Dec16pbnwopics

Volume XVII, No. 3

December 2016

Newsletter HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM DISTRICT 126 & PBN PBN provides great opportunities to get involved!

PARENT BEE NETWORK

If you would like to be more involved with planning PBN events, please contact Assistant Principal Jack Niemi at 847-731-9305 or at niemij@zbths.org

2016-2017 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.

Zion-Benton Twp. High School District 126 invited area veterans to join its students in recognizing and honoring all veterans who served our country with great sacrifice and dignity.

Visit www.zbths.org regularly to stay updated on District happenings.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, the ZBTHS Choral Program, under the direction of Ms. Monica Bertrand, will present its annual Holiday Concert.

The concert will feature the Zion-Benton Chamber Singers, Advanced Women’s Choir, Concert Choir, Beginning Treble Choir, and Jazz voices. This year’s program will feature unique arrangements of Holiday classics. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the ZBTHS South Café. There is no charge for admission; all are welcome!

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, the ZBTHS Bands, under the direction of Mr. Shan Kazmi, will present their annual Holiday Band Concert featuring the Varsity Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band.

Musical selections will include Robert Sheldon's In the Shining of the Stars, Brian Balmages' Winter Dances, John Zdechlik's Chorale and Shaker Dance, and other holiday selections. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Christ Community Church Christian Arts Auditorium (2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion) and is FREE of charge.

DISTRICT 126 PROMOTES COLLEGE READINESS As part of a college readiness initiative, all District 126 freshmen will be visiting a college campus with counselors during the 2016-17 school year. Freshmen may check with their advisors for more details.

College admission representatives are currently visiting NT@ZB and ZBTHS! Seniors should regularly check Naviance and school websites to see which colleges will be visiting and to register for the visits.

Juniors should be strategizing their college planning: when to take the SAT and number of times to take it, when to go on college visits, etc. Make an appointment to talk with ZBTHS Counselor Ms. Zameck at 847-731-9348 or zamecka@zbths.org or NT@ZB Counselor Ms. Schuda at 847-731-9816 or schudal@ntzb.org for assistance with the college readiness process!

December 2016

WAY TO GO BEES!!!

Zee-Bees raised $524.48 in donations for Abiding Love Food pantry, which will feed over 300 families during this holiday season.

Rotary Interact Club held a blood drive at New Tech on October 11, 2016, and collected 30 units of blood.

Joseph Loy and Robert Riley are the recipients of the QuestBridge scholarships. Scholarship recipients are granted admission to one of QuestBridge’s partner colleges with a full, four-year scholarship.

For more information on QuestBridge scholarships visit https://www.questbridge.org.

Key Club held a blood drive at ZBTHS on October 26, 2016, and collected 101 units of blood.

Zee-Bees’ Bee Pink efforts made it possible to provide a check for over $4,300 to Assistance in Healthcare, a local organization that teams with the Zion Cancer Treatment Centers of America in helping patients pay their non-medical bills during cancer treatment.

Zion Police Department partnered with New Tech for the Driver Education unit on traffic stops. This community partnership included instruction on law enforcement procedures for traffic stops, including a demonstration of the proper actions to be taken during a traffic stop and appropriate interactions with law enforcement.

Zee-Bees invited area veterans to attend their Veterans Day Ceremony and be recognized and honored for their service.

All New Tech students deserve applause for winning second place in the Lake County Attendance Week during the 28th Annual Attendance Week contest. New Tech’s attendance was 96.40%.

David Rosas is this year’s HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) recipient, and Aurora Salazar is this year’s ILS (Illinois Leadership Seminar) recipient. Both awards are sponsored by the Zion Woman’s Club.

Examples such as those listed above continue to demonstrate the high caliber of the Zee-Bees.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

CALENDAR REMINDERS Holiday Choir Concert 7 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café 7 ZBTHS Early Release – 12:40 p.m. & NT@ZB Regular Dismissal – 2:24 p.m.

8 NJROTC Pass-In-Review 7 p.m. – ZBTHS Field House 13 Holiday Band Concert 7:00 p.m. – Christ Community Church Auditorium 16 Early Release – 1:51 p.m. ZBTHS & 1:35 p.m. NT@ZB Dec 19-30 Winter Break – NO SCHOOL Jan 2 Classes Resume 11-13 Final Exams 13 End of Semester 1 16 Martin Luther King’s Birthday – NO SCHOOL 25 ZBTHS Early Release – 12:40 p.m. & NT@ZB Regular Dismissal – 2:24 p.m.

