Holmes Middle School http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/ News RSS Tue, 27 May 2014 19:29:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://floodlightdesign.commeet-angie-hhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-angie-hTue, 12 Mar 2024 09:51:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-angie-h\"\" ]]>meet-elesvan-rhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-elesvan-rTue, 12 Mar 2024 08:46:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-elesvan-r\"\" ]]>the-march-2024-family-newsletter-is-now-availablehttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/the-march-2024-family-newsletter-is-now-availableMon, 04 Mar 2024 11:29:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/the-march-2024-family-newsletter-is-now-availableMarch 2024 family newsletter is now live! Follow the links below to access your specific version: ]]>ccsd21-to-seek-volunteers-for-student-based-health-center-advisory-boardhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/ccsd21-to-seek-volunteers-for-student-based-health-center-advisory-boardWed, 28 Feb 2024 12:23:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/ccsd21-to-seek-volunteers-for-student-based-health-center-advisory-boardAs work on the student-based health center continues to progress, Community Consolidated School District 21 will soon start to seek volunteers to fill an advisory board that will be tasked with making recommendations and providing community support and feedback.  Dr. Michael Connolly, superintendent of schools, outlined his recommendations for the board, which would likely include 13 people appointed by him and confirmed by a vote from the Board of Education. These include:
  • Two district administrators
  • The district’s public health liaison
  • The district’s McKinney-Vento liaison
  • A certified school nurse
  • The nurse practitioner assigned by Advocate Health
  • A community member at large
  • One parent representative from the Holmes school strand (Frost, Holmes, Twain, Whitman)
  • One parent representative from the London school strand (Field, London, Riley, Tarkington)
  • One parent representative from the Cooper school strand (Cooper, Kilmer, Longfellow, Poe)
  • An at-large parent representative
  • A representative from OMNI Youth Services
  • A community member with a medical background (a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine)
Members will be able to serve “as long as they’re interested and willing to,” according to Dr. Connolly. However, members of the advisory board who are also employees of CCSD21 would be asked to step down as they separate their service from the district so they can be replaced by an active staff member. Additionally, the parent volunteers would likely forfeit their space on the board as their child leaves the district for high school to “leave a space for a parent who’s currently in the district.” Over the coming weeks, the district will seek the parent representatives and the community members via a form that will be distributed through the website and ParentSquare, its communication platform. The superintendent would then meet with any candidates before potentially bringing them to the board for approval. ]]>
coopers-jazz-band-i-takes-home-top-honors-at-jazz-in-the-meadowshttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/coopers-jazz-band-i-takes-home-top-honors-at-jazz-in-the-meadowsTue, 27 Feb 2024 11:58:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/coopers-jazz-band-i-takes-home-top-honors-at-jazz-in-the-meadows\"A Members of Cooper\'s Jazz Band I stand with the trophy they received for winning the middle school level of Jazz in the Meadows on Feb. 24.[/caption]   Cooper Middle School’s Jazz Band I took home top honors from the 39th Annual Jazz in the Meadows festival, which was held on Feb. 24 at Rolling Meadows High School. The band placed first in the middle school division, which saw 14 other programs – including those at Holmes and London Middle Schools – also perform. Eighth graders Daniel P. and Jonah S. also received recognition from the judges as outstanding soloists. “Performing great at Jazz in the Meadows is a big goal for our jazz group,” said Cindy Severino, co-band director at Cooper. “We have a huge reputation of doing well at this festival and winning numerous times, so adding this win feels really good.” Severino also expressed her pride in the students for their hard work, commitment and dedication to learn the style of jazz and play it well: “The students were very excited to win. All the hard work paid off.” That work included two early mornings at 7 a.m. and one day after school, collaborations with guest clinicians, and participation in the Buffalo Grove Jazz Festival, where a well-known jazz artist worked with the Cobras to “take them to the next level.” “The students were well prepared, but still nervous because they wanted to do well,” Severino added. The festival also features a number of high school groups, as well as a jazz orchestra section and combo groups. While the middle school level does not vary from that of its high school equivalent, it is more competitive at the higher level as the winners from each class then compete for the Grand Champion award. Severino noted that the real benefit is that it helps students prepare for the high school jazz groups. Jazz in the Meadows marks the high point for the group, which will move on to perform its concert and other performances including a tour of the elementary