February 25, 2008
Ms. Paula Kennedy
Indian Creek Middle School
425 S. Elm Street
Waterman, IL 60556
Dear Principal Kennedy;
On behalf of Sandy Wilson, Kevin Suchinski, and Mike Bleich, I would like
to express my congratulations and inform you that Indian Creek Middle School
has been approved for Illinois
Horizon School status for one year. Normally, the re-designation process
is a three year commitment, but the visiting team felt that a one year designation
was more appropriate at this time.
The IHSTW team believes that Indian Creek Middle School is a great place for young adolescents. It is clear that the staff, community, and administration fully understands the needs ofthe students and are implementing a number of programs and strategies to meet those needs. In addition, Indian Creek appears to be a central component of the Waterman community and the students who attend ICMS are seen as engaged members ofthe community. Parents indicated that their voices matter and that their input is taken seriously by the administration and the teachers. Any visitor to Indian Creek Middle School would observe its commitment to guide all students to personal and academic success. It envelops its young adolescents with a uniquely nurturing and developmentally-appropriate learning environment and has much to share with other middle-grades educators.
As you recall, the National Forum stresses that selected School to Watch demonstrate excellence in all four of its criteria: academic excellence, social equity, developmental responsiveness, and organizational structures and procedures. Although Indian Creek is truly a great school, the Illinois Horizon School team feels that several overarching concerns merit consideration .
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In the area of curriculum, we believe that ICMS could deepen its commitment to middle school philosophy and practice by moving towards a more consistent implementation of interdisciplinary forms of curricula. Engaging staff in the examination of current research may accelerate efforts along the trajectory towards high performance.
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An additional concern, one that we know you have grappled with over the years, is the schedule. The team felt that ICMS could improve instruction and curriculum by revamping the schedule and lengthening class periods. It is important to note that AIMS would be willing to provide assistance in both of these areas (and I would be especially willing to meet with you and your staff to help you plan more progressive forms of curriculum).
In conclusion, we believe that Indian Creek is doing many great things
for its students and surrounding community. We also believe that, like
any school, there are some things that could be improved.
Ultimately, we would like to schedule another visit around the same time next year, in order to see the kind of changes that have taken place; we will do a full re-designation for the remaining two years. If you have any questions regarding this letter please feel free to contact me at 309-438-3920.
Because of Indian Creek's many achievements, it is deserving of reward and recognition. We are excited to celebrate your success with a special award package. This includes:
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An Illinois Horizon School plaque
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opportunities to present at state and national conferences
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logistical and technical support from the Illinois Horizon School committee to facilitate school visiting
In order to hold a celebration before the school year closes, we would like to have a conversation with you sometime during the next month in order to establish plans. Please contact the AIMS office at 217-333-7104 at your nearest convenience so that we can set up a date and time.
We do thank you and your colleagues, on behalf of the Illinois Horizon School team, for the effort you expended hosting our site visit. You have not only our thanks but our high regard.
Gary Weilbacher
Illinois Horizon Schools
Illinois State University
226 DeGarmo Hall Normal, IL 61790-5330
Illinois Horizon
Schools: Schools To Watch
510 Devonshire Drive Champaign,IL 61820
Ph: 217-333-7104 Fax: 217-333-2440 www.aims.uiuc.edu