News from the 2011-12 school year
Whittier wraps up nutrition unit with healthy breakfast at school
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so what better way for students in Deb Krygeris’ sixth-grade class at Whittier School to wrap up their nutrition unit than with a hearty breakfast at school? (Full Story)
Fifth-grader wins Pierce Downer spelling bee, headed to county bee
After many rounds encompassing 136 words, including scoop, shamrock and bristle, fifth-grader Madeline Degiorgio emerged as the all-school spelling bee champion at Pierce Downer. (Full Story)
Music takes center stage on Fridays in Fairmount 5th-grade class
Students in Kaye Hutchison’s fifth-grade class at Fairmount School attend a concert every week without ever leaving their classroom—and they are very familiar with the performers. (Full Story/Photo Gallery)
Students dig up hands-on knowledge during Fossil Finders lessons
Two more D58 teachers incorporate Cornell University-developed unit
Fairmount sixth-grade teacher Deanna Bloom was one of just 20 educators around the country to pilot a three-week, hands-on science curriculum unit called Fossil Finders in 2009. Now, two more of her colleagues have joined her in teaching the Cornell University-developed program in District 58. (Full Story)
Magnets, electricity make ‘electrifying’ lessons for Highland fourth- graders
Students in Elaine Boyer’s fourth-grade class at Highland School have had an “electrifying” time learning all about magnets and electricity. (Full Story)
Belle Aire Cash 4 Trash raffle promotes recycling
A number of difficult-to-recycle and non-recyclable items, including more than 500 juice pouches, will get a new lease on life, thanks to Belle Aire School’s Trash 4 Cash program. (Full Story)
El Sierra first-graders get visit from ‘adopted’ firefighter
First-graders at El Sierra School recently got a visit from their adopted firefighter, Mike C
ipra. First-grade classes in Downers Grove can adopt a firefighter from the Downers Grove Fire Department. The firefighter comes with an adoption certificate, and pays five visits to “his/her” classroom throughout the school year to cover topics such as Stop Drop and Roll, Crawl Low Under Smoke, Placing 9-1-1- Emergency Calls, Match and Lighter Safety, Cool a Burn, and Get Out and Stay Out in Case of Fire. These lessons build a foundation for the Learn Not to Burn classes in which all Downers Grove third-graders participate.
Project puts new spin on book report at O’Neill
Think about writing a book report, and what comes to mind? Paper and pencil, perhaps, or a series of typed sheets. Not in Kate Nickell and Addie Nussbaum’s Language Arts classes at O’Neill Middle School, where each student recently created a “trailer” for a book of their choice read over winter break. (Full Story)
It’s official: Hillcrest third-grader sets record for world’s largest sand dollar
Hillcrest third-grader Augie Balicki suspected when he unearthed an enormous sand dollar from a sandbar while vacationing with his family at Treasure Island, Fla. last spring that it just might be a record-breaker. Turns out he was right—in a big way. Augie recently received an official letter and a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records pronouncing that the 12.73-centimeter sand dollar that he discovered was the largest ever found and measured anywhere in the world. (Full Story)
El Sierra’s letters to Santa campaign to benefit Make a Wish Foundation
The Make a Wish Foundation will be getting a donation of more than $300, thanks to the letter-writing efforts of students at El Sierra School. (Full Story)
Kingsley students discover Christmas Around the World
How is Christmas celebrated in Portugal? What about Ireland, or Brazil? First- and second-grade students in the Leading to Reading enrichment/extension program at Kingsley School recently spent about five weeks researching and creating Christmas Around the World brochures. (Full Story)
Highland celebrates Blue Ribbon honor in style
Highland School was a sea of blue on Dec. 8, as the school hosted a high-energy celebration of its designation as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School. (Full Story)
Offensive tackle ‘bears down’ on Puffer to award grant, lead ultimate gym class
If you were in Henry Puffer School’s gymnasium on Dec. 6, you could be forgiven for doing a double-take. Was that Bears offensive tackle Gabe Carimi leading a group of students in twirling hula hoops around their arms...and jumping rope...and weight training? Indeed it was, as the school was chosen as one of 34 grand prize winners in the nationwide NFL PLAY 60’s Back to Football Friday contest, netting the school a $10,000 grant for health and fitness efforts and an ultimate gym class with a Bears player. (Full Story)
Belle Aire students, families have out-of-this-world experience
By Joan Mommsen, LRC Director, Belle Aire School
Belle Aire students had an opportunity to visit Starlab, a portable planetarium, during the week of October 24. On the evening of October 25, some Belle Aire families returned to school and listened to amateur astronomer and Belle Aire dad, Bill Pardue, share his knowledge of the constellations while gazing at the artificial night sky in Starlab. The activity was sponsored by the Belle Aire PTA.
