Dec14pbnwopics

Volume XV, No. 3

December 2014

Newsletter _________________

PARENT BEE NETWORK

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM DISTRICT 126 & PBN

2014-2015 ______________

President Melissa Neargarder Vice President Melissa Dunn Secretary Debbie Jablonski Treasurer Gina Roberts

Our Mission To unite all parents and other adults to enhance communication among parents, youth, school personnel and within our communities in order to promote healthy activities and high standards for our young people.

First Row: PBN Officers: Vice President Melissa Dunn, President Melissa Neargarder, Secretary Debbie Jablonski. Not pictured: Treasurer Gina Roberts Back Row: School Board PBN Representative Tom Handyside, District Superintendent Dr. Chris Clark, NT@ZB Principal Anne Buck, ZBTHS Principal Chris Pawelczyk, Assistant Principal Jack Niemi.

All District 126 parents are invited to attend our monthly meetings. To “Bee� more informed, come to the Parent Bee Network meetings.

The meeting schedule is on the last page.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS Tuesday, December 16, 2014, the ZBTHS Choral Program, under the direction of Ms. Monica Bertrand, will present its annual Winter Concert. The concert will feature the Zion-Benton Chamber Singers, Advanced Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Beginning Treble Choir, and our brand new ELS Choir. This year’s program will include a number of traditional choral pieces as well as some familiar holiday favorites. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m., at the ZBTHS South Café. There is no charge for admission, and all are welcome!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014, the ZBTHS Bands, under the direction of Mr. Shan Kazmi, will present their annual Holiday Concert featuring the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Musical selections will include Gustav Holst's "Winter Suite," Morton Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium," Norman Dello Joio's "Variants on a Medieval Tune," and other selections. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Community Church Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive in Zion and is FREE of charge.

COLLEGE INFORMATION

December 2014

WAY TO GO BEES!!!

District 126 had 12 ZeeBees who scored 30 or higher on their ACT exams and 21 ZeeBees who demonstrated GRIT on their PSAE tests by doubling the average GEM growth of the entire class.

Interact Club collected 54 units of blood and Key Club collected 85 units in their recent blood drives.

The NJROTC Rifle Team earned gold again at the 2014 Montgomery Bell Academy Rifle Match held in Nashville, Tennessee on October 17 and 18, 2014.

This is the third year in a row the ZeeBees have captured first place. Forty-six teams from across the country competed in this competition.

ZeeBees’ collective efforts of wearing pink, buying a Bee Pink shirt, encouraging others to buy a shirt, or otherwise supporting the Bee Pink cause made it possible to provide a check in the amount of $6,011.15 to Assistance in Healthcare, a local organization that teams with the Zion Cancer Treatment Centers of America in helping patients pay their bills during their cancer treatment.

College admission representative are currently visiting NT@ZB and ZBTHS! Seniors should regularly check websites to see which colleges will be visiting and to register for the visits. NT@ZB college visits are listed on the NT@ZB website on the View Calendar link and ZBTHS college visits are on the ZBTHS website, under College/Career Information on the Shortcuts list.

ZeeBee soccer athletes raised over $900 for the Wounded Warrior Project during a special home game where the ZeeBees hosted Vernon Hills.

Juniors should be thinking about their strategy for college planning: when to take the ACT and number of times to take it, when to go on college visits, etc.

Make an appointment to talk with Ms. Zameck at ZBTHS at 847-731-9348 or zamecka@zbths.org or Mr. Goldman at NT@ZB at 847-731-9816 or goldmanb@ntzb.org to get assistance in starting the process!

All ZeeBees at ZBTHS and NT@ZB deserve an applause for winning a Lake County Attendance Week Award during the 26th Annual Attendance Week.

Tori Williams sponsored a coat drive to benefit Operation Stand Down; an organization that assists Lake County veterans. Tori collected 35 coats.

Gerardo Gomez won the Lake County Bullying Awareness Poster Contest.

