Testing for admission to elementary gifted program is February 13
February 4, 2010 - Rockford Public Schools will test grades 1-4 for admission into the elementary gifted program on Saturday, February 13. Students may take the test if they live within the Rockford School District boundaries, regardless of whether they currently attend public or private kindergarten or are home-schooled.
Testing will take place at Washington Academy, 1421 West Street. A completed “consent for testing” form is necessary for the students to participate. Consent forms are available online at http://webs.rps205.com/departments/gifted/ or at Washington Academy the morning of the test. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and testing starts at 8:30 a.m.; the test is offered at no charge.
Montessori’s Haney-Bauer wins Puri Family Outstanding Principal Award
February 4, 2010 - The Golden Apple Foundation and award sponsor Sunil Puri presented the 5th Annual Puri Family Outstanding Principal Award today to Susan Haney-Bauer of Maria Montessori School. Surrounded by cheering students and staff, Mrs. Haney-Bauer was congratulated by members of the Golden Apple Foundation Board of Directors, school staff and family members.
Mrs. Haney-Bauer was described by her nominators as an exceptional asset who has influenced the lives of countless children. In her 30 years in the Rockford Public Schools, she founded Rockford’s Early Childhood Special Education programs, led the Parent Information Center as director and developed the Local Interagency Council to improve collaboration between community agencies. Mrs. Haney-Bauer was praised for consistently demonstrating a tremendous commitment to student achievement and working tirelessly to ensure that all students realize their maximum potential. Nominators said that Mrs. Haney-Bauer is never satisfied with the status quo and that her “golden touch” creates a school where the waiting list to enroll gets longer each year.
Sunil Puri, a major sponsor for Golden Apple Foundation’s recognition of teachers, also sponsors this prestigious award because he believes that principals are “unsung heroes.”
Nominees from public and private schools in Winnebago and Boone counties included principal Theresa Schneider of Riverdahl Elementary School.
Mrs. Haney-Bauer will receive, compliments of the Puri Family, $1,500 to be used at Montessori and $500 in Volcano Falls gift certificates to reward excellent students.
Channel 13 presents latest “Teacher of the Week” award at Thompson Elementary
February 4, 2010 - Congratulations to David Krueger, the latest honoree in “Teacher of the Week” series on WREX-Channel 13. Mr. Krueger, who teaches fifth grade at Thompson Elementary School, is the ninth Rockford educator to earn the distinction since the school year began in August. Click the photo to view the most recent installment in the series, reported by WREX morning show anchor Laura Gibbs.
Auburn musicians perform at prestigious state conference
February 2, 2010 - Two Auburn High School juniors earned the opportunity Saturday to perform with other highly talented students during the All-State Concert, the culminating event at the 62nd annual Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Festival.
Ariana Munger won a coveted seat in the viola section in the Illinois All-State Honors Orchestra, while Alex Liddell received a chair in the first violin section in the Illinois All-State Orchestra. The two string players competed Thursday through Saturday at state conference titled “Music: A Sound Investment.”
Preliminary auditions for the IMEA festival took place across the state, and Liddell and Munger were selected to compete at the conference based on their performance during trials at Augustana College in November. IMEA judges determined the placement of student musicians during the first day of the conference. Two more days of intense orchestra rehearsals prepared students for the All-State Concert at the Peoria Civic Center, which concluded the three-day conference.
“The competition is very stringent, and it is an honor to even be chosen,” Fine Arts Teacher Louis Vega said. “It represents a chance for some of the best high school musicians in the state to all converge at once.”
IMEA is the Illinois state-level affiliate of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. A professional organization, IMEA’s mission is to promote music learning and provide leadership for music education.
Freshman registration meetings set for Feb. 9 and 11
January 29, 2010 — Rockford’s four traditional public high schools will offer eighth-graders two chances to register for classes and become acquainted with high school during upcoming freshman registration meetings.
Students will receive registration materials for choosing classes, meet with teachers, tour the buildings and learn what is expected in high school during the meetings. Auburn, East, Guilford and Jefferson high schools will simultaneously hold the sessions from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, and Thursday, February 11.
It is important for students and parents to attend one of the two registration sessions at their child’s high school to learn about available programs and courses. Students who do not provide input during this process will have their courses chosen by school administrators. Students and parents should plan on staying for the entire meeting.
