Feb17pbnwopics

Volume XVII, No. 4

February/March 2017

Newsletter Spring Assessment Days Please read carefully.

Important information regarding state testing.

On Wednesday, April 5, District 126 freshman, sophomore, and junior students will participate in a number of state required or district-level assessments.

Senior students will not be in attendance on testing day and are encouraged to take advantage of the time to visit colleges and solidify their post-secondary plans.

Junior students will take a state SAT assessment, which measures students’ college and career readiness and helps provide students with post-secondary options.

Sophomore students will take the PSAT 10. This assessment will provide students with exposure to the SAT and help inform students of their progress in meeting the benchmarks for college and career readiness as defined and measured by the College Board.

PARENT BEE NETWORK 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.

Freshman students will take a district-scored PSAT. This district assessment will provide students with exposure to the SAT and inform students of their growth during their first year in high school.

Free ACT for Juniors!

The district will be funding a free ACT for all Juniors, which will take place on Saturday, April 8 at the ZBTHS campus. Counselors and Advisors will be sharing details regarding ACT sign up during the month of February, prior to the ACT registration deadline of Friday, March 3.

If you have any questions regarding spring assessments, please contact Mr. Richter, Director of Student Services, at 847-731-9340 or richters@zbths.org.

WINTER TAILGATE PARTY The Parent Bee Network is sponsoring its Winter Tailgate Party on Friday, February 17 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the ZBTHS South Cafeteria. Come and enjoy a delicious meal provided by Stone Creek Grill for $7. Sit back and enjoy great student performances by various student groups while enjoying your meal.

Then plan to stay to cheer on the Varsity Boys Basketball team as they take on Warren at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or call the Principals’ Offices at 847-731-9305 ZBTHS and 847-731-9803 NT@ZB. Contact Jack Niemi at Niemij@zbths.org if you would like to help out. Volunteers are needed for setup, serving, and clean up.

All funds raised support the Parent Bee Network Senior Scholarship Fund.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

February/March 2017

DISTRICT 126 SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES CAPITAL PROJECTS Following many months of study, the District 126 Board of Education approved a significant capital improvement plan at its regular meeting on January 26, 2017. These capital improvement decisions were primarily driven by the results of the District’s 2015 ten-year life safety study of District facilities, which revealed that building code changes would require extensive and very expensive repairs to the District’s Pearce Campus. After deliberation, the School Board determined that it would not be in the District’s best interests to invest significant funds to repair this nearly 80-year-old campus, of which only 25-percent of the square footage is used to support District 126 programming. Rather, the School Board determined it is time to raze Pearce Campus and find new “homes” for those programs housed at Pearce.

The following capital improvement projects will move forward as a result:  Purchase or build ~12,500 sq. ft. maintenance building (2017)  Build two-story ~18,800 sq. ft. fitness center and NJROTC addition to ZBTHS (2017-18)  Build 23,500 sq. ft. addition to New Tech High to include gymnasium, weight room/fitness area, and to house ZAP and Transitions Special Education programs (2017-18)  Replace Pearce Campus with 200 space parking lot and small maintenance garage (Summer 2018)  Build 750-seat fine arts auditorium at ZBTHS (~2018-19)  Renovate ZBTHS pool to address significant infrastructure issues (~2018-19) Funding for these projects will be covered by cash on hand that has been set aside over time for capital improvements and through extending out the District’s allowable debt service extension base, which has been being paid down over time. This financing plan will not require a tax increase. Rather, the same amount of funds that have been historically collected each year to pay for capital improvement projects will continue to cover these projects.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES MARCH 2, 2017 Parents come and meet with your student’s teachers.

ZBTHS will host Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday, March 2nd from 6:30-8:30 p.m. following its 6:00 p.m. Academic Awards. Parents will be able to have five-minute conferences with teachers, who will be seated alphabetically in the Field House and Main Gym, on a first come first served basis. New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East will host Parent Conferences on March 2nd as well from 6-8 p.m. in teachers’ classrooms, with the NT@ZB Academic Awards following at 8 p.m. in the Cafetorium.

Parents are encouraged to check the Skyward Family Access or New Tech Echo Portal with their students to review and discuss their students’ progress. We encourage parents to share helpful information about their students with their teachers. Students are welcome to attend conferences with their parents.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

PBN UNIVERSITY PRESENTS COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT! The Parent Bee Network is sponsoring College Planning Night for all District 126 juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and parents on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. in the ZBTHS Lecture Hall. Topics will include the following: 

How to start thinking about colleges?



