2007/2008 School Year News

DISTRICT 102 STUDENTS EARN GOLD MEDAL AT THE ILLINOIS JUNIOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCE STATE SCIENCE FAIR
Aptakisic Junior high School students Daniel Klebanov and David Trakhtenberg earn a Gold Medal at the May 2-3, 2008 Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair at the University of Illinois.  These two eighth graders entered in the Chemistry category with an experiment titled Sugar and Ice Cream Melt Time.


APTAKISIC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PLACE AT STATE TRACK MEET
Seven District 102 students place at State track meet held in East Peoria, Illinois, including 7th Grader Jenna Weiner placed 9th in 1600 Meter Run (5:34), 7th Grader Shannon Legge placed 18th in girl's Shot-Put, 8th Grader Hao Xu placed 20th in boy's High Jump (5' 6"), and 8th Grade Girls' 4 x 100 Relay placed 26th - runners included Tyiesha Trina, Yuzumi Ise, Nia Johnson, and Jeanne Lee.

DISTRICT 102 KINDERGARTEN TEACHER HAS UNIQUE WAY OF TEACHING LANGAUGE ARTS
Kindergarten teacher Bobbi Goldsmith has some unique ideas to ignite students' interest in learning to read. On Friday, May 16, Mrs. Goldsmith hosted a wedding for the letters "Q" and "U."  The students made "Qu" hats, wore fancy clothes, witnessed the "Q and U" wedding, and ate bride and groom candy made by the students with cookies and ice cream.  Judges principal Julie Brua and assistant principal Jeff Murphy married Q and U and recited the many words that begin with "Qu."

DISTRICT 102 STUDENTS VISIT NATION'S CAPITAL: GET HANDS-ON HISTORY LESSON
This past February, 153 eighth grade students from Aptakisic Junior High School traveled to the nation's capitol with 11 of their teachers.  They studied many aspects of the federal government, but history came to life when they visited the Capitol and numerous other places like the White House, Embassy Row, the Smithsonian, Supreme Court building, most of the memorials, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery. Aptaksic students attended a special wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Four students were chosen by their teachers to represent Aptakisic at a wreath laying ceremony. These students were selected based on character and academic accomplishments.  The photo includes: (front row from left) Hao Xu and Saachi Kuwayama; (back row from left) Aaron Appelbaum and Alison Jonesi. April 2008, in the Daily Herald.

APTAKISIC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON BUSINESS EXPERIENCE WITH LOCAL RESTAURANT
In March, sixteen Student Corporation members went to Lou Malnati's, made 83 pizzas and served 280 students and faculty at Aptakisic Junior High School.  Student Corporation is an organization at Aptakisic Junior High that builds links to community businesses and organizations.  Student Corporation is run solely by seventh and eighth grade students.  During the year, students raise money through enterprises with various local businesses.  In turn, the money that is raised is disbursed to the school buildings to purchase items that will benefit students and teachers.

Student Corporation leaders are Sami Kopinsky, Alex Sheck, Josh Sushan, Joey Lubelfeld, and Dominic Belmonte.  These students have led many of the Student Corporation projects for this year. Last fall, the students sold school Spirit Wear clothing and in February, students sold chocolate roses. This spring, students will sell school Spirit Wear clothing at Meridian Middle School spring clothing sale, as well as, tour a local Costco store.  The Student Corporation will also grant two $500.00 college scholarships to Stevenson High School applicants.  April 9, 2008, in the Daily Herald.

The students who went to Lou Malnati's to make pizzas included Aneta Karkut, David Applebaum, Bennett Saltzman, Brendon Horwitz, Alex Sheck, Madison Douglas, Dominic Belmonte, Robbie Redman, Sami Kopinsky, Nerissa Fernandes, Mindy Shore, Lisa Boris, Josh Sushan, Joey Lubelfeld, Aaron Applebaum, and Ashley Kahn.

Photo on Home Page:
Joey Lubelfeld holds up two pizzas with Josh Sushan behind him to the left. Joey and Josh organized the pizza making-sales event with Lou Malnati's restaurant.



DISTRICT 102 STUDENT SELECTED AS CONCERTMASTER FOR ILLINOIS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION DISTRICT 7 JUNIOR DIVISION HONOR ORCHESTRA
Illinois Music Educators Association District 7 (IMEA) selected Aptakisic Junior High School Eighth Grader Erika Noel Zukowski to be the Concertmaster for The Junior Division Honor Orchestra.  Erika has been training on her violin at The Music Institute of Chicago since she was four years old and this past fall performed with and lead the Division Honor Orchestra at Maine West High School.  Erika is a member of the National Honor Society and the orchestra at Aptakisic Junior High School.  March 7, 2008, in the Daily Herald.

