Spotlight

Dunlap High School Pilots Online Co-Op Classes

 Last year Dunlap High School decided they needed to “raise the bar” for their students, to make sure they would be prepared for their future endeavors. One of the ways they chose to do that was to offer online classes.
This year Dunlap High School piloted an online Co-op class using a web-based program called Haiku.

Starting with a Co-op class was the logical selection, given many of the Co-op students attend school a few hours per day and spend the majority of their time at their place of employment. Giving those students an online class allowed them the freedom to work on the class at their convenience. The Haiku Learning System was chosen by the Building Leadership Team after researching several online options. For the price, it seemed extremely user-friendly for both educators and students. Dunlap also liked the fact that teachers use their own curriculum and upload all of their own materials to Haiku. The process is very easy and little training was needed for teachers or students. Teacher notes are online and students complete/submit assignments to the teacher’s online inbox. 

Technically, the Co-op class is considered a hybrid class because the students must come to class Tuesdays/Thursdays. These days are used for assessments, cooperative learning, peer interaction, and teacher assistance. Dunlap felt that at the high school level, the teacher and peer interaction continued to be a critical part of student development. “I am enjoying the new online class with all its freedoms. The class allows us to go through the notes at our own pace, turn our homework in online, and to work ahead if we wish,” said senior, Caroline Hartmann. 

Dunlap is expanding learning outside of the classroom walls and hopefully enriching the learning experience for their students by preparing them for their next level of education, whether that is at a college or on the job. Dunlap senior, Nicole Gudat shared, “I like how the class is more independent than a regular high school class. Since I am a senior, it is a nice transition into the college feel. Most colleges and universities offer classes online and work through online programs. Haiku is nice to have as a resource.” The Dunlap Community School District strives to empower students to excel in a global society and by offering online learning, they are reinforcing that mission.
(Respectfully submitted by Katie Jansen,
Business Teacher, Dunlap High School)

Elmwood Quilt Project Benefits Children's Hospital of Illinois

Elizabeth Bontz teaches a Fashion Design class at Elmwood High School
and for the past two years her class has constructed and donated quilts to
the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. This year was especially important
since one of their students received cancer treatment for a large part of the
2010-2011 school year.

After receiving an anonymous donation, the students were able to
hand-deliver the quilts to the Children’s Hospital for the first time, in
November. Their visit was featured in Peoria’s Journal Star. Ms.
Bontz said, “It’s important to give back community service.” After
delivering the quilts, the group was given a tour of the critical care floor.
The hospital goes through lots of blankets and welcomes donations of
any size. Their goal is for every child that comes through the Children’s
Hospital to leave with their own personal blanket. Thanks to these
Elmwood students for helping to make that possible!
(Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Bontz,
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Elmwood High School)