2017
Annual REPORT
DeKalb Community Unit School District #428
School, Community, Family... a partnership for education
Dear Members of the DeKalb 428 Community,
Dear Community Members,
As the new Superintendent of DeKalb CUSD 428, I consider it a privilege and an honor to be a part of this district’s next journey. In my short tenure, I have found an extremely dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to making this district a welcoming environment for children. Having lived in a neighboring community for the last 23 years, I am very familiar with the greater DeKalb area, the great accomplishments of the district, the wonderful people here, and the current challenges that the school district and community face. I am honored to have been selected to be a part of this next journey. Our district’s mission is to prepare students to reach their full potential as lifelong learners. This mission acknowledges that as educators, our singular purpose is to prepare students for their tomorrow -- a future that will likely look nothing like our today. We live in an ever-changing world that will continue to rapidly evolve. As our world evolves and changes, so does the way our students learn and manage information, which means our instruction must also change. Regardless of what profession our students choose to pursue, their world will be one of rapid change, and learning will be a necessity for growth and advancement. It is our mission as a district to prepare them for this world. Our ultimate goal is that, at each graduation ceremony, every student crossing the stage will have a well-designed plan for the future that includes the necessary academic and life skills to be positive contributors to their community. It is our privilege as a district to be a part of each student’s journey to graduation, and we are grateful to our entire community for supporting us, and our students, through this process. I’m looking forward to DeKalb having another great year. GO BARBS!! Sincerely,
Richard J. Craven Richard J. Craven Superintendent DeKalb CUSD 428
Our Mission:
Prior to the start of each school year the School Board establishes goals and priorities for the upcoming school year. The School Board met over the summer to develop district wide goals and priorities. From those meetings 5 goals and priorities were established. The following are the goals and priorities for the 2017 - 2018 school year. #1: Prioritize district resources to meet the educational needs of the students of District 428 within a balanced budget. #2: Provide every student with a well-rounded and relevant educational experience that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed for life and career. #3: Develop and implement effective communication among students, staff and community stakeholders. #4: Recapture the community’s trust through communication and leadership in issues that affect the socioeconomic health and vitality of the district. #5: Be effective and efficient stewards of the community’s trust, district resources and accountable to fellow board members as well as the public. I would like to thank all CUSD 428 employees for creating an amazing school district for our students. Your dedication, nurturing and support for our students make CUSD 428 an exceptional school district for our students to attend. Thank you to all of the individuals who volunteer to help in the classrooms, attend field trips and support the school’s PTA/PTOs. Parent involvement and participation in their child’s education enhances the educational experience. Your support and time makes additional opportunities possible for our students. As a district we welcome and encourage input and communication with parents, employees and community members. Open communication is essential for CUSD 428 to meet our collective goals. GO BARBS! Sincerely,
Victoria Newport Victoria Newport
President, Board of Education
The mission of DeKalb CUSD 428 is to prepare students to reach their full potential as lifelong learners.
2017-18 Board of Education
Victoria Newport President
Fred Davis
Vice-President
Howard Solomon Secretary
Jeff Hallgren
Valerie Pena-Hernandez
Rick Smith
Kerry Mellott
Curriculum Technology Initiative On March 17, 2015, the D428 Board of Education unanimously approved the three-year Curriculum Technology Initiative plan. The approved plan provides funding for the following: Year One - 2015-2016 - Chromebooks for students in grades 3-9 and six instructional coaches; Year Two - 2016-2017 - Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12; Year Three - 2017-2018 - Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12 and .5 additional instructional coach. The instructional coaches are providing D428 teachers with ongoing professional development in the classroom as technology is integrated into teaching and learning when appropriate. The instructional coaches are also supporting D428 teachers as they make the instructional shifts required by the implementation of the Common Core State Standards.
Teacher Collaboration Time This is the fourth year the D428 teachers have had collaboration time district-wide. The teachers have five collaboration days (early release days) during the school year. The activities during collaboration time are collaboratively planned by administration and teachers and are based upon teachers’ needs. During collaboration time, D428 teachers are working on aligning their curriculum to the Common Core State Standards, developing learning targets and creating assessments that will be used to inform instruction.
Continuous School Improvement As D428 moves forward with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards the following criteria must be present: • Multi-tiered system of supports embedded through the Response to Intervention model • Best practices in teaching and learning are implemented in classrooms • Formative assessments are used to inform instruction • Curricula is aligned to the Common Core • Data-driven decision-making • Embedded and ongoing professional development • Technology equity across the district
District #428 Highlights • The CUSD428 School Board voted in 2015 to move the district forward with a 1:1 technology curriculum initiative. In year one, 2015-16, Chromebooks were provided to all students in grades 3-9. Six instructional coaches were hired. In year two, 2016-17, Chromebooks were provided to all students in grades 3-12. • D428 shares a strong partnership with NIU for professional development schools. • DHS currently offers 15 advanced placement courses, as well as 21 honors weighted courses. • A new high school, & a new elementary school in Cortland were built as the result of a successful referendum, as well as the complete renovation of Tyler Elementary.
