district 62 in the spotlight - Des Plaines School District 62

DISTRICT 62 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Apri/2014
Compliments of Community Relations
Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations
[email protected]
The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April4, 2014
Community Key In Dist. 62 Fundraising
Editor, Journal:
On Feb. 21, Des Plaines
Elementary School Dist. 62 .
Foundation Board hosted a
benefit dinner at Cafe la Cave
in Des Plaines.
On behalf of the children in
the Dist. 62 schools, Foundation board members would
like to thank all of the community members, businesses,
local officials, teachers, and
parents who supported this
fundraising effort. The 250 attendees enjoyed a lovely dinner, a silent auction, raffles,
and outstanding entertainment
by the D62s, a band of 12
Dist. 62 employees who had
the crowd on their feet clapping and singing along.
Many thanks to all who
attended, to our volunteers.
and to our major sponsors and
donors--Cafe la Cave, Jeanine
LaCerba of Gigi's Blossoms
and Baskets, Nykiel Design,
Presstech, Brad Stephens;
Mayor of Rosemont, R. C.
Wahl Jewelers of Des Plaines,
the Des Plaines Community Foundation, Oehrlein &
Oehrlein, CPAs, Drs. Jane
Westerhold and Kenneth Cull ,
the Des Plaines Education
Association, Anne Evans,
Arbor Management, Franczek
Radelet, attorneys, Wight and
Company, the VFW of Des
Plaines, Wheels, Inc., Betty
and Brian Murphy, Donna and
Jim Grady, Susan and Steve
Adams, Sharon Lynch, Beryl
Bills, and Maxine and Doug
Hubbard. Thanks to their
generous support, the Foundation raised over $21,000
for our mini-grants and other
programs that benefit children
in grades PreK-8 in Dist. 62
schools.
Dist. 62 Foundation Board
of Trustees
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April 9, 2014
o1e
oo·e
Paralympic Sled Hockey Champion
To Talk Experience With Students
By HEATHER HOLM
Journal & Topics Reporter
Gold medalist and Paralympic athlete Kevin McKee is
scheduled to speak to students
at Algonquin Middle School
next week to inspire them to
follow their dreams.
He will speak to students
from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday,
Apr. 15 in the school library
about how he and his team won
the Gold medal in sled hockey
during the Paralympic games
in Sochi, Russia.
McKee, 24, competed in the
Paralympic games from Mar.
7 to 16 and played against
the Russian team for the Gold
medal.
McKee will explain sled
hockey to students, . a Paralympic sport for people who
have a physical handicap in
the lower part of the body, and
talk about how his disability
did not stop him from believing that he could follow his
dreams. His disability, called
Caudal Regression Syndrome,
means the bottom half of his
spine is deformed and he has
two dislocated hips, which
confines him to a wheelchair
and crutches.
McKee said he hopes to Sled hockey star Kevin McKee shows off his gold medal from the
inspire the students that they Paralympic games in Sochi, Rus sia. McKee will visit Algonquin Middle
can achieve their goals if they School students in Des Plaines this week.
keep working hard.
''I want to tell the kids to
never give up and to not let their
size stop them from achieving
their goals," he said. "I want
to inspire students and show
them that disabled people can
do anything they put their .
(Continued on page 2A)
' Sled Hockey Visit
(Continued from page lA)
minds to."
Kevin also plans to show his
Gold medal and sledding sticks
to those in attendance.
McKee has been playing sled
hockey for about 14 years and
served on the USA National
Team for three years and the
Paralympic team this year.
"This has been a dream of
mine ever since I started playing," he said. "It was a goal
of mine was to make it to the
Paralympics and make it to
the Gold medal game. It was
a great thrill and I hope to do
it again in 2018."
This was the first time McKee competed in the Paralympic
games. "It was a great experience having that bond with
my teammates and achieving
my goal."
Erin Wengerhoff, Algonquin library media specialist
and McKee's cousin, said she
invited him to speak at the
school because she believes
he is a good role model for
students.
"While he was in Sochi, I
educated students on what
the Paralympics are," Erin
explained. "This is a unique
opportunity to hear him speak
and talk to our students."
All Algonquin students are
invited to attend and ask ques.tions. The presentation will
be video recorded as well and
shown in a homeroom period
at a later date for those who
cannot attend, since the presentation is after school hours.
IIKA
www.lean ea.or g
Cinda Kiickna, President
Kathi Griffin, VICe President
AI Llorens, Secretary-Treasurer
Audrey Sog/in, Executive Director
100 East Edwards Street
Springfield, IL 62704·1999
{217) 544.0706 • Fax 217.544.0707
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Charles McBarron
PHONE: 2171321-2213
District 162 teacher receives NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
The Illinois Education Association (lEA) and National Education Association (NEA) will honor a
physical education and health teacher from Community Consolidated School District #62 (Des
Plaines) with an NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.
Anne Beranek, a K-8 physical education and health educator at Iroquois Community School,
was cited for her outstanding contributions to the health of her students, colleagues, parents
and community. She will receive the honor Friday (April 11) at the annual representative
assembly of the lEA, held at the Hilton, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago..
"Anne Beranek is an inspiration to all of us," said lEA President Cinda Klickna. "She has been
a true catalyst in developing programs that help students stay healthy, active and engaged in
school throughout the school day. She has worked directly with parents to encourage healthy
family eating habits. She makes a positive difference in the lives of students every day. We
are proud to present her with this award:
Among many other accomplishments, Beranek was instrumental in creating a school walking
club that includes parents, students and teachers. She is a national board certified teacher
(NBCT), and has held many leadership positions in her local association, the Des Plaines
Education Association. Beranek received a "Lighthouse Award" from District #62 in 2013, and
was previously nominated for a Golden Apple Award and Walt Disney Teacher of the Year.
###
The Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) represents more than 130,000 members throughout
Illinois. lEA membership includes teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty
and staff, graduate assistants, retired education employees and students planning to become teachers.