What are colleges looking for in a student?



Which colleges should you apply to?



How and when do you apply for college?



How do you apply for scholarships?

For more information, please contact ZBTHS College/Career Counselor Ms. Zameck at zamecka@zbths.org or 847-731-9348, or Ms. Schuda at schudal@ntzb.org or 847-731-9816.

MEDICAL EXAMS Required for High School All incoming freshmen and students new to ZBTHS District #126 must have a completed physical exam and proof of immunizations on the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination prior to schedule pick-up in August. Those students who do not complete this requirement cannot participate in schedule pick-up and will NOT be able to attend school on the first day of classes or until this requirement is met. Appropriate physical forms were provided to incoming freshmen with their PSAT 8/9 placement scores, and a copy of the form is also available at www.zbths.org. Please schedule your student’s appointment for early summer to ensure you meet the schedule pick-up deadline. A copy of the freshman school physical may be used as the athletic physical for those desiring to participate in a sport their freshman year, however, sports physicals are NOT acceptable as an incoming freshman physical.

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IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Incoming Freshmen:  Students entering the 9th grade for the first time should have their most recent Tetanus, diphtheria, & acellular pertussis (Tdap) inoculation within the past 3-5 years (11-14 years old.)

Other Grades  Meningococcal (MCV4) inoculation is required of students entering the 12th grade Parents or legal guardians who object for religious reasons to their child being immunized for school entrance must submit a Certificate of Religious Exemption, which now must be signed by a health care provider. Signed into law on August 3, 2015, this new legislation requires a health care provider to sign the certificate confirming they have provided education to the parents or legal guardians about the benefits of immunizations and the health risks of not vaccinating students. Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website at http://dph.illinois.gov for more information Students without proof of required vaccinations, an approved medical or religious exemption must be on file with the school, or an appointment to receive the Tdap shot during the school year will be subject to exclusion. Please contact the Immunization Section at the State Health Department in Springfield, Illinois at 217-785-1455 if you have questions about this requirement.

WAY TO GO ZEE-BEES!!!

NJROTC Rifle Team placed second out of fiftytwo teams at the Camp Perry, Ohio Invitational.

NT@ZB Physical Education/Health/Driver Education Teacher, Matthew Bonnivier, was awarded a 2017 Trustmark Impact Educator Grant for a $988 award to purchase weight training and fitness equipment.

Zion-Benton Federation of Teachers sponsored free study sessions during final exam week at both ZBTHS and NT@ZB campuses. They also donated $1,741 that was shared between two local food pantries.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

February/March 2017

NEW TECH HIGH @ ZION-BENTON EAST RECOGNIZES STUDENTS AND STAFF Four students and one staff member were 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 February 23 at 7 p.m., in the ZBTHS South Café.

FRESHMAN Angel Moreno is the son of Gabriel Moreno and Azucena Ayala and resides in Zion. His favorite subject so far is his Biology class. Angel likes all of his teachers, but he appreciates how Ms. Burgdorf is making him think outside of the box. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Angel is on the Boys Soccer and Boys Volleyball teams. Outside of school, Angel attends youth group at Christ Community Church and takes guitar lessons at the Zion Conservatory of Music. After high school, Angel would like to go to college and become an oncologist. With his interest in photography, one day Angel would like to travel the world and take pictures. The way staff makes him think is what Angel likes most about his school. Angel tells his fellow classmates to work hard. We are very proud to have Angel as a student at New Tech.

SOPHOMORE Jayla Woods is the daughter of Carole Woods and lives in Zion. Her Geometry Advanced class is Jayla’s favorite subject. Jayla is impressed with how her American Literature teacher, Ms. Knight, encourages her to do better. Jayla participates in Green Bees and the Interact Club. After school Jayla carefully completes her homework and babysits. One day Jayla would like to attend college and become a cardiologist. One thing Jayla likes about New Tech is the small school environment, which allows her to know her classmates and teachers. “Do your work” is Jayla’s advice to other students. That’s great advice. Jayla is becoming a superb student at New Tech.

JUNIOR Monica Sinaloa, the daughter of Jaime and Esther Sinaloa, has lived in Beach Park for about one year. Monica favors her Government class and finds her advisor, Ms. Biddle, as a helpful teacher because she is nice and tutors her in math. Monica participates in Healthy YOUth, National Honor Society, and Interact Club. After school Monica completes her homework, reads Jane Austin books, and writes poems and short stories. Monica would like to go to New York University to study dramatic writing after high school. The fun projects that allow her to be creative is what Monica likes most about New Tech. “Manage your time” are Monica’s words of advice to her classmates. On that note…we salute Monica for her achievements at New Tech and wish her continued success.

