Community Newsletter January/February 2022

hello! bensenville a lifelong learning community | january/february 2022

BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY 1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

Celebration!

FRIDAY | JANUARY 21 AT 10:30 AM | AT THE LIBRARY AGES: 0 TO 4 YEARS OLD

Did you know the best way to create strong readers is to read to your children when they are babies and toddlers? Start the new year by joining the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program! Your child wins prizes simply by you reading to them! Come to our celebration to hear stories, get a special prize, and join our raffle! Already registered for 1,000 Books? You are invited to come and celebrate too! Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

BENSENVILLEWOOD DALE FOOD PANTRY January and February are often lean months for food pantries, as support from donors traditionally surges in November and December.

Learn how you can offer your support to the Bensenville-Wood Dale Food Pantry by visiting bwdfp.org. Your gifts, big or small, will give hope to a neighbor.

And if you need support, know that the Bensenville-Wood Dale Food Pantry is there to help. The pantry is open from 8:30-11 am on Saturdays, and is located at 192 S. Center Street, in the basement of Faith Community United Church of Christ.

WINTER READING FOR ALL AGES Winter Reading for Kids

MONDAY | JANUARY 3 TO FEBRUARY 28 | AGES: 0 TO 18 YEARS OLD

Stop by the Youth Services desk to pick up a Winter Reading Bingo Card! Cross out Bingo to pick prizes from our prize chest!

Adult Winter Reading Challenge

SATURDAY | JANUARY 8 THROUGH SATURDAY | MARCH 5 | AGES: 18+

Take our reading challenge for a chance to win a Kindle Fire! Starting Saturday, January 8, adults are invited to participate in our Winter Reading Challenge! Pick up your Winter Reading Challenge bookmark at the Library, or via curbside pickup — you can also print your bookmark on our website. Once you complete the required challenges, turn in your bookmark and you’ll be entered in the drawing to win a Kindle Fire!

WINTER SOWING

TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 1 AT 7 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY

Have you ever considered starting your spring plants from seed and just don’t have the room inside? Would you like to learn a new way that does not involve grow lights, heat mats, etc.? Join us as we demonstrate winter sowing, a simple way to start your seeds outdoors. You do not need a greenhouse or any special equipment; instead, we use recycled milk jugs that act as a greenhouse, which allows the seed to get started in a more natural environment. You will take home your own starter jug with seeds as well as instructions to continue your winter sowing project at home. Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

IN THIS ISSUE Bensenville Community p 1-3 Public Library Village of Bensenville p 4-6 Fenton Community High School p 7-9 Bensenville Park District p 10-11 Elementary School District 2 p 12-14 Community Events p 15-16 The statements and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not reflect the views, opinions, thoughts or beliefs of each member organization. The member organizations are not responsible for opinions or statements made individually or by other organizations.

For information, contact sparkison@benlib.org.

Deadline for Mar/Apr is February 23, 2022.

BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY DAVE DINASO’S TRAVELING WORLD OF REPTILES TUESDAY | JANUARY 18 AT 6:30 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY

200 South Church Road Bensenville | Illinois 60106 www.benlib.org 630 766 4642 HOURS MONDAY | 9 AM-9 PM TUESDAY | 9 AM-9 PM WEDNESDAY | 9 AM-9 PM THURSDAY | 9 AM-9 PM FRIDAY | 9 AM-5 PM SATURDAY | 9 AM-5 PM SUNDAY | 1 PM-5 PM Board of Trustees Linda Weiss | President Tina Lux | Vice President Susan Earley | Treasurer Mandi Zalewski | Secretary Dr. Consuelo Cabral-Marquez Dr. Ciuinal Lewis Kathleen “Kathy” Quinn David Sieffert | Library Director LIBRARY CLOSINGS Saturday, January 1, 2022 New Year’s Day

Get your Passport at the Library!

The Library is a United States Passport Acceptance Facility!

We accept passport applications by appointment only. Please call the Library at 630.766.4642 or email passport@benlib.org to schedule an appointment. More information on passport services at benlib.org/passport-services, as well as at the Adult Services Desk. Questions? Please contact the Adult Services Department at 630.766.4642.

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Join us for an up-close, live, and extremely interactive hands-on experience about reptiles and amphibians from around the world. See snakes, frogs, turtles and more at this fun show for the whole family! Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited. Registration closes at the start time of the event.

KIDS BOOKMARK DECORATING CONTEST

Calling all creative kids, tweens, and teens... The Library needs your help designing a new bookmark! Pick up a bookmark template at the Youth Services Desk and get creative!

Participants will compete for a chance to see their printed bookmark design featured at the Library. Each winner will receive 15 bookmarks of their design, and a $25 gift card to Blick Art Supplies. All submissions must be submitted by January 28. Community voting will run from February 7-23. Winner will be announced on February 28. Please, no cartoon or copyright art or characters; original artwork is encouraged.

design us a bookmark!

VALENTINE’S DAY CARD MAKING

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 9 AT 6:30 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and join us for a card-making extravaganza! We will have tons of ideas and supplies to help you create cards for your friends, family, and classmates. Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited. Registration closes at the start time of the event.

