1050 S. Fourth Ave., Suite 200, Morton, IL 61550 (309) 263-2581
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   May 2008
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   Latest News

Students, Parents and Staff:
Click here for a free trial of World Book Online!

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Click here for information concerning Student Drug Testing Program for Extra-Curricular Activities - Morton High School

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Accolades
During the school year, the district Accolades program recognizes and thanks individuals who make our district outstanding. Each month a different group is identified for recognition. Throughout May, please submit Accolades  recognizing the retirees, administrators and substitutes of District 709. Comments will appear the following month. Read April comments recognizing volunteers and parents.

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Accelerated Reader
All Morton District elementary schools and the junior high are now using a new web-based Accelerated Reader program. The following links will help parents become acquainted with the program.
AR - Elementary Parent Letter
AR - MJHS Parent Letter
AR Log in
AR BookFinder
AR BookFinder offers Quick Search and Advanced Search. The Advanced Search allows you to search based on interest level, book level, topics, subtopics, fiction and nonfiction, and language.
From the Advanced Search, click on "Interest Level" (lower grades K-3, middle grades 4-8, or upper grades 9-12). Click on "2000 point scale." Enter your student's Lexile range reported on the MAP Student Progress Report. Click "Go."  You will receive a customized reading list of AR books.

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The Illinois Learning & Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP) has established a Microsoft purchasing program for all Illinois K-12 teachers, staff, and students.  These are licenses that students, faculty, and staff buy on their own and will personally own forever.  In the past this group would have to pay $499 for Office Professional in local stores.  Through this purchasing program, the same product costs less than $90.  Parents and staff can literally save hundreds of dollars and obtain lifelong learning tools.  All pricing and orders can be found at: http://www.cdwg.com/academic/store.  From the menu on the site, choose K-12, United States, Illinois, Morton Community Unit School District 709, to see the software available.

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- 2007-2008 District Calendar 
- 2008-2009 District Calendar

Dale Nannen Named 2007-2008 Master Potter Award Winner

Mr. Dale Nannen, longtime Morton High School industrial technology teacher, was awarded the third annual Master Potter Excellence in Education Award for 2007-2008. 

 

The Master Potter Award is presented to a faculty member of Morton CUSD 709 based upon outstanding professional and community accomplishments.

 

Fellow teachers commented that Mr. Nannen is “well liked by students, and knows how to inspire students to do their best.  He is the individual, who, when asked, makes things happen.”  Another colleague commented that “Dale is a pleasure to know, and I know that I am a better teacher for having worked with him.”  With a focus on students and a support for other staff, one teacher stated, “We are so thankful to have such a qualified and dedicated professional working in Morton District 709.”

 

Mr. Nannen began his career in 1974 and continued his teaching in industrial technology until his initial retirement in 2006.  He returned in the fall of 2006 to temporarily assume the position of Dean at Morton High School.  He again returned in 2007 to resume his position as industrial technology teacher until the end of 2008.  He received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University, and also received an administrative degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield. 

 

Previous winners of the Master Potter award are Miss Andie Tinnes in 2005-2006 and Miss Missy Garretson in 2006-2007.

 
AWARDS and RECOGNITION

This is the third year for the award and recognition program for district educators.  
 

AWARDS:


The MASTER POTTER EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD will be awarded annually.   All district educators, certified staff and administrators working with students in District Unit 709 are eligible for the award.


The criteria for the Master Potter Excellence in Education Award are:

     

  • The nominee shall display a dedication to students “above and beyond the call of duty.”
  • The nominee shall hold a high standard and high expectation for all students.
  • The nominee shall maintain a high degree of professionalism in dealing with students, parents, and colleagues.

  • The nominee shall show a dedication to his/her professional development. 

RECOGNITION:


The goal of the new recognition program is to thank and recognize deserving individuals in the groups who make our district outstanding.  Each month, a group or groups will be identified for recognition on the website.  All district stakeholders (staff, students, parents, and community members) may enter recognition comments for an individual in the identified group(s).  After the entry period, the comments will be reviewed and posted on the website. 


The individuals in the identified groups will receive some gestures of appreciation at their building and from the district office as well.  We will continue  annual activities for National Education Week in November and Teacher Appreciation Week in May.