Parents of all currently enrolled eighth-graders have been notified of their high school assignment based on the attendance zone in which they live. Families who are unsure of their assignment should call 490-KIDS.
Board of Education honors police officers for their ‘shining examples’ to students
January 27, 2010 - Every day, school police officers cultivate relationships with students, serving as mentors, friends and mediators to potential conflicts. Board of Education President David Kelley presented Sgt. Michael Spelman and Deputy Chiefs Greg Lindmark and Theo Glover with Guiding Star Awards for the “shining example they set for students.” During the awards presentation January 26, Superintendent LaVonne Sheffield praised three Rockford Police commanders for their “strong leadership, compassion and genuine spirit of collaboration.” The two deputy chiefs are products of Rockford Public Schools, Glover having graduated from Auburn and Lindmark receiving his diploma from Guilford.
Jefferson carves out second snow-sculpting victory
January 25, 2010 - For the second year in a row, Jefferson High School earned the first-place prize and People’s Choice Award in the high school category at the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition.
Jefferson seniors Evan Jarzynski, Arnold Syphommarath, Shauna Ubersox and Ale Sanchez created the winning entry, entitled “King Arthur.” Jarzynski and Syphommarath competed on last year’s winning team.
Warmer temperatures and wind presented the biggest challenge this year, Jarzynski said. One of King Arthur’s arms fell off Saturday morning, and the J-Hawks scrambled to replace it prior to the 10 a.m. judging.
“We were all excited about the outcome and happy to be honored. It was a very enriching experience,” Jarzynski said. “By the time it was over, we were exhausted but thrilled to have participated.”
Art teacher Gail Zernia, who served as project adviser, credited the multiple wins to having “some very talented students.”
Auburn High School also placed in the high school competition, receiving the Linda K. White Spirit Award for “A Day in the Park with Totoro.”
Nelson educator becomes latest “Teacher of the Week” in 97 ZOK award series
Congratulations to Laurie Traum, the latest 97-ZOK “Teacher of the Week.” Mrs. Traum, who teaches 3rd grade at Nelson Elementary School, is the seventh Rockford educator to earn the distinction since the radio station began taking online nominations in November. Click on the picture to view website and see previous winners.
School fundraising efforts raise money for Haiti earthquake victims
January 22, 2010 - Rockford Public School students are reaching into their pockets and reaching out to Haiti’s earthquake victims.
Tanner Leuellen, a third-grader at Maria Montessori Elementary School, was so compelled to join the international relief efforts that he started a fundraising campaign called “Hearts for Haiti,” in which he hopes to raise $100 for the Red Cross. Tanner is selling 50 individually designed hearts he created for 50 cents each. Montessori Principal Sue Haney-Bauer said Tanner’s ambitious efforts are being extremely well-received by both students and parents. For more information, Haney-Bauer may be reached at 654-4906.
Other efforts taking place in Rockford schools include:
Guilford High School students will be asking their peers to donate $1 to the Haitian relief efforts during “GHS Haiti Dollar Day” beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 22. All donations will be given to the Red Cross. More information can be obtained by calling Social Studies teacher Scott Church at 654-4870.
Lathrop Elementary school students are collecting “Quarters for the Quake” through Friday, January 29. Principal Prudy Court said student council members wanted to help Haiti with as much money as possible, so they are urging classmates to all bring at least one quarter for a Haiti relief collection. If everyone at the school contributes, the total will top $100. Mrs. Court may be reached at 966-3285.
Alliance with Rock Valley designed to better prepare public school graduates for college
January 20, 2010 - A plan to better prepare high school students for college through a new partnership between Rockford Public Schools and Rock Valley College is being presented publicly for the first time today.
Members of the Rockford School Board’s Education Committee will hear a proposal to form the Rockford Alliance for College Readiness during the committee’s meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Room 207 of the Administration Building, 201 South Madison Street.
In forming the Alliance, Rockford Public Schools and Rock Valley College expect to reduce the number of high school graduates being placed in pre-college courses, increase the number of minority graduates who are college-ready in all subject areas and improve graduation rates for Rockford Public Schools. Steps that the Alliance would take to achieve its goals include:
Align coursework between high schools and the college to facilitate student transition; match high school coursework to College Readiness Standards associated with Illinois’ Core Standards being developed through the American Diploma Project.
Create professional development opportunities for high school teachers and college faculty to share instructional strategies in specific content areas and methods for integrating technology into coursework.
