District 208 and
Riverside Brookfield High School
Hallways
November 2014 

A parent and community newsletter. 
District 208 News
Superintendent's Message

Dear RBHS Students, Families, Staff, and Community, 

 

October has been a busy month in District 208. It is hard to believe that the first quarter has already ended, because it seems like the school year has only just begun. A few points that will be covered in this newsletter are: 

        • The Life Safety/Capital Improvement projects.
        • The end is in sight for our pool ventilation repairs.
        • The Board of Education meeting schedule for November and December.
        • The Board of Education will have four seats up for election in 2015. 

More detailed information on these items can be found below.

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I wish all the families and friends of District 208 a safe, healthy, and happy holiday.

 

Cordially,

 

Kevin Skinkis, Ed.D.
Life Safety/Capital Improvement Projects

At the October 28 Board of Education meeting, the Board selected Nicholas and Associates to serve as the Construction Manager for the Life Safety/Capital Improvement projects that will be addressed over the next year. 

 

Here is the conceptual drawing that the Board of Education adopted to move forward with in the design, permitting, and zoning phase of the BOE AdoptedOct2014 project. For several months, the Board solicited and received input and feedback from stakeholders in relation to parking, tennis courts, track, field, stadium, locker rooms, concessions, restrooms, and flood mitigation. The drawing addresses that input and feedback. 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. Information can be found on the RBHS website, Board of Education drop down menu, Facilities Assessment Documents.

 

Pool - Ventilation

The supplemental air-handling unit over the pool's spectator area has been installed. The final test and balance of airflow levels will be completed within the next few days. 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. 

Upcoming Board Meetings

Due to the upcoming holidays, there is only one Board of Education meeting in November (November 11) and one 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.

School Report Card

The 2013-14 School Report Card issued by the State of Illinois will be available on the RB website beginning November 3, 2014.

District 208 School Board Election

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. 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.

RBHS News
Principal's Message                                                             

 

The course selection process for the 2015-16 school year has arrived! Please review the updated curriculum guide with your student and discuss the courses he or she plans to take next year. Encourage your student to explore a new interest by taking one of our elective courses or to embrace a challenge by taking an honors or Advanced Placement course. Additional information regarding the registration process is included below and found on the RBHS website.

 

Due to a federal grant, we will welcome a certified alcohol and drug counselor to the RBHS staff later this month. In addition to providing individual support to students as needed, the counselor will host educational sessions for parents and students later this year. We encourage you to continue ongoing conversations with your child about making healthy decisions and staying drug and alcohol free. 

 

Kristin

Fall Play

Our Town, the Pulitzer Prize winning play (1938) by Thornton Wilder will be performed on the RB auditorium stage on Nov. 6, 7, and 8. The story revolves around the lives of people in the town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, in the early years of the 20th Century. People grow up, get married, live, and die in Grover's Corners. The story is narrated by two stage managers, seniors Annabelle Daily and Moira Dunn. The play is directed by Diane Marelli and assisted by Rosanne Marshall. The student director is freshman Katie Lahart. In addition to nearly 30 students on stage, Matt McConnell, Auditorium Manager, directs more than 20 students in the stage, light and sound crew. Tickets for reserved seating are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and are on sale in the RB Business Office. 

Seeking Veterans for November 11 Program

Students will have an opportunity to honor our military veterans in a personal way at our annual Veterans Day program on November 11 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. We are seeking veterans willing to answer questions about their experiences and discuss their service with students.

 

The program begins with a continental breakfast, followed by a school-wide assembly honoring the veterans in attendance, and ends with more personal classroom question and answer sessions.

 

Interested veterans should contact John Fields at 708-442-9298 or Mary Ann Nardi at 708-442-8275.

 

Internet Safety Day

On November 3, RB held Internet Safety Day. The purpose of this important event was to teach our students how to be responsible digital citizens in an online environment. Juniors and seniors participated in an assembly about securing their digital future, sophomores attended a presentation about cyberbullying, and freshmen took part in a hands-on session about creating a positive digital footprint.

Junior High Choir Festival

Choir students from S. E. Gross, Hauser, and Komarek schools joined the RB Choirs for an afternoon of music, food and fun. The Jr. High directors were given music to teach their students in preparation for the festival. Songs including, Swingin' Sweet Chariot, The Water is Wide, and Something to Believe In, were the selections learned by RB students who sang side-by-side with the younger students under the direction of Mrs. Marelli.

 

This year all of the festival participants had an additional treat. Two of the a cappella ensembles from Washington University in St. Louis came to perform. The Greenleafs, an all-female a cappella group, performed first, followed by The Pikers. This was the first time our young visitors have heard and seen this kind of music performed live.

 

Parent Feedback and Insights
Parent Survey
In an effort to improve the practices and procedures at Riverside Brookfield High School, we are conducting a parent survey. 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.

 

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.

 

PACT is being formed as part of the school's parent partnership mission. Council parents will meet with District staff and administration representatives to discuss relevant technology plan issues and considerations. PACT will meet from 6-7 p.m. before the following monthly PTO meetings: 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  marshallr@rbhs208.net. Please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and children's names and graduation years.