schools and honors night. For the Cooper music program itself, the focus now shifts toward preparing for concert band festivals in March and April. ]]>cooper-eighth-grader-wins-district-21-spelling-beehttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/cooper-eighth-grader-wins-district-21-spelling-beeTue, 27 Feb 2024 10:52:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/cooper-eighth-grader-wins-district-21-spelling-beeAfter an I-N-T-E-N-S-E 20 rounds of competition, an eighth grader from Cooper Middle School emerged as the victor of the District 21 Spelling Bee, which was held on Feb. 7 in the Community Service Center and Administrative Office. This year marked the third consecutive bee, which was reborn through Dr. Rob Drewry, literacy equity coach at Cooper. “A couple of years ago, we were discussing how talented our students were, as well as the opportunities we have for them, at which point Rob proposed the idea for a spelling bee for our middle schools,” said Amy Breiler, director of literacy and the arts.  Markedly different this year was the number of competitors. The previous two bees only invited the top spellers from each grade at the middle schools – “a small but voracious group of students,” according to Breiler – but this year’s bee expanded the pool to include the top fourth and fifth graders from each elementary school. “Some of those contests were very highly competitive,” Breiler added. “Some ran three to four lunch periods in order to find a champion.” A pool of more than 250 participants between all 12 elementary and middle schools was eventually reduced to 27, who all competed to be crowned the district’s best speller. Prior to the event, each student was able to review a packet of 450 words, all of which were accompanied by their definitions. The words came from the Scripps’ School-Level Competition List, which are ultimately pulled from Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. During the third and sixth rounds of competition, Drewry switched to vocabulary, which asked competitors to identify the definition for a given word when given two potential choices. He inevitably switched to spelling only as “there are not as many vocabulary words in the competition list and we had so many spellers still competing that I didn’t want to risk running out of vocabulary words.” After the ninth round, the pool of words was switched to those from Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary – which the students had not seen before the event – “because it was clear that the remaining spellers were familiar with the 450-word study list and needed an additional challenge,” Drewry added. Will C., the eighth grader from Cooper, ultimately won the event. Nina K., a fifth grader from Poe Elementary School, placed second, while Mason B., a seventh grader at London Middle School, placed third. By winning the district-wide competition, Will advances to the 14th Annual North Cook ISC Scripps Spelling Bee on March 13 in Lincolnwood. If Will finishes in the top three at that competition, he moves on to the All Cook County (minus Chicago) Bee. The national competition would follow if Will wins the all-county bee. The district wishes Will G-O-O-D L-U-C-K in the North Cook Bee on March 13! ]]>ccsd21-approves-contract-with-wanrack-for-private-fiber-wide-area-network-solution-serviceshttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/ccsd21-approves-contract-with-wanrack-for-private-fiber-wide-area-network-solution-servicesMon, 26 Feb 2024 14:03:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/ccsd21-approves-contract-with-wanrack-for-private-fiber-wide-area-network-solution-servicesThe Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education on Thursday, Feb. 22, formally approved a contract with WANRack for a private fiber wide area network solution and services. The district’s current WAN contract was coming up for renewal, and as such sought bids and proposals for future fiber solutions and services through the E-Rate process. “CCSD21 always strives to provide a fast, scalable, and secure fiber network to ensure a quality digital environment for student learning,” said Mike Frantini, chief technology officer. “It is extremely important that proper up-to-date infrastructure be in place, and that future district vision and goals are considered when designing and maintaining network backbone and infrastructure. With expansion technology across the board, and the increased reliance on web applications and access to the Internet, it is extremely important for infrastructure and connectivity to be reliable, and have the capacity to support district needs now and in the future.” After receiving bids from five different service providers, WANRack emerged as the best choice after an E-Rate bid matrix scoring and “outstanding” references from projects of similar scope in other districts locally and across the country. The company intends to construct a new fully underground, private fiber lit ring network that will provide CCSD21 with an extremely resilient and secure fiber network. Its design creates a network that will never have more than one site down at a time, and has fully diverse and redundant fiber paths to create maximum uptime and performance for students and staff. The solution significantly reduces the monthly service cost that the district is currently paying with AT&T for WAN services. Monthly service payments will drop from $18,000 a month with AT&T to $7,500 a month with WANRack, which includes fixed pricing