SENIOR Dylan Brown, the son of David and Nicole Moore, lives in Winthrop Harbor. He favors his Pre-Calculus Advanced class. One individual Dylan says has been very helpful is Ms. Macanowicz because she is interested in her students and gives personal and college advice. Dylan is active in Tech Crew, National Honor Society, Healthy YOUth, and Rachel’s Challenge. After school Dylan is working in Tech Crew, working at Kohl’s in Gurnee, or hanging out with his family and friends. Next year Dylan intends on attending college and majoring in computer engineer science. Dylan enjoys the small school feel at New Tech. “Stay on task” are Dylan’s words of advice to his classmates. Good luck Dylan in your future plans.

STAFF MEMBER Michelle Ruggles, currently teaches Digital Media and Internet Fundamentals at New Tech. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2002 from UW Whitewater with a Business and Marketing Education Degree. She also earned her master’s degree in 2008 from Lesley University in Technology in Education.

Ms. Ruggles grew up in Monroe, Wisconsin on a pig farm and loved the farm life. She enjoyed all sports and played volleyball, basketball, and softball. She is also a proud Wisconsin sports fan. When not in school, Ms. Ruggles enjoys spending time with her daughters Henlee, 7 and Camdyn, 2.

Ms. Ruggles feels the best part of working at New Tech is watching the students grow and see their own potential.

We thank Ms. Ruggles for her many contributions to New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East.

February/March 2017

The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

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ZBTHS RECOGNIZES STUDENTS & STAFF Zion-Benton Township High School recognizes students and staff for their contributions to the school and the community. Parents, teachers, and friends are invited to attend this special recognition along with their NT@ZB counterparts on February 23 at 7 p.m., in the ZBTHS South Café.

FRESHMAN Dhruv Upadhyay

is the son of Jignesh and Parul Upadhyay and resides in Winthrop Harbor. His favorite class so far is Honors Biology. Dhruv appreciates how Ms. Lindle helps him after school so he can succeed. Dhruv is planning on joining the Baseball Team this spring and joining the Robotics Club next year. After school Dhruv participates in clubs offered at the Zion-Benton Public Library such as Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Lord of the Rings. Dhruv also volunteers at the Cancer Treatment Center in Zion. After high school, Dhruv would like to attend college, major in Biology, and then attend medical school. The diversity at ZBTHS is what Dhruv likes most about ZBTHS. Dhruv tells his fellow classmates to work hard. We are very proud to have Dhruv as a student at ZBTHS.

FRESHMAN Lazaro Gonzalez is the son of Jesus Gonzalez and Maria Anguiano and lives in Wadsworth. His Freshman Fitness Orientation class is Lazaro’s favorite class this year. Mr. Stave, Lazaro’s Social Studies teacher, has made an impact on Lazaro because he is easy to talk with and offers good advice with Lazaro’s concerns. When not at school, Lazaro keeps busy with caring for his horse, Gabby Land, and with the eight horses at his family’s ranch. Lazaro also likes to play soccer. After he graduates high school, Lazaro would like to go to college and study nature and animals. One thing Lazaro appreciates about his school are all of the nice teachers who want him to do his very best. “Don’t give up when things become difficult” is Lazaro’s advice to other students. That’s great advice. Lazaro is becoming a superb student at ZBTHS.

SOPHOMORE Grace Peters, the daughter of Brenda Peters, has lived in Winthrop Harbor for a little over a year. Honors Chemistry is Grace’s favorite class. One individual Grace says has been very helpful is Chief Nelson because he has formed a great connection as a teacher and NJROTC chief, and is a great role model. Grace is a proud member of the NJROTC Drill Team. As a ZeeBee athlete, Grace is on the Girls Track Team. After school Grace works with friends and neighbors with their yard work and other chores. One day Grace would like to go to college, but she is not yet sure of her major. Grace likes that all the staff are friendly and helpful at ZBTHS. “Go beyond the minimal” are Grace’s words of advice to her classmates. Grace is becoming an excellent student at ZBTHS, and we wish her continued success.

SOPHOMORE Nikola Josifovic, the son of Olivera Josifovic and the late Luka Josifovic, has lived in Wadsworth most of his life. His favorite class is his AP Human Geography class. As a Schuler Scholar, Nikola appreciates the guidance from Joanna Garcia, who is prepping him for college. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Nikola is on the Boys Soccer and Volleyball teams. After school Nikola plays in Red Star Soccer Club, runs, bikes, and Skypes with family members in Serbia. After high school, Nikola plans on attending college and majoring in sports medicine. The diversity is what Nikola likes about ZBTHS. Nikola advises his fellow classmates to aim for their goals and not to give up. On that note…we salute Nikola for his achievements at ZBTHS and wish him continued success.

