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EVENTS
Calendar Events Upcoming events in your area SEE PAGE 4
SPORTS
Stars shine North girls win at 2019 Prep Shootout SEE PAGE 5
BUSINESS Dave Says Handling ďŹ nances before, and after, the wedding
SEE PAGE 9
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NEWS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
VILLAGE NEWS >> DOWNERS GROVE
Downers Grove votes on Pet Ordinance A new law is in place to ban Puppy Mill Sales BY RYAN OSTRY Bugle Staff @RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com
The Downers Grove Board of Trustees voted to adopt an ordinance that would regulate the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in the village to require stores to show proof that pets they sell came from an approved shelter. “This was brought up in humane organizations for the treatment of
animals, “ said Martin Tully, Downers Grove Mayor. “Many of the leaders of those organizations live in the town, so they aren’t just advocates they are community members as well.” The vote was approved by the board in favor of the ordinance, with six out of the seven members who were present voted in favor of the ban. The ordinance includes an amortization period that applies to Happiness is Pets, the only store in the village that currently sells pets. Happiness Is Pets has until Oct. 1, 2019 to comply with the new ordinance or be subject to applicable fines.
County to begin construction on 55th Street
Construction will begin next week on 55th Street between Maple Avenue/ Dunham Road and Williams Street in Downers Grove and Westmont. During construction, 55th Street will be reduced to a single lane in each direction separated by a painted median. Residents will still have access to their properties during the project. Residents will be notified in advance when work will require removal and replacement of existing driveways. “The proposed improvements will enhance safety and relieve congestion at Main Street and at Fairview Avenue by adding left turn lanes,” said Transportation Committee Chairman Don Puchalski. “This project
ing concerns from villagers about preventing the sale of animals that have been sourced from so-called “puppy mills.” To this point, Mayor Tully said that the there has been a lot of positive feedback from the community from what transpired at the board meeting. “There has been overwhelming positive feedback so far from the community,” Tully said. “There has obviously been folks who have lobbyist against it, but I think this will ultimately have many positive affects.” If Happiness Is Pets fails to comply with the new ordinance after Oct. 1, it faces fines that range from
$500 to $750 for a first offense and from $750 to $1000 for each subsequent offense. Per the ordinance, separate offenses are committed for each dog, cat, or rabbit sold in violation of the ordinance. “For example, we raised the age for those who smoke until 21. But does that mean that people under age 21 won’t smoke? Of course not,” Tully said. “I think based on the advocacy, it’s a step in the right direction, whether it prevents some of the terrible things that happen with pet sales and pet treatment, I’m not so naive that it will change over night.
DISTRICT 58
COUNTY NEWS
During construction, 55th Street will be reduced to a single lane in each direction
Prior to the vote, the ordinance had been presented on Feb. 12 with an amortization period that coincided with the lease for Happiness Is Pets, which expires on Dec. 31, 2022. If Happiness Is Pets fails to comply with the new ordinance after Oct. 1, it faces fines that range from $500 to $750 for a first offense and from $750 to $1000 for each subsequent offense. Council members expressed concerns that the designated amortization period was too long and also asked for clarification about the definition of a humane society. The ordinance comes after ongo-
will complement the work already completed to the east to improve traffic flow along this corridor.” The scope of the project includes: • Widening the intersection at 55th and Main Streets to add a left turn lane in each direction • Widening the intersection at 55th Street and Fairview Avenue to add left turn lanes along 55th Street • Reconfiguring Fairview Avenue to include left turn lanes without widening the pavement • Replacing water mains • Improving storm sewers, retaining walls, and sidewalks • Modernizing and connecting traffic signals • Resurfacing pavement Access to Webster Street north of 55th Street will be eliminated and left turns to and from Webster Street south of 55th Street will be prohibited. Left turns will also be prohibited to and from Washington Street.
