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Superintendent's Message
Dear RBHS Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
It's hard to believe it is already December. The holiday season is upon us as are the frigid temperatures. The end of first semester is quickly approaching. The Administration has already begun planning for the 2015-16 school year. At the November 11 Board of Education meeting, the Administration presented enrollment and staffing projections for next school year. Student enrollment is projected to be 1605 (up from 1585), and staffing is projected to increase to approximately 96 certified staff members (up from 94.2). The School Board is committed to work with the Administration on lowering class sizes in core academic classes. The plan for the 2015-16 school year is to cap sophomore math and English classes with a 27-1 cap (down from 32-1). The School Board implemented the 27-1 cap this year with all 9th grade math, English, and western civilization classes (all science classes across the curriculum are capped at 27-1). For more information on staffing and projections, please check the RB website under the Board of Education tab or you can watch the meetings on www.rbtv.tv.
Kevin Skinkis, Ed.D.
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Life Safety/Capital Improvement Projects
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At the November 11 Board of Education meeting, the School Board approved the contract with the Construction Manager, Nicholas and Associates. A preliminary schedule was also laid out for the upcoming project with the District's athletic facilities west of Golf Road and sections of roofs on the main building. Several specific details are still being researched and designed in accordance with the requirements of the Village of Brookfield, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and the Regional Office of Education.
Below is the tentative sequence of events for the 2015 Site Project:
Dates and Activities as Follows:
November 11, 2014: Approval of Construction Manager Contract
November 13, 2014: On-Site Meeting with CM, Architect, and Contractors
- Review of Site Demolition Work specifically Bleacher Work
- Review of Roof Replacement Work
Week of December 15, 2014: Meeting with District 96
- Superintendent of District 96 (Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis)
- Principal of Hollywood Elementary School (Kurt Preble)
Tentative Bid Information
Bid Phase 1
Scope of Work:
Complete Demolition of Existing Bleacher System
December 15, 2014: Out to Bid/Bid Document Release
January 6, 2015: Bid Opening at 11:00 a.m.
January 13, 2015: Board Approval
January 19, 2015: Commencement of the Work
March 20, 2015: Substantial Completion of the Work
Note: Owner Abatement Work is Critical to the Above Timeline
Bid Phase 2
Scope of Work: Balance of Work
TBD: Out to Bid/Bid Document Release
TBD: Bid Opening at 11:00 a.m.
TBD: Board Approval
March 23, 2015: Commencement of the Work
August 1, 2015: Substantial Completion Date of the Work
Prepared by: Joe Papanicholas, Nicholas & Associates, Inc.
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Pool - Ventilation
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The supplemental air-handling unit over the pool's spectator area has been installed. The final test and balance of airflow levels have been completed. The District's engineer believes this should address the inconsistent airflow that has plagued the pool since it opened. Wight & Company coordinated and covered the expenses related to the materials and repairs.
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Upcoming Board Meetings
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Due to the upcoming holidays, there is only one Board of Education meeting in December (December 9). For more information on Board of Education meetings, please check the RB website under the Board of Education tab or you can watch the meetings on www.rbtv.tv.
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District 208 School Board Election
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Information for school board candidates for the April 7, 2015, Consolidated Election can be found on the Cook County Clerk's website:
www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/2015elections/Pages/SchoolBoardCandidates.aspx
The candidate filing period is December 15-22, 2014. Now candidates must file with the Cook County Clerk's office, not the school district. If you have any questions, you can call the Cook County Clerk's office at 312-603-0906.
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Principal's Message
 December is a busy month filled with several important and exciting school events that are highlighted in this issue of the newsletter. Please encourage your child to attend one of these events and to participate in one of the many holiday fundraiser opportunities outlined below. With final exams quickly approaching, assist your son or daughter in making a final exam study schedule and discuss study strategies, including stopping by National Honor Society tutoring in room 218 from 7:30 - 7:55 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and 3:10 - 3:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The faculty and staff wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season. Kristin Smetana |
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Important Information for Incoming Freshmen, Class of 2019
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We Are RB
Incoming freshmen are invited to RBHS on December 3 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. to visit with the almost 50 athletic groups, clubs and groups that are available to the RBHS students. Current members, as well as the sponsors, will be on hand in the gymnasium to answer questions.
