JUNE-JULY 2010 NEWSLETTER.indd
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JUNE-JULY 2010 NEWSLETTER.indd
Vol. 5, Issue 10 | July 2010 “The future is even better” Dundee-Crown graduation (p 12-14) Hampshire graduation (p 15-17) Jacobs graduation (p 18-20) Budget update Leading the Way (p 4) (p 8-11) 2 3 Graduation is just the beginning Superintendent Dr. Ken Arndt CUSD300 is on Twitter & Facebook For more information about D300 or this newsletter, call (847) 551-8344 or write to: School District 300 Communication Services 300 Cleveland Avenue Carpentersville IL 60110. At the end of each school year occurs a beginning. Graduation represents not only completion, but also the start of life’s next important chapter. Jacobs High School valedictorian Cassie Castillo touched poignantly on this theme when she addressed thousands of her peers, teachers, district leaders, and local families at the Sears Centre on June 5. “Class of 2010, we’re all done,” she said. “But let me switch it around and say that there is so much left to do. Let us be present, and do, instead of being ‘done.’ Instead of somehow, ironically, waiting to look at ‘now’ as the past, when the present right now for all of us is so good. And the future is even better. “... Let us be done with ‘done.’ Done waiting for the wait to be done. Done wanting for more than what has already begun. And with this termination of apprehension, only one question can stand: What will we do, now that we’re done?” Castillo’s words captured the feeling that filled each handshake during the recent commencement ceremonies for Jacobs, DundeeCrown, and Hampshire high schools. District 300 School Board members and I look forward to this annual rite of passage as much, if not more, as any other D300 activity. It is inspiring for the achievement it represents: the accumulation of years of preparation and diligence by the students, the parents, and the faculty. But graduation also inspires through its forward momentum, the energy and wonder felt by all those in the arena who dream of a future even better than the present, for the sake of our community and our world. Class of 2010: I extend you congratulations for what you have done and fortitude for what you have yet to do. GRADUATE OVERVIEW Number of graduates Dundee-Crown Hampshire Jacobs 2008 2009 2010 533 140 564 552 148 640 499 208 575 $1.9 million + $232,000 $2.2 million + $1.4 million + $1.3 million + $1.2 million + $1.4 million + $1.9 million + $3.9 million + Scholarships earned Dundee-Crown Hampshire Jacobs Post high school plans (of seniors who provided information) Dundee-Crown 2008 2009 2010 2-year college 104 26 164 4-year university 142 162 133 Vocational/Technical 7 5 4 Military unavailable 7 17 4-year university 56 97 75 Vocational/Technical 8 3 0 Military unavailable 5 7 4-year university 232 374 234 Vocational/Technical 12 13 2 Military unavailable 6 4 Hampshire 2008 2009 2010 2-year college 46 9 50 Jacobs 2008 2009 2010 2-year college 152 31 163 Superintendent’s Message 4 5 Budget update As of mid-June 2010, the State of Illinois owed District 300 $15.9 million for the 2009-2010 school year. Earlier this year, Governor Pat Quinn had presented a plan to cut an additional $1 billion from Illinois K-12 schools this coming school year (2010-2011). Historically in Illinois, the governor’s recommendation for education funding usually becomes reality. Therefore, Governor Quinn’s proposal to cut $1 billion was the basis of the District’s target of $15 million in budget cuts for the 2010-2011 school year. As of June 14, 2010, the D300 School Board had achieved $9.3 million of these targeted reductions. The State is not expected to finalize its education budget until this fall, which unfortunately is a couple of months after the D300 School Board must finalize its own budget by law. The state was only able to make General State Aid (GSA) payments to school districts this past school year (2009-2010) because of federal stimulus funding, which will run out this summer. D300 leaders continue to strongly urge Illinois lawmakers to find a way to pay what is owed to D300 schools. We also continue to urge all D300 stakeholders (staff, parents, students, and general taxpayers) to contact their state leaders about this ONGOING crisis. If you are reading this, please follow up as often as possible with state legislators from the D300 area, candidates for state office, the Governor, and Illinois General Assembly leaders until a Budget update Stay informed and involved D300 maintains a webpage specifically dedicated to providing detailed, timely information and helpful resources regarding the impact of the state’s ongoing budget crisis here in D300. Our budget webpage features: Foundation for Educational Excellence Mark your calendars: Juried Art Fair August 14-15 * word-for-word transcripts of Board meeting discussions on budget cuts, and public comments from these meetings, * all news releases on D300 budget cuts, * contact information and maps for state legislators from the D300 area, * public input (emails and petitions) received from January to April 2010 on the proposed