NO SCHOOL HANGOUT: VIDEO GAMING MONDAY, JANUARY 17 | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 GRADES: 5TH – 12TH | 1 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY

Hangout with Mr. Parish on these no school days for an afternoon of video gaming! We will play some of the best multiplayer games currently out on the Nintendo Switch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own controllers if they have one.

Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited. Registration closes at the time of the event.

NO SCHOOL HANGOUT: CRAFTING WITH PARISH

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 18 AT 1 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY | GRADES: 5TH – 12TH

Hangout with Mr. Parish on this no school day for an afternoon of fun crafting. Parish will show us how to make our own macaron keyrings! Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

Registration closes at the time of the event.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT GREEN ST. GRILLE

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7 PM | JANUARY 10* | FEBRUARY 7 GREEN ST. GRILLE | 120 W. GREEN ST. IN BENSENVILLE

Join staff from the Bensenville Community Public Library on the first Monday of every month* from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and flex your trivia muscle at the Green Street Grille! Gather some friends and compete against other teams for prizes by answering questions about history, pop culture and more! Registration is not required to attend Trivia Night, but reservations at Green St. Grille are recommended. Please call 630.474.1201 to reserve a table. *Please note that in January, Trivia Night will meet on the second Monday of the month.

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SALT SHAKER SNOWMAN

Registration for these virtual Zoom programs is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

THURSDAY | JANUARY 20 AT 7 PM | ADULTS ONLY | LIVE ON ZOOM

Dispel the cold, dark days of January by crafting this cheerful little table/desktop companion made from a salt shaker, snow glitter, ribbon, and a button or two!

Registration for this Zoom program is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

DIY TULIP PENDANT

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: IMPRESSIONISM AND POST-IMPRESSIONISM

THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 17 AT 7 PM | ADULTS ONLY | LIVE ON ZOOM

As some of the first flowers to come up in the springtime, tulips are generally a welcome sight. Spring isn’t quite here yet, but you can be ready for it when it is by joining us on Zoom and crafting a little tulip pendant using a simple wire-wrapping technique. Registration for this Zoom program is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

HYPNOTHERAPY 101

TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 8 AT 7 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY

What is hypnotherapy and how does it work? Hypnotherapist Yanko Yankov will discuss what exactly hypnotherapy is (and isn’t), his work, as well as the facts, benefits and myths surrounding the field. Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

FLORIOGRAPHY: THE MEANING OF FLOWERS THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 10 AT 7 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

Should you send a red or white rose to the one you love? Through the ages, various flowers and floral arrangements have taken on subtle and secret messages that allow us to express our unspoken feelings. Learn how to send the most appropriate floral message to your friends and family. Registration for this Zoom program is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

FRUTELAND JACKSON PRESENTS: BLUES 101 THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 24 AT 7 PM | IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY

What is the blues? Where did the blues come from? Musician, author, storyteller, and historian Fruteland Jackson will educate and entertain us with a lecture and musical performance about the history of perhaps the most important and influential American musical genres. Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH FROM 7 – 8 PM IN-PERSON AT THE LIBRARY

Join us for a new film discussion series hosted by local film buff and author David Johnson. Each month David will explore a different topic and genre, from mob movies to musicals, from actors to directors. Each session will begin with a historical summation of the topic, highlighted with notable movie scenes, preceding a group discussion.

David will select four films as a departure point for each topic which participants are encouraged to watch prior to the discussions. Registration for this in-person event is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

• Wednesday, January 12: Hollywood LGBTQ Films (Brokeback Mountain, Boys in the Band, The Birdcage, Boys Don’t Cry) • Wednesday, February 9: The Films of Quentin Tarantino (Jackie Brown, Inglorious Basterds, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Django Unchained) L IF E L O N G

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STAYING POSITIVE

MONDAY | JANUARY 24 AT 7 PM LIVE ON ZOOM To say that 2020 was a challenging year is an understatement. Join wellness coach Tom Kens as he shares ten practices to help you navigate through these uncertain times with a positive attitude.

ORGANIZE & SAVE YOUR DIGITAL FILES WORKSHOP

REEL WORLD: FILM DISCUSSION SERIES

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THURSDAY | JANUARY 13 AT 7 PM LIVE ON ZOOM Join Art Excursions’ Jeff Mishur on Zoom and learn about some of the Art Institute’s highlights from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Learn the stories behind works by artists such as Monet, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, van Gogh, Picasso and others.

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WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 16 AT 7 PM LIVE ON ZOOM Join our Digital Librarian & Archivist Elizabeth Morris to learn uncomplicated ways to organize and save your digital files. Learn how to create your own file hierarchy, name files, and where you should store and back up your files. We will also briefly discuss what happens to social media accounts when someone dies and making digital afterlife plans.

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VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE Village of Bensenville 12 South Center Street Bensenville, Illinois 60106 www.bensenville.il.us 630.766.8200 President Frank DeSimone Trustees Rosa Carmona Ann Franz Marie T. Frey McLane Mac Lomax Nicholas Panicola Jr. Armando Perez Village Clerk Nancy Quinn Village Manager Evan K. Summers

2021 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

Thank you!