4/19/2014
Des Plaines in..estors hear business pitches from students- Dail}+ierald.corn
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Article posted : 4 / 1 5/2014 2: 1 7 PM
2014 Section College Columnists
Des Plaines investors hear business pitches
from students
Arti cle
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By Daily Herald staff report
Middle school students from Des Plaines Elementary School District 62 recently pitched
their business ideas to a panel of investors at the Young Entrepreneur Academy's
Investment Panel.
More video s •
''You could take it to a bank and apply for a loan," Barbara Ryan, the Des Plaines Chamber
of Corrmerce executive director, sa id of how well-thought out the business plans were.
The chamber-sponsored YEA program is in
its second year. The students have been
participating in this after-school program
since October.
Through their weekly lessons, and with
the assistance of mentors, they have
learned how to write a business plan and
market their business successfully. They
have visited with successful business
owners and have met with graphic
designers and web developers.
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Des Plaines in\eStOfs hear business pitches from students- Dail~erald.com
411912014
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Teachers, mentors, business hosts, guest
speakers, and CEO advisers are all
volunteers from the chamber. Financial
support for the program comes from the
munity College and Rivers Casino.
business professionals who contributed a
Argus, Des Plaines Comnmity Foundation;
Casino; cartee Drummer, Oakton Cornrrunity
; Bank; Agnes Czerech, vice president and
wandowski, Lewandowski Farrily Foundation;
1
e businesses that the investors felt had a
well thought-out plan and a good chance at success. A total of $6,000 was invested in
the businesses for student expenses to execute their ideas.
Palatine
Rick Saucedo
Ocorty Nel oes
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'The business cornrrunity really blew me away w ith how they responded," Ryan said of
their willingness to devote time and money to the program.
Napervile teacher knows what rrekes students lick
The investors selected one student business to advance to the next level May 8 in Frisco,
Texas -- Joanna Skorupa, owner of Rapid Reek Ridding Rack, a company that makes racks
to dry and refresh sports clothes and gear. The national competition will follow June 11 in
Washington, D.C., with the dev elopers of the top three businesses awarded scholarship
funding in the amounts of $30,000, $25,000 and $20,000.
Boy, 15, recovered lromQyslal Lake pond is dead
Ryan said last year's leading contender at the local level worked with his mentor to patent
the idea, though he's put producing the product, which would be expensive, on hold until
he is older. Some of last year's plans are being implemented, however, she sa id.
For example, a girl who designed a party planning business has produced 12 t o 15 parties,
and a boy has launched an online cherristry tutoring business off his success in the 'You
Be t he Cherrist" competition, even booking some out-of-state clients.
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214
The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, Aprill8, 2014
Science Wizards
..
\
Several Chippewa Middle School students participated in the Regional Science Olympiad Meet at Oakton
Community College. Fifteen students participated in "Meteorology, Anatomy, Rocks and Minerals, Heredity,
Helicopter, Boomilever, Disease Detectives, Experimental Design, Shock Value and Write It/Do It" competitions. Some of the events involved written tests that students completed with a partner. Other events
involved moving between stations completing tasks, and other events involved building something prior to
the meet. The students earned several medals taking third in Meteorology and fourth place in Anatomy.
Donna Turk and Elisabeth Donoghue are the co-sponsors of the club. Participating students are, first row
from left: lan Neumann and Chole White. Second row: Jocelyn Pantoja, Katelyn Weber, Alexis Mitchell, and
Valerie Etzwiler. Back row from left: Angela Dugalic, Ashna Thomas, and Carolina Laureano. Not pictured:
Darius Hong and Yanni Motter.
The Daily Herald, Monday, April21, 2014
Wheaton author wins sta~e
library association award
Submitted by the RAILS
It only seems fitting that
during National Library Week,
the winner of the first Soon
to be Famous Illinois Author
award is a librarian.
Joanne Zienty, a resident
of Wheaton and the library
media specialist at the Forest
School Library in Des Plaines,
was awarded the honor for her
book "The Things We Save" at
an award ceremony April 16
at the Reaching Across Illinois
Library System headquarters
in Burr Ridge.
Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Zienty's first success as a writer
came in fifth grade when
she completed a 70-page
novel, an "homage" to Walter Farley's "Black Stallion" seri~~. Her first play, a
Thanksgiving melodrama, was
produced at her elementary
school. She has been writing
ever since.
J
.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RAILS
oanne Z1enty of Wheaton speaks after being named the winner
of the Soon to be Famous Illinois Author award at a reception
Wedn~sd~y at the ~AILS offices in Burr Ridge. She's a school
llbranan m Des Plames.
Her other passion is working as a librarian, combining
her favorite pastimes: reading,
encouraging others to read,
teaching information literacy
and playing with technology.
"As a writer, participating in
the Soon to Be Famous Author
project has been an incredibly
validating experience," Zienty
said.
Zienty, who was nominated by her school, was one
of three finalists for the prize.
Rick Polad of Carol Stream
was nominated by the Phillips Library at Aurora University for his book "Change of
Address," and Mary Hutchings Reed of Chicago was
nominated for her work
"Warming Up" by the Mount
Prospect Public Library.
The Soon to be Famous
Illinois Author project is the
brainchild of library m arketing professionals who were
inspired after listening to a
presentation by brand expert
and New York University
professor David Vinjamuri,
who spoke at the American
Library Association's 2013
annual conference about
the importance of libraries in the era of e-books and
self-publishing.
He challenged libraries to
wield their collective influence to lift a self-published
author to success to create a
measurable indicator of the
power of libraries and librarians to affect books and reading. Currently, 32 percent of
best-sellers on Amazon are
self-published.
More than 20 librarians
across the state served as
judges of the 103 self-published adult fiction titles
that were nominated. After
a series of eliminations,
the top three authors were
selected and were present at
the RAllS headquarters for
the announcement. Vmjamuri flew in from New York to
introduce the authors and
present the award.·
The Soon to be Famous Illinois Author project is being
coordinated in collaboration
with the Illinois Library Association and Reaching across
Illinois Library System, and
is supported by the American Library Association Digi·
tal Content Working Group,
the Public Library Association
and Illinois Heartland Library
System.