JUNIOR Emily January, the daughter of Kelly Nelson and Robert January, has lived in Zion for most of her life. Her PreCalculus Honors and Advanced American Literature and Composition classes are Emily’s favorite courses at ZBTHS. Emily is grateful to Ms. Digrazia because she offers good advice with Emily’s questions. You can find Emily working at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Kenosha when she is not at school. Some favorite activities for Emily are spending time with her family and shopping. One day Emily could see herself attending University of Wisconsin–Madison and becoming a nurse. The diversity at ZBTHS is what Emily likes about ZBTHS. Emily’s words of wisdom to other Zee-Bees are work hard to achieve your goals. Keep working on your plans, Emily.

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The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

February/March 2017

JUNIOR Darrell Chisum, is the son of Darrell and Natalie Chisum and resides in Beach Park. One class Darrell enjoys is his Algebra 2 class. Two great staff members for Darrell are Coach Lunsford and Coach Villalobos because they are always providing him direction to be successful. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Darrell is on the Wrestling and Boys Track teams. Darrell is also involved with National Honor Society and Academic Team. Watching TV, hanging out with his parents, and playing video games is how Darrell likes to relax.

You can also find Darrell cooking hamburgers, fried rice, and cinnamon rolls in his free time. After Darrell finishes high school, he is planning on attending college and majoring in video game programming. Darrell enjoys the connections and care the staff has with students at ZBTHS. Darrell advises his classmates to pay attention and do the work. Keep up the good work Darrell; you will do well.

SENIOR Aneli Solis, the daughter of Israel and Araceli Solis, has lived in Zion for two years. Her favorite class is her Advanced United States Government class. Without hesitation Aneli stated she admired how Dr. Kolarik and Mr. Mitchell are passionate about their jobs, students, and subject areas. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Aneli is on the Girls Soccer Team. After school Aneli carefully completes her homework, hangs out with her sisters, and studies art. Next year Aneli will go to Carroll University and later become a physical therapist. The diversity at ZBTHS is what Aneli enjoys most about her school. Aneli offers the sound advice to get organized to her classmates. Congratulations Aneli, you will be a success.

SENIOR Marshelle Hampton is the daughter of Machelle Johnson and lives in Zion. Her Financial Algebra 1 class is the class Marshelle mentioned as being her favorite. While at ZBTHS, Marshelle said Mr. Lunsford has been an extremely helpful staff member by encouraging her to do the right thing and to have a positive mindset. As a Zee-Bee athlete, Marshelle is on the Girls Basketball Team. After school Marshelle practices basketball, works at the Zion Park District Leisure Center by keeping score for the men’s’ basketball team, and participates in the My Father’s Business Youth Group at Wesley Church. Next year Marshelle is planning on attending College of Lake County then going on to another school to earn her law enforcement degree. Marshelle finds all of her teachers at ZBTHS amazing and appreciates their hard work. Marshelle advises her classmates to never give up. Good luck in your future, Marshelle.

STAFF Monica Bertrand Ms. Bertrand has worked in the ZBTHS Visual and Performing Arts Department since 2014. She currently teaches Beginning Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Beginning Guitar, and ELS Music Class.

After school she is the vocal and pit director for the annual Fall Musical, and in the spring she conducts women’s acapella, men’s acapella, and Jazz Voices.

Ms. Bertrand grew up in St. Charles, Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, graduating with a B.M. in Music Education. Recently, she was a Conducting Scholar of the Delaware Choral Academy, hosted in Aix-enProvence, France. During her month long residency she was honored to conduct Beatus Vir by Vivaldi at the culminating concert at the Cathédrale de Saint Sauveur.

Ms. Bertrand feels that it is essential to share her undying passion for music with her students and the community of Zion. Her favorite quote is “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Friedrich Nietzche.

We thank Ms. Bertrand for her many contributions to ZBTHS.

STAFF John Meyer Mr. Meyer has worked in the Information Technology Department since 2015. He was born and raised in Iowa. He went to high school in Marion, Iowa and then attended Luther College. He moved to Illinois in 1976 to work at North Shore Office Machines, where he worked for thirty-eight years before purchasing the company with his two brothers-in-law. Mr. Meyer has been involved with technology since the 1970’s and at one time actually cleaned typewriters here at ZBTHS! Mr. Meyer has been married to Susan Meyer, who works in the ZBTHS IMC, for over forty-one years. The Meyers have two sons and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren.