National service initiative comes to Fairmount School
During lunchtime recess at Fairmount School on November 21, students were trying new activities with hula-hoops, jumping rope, skipping backwards, and playing a variety of new games, all as part of a national initiative called Get in the Action. (Full Story)
Indian Trail staff to take on fun assignment during McTeacher's Night
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., the McDonald’s restaurant at 2401 63rd St. in Downers Grove will host a Family FUNdraising Night Out to benefit the Indian Trail School PTA. Sixteen Indian Trail teachers have volunteered to work one of four 45-minute shifts -- greeting customers, taking meal orders, pouring soft drinks and serving up fries. In exchange, McDonald’s will donate 20 percent of food purchases made in the restaurant or through the drive-through when the event flyer is presented. Click here to download the event flyer.
District 58 students and staff mark Thanksgiving with variety of projects, activities
Students and staff throughout District 58 participated in a variety of special activities in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. (Full Story)
Hillcrest shows gratitude to police and fire departments for service
Earlier this year, all 386 students at Hillcrest School went onto the playground and formed the words “we love you,” in honor of the services provided by the Downers Grove police and fire departments each and every day. On Nov. 22, student council co-presidents Taylor Horowitz and Owen Wahlgren accompanied by Assistant Principal Brent Borchelt, visited the Downers Grove police and fire station to present a framed copy of the photo and thank the men and women for all that they do. (Full Story)
Highland principal shares experiences from National Blue Ribbon awards in Washington, D.C.
By Judy Kmak, Ed.D.
On November 14 and 15 I had the privilege of going to Washington, D.C. to receive the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Highland School was one of the 19 schools in Illinois to receive the award. We felt proud, but humbled to be among our colleagues who work hard to bring out the best in every child. (Full Story)
Pierce Downer students to walk 6.5 million steps across U.S.
By Jill Blair-Smith
Students at Pierce Downer School are setting out on a virtual journey across the United States as part of an effort to encourage children to stay active during the winter months. (Full Story)
Indian Trail fifth-grader makes a difference for Angel Baby Foundation
Indian Trail fifth-grader Melissa Weidner loves giving back to others—and most recently, this generosity made a big difference for the family of a 10-month-old named Journee. (Full Story)
El Sierra students learn about positive choices
Rebecca Adelman from the Downers Grove Township Division of Human Services visited El Sierra sixth graders recently to teach Life Skills, a social emotional learning curriculum. Lessons included how to make positive choices and how to identify, cope with, and prevent bullying.
Fairmount School’s new Gamestar Club hosts Gamer Fair
The new Gamestar Club at Fairmount School, based on Scholastic’s Gamestar Mechanic curriculum, hosted its first-ever Gamer Fair after school on November 14 and 15. Nearly two dozen fourth- through sixth-grade students participated in the Gamestar Club, during which they used the Gamestar curriculum to learn about video game design, create their own video games, playtest other game makers’ games, rate them, and provide feedback. (Full Story)
Herrick Middle School students bring Charles Dickens classic to life with "Oliver!"
By Leigh Wagner
Herrick Middle School is proud to present “Oliver!” on Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. “Oliver!” is the musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale of an orphan who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of pickpockets and later discovers he is not fit for a life a crime. (Full Story)
Belle Aire to host Reading to the Dogs
Second- and third-graders at Belle Aire School will have the opportunity to practice fluency, gain read-aloud confidence, and meet trained therapy dogs during a special LRC Family Night on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Each child who signs up will have 15 minutes of one-on-one time with a dog and its trainer.
O'Neill girls volleyball team wins championship title
Congratulations goes out to the O'Neill Middle School seventh grade girls volleyball team, who were this year's DuPage Metro Valley Association Champions and ended their season with an outstanding record of 13 wins and only 1 loss. Coach Dustin Moore was very pleased with how the girls improved during the season, and credits that to their continued hard work and effort.
Pierce Downer candy drive encourages healthy habits, supports troops
By Jill Blair-Smith
Long after the costumes and decorations are put away, most children still have quite a horde of Halloween candy. This year, the Pierce Downer PTA offered students the opportunity to turn in their surplus candy for a good cause. The PTA teamed up with Operation Gratitude to collect candy to send to U.S. troops serving overseas. Students were also encouraged to write letters or make a homemade card to express their thanks to the men and women serving in the U.S. military. (Full Story)
Lester to host new Holly Days fundraiser
Lester School will host its first-ever holiday gift boutique fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 11 from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of holiday music and caroling while shopping for beautiful gifts and crafts, nibbling on bake sale goods and offerings from Lemon Tree Grocer. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from the sale will go to the Lester School PTA.
Highland fundraiser benefits Joplin school
Highland School raised a total of $213.92 last month for a fifth-grade classroom at Emerson Elementary in Joplin, Missouri, through a penny harvest fundraiser organized by the student council. Emerson was in need of literacy materials, having been completely destroyed by the tornado that hit Joplin in May.
