![reporter worth edcamp1 Worth School District 127's EdCamp Unplugged had another successful year with a total of 250 kindergarten through eighth-grade students enrolled in the two-week program, that took place June 13 through June 23, along with employed 47 staff members. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/reporter-worth-edcamp1-1024x768.jpg)
Worth School District 127's EdCamp Unplugged had another successful year with a total of 250 kindergarten through eighth-grade students enrolled in the two-week program, that took place June 13 through June 23, along with employed 47 staff members. (Supplied photos)
Students enjoy EdCamp Unplugged at Worth School District 127
![Students enjoy EdCamp Unplugged at Worth School District 127 1 reporter worth edcamp3](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/reporter-worth-edcamp3-768x1024.jpg)
Worth School District 127 Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Linda Esposito (center), with EdCamp students Antonio Raices, 10, of Worth, and DaJah Rayford, 12, of Worth.
By Kelly White
Worth School District 127 has revamped its traditional summer school program, making it more fun, engaging and accessible for all of its students and staff members.
Previously, summer school was a remedial program offered to a select group of students. Three years ago, teachers were invited to participate in the rebranding of the district’s summer school program, called the Extreme Makeover: Summer School Edition. The new program served as a dual-purpose: offering fun and engaging learning activities for students, and offering job-embedded professional learning for staff.
“Our goal was to set the standard for a summer school program that all students would want to attend and other schools would want to emulate,” Linda Esposito, Worth School District 127 Director of Curriculum and Instruction, said.
This was no longer a remedial summer school because all students would be invited to participate. Students entering kindergarten were also invited to attend, something that was not permitted in the past.
Educational consultants, along with district leadership, planned lessons and professional learning opportunities based on the unique needs of the students and the district staff, and all staff had the opportunity to learn from the consultants and expert guest teachers as they received professional development training, planning guidance, coaching during the lessons, and time together each day to reflect and debrief.
“Teachers have described the experience as life-changing, rejuvenating, heart-warming and unbelievable learning,” Esposito said.
In addition to pay, staff members participating in the program earn PD hours that are required for license renewal.
In the district’s first session in 2021, officials were excited to have 150 students enroll and 25 staff members willing to take a risk and try something new. Because the camp was all hands-on with no electronics or technology, the name was cleverly changed to, Ed-Camp Unplugged.
This year, a total of 250 kindergarten through eighth-grade students enrolled in the two-week program, that took place June 13 through June 23, along with employed 47 staff members.
“EdCamp is uniquely designed to meet the needs of our students and staff,” Esposito said. “We look at district-wide data to choose an area of focus for learning in math and literacy. Then we plan activities using curriculum and resources that teachers use in their classrooms on a daily basis. Our overall goals for teacher learning are based on our school improvement plans for the upcoming school year.”
Additionally, EdCamp unites the students and staff from all three schools (Worth Elementary, Worthwoods and Worth Junior High) in one location.
“Teachers that may not know each other all that well have the opportunity to work and learn together,” Esposito said. “Even though students go to three different schools, they are all part of one district and one community. Administrators from all buildings, the superintendent, district level administrators, and community members, including the mayor, police chief, deputy police chief, school resource officer, and our therapy dog, Pawfficer Louie, can all be seen interacting with kids during the two weeks of EdCamp.”
Teaching the camp were three consultants that have been with the district since 2021 who traveled from Washington, North Carolina, and Florida to lead the program and professional development, along with nine expert teachers coming to us from across Illinois, Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.
A typical day in EdCamp begins with students entering the school and heading straight to the gym where they sit down with friends and staff and engage in math and literacy games and activities. The games are followed by singing EdCamp songs, clapping, smiling, laughing, and dancing.
After this community time, students head off to their classrooms for lessons in math and literacy. Students are given voice and choice and are encouraged to engage in conversation and help one another.
“We live by the RAMPS motto — Risk Attitude Mistakes Perseverance Support,” Esposito said. “Be willing to take a Risk and try something new. Have a positive, ‘I can do this’ attitude and that it’s ok to make mistakes — that’s how we learn. Show perseverance, never give up and help support the learning of others by asking questions and offering help if needed. At the end of the day, all students and staff return to the gym for a quick recap of the day and more singing, clapping, smiling, laughing, and dancing.”
At the end of camp each summer, there is a parent night so students have the opportunity to share their learning with their families.
Students, including Worthwoods student and rising fifth-grader, William Hopper III, said camp has been their favorite part of the summer season so far.
“I was feeling nervous on the first day, but now I feel good,” William, 9, of Worth, said. “This was only two weeks long and I learned so much. All students should come to EdCamp because it is fun, and you’ll learn more than you’ll ever know.”