Rock Valley College President Jack Becherer views the Alliance as a progressive approach to address a growing concern nationally and locally over the percentage of students who graduate from high school unprepared for college-level studies. Results of the college’s collaboration with Rockford schools could serve as a model for other high schools in the college’s region.
“Recent studies show that during their college careers, more than 50 percent of students take at least one remedial English or math class – and the percentage is much higher for low-income and minority students,” Dr. Becherer said.
Rockford Public Schools Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield said the Alliance will provide an important layer in an ongoing effort to reform Rockford’s four traditional public high schools.
“We are already working to align our curriculum to college standards, to provide our teachers with more strategic forms of professional development and to raise college awareness among our students and parents,” Dr. Sheffield said. “Rockford schools will be better equipped to achieve those goals because of this meaningful partnership and the expertise Rock Valley College brings to the equation.”
The proposal to form the Alliance calls for work teams of high school teachers and college faculty to begin meeting in February to craft recommendations for coursework alignment and shared professional development. Educators who drafted the proposal to form the Rockford Alliance for College Readiness studied a similar effort between Elgin Community College and Elgin’s public schools.
Rockford School Board member Robert Evans, who serves as chairman of the Education Committee, applauded the collaboration for its foresight.
“This development is a very good step forward. Too often,” Evans said, “school districts concern themselves with just getting students to graduate and do not pay attention to what happens after graduation. We want to prepare them for the life that follows. At the college level, we see the need to offer more and more classes to help students ‘catch up.’ We have more and more students graduating from high school who are less and less prepared for college -- or for work. The more prepared the students are, the better for everyone in our community.”
Channel 13 presents latest “Teacher of the Week” award at Fairview Early Childhood Center
Congratulations to Ms. Sara Bockover, the latest honoree in “Teacher of the Week” series on WREX-Channel 13. Ms. Bockover, who teaches at Fairview Early Childhood Center, is the eighth Rockford educator to earn the distinction since the school year began in August. Click the photo to view the most recent installment in the series, reported by WREX morning show anchor Laura Gibbs.
District, union enter 'Race to the Top' partnership
January 12, 2010 - Rockford Public Schools Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield and Rockford Education Association President Molly Phalen announced today a groundbreaking partnership to pursue federal “Race to the Top” funding that could bring millions of dollars into Rockford schools for innovative education reforms to improve student achievement, graduation rates and college readiness.
Officials for the school district and the REA have signed Memoranda of Understanding to join the State of Illinois in its application for more than $500 million in Race to the Top funding. School districts that commit to reform initiatives contained in the state’s proposal are eligible for more than half of any RTTT award that Illinois receives.
The memoranda were signed by Sheffield and Board of Education President David Kelley on behalf of Rockford Public Schools and by Phalen on behalf of the REA. School districts participating in the state’s application had until January 11 to submit signed agreements.
School districts that sign the memoranda are taking the first step toward reforms in four key areas:
Adoption of learning standards and progress assessments to prepare students for success in college and the workplace as well as to compete in the global economy.
Creation of data systems that measure student growth and inform teachers and principals on ways to improve instruction.
Recruitment, development, evaluation, recognition and retention of effective teachers and principals, especially in difficult-to-staff schools.
Improvement that turns around the lowest-achieving (priority) schools.
In signing the memoranda, Sheffield noted that Rockford schools are well positioned to receive Race to the Top funds and serve as a model for other districts in Illinois.
“Using data to improve instruction, developing great teachers and leaders, holding adults accountable for student growth – we are already working hard to move our schools forward on all of these fronts,” Sheffield said. “It’s a question of: Do we decide our own destiny or let others decide for us?”
Phalen applauded the agreement as a demonstration of the willingness of the REA to work together with the school administration on a variety of complex issues facing Rockford schools. “Race to the Top gives the REA a chance to play an active role in addressing issues that our teachers and community really care about – responsible leadership, collaborative planning and building quality in our educational system,” Phalen said. “To have money to support this is ‘frosting on the cake’.”
Sheffield said that an analysis of school performance data for the last five years illustrates the need to fix the system. Scores of high school students taking the Prairie State Achievement Examination, for example, have declined in reading and math for all racial groups and for economically disadvantage students.
“We know where we are, and we know where we must go. Our collaboration with the REA to secure Race to the Top funding underscores our shared commitment,” Sheffield said. “We know what our challenges are, and the path to victory in our classrooms is clear.”