• The DHS A Cappella group, Enharmonic Fusion, competed in the (ICHSA) on April 20th, 2017 at The Town Hall Auditorium in New York City, New York and finished in second place overall and were also recognized for Most Outstanding Choreography. • DeKalb School District offers students the opportunity to participate in over 24 sports and over 50 clubs/ extracurricular activities. • DHS students won five Critic’s Choice awards from the Northern Illinois Big XII Literary Festival, more than any other school. • Since 1987, the DeKalb Education Foundation has a well-established tradition of supporting and enriching opportunities for students in DeKalb School District.
• Our music department is second to none and continues to receive national awards and compete around the country.
• DHS students who enroll in the Engineering and Math Science Academy (EMSA) can earn 23 to 26 semester credit hours of college credit.
• The DHS Marching Band traveled to Ireland to perform at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland in March 2017.
• DHS students are able to participate in a dual credit program with Kishwaukee College.
• For the past 7 years, our Business & Finance Department has received two prestigious awards for their financial reporting; the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association. • DeKalb Schools are committed to the health of their students by providing daily PE, nutritious lunches and snacks, and having an annual Wellness Fair for our families. • DHS publishes a national award winning magazine, called New Pennies. • The DHS Forensics Team has won its 16 consecutive regional titles. • DeKalb School District serves our 3-5 year old “Bitty Barbs” at our Early Learning and Development Center.
• DeKalb has partnered with Northwestern Health Systems, YMCA and NIU to provide CATCH (Coordinated Approach TO Children’s Health) to all students in K-5. • Huntley Middle School girls and boys track teams competed at the 2017 IESA State Track Meet in East Peoria. They brought home the most medals for a Huntley Middle School Track program since 1996. • Huntley Middle School’s 8th grade band earned a Division 1 (Superior Rating) at IGSMA Organizational Contest and qualified for the state competition. • Clinton Rosette Middle School had 2 orchestras qualify for the Illinois Grade School Music Association State Organizational Competition. They proudly came home on April 23 from Jackson Middle School in Villa Park with a Gold Plaque (Superior rating -- Division I) for 6th Grade Orchestra and a Silver Plaque (Excellent rating -- Division II) for 8th Grade Orchestra.
Grant Awarded to Littlejohn
Wirtz Award Winner
• The DeKalb-Sycamore Coop Gymnastic Team finished the regular season with an undefeated record. They won the Upstate Eight Conference Team Championship. They were also IHSA Regional and IHSA Sectional Team Champions. The Sparbs brought home the 2nd place team trophy at the IHSA State Tournament. • New elementary and middle school boundaries were approved in 2016-17 after a two-year examination process. • DeKalb High School had 45 state scholars in 2016-17.
Littlejohn was awarded a grant ($1,100) in order to financially support their Social Justice/PBIS Project. Littlejohn is focusing on the different elements of Social Justice monthly. They just finished the Love Ourselves unit for September. Every class in the school received multicultural construction paper and yarn to make their own faces. The entire school’s hallways are lined with faces of many colors representing the students and the diversity at Littlejohn. The 5th graders also took time to deconstruct what the definition of loving yourself meant, and they made a video talking about it. This video was shared on Littlejohn’s school website and with every classroom in the school. The 5th grade video is entirely in their own words and was a very powerful lesson in their classrooms.
Adapted physical education and general physical education teachers have been working to implement multi-modal communication techniques within the general curriculum. This benefits our students who not only have communication needs due to disabilities, but our students who are English language learners. Verbal cues, visual pictures, paired with written directions in multiple languages makes curriculum available to all. This makes students feel more comfortable, more included, and more independent within their school community.
The Early Learning and Development Center enjoyed their trip to Butler Farms in Malta.
Lisa Lenz, Special Education Teacher at Brooks Elementary School was named the 2017 recipient of the Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education. The 2017 nominees for the award included, Cate Cardella, Kindergarten Teacher at Tyler Elementary School, Jackie Pringle, Littlejohn Elementary School Secretary and Carol Vest, Special Education Teacher at Clinton Rosette Middle School.
The Early Learning and Development Center Bitty Barbs love it when our community resource officer, Kelly Sullivan, comes to visit us on the playground!
Advanced Placement Classes
Demographic Percentage for AP Test Takers 4%
2013
3%
12%
10%
■ ■ ■ ■
White Black Hispanic Asian/ Pacific Islander
13% 72%
2%
84%
8%
1% 2%
■ ■ ■ ■
White Black Hispanic Asian/ Pacific Islander ■ Multiracial/Ethnic
5%
80%
2014 ■ ■ ■ ■
White Black Hispanic Multiracial/Ethnic
Honors Classes
2015
5%
2%
DeKalb High School currently offers 15 advanced placement courses in the following subjects: Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Art (Drawing, 2D Design, 3D Design). English Language, English Literature, Spanish, Music Theory, Human Geography, European History, United States Government, United States History, and Comparative Government.
8% 10% 60%
19 %
2017 ■ ■ ■ ■
White Black Hispanic Asian/ Pacific Islander ■ Multiracial/Ethnic ■ Other
DeKalb High School offers honors classes in the following subjects: Western Civilization I and II, Music Performance, Spanish III and IV, French III and IV, Humanities English I and II, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.