Feb 1 Class of 2021 Parent Orientation Night 6:30 p.m. – ZBTHS Main Gym College and Career Fair 7 p.m. – ZBTHS Field House 7 Winter Choir Concert 7 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café 8 Teacher Institute Day – NO SCHOOL 9 Winter Band Concert 7 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café Dec 6

TITLE I SCHOOL COMPACT MEETING Federal law requires that Title I schools annually update their School Compact and School Wide Plan with parents.

Parents are invited to join in this discussion, which will take place at 6:00 p.m. on December 6, 2016, in the Superintendents Conference Room. Parents will review the School Compact as well as Title I Schoolwide Plans for the campuses at this time. For additional information, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 847/7319792.

KEEPING OUR SCHOOLS SAFE AND DRUG-FREE 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.

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Students who are 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 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 self-referring 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 2016

NEW TECH HIGH @ ZION-BENTON EAST RECOGNIZES STUDENTS AND STAFF Four students and one staff member 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 15 at 7:00 p.m., in the ZBTHS South Café.

FRESHMAN Nayeli Maldonado-Perez - Nayeli is the daughter of Wayne and Shanise Perez. Nayeli has lived in Beach Park for five years. World Studies English is Nayeli’s favorite class at New Tech. Ms. Barnes has already made an impact on Nayeli because she has challenged Nayeli and works hard at being a good teacher. Nayeli is a proud member of Interact Club and Student Leadership. After school Nayeli is busy studying music, playing the electric guitar and trombone, and singing in the choir at Our Lady of Humility Church. When Nayeli finishes high school, she would like to go to college and study architecture. One thing Nayeli likes most about New Tech is the great staff that creates a respectful environment. Nayeli would like her fellow students to put forth their best effort. We are very proud to have Nayeli as part of our school family.

SOPHOMORE Deandre Alexander – Deandre has lived in Zion for six years, and is someone you would like to meet.

American Studies American Literature is Deandre’s favorite subject at New Tech. Although Deandre likes all of his teachers, he favors Ms. Biddle because she takes time to help students succeed. As a Schuler Scholar, Deandre participates in many off campus activities. He is also a proud member of NJROTC. When not at school, Deandre participates is the Mount Moriah Youth Group. After high school, Deandre would like to attend college and become a medical doctor or join the Navy. The thing Deandre likes most about New Tech is the technology based learning. Study your rubrics is a piece of advice Deandre gives his classmates. We are proud of Deandre’s accomplishments.

JUNIOR David Blair

- David is the son of Stephanie Blair and David Goelz and resides in Zion. His American Decades course is David’s favorite class at New Tech. A staff member who David says has been very helpful is Ms. Biddle because she guides students when they get stuck in their classwork. David is a proud member of the NJROTC program. In his free time, David likes to play video games and read books. After high school, David would like to go to college and study Biology or enlist in the Navy. The technological opportunities at New Tech is what David likes most about school. David advises other students to pay attention in class.

Congratulations, David, for a job well done.

SENIOR Liana Baldwin

- Liana is the daughter of Reginald Baldwin and Angela Baldwin. Her Pre-Calculus Advanced class is Liana’s favorite course at New Tech. A staff member Liana says has made an impact on her life is Ms. Byrne because she answers questions and takes the time to make sure students understand the concepts. Liana is a member of National Honor Society, Shades, Campus Life, and Interact Club. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Liana is on the Girls Track Team. After school you will find Liana working out with her teammates, dancing in recitals, helping with children at Changing Lives Ministry, and playing basketball with her friends. Liana plans on attending college next year and majoring in biochemistry. The project based learning at New Tech is what Liana likes most about her school. Liana advises her fellow classmates to persevere. Congratulations, Liana, on a job well done.

STAFF Latoya Barnes Señorita Barnes has been teaching Spanish I at New Tech since 2010. She is also the co-sponsor of the New Tech Sister to Sister Chapter. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of each student she encounters and does her best to ensure she is being a positive influence to everyone.

Señorita Barnes grew up in Zion and attended Northern Illinois University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature. She also earned her master’s degree in School Counseling from Concordia University.

In her free time she enjoys being a mother to her six-month-old son and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys traveling and would like to go back to Spain one day where she studied abroad in 2008.

We thank Señorita Barnes for her contributions and sincere dedication to New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East.

December 2016

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 15 at 7:00 p.m., in the ZBTHS South Café.