The Village sincerely thanks all who donated and supported this year’s Village Toy Drive. Significant donations from the following organizations played a key role in ensuring our 51st annual Village Toy Drive was a huge success! With your support, the Village was able to provide over 2,300 toys to Bensenville families in need.

Arcadia Press Bensenville Chamber of Commerce Century Metal Spinning Company DuKane Chapter A.B.A.T.E of Illinois GEM Car Wash

Hair Shapers Larry Roesch Volkswagen Teamster Horsemen Motorcycle Association Chapter 25 Victory Auto Wreckers

HOLIDAY LIGHT RECYCLING PROGRAM The Village of Bensenville has partnered with Elgin Recycling once again to offer free holiday light recycling to Bensenville residents. Drop off boxes are located at Bensenville Village Hall and the Public Works Department. Boxes will be accessible to the public during regular business hours until the end of February. All types of holiday string lights, working or not, are accepted.

NATIONAL LAW ENFOREMENT APPRECIATION DAY Show your appreciation for the Bensenville Police Department on January 9th!

Here are a few things you can do to show your support to the Bensenville Police Department: • Tie a blue ribbon around your tree • Thank police officers on your business’s marquee, if you have one.

• Write a letter to your local police department thanking them for their service.

• Put a blue lightbulb in a light in the front of your home.

• Wear blue on January 9th.

• Share a positive police story on social media.

• If you see a police officer in person, thank them!

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ODOROUS WINDOW LETTER SENT BY CDA In mid-August, the Chicago Department of Aviation sent letters to all residents who participated in their Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). This letter was to inform participants that some RSIP windows or doors were emitting an offensive odor. If you received this letter and your RSIP windows have emitted an odor, please call the RSIP O’Hare office at 773.894.3636 to schedule an odor inspection. Under state law, residents who received this letter must contact the program office by February 21, 2022 to schedule an odor inspection. If you do not contact the program office by February 22, 2022, you will not be eligible for replacement windows and doors if an offensive odor is confirmed.

RESIDENTIAL KEY BOX PROGRAM

SENIOR HOTLINE 630.350.3426 Finding the answers to questions can sometimes be confusing. The Senior Information Hotline provides basic information about Village programs and services. Our goal is to help Bensenville Senior Citizens easily navigate their way through the various government departments and agencies. Call 630.350.3426 to speak with a representative.

The Senior Hotline is available: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday

Take advantage of the Residential Key Box Program. Your entry key stored inside allows firefighters and paramedics to enter your home without the need for forcible entry.

This program is available to incorporated residents who have a debilitating medical condition that limits their mobility. People with medical call buttons are also eligible.

A limited supply of key boxes are available. If you or someone you know needs a residential key box, please call the Bensenville Community and Economic Development Department at 630.350.3413.

Mark your Calendar!

HONOR FLIGHT CHICAGO LAW ENFORCEMENT HOCKEY CLASSIC MARCH 12TH

ADDISON TOWNSHIP SERVICES

Honor Flight Chicago’s Law Enforcement Hockey Classic is coming back to the Edge Ice Arena March 12th! This is a charity hockey game featuring players with the FBI vs Chicago Police Department. 92 cents of every dollar raised by Honor Flight Chicago goes directly to the cost of flying WWII and Korean War veterans to visit their Memorial in Washington D.C. For additional details and updates about this event, please visit www.honorflightchicago.org.

HELP KEEP HYDRANTS CLEAR OF SNOW THIS WINTER In an emergency situation, every second counts! If there is a fire hydrant near your home, the Village encourages residents to do their part to keep it accessible during snowy months. Remove any snow or ice and clear a threefoot perimeter around the fire hydrant to allow fire fighters enough space to work.

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Did you know many of Addison Township’s services and programs are also available to Bensenville residents? Below are several programs they offer. For additional details on any of these programs, please visit addisontownship.com or call 630.530.8161.

ADDISON TOWNSHIP 401 N. Addison Road, Addison, IL 60101 • Electronics and textile recycling • Township Food Pantry • Senior Homestead Exemption • Circuit Breaker – a cash grant program for seniors • Voter registration and early voting • LIHEAP applications – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

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no parking on Village streets after 2” or more of snow.

HELP KEEP SNOW OFF THE STREETS

AQUAHAWK ALERTING To receive alerts for increased water usage, subscribe to our AquaHawk Alerting program!

Aquahawk Alerting is a free service for Village of Bensenville residents and can also assist in efficiently managing water usage. To register for the program, please visit bensil.aquahawk.us/login.

Step by step instructions are also available on the Village website at bensenville.il.us.

Permission for overnight parking on Village streets will not be granted after a snowfall of two inches (2”) or more. In order to ensure effective plowing and salting operations it is imperative vehicles are not parked on Village streets or in alleys. Alley parking is prohibited at any time.

Please do not park or keep a vehicle on public streets after a (2”) or more snowfall for twenty-four (24) hours, or until the streets have been cleared of snow. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed.