reductions, * a summary of the teacher layoffs and related class size projections, * the latest draft of D300’s 2010-2011 budget, and more. Visit www.d300.org and click the “B” (for Budget) button toward the left. timely, fair, and realistic solution for education funding is forged in Springfield. Please help to finally end the political inertia that has plagued our state for years. The School Board is focused on remaining fiscally responsible despite the state’s bankruptcy. This is why the Board voted unanimously in June to reduce administrator pay and benefits by 4.1%, including furlough days, increased insurance contributions (matching the teacher rate), and other cuts. Paychecks for secretaries, custodians and Central Office support staff (who comprise the DESPA union) will be reduced by ... Continued on page 23 When Connie Noyes looks in a recycling bin or the rubble of a demolished building, she does not see trash; she sees material for art. The Chicago-based artist brought her new perspective of art to Hampshire High School on May 12 – 14. Noyes held a 2-day workshop for select art students from each of the three high schools in District 300. Her visit concluded with a gallery showing of the work the students had created in the workshop plus key pieces of Noyes’ work. The District 300 Foundation partnered with Target of West Dundee to provide funding for this exciting grant. Art teachers Laura LaRue of Hampshire High School and Carolyn Washow of Jacobs High School worked with Foundation Trustee Diane Magerko, who is the Foundation’s Fine and Performing Arts Committee Chair, in creating this first-ofa-kind grant. Congratulations to Carol Anderson of Neubert Elementary as the Foundation’s 2010 DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR! Beautiful art in a variety of mediums will be on display at the Foundation’s 2nd Annual Art Fair, to be held at the Algonquin Commons Saturday—Sunday August 14 and 15. This juried fair will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Furniture, ceramics, watercolor, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and sculpture are just some of the types of art that will likely be featured at this year’s event. In addition to the unique creations, the fair will also include music performances, kids’ art projects, food, and an art raffle. Proceeds from the Art Fair will benefit the D300 Foundation. So come out to shop at the Commons and enjoy beautiful artwork while supporting classroom opportunities! For more information about upcoming Foundation events, including a student performance of “Willy Wonka Jr.” July 30-31 and August 6-7, please visit our website at www.d300foundation.org. Foundation members Ken Arndt, Liz Miller, Diane Magerko, and Ian Lamp flank award winner Carol Anderson, at center D300 Foundation 6 7 Briefs & Bits REGISTRATION & FEES All District 300 students must complete the D300 registration process every year. Please direct all questions to your school. If you have not already registered your child for the 2010-11 school year, each school will offer open registration during the following dates and times: Elementary and middle schools Monday, July 12; Tuesday, July 13; and Wednesday, July 14. Hours are 12 noon to 8 p.m. Doors will close 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Elementary and middle schools are closed ThursdayFriday July 15 & 16 for registration data entry.) RELAY FOR LIFE RESULTS LOOKING FOR ALL-DAY CHILDCARE FOR YOUR 3-5 YEAR OLD? Community members of all ages joined across District 300 overnight June 11-12 to raise over $83,000 for the American Cancer Society. They are the stars of two new photo albums now on the CUSD300 Facebook page, www.facebook.com The 2nd Annual D300 Relay For Life featured over 850 participants on 85 teams, plus dozens of volunteers, to celebrate survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and raise money to fight back against the disease. Seven teams raised over $2,000 each: Kelly’s Heroes, David’s Team, Gilberts Grizzlies, Mighty Mutant Power Rangers, Team Jessica, Team Sprout, and Winning the Fight. Thanks go to Hampshire High School staff and students for hosting the event! The 2011 Relay will be held at DundeeCrown High School on May 13-14. The prestigious deLacey Family Education Center has openings for all-day childcare, including 2 1/2 hours of preschool learning time by skilled staff. Space is limited. Flexible 2-day through 5-day options are available for your convenience as follows: High schools Freshmen: Monday, July 12* Sophomores: Tuesday, July 13* Juniors: Wednesday, July 14* Seniors: Thursday, July 15* * Hours are 12 noon to 8 p.m. Doors will close 4 to 5:30 p.m. (High schools are closed for registration data entry on Tuesday, July 20; Wednesday, July 21; and Thursday, July 22.) D300 allows student fees to be paid online. To use this option, either (1) visit www.d300.org/parents/fees and choose “online student fee payments.” Or (2) visit the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. The IC Portal button is on the home page of the D300 website, www.d300.org, toward the left. If you have