Examples such as those listed above continue to show the high caliber of the ZeeBees.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

CALENDAR REMINDERS PBN General Meeting 7 p.m. – ZBTHS IMC 10 ZBTHS Early Release – 12:40 p.m. & NT@ZB Regular Dismissal – 2:24 p.m.

10 Holiday Band Concert 7:30 p.m. – Christ Community Church 11 NJROTC Pass-In-Review 6:30 p.m. – ZBTHS Field House 16 Winter Choral Concert 7 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café 19 Early Release – 1:51 p.m. ZBTHS & 1:35 p.m. NT@ZB Dec 22-Jan. 2 Winter Break – NO SCHOOL Jan 5 Classes Resume 8 PBN General Meeting 7 p.m. ZBTHS IMC 14-16 Final Exams 16 End of Semester 1 19 Martin Luther King’s Birthday – NO SCHOOL 21 Class of 2019 Parent Orientation Night 6:30 p.m. – ZBTHS Main Gym College and Career Fair 7 p.m. – ZBTHS Field House 28 ZBTHS Early Release – 12:40 p.m. & NT@ZB Regular Dismissal – 2:24 p.m.

Feb 3 Teacher Institute Day – NO SCHOOL 5 PBN General Meeting 7 p.m. ZBTHS IMC Dec 4

TITLE I SCHOOL COMPACT MEETING Federal law requires that Title I schools keep their School Compact up-to-date by routinely reviewing their School Compact with parents. ZBTHS parents are invited to join in this discussion, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. prior to the December 4th Parent Bee Network meeting in the ZBTHS IMC. Parents will review the School Compact as well as Title I Schoolwide Plans for its campuses at this time. For additional information, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 847/731-9792.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES The vast majority of Zee-Bees make positive choices every day. Unfortunately, every year there is a small percentage of students who do not make good choices for themselves and our schools by coming to school under the influence of or in possession of controlled substances. It is VERY important that our families understand that

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District 126 School Board Policies have a zero tolerance for marijuana and other drug use. Students who come to school under the influence, in possession of, or who attempt to transport or sell marijuana or other drugs will sit before the Board of Education with their parents/guardians for an expulsion hearing. The School Board takes its responsibility of providing a safe and drug-free learning environment very seriously. Students who have engaged in these behaviors, with very few exceptions, have not been allowed to return to their school and are either fully expelled and/or placed on an expulsion abeyance contract. The School Board does not want ANY of our students to miss out on the rich opportunities the District provides. That being said, the District recognizes that we have students and families who struggle with chemical dependencies. Know that the District has staff and programs in place to assist with these situations.

District 126 has an excellent Student Assistance Program, counseling, and special service staff to support students wishing to overcome these negative behaviors or who are being negatively impacted by others with these behaviors.

Students can confidentially seek assistance through their advisor, a trusted teacher, counselor, dean, or any member of the administration. Students will not be judged for selfreferring and seeking help. District 126’s staff stands ready to assist and support its students and families with these concerns.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION District 126 will determine school closings due to inclement weather by 6:00 a.m. Parents may check the District’s website at www.zbths.org to see if school is closed. School families will also receive a recorded phone message if their phone number is on file. Please also be aware of the school closing announcement service offered through the Emergency Closing Center. As in the past, school closings will be announced on WGN720 and WBBM780 radio and televised on CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, FOX, and CLTV News. Closings are also listed online at www.emergencyclosings.com.

Families may register via the Internet to receive e-mail notification of school closings. To register for this service, visit www.emergencyclosings.com and click on the e-mail notification link. Enter Zion-Benton High School or New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East for the facility’s name, Zion for the city, and click submit. Click on the e-mail me envelope icon and enter your name and the e-mail address to which you want your notification sent, then click submit. You will receive an e-mail message confirming your registration for the service. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of this helpful service.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

December 2014

NEW TECH HIGH @ ZION-BENTON EAST RECOGNIZES STUDENTS AND STAFF Four students are chosen based upon their contributions to the school and the community. Parents, teachers, and friends are invited to attend this special recognition along with their ZBTHS counterparts on December 18 at 7:00 p.m., in the ZBTHS South Café.