Kelley said he and fellow Board members commend school administrators and union leaders for the proactive approach and spirit of cooperation.
“The importance of this partnership should not be underestimated,” Kelley said. “The agreement calls for reforms that students deserve and outcomes that everyone wants to see. The reforms may not come easily, but they surely will take our students and our community to a better place.”
President Barack Obama established the Race to the Top competitive grant program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act economic stimulus package he signed in February 2009. ARRA provides $4.35 billion nationally for Race to the Top; the first round of grant awards is scheduled to be announced April 20, 2010.
Auburn grad Michelle Williams comes home to chat with students
January 10, 2010 - Auburn High School alumnus Michelle Williams talked with students about her music industry career and the value of education during an informal visit with students in the Creative and Performing Arts program at her alma mater.
Williams toured the school and participated in a question-and-answer session for more than an hour with two dozen students on Auburn’s auditorium stage. The multiple Grammy Award winner described how she grew up in a low-income neighborhood where gunfire sometimes rang out in the street, but “beat the odds” in part because of teachers who showed her that they cared and who inspired her.
One of those teachers, English instructor Ernest Stokes, was on hand for Williams’ appearance. “There are many teachers here who care about the students,” she said, “and Mr. Stokes is one of them.”
Williams graduated from Auburn in 1997 and is best known as one-third of the successful R & B group Destiny’s Child. Along with Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland, Williams went on to become one of the most popular performers in the world, recording a string of No. 1 singles and earning three Grammys. Williams was recently the first African-American to play the role of Roxy Hart in “Chicago” at London’s West End.
“I came out of Rockford schools. I know great things can come out of Rockford schools,” Williams said. “Whatever you decide to do, study all you can and remember success takes hard work.”
Video from Williams’ visit will provide the basis for the first in a series of promotions featuring successful Rockford Public School graduates delivering messages on making good choices and the value of education.
Kindergarten enrollment begins Jan. 11 at new Student Assignment Center
January 8, 2010 - Parents of students who turn 5 years old by September 1, 2010, may enroll them for kindergarten starting Jan. 11 through Feb. 19. Kindergarten assignments are made through a computerized lottery based on parents’ choice of schools with preference given to students who live near a school or whose siblings attend a school.
Maps will be available to help parents select up to five kindergarten choices. Parents must bring an original birth certificate and two proofs of address such as current utility bills or other mail. A complete list of acceptable forms of identification is available at http://webs.rps205.com/departments/FRC/enrollmentrequirements.html.
Hours for the Student Assignment Center in its new location at 2000 Christina Street are: • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday • 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
Families interested in Montessori Pre-K may also enroll at the Student Assignment Center in the same six week span. Students must turn 4 years old by September 1, 2010, to enroll in the Pre-K program. Channel 13 presents latest “Teacher of the Week” award at Washington Elementary
Congratulations to Jean Johnson, the latest honoree in “Teacher of the Week” series on WREX-Channel 13. Mrs. Johnson, who teaches third-grade at Washington Elementary, is the seventh Rockford educator to earn the distinction since the school year began in August. Click the photo to view the most recent installment in the series, reported by WREX morning show anchor Laura Gibbs.
Rockford schools increase Salvation Army food drive contributions by 20 percent despite weak economy
December 29, 2009 - The poor economy didn’t damper efforts of Rockford Public Schools to increase contributions to the Salvation Army’s annual holiday food drive. Students and staff this year collected 391 barrels, 66 more than last year.
Brookview Elementary School made the greatest contribution to the 20-percent increase by filling 47 barrels with canned and dry goods during the “Yes We Can!” campaign.
Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield launched the campaign in late October at Lincoln Middle School, which held the distinction as largest contributor in 2008 with 21 barrels. Lincoln made a valiant effort to retain its title, but finished second this year at 34 barrels. Eisenhower Middle School and Rockford Environmental Science Academy tied for third with 18 barrels each.
Brookview Principal LuAnn Widergren said the food drive is a team effort and a “big deal.” First-grade teacher Sandy Rossela manages the drive every year and organizes a lunch for teachers prior to winter break thanking them for their participation. Art teacher Linda Ewalt works with students to decorate barrels placed in each classroom.
A portion of Brookview’s success this year can be attributed to parent Darin Emmons, whose second-grade daughter, Sage, attends the school. Emmons, who drives a truck for Nabisco, donated more than 2,000 packages of cookies and crackers. “I just wanted to help out however I could,” he said.
