The Board of Education approved the District Calendar for the 2014-15 school year at its January 28 meeting. A full version of the Calendar, including the scheduled breaks and holidays, can be viewed on the RB website under the "Parents" tab. 

 

In mid-January, Principal Bylsma and Assistant Principal John Passarella discussed goals for the students and what progress they are making on school culture and safety issues, such as bullying, verbal aggression, tardiness and other infractions that disrupt the learning environment. Mr. Passarella reviewed safety procedures, brainstorming with students what they should do if a lockdown or an emergency were to occur when they were not in class. He addressed what they should do if they heard about or witnessed something that threatened the safety of the school.  

We are proud of how our students have partnered with us to significantly improve the climate of the school by embedding the Six Pillars of Character Counts! into their decisions and actions. Students are improving their relationships, stepping up to help eliminate bullying and sharing information to keep the school free of drugs, theft and violence.
 
In addition, during the assemblies, Principal Bylsma shared with students what research says about achievement and how that information can help each of them succeed at RB and in life. She reviewed the concepts of respect and rapport, educational engagement, reflection, grit and resiliency, and metacognition, which is the process of thinking about the way you approach your schoolwork. She also shared an inspirational story of a teenager who is an example of how to rise above challenges that appear insurmountable. If you are interested in the content of the assembly, please see the Power Point and notes on the website by clicking here. Open the document at the bottom of the page titled, "2013-14 Grade Level Assemblies, January 2014."

On January 31, the school held a ceremony for our second Student of the Quarter recognition program. At RB, we enjoy celebrating the good choices our students make, from the small daily courtesies to the astonishing, large contributions. It is important to stop and recognize these positive actions to show our appreciation and to inspire others to follow suit. In order to become a Student of the Quarter, each student had to earn the admiration of the teachers from a specific department by excelling in two areas: academics and character. This month the PBS Committee asked staff to pick students who exemplify the Character Counts! pillars of Caring and Citizenship.  

New J. Kyle Braid Athlete Leaders Selected 

Congratulations go to Keri Burke, Bella McGuire, Ryan Swift and Dean Zigulich, who were chosen to attend intensive leadership training at the JKB Ranch in Colorado, along with peers from around the country. The selection process included completing an application, submitting letters of recommendation, and being interviewed by a team of adults and current JKB Leaders. Nicole LaBelle and David Pribyl Pierdinock were selected as 1st alternates, and Megan Calby and Zach (Butch) Witken were selected as 2nd alternates.

 

According to sponsors Jenna Osburn and Wendy Cassens, "The JKB group is so excited to build on its mission with these new recruits and looks forward to watching them develop their already solid leadership in our building."  

 

Conflict Resolution and Negotiating Skills Training  

 

On February 25, all freshmen students will be trained in Negotiation Skills. The student leaders will teach a 35-minute lesson on how to productively and efficiently negotiate so that all parties involved come to a workable solution. The ultimate goal is to provide our freshmen students with the skills to be independent and productive problem solvers.   

 

JKB Students Teach Workshop at Komarek

Komarek students attempt the Log Transfer Team Challenge

 On February 19, dynamic motivational speaker Milton Creagh will be presenting to our sophomores and juniors during 6th period. Milton's presentation emphasizes age-appropriate topics such as alcohol/substance abuse and character building.

The appearance is funded by the Illinois Elks State Association's Drug Awareness program and grants received from the Elks National Foundation. We are fortunate to have been offered this special opportunity for our students at no cost to the school. You can find more information about Milton at biggmilt.com.  

Our National Honor Society members are collecting items desperately needed by residents of Washington, IL. They will be driving to Washington on February 15 to deliver the goods to a relief organization. Students and staff are invited to remove a heart from the poster in the cafeteria and purchase the items needed. Please drop off your donations in Lindsay Mynaugh's classroom, Room 208, before February 15. Parents who are interested in getting involved may contact Ms. Mynaugh at [email protected].

If you happened to notice a large dog with a thick black coat in the halls last year, he was a very important "staff member," who passed away on January 23.

Yogi, a 140 pound Newfoundland, was part of RB's ground-breaking dog therapy program. Until two years ago, RB was the only Illinois high school with a recognized dog therapy program. Because of multiple health problems Yogi was not at RB this school year.    

Yogi's service included calming distressed students, and staff found comfort in his massive gentleness. Yogi's favorite place at RB was in the halls, especially during passing periods. Belly up, inviting petting and not caring about the traffic jam, he created a sense of fun, often bringing out the best in many of us.

On Institute Day, January 24, eight teachers on the Technology Team led a professional development session about new technological resources that teachers can incorporate into their classroom. Neil Dughetti, Michele Koehler, Dan Mancoff, Kirsten Rusinak, Patty Sarkady, Kristi Sterling, Bridget Wilmot, and Suzanne Zimmerman presented sessions including Chrome Apps and websites, Screencasts, using Google Docs in the classroom and using Prezi, among other topics.

Guidance counselor Jim Franko is providing a college bus tour to Western Michigan and Kalamazoo College on Monday, February 10, for college-bound juniors.The bus leaves RB at 6:15 a.m. and will return around 5:00 p.m. Permission slips are available in Student Services.The cost is $35 and lunch is included. Space is limited.

The RBEF Telethon "We are RBHS!" returns on Saturday, February 22, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Please support RB's Education Foundation by tuning in to watch the impressive entertainment, hear inspirational stories and see the amazing premiums available this year to entice you to make a tax-free donation. Donations support the fund that provides educational enrichment grant opportunities for students and staff.

You can find the telethon on Comcast Cable channel 16, AT&T channel 99, or stream it live on rbtv.tv. For further information, please contact JoAnne Kosey at 708-447-5219.

Anna (left) and Catheryn at the State Conference

We are extremely proud that RB was represented by three talented students at the State Illinois Music Educators Conference (IMEC) in January. Chosen at the District level through an audition process were Joe Rogers (Choir), Cathryn Cowell (Orchestra) and Anna Menendez (Madrigals & Symphonic Band), who was one of only 40 students also selected for the prestigious Future Music Educators Seminar.

Important Dates

(708) 442-7500
[email protected]

See our website for individual staff email addresses