 

Blood Drive

The Student Association ran another successful Blood Drive on October 29. All blood donations stay in the Chicagoland area and proceeds will go toward scholarships for graduating seniors. To support this event, you can donate blood at Lifesource. Give the code "313" for RBHS to earn credit for your donation.  Donations can be done every day until the Student Association's next blood drive on February 25. Thank you for your support!

 

2015-16 Course Selection

Course selection for the 2015-16 school year will begin in early November.  Small group pre-course selection meetings and individual registration appointments with counselors will occur during the following weeks.

 

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

 

The 2015-16 Curriculum Guide will be available on November 3 on the RB website under the Parents/Forms & Documents tab. Recommendations for English, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Language courses will be made by teachers based on your student's current academic performance. Students will be notified at least one day prior to their scheduled appointment time. They must bring their course registration form signed by a parent or guardian. Please be sure to select alternative classes in case of closed classes due to high numbers or lack of enrollment. 

Upcoming Student Services Events

College Planning Tips for Freshman Parents 

Tuesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium

Jim Franko will give some helpful tips to parents of freshmen on college admission and financial aid.

  

College Financial Aid and Managing College Costs Information Night at RB

Thursday, November 20 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium

Hear accomplished seminar speaker Frank Palmasani. Mr. Palmasani began learning about the financial aid process in 1976 during his first year as a high school counselor.  In 1981 he moved to the college level as a Director of Admissions, and after 12 years he returned to high school counseling. Take advantage of all Mr. Pamasani has to offer after 25 plus years of experience with the financial aid process.

 

RBHS Awards
Staff Awards

RB Librarian Bridget Wilmot has been selected to be on the Abraham Lincoln Nominations Committee for a three-year term. As part of this committee, she will help choose the Abraham Lincoln Award Books, which librarians often consider to be the best books for high school students. 


Clarion Receives CSPA Gold Medalist Critique and All Columbian Honors

After receiving its annual critique from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Clarion has also received Gold Medalist ranking with All Columbian Honors for its visual elements.

 

The Clarion is submitted every year to the CSPA, one of two nationally recognized student media journalism organizations. In addition to the rankings, newspapers can also earn additional All Columbian Honors in the categories of Essential, Verbal, and Visual. This marks the third consecutive year that the Clarion has received a Gold Medalist Ranking with at least one All Columbian Honors. Visit the award-winning Clarion website at http://rbclarion.com/.


Students of the Quarter 

On October 17, we honored 10 students representing each academic department, in addition to a Student Building Leader, who exemplify our

values of "Excellence and Ethics in all Bulldogs Do!" These students were nominated by faculty for excelling in two areas: academics and character. 

 

Front row (l-r) Samantha Rodriguez Noguez,  Science Dept.; Rachel Bakalich, Fine Arts Dept. Back row (l-r) Cameron Shaw, English Dept.; MacKayla Reilley, Wellness Dept.; Lana Herrmann Math Dept.; Joe Tan, Building Leader; Ms. Kristin Smetana, Principal; Charles Connelly, Social Science Dept.; Caterina Dentone, Applied Arts Dept.; Diamante Rodriguez, Library/Media Arts Dept; Not pictured Keith Hermanek, World Language Dept.


Student Volunteers

RBHS Wrestling Charity Work

Last month the RB wrestling team participated in "Hugs For Mickie," which

Hugs For Mickie

is a charity event, held at the St. Louise Parish Center. The event raises money to benefit Mickie Phillips, a beloved member of the community who is battling cancer. The RB wrestling team was in full force, working various activity booths, cleaning tables, selling raffle tickets, serving food, and breaking down the event when it was over.

 

The team also volunteered for Opportunity Knocks, an after school program for teens/adults with disabilities. This summer, the wrestlers

Opportunity Knocks

volunteered at their annual block party by unloading all trucks and setting up all vendor booths. They also volunteered at their annual softball tournament in September by setting-up and serving breakfast, along with selling raffle tickets. Earlier that month, the team also participated in a "Day for Denise" to raise money for ALS. 

 

 

 

Military Appreciation Football Game

On October 17, 2014, the Riverside Brookfield Bulldogs hosted a Military Appreciation Football Game to close out their regular season home schedule at Shuey Stadium. More than $2,625 was raised through a variety of fundraisers during the week leading up to the game. All proceeds from the fundraisers were donated to the Edward Hines, Jr Veterans Administration Hospital.  

 

Excellence and Ethics
in Education
Important Dates
Please check our website for the dates and locations of all performances and events.

November 6
7 p.m.
Fall Play
Auditorium

November 7 & 8
7:30 p.m.
Fall Play
Auditorium

November 11
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Veterans Day Assembly
Gymnasium

November 11
7 p.m.
College Planning Tips for Freshmen Families
Auditorium  
 
November 12
7 p.m.
Financial Aid Night
Auditorium

November 17 - 21
American Education Week 

November 26, 27 & 28
Thanksgiving Break

 
Contact Us
(708) 442-7500
newsletter@rbhs208.net
See our website for individual staff email addresses
Event Schedules
Check the website for:

Athletic Event Schedules/Updates

160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546 |www.rbhs208.net


Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.