O’Neill cuts the ribbon on its new Courtyard Classroom
Years of planning and hard work came to fruition last month when staff, students and community members gathered on October 5 to dedicate the new Courtyard Classroom at O’Neill Middle School. (Full Story)
Puffer scores $10,000 grand prize in NFL PLAY 60 contest
Henry Puffer was recently chosen as one of 34 grand prize winners in the nationwide NFL PLAY 60’s Back to Football Friday contest, netting the school a $10,000 grant for health and fitness efforts. To enter, schools were asked to show their NFL team spirit at a Back to Football Friday celebration in September, submit photos from the event, and share why health and wellness is important at their school. (Full Story)
Herrick Lunch Bunch gets students talking about books
Herrick’s Lunch Bunch is back in session, and about 85 students – split evenly between seventh and eighth grade – are participating in the popular lunchtime book club, now in its sixth year. Lunch Bunch members have the opportunity to read from 25 new book releases that have been selected by Anderson's Bookshops as possibilities for the 2012 Newbery Book Award, which will be announced Jan. 24. These new releases are available only to the Lunch Bunch until January 3, when the club will hold its own mock Newbery election. (Full Story)
Scouts build paver patio for Indian Trail retirement garden
The Teachers’ Retirement Garden at Indian Trail School now features a beautiful new paver patio, thanks to the hard work of 17-year-old Downers Grove South High School senior Keith Kastenholz and his Boy Scout Troop 57. (Full Story)
Fairmount welcomes Caldecott Medal-winning alum for visit
Fairmount School welcomed two-time Caldecott winner Eric Rohmann for a visit recently—and the gymnasium looked very familiar, given that Rohmann himself attended Fairmount more than three decades earlier. (Full Story)
District 58 students selected to participate in IMEA district festival
More than two dozen middle school students from District 58 have been selected to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association’s District 1 Music Festival. (Full Story)
Highland third-graders ‘blast off’ into social studies
As part of their study of communities, third-grade students in Shor Costello’s class at Highland School recently imagined they were astronauts on a mission in space. (Full Story)
New El Sierra Run/Walk Club draws a crowd
El Sierra students are strapping on their sneakers for a popular new after-school activity. A total of 65 fourth- through sixth-grade students signed to participate in the school’s Run/Walk Club, which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. The club, which is co-sponsored by fifth-grade teachers Maura Prekwas and Meg Adams, offers an opportunity for students to exercise while developing socially and emotionally. (Full Story)
Fairmount students participate in Walk and Bike to School Day
Nearly 250 students from Fairmount School walked, roller-bladed and rode their bikes to school Oct. 5 in observance of International Walk and Bike to School Day. This marked the second year in a row that the school has participated in International Walk and Bike to School Day. Representatives from the Fairmount PTA, which organized the event, were on the playground to hand out stickers to all students who walked or biked to school. It was a true community event, with parents, teachers, siblings, neighbors, and even family pets also participating. (Full Story)
Lester School to host annual ‘Running of the Leopards’
The Lester School PTA will host the second annual “Running of the Leopards” Fun Run/Walk Sunday, October 16. The event not only encourages a healthy lifestyle and general fitness, but also serves as a fundraiser. Day-of registration will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. The kids’ dash starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 9:30. Lester School is located at 236 Indianapolis St., Downers Grove. The entry fee is $20 per adult and $10 per child, with an additional $5 fee for day-of registration. For more information or to register, visit www.runningoftheleopards.com. Currently more than 350 participants are registered. After the race, Whole Foods Willowbrook will provide food and Rock Academy will provide music.
Indian Trail fifth-graders share stories at Family Tea
Fifth-grade students at Indian Trail School had some very special guests of honor join them in class Sept. 28. As part of their study of the story “The Memory Box,” each student was asked to interview a family member and write an essay based on the person’s answers. Many students interviewed grandparents, and one boy even had the opportunity to interview his 88-year-old great-grandmother. (Full Story)
O’Neill pinwheels spin for peace
On September 21, the front lawn at O’Neill Middle School was filled with colorful pinwheels spinning in the brisk wind. Every seventh-grader, as well as eighth-graders currently participating in the school’s new Social Networking and Communications course, designed pinwheels and planted them outside that day as part of a celebration of the International Day of Peace. As an added touch, staff and students arranged the pinwheels in the shape of a large peace sign. (Full Story)
NBA player pays visit to Belle Aire
Students in Jill Oakley’s third-grade class at Belle Aire School had the chance to meet som
eone recently that they look up to—literally and figuratively. After all, NBA basketball player Evan Turner measures in at 6’7”. (Full Story)
Kinder Morgan grant to promote alternative energy source lessons at O’Neill
Students in Meg Van Dyke’s science classes at O’Neill Middle School will soon have the opportunity to learn about wind turbines from a source very close to their classroom. (Full Story)
Summer workshop brings scientific research to life for Herrick teacher
Earthquakes and glaciers are among the concepts that Herrick Middle School science teacher Jill Henry brings alive for her students each year—and during a summer workshop in August, she got hands-on lessons in both. (Full Story)
Students, staff, numerous donations transform O’Neill courtyard into outdoor classroom
The O’Neill Middle School courtyard has gained a vibrant new life as an outdoor classroom, thanks to numerous grants and donations and the creativity and dedication of students and staff. (Full Story)