FRESHMAN Madelyn Heuschmidt - Madelyn is the daughter of Michael and Jennifer Heuschmidt. Madelyn has lived in Beach Park her whole life. Algebra 1 is Madelyn’s favorite class at New Tech. Ms. Biddle has already made an impact on Madelyn because Ms. Biddle is encouraging Madelyn to try new things and is really nice. Madelyn is busy with many activities such as Book Club, Student Leadership, and as a ZeeBee athlete, Madelyn is on the Girls’ Volleyball Team. When not at school, Madelyn periodically volunteers with Feed My Starving Children. When Madelyn finishes high school, she would like to go to college and become an occupational therapist.

One thing Madelyn likes most about New Tech is how the teachers see her as an individual. Madelyn would like her fellow students to always try their hardest. We are very proud to have Madelyn as part of our school family.

SOPHOMORE Tanner Oglesby – Tanner is the son of Scot and Deann Oglesby, has lived in Winthrop Harbor his whole life, and is someone you would like to meet. American Studies American Literature is Tanner’s favorite subject at New Tech. Although Tanner likes all his teachers, he favors Mr. Lobo because he makes himself available to help when Tanner is struggling with schoolwork.

Tanner is a proud member of Book Club and volunteers his time helping autistic and disabled children with their writing skills. After high school, Tanner would like to attend Le Cordon Bleu and become a pastry chef. The thing Tanner likes most about New Tech is how teachers treat students with respect. Ask others for help is a piece of advice Tanner gives his classmates. We are proud of Tanner’s accomplishments.

JUNIOR Amanda Heard

- Amanda is the daughter of Eric Heard and Tammy Dechant-Heard and resides in Zion. Her Intro to Digital Media course is Amanda’s favorite class at New Tech. A staff member who Amanda says have been very helpful is Mr. Swearengen because he has a creative way of teaching, and he understands his students’ needs. Amanda is a member of National Honor Society, Student Leadership, and Drama Techcrew. In her free time, Amanda likes to read her favorite books. After high school, Amanda would like to go to college and become an engineer. The curriculum is what Amanda likes most about New Tech. Amanda advises other students to do your best on schoolwork. Congratulations Amanda for a job well done.

SENIOR Kevin Martinez

- Kevin is the son of Redentor and Amy Martinez. His Economics class is Kevin’s favorite course at New Tech. A staff member Kevin says has made an impact on his life is Mr. Schiappacasse because he conveys concepts he teaches in real world examples. As a ZeeBee athlete, Kevin is on Boys’ Tennis and Wrestling Teams. Kevin is also a member of National Honor Society, Brotherhood of Extraordinary Young Men, Chess Club, Healthy YOUth, and the secretary for Student Leadership. Kevin plans on attending college next year and then becoming a mechanical engineer. The way he feels he is connected to everyone at New Tech is what Kevin likes most about school. Kevin advises his fellow classmates to do all of their school work. Congratulations, Kevin, on a job well done.

STAFF Brandon Rogers Mr. Rogers has worked for District 126 since 2010. He started out as a teacher’s aide with the Zion Alternative Program (ZAP), worked two years as the Assistant Director of Safety & Attendance for New Tech, and starting this school Mr. Rogers is the Assistant Athletic Director for the district.

Mr. Rogers was born and raised in Zion and is a Class of 2000 graduate. He attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he played football and graduated with a degree in Business Administration Marketing/Management. Since returning home, Mr. Rogers has been very active in his community involving himself in programs such as the Zion-Benton Leadership Academy (ZBLA). Mr. Rogers enjoys spending time with his children, coaching youth basketball, and playing football for the nationally ranked Racine Raiders Minor League Club in Racine, Wisconsin.