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April23, 2014
Orchard School Fun Fair Friday
Orchard Place Elementary
School Children's Day Fun
Fair will feature games, a
dunk tank, bounce house and
raffle.
The event is slated for 4:30
to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Apr.
25.
Admission fee includes
food and drinks.
The school is located at 2727
Maple St. in Des Plaines.
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April23, 2014
Eggsperts
Head To
Scramble
Hundreds of children of all·
ages gathered in Prairie Lakes
Park in Des Plaines last Saturday to scramble for the 8,000
candy and toy filled eggs at the
annual Des Plaines Park Dist.
Easter Egg Hunt.
The hunt began promptly ·at
l 0 a.m. for the 2 and 3 year
olds, and was followed every 15
minutes for four addi tiona! ag~
divisions, including a special
hunt for teens and adults.
"It is a lightning fast event,"
said Cindy Yelich, Special
Events supervisor. " About
eight kids jumped the gun and
started collecting the eggs before we even reached one on
our countdown," Yelich said.
''Excitement was definitely in
the air!"
This year, in addition to the
traditional toys and treats, 500
of the eggs included a fact about
the history of Des Plaines and
a coupon for two-for-one at
Children ages 4-6 hunted for eggs filled with treats and toys at the annual Des Plaines Park District free
East er Egg Hunt on Apr. 19 at Prairie Lakes Park.
the miniature golf course in
Mountain View Adventure
Center. Six children in the Dist.
62 Central School CHIPs (Children with Higher Learning
Potential) Program, researched
the history of Des Plaines as
part of a Problem Based Learning study unit during the past
several months. The students
collected about 100 facts , 70
of which were selected to be
printed, folded, stuffed into the
Easter eggs, and distributed at
the event.
"We were thrilled to partner
with the students on this project," said Yelich, "and we hope
everyone learns something
new about the history of their
hometown."
"The annual Easter Egg
Hunt has become a favorite
of Des Plaines residents and
their children," said Jennifer
Boys, assistant superintendent
of Recreation.
The weather cooperated
nicely for the outdoor event,
which included a visit from the
Easter Bunny who posed for
photos after the children filled
their baskets with eggs.
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April23, 2014
"Eggsperts Head To Scramble" (Continued)
Malia Charse, 2, found more
than a dozen treat filled eggs
at the annual Des Plaines Park
District Easter Egg Hunt.
Bella, 8; Alia, 6; and Alexis Thoma, 4, have their picture taken with
the Easter Bunny at the annual Des Plaines Park District Easter Egg
hunt on Saturday.
Lorena Zajac, 2, offers her mom
an egg she found at the Des
Plaines Park District annual Easter Egg Hunt on Apr. 19.
The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April25, 2014
Tree Time
Plantings, Activities Mark Earth, Arbor Days
In recognition of Earth
Day (Apr. 22) and Arbor
Day (Apr. 25), several public
events will take place in the
Journal-area including:
• Deep Green, Des Plaines'
environmental and energy
program, in cooperation with
the Des Plaines Park District
presents the seventh annual
EarthDayYouthFairtomorrow
(Saturday). Activities will run
from l to 4 p.m. at the Cumberland Terrace Fieldhouse,
426 S. Warrington Rd., Des
Plaines. Make an earth friendly
craft, plant a bean and take
home a free 12-in. pin, red or
black oak.
tree near the school's outdoor
playground. During the assembly, a group of students
will sing "Green Grass Grows
Around." Mayor Matt Bogusz,
Dist. 62 Supt: Jane Westerhold,
North Principal Howard Coleman and aldermen will be in
attendance for the assembly
and tree planting.
• An Arbor Day ceremony
presented by the Prospect Hts.
Garden Club took place today
(Friday) at lOa.m.AnAmerican
linden tree was to be planted on
park property along Elm Street
north of Camp McDonald. In
addition to a proclamation read
by the city, first graders from
nearby Eisenhower School were
expected to be on hand.
• Mt. Prospect Public Works
planned an Arbor Day tree
• Forest Preserves of Cook
planting ceremony for · 9:15 County presents an "Eco Chala.m. today (Friday) at St. Emily lenge" from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
School, 1400 E. Central Rd. A Sunday, Apr. 27 at River Trail
tree was to be ·p lanted along Nature Center. Individuals or
the Henry Street parkway teams can sign up and compete
north of the St. Emily cam- in a GPS scavenger hunt while
pus. Mayor Arlene Juracek, learning about environmental
village officials, students and issues. Supplies are limited.
• Students at North Elemen- staff from St. Emily planted a The nature center is located
tary School in Des Plaines will Persian ironwood tree in the off Milwaukee Avenue south
attend an assembly to celebrate parkway. Students planned to of River.
Arbor Day today (Friday). The sing songs and poems to comassembly starts at 10 a.m. in the memorate the occasion. Also
school gymnasium. Afterward, helping with the planting were
two students will dig dirt with members of the Garden Club
city officials and plant an oak of Mt. Prospect.
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NEW DIGITAL LEADER CORPS FROM DISCOVERY EDUCATION HELPS SCHOOL SYSTEMS DEVELOP
TEACH ER-LEADERS TO DRIVE THE DIGITAL TRANSITION
- New Professional Development Program Empowers Educa tors to Actively Participate in their District's Digital
Transition -Silver Spring, Md. (April 25, 20 14)- D1scovery Educat1on, the lead ing provider of digital con tent and p ro fessional
development for K-12 classrooms, today announced the launch of the D1g1tal Leade r Corps (DLC). A new professional
development service, the DLC supports school systems as they develop teacher-leaders to serve as change agents
powering their district's digital transition. Under the DLC 's shared leadership model, Discovery Education works
collaboratively with school district partners to develop comprehensive professional learning plans that scale to any size
learning initiative, build a culture of continuous improvement and ultimately, create lasting, systemic change.