Register for Summer School and Extended School Year Extended School Year registration due Friday, April 12
Downers Grove Grade School District 58 opened registration for its Summer School and Extended School Year programs began March 7. To register for Summer School online, please visit www.dg58.info/summerschool. Scroll down and click the “Register student” button to access detailed course information. Families who need assistance with registration or would prefer a paper registration format may please contact Lauren Hopkins, summer school secretary, at 630-719-5860. Summer School is open to students enrolled in public, private or parochial schools. However, to participate, students must live within the District 58 attendance area and be entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Please register early, as space is limited. The registration deadline is Friday, April 12. Transportation is not provided. District 58 will offer the following Summer School learning opportunities: Regular Education Summer School will take place weekdays
June 13-July 2 from 8:15-11:15 a.m. at Indian Trail School, 6235 Stonewall Ave. Summer School offers the following classes: Leap into Kindergarten (Grade K) Reading and Math (Grade 1) Reading and Math (Grades 2-8) Art Workshop (Grades 2-3) Art Workshop (Grades 4-6) Math A Prep (Grade 7) Summer Music Classes will take place weekday mornings (varied times) from June 13-28 * at O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th Street. The following classes will be offered: Band- Special Help and Guided Practice/Lessons Band – Intermediate Concert Band Band – Jazz Band Band – Advanced Concert Band Orchestra – Fourth Grade Beginning Orchestra Orchestra – Special Help and Guided Practice Orchestra – Fifth and Sixth Grade Intermediate Orchestra Orchestra – Sixth to Eighth Grade Advanced Orchestra Choir – Sixth to Eighth Grade (New Summer School offering!) For more information or to register for the above opportunities, visit www.dg58.info/
summerschool, scroll down and click “Register student.” If you have additional questions, please call Lauren Hopkins, Summer School secretary, at 630-719-5860, or Haley Underwood, Summer School principal, at 630-719-5815. Additionally, District 58 offers Extended School Year programming for those students who are eligible through their IEP. This program will take place Monday through Friday, beginning June 17 through July 19, from 8:15-11:15 a.m. at Indian Trail. No class will be held July 1-5. For more information or to register for Extended School Year, visit dg58.info/SummerESY. Extended School Year registration is also due Friday, April 12. You may also contact your child’s special education teacher, speech pathologist or Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Jessica Stewart and the Special Services Department at 630-719-5824 for Extended School Year registration assistance. * Please note: The original version of this announcement said District 58 music classes would conclude July 2. This was incorrect. Music (band, orchestra and choir) classes will conclude June 28.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Downers Grove D. 58 hosts community School Board hosts meeting for community to talk about the present and future of Downers Grove BY RYAN OSTRY Bugle Staff @RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com
The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education hosted a business meeting inviting the public to attend while giving community members a chance to talk one-on-one with School Board members. Successes, challenges, other opportunities and other issues were discussed, while gaining feedback of the present and future of Downers Grove. “The Board of Education usually meets about once per month as a group and they wrote on a bunch of different actions, bids and contracts,” said Megan Hewitt, Downers Grove Community Relations
Environmental Projects Need Volunteers River Sweep May 18 & Storm Drain Stenciling June 1 This Spring, residents will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, literally, and assist with two different initiatives that will help our local environment. “This is a great chance for our citizens to get involved and make a positive difference that benefits our local ecology,” said Bruce Barker, chair of the Environmental Improvement Commission. STORM DRAIN STENCILING PROJECT Saturday, June 1 - 9 a.m. to Noon
Coordinator. “It also usually holds a spotlight where a teacher, group of teachers or administrators will present to the school board regarding a pertinent topic.” The meeting started off with District 58 administrators Justin Sisul, Dr. Jayne Yudzentis and Todd Drafall who shared progress updates related to the Strategic Plan’s three goals: Focusing on Learning, Connecting the Community and Securing the Future. Current Downers Grove Superintendent, Dr. Kari Cremascoli, had a lengthy report on updated information on several topics. The 2019-20 returning student registration will open Tuesday, April 9, 2019, The Policy Committee has reviewed and will recommend some changes to the District’s stu-
The Storm Drain Stenciling Project consists of volunteers working together to spray paint a stencil around stormwater drains so that people know not to put dangerous materials into the storm drain. All supplies will be provided. To sign up for the Storm Drain Stenciling Project, please click on the link below: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBJEZL EU7VJqhEaLNjpgNo7M4mS KvfrCgwwhAXdwgtb9X95Q/ viewform?usp=sf_link For more information regarding the importance of protecting our freshwater system: h t t p : / / w w w. t h e c o n s e rvationfoundation.org/page. php?PageID=157
DUPAGE RIVER SWEEP PROGRAM SATURDAY, MAY 18 - 9 A.M. TO NOON Over 20 other communities
MORE INFO •
Of note, one of the recommended revised policies, Policy 5103, would change the District’s student transfer policy.
dent transfer policy with several event that are coming up including the District 58 Festival of Music (March 13), Legislative Breakfast (March 15) and The Reading Games (March 16) were all topics thoroughly discussed with the plans going forward. Also, Summer School and Extended School Year registration is open and will close as of April 12. The Business Report featuring an Assistant Superintendent for Business, Todd Drafall, reported that District 58’s revenues and expenditures are on budget. This month’s Business Report
throughout the County, including the Village of Westmont, are coming together to participate in this year’s DuPage River Sweep Program on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Restoration will be the main focus of this year’s event with a special interest in the removal of invasive species in the area. With the help of the Westmont volunteers over the years, thousands of pounds of garbage have been cleared out of the St. Joseph’s Creek, and many invasive species have been removed, creating a healthier environment for its inhabitants. The River Sweep program, organized by The Conservation Foundation, is dedicated to preserving open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeast Illinois. To sign up for the DuPage River Sweep Program, please click on the link below: http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/sweep For more information on these projects, please contact Westmont Village Forester Jon Yeater at jyeater@westmont.
