Shared Service of Transportation

The Dakota School Board is looking to share services with Freeport School District on transportation. Dakota understands that with change comes concern. To help clarify some of the questions we have listed most of the frequently asked questions in an attempt to answer them the best we can, as of right now. The questions can also be found on the Dakota website. 

http://www.dakota201.com/documents/Comm.to%20parents%20on%20transportation.pdf

Dec. posting

Dear Parents and Guardians and Community Members,

 I wanted to share some additional thoughts on the Common Core standards.  The implementation of Common Core is in full swing in Dakota.  As we work toward implementation there have been many thoughtful conversations between engaged administrators and teachers plotting the course for how best to reflect the new standards in the classroom.  Common Core implementation in Illinois hasn't been without resistance in some corners, but thoughtful communication and presentations about these new expectations goes far to increase understanding. As a district we continue to place information on our website, in our newsletters, on the district facebook page and blog.  These sites can be found at www.dakota201.com.

A recent survey by Scholastic shows that the awareness and support for Common Core among Illinois educators is very strong. The third edition of Primary Sources surveyed more than 20,000 teachers nationwide this summer and the full report is not yet complete, but a preview with some state specific  information is available now at http://www.scholastic.com/primarysources/2013preview/index.htm.

These preliminary results show strong support for and confidence in the Common Core among educators, but also concerns about implementation. Some of the findings include:

·         76 percent of surveyed teachers are enthusiastic about implementing the Common Core.

·         79 percent of surveyed teachers believe the new standards will have a positive impact on student reasoning and critical thinking skills.

·         76 percent believe implementation will be a challenge.

The survey showed teachers are concerned about the availability of high quality instructional materials and also how to best assist students currently working below grade level as well as students with disabilities. 

Please continue to view our website for additional information on the Common Core Standards.  Or you can view more information at the sites listed below:

 

  Illinois State Board of Education:

http://www.isbe.net/common_core/default.htm

Common Core IL, a project of the Core Coalition:

http://commoncoreil.org/real-learning/

Common Core State Standards Initiative:

http://www.corestandards.org/

On Wednesday night Mr. Schiffman will hold an Educational discussion at the Elementary Media Center from 6:00-7:00pm.  His topic for discussion is titled “The increasing Burden on America’s Public School and what is a solution.”  This discussion will be based on the book Schools Can Not Do It Alone by Jamie Vollmer.  On Thursday, the Elementary school will have their Duck Dynasty family reading night event.  You should have registered for this event through the elementary school.  The event will start at 5:45 and go to 7:00pm.  Thank you and we hope that you can join us. 

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dakota High School Pep Band!!! They have been chosen to be the "official pep band" for Friday, November 15th at the IHSA State Volleyball Tournament at Red Bird Arena in Normal, IL!! Congratulations to the Band!!

November blog

Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members,

It is hard to believe that we are at the second quarter of the school year.  The beginning of the school year always brings with it excitement.  This school year as we had hoped began very smoothly.  The smooth beginning is the outcome of significant time spent planning and preparing on the part the teachers, support staff, and building principals.  I would like to thank everyone for their commitment to educating the youth of our community.

 

DCUSD 201 has been making great strides in the area of curriculum.  The vision of the district is to prepare students to make positive contributions in an ever-changing world.  The DCUSD does this in all aspects.  The district prides itself of teaching the whole child.  We focus on the skills that students will need to succeed in college and the work force and also the soft skills (citizenship) they will need to survive in society. 

 

This year we started the school year off with a program called “Rachel’s Challenge.”

Rachel's Challenge is an organization that was started by the family of Rachel Joy Scott. Rachel was the first student killed at the school shooting at Columbine High School in April 1999. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school. Shortly before her death she wrote, "I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go." At Dakota, we would like to carry on Rachel's legacy. There were two assemblies (K-6 and 7-12), as well as training for 100 randomly selected 7-12th graders. This training offered specific ways we can create that positive change at Dakota. There was a community event for all parents and community members to hear about Rachel's Challenge on September 19th, in the high school gym. This challenges students to be kind to each other and to pay it forward.  

 

The DCUSD takes pride in the curriculum that is designed and delivered to each and every student on a daily basis throughout the course of the school year.  The curriculum has been aligned to the Illinois State Standards for Learning; however, as the district continues to move forward on challenging every student to reach an even higher level of learning, there has been an even greater emphasis placed on the National standards.  The new Common Core Standards for learning that were developed are currently being infused into the DCUSD K-12 curriculum. Keep in mind these are just standards, the school district continues to determine the curriculum.  These new standards are raising the bar for our students and educators. Students are having to think more critically and are responsible for coming up with the solutions.  In the past there has been more rote learning (memorization) and teachers providing the answers.   Right now we are aligning our curriculum in the areas of English, Math and Science.  As a Professional Learning Community (PLC), the staff continues to monitor student progress in each curricular area.  Moreover, Grade levels, School Improvement teams, and District –wide curriculum teams have been meeting on a regular basis to redesign each subject are in preparation for the new PARCC assessment that will be required by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).  Please visit the following sites for more information:

  Illinois State Board of Education:

http://www.isbe.net/common_core/default.htm

Common Core IL, a project of the Core Coalition:

http://commoncoreil.org/real-learning/

Common Core State Standards Initiative:

http://www.corestandards.org/

 

The DCUSD utilizes a three step process to measure the learning of the students.  Grant Wiggins and Richard Stiggins are two educators that have summarized this process in the following way.  Essentially, the three step process is simply asking the following questions:  1) What is it that we want our students to know and be able to do?  2) How are we going to know if they are learning what we want them to learn? 3) What are we going to do if they are not learning?  The first step begins with clear measurable targets.  We set a clear challenge for where the students should be in May.  The second step revolves around the assessments.  Our students have taken local benchmarks and also a MAP assessment that measures a student’s progress in the beginning of the school year, the middle of the school year, and the end of the school year.  The teachers will be reviewing student data with the parents at the Nov. Parent/Teacher conferences.  All of this leads to the third and final step where the teachers will either reteach a concept, and/or redesign the question if results indicate that the students didn’t understand a particular standard.  It is not about a grade, it is about what the student has and/or has not learned.

 

The DCUSD 201 continues to educate our student by providing quality and diverse learning opportunities.  I am excited to see the progress that the students continue to make throughout the school year.  Communication is important to the success of our children.  If you have any questions please contact your child’s teacher or building administrator if you have further questions about your child’s education. Please continue to follow our website www.dakota201.com you will also see a link to our facebook page. 

Common Core video

Attached is link to a three minute video discussing the Common core Standards.
http://www.commoncoreworks.org/Page/378

Illinois State report card

The new state school report card has been released today.  If you would like to see the report card go to

http://illinoisreportcard.com/

Common Core Top Ten

Create top ten of Common Core

http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/library/ccss/top_10_poster.pdf

New ISAT Cut Scores

The higher performance levels for the ISAT will result in a sharp drop in the number of students whose 2013 ISAT scores meet or exceed standards. Remember that this decline in performance does not mean that our students know less or are less capable than they were in previous years. It also is not a reflection on teacher performance. Instead, ISBE simply raised the bar to give a better indication of how well students are prepared to meet college and career readiness benchmarks. Learn more about the cuts scores at http://www.isbe.net/hot-topics.htm#cut.

Common Core Information

Did you know that fewer than 40% of Illinois students earn degrees from either a two- or four-year postsecondary institution (http://commoncoreil.org/faq/)? Our schools can and need to do better! Under the new Common Core standards, our students will gain skills, knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to the challenges facing them after graduation. All students deserve to succeed in co...llege and the work force.

The Common Core standards are all about depth over breadth to ensure that our students really know their stuff! With fewer topics to learn in math and English language arts, students will become real pros in the material they do cover.

For relevant resources and stories about how lessons and assignments might look under the new standards, please visit Commmon Core IL at http://commoncoreil.org/resources/

SAVE THE DATE DOE’s annual fundraiser is planned for Saturday, April 13th, at the Lake Summerset Lodge. The DOE helps the district with student and teacher grants, technology for the district, and other needed resources to support the learning of the Dakota Students. There will appetizers, beverages and a silent auction at the event.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the Dakota District Office.

Due to the extreme and deteriorating weather conditions the Dakota School District will be closed Tuesday March 5th. The Dakota Daycare will also be closed.

The High School Band and Choir participated in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest at Stockton High School on Saturday, March 2nd. All together the students participated in 24 events ranging from piano solos to vocal solos/duets to instrumental solos/duets to large choirs. The students had a great day bringing home all Division I and II ratings! Two events earned "Best of the Day" awards in their rooms. They were the 18 member chorale singing "Sun and Moon" from the musical "Miss Saigon" and the 14 member Brass Choir performing "March Valliant".

WE NEED A HOME! A project for a new CHAMPIOSHIP trophy case has been started. PLEASE MAKE A DONATION THROUGH THE DAKOTA ATHLETIC BOOSTERS! Contact the Dakota High School Office for more information.

 

SURVEY

Beginning February 1st and running through March 15th all parents, certified teachers and students in grades 6-12 are asked to participate in a short survey on school climate and learning conditions. The State Board of Education has require...d all Illinois schools to participate in the Illinois 5 Essentials Survey to guide local and state improvement initiatives. The district would appreciate your participation in this initiative by completing the survey. The link can be found on the district website Home page.



https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/

SPORTING NEWS

SPORTING NEWS:
Wrestling: The Boys wrestling team will be wrestling Saturday, Feb. 23 at 11:00, 2:00, and 6:00pm for the State Championship. Tickets will be on sale at the US Cellular Arena in Bloomington ($7). GOOD LUCK WRESTLERS!

Boys Basketball: The Boys Basketball team will be playing Aquin Friday night Feb. 22nd for the Regional Championship at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale at the Dakota HS now until Friday at 3:00pm ($4). GOOD LUCK BBALL PLAYERS!

Today, the Dakota School District went on lockdown as a precautionary measure.  While students were out at recess there were gun shots heard off in the distance.  We decided to bring the students in for their safety and the district went into lockdown.  The Sheriff was called immediately and responded to the situation.  A school reach was sent out at the time of going on lockdown.  A second school reach was sent out after we received an all clear from the Sheriff Department. 