Snow plowing or dumping snow from sidewalks and driveways onto the public streets or public alleyways is prohibited.

SEE CLICK FIX The Village utilizes See Click Fix to help identify and resolve issues within the Village of Bensenville. By using SeeClickFix, your concerns are communicated directly to the Village staff responsible for resolving the issue.

Residents are encouraged to create a profile on SeeClickFix so that Bensenville Report a Concern can keep you informed on the status of your request and those created by your neighbors. Certain issues cannot be reported if you do not create a user profile.

To download the free SeeClickFix app, go to the App Store or Google Play. You can also access the tool via seeclickfix.com. For additional information, please visit the Village website at: bensenville.il.us

TIPS FOR A MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME PROVIDED BY NICOR GAS 1. In the Kitchen a. Use the short wash cycle on your dishwasher, and wait to wash until you have a full load. b. Use cold water with the garbage disposal. You’ll save the energy used to heat the water, and it will keep grease and fats in solid form so they move more easily through the system.

4. In the Laundry Room a. Wash clothes in cold water as much as possible. b. Avoid overloading your dryer, or hang your clothes outside to dry.

5. Outside a. Consider a natural gas grill for convenience; there’s no mess and no tank exchange. b. Grill outside to reduce the heat in the kitchen.

2. In the Attic and Basement a. Check the insulation levels in your attic. Consider adding more if you have less than 14 inches of insulation. b. Clean or replace air filters for your furnace regularly.

6. Other Areas Throughout Your Home a. Install a smart or programmable thermostat to help regulate your home’s temperature throughout the day. b. Keep shades on the sunny side of the house open during the winter and closed during the summer.

3. In the Bathroom a. Use a low flow showerhead or get a shower timer to minimize your shower time to 4-5 minutes. b. Fix leaky faucets.

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FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Dear Fenton families & valued community partners, FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL | District 100 1000 West Green Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500 www.fenton100.org Mission Statement Cultivate successful, passionate learners through rigor, relevance and relationships.

Board of Education Kit Tingpalpong | President Vacant | Vice President Leonel Figueroa | Secretary Sylvia Hayde Patty Jalowiec John Radzinski Juliet Rago Administration James Ongtengco | Superintendent Sam Bentsen | Principal Jose Jaramillo | Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations Bruce Martin | Chief School Business Officer Jim Batson | Director of Technology Rick Kambic | Director of Communications and Community Engagement Michelle Papanicolaou Director of Curriculum and Instruction Todd Becker Director of Activities and Athletics Thomas Kobel, Director of Building, Grounds and Transportation Eileen Roberts | Assistant Principal Pedro Castro | Dean of Students Jason Madl | Dean of Students Nancy Coleman | Director of Special Education Kate Ward | Division Leader Eric Koranda | Division Leader Brian Agustin | Division Leader

We have all done an amazing job of working toward “as close to normal as possible” while bringing students back into the building and reacquainting ourselves with various routines.

Unfortunately, some aspects of “normal” involve facilities and learning spaces that are far too old and antiquated. A majority of our building was originally constructed in the 1950s and based around learning models from the 1950s.

Fenton underwent a facilities audit in 2019 and early 2020, up until COVID put a halt to our efforts. The deficiencies and challenges highlighted in the 2019 audit were unavoidable when we brought our entire student body back to school after 18 months of no students or light student traffic in the building. Our kids deserve better.

Together, as a community, we have openly talked about these challenges and potential solutions. Fenton is grateful to all who participated in person at our 10 Public engagement sessions as well as everyone who completed our communitywide phone survey or one of our online survey forms.

We also are very thankful to the parents, neighbors, and business leaders on our Community Engagement Committee, which helped us test and refine our presentations during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of this outreach initiative.

All of this incredible feedback lets us know what the community prefers and will support. This collaboration will ensure our final plan is fair, fiscally responsible, and reflective of the wishes of our community.

These conversations will continue as we move forward, toward safe facilities that are capable of 21st Century Learning.

We ask that our community stay involved. A Phase 3 phone survey will go out in January with the latest options that have been modified based on your feedback and preferences.

All are invited to review our Community Engagement webpage, which contains reports, copies of our presentations, and our informational videos. Please visit: fenton100.org/district/community_engagement Myself, the Fenton Administrative Team, our teachers, and entire staff are all so proud to serve this community. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Fenton High School.

Go BISON! JAMES ONGTENGCO | Superintendent

@FentonHS

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well done!

FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL | District 100 1000 West Green Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500 www.fenton100.org Mission Statement Cultivate successful, passionate learners through rigor, relevance and relationships.

Fenton Football Players Present Proceeds from September 11 Fundraiser to Bensenville and Wood Dale First Responders The Fenton High School football team fundraised $12,200 as part of its September 11, 2001 Remembrance Program and its two captains presented checks to Bensenville and Wood Dale first responders during the November 17 Fenton Board of Education meeting.

Fenton’s memorial ceremony took place prior to the September 10, 2021 home game against East Aurora High School.

It included active and retired members of the military, including Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Yantis, who was working in the Pentagon the day of the attack. Retired and active first responders also lined the football field and participated in a bell ringing ceremony.