Student involvement in extracurricular activities has proven to be an excellent way to encourage strong connections to school and helps build positive relationships with teachers and other students. Joining a group will enable your child to spend more time engaged in activities that are of interest to them and will help develop your child's unique strengths and talents.
We encourage your child to go to the school's website prior to attending We Are RB to complete a brief survey related to the clubs and groups currently in existence at RBHS. Every student that completes this survey will be placed in a raffle held throughout the night. Contact Mr. Passarella with any questions at [email protected].
Registration Information
Saturday, December 6, 2014
High School Placement Exam at Riverside Brookfield High School
8:00 a.m. - approximately 10:30 a.m. for regular testing
Students with extended time will finish later depending on their accommodations.
Bring two #2 pencils and a calculator
Contact April Englehart in Student Services at ext. 2190 with questions.
You must have completed the online registration form in order for your student to take the exam.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Incoming Freshman Pre-Registration and Curriculum Night (Parents & Students)
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contact April Englehart in Student Services at ext. 2190 with questions.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Registration at Riverside Brookfield High School (Parents & Students)
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Appointment times TBD
Contact April Englehart in Student Services at ext. 2190 with questions.
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Winter Dance Concert
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 Honors Repertory Dance Ensemble had the privilege of working with professional choreographer and dancer, Donnette Cannonie. Donnette spent four days with our students staging an original dance that will be performed at the Winter Dance Concert on Thursday, December 4. Donnette pushed the dancers and encouraged them to look at movement and  performance in a new way. As a highlight, students were able to hear about Donnette's experience working with nationally and internationally known recording artists on music videos and live stage shows!
Former RBHS alumn, Danielle Kovack, is currently working with Donnette Cannonie on various teaching and performing engagements.
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 In celebration of Veterans Day, we welcomed over 80 veterans and honored them for their service and sacrifices they have made to protect our country. Veterans also spent time in classrooms sharing their experiences and answering student questions about serving our country. This was only possible due to the hard work of John Fields and Mary Ann Nardi, who collaborated to make this special day possible.
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SEE Team Phone Conference with Joel Salatin
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On November 5, RB's School of Environmental Education (SEE Team) hosted a live conference with nationally recognized speaker and sustainable farmer, Joel Salatin. Mr. Salatin, owner of Polyface Farms in Virginia, was featured in Michael Pollan's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, (which is currently being studied in SEE Team) and in the acclaimed film, Food, Inc.
This conference allowed SEE Team students the opportunity to participate in a live phone question and answer session with Mr. Salatin to discuss his role in books and film and his thoughts on how food and farming impact the environment.
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Music News and Recognition
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Junior High Band Festival
On November 13, the RB Band room was full of 8th grade band members from Gross, Hauser, and Komarek for the annual 8th grade band festival. Sixty 8th grade students joined 30 RB band members for a morning of rehearsal and bonding. The band sounded great, and we can't wait to have these students join us next year!
IMEA District 1 Music Festival
Congratulations to the students below who were selected for the IMEA District 1 Music Festival on November 22 at Lincoln Way West High School.
Choir:
Annabelle Daily, Dylan Dreilich, Moira Dunn, Louis Grigoletti, Ugne Jurgaityte, Ben Longo, Coco Murray, Kathryn Nadkarni, Abigail Schwarz, Jessica Van Winkle, and Dean Zigulich.
Band:
Andrew Lemesurier
Orchestra:
Amelia Haugland, Eleni Collis, and Luke Dickeson
Please join us at the Holiday Concert on December 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium!
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Parent Feedback and Insights
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Parent Advisory Council for Technology (PACT)
The Riverside Brookfield High School Parent Advisory Council for Technology (PACT) is an opportunity for parents to provide input about the school's technology plan as we move from this year's 1:1 pilot to implementing a school wide 1:1 program in upcoming school years.
Council parents will meet with District staff and Administration representatives to discuss relevant technology plan issues and considerations. The first meeting took place on November 3, and the PowerPoint can be found on the RBHS website. The remaining PACT meetings are scheduled from 6-7 p.m. before the monthly PTO meetings on January 5, February 2, March 9, and April 13. Meetings will take place in classroom 202.