Mr. Rogers states that the best part of his job is the relationships he has built with students and assisting with overseeing the Athletic Department. Having his job in the community he grew up is the icing on the cake and a dream come true!

We thank Mr. Rogers for his contributions and sincere dedication to New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East and District 126.

December 2014

The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

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ZBTHS RECOGNIZES STUDENTS AND STAFF Zion-Benton Township High School recognizes students and staff for their contributions to the school and the community. The counselors and advisors choose eight students, and the administration selects two staff members. Parents, teachers, and friends are invited to attend this special recognition along with their New Tech counterparts on December 18 at 7:00 p.m., in the ZBTHS South Café.

FRESHMAN Kara Burrows - Kara is the daughter of Kelly and Yolanda Burrows. Kara has lived in Wadsworth for eleven years. Honors Biology is Kara’s favorite class at ZBTHS. Ms. Digrazia has already made an impression on Kara by helping her write papers and providing good advice on other matters. Kara is a member of Key Club, and as a ZeeBee athlete, Kara is on the Girls’ Volleyball Team. After school Kara keeps busy with travel volleyball. With an interest in forensic science, someday Kara would like to attend college and study molecular biology. One thing Kara likes about ZBTHS is the friendly and helpful staff. Without hesitation Kara advises her fellow students to get their homework done. We are very proud to have Kara as part of our school family.

FRESHMAN Ryan Andersen - Ryan is the son of Mark and Jeannie Andersen, lives in Zion, and is someone you would like to meet. Ms. Digrazia is a fun teacher for Ryan. When asked what his favorite subject was, Ryan did not hesitate in naming his Honors Social Studies course. As a ZeeBee athlete, Ryan was on the Football Team, and he is planning on trying out for the Baseball Team next spring. Ryan is also a proud member of Brotherhood of Extraordinary Young Men. To relax Ryan watches television and plays video games. At this moment, Ryan would like to attend the University of Oregon and major in Civil Engineering after high school. Ryan likes the upbeat and happy atmosphere at ZBTHS. A piece of advice Ryan gives to his classmates is to do your best on schoolwork. We are proud of Ryan’s accomplishments.

SOPHOMORE Kaseylen Stuckey - Kaseylen is the daughter of Casa and Josefina Stuckey and resides in Zion.

Kaseylen likes all of her teachers, but Ms. Lastacy and Ms. Usher come to her mind as being helpful because they encouraged Kaseylen to take harder classes and to keep a positive attitude. World History is Kaseylen’s favorite subject this year. Kaseylen spends much of her time after school helping coach 5th and 6th grade basketball at the Zion Park District. This year Kaseylen is planning on trying out for the Girls’ Basketball Team. Kaseylen attends Christian Faith Fellowship Church. Kaseylen is planning to attend college after high school to study dentistry. The friendly and understanding staff is what Kaseylen likes best about ZBTHS. Kaseylen would like to remind students to work hard, be yourself, and keep challenging yourself. ZBTHS wishes Kaseylen a positive high school career and future.

SOPHOMORE Brandon Britton - Brandon is the son of Bettie Talley and Fred Britton, and lives in Zion. His Advanced Chemistry class is Brandon’s favorite class at ZBTHS. By preparing Brandon for college, Mr. Boroski has become an influential teacher. Much of Brandon’s free time is spent as a member of Tech Crew by being a Tech Crew Aide during the school year and a proud member of Summer Tech Crew. Since Brandon is interested in science and computers, one day Brandon would like to go to college, study science and computers, and acquire a networking job. The teachers and classes are what Brandon likes most about ZBTHS. One piece of advice Brandon would give his classmates is don’t mind others and strive for greatness. Keep working on your plans, Brandon.