Exam
DHS
Illinois
National
2-D Drawing
100%
85%
84%
Drawing
100%
79%
85%
90%
62%
55%
92%
56%
52%
88%
74%
69%
79%
62%
56%
63%
58%
49%
75%
54%
49%
Calculus AB
85%
62%
57%
Calculus BC
100%
87%
81%
Biology
53%
66%
64%
Chemistry
14%
52%
51%
100%
91%
88%
81%
56%
51%
Language and Composition Literature and Composition
2017 School District Demographics
Comparative
2017 AP Testing: % of Student Scores 3+
48.5%
26.3%
18.3%
European History Human
.5% 1.6% 4.9%
Government
Geography
■ ■ ■ ■
White Black Hispanic Asian/ Pacific Islander ■ Multiracial/ Ethnic
U.S. Government
Spanish
■ DHS
■ Illinois
■ National
Language U.S. History
Awards Received by the DeKalb School District Business & Finance Department
Former Brooks students “Grad walk”
Cortland Elementary students are learning about Growth Mindset this year. Growth Mindset ideas come from the research done by Dr. Carol Dweck, professor at Stanford University. Students can be taught growth mindset concepts that will lead to greater achievement in school and in life in general. Specifically, students spent three days engaged in activities and discussions that taught them the following: ● A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset. ● Everyone is capable of developing abilities. ● Challenges help us grow. ● Receiving feedback is constructive. ● Effort is necessary for growth to happen. During Day 1, students were given a fun, yet challenging, task to complete in a cooperative group. As students struggled with the task, teachers documented the students’ comments on sticky notes. After the activity, students were introduced to the idea that some of their comments were representative of a growth mindset and some were representative of a fixed mindset. Teachers read the quotes from the students and categorized them as demonstrative of a growth mindset or as demonstrative of a fixed mindset. On Day 2, the students learned that the brain is like a muscle. The brain gets stronger as a result of embracing challenges. Students learned through the use of educational videos. They also wrote/illustrated statements about major accomplishments from their past years: learning to ride a bike, learning to read, etc. This was followed up by setting learning goals for the new year. On Day 3, Cortland Elementary welcomed back retired teacher, Michelle Dahl. Since retiring, Michelle has written, illustrated, and published her very own memoir for children, A WALK WITH GRANDPERE. She was introduced as a model of someone who has met major goals by employing a growth mindset. Mrs. Dahl shared the story of her author’s journey and read aloud from her published book. Teachers are continuing Growth Mindset lessons in their classrooms. For example, the first graders have recently learned about “the power of yet.” This is the idea that we cannot do everything automatically. As we work towards goals, it is helpful to tell ourselves, “I can’t do that, YET!”
The Board of Education recognized Cindy Carpenter & Elizabeth Guerrero for receiving Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers Association for their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential user and user groups to read the CAFR. The Certificate of Excellence award confirms the school business office’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Recognition through the COE program can help strengthen a district’s presentation for bond issuance statements and promotes a high level of financial reporting. This is the seventh consecutive year that DeKalb CUSD #428’s Business Office has received both prestigious awards.
Students in one of the 7th grade advanced language arts classes at Huntley Middle School are pictured using their new set of white boards, erasers and markers, funded by the DEF. They purchased classroom sets for all three teams.
District #428 Music & Art Highlights of the year include: • Enharmonic Fusion is named Midwest Champion after placing first in their quarterfinal and semifinal rounds and advanced to the national finals in New York City. They earn second place at the finals of the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA). Additionally they are recognized for Most Outstanding Choreography, Most Outstanding Soloist (Grace Klonoski), and Top Vocal Percussionist (Mark Jesmer). • The DHS Marching Barbs traveled to Ireland for a week-long performance tour, highlighted by a performance at the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, where the band was named best band in its class. The band also performed at the Titanic Museum in Belfast, Kilkenney Castle and in a joint concert with the Finglas Concert and Marching Band. • The DeKalb High School Orchestra participated in a concert tour to Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA. • The Orchestra was honored to have its String Quartet selected to work with the Avalon String Quartet at NIU, based on the group’s audition. • The District 428 string program received 4 superior rankings at stage contests including: 3 at the Illinois Grade School Music Assocation (IGMSA) Contest (CRMS 6th Grade, CRMS 7th and 8th Grade and HMS Chamber Orchestra) and 1 group at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Organizational Contest (DHS Symphony Orchestra). • The D428 string program has seen a 50% enrollment increase in the last 3 school years and added a new ensemble, The Band of Stringz at CRMS. • The DeKalb High School Percussion Ensemble entered a contest to perform at the Music For All National Percussion Festival and has been accepted. The group will appear at the festival as a featured group in March, 2018.