FRESHMAN Trinity Walker - Trinity is the daughter of Donald and Crystal Knott and lives in Beach Park. Math 1 Honors is Trinity’s favorite class at ZBTHS. Ms. Digrazia, Trinity’s Honors Oral and Written Communication teacher, has already made an impression on Trinity by being nice and approachable. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Trinity is on the Girls Basketball Team. After school Trinity completes her homework, goes to basketball practice, and hangs out with her friends. Someday Trinity would like to attend college, but she is not yet sure what her major will be. One thing Trinity likes about ZBTHS is the friendly atmosphere. Trinity advises her fellow students to pay attention in class. We are very proud to have Trinity as part of our school family.

FRESHMAN Ryan Fuson - Ryan is the son of Lee and Anne Fuson, lives in Zion, and is someone you would like to meet.

The willingness of Ms. Joel to answer Ryan’s questions is helping Ryan to become a successful student. When asked what his favorite subject was, Ryan did not hesitate in naming his AP Human Geography course. Music is an important part of Ryan’s life. He plays the bassoon in Concert Band 2 and plays the clarinet in Marching Band. Ryan relaxes by watching YouTube. Currently, Ryan would like to go to college in Tennessee and major in mechanical or structural engineering. Ryan likes the helpful teachers at ZBTHS. A piece of advice Ryan gives to his classmates is to do your homework. We are proud of Ryan’s accomplishments.

SOPHOMORE Nicolette Terracciano - Nicolette is the daughter of Daniel and Angela Terracciano and has resided in Winthrop Harbor her whole life. Nicolette likes all of her teachers, but Ms. Newton, Nicloette’s academic counselor, came to mind as someone who is helpful and very caring. Honors World Literature and Composition is Nicolette’s favorite subject this year. After school Nicolette works as a balloon twister and makes balloon art for birthday parties. A special interest for Nicolette is physics. She independently studies physics in her free time and is planning to attend college to study astrophysics. The wide variety of classes and extracurricular activities are what Nicolette likes best about ZBTHS. Nicolette would like to remind students not to procrastinate with their schoolwork. ZBTHS wishes Nicolette a positive high school career and future.

SOPHOMORE Darius Whittaker - Darius is the son of Aquilla Whittaker and Quallie Whittaker and lives in Zion.

His Honors World History class is Darius’ favorite class at ZBTHS. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Ledman are helping Darius to succeed. Mr. Anderson is making a personal connection with Darius, and Mr. Ledman is making sure Darius is on track to graduate. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Darius is on the Boys Basketball Team. After practice, completing his homework, volunteering in the Leadership Program at Waukegan Community Church, and helping his grandmother, Darius likes to spend time producing music. After high school, Darius would like to go to college and study law or produce music. The caring teachers are what Darius likes most about ZBTHS. One piece of advice Darius would give his classmates is to always stay on top of their work. Keep working on your plans, Darius; you will be a success.

JUNIOR Nayaliece Gerena - Nayaliece is the daughter of Grisel Gerena and Anthony Neal and lives in Beach Park. Of all her subjects, Nayaliece has enjoyed her AP English Language and Composition class the most. She also feels Ms. Digrazia is a great teacher because she is always available and is a caring person. As a three-season Zee-Bee athlete, Nayaliece is on the Girls Cross Country, Wrestling, and Girls Track teams. Nayaliec is a proud member of Academic Team and Shades. When not at school and after she finishes her homework, Nayaliec volunteers her time at the Lydia Home in Chicago and goes to Lakeland Church in Gurnee.

Nayaliece plans on attending college and majoring in the medical field. One thing Nayaliece likes about ZBTHS is the supportive teachers. Nayaliece would like her classmates to do their schoolwork. Good advice, Nayaliece. Good luck to you.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

December 2016

JUNIOR Jamir Gibson - Jamir is the son of Tanika Strawder and Willie Gibson and resides in Zion. His AP United States History course is Jamir’s favorite class at ZBTHS. A teacher Jamir said is very helpful is Mr. Ryczek because he gives good advice and has knowledge on many subjects. Jamir is a Schuler Scholar, a class officer, a member of the NJROTC Drill Team, and helps with Shiloh Baptist Church’s food pantry after school. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Jamir is a proud member of the Football and Boys Track teams.

After he finishes high school, Jamir would like to attend college and major in psychology. The good advice he receives from many different people at ZBTHS is what Jamir likes most about his school. Without hesitation Jamir advises his fellow classmates to never give up. Congratulations, Jamir, for a job well done.

