Literacy project marks eight years with pitch for more volunteers
NOVEMBER 18, 2009 - Rockford Reads, a literacy project that focuses on second-graders in Rockford Public Schools, launched its eighth year with a news conference November 18 at Spring Creek Elementary School.
Rockford Public Schools have partnered with Rockford Rotary and the Rockford Public Library on the project since 2002. Volunteers are needed to spend one hour a week from January 19 through May, reading with second-grade students at any one of 28 elementary schools.
Volunteers in the collaborative project listen to students read and read to them, as well as work on vocabulary and discuss the story and characters. Last year, over 50 community members participated, reading with more than 150 second-graders in the Rockford School District. Volunteers have complete flexibility in choosing the school, day of the week and time of day they wish to read.
The participating schools in the Rockford Reads program are: Barbour, Beyer, Bloom, Brookview, Conklin, Ellis, Froberg, Gregory, Hillman, Jackson, Johnson, King, Kishwaukee, Lathrop, Lewis Lemon, Marsh, McIntosh, Montessori, Nelson, Riverdahl, Rolling Green, Spring Creek, Stiles, Summerdale, Walker, Welsh, West View, Whitehead and White Swan.
Training sessions are scheduled for January 6 and 7. To volunteer or for more information, contact Maggie Kempel at 966-3176 or kempelm@rps205.com or Bob Pressman at 637-8086.
H1N1 UPDATE:
NOVEMBER 13, 2009 - Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield announced with deep regret today the death of an elementary school student from complications of the H1N1 virus. School officials were informed by the Winnebago County Health Department that tests conducted after the student's death confirmed presence of the H1N1 influenza strain.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of this student, his teachers and classmates," Dr. Sheffield said. "We are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of this potentially fatal virus in our schools, but we understand that our best efforts cannot ease the pain that accompanies the loss of a loved one."
Rockford schools continue to report student absences to local health officials daily and consult with them closely on appropriate precautions; health officials advise that safety protocol is determined by the number of confirmed illnesses in a school, not by an H1N1-related death.
Students in Rockford's public schools will receive free H1N1 vaccinations as quickly as they can be administered upon the receipt of parental consent forms, which were due to be returned today.
Other precautions being taken in Rockford schools include the thorough cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with antiseptic products, the distribution of more than 100,000 free temperature strips to parents and the display of posters in every classroom that illustrate the proper way for students to cover coughs.
As part of a new Grief Response Plan, counselors, pyschologists and social workers are being sent Monday to work with the deceased student's schoolmates.
10/28/2009 - Based on an increase in regional influenza activity and on recommendation of the Winnebago County Health Department, additional precautions are being taken to limit absences in Rockford Public Schools.
More than 100,000 temperature strips will be distributed to students Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30. Instructions on proper use will accompany the strips. > Read full update
10/19/2009 - Rockford Public Schools continues to report student absences daily to the Winnebago County Health Department. Currently, the number and nature of absences in Rockford Public Schools has not risen to a level that would require taking precautions beyond basic flu-prevention measures.
Those basic precautions are: wash your hands, cover your cough (preferably with a tissue or sleeve) and stay home if you are sick. > Read full update
Deadline for consent forms signals free vaccinations soon ahead for Rockford students
NOVEMBER 11, 2009 - The deadline is Friday, November 13, for parents of Rockford School District students to return consent forms in order for their children to receive free vaccinations for the H1N1 virus.
Vaccinations are an important step in preventing spread of the virus and safeguarding the health of children, but the shots cannot be administered to students whose parents have not signed the consent forms which were sent home from each school. Parents who did not receive a consent form for their child may download one by visiting rps205.com.
School officials will work with the Winnebago County Health Department to begin scheduling vaccinations once the consent forms have been received. The precise date is not yet known, but vaccinations could begin in as soon as a week.
The Center for Disease Control has recommended that children receive the H1N1 vaccine. It is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine.
Haskell Parent Academy Workshop aims to strengthen connection between family life and student achievement
Haskell Year-Round Academy will be presenting courses and workshops designed to help parents boost their children’s success—in school and life.
Registration for the Haskell Parent Academy will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. The workshops will conclude at 3 p.m. following student and parent performances. The event is free and open to anyone regardless of what school their children attend.
Workshops include “Helping My Child with Reading/Math,” “Healthy Eating Habits for Families,” “Grade Level Expectations for Early Childhood-5th Grade” and “Music with Dorothy Paige-Turner.” Programs will be available for children all day, and a $100 cash door prize giveaway will be announced at the conclusion.
The Haskell Parent Academy—originally created through collaboration between Haskell Academy and Rock Valley College—is designed to offer parents courses and workshops aimed at boosting student achievement, strengthening parenting skills, improving parent-child relationships, enriching family life and developing life skills. The initiative is supported by Rockford Head Start, Rockford Health System and the Illinois PIRC.
Early childhood fair offers children taste of different cultures
NOVEMBER 10, 2009 - Early Childhood students throughout the Rockford School District will have a chance to experience ethnic food, culture and stories during a World Fair this weekend.
The event is free to all Rockford Public Schools pre-kindergarten students and parents from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 14, at Fairview Early Childhood Center.
Event organizer Aimee Jerding said the fair is designed to give students an understanding about different cultures in the world. Dennis and Fairview PTO members will set up booths throughout the halls and gym featuring crafts, artifacts and food from countries around the globe. Most of the food will be kid-friendly and bite-sized.