If you are interested in joining and able to commit to these meeting dates, please email Mrs. Rosanne Marshall at [email protected]. Please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and children's names and graduation years.
Parent Survey
In an effort to improve the practices and procedures at Riverside Brookfield High School, we are conducting a parent survey through December 19. We value your opinion and ask that you complete the short, ten minute survey by clicking here. Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Thank you for your time and feedback.
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The final exam schedule for first semester is listed below. No final examinations or final summative assessments may be administered before regularly scheduled exams. Students may not be excused from this obligation by the classroom teacher.
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FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE
Note: Student lunch will not be served on testing days.
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1st Semester
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December 17, 2014
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Period 1
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8:00 - 9:30
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Period 2
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9:45 - 11:15
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Period 3
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11:30 - 1:00
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December 18, 2014
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Period 4
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8:00 - 9:30
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Period 5
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9:45 - 11:15
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Make-up
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11:30 - 1:00
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December 19, 2014
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Period 6
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8:00 - 9:30
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Period 7
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9:45 - 11:15
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Make-up
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11:30 - 1:00
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Student Services Updates
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2015-16 Course Selection Reminder for Current Students
Parents, please ask to see your student's course selection form and review RB's online Curriculum Guide for specific course information.
Pre-Registration Meetings with Counselors
November 5 & 6 Sophomores - Class of 2017
November 24 & 25 Freshmen - Class of 2018
December 15 & 16 Juniors - Class of 2016
Registration Appointments with Counselors
November 10 - 21 Sophomores - Class of 2017
December 1 - 12 Freshmen - Class of 2018
January 5 - 16 Juniors - Class of 2016
Attention Seniors - Transcript Request Deadline
All transcript requests to be sent before the holiday break must be received by your counselor by Friday, December 14. Requests received after the deadline will be processed in January 2015.
College-Bound Seniors & Parents
To be considered for federal student aid for the 2015-16 school year, you must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It is highly recommended that you fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
College Aid Planning Night with Joe Orsolini from College Aid Planner
January 20, 2015, in the Little Theatre at 7:00 p.m.
Parents from all grade levels are welcome. Visit collegeaidplanners.com.
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Student Association Sponsors Community Collections
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The Holiday Season is upon us and the Student Association is once again sponsoring the Coat and Blanket Drive, Thanksgiving Baskets, and Santa Anonymous. The participation of staff and students will benefit our community.
Coat/Blanket Drive: The co-chairs for this drive are students, Austeja Staneviciute and Robby Filec. This year, they are working with the Salvation Army (SA) Food Pantry and hope to collect 200 coats, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets. The SA will have collection boxes in the Main Office, the Student Services Office, Room 216, and Room 114. In addition, we will also be collecting items during the Turkey Tournament, November 24-29, outside the Main Gym. We will collect all items until Thursday, December 11.
Santa Anonymous: The co-chairs for this event are students, Dee Dee Keen and Alicia Heninger. All proceeds for this event will also benefit Community Support Services in Brookfield. RB students and staff are encouraged to donate money or buy gifts. Donations are due by Friday, December 12.
Thanksgiving Baskets: This drive was co-chaired by students, Silvana Alvarez and Andrew Pilewski. All proceeds benefited Community Support Services in Brookfield.
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Staff Recognition
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Addressing the Common Core Reading Strategies in the Electives
 Applied Arts teachers, Patty Sarkady and Patti Farlee, presented at the Association for Career and Technical Education's "Best Practices and  Innovations" national conference this past September. Their presentation, entitled "Addressing the Common Core Reading Strategies in the Electives", provided attendees with effective reading strategies that address the CCSS reading standards in elective classes. Attendees received resources to take back to their classrooms, which can be viewed here.
AP Biology Regional Teacher Academy Leader
 Michele Koehler, AP Biology teacher, has been selected as a leader of the AP Biology Regional Teacher Academy (RTA) program. As a leader of RTA, Michele will be responsible for leading weeklong professional development opportunities in the Midwest region that help teachers learn about effective science teaching and learning strategies.
