LM Feb.2021_lo

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Negron ... cont’d. Throughout his educational career, Negron has focused on addressing inequities and improving bilingual programs in his district, as well as at the regional and state levels. Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview #89 has become a leader in offering a variety of language support services to meet the needs of second language learners. The district incentivizes teachers to get their EL endorsement by offering reimbursements and hosts “Spanish survival” classes to help educators better understand Spanish and to communicate with their families. In addition, the district sends out communications in Spanish and English, as well as hosts Parent Universities to help families lacking computer access and digital skills. The pandemic has also forced the district to take on an even greater role supporting families. More than 20 school district leaders have visited Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview #89 in recent years to learn more about how to become a dual language district and better support EL students. “We feel our district is a hidden jewel in the state when it comes to dual language programs,” Negron said. Negron has also tried to elevate the profession by mentoring young superintendents and serving on state boards and commissions. He currently serves on ISBE’s Diverse and Learner Ready Teachers Network, which was instrumental in drafting the recently released Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards. Furthermore, he is a member of the state’s Professional Review Panel, the IASA COVID-19 Transition Team and the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Funk ... cont’d.

a huge need in our area for kids to have beds. Kids may be sharing a bed with a sibling, sleeping on the couch, cushions on the floor, a beanbag or even a piece of plywood. When you deliver the bed and then see the kids’ faces, they have huge smiles and are so excited. Western CUSD #12 has been home to two therapy dogs since the fall, a bernedoodle that lives with Funk and a golden retriever that lives with a guidance counselor. The simple interaction with a dog can brighten a student’s day and de-escalate situations. In addition, Funk noted, the two dogs have brought joy to the district at a time when so many families’ lives have been upended by the pandemic. “During COVID, it just feels like you’re taking so many things away from kids, so bringing in the dogs has been a really nice addition,” she said. “They have been very welcomed by the kids and embraced by the parents. It’s amazing to see how a kid’s attitude can completely change when they see one of the dogs.” Funk has shared with other superintendents about the cost associated with dogs and the training needed to be a handler. Lastly, before the pandemic hit, Western CUSD #12 began to work with other districts as part of a RISE grant to utilize distance learning technology to save money and provide students with opportunities to take classes in subjects not offered in the district. The pandemic, and rise in remote learning, has opened Funk’s eyes to new opportunities and ways to educate students. “We might only have four kids in upper level math and someone else might not have a math teacher for that course. We could partner together and offer the class to students in both districts. The possibilities are endless.”

19 LM February 2021