SENIOR Katerina Esguerra - Katerina is the daughter of Edgardo and Karen Esguerra and lives in Zion. AP Psychology is Katerina’s favorite subject. A helpful staff member for Katerina is Dr. Kolarik because she encourages Katerina to do her best.

Katerina is a proud member of National Honor Society, and she enjoys playing in the Marching and Symphonic bands. Next year Katerina plans on attending St. Mary’s College in Indiana to study psychology. One thing Katerina likes about ZBTHS is how all the teachers and staff are helping students to succeed. The advice Katerina would give to her classmates is to always look on the bright side.

We congratulate Katerina on her being a success.

SENIOR Brennan Ferguson – Brennan is the son of David Ferguson and Dadiva Bobiles and resides in Winthrop Harbor.

His AP United States Government and Politics class was the class Brennan stated was his favorite. Brennan likes all of his teachers; however, he appreciates how Mr. Mitchell establishes good connections with his students. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Brennan is on the Baseball Team and on the Student Athlete Leadership Team. He also plays on a traveling baseball team named PBA DeMarini. Next year Brennan will be attending one of the colleges that has recruited him to play baseball. The helpful teachers and all the people he meets at ZBTHS are what Brennan enjoys most about his school. Brennan advises his classmates not to fall behind on their schoolwork.

Good luck Brennan with your future plans.

STAFF Sara Carlson Ms. Carlson is in her fifth year at ZAP. She began as an instructional aide and is currently the Student Support Specialist.

Her job entails what her title prescribes: she spends her days supporting her students by working with them through crisis situations, developing intervention plans, and keeping records of relevant data and information.

Ms. Carlson grew up in rural Michigan and moved to Zion with her family in 2002. After graduating from Trinity Christian College in 2008 she spent six months outside of Lima, Peru.

Upon return she enrolled in Northeastern Illinois University to study Applied Linguistics, earning her MA from Northeastern in 2015.

Outside of her school day, Ms. Carlson enjoys spending every possible moment outside. She is grateful for her ever-growing family (currently at four nephews and three nieces!) and the close-knit group of friends who have become family.

The absolute best thing about working at ZAP for Ms. Carlson is her students. She shows up every day excited to spend the day with them.

Zion-Benton Township High School and the ZAP program are grateful for Ms. Carlson and her commitment to the values that District 126 represents.

STAFF Ryan Faith Ryan Faith is in his fifth year teaching Physics at Zion-Benton Township High School. He is also a Class of 2020 advisor. He taught in Downers Grove for two years before starting at Zion-Benton Township High School in 2012.

Mr. Faith grew up in McHenry, Illinois before attending college at Northern Illinois University. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an emphasis in Secondary Education.

Mr. Faith is currently finishing up his Master’s in Educational Technology Degree through Boise State University and will graduate in May. Technology has always been a passion of his and he likes finding new and meaningful ways to integrate technology into his classroom.

During his free time Mr. Faith enjoys being outdoors, reading, camping, hiking, and traveling.

Congratulations, Mr. Faith. Thank you for your energy and knowledge. We are pleased to have you serving Zion-Benton Township High School students.

December 2016

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:  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 items by topic in its monthly "Spotlights," which are e-mailed to subscribers. To receive this monthly email, subscribe using the link in the upper right hand corner of the home page.

DISTRICT 126 BUDGET FOR 2016-17 District 126’s 2016-17 Budget can be viewed on the District’s website. To access the 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” 5. The District’s 2016-17 Approved Budget is listed as a PDF file

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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT CARDS The public may access the District’s 2016 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 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

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Paid Zion, Illinois Permit Number 8

THE ILLINOIS 5ESSENTIALS SURVEY The Illinois State Board of Education requires all schools to administer the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey was designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent, taking the survey will provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness at your child’s school.

Your participation in the parent portion of the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will help us better understand the conditions at Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 and guide our continuous improvement efforts.

Your identity and survey responses are completely confidential and are not connected to you or your child.

The window to complete the 5Essentials Survey is November 16, 2016, through January 16, 2017. The survey must be completed online and will take approximately ten minutes. Please complete the entire survey and be sure to click submit. Surveys cannot be retrieved once submitted.

Take the survey now by visiting http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/. Be sure to choose the school your child attends…either Zion-Benton High School or New Tech at Zion-Benton East. If you have children who attend both schools, please complete the survey for each school. Student feedback will be secured via a separate survey administered to students at their respective campuses before January 16, 2017.

To access more information about the 5Essentials Survey visit:  http://www.isbe.net/5essentials/  https://illinois.5-essentials.org/2016/