JUNIOR Madison Leslie - Madison is the daughter of Daniel and Jill Leslie and lives in Winthrop Harbor. Of all her subjects, Madison has enjoyed her Pre-Calculus Honors class the most at ZBTHS. She also feels Ms. Usher is a great teacher because she understood and helped Madison when she was struggling with schoolwork. Madison is a Bee Leader and, as a ZeeBee athlete, Madison is a member of the Girls’ Volleyball Team. When not at school, Madison plays club volleyball. Madison plans on attending college, majoring in the medical field, and then serving others in third world countries. One thing Madison likes about ZBTHS is the school spirit. Madiosn would like her classmates not to push off homework. Good advice, Madison. Good luck to you.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

December 2014

JUNIOR Bryson Crump - Bryson is the son of Sandra Walker and resides in Zion. His Algebra 2 course is Bryson’s favorite class at ZBTHS. A teacher that Bryson said is very helpful is Mr. Lunsford because he is motivating him to succeed. As a ZeeBee athlete, Bryson is a proud member of the Football Team; in fact, Bryson has achieved All Conference status. When not at school, Bryson likes to lift weights and listen to music. After he finishes high school, Bryson would like to attend college, major in business, and play college football. The diversity at ZBTHS is what Bryson likes most about his school. Without hesitation Bryson advises his fellow classmates to stay focused on their schoolwork. Congratulations, Bryson, for a job well done.

SENIOR Samantha Neargarder - Samantha is the daughter of Tim and Melissa Neargarder, and lives in Winthrop Harbor. Journalism is Samantha’s favorite subject. A helpful staff member for Samantha was her AP United States History teacher Mr. Mitchell because he motivates and connects well with his students. Samantha is a proud member of Key Club, National Honor Society, Bee Leader, and Healthy YOUth. As a ZeeBee athlete, Samantha is on the Majorettes and Badminton Teams. Next year Samantha plans on attending college to study journalism. One thing Samantha likes about ZBTHS is the family-feel environment. The advice Samantha would give to her classmates is to finish strong. Samantha will be a success.

SENIOR Daywonn Stover – Daywonn is the son of Marcia Stover and resides in Zion. His Instructional Strategic Reading 2 and Instructional Consumer Math courses were the classes that Daywonn said were his favorites at ZBTHS. Daywonn likes all of his teachers; however, he appreciates how Ms. Stecher and Mr. McNamara are helping Daywonn be successful. Daywonn is part of the Teen Leadership at the Church of Joy. After high school, Daywonn would like to attend a Bible college and minister to children.

The caring teachers is one thing Daywonn really enjoys about ZBTHS. Daywonn advises his classmates not to give up when things get hard. Good luck Daywonn with your future plans.

STAFF Jay B. Davis Mr. Davis has taught art and science at ZBTHS for the past 35 years, and he currently teaches various art classes. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, his master’s degree from St. Xavier, and has also taken doctoral level courses from Carthage College in art. Mr. Davis coached the Cross Country team for District 126 for 22 years and is currently a Track coach.

Mr. Davis and his wife Ruth have three daughters. Two of their daughters are high school teachers and their youngest daughter is a Financial Analyst for a global investment company. All three girls are married. They enjoy traveling and being outdoors, especially traveling on their Harleys.

Recent trips were to Glacier National Park in Montana, Bear Tooth Highway through Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Mr. Davis’ art work was displayed at Carthage College and currently he is working on perfecting his art of pin striping. He truly enjoys passing on his love of art to his students and watching them create their own art pieces.

Zion-Benton Township High School is grateful for Mr. Davis and his commitment to the values that District 126 represents.

STAFF Jill Patterson Mrs. Patterson currently teaches English as a second language and coordinates the English Learners Program at ZBTHS. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Spanish, communication, and secondary education. She spent many summers in Spain studying at the University of Santiago de Compostela earning a master’s degree in Spanish Literature, after that she decided to pursue her bilingual/ELL endorsement in order to teach English as a second language. Mrs. Patterson personally experienced the challenges of learning a new language, and she also understands that the rewards justified the effort.

Mrs. Patterson is dedicated to her students and wants to help them become life-long learners. Her favorite lessons focus on helping students build vocabulary by making connections between languages and lessons designed to help students set long-term goals for their education and careers after high school.