DeKalb Musicians/Artists honored • 74 Students from DeKalb High School are selected to perform in the Illinois Music Education Association’s (ILMEA) District 8 honor ensembles. 24 Students from DHS receive an invitation to perform at the 2017 ILMEA All-State Festival: Evelyn Adams (oboe), Lucio Bennardo (percussion), Noah Brooks (percussion), Noe Cardoza (voice), Emma Conway (flute), Daniel DeLap (voice), Destinee Feliciano (voice), Katherine Hagaman (voice), Bea Hartman (flute), Hope Jesmer (voice), Mark Jesmer (voice), Colton Kammes
(trombone), Ashley Kelly (voice), Grace Klonoski (voice), Sofia Mattson (harp), Gabbie Melms (voice), Devonte Merrick (jazz trumpet), Alyse Mommer (trumpet), Phebe Palmer (jazz piano), Lucy Prais-Lewis (viola), Dylan Prohpheter (tuba), Joe Rathke (clarinet), Richie Spahn (voice), Ben Vance (voice) • Clinton Rosette has 21 musicians selected for ILMEA District 8 honor ensembles, 8 from Band, 7 from Orchestra and 6 from Choir. Huntley Middle School has 13 musicians selected for ILMEA District 8 honor ensembles, 6 from Band, 5 from Choir and 2 from Orchestra. • Lucy Prais-Lewis placed second in state for colored pencil drawing at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition (IHSAE). • Junior Cellist, Ben Rodriguez won the senior strings division of the Chandler Miller Starr Competition in Rockford, IL. • 5 DeKalb High School Choir students were selected to the National Association for Music Education’s National Honor Choir to perform at the NAfME National Conference in Grapevine, TX. DeKalb High School was third in the nation for the most students accepted to the choir. (Ben Vance, Katie Hagaman, Ashley Kelly, Grace Klonoski, Richie Spahn). • 4 DeKalb High School Choir students were selected to the American Choral Director Association’s National Honor Choir to perform at the ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Three tenors from the state of Illinois were selected - they all were from DeKalb High School. (Daniel DeLap, Emma Carpenter, Mark Jesmer, Ben Vance.) • 9 DeKalb High School Choir students are selected to the Oregon Bach Festival youth choir academy in Eugene, OR, under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong (Daniel DeLap, Katie Hagaman, Tegan Henrikson, Mark Jesmer, Ashley Kelly, Grace Klonoski, Olivia Klonoski, Richie Spahn, Grace Verbic). • DeKalb High School formed its first chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and inducted 20 new members in its inaugural year. • 12 DHS Artists participated in the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference Art Competition and 5 garnered awards: Keirsten Fay (1st in Jewelry/ Textile Art), Michael Williams (2nd in Jewelry/ Textile Art), Juan Castro (1st in Printmaking), Logan Freeman (2nd in Photography), Maeve Wallace (2nd in Mixed Media).
Musical Collaboration, Diversity and Outreach in the Performing Arts • DeKalb High School’s 2017 Spring Musical Production of Ragtime presented themes of diversity, immigration, gender equity, racism, and poverty through the lives of three families living in New York City in the early 1900’s. • The DeKalb High School Varsity Choir opens for the world-renowned St. Olaf Choir on February 10, 2017. DHS hosted the St. Olaf Choir for a concert and high school clinic with Dr. Anton Armstrong in the DeKalb High School Auditorium. • Enharmonic Fusion A Cappella performed with the University of Chicago’s a cappella group, Voices In Your Head, at their annual concert on June 2, 2017. • The Orchestra Program hosted jazz violinist Randy Sabien, who performed with district orchestras, as well as in concert with local musicians Jim Kanas, Scott Mertens, Roger Hintzsche and Steve Lundin. • The DHS Jazz Ensemble hosted clinicians Ron Carter and Reggie Thomas. The Jazz Ensemble also performed at the first ever Jazz at the Egyptian concert, in DeKalb’s historic Egyptian theatre alongside the NIU Jazz Orchestra and the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble. • The Percussion Ensemble hosted the 5th annual Transformation Through Rhythm Concert, in conjunction with the NIU Percussion Ensemble and the Harambee Percussion Ensemble to raise funds for Kishwaukee Hospice and Kynsa Hospice in South Africa. • The DHS Music Department received over $25,000 in grants, including $6,000 from the Farny Wurlitzer foundation and $2,000 from the DeKalb Education Foundation to purchase new microphones for the DHS A Cappella program. The Music Department also received thousands of dollars from community resources including the DeKalb Music Boosters to support the various events and travels within the department.
DeKalb Visual Artist’s works displayed around the state • DeKalb High School Artists had works selected for display at the NIU High School Exhibition, the Kishwaukee Community College Art Show, the Kishwaukee Valley Arts League (KVAL), and the Collins Dental Art Show.
Four DeKalb High School Choir students were selected through a blind audition to the American Choral Director Association’s National Honor Choir. They performed with 250 students from around the nation March 8-11, 2017 at the ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis, MN. They are Daniel DeLap (Tenor 1), Ben Vance (Tenor 2), Emma Carpenter (Soprano 2), and Mark Jesmer (Tenor 10). Three tenors from the state of Illinois were selected - they are all from DeKalb High School
Five DeKalb High School Choir students were selected through a blind audition to the National Association for Music Education‘s National Honor Choir. They performed with 300 students from around the nation November 10-13, 2016 at the NAfME National Conference in Grapevine, TX. They are Ben Vance (Tenor ), Katie Hagaman (Soprano 1), Ashley Kelly (Alto 1), Grace Klonoski (Alto 1) and Richie Spahn (Bass 1). DeKalb High School was one of the top three schools in the nation for the most students accepted to the NAfME National Honor Choir.