The new professional development model builds and nurtures a network of teacher-leaders to design and implement
successful and innovative teaching strategies that can be shared with their peers. Featuring a unique combination of
pro fessional learning, pedagogy and tools, the DLC helps participating educators leam to Integrate educational
technologies and digital media into classroom instruction. A new i nnovation included in the DLC is educator created,
student-centered Learning Labs. In these labs, teachers bring to
l ~e
new teaching strategies, and practice and adapt
their skills in a classroom setting before sharing their successes broadly with the ir colleagues. The DLC program
provides teachers with continuous customized, job-embedded consultation throughout the process with on-going
modeling, coaching and feedback from Discovery Education DLC trainers in the pre-planning, stakeholder
communications and implementation phases.
"As an eany adopter and thought-partner of the Digital Leader Corps, we are very excited to be embarking upon this
systematic change movement in Wake County Public School System," said Dr. Todd Wirt. Assistant Su perintendent of
Academics in Wake County Public School System. · we recognize the importance of having teachers at the forefront of
transformation and we must support our teacher l eaders in gaining the necessary skills to best p repare our students to
be globally compe titive, 21st century citizens."
The DLC utilizes multiple measures of data to evaluate the effectiveness and 1m pact of participants' professio nal
teaming . Through surveys, direct observation, increased use of digital content and tools by teachers and students, and
gains in student achievement, school systems can monitor the impact of the DLC and adjust their efforts as necessary
to achieve desired outcomes.
"The success or failure or any district's d1gital transition is predicated on the preparedness of educators to embrace and
facilitate change," said Scott Kinney, senior vice pre sident, Discovery Education. "We are proud to introduce the Digital
Leader Corps to support school systems nationwide as they empower teachers to play a central role in their digital
transitions.·
Several districts acro ss the U.S .. including Wake County Public School System, Albuquerque Public Schools,
Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Houston Independent School District, Baltimore County Public Schools, Kent
County Public Schools and pes Plaines CQJJsolidated S~Ae91 D.is~ are curre ntly working with Discovery
Education to implement the DLC model within their school systems. These districts have successfully instituted shared
leadership models in their schools , allowing district leaders to focus on other aspects of the digital transition to impact
student achievement more quickly and efficienUy
For more information on Digital Leadership Corps and other Discovery Education services and initiatives. visit
www d•scoveryeducatiOn com
Ab out Discovery Education
D1scovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development fo r K-12.
tran sformi ng teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the
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and i n 50 countries around the w or1d, Discovery Education partners w ith districts, states and like-minded organizations
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academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDA Q : DISCA, DISCS,
DISCK), the n umber one nonfiction med1a company in the worl d. Explo re the futu re of education at
www d1scoveryeducat1on com.
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Des Plaines Park District Pitch, Hit &
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This is a digital town square for TribLocal
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Tribune. Want to contribut e? Click here.
0
. I,
WIS,....
I could QUi-t
St'vlOid ~.
Whel"\ ~ou SMOke
a('our'\d ~OU(' kids, i-t's like
-t~ej a('e sMOki 1"\G;,.
Cell -the
~lir"lois To~cco Gluithr-.e.
I.~.Qui-t'fes
- _____
._...... _____ _
..,...
FROM THE COMMUNI1Y
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Ray Ure gives it his all at the tee and becomes the Overall Champion in the Boys' 11/12 age division
at the April 27 Pitch, Hit & Run Competition at West Park. (Posted By Des Plaines Park District,
Commun1ty Contnbutor I April 28, 2014)
lATEST COMMUNI1Y ARTICLES
Posted By Des Plaines Park District,
Community Contributor
4.·36 p.m. COT, Apri/28, 2014
Eight Million Stron~
The Des Plaines Park District hosted a free Major League
Millions have chosen ,
Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition on April 27 from
noon to 1:300pm at West Park, 651 South Wolf Road. The
Pitch, Hit & Run challenge, presented by Scotts, provides
Life Line Screening
~
{
} -
to help prevent
i@!ij~t.#i
children, ages 7- 14, with an opportunity to compete in an
event that recognizes individual excellence in core
IIOOA AO ?'tC:O
baseball/softball skills. Thirty-five boys and girls
participated. The PITCH portion of the program tests how
accurately a competitor can throw strikes to a "Strike Zone" target from a designated distance
'
(35 feet for the girls' softball division and 45 feet for the boys' baseball division). Each
competitor receives six attempts. The HIT portion of the program tests a competitor's ability to
nf 4
D214 Communi ty
Education's Spring
Travel Talks! sch edul e•
on May 15
Katie Skibbe i s the Nel
Des Plaines Park
District Superintender
of Business
NARI offers design tip!
during May Home
Improvement MonthLighting, mixed use of
cabinetry, wine stor agt
t op kitchen trends in
2014
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hit from a stationary batting tee, along a tape measure from home plate toward centerfield .
Hits are measured for distance and accuracy. Each competitor is allowed three swings in their
PHOTOS FROM THE COMMUNITY
"at bat." The RUN portion or the program measures a competitor's speed in a sprint from
Your photos: Des
Plaines
second base, touching third base and home plate. Participants in the boys' baseball division
run a total of 160 feet; those in the girls' softball division run a total of 120 feet.
Girls and boys were divided into four age groups: 7/8, 9/10, 11 /12, and 13/14. Winners were
recognized in each of the three individual categories, and overall age group champions were
named based on their composite scores. In the Girls' Division, the Overall Champions were :
Ages 7/8: Katelyn Dahl; Ages 9/10: Maggie Gaughan; Ages 11 /12: Annie Gaughan; and Ages
13/14: Maren Garnett. Samantha Parcel will also advance as the running winner in the Girls'
'
,II......
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I
'
13/14 age division.
In the Boys' Division the Overall Champions were: Ages 7/8: Anthony Balow; Ages 9/10 : Mike
O'Conor; Ages 11/12: Ray Ure; and Ages 13/14: Adin Ocasio. In the Boys' 7/8 age division,
Chicago sights
ti
~-:
Mother's Day
Thomas Delany Ill will also advance as the Pitching Winner (lied with Aidan Barlow) and
Perish Smith will advance as the Hitting Winner. In the Boys' 9/10-age division Anthony Jones
will advance as the Running Winner and Jack Muno will advance as the Running Winner in
the 13/14 age division.
