Author Archives: SCarlson

Poetry Cafe

Posted on April 17, 2019 by SCarlson

Willowbrook is celebrating National Poetry Month! Several grade levels have already moved into a poetry writing unit. Teacher Jen Schmidt and Librarian April Eichmiller have created an interactive poetry display outside the library. Students are jotting down small poems and … Continue reading →

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Posted on April 5, 2019 by SCarlson

I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics this week. I joined a few other D30 administrators and teacher leaders. It was intellectually stimulating and reinforced that our math pedagogy and … Continue reading →

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Morning Greeting

Posted on March 19, 2019 by SCarlson

Our teachers work very hard to cultivate safe and joyful classroom communities. It begins by setting expectations, norms, and routines at the start of the school year. Social-emotional skills are taught throughout the year and classroom meetings promote understanding and … Continue reading →

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Student Recognition Breakfast

Posted on March 15, 2019 by SCarlson

The Illinois Principals Association – North Cook Region’s Annual Student Recognition Breakfast is one of my very favorite events of the year. Dr. Brown and I had the opportunity to each bring a 5th grade student to be recognized this … Continue reading →

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Play and Social Thinking in Kindergarten

Posted on March 7, 2019 by SCarlson

When our Kindergarten program shifted to full day, we had the opportunity to re-imagine the school day for our youngest students. Over the past 4 years, our teaching staff created a developmentally-appropriate program that meets the academic, social and emotional … Continue reading →

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Dancing through the decades

Posted on February 26, 2019 by SCarlson

Last Friday, the Willowbrook students and staff celebrated 50 years as a school community. Each grade level was assigned a decade (e.g, 5th grade had the 1960s, 4th grade had the 1970s). Students explored the popular culture, technology, fashion, and … Continue reading →

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A Reading Life

Posted on February 21, 2019 by SCarlson

When parents ask what they can do to support the teaching and learning at school, I think first of the importance of fostering a reading life. A passion for reading is one of the greatest gifts a parent can instill … Continue reading →

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#LoveTeaching2019

Posted on February 15, 2019 by SCarlson

I found myself reflecting on why I love working in the field of education this Valentine’s Day. Of course, it is rewarding to grow the next generation of confident and competent citizens. It provides me with purpose. As one of … Continue reading →

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Hello from Camp Echo

Posted on January 31, 2019 by SCarlson

This week’s polar vortex made it feel like Mrs. Fetzer, Mr. Pablo, and I were working at Camp Echo (the Rebel Alliance’s settlement on the planet of Hoth). I can’t remember a time when we experienced 3 closed school days … Continue reading →

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Attendance Matters

Posted on January 25, 2019 by SCarlson

The Illinois School Code defines a “chronic absence” as 10 percent or more of school days of the most recent academic school year, including absences with and without valid cause (Section 26-2a). Consistent attendance at school is critical to the … Continue reading →

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