up to 50 gigabytes per second per site. Speeds and bandwidth thresholds are currently at 10 Gbps, but the district through this contract could utilize any speed per site between 10 and 50 Gbps with no price increase. With the intended 90% E-Rate discount, monthly service costs would drop to $750 per month. While the total cost for the project is estimated at approximately $3.65 million, the district qualifies to have 100% of the cost reimbursed through the typical E-Rate process, a matching grant from the state of Illinois (which the district is currently applying for), and E-Rate matching funds. CCSD21 will still be required to pay about 5% of the total construction cost out of pocket, or about $182,664.90, in the spring of 2025, but will be fully reimbursed about 90 days after the project is completed. The project is expected to take 12 months to complete, and would be ready to go live by July 2025. ]]>four-ccsd21-educators-among-isbes-honorees-for-extraordinary-contributions-to-educationhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/four-ccsd21-educators-among-isbes-honorees-for-extraordinary-contributions-to-educationFri, 23 Feb 2024 11:38:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/four-ccsd21-educators-among-isbes-honorees-for-extraordinary-contributions-to-education\"\" Brenda Theisen, Abby Pillow and Jaime Steineke, Educational Life Skills Program teachers at London Middle School, and Jeremy Holtmeier, school psychologist at Tarkington Elementary School, each received an Award of Special Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education\'s Those Who Excel program[/caption]   Four educators in Community Consolidated School District 21 were among the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2024 recipients for the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program. The program honors educators who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Jeremy Holtmeier, school psychologist at Tarkington Elementary School; and Abby Pillow, Jaime Steinike and Brenda Theisen, Educational Life Skills Program teachers at London Middle School, each received an Award of Special Recognition. “It was nice to be recognized for all the hard work that we have put in over the years,” Pillow said. “I think we work really well as a team, we bring a lot of perspectives to the table and our skills really complement one another, so it was nice that we could get this award together.” Steinike agreed with the sentiments, adding it was “wonderful to receive the award with people who are like-minded in what we want for the growth of our kids…really focusing on our functional performance and helping our kids make as much progress as they can.” London Principal Anastasia Netzel commended Pillow, Steinike and Theisen for rebuilding the ELSP program since the COVID-19 pandemic: “Over the last two years, these three exceptional teachers have gone above and beyond to cultivate an inclusive and nurturing environment for the students in their program.” Netzel noted that “support staff felt a shift in the amount of collaboration and involvement through their work” with Pillow, and students were more regulated and open to new experiences.  Theisen, meanwhile, “really took a lot of pride in prioritizing experiences for our students both through community-based trips as well as around the school, including cultivating a London garden for growing vegetables.” Lastly, Netzel wrote that Steinike “has brought so much knowledge, positive relationships with students, staff and families, as well as an overall kindness and calmness to London.” Pillow noted that the rebuilding process was a “shift in focus,” working hard to do more work in the community and tying the bulk of their academic instruction to that specific work. For example, Theisen prioritized experiences for the ELSP students both through community-based trips and around the school, including cultivating a garden to grow vegetables. She noted that the kids tended to the vegetables all year before donating them, and a field trip to a local grocery store to see those vegetables “was a great community connection for them.” “We had maybe 10-12 field trips last year, and I think just getting them back in the community is helping,” Theisen adds. “During the pandemic, there were no field trips and there was a lot of separation. So we have just been working on them being together and being back in the community.” Dr. Joe Arduino, principal of Tarkington, wrote in his recommendation of Holtmeier that “in my over 30 years of education, it is difficult to think of another professional who has made as many contributions as he has in a school setting.”  “He has a unique way of making parents feel comfortable and ensuring that they are true members of the decision-making team,” Dr. Arduino added. “He is calm, professional, thorough and sensitive during these [individualized education program] meetings. His mannerisms as the facilitator sets the tone for the meeting and provides a model for the entire team.” For his part, Holtmeier said the recognition was “a little bit awkward but nice to hear.” “This award represents all the work that I do with my team,” he added, crediting the many levels of professionals he works alongside, from teachers’ aides all the way to district administrators. Holtmeier said it has always been his goal to make special education understandable for the parents: “I’ll go to however many of these meetings a year, while parents only go to them once. Even if they go 2-3 years