Weather photos
All of these winners now advance to the Sectional Competition held on Saturday, May 10 ,
beginning at 9:00am in Norridge Park, 4631 N. Overhill, Norridge, Illinois. Registration begins
at 8 :30am. Participants will again compete in all three elements of the competition with their
scores starting at zero. At this level, the Sectional All-Around Champions become eligible to
advance to the Team Championships, which are held during June in all 30 Major League
Your photos: Pets
Baseball markets. The culmination occurs at the National Finals, held at the 2014 All-Star
Week.
The next free sporting event is the Hershey's Track and Field at Maine West High School,
1755 S. Wolf Road . from 1 :00-4:00pm on May 4. Boys and girls ages nine to fourteen
Backyard wildlife
compete in separate age divisions (9/10; 11 /12; and 13/14 years old) in the 50 meter, 100
meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, and 4x100 relay races ; the standing long jump; and a softball
throw. Participants can enter a total of three events: either two track and one field event or two
field and one track event.
All participants must register by submitting a Hershey's entry form and a Des Plaines Park
District waiver. To register, visit www.DPParks .org and fill out the registration forms under the
Programs and Events/Athletics tab. Online registration deadline is Friday, May 2 at 5:00pm.
For more information about programs, classes, and events at the Des Plaines Park District,
call847-391-5700.
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BM\.Y owner gets the
message
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Chas e replaces m ore
MasterCards,
dis continues ...
Former Hersh ey CEO
pays $2.8M for
Michigan Ave...
Mugs in the news
~ 17/ 14
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"Illinois Author
Project
Cisneros
Hemingway
Brooks
Sandburg
You?
2014 Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Winner Announced
It only seems fittin g that du ring Nat i ona l Library Week (April13-19,
2014) the winner of the first Soon to
be Famous Illinois Au thor Project is
a librarian. Joanne Zienty, a resident of Wheaton, Illinois and the library media specialist at the Forest
School Library in Des Plaines, was
awarded the honor for her book The
Things We Save ot an award ceremony held Wednesday, Apri/16, 2014
at 2pm at the RAILS (Reaching
Across Illinois Libraries) headquarters in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
Born and raised on Chicago's South
Side, Zienty's first success as a
writer came in fifth grade, when she
completed a 70-page novel-an
" homage" to Wal ter Farley's Black
Stallion series. Her first play, a
Thanksgiving melodrama, was produced at her elementary
school. She has been w riting ever
since. Her other passion is working
as a librarian combining her favorite past im es: reading, encouraging others to read, teaching information literacy, and playing w it h
technol ogy. Zienty shared, "As a
writer, participating in the Soon to
Be Famous Au t hor project has been
an incredibly validating experience!~~
The Soon to be Famous Illinois
Author pr oj ect is t he brainchild of library marketing professionals who
were inspired after li stening to a presentation by brand expert and NYU professor David Vinj amuri, who spoke at the American Library Association's 2013 annual conference about the importance of libraries in the era of e-books and self-publishing. He challenged libraries to
wield their collective influence to lift a self-published author to success to create a measurable indicator of t he power of libraries and librarians to affect books and reading. Currently, 32% of bestsellers on Amazon are self-published.
One hundred three self-published adult fi ction tit les were nominated and more than 20 librarians across the state served as j udges. After
a series of eliminations, t he top 3 aut hor s were sel ected and were all present at the RAILS headquarters for the announcement. Vinjamuri
fl ew in from New York to introduce the authors and present the award to t he w inner.
The Soon to be Famous Illinois Author project i s being coordinated in collaboration with the Illinois Library Association (/LA) and Reaching
across Illinois Library System (RAILS) and is supported by the American Library Association Digital Content Working Group, the Public Library
Association (PLA), and Illinois Heartland Library Syst em.
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Illinois
Author
Project
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Thank you to all libraries who nominated authors. The project received 103 nominations. See map at left.
Tribune Coverage - Please read Annemarie Mannion's coverage of t he Soon to be Famous
project in the Chicago Tri bune on January 1 . Remember, ent ries are due January 6.
Illinois libraries hope to discover an unknown, self-published author whose work will j ump
off the page for readers. The Soon to be Famous Illinois Author project is accepting
self-published adult fiction submissions from i llinois residents via their local libraries.
We've uploaded a new, updated author nomination form .
Deadline for submissions is January 6, 2014. The wi nner will be announced
during National Library Week, April 13 to 19, 2014.
Authors please submit your self-published book to your l ocal library
(public, school,academi c, special) before January 6, 2014.
Library staffersplease submit your nominati ons t o [email protected] usi ng the author
Nominations received from these
locations in Illinois.
nomination form.
Librarians we are looking for judges, please email the j udge application form to Julie Starn at
[email protected].
• Click here for a copy of the author nomination form.
• Click here for a copy of the j udge application form.
• Click here to go to the Soon to Famous Facebook page.
• Click here to read t he press release.
• Click here to read FAQs
Promote the Soon to be Famous Illinois Author at your library. Download the 11 x 17 poster.
Questions?
• Sue Wilsey, Niles Public Library, 847-663-6405
• Cris Cigler, Fox River Valley Public Library District , 224-699-5884
• Julie Starn, Eisenhower Public Library District, 708-867-2290
• Donna Fletcher, Donna E. Fletcher Consulting, Inc., 847-432-1972
• Nikki Zimmermann, La Gr ange Public Library, 708-215-3277
• Anita Quinl an, Plainfield Public Li brary, 815-436-6639 ext.240
• Liz Clemmons, Gail Borden Public Library, 847-429-4698
• Denise Ral eigh, Gail Borden Public Library, 847-429-5981
• Jeanne Hamilton, Charleston Public Library, 217-345-4913
.. .or email soon [email protected].
The Soon to be Famous Illinois Author project was inspired by a presentation by brand
expert and NYU professor David Vinjamuri, who spoke about the importance of libraries
i n the era of eBooks and branding at the American Library Association's annual conference l ast summer. (the sli des from t he presentat ion are here)
This project is being coordinated in collaboration with the Illinoi s Library Association
and Reaching Across illinois Library System and is supported by the Illinois Heartland Libr ary System , ALA Di gital Working Gr oup and the Public Library Association.
