Insight 28

In 2026, construction is up at all Northbrook School District 28 schools thanks to our community’s support of a $94.9 million referendum last spring. We have branded this construction our Build 28 initiative. In the fourth Insight 28 episode of the 25-26 school year, Host Dr. Jason Pearson, Superintendent of Schools, sits down for a discussion with Dr. Scott Meek, Northbrook Junior High Principal,...

In 2026, construction will be ramping up at all Northbrook School District 28 schools thanks to our community’s support of a $94.9 million referendum last spring. We have branded this construction our Build 28 initiative. In the third Insight 28 episode of the 25-26 school year, Host Dr. Jason Pearson, Superintendent of Schools, sits down for a discussion with Maria Eck, Westmoor Principal and Hea...

This is a particularly exciting year in Northbrook School District 28 as we kick off construction at all of our schools thanks to our community’s support of a $94.9 million referendum last spring. We have branded this construction our Build 28 initiative. To keep you informed about the projects, each podcast this year will focus on what is happening at our four schools.  In the second episode of t...

This is a particularly exciting year in Northbrook School District 28 as we kick off construction at all of our schools thanks to our community’s support of a $94.9 million referendum last spring. We have branded this construction our Build 28 initiative. To keep you informed about the projects, each podcast this year will focus on what is happening at our four schools.  The first construction pro...

What is social-emotional learning, and why is it important?  Host Dr. Jason Pearson, superintendent of schools, explores how and why the district has been focusing on plans to improve SEL over the past two years. You will hear from students and educators as we try to paint a picture of how the district is building belonging for students and staff,  developing social skills and supporting emotional...

Dr. Jason Pearson chats with Chief School Business Official Jessica Donato and Director of Buildings and Grounds Joel Gallegos about the building issues, renovations, and additions that are in the $94.9 million referendum plans. #d28referendum More about Northbrook District 28 Northbrook School District 28 is a distinguished PK-8 school district located approximately 20 miles northwest of Chicago,...

Today we’re talking with Northbrook Junior High Principal Dr. Scott Meek  and Greenbriar Principal Dr. Ginny Hiltz about their recent Family Engagement presentation on what is currently number 1 on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list, “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt.  This book has resonated with parents around the world and certainly here in Northbrook. Given the high interes...

Welcome back to Season 2 of Insight 28! Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Pearson talks with Chief School Business Official Jessica Donato and two leaders of the community committee Building Tomorrow Together, Tamara Reese and Steve Szumokski. This episode will cover how the district determined the extent of building needs, funding issues and how the Board of Education involved the community in...

The 5th-grade musical in District 28 is a rite of passage, and parents and students alike reflect on it for a long time. In this episode, Dr. Pearson visits with each music teacher to talk about why it is an important component of the 5th-grade experience. You'll also hear students' perspectives. So let's have a little fun and experience what it's like to be on stage, what&apos...

In celebration of National Library Week, Westmoor Librarian Tara LaCerra and her assistant Kim Burnson, organized a school-wide writing project. Over the course of a few days, each K-5 class added a sentence based on the previous sentence to build “More to the Story: A Westmoor Tale in 18 parts.” It stars a central figure at Westmoor, head custodian Matt Kritzberg.  “They (students) were really th...

When the district implemented a one-to-one learning environment that provided iPads to all grades K-8, the goal was to ensure that technology was used to engage, enhance and extend student learning. This initiative is modeled after a framework developed by Liz Kolb, called “Learning First, Technology Second.” There are some pretty cool things going on in the classroom that we are excited to share...

If you think school science fairs are little more than exploding volcanoes, listen in as students talk about their projects and how they implemented the scientific method of research. NBJH Science teacher Amber Paull shares what goes into these semester-long projects where Gold Award winners advance to the Illinois Junior Academy of Science regional competition on March 4th. More about Northbrook...

Listen as Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kris Raitzer, Director of Learning Michelle Jackson, Rebecca Stowell, a math interventionist and Nikki Penherski, our junior high instructional coach explain our change in instructional practice, then listen as we visit some classrooms and talk to students and teachers who are excited about math! More about Northbrook District 28 Northbrook School District 28...

Students meeting in ‘Packs’ and flashing hand signs in the hallways? It’s all part of Greenbriar School’s efforts to build community and belonging. Listen in as Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson discusses the program with Principal Dr. Ginny Hiltz, School Psychologist Greta Montagano and Social Worker Meghan Dames. During once-a-month meetings, the whole school is divided into small groups comprise...

Northbrook District 28 Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson talks with adults and students involved in the Northbrook Junior High  Community Art Club. NBJH art teacher Mark Hay collaborated with art therapist Mignon Dupepe of Twist Out Cancer to develop and lead a non-clinical after-school experience that emphasizes empathy, love, connection, healing and rebuilding community in a post-COVID year. The...