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
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.”
Local News
Here’s the skinny: Trimmed-down Lawrence helps Oak Lawn top Evergreen
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn senior basketball player Davion Lawrence is 45 pounds lighter than he was last season, but insists his eating habits are the same. He has, however, changed up his training habits. Heading into football last fall, Lawrence and a few fellow seniors wanted to get in the…
College Report: McAuley grad Swiatek plays hero for St. Francis
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Hannah Swiatek comes off the bench for the University of St. Francis and is averaging 3.1 points per game. But when called on for the biggest shot of her college career, the 5-foot-8 junior guard from Oak Lawn delivered. Swiatek scored the winning basket in a wild 99-97…
Evans, Adams lead Argo past Shepard on Alumni Night
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Corrspondent Argo’s Davonte Evans and Will Adams both knew it was just a matter of time before the Argonauts would find a way to beat Shepard. That time came in the third quarter of a South Suburban Red matchup, when Argo outscored Shepard en rout to a 61-52 on Jan.…
Cruz booted from SD 229 school board in Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Dermot Connolly There is a vacancy on the Oak Lawn Community High School District 229 School Board, after members voted 6-1 last week to remove Robert Cruz for allegedly violating his oath of office, school board policy and state statutes. Cruz, a property developer, was elected to the District 229 board in…
Tax exemptions will be automatic, Kaegi says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. The Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year. If a homeowner received any of these five exemptions…
Oak Lawn officials rip governor, legislators over crime
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Two Oak Lawn officials are calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and local legislators to re-evaluate a police reform law that they say has resulted in a rise in crime. Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) served as mayor pro-tem during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night in place of Mayor Terry Vorderer,…
Troop 1441 Scout earns Eagle rank
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A journey that began years ago for Adrian Ayala recently culminated in Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Ayala, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 (sponsored by the St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society) was honored at an Eagle ceremony at Duggan Hall on Jan. 13. The Eagle rank…
Neighbors
Oak Lawn Fourth of July festivities
Spread the loveCelebrate Independence Day at the Village of Oak Lawn’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29! This cherished community event brings together families, friends, and neighbors to honor the spirit of freedom and patriotism. Parade will step off at 95th Street and Lacrosse and head west on 95th…
District 230 names Director of Safety and Security
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education approved Dr. Mary Pat Carr as the district’s first Director of Security. She will move from her current position as Assistant Principal of Activities at Stagg High School to the Administrative Center on July 1. Her duties as Director of Safety…
Worth Public Library kicks off summer reading program
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Patrons at the Worth Public Library welcomed in the summer season earlier this month. The library, 6917 W. 111th St., hosted its annual celebration on June 1 to bring patrons of all ages out to sign up for its summer reading program. “We love any excuse to celebrate reading with…
Fire knocks out Orland’s UFC Gym
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A fire last Thursday afternoon practically destroyed an Orland Park gym and knocked out neighboring businesses, as well. Orland Park firefighters received a call at 2:31 p.m. June 20 for a reported fire in the UFC Gym located at 66 Orland Square Drive Unit C. Multiple 911 calls were received for a…
Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Bonnar retires
Spread the loveStarted his 50-year career as Orland Park cadet By Dermot Connolly Chicago Ridge Fire Chief William Bonnar officially announced his retirement from a nearly 50-year career at the June 18 Village Board meeting. Mayor Jack Lind made the announcement “with great regret,” joking that “he doesn’t have the age to retire but he…
Stagg tabs Allee Hernandez to guide girls hoops
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Allee Hernandez has accrued many years of basketball experience as a player and as an assistant coach. She will soon embark on a new experience as a head coach at Stagg, where she will be the Chargers first new head coach in 16 seasons. She succeeds Bill Turner, who…
Shepard’s yearbook wins national recognition
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Shepard High School students have worked tirelessly to create a yearbook for this academic year that was nationally recognized. The high school, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights, was chosen as a Yearbook Excellence Contest recipient from Walsworth Publishing Company, a family-owned printing company based out of Marceline, Missouri.…
Hickory Hills man charged in grandfather’s murder
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam A 32-year-old Hickory Hills man has been charged with first-degree murder in the June 21 death of his 90-year-old grandfather. Dean J. Faulk was charged on June 22 with the June 21 murder of Dean L. Faulk. Police said they responded to a call at 9:45 a.m. June 21 at…
Orland Park Public Library kicks off summer
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Summer is nearly here and the Orland Park Public Library is ready for it. On June 8, the library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., hosted its second annual Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off event themed, Read, Renew, Repeat. “There are multiple interpretations to this theme,” Jackie Boyd, Communications Manager at the Orland…
llinois VFW names Porfirio Senator of the Year
Spread the loveIllinois Veterans of Foreign Wars recently selected state Senator Mike Porfirio as the Senator of the Year. “I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois VFW,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the protections, care and dignity they deserve. This recognition is a testament…