Richard Meeks will also be on hand to engage children with his storytelling talents. Meeks is a fifth-grade teacher at Ellis Arts Academy who has used his skills at many functions in schools and at community events; he will be reading stories every 20 minutes.
“This event will be a great way to start teaching early childhood students about the diversity of our world,” Jerding said.
Informational NCAA Clearinghouse meetings pave way for participation in college athletic programs
NOVEMBER 9, 2009 - Students interested in future intercollegiate athletic opportunities will have a chance to learn what they need to accomplish first during NCAA Clearinghouse informational meetings at Rockford’s four traditional public high schools.
All meetings will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in each school’s auditoriums starting with East High School, Monday, Nov. 16; Auburn High School, Tuesday, Nov. 17; Jefferson High School, Wednesday, Nov. 18; and Guilford High School, Monday, Nov. 23.
The informational meetings--aimed at any student in grades 7 through 12—provide students and parents/guardians an opportunity to learn more about core curriculum courses, test scores and credits. Counselors, coaches and athletic support staff will also attend this presentation to support students under their supervision.
Compliance with the NCAA Clearinghouse is crucial to a student’s eligibility to participate in college athletics. Students not in compliance with the Clearinghouse standards will be denied any scholarship opportunities.
The NCAA Clearinghouse was established in 1995 to ensure equity in determining the academic eligibility status of high school seniors to participate in NCAA intercollegiate athletics as first-year college students. This eligibility center serves as a database for all collegiate athletic departments to access a student athlete’s eligibility status. Each school/student is issued a code and pin number. Students begin registering at the beginning of their junior year.
Future leaders to receive hands-on government experience at 21st Century leaders conference
NOVEMBER 9, 2009 - Representatives from four Rockford public high schools will gain hands-on experience in the process for turning an idea into law by participating in a “Model Congress” simulation.
Students from East, Auburn, Guilford and Jefferson will attend the 11th annual “21st Century Leaders Conference,” beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Rockford College. The daylong program is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo and brings together 143 students from 37 high schools across northern Illinois. Students representing Rockford Public Schools are Dan Nitz, Matt Tillman, Sarah Vanags and Eric Walker from East; Stephanie Bennett, Ebra Bock, Zandie Shields and Hayden Wilsey from Auburn; Tyler Anderson, Bryan Buck, Caroline Johnson and Mitchem Zimber from Guilford; Evan Jarzynski, Elras Novela, Bobby Ritsch and Callie Schmidt from Jefferson.
“Model Congress” is coordinated by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. Seventeen CYLC staff members will be on site in Rockford to administer the program. In addition, former U.S. House Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert has agreed to preside over the Model Congress.
During the morning session, students will be assigned a political party and committees, where debate will ensue on a fictional bill. Students will debate, amend and vote on the bill in committee, then come together as the full Model Congress in the afternoon for further debate, take action on amendments and cast a final vote on the bill.
Manzullo said he is looking forward to the visiting students. “I’m always amazed at their passion for public policy and their thirst for knowledge,” he said.
Rockford schools kick off increased participation in Salvation Army food drive with enthusiastic rally
“Yes We Can!” was the reverberating theme at Lincoln Middle School during a rally to increase contributions to the Salvation Army’s annual food drive.
The rally on Tue. Nov. 3rd, based on the principle that every can counts and every student can make a difference, began with the adrenaline-pumping talents of the Auburn High School Jazz Band, which treated nearly 600 students to renditions of “YMCA” and “What a Wonderful World.”
Christopher White, a British intern with the local Salvation Army, told students that something as simple as a can of soup becomes something else when placed in a barrel: a gift.
“It is a hot meal for a cold family and represents something bigger than ourselves,” said White, who urged students to ask their parents to buy two packages of nonperishable foods instead of one in order to donate. By contributing, they might even be helping a friend or classmate, he added.
Lincoln's historic auditorium erupted with cheering and shouting when Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield presented students with an award as the top-performing school last year with a contribution of 21 barrels. The superintendent also recognized Auburn in the category of largest contribution by a high school with eight barrels and Brookview and Bloom in a tie for largest contribution by an elementary school with 19 barrels each.
Cherry Valley Elementary School received special honor as the "Little School that Can" for collecting 18 barrels despite its enrollment of only 239 students.
Rockford schools have traditionally participated in the Salvation Army drive, and last year contributions from students -- 325 barrels -- accounted for 75 percent of all food collected.
“We are going to prove to the town that we care about everyone in the city, not just those in schools,” Dr. Sheffield said. “We are going to exceed last year’s amount. And when there are tough times, it requires tough people like us to do more.”
Barrels are schedule to arrive in schools Monday, Nov. 9; the drive ends Thursday, Dec. 17.
Auburn students to experience multicultural atmosphere during visit to Northern Iowa campus
NOVEMBER 5, 2009 - Auburn High School students will have a chance to consider their educational future during a visit to the University of Northern Iowa for its fifth annual Multicultural Super Saturday.
More than 20 students are departing by bus from Auburn at 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and returning at 7 p.m. after a full day of activities on the UNI campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The trip is intended for high school students to tour the university and meet with admissions, faculty and financial aid staff. In addition, several special programs will be presented. The morning will begin with a step show routine by UNI students, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Gloria Gibson, the university’s first African-American Provost. Miss Black Iowa Deidre Howard will then deliver the keynote address. Other entertainment includes a performance by the Amigos De Mariachi Band.
