Yorkville CUSD #115 April 2016 Newsletter

April 2016

WE Are Yorkville:

Schools and Community Together 13th Annual Community Services Fair

Autism Awareness in Y115

On Saturday, April 30th the Kendall County Special Education Cooperative, in conjunction with VALEES, will host the 13th Annual Community Services Fair at Yorkville High School from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The event will feature informational exhibits and speakers and is an opportunity for parents, school personnel and any other interested members of the community to explore various local services available for students and adults with disabilities. Please see the flier on page eight for more information.

Students and staff throughout Yorkville schools celebrated differences in April in recognition of National Autism Month. To kick-off the month dedicated to awareness and support, two Yorkville students who live with Autism presented at the March 28th Board of Education Meeting, providing personal insight to an audience of board members, administrators, staff and parents.

In this issue assessment news special travel feature Classroom spotlight student success update COMMUNITY CORNER Students district-wide participated in learning activities designed to increase awareness and teach all learners how to appreciate the differences among their peers. Yorkville schools are committed to providing a safe, respectful learning environment for all students.

y115 staff news upcoming district events community services fair

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The Results Are In: Yorkville Students are Growing at Expected Rates Overall Yorkville students continue to grow at expected levels overall based on various assessment data. An analysis of student scores on 2015 MAPS and Explore tests show growth district-wide, with some identified groups of students demonstrating higher than expected growth and others lower than expected growth. At the March 28th Board of Education Meeting, Yorkville CUSD #115 administrators and teachers presented the District Data Mid-Year Report, an analysis of student performance levels based on winter data. Overall, scores showed that students throughout the district are growing academically. The report included an update on student growth in the key academic areas of math and reading. District-wide students demonstrated an overall math proficiency of 66%, a .04% growth. In reading, 72% of students assessed as meeting the established benchmarks, representing an 11% growth.

student’s propensity which helps staff to gage the individual’s ability to grow. Yorkville students benefit when teachers and support staff have access to growth data. Gallt likens this process to visiting a physician.

Mrs. Kelley Gallt, Director of Teaching and Learning, stated, “I am very pleased that as a district, our students are growing at expected rates and feel that is directly related to the hard work of our teachers, support staff, and building administration. While there is much to be proud of, I also know that there are groups of students who have not demonstrated mastery of their grade level/course expectations, making it critical that we provide even more growth opportunities for those learners. It is through consistent growth that our students will reach the level of mastery we expect at each grade level or course.”

“A doctor uses the data he/she collects to diagnose a patient’s needed treatment and then uses his/her knowledge of best practice to treat the patient,” she said. “Our teachers are becoming more and more comfortable using data to diagnose each student’s areas of strength and growth. Combining this level of personalized data with newly articulated curriculum K-12 and differentiated instructional practices is certain to have a positive influence over student achievement.”

The mid-year data analysis is one component of the district’s Strategic Plan goal focused on student growth and achievement.

Data analysis has become a critical piece of the process in measuring and capturing whether Yorkville schools have met the goals each has set. Schools focus on continued improvement to ensure all learners have opportunities to build upon their skills through targeted instruction. For more information about the Y115 School Improvement Process visit http://www.y115.org/Page/1139.

Yorkville School District is committed to ongoing analysis of student achievement data to identify areas for improvement.

In October of 2015, the district embraced a comprehensive data analysis tool from the ECRA Group. The tool enables the district to continuously review student assessment scores by grade and subgroup to determine whether learners demonstrate higher than expected growth, expected growth, lower than expected growth or unsatisfactory growth. This gives teachers the data they need to target learners and provide them instructional support or enrichment opportunities. The data report is one of many lenses through which teachers may view their students. Assessments inform classroom instruction, determine flexible groupings for instruction, spotlight intervention needs, and allow greater opportunities to personalize learning for students. The data, combined with ongoing communication with families and colleagues, helps teachers identify a

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Special Feature: Foxes Travel with Yorkville Pride YHS World Class Explores Spain

During spring break, the Yorkville High School travel program, YHS World Class, visited Spain. Led by Mr. Joe Fitzpatrick, 44 students and 7 chaperones explored the beautiful cities, amazing food, and rich culture of the country. From a semana santa procession in Marbella to a tour of Cathedral of Santa María in Seville, the group experienced much of what makes Spain unique. Hear how the experience impacted students by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Yorkville-High-School-797952253657004/videos.

“We saw our students grow in confidence and maturity and come back forever changed,” wrote YHS World Class Co-Sponsor, Emily Benz. We are so grateful to three Yorkville businesses who have supported us through fundraisers.