also contained a new sheet that shows how much state revenue we should receive, how much state revenue we have actually received and how this year’s state revenue receipts compare to the previous year. Following the Business Report was the Committee Reports. Of note, one of the recommended revised policies, Policy 5103, would change the District’s student transfer policy. After consulting the IASB model policy guide and discussing the topic with building administrators, the Policy Committee recommends that Policy 5103 be revised to remove grade level enrollment guidelines and instead insert “under extraordinary circumstances” as the guideline for granting transfers. The other recommended revision is that new transferees must have their enrollment reconsidered annually. These recommendations, if ap-
il.gov or call 630-981-6285.
2019 Brush Pick-Up & Yard Waste Programs Resume April 1 Waste Management’s Yard Waste and Brush Pick-Up Programs resume on April 1, 2019. These weekly programs will continue through mid-December. YARD WASTE PROGRAM Yard waste, which is typically grass clippings and leaves, must be placed in kraft paper bags or a container that is 32 gallons or less clearly marked “YARD WASTE”. Each yard waste container or kraft bag MUST have a yard waste sticker, which is green in color, placed on them. There is no limit to the number of containers or bags you can place out for pick-up on your regular service day, but each bag or container must have a yard waste sticker attached. Place yard waste next to your
proved, will begin next school year, where students transferred before the policy revision may continue to follow the former policy. A Board Meeting Video Recording Discussion followed by revised calendar dates from last year, with an updated calendar approval this year were also discussed. During the meeting, other notable topics of discussion were brought up. Adopted resolutions to honorably dismiss 29 teachers and 27 educational support personnel employees, as well as to dismiss 17 part-time educational support personnel employees, approved a contract amendment with First Student bus company for 2019-20 to increase driver rates 4.5 percent and approve updated transportation rates and the recognition of students who participated in the ILMEA Elementary All-State Chorus Festival, Band Solo Day and the Orchestra Solo and Ensemble Festival.
garbage cans on the same day as your regular garbage service day. Yard waste stickers cost $3.19 per sticker and can be purchased at Village Hall located at 31 W. Quincy, Bales Ace Hardware located at 20 E. Quincy, or Jewel-Osco located at 4 E. Ogden in Westmont and 303 Holmes Ave. in Clarendon Hills. BRUSH PICK-UP PROGRAM Waste Management also provides a weekly brush pick-up program that coincides with the Yard Waste Collection Program. Branches and tree limbs must be tied with twine or string into bundles no more than 4 feet long and 1 ½ feet in diameter. Each bundle must weigh less than fifty (50) pounds. Trees, stumps, and branches larger than four (4) inches in diameter cannot be collected as brush. Brush should be placed next to your other refuse on your usual pick-up day. No sticker is required for brush pick-up. For more information about these programs, contact Waste Management at wm.com or 1-800-796-9696.
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CALENDAR
We want to hear from you! Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
March 27 • Des Plaines Nerf Dart Tournament. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. $20 – $24. Prairie Lakes, 515 E. Thacker Street, Des Plaines, 60016. The ultimate game of tag! For ages 8–14. Lunch is included. Register online now. https://www.dpparks.org/parksfacilities/prairie-lakes-community-center/.
March 28 • Woodridge Duck & Dodge Fest. 6:30-10:30 pm. Location: ARC. Age: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8 & Adult Divisions. Fee: $60 per team/$10 per person. Gather your friends or sign up as an individual for an old-school dodgeball tournament at the ARC. If there are enough individuals, a team will be formed from all those registered. Each team will be guaranteed three matches with the top two teams in each division receiving awards.
March 30 • Romeoville Springtide Craft Show. Recreation Center (900 W. Romeo Rd.) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop ‘til you drop. There will be 100 booths including hand crafts, candles, jewelry, crochet, embroidery, floral arrangements, pet accessories, hair bows, Tastefully Simple, Party Lite, Pampered Chef, Stampin’ Up & more. Admission & parking are free. Come early and have breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast or grab goodies at the Golden Age Club bake sale. Concessions are also available. Crafters can register at the Recreation Center or request an application to be mailed/emailed (No online registration). Registration will be taken until all spaces are filled. Spaces are limited and accepted on a first come, first paid basis. Returning crafters have priority registration. Friday night set-up from 5 -8 pm included in the fee. Fees are $40/10’x8’ space (space does not include a table) or $10/8ft table – limited number of tables available. Please contact Kristine for additional information at 815.886.6222.