PRITCHETT SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY PENNIES FOR PATIENTS PROGRAM
Mrs. Connor's third grade students as well as fourth grader Kevin Tracz (who was diagnosed with leukemia last year) at Pritchett School helped organize the school's participation in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients program which raises funds to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma research, and patient services. The program teaches students the value of helping others as they work for a good cause.

The Pritchett School Pennies for Patients Program will ran for a three weeks in February raising more than $1,000.00

School administrators appreciate the value of having students work with a goal of helping others. "Our students's involvement with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society reminds them of the importance of being involved with the community and helping those in need," said Matt Moreland, Principal at Pritchett School.  "This is a wonderful program for us to take part in, and the expected results of our students' efforts will benefit an outstanding organization."

Since 1993, millions of dollars have been raised in pennies and other spare change by more than 10 million elementary, middle and high school students nationwide for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In Illinois, over $375,000 was raised in 2007 alone, including more than $800 by Pritchett School.

For information on the Pennies for Patients program, contact Nancy Connor or Frannie Goldwin at Pritchett School at 847-353-5700.

For information on the programs and services available from the Illinois Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, call 312.651.7350 or visit www.lls.org/il.  March 3, 2008, in the Daily Herald.


PRITCHETT STUDENT'S ARTWORK CHOSEN FOR COVER OF HCSC'S DIVERSITY CALENDAR
Second grader Emma Murphy’s artwork was selected from the more than 200 pieces submitted for the cover of Chicago-based Health Care Service Corporation’s (HCSC) annual diversity calendar. The calendar recognizes the diversity of the company’s employees and the communities it serves.  Health Care Service Corporation operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, whose representatives visited the Pritchett Elementary School and recognized Emma’s outstanding artwork. March 13, 2008, in the Daily Herald.


APTAKISIC-TRIPP SCHOOL DISTRICT 102 AND APTAKISIC-TRIPP EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, IEA,NEA ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
"This is the first five-year contract in the history of my 14 years with the Board of Education (BOE)," noted Cathy Belmonte, president, BOE. "They are typically three year contracts. This is very positive for both District 102 and the teaching staff."  "The Aptakisic-Tripp Education Association members are excited about the five-year contract because it locks in health insurance and shows the BOE's and community's commitment to keeping salaries competitive," says Cindi Petraitis, co-president, Aptakisic-Tripp Education Association. The contract was resolved in record time due to a collaborative and positive working relationship between the BOE and Aptakisic-Tripp Education Association.  There were no large changes in comparison to the last contract except those driven by the new Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) laws.
(IEA - Illinois Education Association: NEA -National Education Association)



MCDONALDS RESTAURANT OWNER EILEEN KUSHNER
INSPIRES STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO CAPITALIZE ON ONE'S STRENGTHS
District 102 fifth grade special education students created a bulletin board on learning disabilities for the McDonalds in Buffalo Grove located at Rt 83 & Arlington Heights Road. Last week, they met the owner and toured the restaurant. The students had researched successful people who also have a disability and posted their success stories on McDonald's bulletin board. Eileen Kushner spent more than two hours talking about growing up with a learning difference and what helped her to succeed. She captivated the students with her stories, struggles and successes in living with a disability. She works hard for the things she wants.  At one point, she asked the students what they had learned, and a girl stood up and said, "It is O-kay to have a disability."   Special Education Teacher Kathy Young has been taking students to visit Mrs. Kushner for 14 years and says that "Eileen Kushner is the best 'special education' teacher I have ever had."



MERIDIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL'S ELL STUDENTS HELP IMPOVERISHED FAMILIES
On Tuesday, November 27, fifth and sixth grade English Language Learner (ELL) students raised more than $200 to purchase a goat and 100 chickens for a poor community in Africa.  They are also  participating in the STARS program hosted by District 102's PTO, to help local families in need this holiday season.  Close to 100 people were in attendance at the "Artists for Africa" event that was coordinated by District 102's ELL Teacher, Laurelle Stuart.  ELL students raised funds through hosting a talent show featuring ethic dances, instrumental solos and a play.  Guests also viewed students' artwork and purchase baked goods. Pictured from left: Lyukung Kwak, Sranita Devarasetty, Jeon Yon Suh, Yookyung Kwak,  Vinita Devarasetty, and Sakthi Shanmugasundaram featuring costumes from the girl's native countries including South Korea and India. 
December 10, 2007, in the Daily Herald


MERIDIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL GIVES TO FOOD PANTRY
Meridian Middle School staff, students, and families generously remember those people who are less fortunate this Holiday season. Staff and students collected 15 large boxes of non-perishable food items or toiletries for the Vernon Township Food Pantry.  MaryJo Taylor, Media Center Director, coordinated this event and would like to thank everyone for the tremendous amount donates this year.


CONCERTS AND A PLAY TO ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Play: The Wizard of Oz will have two night performances starting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, and Friday, December 14, 2007, located at Aptakisic Junior High School. The cost of the night performance is $4.00 per ticket.  The play breaks with the traditional Oz movie, and incorporates parts of the book, which are different from the movie.  New characters will be introduced:  Lady Oz, the familiar, and Elisa to name a few.  However, the main characters are still there including Dorothy, the scarecrow, tinman, lion, Wicked Witch of the West, Oz, and Glinda.  Music and dance abound in this play:  the poppies dance, the flying monkeys will bring down the house with their monkey-dance routine, and the Weird Sisters sing to the Wicked Witch in a P.G. rated version of the Eagles classic "Witchy Woman."  Lady Oz does the tango, and there is even a tornado dance.  If you love the original, you will get a real kick out of this show.  All sets were made by students, so this is a student-centered production from top to bottom.  Get ready to be transported to OZ on December 12, or December 14th. The play is directed by Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff and Mary Conrad.  

Concerts:  Aptakisic Junior High School will perform several free concerts in December including a Choral Concert at 7:30 p.m. on December 6 at Stevenson High School; a Band/Orchestra Concert at 7:00 p.m. on December 11 at Meridian Middle School; a Band Concert on December 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson High School; and an Orchestra Concert at 7: 00 p.m. on December 20 at Stevenson High School.   December 6, 2007, in Countryside, Pioneer Press Publication


LOCAL CHILDREN'S AUTHOR CANDICE FLEMING VISITS STUDENTS AT PRITCHETT
Children's author Candace Fleming shared stories with students at Pritchett Elementary School on December 10 in support of the Suburban Mosaic library program fostering cultural understanding through literature.  Vernon Areas Library sponsored the author's visit and designated "immigration " as this year's literary focus. Fleming's book that was chosen is Lowji Discovers America. It is about a boy who moves to America from India. Pritchett Elementary School Librarian Heather Akiyoshi organized the schools participation in the Suburban Mosaic program.  Students, K - 4th graders, have been participating in activities and discussions about diversity and immigration experiences within District 102's own community.  For more information about Candace Fleming visit her website at www.candicefleming.com.


STUDENTS MAKE BLANKETS FOR CHARITY
Meridian Middle School: Ms. Janusz's and Ms. Geary's students participated in a service project to make 18 fleece blankets for the STARS program.  The STARS program is sponsored by District 102 Parent Teacher Organization and helps families that are less fortunate.


FOUR DISTRICT 102 TEACHERS CELEBRATE NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Social Studies Teacher Bebe Slotky Nudelman, Art Teacher Maxine Shipin-Maier, Math Teacher Jacqueline Collier, and School Librarian Mary Jo Taylor recently received National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The NBPTS advances the quality of teaching and learning by: 1) Maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do; 2) Providing a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards; and 3) Advocating related education reforms to integrate National Board Certification in American education and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers. "It is an outstanding accomplishment for a district our size to have 15 teachers recieve National Board Certification," comments Superintendent Jon Mink. District 102 is proud of its teaching staff and extends a special congratulations to the teachers who recently accomplished certification, as well as, the other National Board Certified teachers including Vicky Jacobs, Mary Brennan, Maralee Scott, Kathy Faierson, Patricia Panagakos, Stacy Berg, Catherine Plate, Kathy Young, Janice Benkoske, Allison Rakickas, and John Vastis.  December 3, 2007, in the Daily Herald


GENERATIONS OF SHARING
Grandparents and significant elders visited first-graders at Pritchett Elementary School and shared memories, artifacts, and cultural traditions at an Intergenerational Tea.  Grandparents shared what life was like when they were in first grade and shared pictures to illustrate how things have changed.