The fundraising efforts include but are not limited to: • A $5,000 Donation from the Chicago Bears • Memorial T-Shirt Sales, and • Proceeds from the Concessions Stand • Nike Corp.

Fenton football player Richard Chavez presented a $3,050 check to Bensenville Village Manager Evan Summers and Police Chief Dan Schultz, as well as a $3,050 check to Battalion Chief Angel Reyes of the Bensenville Fire Protection District. While at the podium, Richard said the following: “I don’t know what it’s like being a police officer, a firefighter, or a paramedic.

But I know it’s more than just making traffic stops, staying up late nights, and handling small disputes. The bravery and selflessness exhibited by first responders on a daily basis for the residents of Bensenville, Wood Dale, and all communities across the United States of America is truly inspiring and heroic.

These men and women wake up each day not knowing what the day will entail or what is awaiting on the other side of that phone call. Thank you and your families for the sacrifice you make daily for the residents being served. In the climate we are currently living in today, people forget first responders are ordinary citizens that have feelings and fears. However, first responders suppress those feelings and fears for the betterment of society. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you on behalf of everyone who lives in the Village of Bensenville and the City of Wood Dale. Thank you for everything you have done, and for everything you will do.”

Bison football player Zane Benayad presented $3,050 checks to each Wood Dale police and fire officials.

Before the audience full of football players and first responders could disperse, Principal Sam Bentsen also chose to recognize Head Football Coach Matthew Lynch for organizing the memorial program.

“Honestly, you guys have no idea how much time this man put into this program,” Principal Bentsen told the school board. “Hours and hours of meticulous planning. Meetings where he told us EXACTLY how it had to be done. It was an incredible program and it was his vision from the beginning. I just want to thank him. We’re fortunate to have Matt – as a teacher, as a coach, as a mentor. I think he deserves a standing ovation.”

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FENTON APPROVES STRATEGIC PLAN 2.0

Beliefs Successful, passionate, empowered learners thrive when: We provide a safe, caring and welcoming environment Diversity, equity and inclusion unify our community School and home collaborate as one We champion innovative teaching and engaged learning, with state-of-the-art facilities

The Fenton Board of Education approved a newly developed Strategic Plan 2022-2025 in October after having formally accepted results from the inaugural Strategic Plan 2018-2021 a few months prior.

We infuse social-emotional learning into academics and culture We prepare students to fulfill their civic responsibility

A Strategic Plan is important because it acts as Fenton’s roadmap for the next three years.

We immerse students in authentic life experiences

Fenton’s committee of 38 students, parents, educators, administrators, and school board members met four times in September and October and engaged in meaningful dialogue based around leadership principals found in the book “Great By Choice,” authored by Jim Collins. A subcommittee often met as well, to finish small tasks or streamline broad ideas proposed by the group.

This new strategic plan is affectionately dubbed “Strategic Plan 2.0” because many of the concepts are continuations, enhancements of, or related to those in the original strategic plan.

After strengthening the mission and belief statements, the committee identified six themes, or areas of focus, and then drafted meaningful goals in each theme. Fenton administrators will now work to develop action plans for each of those goals.

Thank you to everyone who dedicated countless hours to this important three-year plan that reflects the priorities of our community.

Cultivate successful, passionate, empowered learners through rigor, relevance and relationships.

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Strategic Plan Themes Teaching and Learning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Social-Emotional Growth Student Life Communication, Collaboration and Community Securing the Future 9

bvilleparks.org

BENSENVILLE PARK DISTRICT NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! Wood St. Fitness Center offers access to top-of-the-line fitness equipment and classes to help you look and feel your best. With socially-distanced fitness stations, frequent cleaning, and sanitizing stations throughout, your safety is our priority! Check it out for yourself, or visit WoodStFitness.com for info.

Deer Grove Leisure Center Administrative Office 1000 West Wood Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 7015 BvilleParks.org White Pines Golf Club 500 West Jefferson Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 0304 WhitePinesGolf.com Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad 1100 West Wood Street Bensenville, Illinois 60106 630 766 SWIM (7946) Fischer Farm 16W680 Grand Avenue Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 834 3152

SWEETHEART BALL

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 12 | 6-9 PM | WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB

Make some sweet memories at the annual Sweetheart Ball. This year’s candy-themed ball includes a delicious dinner, dancing, entertainment, and a decadent sweets table.

Register at the Deer Grove Leisure Center by Wednesday, February 9. Cost is $22.

FISCHER FARM FUN Winter Campfire THURSDAY | JANUARY 13 | 5:30-6:30 PM

Winter Track Hunt

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 19 | 1:30-2:15 PM

Beat the winter chill with a relaxing evening around the fire, with s’mores, hot cocoa, and heartwarming winter stories.

Or take a walk around Fischer Farm, tracking the active animals of winter before warming up with hot chocolate in the farmhouse. Cost is $3 per person for each activity.