• District 428 also hosted its district wide Art Show at the Egyptian Theatre from May 9-11, 2017. • Over 200 artworks were displayed from around district 428 and prizes were awarded to the following students: Kyla McMaster (2D-Best of Show), Jordan Nguyen (3D-Best of Show), Citialli Orozco (Neutral Drawing), Kyla McMaster (Colored Drawing), Lucy Prais- Lewis (Painting), Juan Castro (Printmaking), Megan Wimberly (Photography), Michael Williams (Mixed Media), Karissa Olsen (Ceramic Functional), Brennan Lottes (Ceramic Sculptural), Hayley Krull (Sculpture-No Clay). • The DeKalb Township Art Competition selected the following artworks to receive a cash prize and be displayed in their building for a year: Sierra Cleveland, Keirsten Fay, Marina Frazier, Adrian Godinez, Nick Irvin, Lydia Myers, Jon Fashola, Juan Castro, Travohn Weston, Brittany Fordsmand, Citlalli Orozco, and Brennan Lottes.
DeKalb High School’s 2017 Spring Musical Production of Ragtime presented themes of diversity, immigration, gender equity, racism, and poverty through the lives of three families living in New York City in the early 1900’s
DeKalb High School AThletics/Activities Annual REport
Fall Sports Boys Golf Team
The boys golf team took 2nd place at the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference meet and the Boylan Invitational. They finished in 1st place at the Freeport Invitational and their own Kishwaukee Invite. The Barbs finished the year on a strong note by winning the IHSA Regional and qualifying two individuals to the IHSA State Meet. Austin Freeman is a two time IHSA State qualifier. He shot a 76 and 75 with at total of 151 at the state meet this year which earned him 11th place. Emma Carpenter qualified for the IHSA State Tournament and shot a 75 on Friday and 74 on Saturday for a total of 149. She earned All-State honors by finishing in 10th place at the IHSA State Meet.
Volleyball
The varsity volleyball team finished the year with a record of 21-16. They finished in 3rd place in the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference. In the postseason the team hit their stride and won the IHSA Regional and Sectional. They finished their historical season by advancing to the IHSA Super-Sectional which is the best finish in program history.
Football
The DeKalb football team finished the 2016 season with a 10-3 record, a Northern Illinois Big 12 East Division Conference championship, a First National Bank Challenge win over
Sycamore and an IHSA Semifinal finish. Along with the team accomplishments they also had many individual achievements. Derek Kyler and Cole Tucker were co-Conference MVPs for the second year in a row. Derek and Cole were also placed on the all-state team for 6A in 2016.
Winter Sports Dance Team
After placing 4th in the IHSA sectionals competition, the dance team went on to the state competition. There, they placed 18th out of the 30 teams in the 2A division in the IHSA state finals.
Boys Basketball
The Barbs finished the season 19-11 after returning only one starter. This group also won the Northern Illinois Big XII Conference for the third consecutive year. Senior Michael Mitchell was named the NIB XII Most Valuable Player.
Wrestling
The DeKalb wrestling team was the Northern Illinois Big XII East conference regular season champs and finished second in the conference tournament. Blah Dahnweih and Fabian
Lopez qualified for the IHSA State Tournament. Fabian Lopez reached the finals and ended his freshman season as the 120 lb. and state runner up becoming DeKalb’s first AAA state finalist and becoming the first freshman to reach the finals in DeKalb history.
Gymnastics
The DeKalb-Sycamore Coop Gymnastic Team finished the regular season with an undefeated record. They won the Upstate Eight Conference Team Champions. They were also IHSA Regional and IHSA Sectional Team Champions. The Barbs brought home the 2nd Place Team Trophy at the IHSA State Tournament. Aleah Leman • IHSA State Bar Champion • IHSA State Vault Champion • IHSA State All Around 4th Place • Aleah’s Career-4 State Titles & 10 All State Medals • 2017 All-American
Spring Sports Girls Track & Field
The Barbs finished second overall in the conference bringing home 10 all-conference athletes. They followed that performance up the next week with a second place finish in the IHSA Sectional sending seven Barbs to the state finals. The Barbs finished being ranked 24th overall in the state in Girls Track and Field. State Qualifers: • Freshmen Kyra Ozier: 400m dash and 4x100m and 4x400m relays. • Freshmen Brianna Barwick: 4x400m relay and 300 low Hurdles. • Junior Brimonet Buggs: 200m dash, 4x100 and 4x 200m relays. • Junior Sierra Long: 4x400m relay and 4x200m relay. • Junior Kmaris Kirkwood: 4x100 and 4x200m relays. • Junior Jasmine Kemp: high jump. • Soph Katherine Olsen: 800m and 1600m run. • Junior Miriea Martinez: 4x100,4x200, 4x400m relays.
Badminton
Alyse Mommer/Helene Collin qualified for the IHSA State Tournament as a doubles team and finished in the top four
teams at the IHSA Sectional. Hui Zhu/Holly Trapp qualified for the IHSA State Tournament for the second straight year. Hui and Holly went 3-2 at the IHSA State Finals and were one win away from advancing to the second day of the tournament.