Because of their generosity, we were able to raise over $500 to help 65 students on their way. A huge thanks goes to: Suzy’s Pizza Yorkville, The Chocolate Shoppe and Smokey’s Wood Pit BBQ.” The group continues to pursue worldly experiences for Yorkville High School students. This summer, YHS World Class will take 20 students to Germany.

YHS Baseball Team Heads South for Spring Tournament During spring break, the Yorkville High School Baseball Team traveled to Tennessee for a competitive tournament and a team-building experience. This is the third year coach Scott Luken has taken his team on a baseball road trip. “A trip like this can have immeasurable dividends on many levels. Traveling to a warmer climate like Tennessee, players gained valuable playing experience at a time early in the season when the weather in northern Illinois may not allow us to be outside, let alone, play games.” The team fared well at the tournament, finishing 3-1 in tournament play and 2-0 in junior varsity games. “The tournament field included some very good competition which should help prepare us for the similar type of competition we see in conference and post-season play,” said Luken.

In addition to playing six games in a little more than a four-day span, the team took in the culture and cuisine at some local restaurants including a stop for lunch at local barbecue place called Corner BBQ. One evening, the team was treated to a cookout provided by several of the players’ parents and families who generously donated food and grilled out at the team hotel. The team also toured Discovery Park of America, a local attraction featuring science, nature, technology and history exhibits.

A true team effort, players raised funds for the trip by selling cookie dough and cheesecakes earlier this year. Parents helped to make the trip a success by donating food for the team. The trip provides much more than an opportunity for spring break play, says Luken. “Players had multiple opportunities to get to know one another better and forge relationships that will help the team during times of adversity.”

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Classroom Spotlight: Unique Learning Experiences for Yorkville Elementary Students Bristol Bay Sixth Graders Simulate Ancient Greek Society

Autumn Creek Students Discover Proportions Through Candy Drawings

Sixth Graders at Autumn Creek Elementary School recently “blew up” candy bars to learn about proportions and scale factors. After learning about scale drawings, students create an exact replica of a candy wrapper in a larger size, while keeping it proportionally intact.

Learners strengthen their measuring skills by determining the original length and height of their candy bar wrappers in centimeters, then deciding on a scale factor. Students then record information about the original size and nutritional information of their candy, as well as the new data of the enlarged size.

With all of these steps complete, they use grid paper to draw their candy according to the scale factor. The result - giant scale drawings that are exact replicas of the original! “Even though their project is much larger than the original, it is still proportional,” says teacher, Lauren Keavney.

“As for the math skills, it really focuses on proportions and scale factors. Students also get practice with measurement skills.”

At Bristol Bay Elementary School, sixth graders study ancient Greek history in social studies. A scripted simulation brings the history to life as students prepare for next month’s Greek Festival! After being divided into groups to represent their assigned polis, a Greek city-state: Athens, Sparta, Megara, Corinth or Argos, students com-

plete a research project.

“Students gain an understanding of the ancient Greeks and how important their contributions are to modern life, even today,” wrote teacher Joyous Link.

At the Greek Festival on May 27th, students will present their learning to the entire school and visiting parents.

The sweet drawings are displayed in the hallway for all to see.

Grande Reserve Fifth Grade Science Fair Winners The Grande Reserve Science Fair took place on March 17th. Over 80 fifth graders spent two months learning about the scientific method and then put their knowledge to the test as they designed, conducted, and then presented their own science experiments for judges. Seven Judge’s Choice Winners were named for their exceptional projects.

Left to Right: Vanessa Mlescko - How egg spin is affected by hard boiling, Kayla Demas - Where should you place your smoke detector?, Alex Tobin - Which chapstick is best?, Gavin Berry - Which wood smokes the fastest?, Mia Natividad - Age and the Stroop Effect, Logan Brusak - Effects of multitasking, Andrew Laurich - Deflategate and temperature

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Student Success Update

Schools Recognize Outstanding Learners

Students of the Third Quarter at YHS

Yorkville High School recognized the following Students of the 3rd Quarter: Natalie Adamczyk, Art; Peyton Frankenreider-Slack, Business; Jamison Fule, English; Ethan Irvine, FACS; SarahAnn O’Malley, ICE; Angelica Moreno, World Languages; Angelica Guzman, Math; Terry Chuinard, Music; Brian Graves, PE; Andrew Anderson, Educational Services; Abbey Murphy, Science; Ben Tholen, Science; Peyton Seneffer, Social Studies; Molly Green, Student Support Services; Trevor Wills, Applied Technology; Leah Erb, Computer Science; and Hannah Jaros, English.

Yorkville Middle School Athlete Earns IESA Scholar Attitude Award Yorkville Middle School student Sam Moreno was named an IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association) Scholar Attitude Award winner in March. She is one of fifteen 8th grade student IESA athletes in the state to be selected.