Auburn counselor Sharon Burns, who will serve as a chaperone, said she hopes the trip will encourage students to become excited about college.
“I feel any experience with higher education will motivate and benefit students, especially those who really have no idea yet what they will be doing after high school,” Burns said. “This is a unique experience which introduces students to a college atmosphere.”
This is the second year Rockford Public School students have visited the UNI campus for Multicultural Super Saturday.
East High ceremony will offer reflections on sacrifices made by ‘Gold Star Boys’
NOVEMBER 5, 2009 - More than 60 years have passed since 34 East High School students lost their lives in World War II, but a whole new generation of students is remembering the sacrifices made by the legendary Gold Star Boys.
East’s second annual ceremony honoring its Gold Star Boys will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in front of the landmark school. United Way Executive Director Paul Logli will speak about “the spirit of giving,” and East High Assistant Principal Larry Goodrich, who is an Iraq War Veteran, will reminisce about his feelings as a young soldier going off to war. Flag ceremonies will be jointly handled by the Rockford detachment of the Marine Corps League and East students. East’s choir will sing patriotic songs, and refreshments will be served in the library.
The observance also serves as the official kickoff for the second annual arts and essay contest asking students to address, in words, art or poetry, “What do the sacrifices of the Gold Star Boys mean to you, to East High and the country?” Judging of the students’ entries will occur in January 2010.
Dustin Long, a science teacher and adviser to the Key Club who chairs the Gold Star Boys committee, said it is important for the students to remember their history—locally and nationally. “These were people just like them. They have shared the same lockers, classrooms and sports fields,” Long said. “They made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and it is important to see the impact a war has on people’s lives.”
The contest is sponsored by alumni, faculty and other volunteers who formed the East High School Veterans Memorial Committee to raise $75,000 to build indoor and outdoor memorials to the Gold Star Boys and to all East alumni who have served their country. Recently, the committee announced they had received a $10,000 matching grant from the Pritzker Military Library Tawani Foundation. The money will be paid upon receipt of proof of additional donations totaling $10,000. Other grants continue to be written to secure funding for the memorial.
Plans unveiled by the committee in November 2008 call for an interactive display in the school’s lobby and an outdoor peace garden. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to the East High School Veterans Memorial Fund at AMCORE Bank, 1480 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61108.
Channel 13 presents latest “Teacher of the Week” award at East High School
OCTOBER 29, 2009 - Congratulations to Kathrina Garnhart, the latest honoree in “Teacher of the Week” series on WREX-Channel 13. Ms. Garnhart, who teaches 9th-grade English at East High School, is the fourth Rockford educator to earn the distinction since classes began in August.
Click on the photo to view the most recent installment in the series, reported by WREX morning show anchor Laura Gibbs.
Grief teams deployed, police presence heightened in response to fatal shooting
NOVEMBER 1, 2009 - Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield announced today that beginning Monday, November 2, she will more than double the number of uniformed Rockford Police officers in schools in response to the fatal shooting of a student at a Halloween party.
Three or four additional officers are being assigned to Guilford High School and Auburn High School and the Fresh Start behavioral modification program at Page Park School. Heightened police presence will be kept in place for at least one week to address an anticipated rise in gang activity over the student’s death. Currently, nine officers work in Rockford’s high schools, middle schools and Fresh Start.
"Our condolences go out to the families of the victims, and we will provide any support they need. At the same time," Dr. Sheffield said, "we will have zero tolerance for any misbehavior, and there will be swift consequences for any students who act out."
Dr. Sheffield spoke today with Rockford Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey, Deputy Police Chief Theo Glover and Board of Education President David Kelley to convey her immediate plans for preventing the spread of violence into schools; the superintendent will discuss additional precautions Monday with members of her Cabinet. Meetings also are being arranged with representatives of the Rockford Housing Authority and the community action group Cease Fire.
In accordance with a new grief response protocol, teams of pyschologists, counselors and social workers are being sent Monday to Guilford and Fresh Start to assist students having difficulty coping with loss or anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Sheffield and representatives of her senior leadership team will visit the victim’s family.
Froberg Elementary fundraiser hits close to home for principal
OCTOBER 30, 2009 - Every year, Froberg Elementary School chooses a community service project to support. When the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society contacted the school this year, it was an easy choice for Principal Toni Gagliano, who lost her grandmother to leukemia in August.
A special kickoff will take place Monday, Nov. 2, with age-appropriate interactive sessions on leukemia and lymphoma at 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Froberg auditorium. Students and teachers are encouraged to wear their favorite team shirts in order to follow the theme of “teaming up against leukemia.” Students will also view the educational video “Why, Charlie Brown, Why?”
The day’s activities include the distribution of collection jars to launch the “Pennies for Pasta” campaign to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Whichever class fills its jar with the most pennies by November 19 will receive a celebratory pasta lunch prepared by the Olive Garden restaurant.
Ms. Gagliano will add a personal donation in memory of her grandmother to class that collects the most pennies. If the school reaches its $2,000 goal for the leukemia/lymphoma campaign, the principal has pledged to perform a “silly stunt” to be determined later by student vote.