Boys Track & Field
The 4x100 relay team made up of Keonte McKinnie, Tyrese Dyson, Tristan Bujarski and Zuerek Day placed 2nd at the IHSA Sectional meet which qualified them for the IHSA State Meet in Charleston. Zuerek Day placed 2nd at the IHSA Sectional in the 300 hurdles to qualify for the IHSA State Meet. At the IHSA State Meet, Zuerek Day brought home a 3rd Place medal and a new school record in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 38.15! He also earned All-State Honors.
Baseball
The DeKalb Baseball team won the 4A IHSA Regional over Hampshire High School. The road to winning the regional championship was far from easy though. After being down 4 – 3 going into the bottom of the 6th inning, the team was able to rally scoring 7 runs in their quarterfinal win vs Jefferson High School. In the semifinal game vs Rockford East, a (2-1 victory that went 9 innings), and the championship game vs Hampshire (3-2 victory).
Forensics
The DHS Forensics team completed another very successful season with a team of over 50 individuals. In addition to accumulating over 200 individual awards, the team won team awards an impressive 8 times over the course of the season including its 16th consecutive regional championship. The team advanced 10 individuals to sectionals and four to the state tournament. At state, Seniors Molly Stawinoga and Michael Williams finished in the Top 12 in their individual events and Senior Paul Un qualified for state for the fourth consecutive year; finishing in 9th place in Extemporaneous Speaking and making the state finals in Impromptu – finishing 6th in the state.
Bass Fishing
Many hours of research and practice paid off as our bass fishing team took second at the Shabbona Lake sectional with a 15.5 lb limit of 5 fish which earned them 2nd place in the IHSA Sectional. The team of Chandler Larson, Cameron Kriese, Lauren Collin, Anthony Frazier, and Justin Pederson represented the district at state finals on June 23rd and 24th.
Crowbotics The DeKalb High School Robotics Team is gearing up for year three of robotic action. Crowbotics is building momentum for coding, electronics, 3D design, 3D printing and engineering applications. This team has worked closely with NIU students to focus on problem solving, building mechanics, and coding for a specific purpose. Our focus is to apply skills that students learn in class to create new opportunities and applications in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. With tremendous support from the community, the team has been able to pursue new adventures. The Monsanto Foundation has financially supported Crowbotics frc5934 to be able to compete at the Midwest Regional Competition in Chicago for the past three years. Best Buy Community Grants supported the team with major tool purchases, which has enabled the team to improve efficiency and accuracy in building components. 3M has financially supported the team with the purchase of a laptop for coding the competition robot and a table saw for building obstacles. And last but not least, mobile tool boxes were purchased with the support from the Youth Engaged with Philanthropy group. This support from our community has encouraged us to seek opportunities in which we can give back. Crowbotics members participate in numerous outreach activities throughout the year. We not only want to give back to the community, but we want to ignite the love of STEM. We look forward to a successful year both on and off the field.
Collaborative Partners in Education NIU and D428 Professional Development School(s) and Partnership
Kishwaukee College EMSA Program
D428 continues to share a strong partnership with NIU. All twelve schools (includes the Early Learning and Development Center) in D428 are involved with the partnership and PDS at some level. Site Council meetings are being held this year at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels with a focus on strengthening the PDS and creating more opportunities for the partnership to expand. NIU and D428 have collaboratively presented at the National Association of Professional Development Schools. D428 is highly invested in the co-teaching model for NIU teacher candidates. NIU and D428 are collaboratively exploring opportunities to expand the partnership.
EMSA is a program for talented high school students during their senior year to jumpstart their college careers by taking the higher-level math and science classes that are the foundation of a wide variety of majors. Former EMSA students have gone on to universities across the country to study engineering, chemistry, physics, computer science/engineering, and a variety of science-based pre-professional programs including pre-med, pre-veterinary medicine, prephysical therapy, and pre-pharmacy.
Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC)
Student of The Year Morgan Karolus, Certified Nurse Assistant Benjamin Stark, Aviation Joshua Becker, Certfied Nurse Asistant Night Class Chandler Larson, Diesel Automotive
KEC offers career and tech classes in partnership with five area high schools: DeKalb High School, Genoa-Kingston High School, Hiawatha High School, Rochelle Township High School and Sycamore High School. Students register at their high school in the spring for career classes, and complete registration at Kishwaukee College the following fall term for dual credit classes. These courses prepare students for an occupational pathway, which may not require preparation beyond a two-year Associates of Applied Science degree to enter the workforce. Students enrolling in KEC Dual Credit courses must be in the 11th grade and beyond and attend one of the five consortium high schools. The following classes offered through KEC are currently approved for dual credit: Automated Engineering Technology Auto Technology Aviation Business Academy Certified Nursing Assistant
Collision Repair Technology Computer Information Systems Criminal Justice Diesel Early Childhood
Emergency Medical Tech – Basic Esthetics Medical Terminology Power Technology Welding Technology
Other KEC courses available to students that are not eligible for dual credit include: Building Maintenance Culinary
Cosmetology Mass Communications
Web Development
Beginning the 2018-2019 school year students enrolling in the KEC Fire Science course will have dual credit available to them through Waubonsee Community College.