David Vinjomuri
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BULLETIN BOARD : A POST FROM THE COMMUNITY
062 Board Honors NEA Teaching
Excellence Award Recipient
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Welcome to the TribLocal bulletin board!
This is a digital town square for TribLocal
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informa tion about their communities. The
items posted here are not reported by or
endorsed by TribLocal or the Chicago
Tribune. Want to contribute? Click here.
.I,
WlS"'
I could Qui-t
Sl'v\OkiN:..
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FROM THE COMMUNI'IY
D62 Board Honors NEA Teaching Excellence Award Recipient (Posted By MELINDA WARD,
Commun1ty Contnbutor I April29, 2014)
Share your
stories, phot<?s
and events with
TribLocal.
LATEST COMMUNI'IY ARTICLES
Posted By MELINDA WARD, Community
Contributor
1:22 p.m COT, Apri/29, 2014
District 62 school board president Brenda Murphy
presented an Award of Achievement to Anne Beranek,
Iroquois Community School (ICS), for winning the NEA
Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence from the Illinois
Education and National Education Associations. Beranek
was honored for developing programs that help students
stay healthy, active and engaged in school. She works with
parents to encourage healthy family eating habits. Beranek
created a walking club for parents, students, & teachers . This year, funding and installing a
climbing wall at ICS is her passion. Beranek is a national board certified teacher, a previous
Lighthouse Award winner. was previously nominated for a Golden Apple Award and Walt
Disney Teacher of the Year.
of <1
D214 Comrnnnity
Education's Spring
Travel Talks! schedule•
onMay15
Katie Skibbe is the Ne"
Des Plaines Park
District Superintender
of Business
NARI offers design tip1
during May Horne
Improvement MonthLighting, mixed use of
cabinetry, wine storag'
top kitchen trends in
2014
lilt p:11 WW \V .CIII C<t!!Ulllllll llt: ,C..: U IIl/ II~WSI IUCal/ ~UUU fUSIUt~_ IJIC:tlJit:::.JCUIIII IIU IIl \ y / CJU · Ugc-Uf\l CU:: .. .
JOL Ktli ii..'C 1'\Cl'Ug lll .tt:U IUf JVIU:O.l l" c.om: tlllOII - Cllll"dgUlO Ull llC .ClJIIl
Sign In or Sign U
~
DES PLAINES
Home
1
News
1
Business
1
Sports
1
A&E
Life & Style
1
Opinion
1
1
Real Estate
1
Cars
1
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1
MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING
...HE
CLICK HERE to learn more or CALL 847-581-1800
BULLETIN BOARD : A POST FROM THE COMMUNITY
062 Retiree Recognized for Music
Education
Ema~
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Pinteresl
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ABOUT THIS POST
Welcome to t he TribLocal bulletin board!
This is a digital tm.m square for TribLocal
readers who want to share ideas and
information about their communities. The
items posted here are not reported by or
endorsed b y TribLocal or the Chicago
Tribune. Want to contribute? Click h ere .
. II
W\S'l
I could Qui-t
SMOkirv:..
{
(
Wher'\ 'jOU SIVIOke
ar-oUr'\d ~our- kids, i-t's lilc:.e
-the'j ar-e srv.ok.ir'\c::..
C11ll -t'-.e bl'll'\ois 'To~cco Glurthr,e.
I.~.Qui-t'fe.s
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FROM THE COMMUNI1Y
D62 Retiree Recognized for Music Education (Posted By MELINDA WARD, Community Contributor I
Apri129. 2014)
Share your
stories, phot~s
and events With
TribLocal.
LATEST COMMUNI1Y ARTICLES
Posted By MELINDA WARD, Community
Contributor
1:24 p.m. CDT. April 29, 2014
Luxury Consignment
Up to 90% off.
School board president Brenda Murphy presented an
Award of Achievement to Lawrence Carle, who spent
Katie Skibbe is the Ne"
Des Plaines Park
District Superintender
of Business
countless years in music education and performance. For
25 years , Carle taught band and orchestra at Iroquois,
Plainfield, Orchard Place and South . Last December, he
retired a second time after 30 years as the founding
'Tl.. . n
conductor and music director of the Des Plaines Park
... IO ... I
District Community Concert Band.
Email
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n.
I N CASE YOU MISSED IT ...
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Pinterest
D214 Community
Education's Spring
Travel Talks! sch edule,
onMay15
o
1H . o
NARI offers design tip~
during May Home
Improve m ent MonthLighting, mixed use of
cabinetry, win e st oragt
top kitchen trends in
2 014
~n/ 1 4fhl.d A~
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April30, 2014
Time To Grow!
North Elementary School students crowd the school's gym Friday morning for an Arbor Day ceremony. Right: Aldermen , North Elementary students and Dist. 62 Board Present
Brenda Murply put the final touches on a newly planted Regal prairie oak Friday to conclude an Arbor Day ceremony.
A student holds up an egg sign,
which can be found in a nest on
a twig on a branch on the tree
and so on.
Students watch their classmates
perform "And the Green Grass
Grows All Around " as part of
Dist. 62 and the city of Des
Plaines' Arbor Day celebration.
(Tim O'Connor/Journal photos)
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April30, 2014
Dance Concert At
South Scho.ol May 6
Children who attend South Elementary School in Des Plaines
will participate in a Dance Concert on Tuesday, May 6 from
- 1:30 to 7 p.m ..
The concert will be held in the school gymnasium and will
include students in all grades kindergarten through fifth.
--~
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April30, 2014
Kids Go Back In Time
D62 Students Learn
History Of Des PlaiDes
"Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it."
Georges Santayana
History is made every day.
Scholars say that teaching
children about history has many
important benefits, including
providing a sense of identity,
helping to improve decision and
judgment skills, and learning
from the mistakes of those in the
past. History provides a context
from which to understand others
and ourselves.
For six students in the Des
Plaines Elementary Dist. 62
Central School Children ofHigh
Intellectual Potential (CHIP)
Program, the study of the history
of their hometown has allowed
them to time travel through the
ages to better appreciate and
understand the evolution of
Des Plaines.