Salvation Army Community Relations Director Norma Baker attributed the increase in donations to Dr. Sheffield’s enthusiasm for the food drive and the catchy “Yes We Can!” promotion. “She really helped us increase the numbers. These additional barrels will feed a lot of people.”
Rockford schools have traditionally participated in the Salvation Army drive, and last year contributions -- 325 barrels -- accounted for 75 percent of all food collected.
New notification system works best if parents update contact information
December 29, 2009 - Parents of children attending Rockford Public Schools are encouraged to update their contact information so that they don’t miss important electronic notifications, including weather-related closings.
An upgrade to the new School Messenger System (SMS) provides the potential to contact the households of more than 32,000 parents and employees with important bulletins. That’s a significant expansion over the 8,200-user reach of the previous Electronic Notification System (ENS).
ENS relied on subscribers to register online to receive automated phone calls, text messages and e-mails. School Messenger draws its contact information from the AS/400, the Rockford School District’s computerized student and employee data base. School Messenger sends alerts to as many phone numbers and e-mail addresses as parents provide; however, some parents may not have given e-mail addresses or all relevant phone numbers to their child’s school during registration in August.
Parents who wish to update phone numbers or add e-mail addresses to their child’s files should visit their child’s school after classes resume Jan. 4. Both systems will operate until Jan. 14, when a licensing agreement with ENS expires.
A test of the School Messenger system is scheduled to occur Saturday, January 9. Parents and employees who don’t receive the test bulletin, or don’t receive the bulletin in desired formats, should notify their child’s school or the Human Resources Department. Cellular telephone users will receive a one-time, opt-in prompt to continue transmission of text messages in addition to automated voice recordings.
By the end of January, building principals will be able to access School Messenger to transmit reminders about school-based activities and relay other non-emergency information to parents. ENS had been activated during emergencies that caused a disruption to the normal school day.
Santa Claus makes surprise visit to Beyer School students
December 10, 2009 - Beyer Elementary students walked into the school gymnasium Thursday with the idea they were simply going to sing a few holiday songs before dismissing for the day. Within a few minutes, however, the gymnasium was reverberating with excited screams and cheers when Santa Claus and his elves paid a surprise visit carrying sacks full of toys.
The 275 students received stockings filled with toys ranging from footballs and toy cars for boys to lip gloss and stuffed animals for girls. Cookies and high-fives from Santa and his elves added to the students’ enthusiasm. Beyer staff also received stockings full of chocolates.
The visit was courtesy of Dave Wallden, who graduated from Guilford High School and attended Eisenhower Middle School and Spring Creek Elementary School. Wallden’s telecommunications firm, Kairos Group Inc., undertakes a community service project every year, and he chose Beyer as this year’s project after talking with longtime friend Deanna Legault while the two Viking grads helped plan their 30th class reunion.
Legault, the school’s Title 1 specialist, told her former classmate how many of Beyer’s students come from low-income households where parents or guardians rarely have enough extra money to purchase gifts. Wallden would soon rally staff members to dress in holiday garb and deliver the gifts.
Since the Santa visit, many people have called or e-mailed offering to help students at the school with clothing or food donations or provide free field trips. “It’s wonderful this was so successful,” Legault said. “One of the students told me he had no idea today was going to be the best day of his life. It was just heartwarming.”
Wallden said the event was a blessing to everyone involved in delivering the gifts. “In life, we always hear it is better to give than to receive. Everyone involved in helping me out confirmed this and told me it was the highlight of their holiday season.”
Holiday art contest showcases diverse talents of budding artists
December 21, 2009 - The first Superintendent’s Holiday Art Contest attracted nearly 170 talented student entries, with the work of nine winners being featured on postcards arriving Saturday, December 19, in 17,200 homes.
Nine versions of the holiday postcard were mailed today to households with children enrolled in Rockford Public Schools. The postcards feature the winning students’ name, school and grade level on front and the message, “Wishing you peace this holiday season,” on the reverse side.
Students who entered the contest were instructed to incorporate peace as a theme in their submission and avoid the use or religious symbols. Winners were presented with framed copies of their art and certificates of recognition during the Board of Education meeting December 15. Each winner’s school also received framed copies of a commemorative poster featuring the work of all nine students.