April 6 • Des Plaines Orchard Place School - Craft/ Vendor Fair. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Orchard Place School - Gym, 2727 Maple Street, Des Plaines. We are looking for crafters/vendors who are interested in participating in the 6th Annual Orchard Place School Craft/Vendor Fair. All interested parties should contact Cathy Smith. All table fees will benefit Orchard Place School.
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PAGE 5
NORTH GIRLS TAKE SHOOTOUT BY RANDY WHALEN For the Bugle www.buglenewspapers.com
Anyone that walked in right after tip-off of Voyager Media Girls Basketball All-Star Shootout would have thought there was a lot of scoring in the opening moments since the scoreboard read 18-18. But it was all by design. The 18-18 score to start the game was in honor of Beth Dunlap. The Downers Grove North junior was fatally struck by a car on
Feb. 19. She wore No. 18 as a setter on the Trojans volleyball team, helped them to a state runner-up finish last fall and was a member of the Voyager Media All-Area volleyball team. Throughout the end of the basketball season, Dunlap had been honored, so Voyager Media Publications decided to open the scoring at 18-18 in her memory. The 18-18 start meant a higher scoring total than usual as the SEE NORTH PAGE 7
GAME OPENED AT 18-18 TO HONOR DGN VOLLEYBALL PLAYER BETH DUNLAP
PHOTOS BY MATT EVANS/FOR THE BUGLE
Downers Grove North’s Jalyn Harris had 13 points and helped fuel the North team to the win .
TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport
6 SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
SOUTH BOYS RALLY FOR THE WIN BY RANDY WHALEN For the Bugle www.buglenewspapers.com
It was quite a couple of days for Kendrick Williams. On Saturday, March 16, the Joliet Central forward announced on Twitter that he had committed to play college basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The next day, Sunday, May 17, he went out and earned MVP honors at the Voyager Media Boys Basketball All-Star Shootout at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. He scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the South squad rallied for an exciting 136-133 victory over the North team. Williams is the second straight Joliet Central player to win MVP honors at the all-star event, which started in 2009. Ryan Saunders, who played at Kaskaskia College in downstate Centralia this season, won it last year. “Not getting all-conference showed me that had to do some things with my game,” Williams said of not making the All-Southwest Prairie Conference team. “So I did. I’m happy that I just signed at Wisconsin-Eau Claire.” He was also happy to help the Steelmen to an 18-win season and a regional final appearance this season. “We had to rebuild our chemistry this season after we had some injuries around Christmas,” Williams said of the Steelmen. “But I’m happy with the results this season.” He was happy with the results in the all-star game too. Especially the end. The North team was trying to rally back but Williams had the last of his many slams with 36 seconds to play to give the South a 136-130 lead. Downers Grove South’s Justin Eagins (16 points), who hit four 3-pointers in the second half, made a final one with 21 seconds left to cut the lead to three, but that held up for the final score as the South team was able to run out all but the final second or so of the game. The end of the game was much different than the start.