Hispanic business leader to share his journey at bilingual services event OCTOBER 30, 2009 - Roberto Carmona didn’t do that well academically in high school while growing up in Sterling, IL. However, a Twin City Educational Scholarship (TCES) gave him a second chance. TCES was started more than 30 years ago by parents who wanted to see an increase in Latinos attending college. As a result of the scholarship, Carmona later attended NIU and Harvard University. Now, he’s a successful business owner of the Crimson Leadership business consulting group in Chicago and will share his story with the Hispanic community.
Mr. Carmona’s talk, sponsored by the Parent Advisory Council of the Rockford School District Bilingual Services Department, will take place 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Guilford High School auditorium. The program is free to the public. Food and refreshments will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m., and childcare will be provided for children from ages 3 to 9.> READ FULL ARTICLE
Latest "Teacher of the Week" award goes to teacher at Fairview
OCTOBER 29, 2009 - Congratulations to Beverly Cicolello, the latest honoree in “Teacher of the Week” series on WREX-Channel 13. Ms. Cicolello, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist as well as a classroom teacher at Fairview School.
Click on the photo to view the most recent installment in the series, reported by WREX morning show anchor Laura Gibbs.
Washington students raise nearly $40,000 to rebuild playground
OCTOBER 25, 2009 - Students at Washington Gifted School soon will be able to look at their new, modern playground equipment and know they played a role in getting it there.
Washington’s playground had deteriorated to that point that such popular features as the swings had to be removed. The playground is about to receive a full makeover, largely because of the students’ ambitious efforts to raise nearly $40,000 to buy new equipment.
Students sold magazines and candy, helped organized “family nights” at local restaurants, book fairs and classroom challenges. One group of students even wrote a grant to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
A contribution of $10,000 from State Senator Dave Syverson took the school to its fundraising goal of $50,000 goal and cleared the way for construction to begin. Students, volunteers and donors will celebrate the achievement with a ground-breaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
Special guests for the groundbreaking ceremony include Syverson, 5th Ward Alderman Venita Hervey and representatives of the Rockford Park District, which supplied wood chips and railroad ties for the project. Washington’s playground is the third built in recent years with a major donation from Syverson; he also provided personal financial support for playgrounds at Jackson and Whitehead elementary schools.
The project is split into three phases. The first phase is expected to cost $50,000 for equipment purchase, installation and a new swing set.
Nearly 150 families donated an additional $4,000 toward a second phase, the installation of a $14,000 climbing net in the spring. The final phase involves construction a walking path during the 2010-11 school year at a cost yet to be determined.
Four leaders join “victory in the classroom” team
OCTOBER 27, 2009 - Members of the Rockford Board of Education today appointed four executives to leadership positions established to advance Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield’s strategy to improve learning opportunities for all children and ensure safe schools.
The appointments are part of a functional realignment of the Rockford Public Schools administration to better focus resources in classrooms. With the elimination of other positions, the realignment is expected to reduce central office salaries by more than $82,000 annually when fully implemented over two years.
“We cannot take our schools where they need to go without efficient, thoughtful management of our resources in support of students,” Dr. Sheffield said. “The creation of these new positions and the elimination of others provide a more sensible structure for overseeing day-to-day operations, transforming Rockford schools into the schools of first choice for families and achieving victory in the classroom. The people assuming these important jobs are demonstrated leaders with the required talent, energy and skill.”
Of the appointments ratified today, three are academic positions and the fourth involves security.
Earl Hernandez, executive director of schools. Mr. Hernandez currently serves as principal of East High School and will oversee principals at 12 schools including 10 which are receiving targeted intervention under a contract with Evans Newton Inc. ENI is working with Rockford schools to rewrite curriculum and guide classroom instruction to fully align with state learning standards.
Genevieve Diane Cepela, executive director of schools. Ms. Cepela currently serves as language arts coordinator for Joliet Public Schools and has earned recognition for school improvement planning and moving low-performing schools out of academic recovery. In her role, Ms. Cepela will oversee principals in the day-to-day management of schools not currently requiring special intervention.
Tracy Stevenson-Olson, executive director of curriculum. Ms. Stevenson-Olson, who is currently the director of curriculum, will assume additional responsibilities including supervision of bilingual, early childhood and Title 1 programs that provide federal funding to schools with high numbers of students from low-income households.
Fred Diehl, director of school safety. Mr. Diehl currently serves as security and emergency response coordinator. In his expanded role, he will continue to oversee emergency response but also manage private security officers in schools and serve as a liaison with the Rockford Police Department, which dedicates nine officers to schools on a contractual basis.
Administrative positions which have been or are being eliminated as part of Dr. Sheffield’s restructuring include Ms. Stevenson-Olson’s current position and several positions in finance such as director of procurement and supervisor of purchasing/distribution.
“I’m confident that we are putting in place a more sound, business-like model for running our schools, which will save money in the long run and give our children the quality education they deserve,” Board President David Kelley said.
In related business today, Mark Wallace was appointed to succeed Mr. Hernandez as principal at East. Mr. Wallace, a former English teacher, currently serves as one of the school’s assistant principals.
Students will see more than stars when mobile planetarium visits
OCTOBER 25, 2009 - Gregory Elementary School students will experience the wonder of nature, history and astronomy when the Planetarium Dome Theater arrives at their school.