![Students enjoy EdCamp Unplugged at Worth School District 127 2 reporter worth edcamp2](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/reporter-worth-edcamp2-1024x768.jpg)
Worth School District 127’s EdCamp Unplugged had another successful year with a total of 250 kindergarten through eighth-grade students enrolled in the two-week program, that took place June 13 through June 23, along with employed 47 staff members.
Local News
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Setting the standard: Sandburg seniors show underclassmen how it’s done
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Erin O’Connor has a nose for the ball. The determination of O’Connor was demonstrated on one play midway through the second quarter in Sandburg’s 46-45 win over Lockport on Jan. 27. The Eagles had just missed a shot and the ball looked to be going out of bounds. But…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
A long time coming: Oak Lawn wins first conference title in 39 years
Spread the loveBy Steve Millar Correspondent After a 39-year wait and some near-misses in recent seasons, Oak Lawn is finally bringing home a conference championship. The Spartans sealed their first South Suburban Red title, and first conference championship of any kind since winning the SICA West in 1982-83, by pulling out a dramatic 48-45 road…
![joanhadac Joan Hadac](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/joanhadac.jpg)
Trying to see the sunny side of life
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Hi everyone. I hope you’re doing well. Coming up is one of my favorite months, and it’s not for the reason you think. Yes, Valentine’s Day is special, but I like the fact that I see more sun, more daylight…
![CRRNH_NewmanStarbucksUnion_012622 CRRNH_NewmanStarbucksUnion_012622](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CRRNH_NewmanStarbucksUnion_012622-1024x768.jpeg)
Newman backs Starbucks unionization
Spread the love U.S. Rep Marie Newman (D-3rd) recently stood with those who support unionization of Starbucks workers, outside its shop in nearby La Grange. She called unionization “the moral, correct and right thing to do.” Workers are attempting to organize under the banner of Chicago and Midwest Joint Board, Workers United, an affiliate of the…
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
A new look for an old friend
Spread the loveBy Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., is finally open. I visited on their re-opening day. The library has a more open and airy feel. It is fresh and clean. The walls have been painted and there is new carpeting. The…
![KarenSala2021 Karen Sala](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/KarenSala2021-768x1024.jpeg)
So long, and see you around
Spread the loveBy Karen Sala Your correspondent in Gage Park (773) 471-1429 • karen.sala@hotmail.com Baby, it’s cold outside. It’s almost the end of January. I am so ready. I can’t wait for spring to get here. The only good thing about winter is when it’s over. However, I do like cooking and baking in the winter.…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
It truly is a small world
Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 I have been attending St Rita Church for many years now. In that time, I have come to know many people who are now or have been a part of the parish. Some I knew because…
![MaryStanek Mary Stanek](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MaryStanek-1-768x1024.jpg)
Jobs opportunities abound
Spread the loveBy Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394 “Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, it’s off to work we go…it ain’t no trick to get rich quick,” as the dwarfs sang in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. If you are looking for employment, there seems to…
![CPD Chicago Police Department](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2013-04-02-at-3.28.02-PM.png)
Clearing carjacker/kidnapper still at large
Spread the loveSenior citizen forced into her own car, loses $1,200 By Tim Hadac More than three weeks after an elderly woman was carjacked and kidnapped in Clearing, police have not made an arrest in the case. The crime occurred at about 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day. A 75-year-old Clearing woman was clearing snow…
![dvn lyons mountain climber mask Stephan Alheim wears a mask that helps him prepare for the high altitudes during his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. (Photos by Steve Metsch)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/dvn-lyons-mountain-climber-mask-996x1024.jpg)
Lyons man is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch While you’re reading this story, Lyons resident Stephan Alheim will be busy climbing the tallest mountain in Africa. Alheim is one of 10 adventurers who this week are climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 19,341 feet tall. They started climbing Jan. 23 and are expected to reach…
Neighbors
![dvn 6-24-24 Alan_Morales Alan Morales](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-24-24-Alan_Morales.jpg)
Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…
![MaryStanek Mary Stanek](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MaryStanek-768x1024.jpg)
Fourth of July not happy for everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…
![NAEHER Alyssa Naeher clears a ball at North Carolina on June 23 in a 3-1 Red Stars loss. IMAGN photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NAEHER-1024x712.jpg)
Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…
![Dana RETTKE Dana Rettke, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RETTKE.jpg)
Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…
![dvn 6-16-24 Hadi Isbaih Hadi Isbaih](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-16-24-Hadi-Isbaih.jpg)
Palos Heights tax preparer convicted of Covid-relief fraud
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A Palos Heights tax preparer who operates a business in Bridgeview has been convicted on federal charges for fraudulently assisting customers in obtaining loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on June 10 convicted Hadi Isbaih, 42, on all…