In addition to working at the Tech Office, Mr. Meyer heads up Tech Crew. Mr. Meyer really enjoys working at ZBTHS and with the students. When Mr. Meyer is not at school, he is at home cooking, where he is the chef. Mr. Meyer also enjoys golfing and is a voracious reader.

Mr. Meyer is a very important member of ZBTHS, and we thank him for his sincere dedication.

February/March 2017

The Parent Bee Network Newsletter

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Local scholarship applications are available to graduating seniors on their online Naviance accounts.

ZBTHS seniors should visit http://connection.naviance.com/zionbenton, and NT@ZB seniors should visit http://connection.naviance.com/nthzbe. Completed local scholarship applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017.

Parent Bee Network scholarship applications are available to seniors in their Naviance accounts.

Completed Parent Bee Network scholarship applications must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017.

Seniors should continue to visit their Naviance accounts for updated scholarship information. For additional college information New Tech students may contact Ms. Schuda and ZBTHS students may contact Ms. Zameck in Student Services.

Scholarships will be awarded on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at the Community Honors and Awards Program.

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Senior Events Monday

April 24 ZBTHS Graduation National Anthem Auditions Wednesday May 3 Senior Honors Banquet – 6 p.m.

Tuesday May 9 African American Achievement Awards – 7 p.m.

Tuesday May 16 ZBTHS Graduation Practice – Morning NT@ZB Graduation Practice Afternoon Tuesday May 16 Community Honor & Awards – 7 – 9 p.m.

Tuesday – Friday May 23-26 Senior Week Friday May 26 Senior Breakfast – 7 a.m.

Wednesday, May 31 NT@ZB Graduation Practice – 1:30 p.m.

Thursday June 1 ZBTHS Graduation Practice – 1:45 p.m.

Thursday June 1 NT@ZB Graduation – 6:30 p.m.

Friday June 2 ZBTHS Graduation – 6:30 p.m.

PROM May 6, 2017 Prom will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Marina Shores, 302 58th Street, in Kenosha. Doors open for pictures at 5:30 p.m., dinner is from 6-7 p.m., and dancing is from 7-11 p.m. Parents are strongly encouraged to organize responsible post prom gatherings. Please be reminded that all past due student fees must be paid in order to purchase a ticket.

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

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Upcoming Events Thursday Thurs.-Sat. Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday Thursday Thursday Friday Monday Thursday Sunday Wednesday Friday Friday Mon.-Fri. Monday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Friday

Feb. 16 Feb. 16-18 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 24 Feb. 24 Feb. 28 March 2 March 2 March 3 March 6 March 9 March 12 March 15 March 24 March 24 March 27–31 April 3 April 5 April 6 April 8 April 14

Interact Blood Drive – 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – NT@ZB Winter Play “Letters to Lucerene” – 7:30 p.m. – Pearce Rotunda Theater Winter Tailgate Party 5-7 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café Presidents’ Day – NO SCHOOL (Emergency Day if needed) Choir Concert – 7 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café ZBTHS Early Release – School Improvement Planning – 12:40 p.m.

Key Club Blood Drive – 7 a.m.-1 p.m. – ZBTHS East Gym PBN University College Planning Night – 6:30 p.m. ZBTHS Lecture Hall Local Scholarship Applications Due African American Heritage Celebration – 6 p.m. – ZBTHS South Café Elementary Sing Concert – 7 p.m. – Pearce Rotunda Theater Academic Awards: ZBTHS 6 p.m.; NT@ZB 8 p.m.

Parent Conferences: ZBTHS 6:30–8:30 p.m.; NT@ZB 6-8 p.m.

Early Release Casimir Pulaski Day – NO SCHOOL (Emergency Day if needed) Mandatory Spring Sport Meeting – 6 p.m. – ZBTHS Gym Daylight Saving Time Begins Winter Sports Awards – 7:30 p.m. – ZBTHS Gym PBN Scholarship Applications Due Early Release & End of 3rd Quarter Please note change: April 12th will Spring Break – NO SCHOOL be regular dismissal times for both Classes Resume campuses.

District Wide Assessment Day Fine Arts Festival – 6:30 p.m. – ZBTHS ACT Exam for all Juniors (No Charge for Juniors) – 8 a.m. – ZBTHS Campus School Holiday NO SCHOOL (Emergency Day if needed)