questions about student fees, please directly contact your student’s school. Fees paid will be updated daily. Briefs & Bits 10-hour day program: $460-$900/month 8-hour day program: $335-$655/month 5-hour day program: $245-$475/month FILL THE BUS! District 300 will collect school supplies for over 150 homeless students on Saturday, July 17, at the WalMart on Randall Road in Algonquin. The goal is to literally FILL THE BUS with school supplies for our very neediest students. To view the supply list, please visit www.d300.org/news/18604 If you are not available July 17, call D300 Pupil Personnel Services 847.551.8307. EASTVIEW KIDS PARADE THEIR LOVE OF READING D300 APPLICATION OF LAWN CARE PRODUCTS Following the requirements of Illinois Compiled Statutes Environmental Safety Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act 415ILCS65/3, notice is hereby given by D300 that lawn care product applications have been scheduled. Specific application dates will be posted at the schools and on the D300 website’s legal notice page: www.d300.org/aboutus/other-legal-notices Eastview Elementary students recently kicked off their annual Summer Reading Program - but with a twist. Like last year’s program, students who reach their summer reading goals will be invited to an “Eastview only” party at the Algonquin Pool on July 31. But new this year is an added incentive, one that has Eastview children more willing than ever to put books above videogames this summer. Students who reach their reading goals will be able to march in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade on Saturday, July 24. To top it off, they will all wear hand-crafted sandwich boards that depict their favorite stories, transforming them from ordinary children to walking books. deLacey is located in Carpentersville at 50 Cleveland Avenue. Call (224) 484-2400 to apply. “FIREMAN TOM” HONORED AT FUN RUN The Dundee Highlands Elementary School community united June 4 to honor Lt. Tom Lutzow of the West Dundee Fire Department who passed away April 10, 2010. The school’s annual Fun Run was started 14 years ago as a fun community gathering that promoted fitness by running through the neighborhood around the school. This year, the event was renamed the “Annual Fireman Tom Memorial Fun Run” in honor of Lt. Lutzow, known to students as Fireman Tom through the safety lessons he taught them over the years. As part of this memorial, the Dundee Highlands family raised over $1,100 for the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp which Fireman Tom supported. Fireman Tom dedicated his life to helping and teaching others. His legacy will live on through this annual community event. For more information, please call Principal Patricia Schmidt at (224) 484-4700. Briefs & Bits 8 9 Leading the Way The following students, staff and community members were specially honored in recent months by the School Board. Please join the Board in congratulating these leaders! (Those recognized in June will be featured in the August newsletter.) Katherine King, teacher Lake in the Hills Elementary School For helping to write an ISAT test Jennifer Rood Soryia Sabir Gianna Scarpelli D300 Foundation – Student Leadership Grant Winners Jacobs High School girls varsity cheerleaders IHSA state athletes Jessica Bonilla Ashleigh Collins Kaitlin Ehardt Kimberly Froehlich Kirsten Froehlich Sherise Glueckert Melissa Hauck Loren Jones Casey Kozak Melissa Krieser Jessica Stetz Jessica Lisle Lauren Lorusso Brittany Lynch Kelsey McGreaham Kegan Moberg Bethany Muscat Danielle Muscia Nina Paganucci Ann Ramsett Tayler Roebke Nyla Walker Gina Paxson State qualifier in speech Dundee-Crown High School Leading the Way Heather Anderson Library of Congress writing contest finalist Lake in the Hills Elementary Jermiko “Miko” Villanueva IHSA state wrestler Dundee-Crown High School Jacobs High School girls bowling IHSA state athletes Elizabeth Pedraza Ashley Rood Sarah Siska Rebecca Payne Brian Andersen 2010 Kane County Spelling Bee Winner Dundee Middle School Kwamayne King (pictured above) Dundee-Crown High School Stephen Lenzini Jacobs High School Christopher Egger Hampshire High School To hear a radio interview with these outstanding young men about their experiences at the national youth leadership summit in Washington D.C., please visit www.d300.org/audio/17451 Jessie Van Dorin IHSA girls 3A basketball 3-point shooter state champion Hampshire High School Jacobs High School Special Olympics Basketball Team State medalists Daniel Marquis Nathan Lewandowski Kaylyn Leopold Alex Bohman Spencer Deacon Jessica Serio J.T. Morrison Ashley Morales Jacobs High School Tutoring Center Honored by the National Tutoring Association Staff : Mandi Frye and Ami Engel Students: Becca Clark Beth Lampp Lauren Booth Matt Del Fiacco Jess Gabl Sai Mallipeddi Molly Messner Ashley McCallister Alizey Azmi Joslyn Bait Mark Batt Meghan Odendaal Siobhan Odendaal Pam Schuett Luke Moyta Josh Jarach Leading the Way 10 11 Jacobs High School Project Ignition “In the blink of an eye: think before you drive” National Recognition Sponsors Eliseo Saldivar and Terri Dawson Michelle