Athletic Director Kayla Magruder at kmagruder@ecusd7.org. #d7proud
written by Caroline Gates, District #7 PR Intern
Everyone, Every day, Edwardsville T-shirt Campaign Nets More than $3,000
Friday, Sept. 29 was the District’s first Everyone, Every day, Edwardsville t-shirt day and there were plenty of shirts being worn at each school. More than 800 t-shirts were sold during the initial campaign, which generated more than $3,000 that will go back to the schools to support anti-bullying and kindness initiatives. For those still interested in purchasing a shirt, the District will open the store again in October.
Sandy Deal Honored for 45 Years of Keeping Kids Safe
This afternoon, students at Columbus Elementary, along with members of the community, celebrated a true local hero, Sandy Deal, who has been a dedicated crossing guard for an incredible 45 years!
Rain or shine, hot or cold, Sandy has stood at her post, ensuring the safety of students on their way to and from school.
Thank you, Sandy, for your dedication and outstanding service! You are truly a cherished part of the community!
Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy
District #7 has always valued diverse languages and cultures and now we want to celebrate and recognize the many languages spoken within our District #7 boundaries! Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, we will be participating in the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is an award presented at graduation in recognition of attaining a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other languages. It is officially designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma.
This award is a great way to honor and encourage bilingualism and maintenance of home language for our English learner students as well as an extra incentive for our English-speaking students participating in world language studies. The award is available to students of all backgrounds and can be assessed anytime during a student’s high school career.
Based on a student’s level of proficiency in English and their additional language, a student may qualify to receive State Commendation Toward Biliteracy or the State Seal of Biliteracy according to the proficiency information laid out below:
| State Commendation Towards Biliteracy Requirements |
State Seal of Biliteracy Requirements
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English Proficiency (choose one):
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English Proficiency (choose one):
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World Language Proficiency (choose one):
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World Language Proficiency (choose one):
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There are also many postsecondary award benefits to earning the State Seal of Biliteracy, including all Illinois public colleges and universities must accept the State Seal of Biliteracy as equivalent to two years of world language coursework taken during high school for admissions purposes. This document (Albanian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese) provides more detailed information regarding public colleges and universities in Illinois.
EHS Band Takes Top Honors at Metro East Marching Classic
The EHS Marching Tigers was named large school Grand Champion at the 2023 Metro East Marching Classic held Saturday, Sept. 9 in O’Fallon.
Under the direction of directors Ryan Lipscomb and Dean Anderson, the Tigers performed their 2023 show, “Once Upon a Midnight Hour”. That performance also garnered awards for:
- Outstanding Visual Performance
- Outstanding Musical Performance
- Outstanding Percussion
- Outstanding Color Guard
- 1st Place 4A Band
Everyone, Every day, Edwardsville
In District #7, everyone matters. Every day.
The district and its schools are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students can thrive. To further this priority, the district announced its theme for the 2023-24 school year of Everyone, Every day, Edwardsville to staff prior to school starting.
“It builds on our mission and vision statements of each individual student and each individual employee and supporting their growth,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. “The theme also builds on the anti-bullying and harrasment work we have been doing the last few months. We want each student and employee to be treated with kindess and respect – regardless of who they are, their background, or what they believe in.”
As Shelton and other district leaders unpacked that, the thought was that the theme is also something the community could get behind as well.
As a result, the district has launched an Everyone, Every day, Edwardsville t-shirt sales campaign with all proceeds going directly towards anti-bullying and kindness in each of its 13 buildings. The campaign was announced at Monday night’s monthly Board of Education meeting, where all board members wore the shirt.
Why t-shirts?
These shirts are a visible show of commitment to spreading kindness and making it known that every one person matters every day in District #7. By wearing these shirts, we are sending a powerful message that we stand united in promoting positivity and respect to all individuals within our schools.
T-shirt details
Youth size: $12 each
Adult size: $15 each
How you can participate
Beginning today, you can purchase these special shirts by simply visiting our online store at https://stores.inksoft.com/ecusd7/shop/home to place your order.
The store will close at midnight on September 12 and t-shirts will be delivered the following week.
How your support makes a difference
Profits from these t-shirt sales will directly contribute to programs and activities in each of our schools that are designed to prevent bullying and promote kindness throughout the district.
Mark your calendars: Friday, September 29
On this special day (which is also the Friday of Homecoming week), all those who bought a t-shirt are encouraged to wear their Everyone, Every day, Edwardsville t-shirt as a collective symbol of our commitment to kindness, inclusivity, and positive change.
Members of the Board of Education proudly display their shirts.
