Silagh White

Very exciting news!

Food Truck Tuesdays are BACK!!!!! Missed last week - and I'll be ready for this one! Fer SURE!!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CmxmLDZKB/

It's our first food truck Tuesday of the season!! Hope you're ready to come out and not have to worry about making dinner. We have some amazing trucks coming out! Be sure to stop by BAVTS tomorrow night!

DonutNV UNO Taqueria Dinky's Food Trucks Mother truckin tacos & grub Doc's Backyard BBQ MILK TRAINS AND CREAMERIES Hungry Hound Express

Wisdom from Sir Ken Robinson.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW_iY7ujWIO/?igsh=eHg1czBjbDNqYjVz

“The role of a teacher is to facilitate learning. That’s it.” In this clip from his TED Talk How to Escape Education’s Death Valley, Sir Ken Robinson explains how the dominant culture of education has drifted away from teaching and learning… and toward testing. Standardised tests have a place, just as medical tests do. But they’re meant to diagnose, not define. They should support learning, not obstruct it. Instead of cultivating curiosity, imagination, and real understanding, we’ve created a culture of compliance - where children (and teachers) are expected to follow routines instead of explore possibilities. Sir Ken reminds us of something essential: Human life is inherently creative. Education’s role is to awaken that creativity, not standardise it. And it doesn’t have to be the way it is. Change starts when people begin imagining alternatives. 👇 Comment INSPIRE and we’ll send you a FREE MINI-COURSE from Kate Robinson: Imagination, Creativity & Innovation, inspired by her book Imagine if... Creating a Future for Us All with Sir Ken, and built around the ideas they championed together. This mini-course is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to understand human creativity more deeply, in yourself, in your work, and in the world around you and is yours for free in the hope it inspires you.

We need to talk about reducing screen time in schools.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXDDcjIjgFy/?igsh=MWtxNHBuZWhhc2llbA==

Let’s decrease screen time in schools. Do you agree? #principalsofinstagram #teachersofinstagram #school #teachers #teachersofig

I just learned the Illinois Department of Education has anti-bullying policies.

Illinois anti-bullying laws (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7) require all public, charter, and non-sectarian nonpublic schools to implement strict bullying prevention policies. Policies must prohibit bullying, intimidation, and harassment, including cyberbullying, on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, or via electronic means that cause substantial disruption.

Key Legal Requirements and Definitions:
Definition: Bullying is severe or pervasive physical or verbal conduct, including electronic, that harms a student, damages property, or places them in reasonable fear of harm.

Expanded Protections: Policies must address bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics, including race, religion, sexual orientation, physical appearance, homelessness, and academic status.

Parent Notification: Schools must notify parents of all students involved in an alleged incident within 24 hours.
Investigation: Schools must investigate reports within specific timelines, often involving school personnel like counselors or social workers.

Retaliation: Retaliation against anyone reporting bullying is strictly prohibited.

Data Reporting: Schools are required to track bullying data and submit it to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Policy Updates: Schools must review and re-evaluate their bullying policies every two years.

Components of School Policies:
Safe Reporting: Procedures must allow for anonymous reporting.

Interventions: Policies often include restorative measures—non-exclusionary discipline meant to teach interpersonal skills and restore relationships.

Disciplinary Action: Schools must outline consequences for bullying, which can range from counseling to suspension or expulsion.

Where to Find Information:
School Policy: Parents should check their specific school district’s website for the policy, as it is required to be published there.
Legal Aid: Resources are available via Illinois Legal Aid Online.
State Guidance: The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides guidelines on bullying prevention.

Our Commonwealth needs to implement anti-bullying laws.

I'm convinced that Chromebooks in the early grades is not an ineffective learning tool. At the January 28, 2026 BASD School Board meeting, I voted AGAINST the purchase of Chromebooks for students matriculating into Grades K, 5, and 9 for the 2025-2026 school year at a cost not to exceed $1,869,694.35.

I will continue to ask for more reflection on the efficacy and cost of technology in early learning. For your consideration, read today's NYTimes article:

Chromebook Remorse: Tech Backlash at Schools Extends Beyond Phones No more YouTube or video games on school laptops. Textbooks and pencils are back. Some seventh graders say they prefer learning offline.

Grateful for his 40 years of service to public education. Thank you, Dr. Silva!

This show is really good! One more chance to catch it Sunday!