Wood Street Fitness Center 1000 West Wood Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 7015 WoodStFitness.com Board of Commissioners Rich Johnson | President Val Karg | Vice President Greg Linder | Treasurer Nancy Gibbs | Secretary Jay Snyder | Commissioner Executive Director Joseph C. Vallez

LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @bensenvilleparks @bensenvilleparks @bvilleparkdist @bensenvilleparks

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NEW! HOCKEY ICE-BREAKERS Blackhawks vs. Canucks

MONDAY | JANUARY 31 | 5:30-10:30 PM

Wolves vs. Admirals

TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 15 | 10 AM – 4 PM

Wolves vs. Griffins

SUNDAY | MARCH 13 | 2-7 PM

Meet new people as you ride to the United Center or Allstate Arena in the comfort of the 32-passenger park district bus for a Chicago Blackhawks or Wolves hockey game. Each person attending the Wolves game will also receive a Wolves winter cap. Cost is $85 for Blackhawks and $25 for Wolves games.

CLOVER HUNT

SATURDAY | MARCH 12 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM | FISCHER FARM

Feeling lucky? You don’t have to be Irish to take part in this hunt for four-leaf clovers! Join us in this hunt at the historic farm for one of two sessions for ages 2-4 and 5-7. Cost is $5 per person.

E-RECYCLING & DOCUMENT SHRED EVENT SATURDAY | MARCH 19 | 8:30 – 11 AM

Get a jump on spring cleaning and shred your sensitive documents at the annual E-Recycling and Shredding event.

The first banker’s box of documents is free to residents and $5 thereafter. Recycle as many electronic devices as you wish for just $5. Check the bvilleparks.org website for a list of approved items to be recycled as the date approaches.

THINK SUMMER! Camp Registration Now Open Park District summer camps have something for everyone, including adventure camps, discovery camps, sports camps, and teen leadership camps—each emphasizing safe play, well-being, community activity, and learning and promoting development, teamwork and fun! It’s just $25 down per session, per child, to reserve a camp spot. Save $10 each session when you register by Friday, May 6, so sign up today!

Interested in working at the water park, White Pines Golf Club, or for the park district? Visit BvilleParks.org/Employment to see all job postings and download an application.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 DEFINING OUR FUTURE

District 2 has launched a strategic planning process to determine the direction of its schools BENSENVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 210 South Church Road Bensenville | Illinois 60106 www.bsd2.org 630 766 5940 Board of Education Dr. Chris McCullough | President James Stoltman | Vice President Marisol Leyva | Secretary Lori Parthimos | Treasurer Jacqueline Dye Katie Krajecki Robert F “Bob” Laudadio Administration Dr. Raymond Lechner Interim Co-Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Nelson Interim Co-Superintendent Anne Paonessa Interim Director of Teaching and Learning Paul Novack Chief Financial Officer Juliann Greene Director of Special Education Missy Baglarz Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Edgar Palacios Director of English Learners DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Blackhawk Middle School 630 766 2601 Dr. Perry Finch | Principal Nicole Mrowice | Assistant Principal Zach Ettelbrick | Assistant Principal Tioga School 630 766 2602 Jeffrey Kersten | Principal Amber Soike | Assistant Principal W.A. Johnson School 630 766 2605 Carlos Patiño | Principal Michelle Shabaker | Assistant Principal

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The District’s strategic planning process will develop a shared vision for its schools.

Stakeholders from every corner of the community are involved in the process, which will result in a long-term framework for decision-making that builds upon the common values held by the BSD2 community.

“Effective education of students requires a commitment from the entire community,” said Dr. Rebecca Nelson and Dr. Ray Lechner, District 2’s Interim Co-Superintendents. “We are excited to launch this inclusive strategic planning process that will help create the future for our District and its schools. Our approach is a best practice in that it is research based, which means that decisions come from data rather than intuition.”

The strategic planning process began in mid-November, and will continue through mid-January. Throughout this period, the District will conduct interviews, focus groups and an online survey to solicit input from school board members, parents, employees, students, and community members who do not have children in the schools.

Information collected through these forums will be analyzed along with the District’s mission and vision statements and its guiding principles. That analysis will determine findings, goals, and objectives for the District, all of which will be presented to the Board of Education and released to the public in a strategic plan report that should be completed by early spring.

“This plan will ensure the effective stewardship of resources as all taxpayers within the boundaries of District 2 will benefit from our strategic allocation of assets to support student welfare and learning,” said Dr. Christopher McCullough, BSD2 Board of Education President.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

Jacqueline Dye appointed to fill vacant seat After interviewing four applicants, the BSD2 Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Jacqueline Dye to a two-year term on the Board during its November 3 workshop.

Mrs. Dye officially joined the Board at its next regular business meeting on Wednesday, November 17, filling the vacant seat created by the resignation of member Christina Cannon-Bailey.

Mrs. Dye has more than 20 years of experience in education, having formerly served in preschool and middle school special education teaching positions. For the past 16 years, she has served as a mentor and counselor for youth ages 13-18. In 2019, Mrs. Dye and her husband founded Generation Next Empowerment, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth in Chicago complete their education, prepare for jobs, and – if necessary – secure housing.

Mrs. Dye has been a BSD2 resident for 9 years. She has three sons – a 23 year-old who is a Fenton graduate; a 19 year-old who attended Tioga, Blackhawk and Fenton; and a 7 year-old who has attended both Tioga and Johnson Schools.