Mikos Mackenzie Moy Ashley Mueller Taylor Paice Arly Panvino Jaimie Rohde Kayla Schneider Kelsey Schneider Anna Vierneisel Karen Zaehler Jaquez Person Read 180 National All-Star Lakewood School Delina Zapata with her father and her guidance counselor, Janet Johnson Delina Zapata Illinois Golden Apple Scholarship Dundee-Crown High School Leading the Way (continued) To read the biography of each nominee, and to see who landed top honors at the county awards, please visit: http://www.d300.org/news/18049 You can listen to a radio interview with all four nominees at http://www.d300.org/audio/17929 Nancy Garber Dundee Middle Jacobs High School Varsity Dance Team State finalists Hip Hop Dance and Open Pom Taylor Bruno Mackenzie Butler Cassie Castillo Abby Chieppa Alyssa Chittenden Carley Dubinski Olivia Flowers Nancy Hyman Chrissy Jordanov Alyssa Martorano Alyssa Menolascino Nominees for 2010 Kane County Educator of the Year John Gorman Dundee-Crown Marilyn Becker Gary D. Wright Elem. Kelly Bolas Neubert Elem. 2010 State Science Fair Diane Magerko (right) greets donors during the D300 Foundation’s “Save the Music” instrument drive this April Diane Magerko D300 Foundation Outstanding volunteer service Algonquin Middle School: Daniyel Carpenter and Jake Modlisz Dundee Middle School: Kristy Fang, Emily Skrzypczynski, Andrew Fischer, Morgan Frederiksen, Rachel Gallagher, Nathan Haas, Kelsea Nolan, Archit Potharazu, Thomas Rice, and Ben Stone Dundee Township Rotary Club 30 years of dedicated support of D300 students, most recently including the donation of 456 Webster’s dictionaries to Title I schools Hampshire Middle School: Sylvia Faszczewski Westfield Community School: Sarah Basheer, Taylor Brust, Miranda Corbett, Jamie DeVita, Rebecca Haughey, Matthew Q. Johnson, Alyssa Lach, Suzie McDaniel, Sejal Patel, Ariana Pignatari, Keeley Quinlan, Amy Schuett, Joseph Slovak, and McKenzie Stern Lorraine Jensen with her husband Tom (left) and Superintendent Ken Arndt Lorraine Jensen For 33+ years of service as the Superintendent’s assistant, serving a total of five D300 superintendents Dundee-Crown High School: Lydia Auch, Kyle Efken, Eleanor Oskorep, and Elinor Davies Hampshire High School: Nick DeNardo (L to R): Katie Rim, Megan Elliott, Mary Do, Sara Ciavarella, and Kyle Brooks Jacobs High School: Prachi Aggarwal, Abdul Basheer, Jexenia Bennett, Cameron Bodie, Jessica Bonilla, Kyle Brooks, Sara Ciavarella, Mary Do, Megan Elliott, Tiffany Fang, Katie Rim, Victoria Tamburrino, Katie Walker, and Connor Yau Leading the Way 12 13 Dundee-Crown High School Graduation 2010 To see more than 100 “behind the scenes” photos of DCHS graduation in full color, please visit the school district’s Facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com and search for CUSD300 (one word). The photo albums are on the left side of the CUSD300 Facebook page. “ To our families, we never could have made it here without you. Thank you for everything. From running out to buy supplies the night before a big project was due, to guiding us through the sometimes treacherous waters of adolescence and helping us to figure out the people we want to become, we cannot begin to express our gratitude. As we assume more responsibilities in the coming years, whether we will be entering the workforce, attending centers of higher education, or beginning families of our own, we will continue to discover newfound appreciation for all that you have done for us.” Lindsey Clark 2010 Valedictorian “ Mrs. McCarthy, your determination as the binding unit of our school, and even your welcoming announcements over the PA system, have created a spirit of Charger Pride that will follow us Chargers to a future of higher education, military, and the job force.” Gina Paxson Class of 2010 Dundee-Crown graduation “ When the district was forced to let 180 teachers go, we as students recognized the need to support our teachers. We value our education and our learning environment, providing our educators, our community members, with the support they needed. We did not just protest in support of education, we reinforced the belief that our teachers are imperative to our education. Without our teachers to support us and provide us with an education, we can never hope to be as successful as we have become. We as students have recognized this inherent flaw in the system and have worked to prevent our community’s collapse, proving that our worth is not determinant on money or test scores, but rather our strive to support each other and ensure that we are always receiving the best education we can. We as a community always ensure success by aiding those members that are in need of protection and support, as we have done for our teachers. We have created our own wealth and value by creating our community and letting this support system live within us, in and out of school. Our teachers, as imperative members of our community, can remember their value to us and take this with them wherever they go. They are only leaving the Dundee-Crown community in the physical sense. Their impact on us will remain even after they are gone. They were a part of the creation of our community, and our support will remain with them as they continue to aid and support new students in the future. We must not forget the impact of this support system on our education or allow it to diminish.” Michelle Musielewisz 2010 Salutatorian Dundee-Crown graduation 14 15 “ This is the ceremony that turns your baby girl or boy into an individual ready to take on the world. You have seen them grow, walk, talk, smile, cry, and even that dreadful word ‘date.’ But most importantly, you have seen them become passionate for something and have supported them throughout these four years. Welcome to the final stage of your child’s high school experience.” Gina Paxson Class of 2010 “ I will always have a special place in my heart for the class of 2010. We both entered DundeeCrown in the fall of 2006 as novices in our roles; the students as excited, yet scared, freshmen and me as an excited, yet scared, new principal. This class has been a catalyst for positive change at Dundee-Crown. While our paths will now part ways, I know we have learned from each other and are no longer the naïve freshmen we were four years ago. Keep pushing that pride, Chargers!” Principal Lynn McCarthy Where are they going? Hampshire High School Graduation 2010 “ Six years ago, my brother, Troy, recited a quote that I still live by today. Although it is quoted by many, legendary Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz is most often attributed to the quote. He says, If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today. To see more than 100 “behind the scenes” photos of Hampshire graduation in full color, please visit the school district’s Facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com and search for CUSD300 (one word). The photo albums are on the left side of the CUSD300 Facebook page. It is easy to apply the quote only to sports, because it originated from an athletic environment. But the quote can take on more meaning than that. Move on to achieve greater accomplishments that exceed all of your previous triumphs. Continue learning new and interesting topics even after high school. Keep making new friends and great memories to bring more enjoyment to your life. Live every day with a purpose, and make every day count. This advice promotes self-motivation, which in my mind is a key to success. As a member of the class of 2010, I have seen the great potential for success throughout our graduating class. ... I have personally seen numerous athletes training in the offseason without any coaches to fuel their drive for success. I have also seen several students taking time out of their own lives to expand their interest, such as music or theater, into a potential career. If we can motivate ourselves without any guaranteed reward or pat on the back, then we will continue to improve ourselves and achieve success when others do not. “ Ty Hendry, Valedictorian Members of this year’s DCHS graduating class are headed to Northwestern, IIT, the University of Chicago, Manchester –UK, DePaul, Loyola, UIC, Augustana, Carthage, all state schools, plus many other prestigious institutions. Dundee-Crown graduation (continued) Hampshire graduation 16 17 “ This year’s senior class is a talented group of hardworking individuals, adjusting well to their second year in a new high school and excelling in academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership. The class is made of 22 Illinois State Scholars; 33 received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence;19 students were named Prairie State Scholars; 17 students received Career Readiness Award Certificates. Fortytwo Advanced Placement (AP) Exams were taken by seniors this year Additionally, Senior Abuzar Zaidi helped to organize Mayday Mayhem, a successful first-time fun fair and Mr. Whippur contest, raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation. Seniors Kelly Linder and Sean Doherty are co-chairs for the District 300 Relay For Life event, hosted at Hampshire High School, helping with recruitment, event planning, and fundraising for cancer research. Both have dedicated their time to attend numerous after-school and evening meetings to help plan the event We congratulate the students for their performance at the 46th Annual Illinois SkillsUSA contest that was held in Springfield, Illinois, last month: Anthony Hampshire graduation (continued) Tischer, 7th place Culinary Arts; Roman Martinez, 10th place Diesel Technology; Alex Caul, 12th place Cabinetmaking; Aric Hassen, 12th place Power Equipment Technology; TJ Thompson, 7th place Power Equipment Technology. This year’s senior class also has athletes who have been members of teams who won nine conference championships, nine regionals, four sectionals, and one supersectional. They also have contributed to winning two state soccer and one state volleyball trophy. This year alone, eight seniors competed for individual championships at state. Most recently, seniors Holly Plichta and Tiffany Phu were on the Two-Mile Relay Team that brought home gold and set two new state records. Two of our scholarship winners were accepted