STUDENTS GENEROSITY OVERFLOWS
Tripp Elementary School's lobby had barrels overflowing with food thanks to the generosity of students and families giving to help those in need. Tripp Student Council sponsored this Food Drive to benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Contact Caryn Solvsberg at 847-353-3620 for more information.
December 4, 2007, in the Daily Herald


AJHS SOCCER TEAM WINS CONFERENCE TITLE
The Aptakisic Soccer team finished the season with an exciting 1-0 title game win over Twin Groves Jr. High School. Aptakisic scored the only goal of the game on a penalty kick by Rick Lekakh shown in the photo on D102's home page. This, combined with relentless pressure from the offense and solid play from a defense that has allowed only two goals all season, sealed the conference title.
November 6, 2007, in the Daily Herald.
Team picture featured on November 8, 2007, in the Daily Herald.


MAKE A DIFFERENCE A HUGE SUCCESS
Pritchett Elementary School students and families in volunteer to brighten the lives of children and young adults that live at Little Angels.  See the attached flyer for more information or call Franny Goldwin or Nancy Connor at 847-3535700.  October 28, 2007, in the Daily Herald
make.a.diff.pdf


TEACHERS HONE SKILLS OVER SUMMER
see August 3, 2007      Daily Herald article by Hana Yoo
School's out, but Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 teachers say they are still thinking of ways to help their students learn, too.  Rose Koerner attended a geology seminar called GeoScience in Hawaii and brought some amazing materials back for her students; Bebe Nudelman, Cathy Plate, Lisa Strasser and Tracy Tincknell spent a week in San Diego at the Teachers' Curriculum Institute Implementation Conference training to become institute teacher coaches to implement History Alive, Geography Alive and Social Studies Alive during the school year; and more than a dozen Tripp Elementary teachers met this summer to discuss Richard Allington's "What Really Matters for Struggling Readers: Designing Research-Based Programs."  Check out Rose Koerner's website for more information on GeoScience



EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TO BE TESTED OCTOBER 15
Keeping our families informed and involved helps to assure student safety and improve student success. On Monday, October 15, District 102 will place a "test call" to each home. If you do NOT receive a phone call that day, please contact the school building secretaries so we can obtain the correct information. More details in the attached PDF.
EMERGENCY CLOSING.pdf

DISTRICT 102 TEACHERS RUN TO STAY FIT AND HAVE FUN: ROLE MODELS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Greg Michels ran in the Buffalo Grove Stampede 10K race in September placing 69th out of 302 runners. Other teachers who ran in this race includes Frannie Goldberg and Mary Brenan, both from Pritchett, and D102 substitute teacher Renee Weinstein. District 102 also had teachers participate in the Wauconda Triathalon on July 29 including Jen Cosiopolous, Vicky Jacobs,  Becky Stein and Lauren Lauren Sucato. Way to go!


TRIPP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT WINS BUFFALO GROVE IDOL CONTEST
The winner is fourth grader Kaitlyn Feely from Tripp. She sang a song from Wicked called "Defying Gravity" to win the Buffalo Grove Idol contest during Buffalo Grove Days in September.
September 2007, in the Daily Herald


DISTRICT 102 AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
Congratulations to Aptakisic-Tripp Community Consolidated Schools District 102 in Buffalo Grove, IL.  District 102 received the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Program for excellence in the preparation and issuance of the fiscal year end 2006 financial statements.  This year has provided a high-quality Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CARF) for the fiscal year end 2006.  The Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Program was designed by ASBO International to enable school business officials to achieve a high standard of financial reporting.  The award, the highest recognition for school district financial operations offered by ASBO, is only conferred to school systems that have met or exceed the standards of the program. By preparing and presenting a CARF, District 102 validated the credibility of the school system’s operations, measured the integrity and technical competence of the business staff, assisted in strengthening the presentation for bond issuance statements, and provided professional recognition. For more details see the Annual Financial report or call Stacey Bachar, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services at (847) 353-5681.  September 6, 2007, in the Daily Herald



AJHS STUDENT RECEIVES HONORABLE MENTION CLEAN WATER AWARD
On May 5, 2007, Illinois Water Environment Association awarded eighth grader Radhe Patel the Honorable Mention Clean Water Award in recognition of an exceptional science project in research relating to the water environment. The award was presented at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Exposition in Springfield, Illinois.