In December of2013, Leigh
Radnitzer, Library Media Center specialist and CHIPs instructor, offered her six students the
choice of ecology or history as
the subject of their next Problem Based Learning Project.
Inspired by a visit by State
Representative Marty Moylan, who talked about his own
youth experiences, the students,
Rohan Balchandani, Eleanor
Bechtold, Cory Cordier, Nell
Jakoniuk, Emily Kulaga, and
Rose Kurutz, unanimously
chose histqry.
"The goals of Problem Based
Learning are to help the students
develop flexible knowledge, ef-
fective problem solving skills,
self-directed learning, and
effective collaboration skills,"
said Radnitzer. "Working in
groups, students identify what
they already know, what they
need to know, and how and
where to access new information that may lead to resolution
of the problem."
ln a collection of brain
storming sessions, the students
determined the process for researching the infonnation and
then educating their classmates
and the community about their
findings. One of the first problems to be solved was how to
disseminate the information. Rev. Dr. William G. Grice Ill shows Central School CHIPs students his
Kurutz, a dancer with the Des Aunt Savena's diary during their visit to his home.
Plaines in-house dance company, Artistry in Motion, sug- a PowerPoint presentation on taught the students how experigested that the historical facts the Native American tribes that ences become memories and,
the students collected could be inhabited early Des Plaines, the therefore, become a part of our
"stuffed" into the plastic Easter importance of railroads to the history. He talked about his own
eggs set out at the annual Des then agrarian community, and family's historical roots in Des
Plaines Park Dist. Easter Egg the development of businesses Plaines, and showed them artiHunt. They contacted Cindy and pre-fabricated housing facts, receipts, deeds, pennits,
Yelich, SpeciafEvents supervi- developments. They toured the records, photographs, and a
sor and coordinator of the event, Kinder House for a walk back in diary kept by his Aunt Savena
who agreed to collaborate with time to the early 19th century, Abbe Gorsline, the first Miss
the students on the project. all the while collecting facts to Des Plaines. In addition, the
students used books and online
Yelich presented a tutorial on be used for their project.
the development, financing,
"Extending the walls of the sources to gather approximately
marketing, and implementation classroom into the surrounding 100 facts; 70 of which were
of park district programming.
community has allowed our typed, printed, and stuffed into
"This project has provided the students to engage in real life 500 of the plastic Easter Eggs.
Central School students with an learning," said Radnitzer. "I On Apr. 19, the fact-filled eggs
opportunity to practice college- think it is important that children were mixed in with the other
level research and literacy skills, have a knowledge of where they eggs filled with toys and treats.
while also pursuing a local come from."
The students distributed them at
topic of interest," said Yelich.
A field trip to meet with the free egg hunts for ages 7-9;
The students also visited the Reverend Dr. William G. Grice ages 10- 13; and adults in Prairie
Des Plaines History Center for III, in his museum-style home, Lakes Park.
The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April30, 2014
"Kids Go Back In Time " (Continued)
Central School CHIPs students listen as Philip Mohr, collections and
historical interpretation assistant at the Des Plaines History Center,
shows them some topographical changes.
Nell Jakoniuk, Emily Kulaga, Rose Kurutz and Eleanor Bechtold stuff
plastic Easter eggs with facts about the history of Des Plaines.
JJSl. O.l 1'\.IU~ UU oac ~>.. I ll UC~ n alllt'!) M IMU J)" - JUUi lla l Ol. I UjJIC~ l'fCW~p<tpt:f!) Vllll Ut': l'ICWS
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Tweet
Posted
ii .
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 3:45pm
"Those who do not study hist01y are doomed to repeat it. ., Georges Santayana
History is made every day. Scholars say that teaching children about hi story has many important benefits, inc luding providing a sense of
identity, helping to improve decision and j udgment skills, and learning from the mistakes of those in the past. History provides a context
from which to understand others and ourselves.
For six students in the Des Plaines Elementary Dist. 62 Central School Children of High Intellectual Potential (CHIP) Program, the study of
the history of their hometown has allowed them to time travel through the ages to better apprec iate and understand the evolution of Des
Plai nes.
In December of20 13, Leigh Radnitzer, Library Media Center specialist and CHIPs instructor, offered her six students the choice of ecology
or hi story as the subject of their next Problem Based Learning Project. Inspired by a visit by State Representative Marty Moylan, who talked
about his own youth experiences, the students, Rohan Balchandani, Eleanor Bechtold, Cory Cordier, ell Jakoniuk, Emily Kulaga, and Rose
Kurutz, unanimously chose history.
"The goals of Problem Based Learn ing are to help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed
learning, and effective collaboration skills," said Radnitzer. "Working in groups, students identifY what they already know, what they need to
know, and how and where to access new information that may lead to resolution of the problem."
In a collection of brai n storming sessions, the students determined the process for researching the information and then educating their
classmates and the community about their findings. One of the first problems to be solved was how to dissem inate the information. Kurutz, a
dancer w ith the Des Plaines in-house dance company, Artistry in Motion, suggested that the historical facts the' students collected could be
"stuffed" into the plastic Easter eggs set out at the annual Des Plaines Park Dist. Easter Egg Hunt. They contacted Cindy Yelich, Special
Events supervisor and coordinator of the event, who agreed to collaborate with the students on the project. Yelich presented a tutorial on the
development, financing, marketing, and implementation of park district programming.
"This project has provided the Central School students with an opportunity to practice college-level research and literacy skills, whi le also
pursuing a local topic of interest," said Yelich. The students also visited the Des Plaines History Center for a PowerPoint presentation on the
Native Am erican tribes that inhabited early Des Plaines, the importance of railroads to the then agrarian community, and the developme nt of
businesses and pre-fabricated housing developments. They toured the Kinder House for a walk back in time to the early 19th century, al l the
while collecting facts to be used for their project.
