FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
June 8, 2020
Dear Parents and Community Members,
In the words of Martin Luther King, "We will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."
I write to you to address events taking place in our country and their implications for our schools. As a community leader I cannot help but reflect on what this means for our community. This is a time for all educators and school systems to reflect upon and act regarding issues of equity and racism.
I am proud of the work of the Medinah School District over the last several years regarding social and emotional learning. I believe that our focus on Medinah Chooses Kind has had a positive impact on our students and families. Our district motto is "Every Student, Every Day" and we do our best to live up to that challenge. The District has adopted the following Mission Statement and Core Beliefs:
MISSION STATEMENT
Sharing responsibility with families and community, we will develop lifelong learners by providing a high quality education for every student, every day.
CORE BELIEFS
1. Children are inherently curious.
2. All children can learn.
3. The motivation to learn is discouraged by failure.
4. Children learn in a variety of ways.
5. Children demonstrate what they know in a variety of ways.
6. Students learn from their peers.
7. Learning empowers people.
8. Learning is a lifelong process for staff and students.
9. Each individual deserves respect and has dignity.
10. All children have the right to be educated in a safe and healthy environment.
11. It is important to recognize the emotional and physical needs of students.
12. Education is a shared responsibility among student, family, school, and community.
13. Education of the child is our highest priority.
Current events challenge us on these issues. We need to reflect to ensure that our actions match our words.
The Medinah School District must stand as a beacon of hope, anti-racism and educational opportunity for all of our students and their families. We must commit to ensuring that our schools are a haven for all where they find safety, tolerance and inclusion. We must commit to holding each other accountable for the learning environment and experiences we provide our students. We must reflect on our past practice and focus on how we can address these issues going forward.
You have my commitment that this work will be a priority over the next few weeks and months, and will be part of our plans for moving forward.
Respectfully,
John K. Butts, Superintendent
HAPPY RETIREMENT
PAT GERDISCH
# years teaching: 20 1/2
# years doing supervision: 1 1/2
# years total in district: 22 years
Most Memorable Moment:
I don't know if I could pinpoint just one particular moment that stands out as there have been so many. A few that do stand out: I remember all the staff being so scared on 9/11 but all coming together to support one another and make all students and staff feel safe. A great memory is how a parent has thanked me for helping their child learn how to read. This event happened so many times, always rewarding and making me feel like a made a difference. My final thought on this subject is how all of Medinah staff and administration pull together in all kinds of events from tragedy to treasure.
Advice: I would tell anyone starting at Medinah that they are joining a real "team" school and that people will always help no matter what the situation.
Starting Day: I will probably be taking my dog for his usual morning walk and having my coffee afterwards and just enjoying the day.
Potential Snow Day: Out helping my husband clear the snow from the driveway and sidewalks.
I love to shovel snow, good exercise!
Future Plans: Hopefully lots of travel whenever we feel like it and some volunteer work.
Special Quote: "That's not what I thought was going to happened" a little 1st grade boy said that after rolling in the mud and being sent to the office to change clothes. (He thought he'd get sent home). It always makes me laugh because isn't that really how life is? Expect the unexpected.
Finally I just want to say I've enjoyed working in Medinah and have made so many life long friends. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything!
eaRLY CHILDHOOD
Medinah School District #11 Early Childhood Department offers the following services for children ages 3-5:
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)Partnering to Achieve Literacy Success (PALS)Preschool Program
2019-20 Developmental Screening Brochure - Spanish