Contest winners are: Baylee Kahler and Audrey Dolfi, kindergarten, Walker Elementary School; Zharia Edwards, fourth grade, Lewis Lemon Elementary School; Noemi Diaz-Guzman, fifth grade, Nelson Elementary; Shannon Hallstein, seventh grade, Eisenhower Middle School; Anissa Photiboupha, eighth grade, Washington Gifted Academy; Chinda Keopanya, junior, Jefferson High School; Winston Cuevas, junior, Guilford High School; and Nick Dale, senior, Guilford High School.
Chief Communications Officer Mark Bonne said he anticipates the level of participation to grow next year after students and teachers see the exposure this year’s winners receive.
“Student art has a way of lifting people’s spirits, and the holiday postcards provide a way to display the talent of our students for an expanded audience,” Bonne said. “We may even look into the sale of the postcards to the general public next year.”
Representatives from the Rockford Area Arts Council, including President Anne O’Keefe, assisted in the judging.
97 ZOK presents latest “Teacher of the Week” at Whitehead Elementary
December 21, 2009 - Congratulations to Mrs. Raggali, the latest 97 ZOK “Teacher of the Week.” Raggali, who teaches 3rd grade at Whitehead Elementary School, is the sixth Rockford educator to earn the distinction since the radio station began taking online nominations in November. Click on the photo to view the Website and see previous winners.
Four teachers earn national certification
DECEMBER 21, 2009 - Four educators are joining the ranks of Rockford School District teachers with National Board Certification, bringing the total to 33. The certifications were announced last week by the national organization.
The teachers who successfully completed the rigorous requirements to receive certification in 2009 are:
Nancy Dunnavan of Bloom Elementary School, certified in Generalist/Early Childhood.
Aprel Prunty of Roosevelt Alternative High School, certified in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood.
Doris Skaar of Flinn Middle School, certified in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood.
Adriana Villagomez of Rockford Environment Science Academy, certified in Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood.
Teachers who choose to pursue national certification take a series of tests and submit a portfolio with videotaped classroom lessons. The process takes one to three years to complete, and fewer than half of those who apply are awarded with national certification.
For Dunnavan, assistance from colleagues who previously earned national certification eased the strenuous process. “Their help brings me to tears,” Dunnavan said. “I am so excited to receive this certification.”
In June 2008, the National Research Council of the National Academies reported that students of nationally certified teachers make higher gains on achievement tests than students of non-board certified teachers. The national certification is awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, an independent, nonprofit organization.
Across the country, more than 82,000 teachers hold national board certification.
“National Board Certification ranks among the top credentials an educator can attain – not dissimilar to board certification for doctors or accountants,” Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield said. “Having highly qualified teachers in our classrooms is critical to the academic success of our children.”
Remarks by Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield Board of Education Meeting – December 15, 2009
DECEMBER 16, 2009 - “Good evening. Circumstances of late compel me to open my remarks with a discussion around difficult matters most of us would rather avoid. But we cannot ignore the occasional cloudburst that threatens to toss us off course. We must face patches of troubled water head-on and not lose sight of our ultimate destination, the place in time when our public schools are the schools of first choice for Rockford families.
I’m referring to recent disruptions in our high schools, most recently the arrests last week of two students for bringing guns to Auburn. Without question, the poor decisions made by these two young men posed a grave threat for Auburn’s students and staff. Nothing erases that. However, the rapid and proficient response on the part of police, staff – and, yes, other students – cannot be overemphasized.
22 schools receive $16.5K for math, science studies
DECEMBER 16, 2009 - Exxon Mobil has awarded $16,500 in grants to enhance math and science education at 22 public schools in Rockford.
The grants of $750 each are among 4,000 being awarded to schools across the country served by Exxon or Mobil stations as part of the corporation’s Educational Alliance program. The program is designed to provide Exxon and Mobil retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities and work directly with local educators to identify schools and programs in need of financial support.
Auburn CAPA Dance presented “Body Art,” on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6.
“Body Art” showcased a myriad of both faculty and student choreography in various genres including ballet, jazz and hip hop.
The show featured the music of Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Rihanna, Adam Lambert and Michael Jackson. Please click on the link to view the entire performance.
93 seniors make Illinois State Scholars list Roosevelt student’s success marks first for alternative high school
December 3, 2009 - Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaVonne Sheffield is pleased to announce that 93 seniors at Rockford Public High Schools have been named “2010 Illinois State Scholars.”