into an honors program: Tyler Hendry at Northern Illinois University, and Sean Doherty at Millikin University. Amy Wehrs and Kara Wehrs received full athletic scholarships to play Division 1 volleyball at the University of Kansas. Alex Gemaljevic will be attending the Belgrade University School of Medicine in Belgrade, Serbia.” Principal Chuck Bumbales “ In a way, our high school careers can be compared to that mile in gym class, with graduation as the finish line. Some of us ran as fast as we could, to get it over with. These students are the ones who could not be happier that this day is finally here, and some even decided to leave us in January. Some of us walked the first few laps and then picked it up at the end. These are the students who might be a little hesitant to leave the halls of Hampshire High but have become more ready to graduate in their last year, semester, or even few weeks of class. Whichever student we were, I’m sure that we all had that feeling of dread when we stepped onto the track. Some of us won’t admit it, but that feeling of dread carries over into our lives right now as well. Now that you are done with one hypothetical race, you must start a longer, much more difficult one. Even the best runners get anxiety before a big race. And even the most confident students will be nervous starting the rest of their lives after today. One of my teachers here at Hampshire once told me that whether or not we want to leave here, we are ready to get out and start something new. I sincerely hope that your high school career at Hampshire was great. But I also hope that your life when you leave here is exponentially better.” Rachel Neisendorf Salutatorian Hampshire graduation 18 19 Jacobs High School Graduation 2010 More from Elizabeth Lampp: “When we walk out that door, we’ll stand To see more than 100 “behind the scenes” photos of Jacobs graduation in full color, please visit the school district’s Facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com and search for CUSD300 (one word). The photo albums are on the left side of the CUSD300 Facebook page. “I’m going to start with a quote from a song called ‘For Good’ from the musical ‘Wicked’, because it fits. It reads, I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn; and we are led to those people who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. This rings true for all of us, I think. Even if it only rings true when we think of one or two people. I know for certain that if each of you looks around this arena, you’ll see someone who has changed who you are, at your core, for the better. Whether it’s a teacher, a family member, or a friend, there is someone you can look to - or remember - that has helped shape who you are during the past four years. That’s the essence of the high school experience.” Elizabeth Lampp Class of 2010 Jacobs graduation on the cusp of a new decade. We are the next generation, leading the charge into what I can only call the ‘tens.’ History remembers only a select few individuals specifically, but it defines decades by the people that lived through them. We remember the polka-dotted dresses and nuclear families from the 50s. We remember the growing peace movement and social revolution from the 60s. We remember the full force of the anti-war movement and the music from the 70s. Each of these preceding generations laid down certain foundations that we can either preserve, build upon, or demolish. We’ll have to remove some bits and improve others in order to improve ourselves and society, and we’ll have to do it as a strong force. I, for one, don’t intend to be remembered as a member of a Lost Generation or a Silent Generation. And I doubt any of you do, either. People remember thunderstorms for their sound and fury, and they remember generations for the same. What will set us apart is our sound and fury. We’ll have to build that for ourselves, like our parents and our grandparents and our great-grandparents did.” 2010 JHS Valedictorians Joseph M. Barnec Cassandra J. Castillo Jae Wook Cha Brittany N. Cooke Ashlen E. Dunn Emily R. Heinz Erik J. Melchers Kevin R. Olson Meghan Odendaal Daniel V. Paitl Siobhan Odendaal Brandon S. Richman Pamela M. Schuett Brittany L. White Danielle M. Montgomery Jacobs graduation 20 21 “Although the feeling of completion is a victorious one, and though the excitement of the upcoming future can only bring pleasant thoughts, does it seem absurd to wonder how much time anyone spends waiting for that moment to arrive? Life wasn’t meant to be taken in bits and pieces. If we’re all waiting for something better than the present, will we continue to be unsatisfied? When your ‘life flashes before you,’ will you look upon those restless moments with regret of the possible gain that could have prospered in that time?” Cassie Castillo Valedictorian Earning their way Grant Dixon $172,000 trustee scholarship and university scholarship to the University of Southern California Emily Heinz $100,000 gymnastics scholarship to Central Michigan University Elizabeth Lampp $149,640 full tuition scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison Emmanuella Makridakis $125,832 deans’ scholarship to Texas Christian University Jacobs graduation (continued) Bregy appointed next superintendent serve as assistant principal of Jefferson High The D300 School Board voted School in Rockford. His parents, Joyce and unanimously on May 6, 2010, to Bob Bregy, still live in the Mt. Prospect home hire Michael Bregy as the next where he grew up. superintendent of D300. Bregy joined District 300 in 2001 as an Superintendent Ken Arndt will retire assistant principal at Jacobs High School and on June 30, 2011, after diligently serving was promoted to principal in 2004. Over the the district for 10 years. Bregy will begin years, he has made significant contributions his transition by first serving as associate to many district-level efforts. superintendent for a year, beginning He looks forward to applying his this summer. This will enable him to elementary, middle and high school learn from Dr. Arndt while also taking experiences at the district level on the responsibilities and building upon these diverse of the associate experiences to support each and superintendent. These every student. responsibilities include “As principal, I considered directing the daily myself the ‘head teacher’ and operations of the entire have consistently applied district in terms of legal that philosophy,” he said. “As matters, Board policies, superintendent, I plan on being Administrative Procedures, Superintendent-elect Michael Bregy actively involved in all of our student registration with Associate Superintendent-elect schools, not just observing the day-to-day operations. My and enrollment, Sarah Kedroski focus always has been and will safety oversight, be on student learning and the classroom transportation oversight, and more. He environment.” will officially become the district’s ninth The Board’s decision came after an superintendent on July 1, 2011. intensive process, led by recruiting firm Bregy secured his Bachelor’s degree Hazard, Young, Attea & Assoc. (HYA). The in 1995 from the University of North process began a few months ago and Texas in interdisciplinary studies with featured input forums with stakeholders a mathematics specialization. He went across the district. HYA then developed a on to achieve a Master’s degree from profile of what stakeholders said they wanted Northern Illinois University in 2001 in the district’s next leader. The findings and his Education Specialist Degree revealed their universal preference to hire an from Northern Illinois University in internal candidate (current staff member). 2005. Bregy has completed his doctoral The pool of qualified internal candidates was coursework and is in the writing portion eventually narrowed, and the finalists were of finishing his dissertation. each interviewed exhaustively. Now 44 years old, the Algonquin “The Board took this process extremely resident began his educational career seriously,” said Board President Joe Stevens. nearly 15 years ago as a third grade “Selection of the superintendent is probably teacher in the Dallas suburb of Coppell, the most crucial job we have. We trusted the Texas. Bregy then became a middle process and had no preconceived notions school math teacher in Coppell before about the outcome.” relocating back to his native Illinois to Superintendent Appointment 22 23 LEAD Teacher Feature LANCE HUBER YEARS TEACHING IN D300: 16 QUOTE FROM HIS HIGH SCHOOL COACH: “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug.” Lance Huber strongly believes that as a high school athletic coach, you wear a lot of different hats. He has had many years and venues to develop this belief. After graduating from Millikin University, majoring in communications with a minor in business, he went on to earn his Master’s degree in teacher leadership from Roosevelt University. Huber has been a coach and business education teacher for the past 16 years at Dundee-Crown High School, where he currently coaches varsity basketball and sophomore football. “Coaching is about a lot more than the score on the board at the end of the game,” Huber said. Powerful and meaningful relationships develop between children and their coaches. Questions about which classes to take, or which girl to date, are as common as inquiries about game strategy or strength training. For students who come from single-parent homes, their coach can become their all-important male role model. Huber believes it is a huge responsibility to be so involved in shaping the character of young men and women. And, he says, it is a responsibility that the entire Athletic Department at Dundee-Crown takes seriously. Huber said he appreciates working for a school where no child is turned away from sports because of financial constraints. For example, Dundee-Crown has an “Adopt an Athlete” Foundation through which community members can sponsor children who cannot afford the equipment or athletic fees associated with high school sports. Additionally, the coaches at Dundee-Crown tend to be rather generous with their own resources when helping children. Huber said that the rewards associated with developing relationships with young people are extraordinary. Students commonly come back to see Huber after they’ve moved on with their lives. As a business teacher and coach, he has felt the joy of students returning to tell their stories of playing ball in college. Or they may share with him their good news about managing their money and writing checks as responsible adults. There are many roads that can lead today’s generation to self destruction. Huber is living proof that a dedicated high school teacher can make a difference in the choices young people make when leaving high school. “I want to give students skills they need to be proud of their life choices.” LEAD Teacher Feature: Lance Huber Budget update (cont. from p. 4) ... 