Students who have completed the EMSA Program have successfully gained admission to prestigious institutions, including Northern Illinois University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, Case Western Reserve University, Cornell University, the University of Chicago and Stanford. To qualify for the program, students in their junior year in high school must be enrolled in Pre-Calculus/ Trigonometry and be currently enrolled in or have completed one year of high school chemistry with a minimum grade of a B. The EMSA program begins with Math 229 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I in the summer before the students begin their senior year in high school. Students then take further calculus and either college-level Physics and/or Chemistry classes from 7:30 – 10:00a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. After their EMSA classes each day, students return to their high schools to continue their regular academic and extra-curricular schedules. On completion of the EMSA Program, students will have earned 23 – 26 transferable college credit hours at the more affordable Kishwaukee College tuition rates.
CUSD428 Fixes the Digital Divide The Curriculum Technology Initiative, with the support of instructional coaches is shifting what teaching and learning looks like in D428. Collaborative learning as well as problem-solving are embedded within the curriculum. Teachers are also exploring the need for flexible seating, as our learners have a variety of learning styles. The Curriculum Technology Initiative includes a 1:1 program that has been recognized by Google and we have been awarded the designation of being a Google Apps For Education Reference District.
Our partnership with the IlliniCloud Cooperative has given the District the flexibility to enhance curriculum through advanced infrastructure and design. The partnership originally established in 2011 has driven 21st century implementations to shrink the digital divide.
DeKalb Students Explore the World Students in grades 1-12 are taking field trips around the world. Thanks to over 700 virtual expeditions created by Google, students are exploring distant countries, amazing landforms, numerous careers and college campuses, and museums around the globe. Our teachers have guided some students through the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, into the International Space Station, through various wildlife careers, into Costa Rica & Pamana, around Northwestern University and more. When visiting certain locations is just not possible, we bring the locations to us. This opportunity is possible due to the support of the DeKalb Education Foundation and the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Enharmonic Fusion competes at the Finals of the ICHSA (International Championship of High School A Cappella). After placing first in their quarterfinal and semifinal they were named Midwest Champions and advanced to the national finals at the Town Hall in New York City. At the Finals they finished second in the nation. They were also awarded Best Choreography and Best Soloist (Grace Klonoski) for the second year in a row. It was the group’s seventh trip to the national finals since 2007.
Enharmonic Fusion gives an encore performance at the national finals of collegiate A Cappella at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. After placing first in their quarterfinal and semifinal they were named Midwest Champions and advanced to the national finals at the Town Hall in New York City. At the Finals they finished second in the nation. They were also awarded Best Choreography and Best Soloist (Grace Klonoski) for the second year in a row. It was the group’s seventh trip to the national finals since 2007.
The formal photo of Enharmonic Fusion is of the group performing at the University of Chicago. The University of Chicago’s top A Cappella group Voices In Your Head invited Enharmonic Fusion to perform at their annual concert in June, 2017. Like Enharmonic Fusion, Voices In Your Head placed second in the national championships of A Cappella.
Students using snap circuits supported by a DeKalb Education Foundation grant. First graders learning about architecture and building their own replica.
Facts at a Glance Communities Served
Buildings
Address
Administration
Phone
Students
DeKalb, Cortland, and Malta (108.3 square miles)
Early Learning & Development Center
1515 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, Door 31
Ms. Lisa Gorchels, Director
754-2999
235
Brooks Elementary (K-5)
3225 Sangamon Rd., DeKalb
Ms. Brooke Condon, Principal
754-9936
316
District #428 Education Center
Cortland Elementary (K-5)
370 E. Lexington Ave., Cortland 60112
Ms. Jennifer Hilliard, Principal Ms. Lissette Jacobson, Asst. Principal
754-2360 754-2360
533
Founders Elementary (K-5)
821 South Seventh St., DeKalb
Ms. Connie Rohlman, Principal Ms. Robyn Timmerman, Asst. Principal
754-3800 754-3800
583
Jefferson Elementary (K-5)
211 McCormick Dr., DeKalb
Ms. Melanie Bickley, Principal
754-2263
325
Lincoln Elementary (K-5)
220 East Sunset Pl., DeKalb
Ms. Jennifer Tallitsch, Principal
754-2212
258