Designed to dazzle and teach students about the excitement of science, the mobile planetarium offers the latest audio and visual learning technologies over a broad range of subject areas. The programs will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Gregory. > READ FULL ARTICLE
Lincoln students take positive steps to combat breast cancer
OCTOBER 21, 2009 - Nearly 800 Lincoln Middle School math students will be taking their current curriculum and applying it to a good cause when they participate in a breast cancer awareness walk around their school.
Students will meet at the track on the east end of the building and walk between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. Parents are welcome to attend the event. > READ FULL ARTICLE
Auburn freshmen biology students hoping to create better 'environment' for learning
OCTOBER 19, 2009 - Auburn Freshmen Campus Academy Biology students investigating methods to create more environmentally-friendly schools will present their ideas to teachers, parents and administrators during an hour-long special presentation in the AFC Auditorium 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Biology teacher Nathan Asbury said three groups will present their ideas. The topics are:
Making Buildings Green - how ‘green’ bathrooms can positively impact schools
Changing Water Heaters - why solar heating is a wise choice for the environment and your pocketbook
Hybrid Buses - how vegetable oil is a smart alternative energy solution
Students worked with local businesses to determine the economic feasibility of the ideas. Several representatives from these businesses will also be in attendance during Tuesday’s presentation. Other eco-friendly plans will be displayed at booths outside the auditorium.
“The work these students did was truly amazing, and indicative of the potential for education in Rockford,” said Mr. Asbury. “We’re hoping these ideas will someday be implemented at Auburn and at the district level.” Granddaughter of namesake receives Ingrassia-Confer dictionary at Bloom School news conference OCTOBER 16, 2009 - Family members of the late Sara Ingrassia and Jackie Confer will participate in a special news conference at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Bloom Elementary School, where they also will hand out to third-graders free color dictionaries presented in honor of the former Rockford School Board members.
Volunteers distribute the Scott-Foresman dictionaries to third-graders in all of Rockford’s public elementary schools on what has come to be known as Dictionary Day. Among this year’s recipients is Payton Confer, Jackie Confer’s granddaughter, who is a third-grader at Bloom.
Confer and other former School Board members started what was originally the Sara Ingrassia Dictionary Fund as a way to honor Ingrassia after her death. Tuesday marks the 13th annual dictionary presentation.
When Confer died in 2003, her name was added to the nonprofit campaign to purchase the dictionaries with private funds. The dictionaries are the students’ to keep when they complete third grade.
Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield will speak during the news conference and help give out the dictionaries to students who will assemble in the gymnasium at Bloom, 2912 Brendenwood Road.
Visit www.dictionaryfund.org to make a financial contribution or learn more about the program.
Thompson students are right on track for breast cancer awareness walk
OCTOBER 15, 2009 - Students at Thompson Elementary School will be joined by Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield, Board of Education member Lisa Jackson, Principal Emma Gentry, teachers and parents for a breast cancer awareness walk to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The full-day event is scheduled to begin 8:10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at the black-topped track at neighboring Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Ave., when classes will periodically disperse to walk around the track. Following their completion of the walk, students will receive pink ribbons. All of the classes are expected to finish the walk by 2 p.m.
Students are pledging between 50 cents and $1 for their walk; donations will be collected later. A representative from the American Cancer Society will visit the school for a check presentation by Mrs. Gentry at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The project was organized by Jaime Castillo, a student teacher from Rockford College. As a student teacher, Castillo is required to work on a school-wide project. Castillo chose breast cancer because he had a grandmother who fought with the disease. The issue also hits close to home for Gentry. She is celebrating her seventh year as a breast cancer survivor. “Breast cancer touches everyone’s lives,” she said.
The fifth-grade students have been learning about the science behind breast cancer and how diet might help prevent breast cancer, Gentry said. “They’re excited to help walk for a cure.”
Dr. Sheffield, also a breast cancer survivor, will walk with students from 10:10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m., along with Mrs. Jackson.
State sends three “Those Who Excel” awards Rockford’s direction during annual banquet
OCTOBER 12, 2009 - Three coveted Those Who Excel education awards are coming Rockford’s way when the Illinois State Board of Education bestows the 2009-2010 prizes during its annual banquet October 24 at the Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria.
At the state level, Those Who Excel salutes accomplishments in education at three levels: excellence, merit and recognition. Nearly 175 nominations were reviewed and scored this year by a peer selection committee; the top distinction is Illinois Teacher of the Year. Four individuals are being honored for their work at three Rockford schools:
Brigitte Coupar(pictured right), counselor at East High School: Award of Excellence in the Student Support Personnel category.
Monica Krysztopa and Mary Makulec, parent volunteers at Washington Gifted School: Award of Excellence in the Team category.
Patty Crow, kindergarten/pre-kindergarten teacher at Maria Montessori School: Merit Award in the Classroom Teacher category. Ms. Crow is a former Golden Apple recipient.
“Ms. Coupar shows a genuine interest in all of her students,” East High School Principal Earl Hernandez wrote in his nomination. “Whether the student’s goal is to pursue a vocation … or a post-secondary degree, Ms. Coupar ensures the student is on track to succeed.” Mr. Hernandez called Ms. Coupar “a very positive and outgoing person” who “does not hesitate to go beyond her normal duties.” Ms. Coupar leads the school’s annual anti-smoking and its alcohol and drug awareness campaigns and advises Natural Helpers program.
