A New Year in District 97: Q&A With Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts

Patch asked Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts about the upcoming school year. We wanted to know what's new in District 97, his goals for 2013-14 and how staff prepares to kick off the new year. 

Find Back to School info related to Oak Park and River Forest in Patch's Back to School guide.

Oak Park-River Forest Patch: What's new and/or different in District 97 this year?

Dr. Al Roberts: We engaged in a variety of activities during the summer months that will enhance the school experience for District 97 students and staff. These activities included:

• Upgrading the schoolyards at Hatch, Irving, Mann and Whittier elementary schools.
• Replacing the outdated classroom furniture at Hatch, Lincoln and Mann elementary schools.
• Increasing access to technological resources that will aid teaching and instruction. 
• Improving safety for our entire district family by adding new security measures at our buildings and increasing our coordination and collaboration with local law enforcement.

Patch: What are your goals for the 2013-14 year? What did you learn in 2012-13 that you'll keep in mind when starting the new year?

Roberts: There are several initiatives we are undertaking this year that will help our students become active agents of their learning, get them ready for high school and college, and prepare them to compete in the 21st century workforce. We will be continuing the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and integration of technology across the district. We will be implementing the International Baccalaureate and Project Lead the Way programs at our middle schools. We will also be continuing our work to fulfill our referendum promises and aid the Collaboration for Early Childhood in its efforts to create a comprehensive, integrated early childhood system.

While we are excited about the prospects and opportunities that lie ahead for us, there is a great deal of work we must do to put our students on the path toward success. For example, we must continue to improve communication at all levels so we can make informed decisions that will contribute to the growth and development of our children. We must continue to practice the same sound fiscal management that has been a hallmark of the district for the past decade and will enable us to thrive for years to come. We must continue to provide our staff with the support they need to help the nearly 6,000 young men and women we serve reach their full potential. 

We must continue to identify opportunities for the members of our community to get involved in the educational process because learning does not begin or end at the front doors of a school building. We must also forge ahead with our commitment to work even more closely with the other local governing bodies to build a better tomorrow for the citizens of Oak Park.

Q. How do you prepare yourself and staff for a strong start to the new year?

Roberts: We have had dedicated professionals working throughout the summer months to prepare for a new school year here in District 97. For example, many of our teachers and administrators participated in workshops and training sessions that will contribute to their own growth and development and help our students excel both in and out the classroom.

Our custodial staff has invested a great deal of time, effort and energy into getting our buildings ready for the arrival of our boys and girls. Our educational support staff has completed a variety of tasks to ensure that our faculty, staff and students have everything they will need from the time the first bell rings on August 26, 2013 until the last one rings on June 4, 2014. In addition, our Board of Education has studied a number of critical issues and made important decisions that will provide the district and the families we serve with a road map for success in 2013-2014 and beyond. I am confident this outstanding work will continue at our opening Institute Day on August 22 and extend throughout the year.

In a recent letter I sent to all of our staff members, I asked them to keep the following in mind as they prepare for the school year and for the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

• No new piece of playground equipment, innovative new device, or dynamic new academic program or assessment is or will ever be more valuable than a team of school professionals working toward a common goal. 
• Every employee helps our students grow, develop and thrive. The guidance they offer, the wisdom they impart, and the relationships they establish will have a profound impact on our boys and girls long after they leave District 97.
• All employees play a pivotal role in preparing our students for the future. Each of us helps our youngsters recognize the value of learning; develop a willingness to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves; and realize that stumbling and falling does not equal failure, but rather an opportunity to learn.
• Learning from one another provides all of us (students and staff) with a chance to build broader perspectives; uncover true potential; and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.

I consider myself to be incredibly fortunate to work alongside an extraordinary group of individuals who are committed to the success of our schools and the students we serve. I am also excited to welcome the newest members of our District 97 family, who possess the skills, expertise and passion for education that reflect our tradition of excellence. These dedicated professionals are the champions of our noble profession, the backbone of our proud community and the role models for our future leaders.

Patch: Any last minute advice for parents, students or staff?

Roberts: Enjoy the rest of the summer and return to us on August 26 refreshed, renewed and ready to teach, learn and achieve.

More in Back to School:

• Back to School: District 97 PTO Information
• D90 Superintendent: 'Preparing for a New School Year'
  
• Back to School: Online Deals to Save Parents Money
  
• OPRFHS Increasing Security With New Buzzer System
  
• Backpack Safety Tips for Back to School
  
• What Are the Fees for Oak Park River Forest High School?
  
• COMMENTS: Is the D97 iPad Rollout Coming Too Fast?
  
• District 97 Plans iPad Rollout, Parent Communication
  
• Give Back During Back-to-School Season
  
• Back to School: Census Bureau Facts for the 2013-14 School Year

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