There were 24-minute halves with a running clock in all but the last two minutes of the half. In the first 3:10 of the game the North team was on fire, jumping out to an 18-0 lead. Williams finally put the South team on the board on a layup with 20:40 left in first half. “It was like we had to step up,” Williams said. “We had to start playing and take off.” The South team did just that, closing back within 26-16 with just under 18 minutes to play in the first half. Its deficit remained at double digits until just over eight minutes to play in the half. Jake Karli (8 points) from Lockport scored on back-to-back baskets to rally the South team all the way back for leads of 59-58 and 61-60. The score was tied 71-71 at halftime. The South took off with an 11-2 burst to start the second half and never trailed again. There were ties at 98-98 and 100100. Ahead 114-113, Lockport’s Tommy Halatek (5 points) scored on a layup and Romeoville’s Mike Salter (6 points, 9 rebounds) scored on a layup with exactly seven minutes to play in the game to give the South some breathing room. It never got closer the three the rest of the way. Ikenna Okeke, from Romeoville, finished with a game-high 21 points for the South squad. He transferred from Bolingbrook before the start of the season. “In my senior year, team-wise we didn’t finish the way we wanted to,” Okeke said of the Spartans record. “But I was happy with how I played myself in my senior year.” He was also happy to go up against his former teammates at Bolingbrook. “It was fun to play them,” Okeke said. “Those are my guys.” Also contributing to the South win was Plainfield East’s Yamani Shareff (11 points), Joliet Central’s Keaton Gregory (10 points), Plainfield South’s Diamond Presniakovas (10 points), Plainfield South’s Levert Shields (8 points), Plainfield East’s Noah Woulard (7 points), and Joliet West’s Jamonte
PHOTOS BY MATT EVANS/FOR THE BUGLE
Benet’s Kendrick Tchoua goes up for one of his rim-rattling dunks in the 2019 Voyager Media Prep Shootout. Benton (6 points). “It was a great time being out here with my old teammates and everyone else,” said Presniakovas, who almost missed the game because of an injury. “I just wanted to play with my boys and wear my jersey one more time.” Kendrick Tchoua (18 points, 9 rebounds) from Benet Academy led the North team, while Downers Grove South’s Wesley Hooker was
right behind with 17 points. “It was fun playing with guys from other schools,” Hooker said. “We were trying to win, but it was still fun. I like to get above the rim and show off a little, but towards the end, you play defense more and try and win.” A bevy of Bolingbrook guys were in double figures. They were Kameron Leonard (17 points, 7 rebounds), Tyler Cochran (10 points),
and Ty McMurrin (10 points, 8 rebounds). Jordan Myrick (7 points), Anthony Thompson (5 points), and Isiah Burd (4 points) also contributed for the Raiders, who won their third sectional title in the past five years this season. Westmont had a pair of all-stars in Matt O’Leary (8 points) and Caden Anderson (6 points).
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SPORTS
NORTH FROM PAGE 6 North team, which included the Downers Grove North players, pulled away for a 91-81 victory at the Voyager Media Prep Shootout All-Star game on Sunday, March 17 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Niles West’s Sam Galanopoulos scored a game-high 20 points to lead the North squad to victory, 15 coming in the second half. “The first half, I was just feeling everything out.” She said. “Then we got down by one and they got it to three and I was not losing that game. I didn’t care what it takes, so I turned it on. It is all fun and games until it gets real and then it is do whatever it takes to win the game.” Galanopoulos, who will be featured next week as the 2019 Girls Basketball Player of the Year, was
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM also named the Most Valuable Player of the Shootout. Galanopoulos was on the bench in the final minutes. She was informed that she was just a few points away from tying Plainfield East’s Gabby Williams All-Star game record with for most points with 24, set in 2013. Galanopoulos, however, choose not to go back in the game. Galanopoulos was not the only one that lit up the scoreboard. Maine South’s Nicole Scales helped tip those in the North’s favor with 18 points, four rebounds, and three steals. “Sam and I have been teammates forever (in AAU), so getting to play with each other on the high school level is fun,” Scales said. “There are a lot of players from schools we never play, even in tournaments, so it is nice to see their styles of play and how they
work.” Jalyn Harris from Downers Grove North also contributed big time as she sank a trio of 3-pointers in scoring 11 the first half. She finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. “It was really fun to play with a different group of girls,” Harris said. “It was a lot of fun and it was competitive — it was a nice Sunday. Jennifer Krizka finished with seven points and five rebounds for the South team. But the multiathlete at Joliet Catholic Academy has made contributions not only in sports but off the field too. With that in mind, she was awarded the Jeremy Izzo Character Award, which is named after the former JCA boys basketball coach, who passed away in 2010. “It’s a great honor to receive the award,” Krizka said. “It’s great to
keep and carry on that tradition that Jeremy Izzo started at JCA. This is what they preach at JCA, to be a character person.” The basketball game was also the final one for Krizka, who is a softball standout for the Angels. She will continue to play softball at Oakland University in Michigan. “When I was a freshman I came here to watch some of the senior’s play in this all-star game,” Krizka said. “I imagined myself playing in this game. So it was just a great experience to play with all these different players out here.” The game was played with 20-minute halves and a running clock except in the last two minutes of the half. Ahead 27-25 the North team went on an 8-0 run and that built to a 30-15 spurt for a 57-40 lead heading into the final minute of the half. It was 57-45 at halftime.
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Trailing 65-55 five minutes into the second half, the South squad had a 13-2 stretch to take its first lead ay 68-67 on a layup by Joliet Central’s Shawnton Brown. “I loved the comeback there,” Brown said. “I had fun and it was fun to play with all the different girls from the different schools. Conference rivals Brown and Cierra Bachmann from Minooka (16 points, 9 rebounds) were quite the duo. “It was fun to play with Cierra,” Brown said. “Her basketball IQ is off the charts. She drew up a play for us and we executed it. The South team’s last lead was 73-72 on a 3-pointer by Brown’s Joliet Central teammate, Anette Hymon (6 points). But Galanopoulos earned her MVP honor by scoring the first five points in a 9-0 run that gave the Noth the lead for good at 81-73 with 3:33 to play.