The prestigious award is given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores and class rank at the end of the junior year. In its 51-year history, more than 500,000 high school seniors have received the honor.
“All 93 of these students have worked very hard and have bright futures ahead of them,” Dr. Sheffield said. “The award is a positive reflection not only of the students’ accomplishments but also the efforts of their teachers and families.”
The announcement includes a milestone for Roosevelt Alternative High School. Richard Busjahn is the first Illinois State Scholar in the history of the school, which features smaller class sizes, individualized instruction that allows students to work at their own pace, flexible scheduling and special support such as day care for teen parents. The alternative program dates to 1971 and has been located at the former Roosevelt junior high school since 1992; its current enrollment exceeds 2,100 students between 16 and 21 years of age.
ISAC is the state’s central provider of college aid. While no monetary assistance accompanies the designation, winners are encouraged to cite the award on applications for college admission and scholarships. Students and parents can visit www.collegezone.com for information on financial assistance.
Chicago Bears’ Beekman urges students to choose a healthy lifestyle
*upated* DECEMBER 8, 2009 - Chicago Bears player Josh Beekman slipped away from practice for a few hours Tuesday to deliver a rousing speech to Lincoln Middle School students, stressing the importance of nutrition, exercise and staying in school.
The Bears’ starting left guard explained how he snacks on nutritious foods, such as cheese and yogurt during training, because it fuels him with protein and helps build strong bones. “The body is the greatest instrument on the planet. The right training can allow us to run marathons, swim or do anything we want,” he said.
Beekman said he enjoys meeting with students and teaching them about eating the right foods. “I want to make sure they have the best tools possible for success down the road.”
Lincoln principal Jason Grey said Beekman was a good choice to talk about the importance of education and eating right. “As someone who plays for the Chicago Bears, he is someone students can look up to.”
Beekman also chatted with student council members and brainstormed ways they can encourage peers to get more active, whether it is participating in walkathons, dance contests or holding 3-on-3 basketball tournaments.
Eighth-grade student council member Sarah Pace said it was nice for her peers to hear the message about eating right and getting in shape by someone as well-known as Beekman. “His visit could really inspire people in our school to help get in shape,” she said.
Beekman’s visit was sponsored by the NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 and the National Dairy Council. Fuel Up to Play 60 is a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day and “fuel up” with nutrient-rich foods missing from their diets–like low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Truancy Intervention Center takes new approach to improve student attendance
NOVEMBER 20, 2009 - Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield was joined by 17th Circuit Court Chief Judge Janet Holmgren and Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey for a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, November 24, to mark the opening of the new Truancy Intervention Center at West Middle School.
More than 50 guests and dignitaries attended the ceremony. School officials opened the center as part of a partnership with Youth Services Network to increase classroom attendance through nonpunitive measures. The collaboration resulted from the Rockford Board of Education reaffirming its support for the findings of a 2001 community task force, which called for a dropoff center to address truancy. Judge Holmgren led the task force.
Dr. Sheffield thanked Judge Holmgren for all her efforts on behalf of truancy intervention. “She led the charge. We just took her idea and ran with it,” Sheffield said. The value of the center, Dr. Sheffield said, will be its ability to focus on identifying reasons why children aren’t attending school and providing solutions.
Holmgren said the truancy center could only have been accomplished as a collaborative effort. “I applaud the administration and board for their foresight and support for this project. This will help us get down to the root causes of truancy.”
Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey said he was pleased to be partnering with the school district on this initiative. “Congratulations Judge Holmgren, District 205 and all our partners for making this happen,” Morrissey said. “You (District 205) are in charge of this and know the best ways to fit the needs of our children.”
The center serves students from age 5 to 17 who are chronically truant, which means they have an unexcused absence rate of 10 percent, or 18 days in a 180-day school year. Among other forms of intervention, the center connects chronically truant students and their families with counseling services, parenting classes, tutoring and make-up work plans.
Students who continue to skip school despite intervention efforts could be referred to the 17th Judicial Truancy Court.
Sunil Puri, a major sponsor for Golden Apple Foundation’s recognition of teachers, also sponsors this prestigious award because he believes that principals are “unsung heroes.” 
Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey said he was pleased to be partnering with the school district on this initiative. “Congratulations Judge Holmgren, District 205 and all our partners for making this happen,” Morrissey said. “You (District 205) are in charge of this and know the best ways to fit the needs of our children.”