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WINTER WEATHER UPDATE

eLearning Days set to replace emergency ‘snow days’ District 2 can now call eLearning Days when closing schools due to extreme weather. An eLearning Day will count as a regular school day, and will not require the District to use a built-in emergency day at the end of the school year.

Students in Grades K-8 will be sent home with their Chromebooks when weather forecasts suggest school closures are a possibility. Parents will then be notified no later than 6 a.m. if the District is closing its schools and holding an eLearning Day. (No announcement means it will be a normal school day.)

Attendance will be taken during eLearning Days, and the hours of the school day will be the same. Instead of travelling to school, though, students will join their classes through their teachers’ virtual links, which will be posted on the District website and sent to parents via email and text message.

SURVEY SAYS!

What do you love about your child’s school? Tell us in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey!

Bensenville School District 2 will begin administering the Illinois 5Essentials Survey to teachers, students, and parents on January 11. This survey provides students, teachers, and parents a voice in our ongoing efforts to improve our schools. But it is also an opportunity to tell us what you love about your child’s school!

Over the summer, a group of talented fourth- and fifth-grade students and their art teachers transformed seven local utility boxes into beautiful pieces of art.

That, too, is an increasingly important part of the Illinois 5Essentials Survey because its results reflect what we as a community value about our schools. From state report cards to real estate rating websites, its results are often used to paint a picture of you, your family, and your neighborhood.

These colorful displays are made of long-lasting vinyl wrap, and are located along Irving Park Road, Church Road, and several other high-traffic areas throughout Bensenville. Their designs include gears, stars, monsters, and historical Bensenville monuments.

So parents, please visit illinois.5-essentials. org and complete the 10-minute parent survey before the March 11 deadline.

“Students had fun working together to create art that represented their community while also learning about collaboration and how to reflect their perspectives in creative work,” said Christy Poli, Director of Community Schools. “These types of partnerships help strengthen and develop the community schools approach to learning, and allow stakeholders to collaborate with the goal of improving outcomes for students.”

Tell us what you think and how we can improve, and share with the world what makes you proud to be part of our BSD2 family!

Visit bsd2.org/elearning for the District’s eLearning Day Parent FAQ.

UTILITY WRAPPED IN ARTISTRY

Unique partnership brings student art to the public’s eye

The utility box art project was a partnership between District 2, the Village of Bensenville, the Bensenville Community Foundation, and Grand Subaru.

“In the last few years, we have made an effort to bring public art to Bensenville,” said Village President Frank DeSimone. “This project provided a great opportunity to spread art throughout our community while also shining a light on Bensenville’s talented students.”

WANT MORE BSD2 NEWS? Follow us on Facebook at Bensenville School District 2 Follow us on Twitter @BensenvilleD2.

Visit www.bsd2.org | About Us | News, Notifications & Social Media.

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BETTER TO GIVE

Holiday Toy Drive, Giving Tree, and Coats for Kids efforts help BSD2 families in need stay warm and enjoy a happy holiday season.

Nearly 900 students will be able to stay warm this winter after receiving new coats this fall thanks to the BensenvilleWood Dale Rotary Club’s annual “Coats for Kids” drive. The coats were distributed in mid-October at W.A. Johnson School to students in need who were referred to the program by their teachers. The drive is conducted throughout the year, and this year was made possible through the Rotary Club’s partnerships with “Warm Coats for Cool Kids” and “Operation Warm.”

This generosity carried over into the holiday season through the BSD2 Giving Tree program. Every year, school social workers and classroom teachers work together to identify students from families that may not be able to afford gifts, and invite them to anonymously share their children’s wish lists and clothing needs. BSD2 staff then volunteer to spend about $25 purchasing gifts for each student, and return their donations wrapped and ready to deliver to their families before winter break. This year, BSD2 staff generously combined to donate more than $2,200 in gifts for 87 students from 35 different families in need through the Giving Tree program.

D2...a great place to work!

EMPLOYING BENSENVILLE

District 2 offers employment opportunities that are perfect for BSD2 residents!

District 2 is looking for BSD2 parents and residents to fill these vital roles: • • • • •

Classroom & Special Education Aides Substitute Teachers Lunch & Recess Attendants Bus Drivers Custodial & Maintenance Staff

Visit bsd2.org/employingbensenville to learn more about the employment requirements and compensation details for these positions.

As the largest employer in town, Bensenville School District 2 employs more than 400 people. Roughly a quarter of them call Bensenville home. Some of our local employees are parents who want to work the same hours in the same schools their children attend. Some are recent retirees who found fulfilling part-time positions in the public schools their property taxes fund.

They’re all making a living where they live, though, and they’re helping the students and teachers in their community succeed while they do it! It’s important and rewarding work, and you can work alongside them!