Ms. Krysztopa and Ms. Makulec, known collectively at Washington as the “M & M Factor,” were described in their nomination as “a tireless duo that gets things done when others are too busy or think things are undoable.” The ubiquitous volunteers answer phones, bandage scraped knees, run photocopier and laminating machine, and they organize the annual fun fair, teacher appreciation dinner and much-anticipated book fairs. Student reading challenges that take place as part of the book fair have culminated in the principal kissing a pig, the gym teacher being turned into a human ice-cream sundae and a “rock-‘n’-read” concert.
Auburn yearbook advisor wins WREX “Teacher of the Week” award
OCTOBER 8, 2009 - Congratulations to Kimberly Campbell, the latest honoree in “Teacher of the Week” series on WREX-Channel 13. Ms. Campbell, who is a speech and publications teacher at Auburn High School, is the second Rockford teacher to earn the distinction in three weeks.
Click on the photo to view the most recent installment in the series, reported by WREX morning show anchor Laura Gibbs. Eisenhower Middle School teacher Melissa Corpus was the featured winner three weeks ago.
Auburn physics students ‘seeing stars’ and becoming stars, too
OCTOBER 8, 2009 – Auburn physics teacher Dallas Turner and his Advanced Placement students are observing stars -- exploding stars known as supernovas, actually -- and contributing to important research conducted by the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory. Mr. Turner and his students are currently featured on the Argonne web site: www.anl.gov/Media_Center/News/2009/news090924.html.
The collaborative Dark Energy Survey in which the Auburn students are participating concentrates on extended investigations of Type II supernovas and requires large amounts of telescope time to yield a good sense of a full “light curve.” Astronomers use the term “light curve” to describe perceived intensity over time. Measurement of light curves helps determine the geography of space.
Large observatories lack the resources to study Type II supernovas; that’s where amateur astronomers like Mr. Turner and his students come in. Mr. Turner and his students drive to an empty field west of Rockford, where dark skies enable them to observe the dim supernovas with an amateur – though pricey – telescope.
Mr. Turner obtained $6,000 to purchase the necessary telescope -- and received other funding -- from Argonne’s “Teachers as Research Associates” program, which pairs high school educators with Argonne scientists for summer research projects that typically last three years. The program encourages teachers to bring back to their classrooms the knowledge they gain in the laboratory.
Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Researchers work closely with scientists from private corporations, universities and federal, state and municipal agencies to solve problems, advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. Marsh principal tickled pink about fundraising efforts
OCTOBER 8, 2009 – Marsh Elementary School Principal Christina Meyer promised to dye her hair pink if students met their fall 2009 fundraising goal of $5,000.
Ms. Meyer made good on her end of the challenge Monday, when she colored her locks a bright fuchsia. Although the dye was temporary, Ms. Meyer remains a strawberry blonde as the school week concludes.
“My students are calling me ‘Pinky’ now, and they do the ‘pinkie wave’ – they wave their pinkies at me -- when they go by,” she said.
Squashing rumors Montessori students test veggie recipes on superintendent, other guests
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 - Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield and two dozen members of the Fit Family Task Force will dine on student-prepared and student-served acorn squash casserole, cornbread and fruit tarts in the latest “Food is Elementary” lesson at Maria Montessori Elementary School.
Local physicians and health officials formed the task force five years ago and developed a pilot curriculum in response to the rise in childhood obesity. Research suggests that today’s youth may be the first generation of Americans to live shorter lives than their parents because of poor diet and lack of exercise.
“One of the primary goals of the program is to get students to understand that hot Cheetos and Mountain Dew are not a food group,” Montessori Principal Sue Haney-Bauer said of the $20,000-a-year, privately funded initiative. Rockford’s three hospitals have been the major donors. “Nutritious foods are really quite delicious, and the lunch project will demonstrate that.”
Fourth-, fifth- and six-graders preparing the vegetarian meal being served at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, in the Montessori cafeteria are working under the direction of Dr. Antonia Demas, founder of the Food Studies Institute in New York. Dr. Demas developed the “Food is Elementary” curriculum and visits Montessori students three times a year as part of the program.
Besides the baked squash casserole, which features corn, kidney beans and maple syrup, Wednesday’s menu includes cold lentil salad and cabbage slaw with dried cranberries and cabbage grown by students in the school’s garden. Task force members joining Dr. Sheffield for lunch include Discovery Center Executive Director Sarah Wolf and Dr. Martin Lipski, dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.
Donation 'targets' reading Retailer awards $1,000 for library books, outdoor reading room at Welsh
SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 - Students at Welsh Elementary School will receive 325 new library books and a new outdoor reading room courtesy of the Target Corporation and volunteers from local Target stores.
A day full of activities to celebrate the school’s “Library Makeover” begins at 9 a.m. Friday, September 25, with a presentation by the Student Council and continues through 11:30 a.m. with Target volunteers placing labels in the donated books, reading to students and decorating bookmarks with them.
Work also begins Friday to transform a section of the school’s arboretum into a rustic open-air reading spot. Target volunteers will set patio stones, install garden furniture and make landscaping improvements, while art teacher Catherine Jackson oversees a team of students who are painting a mural. The art project is expected to last until 2 p.m., when school dismisses.
Parents and members of the community are invited to share plants from their yards and gardens or to bring tools and lend the Target volunteers a hand.