College Board Forum Presentation
 Dan O'Rourke and Jame Holt presented, "AP Environmental Studies: Cross-Curricular  Alignment of APES and AP English Language & Composition" at the College Board Forum in October. During their presentation, Dan and Jame shared ways to cultivate interdisciplinary connections to build students' skills in reading, writing and thinking.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Presentation
Laurence-Marie Forberg, French teacher, presented a session on Scaffolding Across Levels at the annual American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) conference in San Antonio, TX on November 22, 2014, in collaboration with former RB  teacher Antoinette Tortorello-Allaway. The presentation is the product of the collaboration within the World Language Department between Spanish teacher Jessica Mauritsen, Laurence-Marie Forberg and Antoinette Tortorello-Allaway. The presentation stresses the importance of teaching AP standards and AP evaluation tools from the beginning levels for increased success and ease at the higher levels.
Illinois School Library Media Association Conference Presenters
 Kirsten Rusinak and Bridget Wilmot presented at the 2014 Illinois School Library Media Association Conference, "Leading Change." Their session  , "Reluctant Learners: Research in One Day and Beyond", described how their library curriculum helps students build strong foundations to be independent researchers and thinkers.
Conference on English Leadership Presentation
 Sarah Johnson is presenting at CEL, the Conference on English Leadership, in Washington DC. The panel, titled "Many Paths to the Top: Encouraging and Implementing Change," focuses on three ways that leaders can foster and sustain teacher growth with so many changes in the field of education.
The Des Plaines Valley Education for Employment Regional Delivery System (DVR) Award for Best Practices
The Best Practices Award recognizes a program that is created and implemented by an individual or a team and used in the classroom or as a co-curricular activity. RBHS'
 "Culinary Night in the Garden" event was the recipient of this award. This activity not only met the Best Practice criteria, but also was a unique event because of the involvement of more than one curriculum area along with members of the community. The RBHS team was headed by Kathleen Harsy, who was the catalyst behind the idea and conducted a majority of the planning with her English classes. Patti Farlee's Foods and Nutrition students determined the menu for the evening and acted as "chef instructors" for the evening by working with RBHS students and parents.
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Student Awards
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Girls Swimming Service Projects
The girls swim team helped run the Cori's Kids Triathlon again this past August. The girls had many different tasks such as marking the athletes, working water stations, helping in the transition area, lifeguarding the swim portion, and typing in the participant numbers as they transitioned.
 They also went to the Honor Flight at Midway Airport in October. Here the girls passed out flags, talked to veterans, and welcomed home 90 WWII vets from their trip to DC. It was a very emotional and educational experience for all.
American Education Week
In November we celebrated American Education Week with an essay contest "What I Like Best about RBHS." The three winners were Johanna Bilek, Addy Haage, and Kirsten Chapman. Excerpts from their winning essays are below.
 "The reason I like the teachers is because they challenge you. They push you to do things that you never would have guessed you could do. Also, they don't give up on you." Johanna Bilek
"I also appreciate how the teachers and staff push students to take honors and AP classes because they know that challenges do pay off." Addy Haage
 "I just love the vibe and comforting feeling inside of RB. You know that someone's there and that you have a place to fit in. Anyone who comes here should know that there's a lot of love and support here." Kirsten Chapman
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Excellence and Ethics
in Education
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Important Dates
Please check our website for the dates and locations of all performances and events.
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December 3
We Are RB
Gymnasium
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
December 4
Winter Dance Concert
Auditorium
7:00 p.m.
December 6
Incoming Freshman Placement Exam
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
December 10
Jostens Ring Service
Student Cafeteria
During lunch
December 10
Winter Art Show
Art Pit
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
December 10 and 11
Holiday Concert
Auditorium
7:00 p.m.
December 12
Student of the Quarter 2 Ceremony
Alumni Lounge
7:15 a.m.
December 12
Shenanigans
Little Theater
7:00 p.m.
December 13
Incoming Freshman Placement Make-up Exam
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
December 15
Chamber Orchestra Recital
Little Theater
7:00 p.m.
December 17 - 19
Semester Exams
December 21 - January 2
Winter Break
No School
January 5
School resumes
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Contact Us
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See our website for individual staff email addresses
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