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monday

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wednesday thursday friday

BCPL Thursday Night Book Club, 7pm Zoom

BCPL Anytime Craft Pick Up for All Ages

LIBRARY CLOSED VILLAGE HALL CLOSED

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saturday

BCPL Vegan Soap, 7pm CDC Meeting: 6:30pm, VH FHS Classes Resume

BCPL STEAM Club, 5pm BCPL Kids Bookmark Contest Begins BCPL Carapia’s Coven Book Club, 7pm, Zoom

BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 11:30am Zoom BCPL LEGO Night, 6:30pm BSD2 Food for Families at Tioga School, 4-5:30pm Village Board Meeting: 6:30pm, VH FHS Tri-District Choral Festival

BCPL Polish Storytime, 5:30pm BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL Film Discussion Group, 7pm BSD2 Second Trimester Mid-Term

BCPL Homeschool Club, 1pm BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Art Institute of Chicago: Impressionism, 7pm, Zoom BPD Winter Campfire, 5:30pm, Fischer Farm

BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 11:30am, Zoom BCPL Traveling World of Reptiles, 6:30pm

BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL Non-Fiction Book Club, 7pm, Zoom BSD2 Board of Education meeting, 7pm at EAC FHS Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Movie & Craft, 4pm BCPL Salt Shaker Snowman, 7pm Zoom

BCPL 1KBK Celebration, 10:30am

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BCPL Book Brunch Virtual Book Club, 10am, Zoom BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Bilingual Family Night: Winter STEM Party, 6:30pm

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BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL 20/30ish Book Club, 7pm Zoo

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BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 11:30am, Zoom BCPL Family Art: Wood Block Snowman, 6:30pm Village Board Meeting: 6:30pm, VH

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BPD Blackhawks vs. Canucks, 5:30pm, United Center

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BCPL Kid Art Club, 5pm BCPL Staying Positive, 7pm Zoom

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BCPL Cuentos & Canciones, 10:30am

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BCPL No School Hangout: Video Gaming, 1pm BCPL Lit Chicks Virtual Book Club, 7pm Zoom BSD2 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No Student and Staff Attendance FHS No School (MLK Day)

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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

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VILLAGE HALL CLOSED BCPL Winter Reading For Kids & Teens Begins

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Details on how to get started are on page 1 of this newsletter!

WINTER READING FOR ALL AGES! Winter Reading for Kids & Adult Winter Reading Challenge

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january 2022

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BCPL Polish Storytime, 5:30pm BCPL Valentine’s Day Card Making, 6:30pm BCPL Film Discussion Group, 7pm BSD2 Food for Families at Westview Elementary in Wood Dale, 4-5:30pm

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BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BSD2 Board of Education Regular Workshop Meeting, 6:30pm at EAC

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BCPL Homeschool Club, 1pm BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Bilingual Family Night: Valentine’s Day Slime, 6:30pm BCPL Floriography, 7pm, Zoom

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BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Thursday Night Book Club, 7pm, Zoom

BCPL Cuentos & Canciones, 10:30am

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wednesday thursday friday

BPD Sweetheart Ball, 6pm, White Pines Golf Club

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BCPL Anytime Craft Pick Up for All Ages

saturday

BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 11:30am, Zoom BCPL Bingo for Kids, 6:30pm Zoom Committee of the Whole: 6:30pm, VH BPD Wolves vs. Admirals, 10am, Allstate Arena

BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL Organize Your Digital Files, 7pm, Zoom BSD2 Board of Education meeting, 7pm at EAC FHS Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Movie & Craft, 4pm BCPL DIY Tulip Pendant, 7pm, Zoom

BCPL No School Hangout: Crafting with Parish, 1pm BSD2 Parent Teacher Conferences, No Student Attendance

BPD Winter Track Hunt, 1:30pm, Fischer Farm

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210 South Church Road | Bensenville | Illinois 60106

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SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 12 See page 10 for all the details!

BCPL Book Brunch Virtual Book Club, 10am Zoom BCPL Happy Napping Storytime, 1:15pm BCPL Fruteland Jackson Musical Performance, 7pm BSD2 End of Second Trimester

Sweetheart Ball

BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL 20/30ish Book Club, 7pm, Zoom FHS Choir Concert 7pm

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BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 1:30am Zoom BCPL Family Art: No-Sew Sock Penguin, 6:30pm Village Board Meeting: 6:30, VH

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BCPL No School Hangout: Video Gaming, 1pm BCPL Lit Chicks Virtual Book Club, 7pm, Zoom BSD2 Presidents Day, No Student and Staff Attendance FHS No School (President’s Day)

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BCPL STEAM Club, 5pm BCPL Carapia’s Coven Book Club, 7pm, Zoom

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BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 11:30am, Zoom BCPL LEGO Night, 6:30pm BCPL Hypnotherapy 101, 7pm Village Board Meeting: 6:30, VH

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BCPL Tuesday Tales Storytime, 10:30am at the Library BCPL Tuesday Tales: Virtual Storytime, 11:30am, Zoom BCPL Family Movie Night, 6:30pm BCPL Winter Sowing, 7pm CDC Meeting: 6:30pm, VH

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february 2022 BENSENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 Presort Standard US Postage PAID Permit No. 122 Bensenville, IL

Carrier Route Presort Postal Customer Bensenville | Illinois 60106