Moreno ran cross country and track and played basketball at YMS. Her academic record, combined with her dedication to citizenship and sportsmanship, placed her among the elite recipients.

In addition to being an 8th grade student IESA athlete, a candidate must also have a minimum grade-point-average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate outstanding citizenship. Moreno also had to write an essay titled “The Value of Sportsmanship” to be considered for the special award.

YMS Step Team Qualifies for Nationals

The YMS S.T.E.P. team qualified for the Youth Step USA National Stepping Championship. The team gave a third place performance at the Youth Step Illinois Regional on April 16th.

YMS Students of the Month At Yorkville Middle School, the Student of the Month program encourages academic success by recognizing those students who exemplify positive learning behaviors.

February Students March Students of the Month: of the Month: Ben Burton Meaghan O’Connor Jordyn Meister Jonathan Luytjes Jenna Demas Ila Gajewski Sophie Werner Dominick Mort Dougie Burson Josie Koenig Andrea Lopez Jacob Jakstys Tommy Isaacs Katelyn Kuncl Emme Lutterbach Julia Ammari Lexi Roehr Michael Jednizniak Andrew Dobson Hailey Jansen Teaghen Amwoza Tim Peterson Stella Tejada Robbie Isaacs John Gruber Tyler Deutsch Brett Rhodes Mady Klebenow Ashley Anjeles Haley Lansdown Kaitlyn Kolar Alec Hernandez Everett Duffy Chase DiVito Julia Ammari Mackenzie Stull Corey Kramer Delaney LaPore Derek Butts Colin Kachlic Adam Edkardt Ashley Schulz Ashley Schulz Zachary Conforti Matthew Riordan Chloe Grunwald Ian Bello Gianna Morice Francia Ramirez

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Community Corner: Y115 Staff Members Raise Funds for Local Charities

Yorkville Teachers Speak to Aspiring Educators Mr. Chris Palmisano and Mrs. Tamara Eaton presented at Western Illinois University’s SEA Spring Professional Development Conference in April.

This conference was attended by 65 WIU students in the Education Department. Mr. Palmisano presented a session about maintaining balance between professional and personal time, and the value of participating in school functions outside of the classroom. Mr. Palmisano and Mrs. Eaton collaborated to present a second session on the subject of interdisciplinary education, using the YMS Decades Project as a model. In honor of National Autism Awareness Day, many of the presentations offered to these students planning to become teachers addressed strategies and principles of inclusion. Palmisano and Eaton both work closely with special ed and OSSP teachers at YMS, and answered participant questions related to including all of our students in the learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. The annual conference, supported by the IEA/ NEA, is available to students preparing to become educators.

On Friday, April 1st, the Yorkville Education Association raised over $2,400 for charity after hosting the first annual YEA Charity Volleyball Tournament in the Yorkville Middle School gym. The purpose of this Tournament Champions: inaugural event was to give Bristol Grade School back to the local communities we serve, all while cultivating camaraderie, rapport, and friendships between Yorkville CUSD 115 staff and community families.

This year’s teams included Y115 staff members from Grand Reserve, Autumn Creek, Bristol Bay, Circle Center, Yorkville Grade, Bristol Grade, Yorkville Intermediate, and Yorkville Middle School.

Each school team worked through several weeks to raise donations at their own buildings to secure a spot in the charity tournament.

Teachers and staff from each school “Bumped, Set, and Spiked” it out against other schools for the chance to direct ALL the event proceeds to the local charity of their school’s choice!

Yorkville Schools Receive Donation of Life-Saving Devices

In the end, Bristol Grade School emerged as the tournament champion, earning the opportunity to donate the $2,401.54 event proceeds to the Fox Valley Wildlife Center. The Fox Valley Wildlife Center is a non-profit wildlife hospital serving the needs of orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife from Kendall County, Kane County, and the surrounding areas. They rely solely on private donations, fundraisers, and fees from their education programs to care for nearly 3,000 animals each year.

Yorkville CUSD 115 recently evaluated the district Automated

External Defibrillators (AED) Program and determined the need to replace older AEDs that were nearing their end of life.

The district recieved a donation of two Cardiac Science G5 AEDs from Second Chance Cardiac Solutions. The new devices increase student and staff safety. AEDs have the potential to restore a normal, effective heart rhythm to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Illinois schools are required by law to have AEDs available, and they are frequently placed near school gymnasiums and/or cafeterias where large numbers of people congregate.

“We would like to share a very spe- Teachers make a doncation to the Fox Valley cial THANK YOU to Wildlife Center those who played an important role in the success of this year’s event: Yorkville Girls Varsity Volleyball team members, Yorkville Key Club volunteers, event volunteer parents & staff, the YHS Art Department, school team captains, all district staff who took any part in their school’s donation process, spectators who generously made monetary donations at the door, as well as Yorkville Middle School for the usage of their building for the event,” wrote teacher and coordinator Blake Hafenrichter. “We look forward to an even bigger and better event during the 2016-17 school year!”