“Students and staff at Welsh are grateful to Target for the new books for our library and equally excited by the creation of special outdoor place to enjoy them,” Principal Diana Alt said.
Target is purchasing $1,000 in reading material in partnership with First Book Marketplace, a nonprofit organization that provides discounted books to children from low-income families. The national retailer gives back 5 percent of its income, or $3 million weekly, to the communities where its stores operate.
Debate on school discipline must focus on truth, not myth As published in the September 20 issue of the Rockford Register Star
SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 - The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie – deliberate, contrived and dishonest – but the myth – persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.
President John F. Kennedy made that remark during a speech at Yale University in 1962. I’m citing the quotation now because Rockford must confront some myths if we are serious about transforming our schools into the nurturing, child-centered, family-friendly, world-class learning environments that our children deserve and that we all say we want.
Change doesn’t come easily. One reason is that meaningful change involves confronting the truth. To transform our schools, change must occur on many fronts. As we move from front to front, there will be myths to dispel and truths to face.
The process will often be uncomfortable, if not downright painful at times. But I’m asking everyone to stand with me for truth. Not just our parents and our teachers, but everyone. The success of our children, all of our children, and the prosperity of our community are perpetually intertwined.
At the moment, the front on which we’re challenging myth and experiencing uncomfortable truths involves student discipline.
In July of this year, the Rockford Board of Education made amendments to its Discipline Code, an update that occurs annually. No changes have occurred in the code that weren’t approved by Board.
Before the start of school in August, however, principals received a reference guide for administering the discipline code. The guidelines serve two major purposes: to increase students’ instruction time by decreasing out-of-school suspension and to ensure uniform application across our school system.
The guidelines encourage the use of a variety of positive behavior interventions rather than punitive responses that may provide easy outs for adults but little benefit to students. As a matter of fact, a number of our schools don’t resort to suspensions as their first option but instead rely on methods including parent conferences, detentions and Alternative Learning Environments, formerly known as in-school suspension.
I talk frequently about making data-driven decisions. Let me share with you the data that drove the decision to issue the reference guide. You may find the data contain some uncomfortable truth.
During the 2008-2009 school year, the number of out-of-school suspensions exceeded 41,000 days. If you do the math, that equals 240 years of lost time in class. Children who are not in school generally are not successful academically. The same premise on which this community has rallied against truancy applies here. The only difference is that educators are putting these students out on the street.
We begin suspending young people in large numbers in sixth grade. The numbers increase significantly through ninth grade, then fall off. Why? Because they drop out. These children who we fail to serve first pull down our test scores, then our graduation rates. More than likely, they end up raising our crime rate and our jail population.
If you look a little deeper at the data, the truth starts to become painful. Of the 41,336 days of out-of-school suspensions issued last year, 65 percent went to African-American students who represent 30 percent of the total enrollment. Conversely, white students, who account for 40 percent of the total enrollment, received 19 percent of the out-of-school suspensions.
People say that parents aren’t engaged and cultural and societal factors outside of the control of the schools are to blame. That’s a cop out. My vision is for Rockford schools to become a force for positive change beyond our walls, a force that strengthens families and neighborhoods.
In the meantime, we must educate the students we have. All students can learn, and none can or should be written off. Good teachers and administrators employ positive behavior interventions on a daily basis now.
A week ago, this newspaper ran an article marking the 20th anniversary of the filing of the People Who Care racial discrimination lawsuit against Rockford Public Schools. We cannot allow our schools or our community to remain defined by that court case or the injustice that led us there. No matter how sobering Rockford’s experience with desegregation may have been, let’s not delude ourselves into thinking the myths were all shattered.
More myths will appear as we transform our schools. I ask that you stand with me for truth as we confront these myths and make our public schools the schools of first choice in Rockford again.
Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.
Rev. Jackson reaches out to second Rockford school
SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 - Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson will speak Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Auburn High School, his second visit with Rockford students in as many weeks.
Approximately 75 students from three social studies classes will join Rev. Jackson to watch President Barack Obama’s “Address to Students Across America.” At the conclusion of the live White House webcast, Rev. Jackson will engage students in a discussion of the president’s message. Students participating in the conversation with Rev. Jackson will assemble at 10:50 a.m. in the Auburn library and view an overhead projection of the president’s 11 a.m. speech.
UPDATE: By Michael Landreth and Ashley Fry Auburn High School Yearbook Staff
SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 – Approximately 90 students, teachers and community guests filled the Auburn High School library today to watch President Obama's "Address to the Students Across America." After the president's speech, the Rev. Jesse Jackson engaged students in an interactive discussion of President Obama’s remarks and spoke on other subjects that related directly to students on a personal level. Marchelle Taylor, a senior who had the privilege of listening to well-known civil rights leader, said: "Rev. Jesse Jackson had a lot of encouraging words for the students." The whole experience was inspirational and touched the hearts of many of the students who were invited to attend.
Teachers encouraged to participate in president's webcast
SEPTEMBER 4, 2009 - President Barack Obama will speak to the nation’s students in a live webcast entitled “Address to Students Across America” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Individual classroom teachers in Rockford Public Schools may choose to participate in this event with students at their discretion. Viewing of the webcast is not mandatory, but encouraged. There will be no required school-wide assemblies or large-group settings where all students watch the presidential address together.