"Extending the walls of the classroom into the surrounding comm unity has allowed our students to engage in real life learning," said
Radnitzer. " I think it is important that children have a knowledge of where they come from."
nf1
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VJJIIIU:: J'ltW.:>
A field trip to meet with Reverend Dr. William G. Grice 111, in his museum-style home, taught the students how experiences become
memories and, therefore, become a part of our history. He talked about his own family's historical roots in Des Plaines, and showed them
artifacts, receipts, deeds, permits, records, photographs, and a diary kept by hi s Aunt Savena Ahbe Gorsline, the first Miss Des Plaines. In
addition, the students used books and online sources to gather approximately I 00 facts; 70 of which were typed, printed, and stuffed into 500
of the plastic Easter Eggs. On Apr. 19, the fact-filled eggs were mixed in with the other eggs filled w ith toys and treats. The students
distributed them at the free egg hunts for ages 7-9; ages I 0-1 3; and adults in Prairie Lakes Park.
On the back of each printed fact was a two-for-one coupon for the miniature golf course at Mountain View Adventure Center.
"Many hundreds of residents pa11icipate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which prov ided the students with a captive aud ience," Yelich said.
" We have already had one coupon turned in, making this method of getting the word out about the history of Des Plaines very effective."
"We enjoyed working with Central School on this program," added Yelich," and we look forward to working with other Dist. 62 schools on
community collaboration projects." Bruce Springsteen sang, "Son, take a good look around. This is your hometown."
In a final interview with the students, during the stuffing phase of the project, each student put forth their favorite historical fact abo ut their
hometown. They are: Rohan Balchandani: the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi Native American tribes originally inhabited Des Plaines.
Eleanor Bechtold: Des Plaines was once known as the City of Roses because of all the greenhouses. Cory Cordier: The Choo Choo
Restaurant, originally owned by the Ballowe family, opened in 1951 and served food on a model train at the counter. Nell Jakoniuk: The first
commercially sold crayon company in Des Plaines was the Kreh Chalk & Penci l Company, owned by Julius Kreh. These colored chalk
pencils became known as the phonetic antecedent oftoday's crayons. Emily Kulaga: The site where Prairie Lakes Community Center now
stands was an on ion field. Rose Kurutz: My great-grandfather, William Shorts, was the fi rst Des Plaines policeman to die in the line of duty
in 1927.
More about
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ARTICLE:
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Dist. 62
State Testing In D62 Begins Monday
Former Teacher Positive Till End
Sarlo, Others, File As Write-In Candidates
Des Plaines Teachers Earn National Certification
History
ARTICLE: 80 Years Later, A View Of Riverview
ARTIC LE: Eyes On Finishing Central School Fix
ARTICLE: Shari Caine Named Executive Director of Des Plaines History Center
ARTICLE: Bash Has Come A Long Way Since Beginnings In 1950s
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Page One)
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A ll
Journal & Topics Newspapers, April 30-May 5, 2014
r----...1
Left: Algonquin students interview Paralympic athlete Kevin McKee on Apr. 15. Right: Later, McKee describes how he uses his hockey sticks.
Paralympic Gold Medalist Inspires
By HEATHER HOLM
Journal & Topics Reporter
An estimated 70 students and staff members from
Algonquin Middle School in Des Plaines attended
a presentation by Paralympic athlete and Gold
medali st Kevin McKee on Tuesday, Apr. I 5.
McKee spoke from 3 to 4 p.m. He discussed
how he won a Gold medal in sled hockey while
competing at the Winter Paralympic games in Soc hi
from Mar. 7-16.
The 24-year-old athlete told attendees how he and crutches.
Students also received the chance to admire
started playing sled hockey when he was 10-yearsold.
McKee's sled, hockey sticks and his jersey numHe explained to students that sled hockey is a ber 18.
game played by people with a physical handicap of
Additionally, he discussed how he works hard
their lower body and how players use two hockey to stay in shape and eat right; how important it is
sticks to handle the puck and propel themselves for students to set goals and work to achieve them ;
how to stay strong if you are being bullied; and how
across the ice.
McKee has caudal regression syndrome, meaning students should not give up on their dreams.
the bottom half of his spine is deformed and he has
Questions from students were also answered
two dislocated hips, confining him to a wheelchair during the discussion.
THE PANTRY PARTYLINE
ISSUE NO. 17
SPRING 2014
April Fool's Day became April
Foods Day at the pantry when board
member/ volunteer Bill Schoenberg took our
youngest volunteer, Katie B. Gast (pictured
at right) to Jewel-Osco at Lee & Oakton to
buy groceries with $1100 worth of Jewel
giftcards we received at Christmas. Upon
checking out, Bill spoke to the store manager,
Paul Brown who asked if we could use some
discontinued items he had stored in the back.
He had some cases of Kleenex, and lots of
laundry detergent! WOW!! These are things
that we rarely have donated to us, so this was
a godsend. Thank you so much to Jewel's
Paul Brown as well as his employees Tacho,
Dawn and Kevin who helped us check out
and packed our many purchases.
Katie at left and cases oflaundry detergent at right.
Thank you Jewel at Lee & Oakton.
The students at District 62's Orchard Place Elementary School collected 1, 700 food
items for our pantry during the month of February. Way to go! Throughout the year,
many of the District 62 schools conduct food and clothing drives and/ or host one of
our Red Barrels as a reminder that hunger knows no season- THANK YOU!
This year's annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive promises to be even bigger
and better in Des Plaines, thanks to the 40+ local businesses that "sponsored" the purchase of brown paper bags
for this huge food drive on Saturday, May 10. The bags will be delivered prior to the food drive to all singlefamily homes in the 600 16 and 60018 area codes,
reminding residents to flll the bag with
nonperishable food donations for letter carriers and
community volunteers to pick up on May 10. On
behalf of our neighbors in need, thank you in
advance for your support of this big event- and, if
you would like to volunteer on May 10, please call
847/ 375-1443 to learn how you can help.
Our pantry is fortunate to have the support of many area
churches, and one of those churches is St. John the Baptist
Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines. Whether it's Easter
baskets (pictured at right) or school supplies for our clients'
children, food, clothing or generous cash donations, St. John's
is a very loyal supporter of the SHC&P, and we are extremely
grateful.
7