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Bryan Heriaud (Second Chance Cardiac Solutions) presents devices to Y115 leadership, Maribeth Surma, Brian DeBolt, Tim Shimp and Dean Romano

Y115 Bilingual Parent Advisory Council Seeks Board Nominees The Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) is currently taking nominations for the 2016-2018 BPAC Board. For all requirements and responsibilities see the link below or contact one of the current board members. The Yorkville BPAC strives to provide family support, communication and information to the bilingual and Dual Language families in our district. Elections will take place at the group’s May 25th meeting. For more information about the Bilingual Parent Advisory Council visit http://www.y115.org/Page/1486.

President: Magda Emmert magdaEmmert@yahoo.com Vice-president Kristine Smith kristineSmith07@gmail.com Treasurer: Lisa Casbarian lisaCasbarian@gmail.com Secretary: Jorge Ayala jAyalap@me.com ¡El Consejo Asesor de Padres Bilingües (BPAC) busca nominaciones!

El Consejo Asesor de Padres Bilingües (BPAC) está tomando nominaciones para la mesa directiva 2016-2018. Visite este link arriba, para una lista completa de las responsabilidades de cada cargo o contacte a un miembro del consejo actual. El BPAC de Yorkville se esfuerza por proveer información y mejorar la comunicación entre familias bilingües y la administración del distrito. Las elecciones se llevarán a cabo en la junta del 25 de mayo.

Upcoming Events Board of Education Meeting - April 25, 7 p.m. at Yorkville High School Collegepalooza - April 24 - April 29 during periods 4 - 9 at Yorkville High School YHS Musical- April 29 and 30, 7:30 p.m. and May 1, 2 p.m. at Yorkville Middle School YMS Step Up Night - May 3, 6 p.m. at Yorkville Middle School Board of Education Committee Meeting - May 9, 7 p.m. at Yorkville High School YHS Bands Concert - May 10, 7:30 p.m.

BPAC Parents Day Event - May 11, 5 - 7 p.m. at Autumn Creek Elementary School YHS Choirs Concert - May 12, 7:30 p.m.

5th and 6th Grade Band, Orchestra and Choir Concert - May 19, 7 p.m.

YHS Cabaret Night - May 20 and 21, 7 p.m. at Yorkville High School Board of Education Meeting - May 23, 7 p.m. at Yorkville High School YHS Orchestras Concert - May 24, 7:30 p.m.

YHS TRY Club Suicide Prevention Event - May 26, 5 p.m. at Yorkville High School NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day - May 30 YHS Graduation - June 3, 5 p.m. at Northern Illinois University LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - June 7 For a complete list of upcoming athletic events visit http://yorkvilleathletics.com/

YHS Spring Musical: In the Heights

Tickets for the YHS Spring Musical are now available for purchase at www.showtix4u.com. The show takes the stage at YMS on April 29th and 30th at 7:30pm and May 1st at 2 p.m. Don’t miss this high-energy production of In the Heights!

Literacy Events at the Yorkville Public Library The Yorkville Public Library has announced its spring family event calendar. Visit their website for more information. http://www.yorkville.lib.il.us/events/category/kids-teens/.

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COMMUNITY SERVICES FAIR for students with disabilities and their families

Yorkville High School 797 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL.

(follow signs for Athletic Entrance)

April 30th , 2016 9 AM - NOON

The Kendall County Special Education Cooperative in conjunction with VALEES is proud to announce the 13th Annual Community Services Fair. This event is an opportunity for parents, school personnel and any other interested members of the community to explore different services available in the community for students and adults with a disability.

Representatives from community agencies, colleges, advocacy groups and other groups will be exhibiting and describing their services, application procedures and eligibility requirements.

The following are range of needs which will be addressed by exhibitors: ¥ Adaptive Equipment

¥ Vocational Training

¥ Independent Living

¥ Post Secondary Education

¥ Financial Planning

¥ Transportation

¥ Advocacy Services

¥ Recreation

Speakers: Sherri Schneider from Family BeneÞt Solutions will discuss SSI, SSDI, HFS: Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Government BeneÞts. This interactive informative presentation will focus on the who, what, and when of government beneÞts, how to preserve them and how they change over a lifetime.

Prairie Clinic will be presenting on transitioning from youth to adulthood for students on the Autism Spectrum.

Who Should Attend? Individuals of all ages with disabilities, Parents & Caregivers of individuals with disabilities, Administrators, Community Members, Social Workers, Psychologists, Teachers, Employers 1