4.5% through furlough days, no overtime pay, and other means. Non-union employees will likewise be hit by 4.4% in 2010-2011. The Board was disappointed by a majority of LEAD, the teachers union, voting against $2.2 million in concessions in early June. While the union noted that the teacher layoffs will help the district with its budget, Board members noted that nearly all D300 employees who still have their jobs this fall will feel a personal impact on their own paychecks -- except LEAD members. When this newsletter went to print, Board President Joe Stevens was set to meet with LEAD representatives to continue negotiations. From the June 10 news release, which outlined the new contracts for most employee groups and provided the Board’s response to the LEAD vote: SALARIES & BENEFITS 2009-10 to 2010-11* Administrators = -4.1 % cut Secretaries/custodians = -4.5 % cut Non-union = -4.4 % cut Paraeducators = +4.5 % increase ** Teachers/certified = +6.0 % increase * For those staff retaining their jobs ** The paraeducators’ contract was already in place for 2008-2013. D300 introduces “fresh fruits & vegetables” program This upcoming school year (2010-2011), District 300 will launch the Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program at five elementary schools: Golfview, Parkview, Lakewood, Meadowdale, and Perry. These are some of the schools in D300 whose staff are working to improve their schools’ wellness environment, by striving to meet the standards of the federal Healthier US School Challenge. “The kids have really started talking about and making healthier food choices,” said Lianne Tompkins, a health and physical education teacher at Golfview. “Recently, we added some traditional fresh fruits and vegetables to our school lunches. And now this fall we will have ‘exotic’ fruits and veggies through this new program.” D300 will begin offering a creative slate of fruits and veggies in collaboration with our community, to instill lifelong healthy habits and learning for our students and their families. D300 was recently awarded the program grant, valued at approximately $175,000 to $225,000, or $50 to $75 dollars per child. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which allocated $3.3 million to Illinois schools to create healthier school environments, by expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables children can experience throughout their day. The program will provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables at least twice weekly at times other than their traditional breakfast and lunch meal periods. Illinois schools being awarded program funding have made creative efforts to introduce items beyond the usual ABC’s: apples, bananas, and carrots. School Board Meetings 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 26, at the Administration Center 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 9, at the Administration Center Back to school: Monday, August 16 U.S. Postage PAID Permit 300 Dundee IL 60118 Calendar POSTAL PATRON Board of Education Top row, left to right: Superintendent Ken Arndt, Associate Superintendent Michael Bregy, Board Member Karen Plaza (Algonquin Township), Board Member Monica Clark (Hampshire Township), Board Member David Alessio (Dundee Township), and Board Member Chris Stanton (Rutland Township). Lower row, left to right: Board Secretary Anne Miller (Algonquin Township), Board President Joe Stevens (Dundee Township), and Board Vice President Karen Roeckner (Dundee Township). PLAZA APPOINTED TO BOARD After publicly interviewing the nine applicants for the Board seat recently vacated by John Ryan, the School Board decided to appoint Karen Plaza. She was sworn into office June 14 to finish the term through April 2011. Plaza, who lives in Lake in the Hills, has worked in the Business Office of three school districts, including District 300’s Accounting Office from 2004 to 2007, and currently works as the Director of Finance for Crystal Lake District 47. She also has classroom experience as a paraeducator and long-term substitute teacher. In her interview and application materials, Plaza noted that D300 must live within its means despite the difficult decisions presented by the state’s budget problems. COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 300 300 CLEVELAND AVENUE CARPENTERSVILLE IL 60110 You are welcome to contact the Board as follows: [email protected]