Teachers will provide alternative assignments for students who choose not to participate or whose parents request they not participate.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama will use the webcast to stress the importance of education and challenge students, parents and educators to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning.
For teachers who participate in the webcast, suggested activities and lessons are available for all grades at www.ed.gov. Parents may also visit the Department of Education site to learn more about the presidential address. Teachers who show the address in class should access the official White House site: www.whitehouse.gov/live/.
AUGUST 24, 2009 - Nearly 4,000 employees gathered at the MetroCentre for the Rockford Public Schools Opening Convocation 2009: Victory is in the Classroom.
The event featured recognition of 15 schools for making Adequate Yearly Progress in 2009 or for demonstrating five years of continuous academic growth.
Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield shared her vision for a child-centered, family-friendly education system that produces students who are prepared to compete in a global marketplace and makes Rockford schools the schools of first choice again. Dr. John Simpson of the Broad Foundation spoke about transforming urban schools, and student musicians and dancers performed.
“I’m confident we now enter the academic year with a stronger sense of purpose, clearer vision and a united front that could only be gained by coming together under one roof to hear one message,” Dr. Sheffield said.
Four financial sponsors contributed to the event: Dickerson Neiman Realtors, Hinshaw and Culbertson, Scholastic Library Division and Stillman Bank.
AUGUST 11, 2009 - Superintendent LaVonne M. Sheffield and members of her top leadership team made a wide-ranging hourlong presentation to the Rockford Board of Education tonight, illustrating a productive start to her six-week-old administration.
The report emphasized goals for making Rockford Public Schools the schools of first choice for families and an outline for restructuring the organization to direct the maximum possible resources to students and provide a child-centered, family-friendly learning environment.
Dr. Sheffield presented her independent analysis of four years of student testing data, which shows pockets of success but a flat-line trend overall and almost no progress in narrowing the racial achievement gap. A budget update by Chief Financial Officer Cedric Lewis explained how Rockford schools expect to absorb $4.5 million in state funding reductions without harming instructional programs.
JULY 31, 2009 - Two hundred fewer students were chronically truant in Rockford Public Schools during 2008-2009 than during the previous school year. A year-end report released today shows the rate of chronic truancy declining to 6.8 percent from 7.5 percent in 2007-2008.
“The trend is encouraging, but the rate remains unsatisfactory,” said Jon Malone, Director of Attendance and Truancy Initiatives. “We’re reorganizing our schools to provide maximum support for students so that all students succeed, but there can be no victory for students who aren’t in the classroom.”
The number of chronic truants dropped by 3 percent or more at three of Rockford’s four traditional high schools, the likely result of four additional counselors devoted to tracking absences, calling parents, visiting homes and resolving issues that discourage students from attending school.
During her first month as superintendent, LaVonne M. Sheffield has met with Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey, Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen, State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato and 17th Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Janet Holmgren, and each of the elected leaders has agreed to participate in a special task force to develop new strategies for confronting truancy.
“We’re working earnestly to reshape our approach to truancy, but we’re not rushing to conclusions,” Dr. Sheffield said. “We’re exploring long-term, collaborative solutions that engage parents and involve the business community, churches and nonprofit agencies in meaningful ways.” Click for data
All parties have role to play in making our schools better
JUNE 28, 2009 - School superintendents typically lead the organization for a few years, the best of them helping to bring real improvements to classrooms, and then they move on to another challenge. But the business of educating children continues. We’re writing this guest column jointly to assure the community of a smooth transition when the superintendency of Rockford public schools passes Wednesday from one of us to the other.
Compliance with the NCAA Clearinghouse is crucial to a student’s eligibility to participate in college athletics. Students not in compliance with the Clearinghouse standards will be denied any scholarship opportunities. 
The day’s activities include the distribution of collection jars to launch the “Pennies for Pasta” campaign to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Whichever class fills its jar with the most pennies by November 19 will receive a celebratory pasta lunch prepared by the Olive Garden restaurant.
Special guests for the groundbreaking ceremony include Syverson, 5th Ward Alderman Venita Hervey and representatives of the Rockford Park District, which supplied wood chips and railroad ties for the project. Washington’s playground is the third built in recent years with a major donation from Syverson; he also provided personal financial support for playgrounds at Jackson and Whitehead elementary schools.
The project was organized by Jaime Castillo, a student teacher from Rockford College. As a student teacher, Castillo is required to work on a school-wide project. Castillo chose breast cancer because he had a grandmother who fought with the disease. The issue also hits close to home for Gentry. She is celebrating her seventh year as a breast cancer survivor. “Breast cancer touches everyone’s lives,” she said.
Ms. Krysztopa and Ms. Makulec, known collectively at Washington as the “M & M Factor,” were described in their nomination as “a tireless duo that gets things done when others are too busy or think things are undoable.” The ubiquitous volunteers answer phones, bandage scraped knees, run photocopier and laminating machine, and they organize the annual fun fair, teacher appreciation dinner and much-anticipated book fairs. Student reading challenges that take place as part of the book fair have culminated in the principal kissing a pig, the gym teacher being turned into a human ice-cream sundae and a “rock-‘n’-read” concert.
install garden furniture and make landscaping improvements, while art teacher Catherine Jackson oversees a team of students who are painting a mural. The art project is expected to last until 2 p.m., when school dismisses.