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SCHOOLS
D.58 March Board of Education Briefs The District 58 Board of Education held a regular business meeting on Monday, March 11, 2019. View the agenda and presentation links. Meeting audio and video will be posted here. Highlights from the meeting include:
Spotlight on our Schools: Strategic Plan Goal Update Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli and District 58 administrators Justin Sisul, Dr. Jayne Yudzentis and Todd Drafall shared progress updates related to the Strategic Plan’s three goals: Focusing on Learning, Connecting the Community and Securing the Future. Community Relations Coordinator Megan Hewitt demonstrated how community members can access the Strategic Plan dashboard and the Strategic Plan Vision 58 homepage, which contains a wealth of information about the Strategic Plan, including details regarding each Strategic Plan working group.
Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli shared updates and information on several topics: Grade K-6 teachers and middle school science teachers spent the March 1 Institute Day deepening their understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and learning about the new science resources that will be implemented next school year. 2019-20 returning student registration will open Tuesday,
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GUEST COLUMN >> DISTRICT 58
DISTRICT 58
District updates Strategic Plan
NEWS ABOUT SCHOOLS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
April 9, 2019. Parents are encouraged to log in to complete the registration process as soon as possible. Fees may be paid in conjunction with registration, but are not required in order to submit the enrollment forms. Kindergarten Roundups begin this month; the schedule is posted online. Annually, school districts are required to honorably dismiss some teachers and staff for the following school year, pending actual student registration submissions. As in years’ past, as soon as District 58 opens its 2019-20 enrollment process and can verify its enrollment needs for next school year, the District will call back these important employees. Thus, the completion of student registration for the upcoming school year is critical to district planning and staffing decisions. The Policy Committee has reviewed and will recommend some changes to the District’s student transfer policy. The revised 2018-19 calendar scheduled eighth grade promotion for Monday, June 10, so the Regular June Board Meeting must be rescheduled. After consulting schedules, the June Board Meeting will be rescheduled to Wednesday, June 5. Several events are coming up, including the District 58 Festival of Music (March 13), Legislative Breakfast (March 15) and The Reading Games (March 16). Summer School and Extended School Year registration is open and will close April 12.
Business Report Assistant Superintendent for Business Todd Drafall reported that District 58’s revenues and expenditures are on budget. This month’s Business Report contains a new sheet that shows how much SEE BRIEFS PAGE 9
Illinois Assessment of Readiness information for District 58 parents DEAR DISTRICT 58 FAMILIES, In April of this year, our students in grades 3-8 will complete the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), which replaces the PARCC as our state-mandated assessment. I am writing to you once again to ask for your partnership and support as we approach this experience with the students of District 58. IAR BACKGROUND Each spring, students in grades 3-8 are required by the Illinois State Board of Education to participate in a statewide performance assessment. This year, that assessment is called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. While it has a new name, the actual test questions will be taken from the same PARCC bank of questions that has been used over the past five years. This helps to ensure that student growth measurements are valid, and we know that the questions are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards. Our math and reading curricula, and therefore our student learning experiences, are also aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards. This year’s assessment is nearly one-third shorter than last year’s, which is good news for our students. THE WAYS WE CAN SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN It is our responsibility to prepare our students for success and to ensure that their learning is robust and complete, and that they are able to demonstrate their skills when asked. Over the next few weeks, you may hear of your children seeing sample test items and reviewing the online assessment tools. This is one step in ensuring that our children are able to “show what they (truly) know” and will be embedded within regular instruction; we will not be “teaching to the test” because our instruction is already aligned to the same standards. The IAR is not a test students can study for, but there is value in familiarizing our students with its structure, format and questioning style nonetheless.
