News | Washington

How Washington's focus on math will lead to student success

Nov 20, 2024

With the use of playing cards and dice, Washington students are having fun playing numbers games at school. It’s clear from the smiles on their faces that they’re having fun. What they may not realize is that by playing games, they are becoming more proficient at foundational math skills. “It just comes from repetitive practice,” said Washington Math Interventionist Jeanette Bucks. “They don’t realize they’re learning. They just want to win.”

Washington staff, PTO paint playground

Nov 20, 2024

Recess at Washington School just became a little more fun. With no classes scheduled on Oct. 25, the staff scheduled a Community Action Day and achieved a project that was long overdue. Teachers and parents added a splash of color to the school playground. They painted the blacktop with fun and engaging activities such as four-square, bean bag toss, sensory paths, and a track for bicycle riding.

First-time apple event both healthy and fun

Oct 18, 2024

Washington students voted with their teeth when it came time to choose their favorite tasting apples. The choices were simple: green or red. The tasting was part of the Illinois Great Apple Crunch, an initiative of the Illinois Farm to School Network, brought to District 75 schools in October by the D75 Wellness Committee with support from the D75 PTO. The D75 Wellness Committee purchased local apples for the event from Goebbert's Farm & Garden Center.

Devlin to fill Interim principal role at Washington

Jul 30, 2024

A familiar face will step in as interim principal at Washington School during the 2024-25 school year. As out-going Principal Stephanie Drake transitions to an administrative role in District 75, Dr. Gabrielle Devlin, will step away from her position as Teaching and Learning Director to lead Washington School.

Author's message of kindness helps turn D75 readers into empathetic writers

In a special visit to District 75, Children’s author Trudy Ludwig used her book, “The Invisible Boy,” to inspire elementary students to be kind, inclusive and accepting. Then she invited middle school students to continue spreading her message by creating their own picture books.

D75 libraries work together to update book collection

School libraries these days, often called multimedia centers, and are equipped with computers, video screens, art supplies and games. But amidst all the new gadgets and high-tech equipment are books. Shelves and shelves of books.

Jill Unger and Ryan Zak with Dr. Laura Ascenzi Moreno pose near a stack of books.

Bringing a new mindset to assessing dual language students

A teacher slowly crouches next to a young student who just finished reading a short book. The student’s home language is Spanish and he’s just beginning to read English text. The teacher asks, in English, what the book is about. The child looks up, hesitates and tries to find the right words to describe what he has just read. But he struggles to explain what he’s thinking. Gently, she asks him to answer in Spanish. His answer is short, but telling.

D75 teachers collaborate on Zoom Buddy Reading to promote literacy during pandemic

Washington teacher earns National Board Certification

Washington Teacher Earns National Board Certification