Mrs. Patterson grew up in Lake Villa, she decided to return to her hometown to raise her own family. She is married to James Patterson; they have two sons, Leo and Donald. Her family enjoys spending time together fishing, hosting family dinners and spending time in the Wisconsin Dells. One of her future goals is to write an ACT vocabulary workbook for multilingual and foreign language students.

Congratulations, Mrs. Patterson. Thank you for your energy and knowledge. We are pleased to have you serving ZBTHS.

December 2014

The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

ISBE TEAMS UP WITH OTHERS TO PROVIDE ILLINOISPARENTS.ORG If you've never visited Illinoisparents.org, we encourage you to do so. It is a clearinghouse of resources for Illinois families and schools. It is provided by the Illinois State Board of Education and is the collaborative work of the Academic Development Institute and the Early Childhood and Parenting Collaborative at the University of Illinois at UC. Here's an idea of what you can expect to find there:  Illinois Organizations and Events: A calendar of statewide workshops and trainings, family resources and service organizations by county, a listing of statewide resources, state hotlines and more.  Resources for Parents: A searchable database of parent tips sheets, activities and other resources that assist parents in the education of their children.  Resources for Schools: A searchable database of resources for schools in their work with parents.  School Community Journal: A free, open access, online journal with research and field reports by top educational researchers.

Illinoisparents.org's homepage highlights organizations around Illinois that provide services to families and spotlights events, workshops, and trainings around the state. The site categorizes these topics by topic in its monthly "Spotlights," which are e-mailed to subscribers. If you would like to receive this monthly e-mail, use the link in the upper right hand corner of the home page to subscribe.

DISTRICT BUDGET FOR 2014-15 The Board of Education approved 2014-15 Budget can be viewed on the District’s website. To access the District’s 2014-15 budget follow these simple directions: 1. Go to www.zbths.org 2. Click on “Our District" 3. Click on “General Information” 4. Click on “Important Documents”

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5. The District’s 2014-15 Approved Budget is listed as a PDF file

ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT CARDS The public may access the District’s 2014 School Report Cards, by visiting the District’s website at www.zbths.org and clicking on School Report Card Data in the Shortcuts Menu.

Additional information about the District’s School Improvement Plans can be found under the C&I tab as well.

DISTRICT 126 PROHIBITS BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND HARASSMENT School Board Policy 7:180 prohibits bullying, intimidation, and harassment as such acts diminish a student’s ability to learn and the District’s ability to educate. All District 126 students are expected to conduct themselves with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students. Students engaging in such or similar unacceptable behaviors will be subject to discipline. All members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors are encouraged to report alleged acts of bullying, intimidation, harassment, and other acts of actual or threatened violence to a school administrator. Additional information regarding the District’s bullying policy and discipline associated with these types of infractions can be found in the Student / Parent Handbook.

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 One Z-B Way Zion, IL 60099

PARENT UNIVERSITY WAS A LEARNING SUCCESS On November 13, parents had the opportunity to attend two workshops of their choice relevant to parents of high school students. Workshop choices included the following:  Purposeful Writing…An Introduction to Mel-Con  School Finance Basics  Competing in Collegiate Athletics, NCAA Clearinghouse and Other Factors  Challenges Faced by Students & How Parents Can Help (Bilingual Presentation)  Rethinking English Through CCSS  Rethinking Math Through CCSS  The Truth about Drugs at ZBTHS

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Paid Zion, Illinois Permit Number 8

2014-15 PBN MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS All District 126 parents are strongly encouraged to join the Parent Bee Network and to participate in our activities, which include partnering with administration to improve student achievement. Our monthly meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the IMC of Zion-Benton Township High School. Parking is available in the south lot, and parents should enter through the main south entrance.

Thurs., Dec. 4 Thurs., Jan. 8 Thurs., Feb. 5 Thurs., March 5 Thurs., April 2 Thurs., May 7