In fact, the steps we will take in preparation for the IAR assessment will reinforce skills that are valuable for our students in a number of ways. For example, considering how we read and respond to detailed questions and learning how to become familiar with new ways that we can digitally interact with material are both beneficial experiences for all students regardless of an upcoming specific assessment. Alongside that preparedness, we will continue to collaboratively create a culture of positive effort around this assessment. Our approach to the IAR continues to be “can-do” rather than “must-endure.” As with any other assessment, all we ask is genuine best effort; we know that our students are strong, persistent and capable. I am again asking your support in encouraging your children to approach the IAR with the same rigor and investment that they would approach MAP or any other in-school task. The words and attitudes experienced at home in discussing this assessment are powerful, and they will have a direct impact on students’ own feelings toward the IAR. We again count on you to partner with us as we ask students to simply do their best; we can together minimize anxiety as we maximize the opportunity for students to demonstrate their true abilities. Your individual teachers and principals will share specific testing dates with you so that you are aware of the days your child(ren) will be taking the IAR. If you are interested in further understanding the student IAR assessment experience,
you can view this video (click the link to play). Though the video still references “PARCC,” the assessment platform is identical for this year. The impact of your support is tangible You will recall in October of 2018, the state awarded each District 58 school a rating of either “Exemplary” or “Commendable.” The IAR is the only academic data used to calculate these ratings. The same legislation that yields those ratings mandates a 95 percent participation rate at each school for the IAR; this comes from both the federal and state levels. Beginning last year, schools that do not reach 95 percent participation for consecutive years will not be eligible for “exemplary” ratings; further, achievement scores for schools that do not meet the participation threshold are averaged against the number of students who *should* have taken the assessment, rather than those who actually completed the IAR. In short, failing to reach 95 percent participation causes a tangible, concrete impact on our schools, and underscores the importance of supporting your child’s participation in this mandated assessment. THANK YOU I appreciate your investment in your child’s education, and thank you for your continued partnership. I am available to answer any questions you may have, and again look forward to your support in modeling a responsible and engaged approach to the IAR this April. We know that no assessment is perfect, and that no one piece of data can fully capture the entirety of student achievement. However, we owe it to our students and our community to present our best selves to this assessment – and by extension – to all who will see the future results. SINCERELY, JUSTIN SISUL ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
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COLUMN >> DAVE SAYS
Handling finances before, and after, the wedding DEAR DAVE, I’m getting married this summer and I’m on Baby Step 4 of your plan. My fiancé is getting on board with your advice, too, and she’s currently in the process of paying down her student loan debt. Would it be a good idea to go ahead and put most of my emergency fund savings toward helping pay off her debt now? AARON DEAR AARON, You’ve got a generous heart, and I know you love this lady, but I wouldn’t recommend being in-
BRIEFS FROM PAGE 8 state revenue we should receive, how much state revenue we have actually received, and how this year’s state revenue receipts compare to the previous year.
Committee Reports Board Member Greg Harris reported on the Feb. 19 Policy Committee meeting. The committee continued its work aligning District 58’s Board Policy Manual with the Illinois Association of School Boards’ (IASB) model policy guide and recommended the revision of two policies and the deletion of one policy, which the committee deemed duplicative. Of note, one of the recommended revised policies, Policy 5103, would change the District’s student transfer policy. After consulting the IASB model policy guide and discussing the topic with building administrators, the Policy Committee recommends that Policy 5103 be revised to remove grade level enrollment guidelines and instead insert “under extraordinary circumstances” as the guideline for granting transfers. The other recommended revision is that new transferees must have their enrollment reconsidered annually. These recommendations, if approved, will begin next school year. Students transferred before the policy revision may continue to follow the former policy. The Board approved the first reading of the policies and will place them on the April agenda for final approval. Member Kirat Doshi reported on the Feb. 27 Legislative Com-
volved in paying any of her debt until after the wedding. At that point, you two are joined together as one, and the concepts of “mine” and “hers” and “his” disappear. It all becomes “ours,” and you can adjust your money situation to reflect your marriage and your financial makeover as a couple. Make sure that “we” have an emergency fund of at least $1,000 in the bank at that point. Then, if you’re both in agreement on the issue, you can throw the rest of what you previously had in your emergency fund at the debt. Both of you can also pile up cash between now and the big day, so that when you’re “official” you’ll have even more cash on hand.
mittee meeting. The committee discussed question topics and the format of the March 15 Legislative Breakfast. Doshi reported that Sen. John Curran, Sen. Suzy Glowiak, Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, Rep. Terra Costa Howard and Hilary Denk, district director to U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, all confirmed their attendance at the event. Member John Miller reported on the March 8 Financial Advisory Committee meeting. The committee reviewed the March Business Report and discussed employee health care. Vice President Elizabeth Sigale reported on the Feb. 25 District Leadership Team meeting. The committee reviewed the District’s quarterly Strategic Plan update. She thanked everyone who has worked on the Strategic Plan, adding that the update shows how much work is going on to improve our school district. Board Meeting Video Recording Discussion The Board partnered with the Village of Downers Grove in January 2019 to begin video recording its meetings on a trial basis. The Board reviewed and discussed viewership analytics and recommended that Board meetings should continue to be video recorded and shared publicly. Revised 2018-19 Calendar Approval The Board approved the revised 2018-19 school calendar. Provided no additional emergency days are needed, the last day of student attendance this school year will be Tuesday, June 11, 2019. June 11 will be a half day of student attendance. The middle school promotion ceremony will be held Monday,
Congratulations, and may God bless your lives together! —DAVE DEAR DAVE, My husband and I are 24, we’re debt-free, and we’re just a few weeks of saving away from having a fully-funded emergency fund. Each of us has a 401(k) plan at
June 10.