Littlejohn Elementary (K-5)
1121 School St., DeKalb
Mr. Billy Hueramo, Principal
754-2258
451
Malta Elementary (K-5)
5068 State Rte. 38, Malta 60150
Ms. Kristine Baccheschi, Principal
754-2970
334
District Website
Tyler Elementary (K-5)
1021 Alden Circle, DeKalb
Ms. Andria Mitchell, Principal
754-2389
253
http://dist428.org
Clinton Rosette Middle School (6-8)
650 North First Street, DeKalb
Mr. Tim Vincent, Principal Mr. Brant Boyer, Asst. Principal
754-2226 754-2226
545
Huntley Middle School (6-8)
1515 South Fourth St., DeKalb
Ms. Amonaquenette Parker, Principal Ms. Vicci Gartner, Asst. Principal Mr. Sean Chamberlain, Asst. Principal
754-2241 754-2241 754-2974
788
DeKalb High School (9-12)
501 West Dresser Rd., DeKalb
Mr. James Horne, Principal
754-2100
1823
Mr. Sean Potts, Asst. Principal
754-2103
Ms. Donna Larson, Asst. Principal
754-2151
Mr. Maurice McDavid, Dean
754-2103
Ms. Julie Daniels, Dean
754-2130
Mr. Tyler Carlson, Dean
754-2121
Mr. Nicolas Kearfott, Director of Activities & Athletics
754-2116
901 South Fourth Street | DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 754-2350 | Fax: (815) 758-6933
E-mail Addresses (name)@d428.org (name = first name.last name)
Daily Time Schedule Education Center PreK/Blended Early Childhood
7:30 am – 4:30 pm 9:00–11:30/12:45- 3:15 8:45-11:45/12:30-3:30
K-5 Buildings
8:45 am - 3:30 pm
6–8 Buildings
7:45 am - 2:30 pm
9–12 Buildings
7:45 am - 2:45 pm
Administration
Mr. Richard J. Craven, Superintendent Ms. Cynthia Carpenter, Director of Business and Finance Ms. Sarah Abate, Director of Human Services Dr. Jennie Hueber, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Ms. Cristy Meyer, Director of Student Services Ms. Kim Lyle, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator Dr. Vicky Tusken, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator Ms. Tammy Carson, Director of Facility Operations
Board of Education
Ms. Victoria Newport, President (2017-2021) Mr. Fred Davis, Vice President (2015-2019) Dr. Howard Solomon, Secretary (2015-2019) Mr. Kerry Mellott (2015-2019) Mr. Rick Smith (2015-2019) Ms. Valerie Peña-Hernandez (2017-2021) Mr. Jeff Hallgren (2017-2021)
Program Coordinators
Ms. Wendy Stanis, Special Ed. Elementary Coordinator/Outplacements Dr. Lisa Becker, Special Ed. Elementary Coordinator/TOSA Mr. Brandon Royer, Special Education Secondary Coordinator Ms. Lisa Gorchels, Special Education Coordinator, Huntley Middle School Ms. Jill McCormick, Music Coordinator Ms. Tricia Schumacher, Art Coordinator Mr. Steve Lundin, DHS Fine Arts Coordinator Dr. Amy Luckner, Coordinator for Assessment, Research, and MTSS Ms. Kelly Zerby, K-8 PE Coordinator Ms. Gina Sandora, Media Director
Transportation Service
First Student: 748-2901 Mr. Jason Calloway, Branch Manager Ms. Brenda Jergens, Transportation Liaison (754-2199)
Directors Partnership Programs
Mr. Tom Crouch, Director, Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) 825-2000 Jennifer Gilley, Director Ombudsman Program, 304C N. 6th St., DeKalb 754-5106
Food Service
Colleen Koehler, Director Aramark Ms. Carol Warren, District Director Ms. Lisa Ruiz, Ms. Donna Cerny Food Service (754-2162)
Chief Technology Officer
Mr. Ben Bayle, Chief Technology Officer
Total Operating Revenue for the Year Ended June 30, 2016
0.1% 2.6%
2.4% 4.2%
Operating Expenditures by Object
Local Revenue Sources ■ Property Tax Receipts
$44,894,913
■ Corp. Personal Property Replacement Tax
$1,296,967
■ Investment Income
90.8%
6.8%
2.1% 6.1% 4.3%
$73,501
■ Student Fees/Food Service Payments
$1,171,058
■ Other Local Revenue
$2,121,195
Total Local Sources
$49,557,634
14.2% 18% ■ Salaries ■ Benefits ■ Purchased Services ■ Supplies & Materials ■ Capital Outlay ■ Other Objects
State Revenue Sources
30.4%
25.4%
62.8%
■ General State Aid
$17,868,250
■ Grants and Categorical Payments
74.6%
Total State Sources
Total Operating Revenue
20.7%
$49,557,634 $23,964,802 $5,390,629
31%
21% 27.2%
$78,913,065
$1,672,882
■ Title Grants
$1,541,925
■ Special Education
$1,133,532
■ Other Federal Revenue
$1,116,565
Total Federal Sources
$5,390,629
$79,134,402
Operating Expenditures by Function
$23,964,802
■ National School Lunch Program
$43,736,511 $14,247,571 $11,276,368 $3,373,143 $1,682,807 $4,818,002
Total
$6,096,552
5.1% 0.8% 0.2%
Federal Revenue Sources ■ Local Sources ■ State Sources ■ Federal Sources
55.3%
39.5%
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
54.4%
Instruction $43,023,943 Support Services $31,258,813 Community Services $152,675 Payment to Other Districts & Gov’t Units $4,075,045 Debt Service $623,926
Total
History of Operating Revenue, Expense & Fund Balance (Education, Tort, O&M, Trans., IMRF, WC)
$79,134,402
$90,000,000 $80,000,000 $70,000,000 $60,000,000 $50,000,000 $40,000,000
■ Revenue
$30,000,000
■ Expenditures
$20,000,000
■ Fund Balance
$10,000,000 $-
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
901 South 4th Street DeKalb, IL 60115
DeKalb Community Unit School District #428 901 South 4th Street • DeKalb, IL 60115 Phone: 815.754.2350 | En Espanol: 815.754.2102 | Fax: 815.758.6933 www.d428.org
School, Community, Family... a partnershipFamily for education School, Community,