The teachers, administration and staff reacted quickly and appropriately to the situation at hand.  Please discuss with your child tonight that there was no immediate threat to their safety and that we do this because of precautionary measures.

We thank you for your help and cooperation in keeping our students safe and secure. 

Respectfully,

Mike Schiffman

Dakota Superintendent

100th day of school

The first graders celebrated the 100th day of school in several ways:  They stacked 100 pennies, they created a 100 fruit loop necklace and they donated 100 pairs of "NEW" socks to a local good will agency.  Awesome job first graders. 

Dakota Athletic Booster Fundraisers

All U Can Eat Spaghetti Supper

Friday, February 15th from 4:30PM - 7:30PM

Dakota, Illinois

 

The Dakota Athletic Boosters will host an All U Can Eat Spaghetti Supper Friday, February 15th at Dakota High School from 4:30pm - 7:30pm.  The meal will include spaghetti & sauce (meatless sauce available), tossed salad, garlic bread, dessert & drink.  Cost is Free for Kids 3 & Under; $3.00 for kids 4-10; $6 for adults.  There is a home basketball game that night so please use the media center entrance if you are not planning to attend the game.

 

 

 

Moonlight Bowling Party

Saturday, March 2nd   

Registration at 7pm; Bowling starts at 7:30pm

Lakeside Lanes, 13865 Best Road, Durand, IL

 

The Dakota Athletic Boosters will sponsor a Moonlight Bowling Party on Saturday, March 2nd at Lakeside Lanes located at 13865 Best Road, Durand, IL.  Cost  is $35/couple which include 4 games of bowling & shoes.  Teams can be Male/Female, Male/Male, Female/Female.....Lousy Bowlers welcome! Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle opportunities!  Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.  To register, please call 815-449-9010 or email tnlebb@dishmail.net. 

Dakota School District and Dakota Daycare will be closed today Feb. 8th. 

Girls Basketball Regionals

Girls Basketball Regional tickets are on sale in the High School Office.  Tickets will be for sale until Friday at 3pm. 

Thank you

Due to weather the Dakota School District will dismiss today Jan. 30 at 11:00am. Students will not attend afternoon CT. Morning PASS will be dimissed with other students. and will ride home at 11:00. There will be no afternoon PASS. Daycare will remain open until 5:30. All afternoon activities are cancelled.

Dakota School Dist and Daycare closed Jan. 28th

Grandparent's Day with First Grade

On Friday, January 18th 2013 the First Grade celebrated Grandparent's Day. The students sang songs, read poetry, read books, shared a memory box, and most importantly had treats. Thank you to all of the Grandparent's or special friends that were able to attend.

BIG DROP

The Drafting Class did their annual BIG DROP on Jan. 25th.
Drafting 1, 2, 3 Mr. Visel

Scenario:
The United States Army has been covertly supporting a group of freedom fighters in a small South America country by supplying them with ...arms and medical supplies. These supplies were usually delivered to the freedom fighters via top-secret airdrops. These airdrops usually take place at night during a high speed and low altitude operation, known as Operation Big Dump. The army recently discovered a problem with their method of delivery. Upon impact, a large number of the supplies were breaking due to the high speed of impact at which the supplies impacted the ground. They also discovered a problem with the supplies landing upside down. The army needs to develop a working model that illustrates directional control and an impact absorption system for the delivery. The Army needs these problems fixed as soon as possible, before the freedom fighters run out of supplies. Knowing that you are the top design team within the department, the Army has come to you for a solution.

Objectives:
- At the conclusion of this activity, your team will demonstrate the understanding of a design process by submitting your
4 sketches, a detailed drawing, a written description, an evaluation page, working model, and Grade Sheet
- To provide damage protection for the cargo when tested and stay within the constraints of the Army budget for supplies.

Materials:
- Materials not accepted – cardboard, wood, sponges, bubble wrap, water, sawdust, Styrofoam, popcorn packaging, parachutes or very large amounts of something (like a cupful). (***no more than 4 pieces/parts of any item***) All materials need to be preapproved.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Dakota Elementary School earned the State of Illinois Academic Excellence Award! 454 schools earned the Academic Excellence Award for 2012. To earn the award the school must meet the following criteria: Make Adequate Yearly Progress ...in 2011 and 2012; 90% of students must have met or exceeded state standards in both reading and math for three years in a row. Congratulations to all of the students, parents, administration, faculty and staff!

INDIAN PRIDE

The Junior High Student Council raised over three hundred dollars for a young boy whose family has a lot of medical expenses. They sold suckers to help raise the money. Dakota students are more than just about academics and athletics, they are about character! INDIAN PRIDE at its finest.

Community Financial Planning Meeting

Financial Planning Meeting

Dakota School District Superintendent Mike Schiffman will be holding a Financial Planning meeting on January 16th at 7:00pm, in the Elementary Gymnasium.  Mr. Schiffman will be discussing the financial issues facing the Dakota School District.  He will discuss the financial process of the District, facts and data, financial trends and projections.  Please feel free to attend this community financial meeting on January 16th.