2019-20 Calendar Approval The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education approved the 2019-2020 school calendar during a business meeting last night. The 2019-20 calendar includes: First Day of Student Attendance: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 2529, 2019 Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2019Jan. 3, 2020 Spring Break: March 30-April 3, 2020 In addition, the 2019-20 calendar includes a 2 p.m. early dismissal on Mondays to provide teachers with 1.5 hours of weekly professional development time. This dedicated time will help teachers improve their instructional practice to better provide students with high-quality learning experiences. District 58 will publish a series of FAQ sheets in the coming weeks with more information about the District’s new professional learning model, the research behind this model, the specific learning opportunities for staff, and the ways District 58 intends to support the community through this transition.
Hillcrest Spotlight The Hillcrest Student Council, PTA, Principal Michelle Rzepka and Assistant Principal Lauri Cole shared school news, including their service projects, enrichment activities, fundraisers, allschool meetings, monthly school character traits and more.
work, and right now we’re concentrating on life insurance purchases. You always recommend term insurance, but how long should the coverage last? JENNY DEAR JENNY, Congratulations on being super smart with your money! It sounds like you two are starting out on the right foot. Generally, I recommend 15- or 20-year level term policies — unless you have children. Since you didn’t mention any kids, I can only assume they’re not in the picture at this point. However, if you two decide to grow your family in the future, I’d advise converting those to 30-year term policies. You’ll want
During the Meeting, the Board Also: Held an Evening Coffee with the Board community event, immediately prior to the meeting. Held a public hearing on the proposal to conduct school activities on Casimir Pulaski Day, Lincoln’s Birthday and Veterans Day in 2020. Recognized students who participated in the ILMEA Elementary All-State Chorus Festival, Band Solo Day and the Orchestra Solo and Ensemble Festival. Accepted a donation of $1,320 from Ken Lerner of Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance in support of the Little Sprouts program at Lyman Woods. Received comments from eight visitors, all parents, primarily regarding the new professional learning model – some in support and others opposed. Approved minutes from the Feb. 11 Regular Meeting, the Feb. 19 Board Tour/Puffer-Hefty PTA Meeting, the Feb. 25 Curriculum Workshop, and the March 5 Special Meeting/Superintendent Search Workshop. Approved all items presented in the Consent Agenda as presented in the agenda materials. Adopted resolutions to honorably dismiss 29 teachers and 27 educational support personnel employees, as well as to dismiss 17 part-time educational support personnel employees. Annually, positions are reduced pending enrollment and staffing plans for the upcoming year. Adopted the revised Board Agreements. Approved a proposal to hire Wight & Co. for master facility
the insurance there to protect everyone in the family, until the kids are grown and out on their own. In the years after, continued saving and wealth building will lead you to a point where you’re both selfinsured. You two have done an excellent job with your finances. Keep up the good work! —DAVE Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 15 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @ DaveRamsey.
planning work, as outlined in the Strategic Plan, for $70,000. View memo. Transferred $7 million from the Working Cash Fund to the Education Fund to support the District’s cash flow needs; this loan will be repaid after spring property tax receipts arrive. Approved a contract amendment with First Student bus company for 2019-20 to increase driver rates 4.5 percent and approve updated transportation rates. Approved a 36-month WAN contract with AT&T for a monthly recurring cost of $10,939.50 and a total cost of $393,822. Memo. Approved a 24-month managed Internet service contract with AT&T for a monthly recurring cost of $1,661.80 and a total cost of $39,883.20. Memo.
Upcoming Events Friday, March 15 at 5 p.m.: Superintendent Interviews (Closed Session) at Parkers’ Restaurant Sunday, March 17 at 12 p.m.: Superintendent Search Meeting (Closed Session) at the ASC Tuesday, March 19 at 7 a.m.: Policy Committee Meeting at the ASC Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m.: PTA Presidents/Administration Meeting at Herrick Tuesday, April 2: Election Day Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.: Regular Board Meeting at Downers Grove Village Hall District 58 Board of Education members are: Doug Purcell, president; Elizabeth Sigale, vice president; Kirat Doshi, Greg Harris, Darren Hughes, John Miller and Jill Samonte, with Dr. Kari Cremascoli, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary.
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