in a row, it’s always going to be kind of new for them. So I go out of my way to make sure they understand why their kids are getting help, what the help may look like, and who is working for them. If the parents walk out of the meeting knowing that, I feel comfortable that I’ve done my job.” ISBE will celebrate the honorees during a banquet this May in Bloomington-Normal. ]]>my-why-kasia-gold-lmc-assistanthttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/my-why-kasia-gold-lmc-assistantTue, 20 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/my-why-kasia-gold-lmc-assistant\"\"It’s so inspiring when you hear that someone has found their purpose. They radiate light. They are happy. They are energetic. They connect with others. They contribute to a greater community. Kasia Gold, library and media center assistant at Field and Whitman Elementary Schools, has found her purpose and she is not shy about sharing it with others.  Mrs. Gold exudes energy, positivity, and light. “I am passionate about reading, literature, and connecting with students through books,” said Gold. “I love to see students read and will do anything to find them interesting, relevant books that they will enjoy,” she adds. In fact, Gold knows what students like and has read many of the books she recommends. She believes in the importance of early literacy; she built up the Hawthorne LMC from scratch, creating a vibrant collection and providing a wholesome library experience to the youngest readers. “I believe that every student can learn and the library is the best place for this to happen,” she quotes a school librarian Michael L. Printz.  She is also a connector. “As a Polish immigrant who didn’t speak English when first came to this country, I especially relate to the newcomers from Ukraine and Russia,” states Gold. Many of these students face language, cultural, and social challenges. By offering them age-appropriate literature, in their native language, Gold enhances their educational experience while students build essential language skills and adapt to their new surroundings. But it’s not just any book that Gold promotes. “Students want to read popular books like Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Babysitter Club series,\" she states. Her goal is to encourage reading by trying to get the right book to the right student at the right time. “I usually guide them to graphic novels because this format is great not only for visual learners but because pictures fill in the language gap and help with reading comprehension, it’s just perfect for English Language Learners (ELL). I just love seeing the growth and potential of the students. I love watching them get excited about books and become confident readers,” she adds.  For her growth, Gold is currently earning her master’s degree in library science at Dominican University. She also has taken ELL classes from the College of DuPage (COD) and received her Library Technical Assistant certificate from COD in 2011. This was after she earned her first master’s degree in philosophy while a student in Poland. Moving to the U.S. when she was in her 20s, she worked part-time at the Mt. Prospect Public Library, worked as a teaching assistant at her kids’ school, and also volunteered in school libraries. When her position was eliminated at her kids’ district, she came to District 21. “I appreciate the diversity of our district,” she states. Aside from recommending books, Gold also helps students check out books and process new materials.  In her spare time, she likes to hike, listen to podcasts, cook, and watch sports. She loves music and played guitar and accordion years ago. “I love classical music and love going to symphony concerts,” she states. She travels regularly to Poland to visit her parents. She also recently started a book club with staff members, encouraging the joy of reading and talking about books. For she believes that reading uplifts. “When you elevate the student, you elevate the family. When you elevate the family, you elevate the community,” she describes. CCSD21 is glad to have Mrs. Gold and even more pleased she found her purpose…her superpower…. her passion. And the desire to share it with others.  ]]>celebrities-visit-riley-elementary-schoolhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/celebrities-visit-riley-elementary-schoolTue, 20 Feb 2024 08:13:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/celebrities-visit-riley-elementary-schoolRiley Elementary School hosted a variety of celebrities last Thursday, including Michelle Obama, Frida Kahlo, Babe Ruth, Walt Disney, Jane Goodall, King Tut, Christopher Columbus, Michael Jordan, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks, and many others.  Third graders in Mrs. Abel’s and Ms. Zawadzki’s classes researched, wrote, and dressed up as famous people for second graders to learn about the life and times of the important figures. The third graders stood “frozen” in the multi-purpose room when second graders wandered around to learn about the key figures. Each “wax statue” had a red circle next to it and when the second graders turned over the circle to the green side, the statue “came alive,” describing interesting facts about their life. “My name is Amelia Earhart and I was born on July 24, 1897, in Kansas,” said the student dressed as the famous aviator. As the third-grade students continued to chronicle facts about the characters they played, second-graders asked follow-up questions and moved on to explore other celebrities.  “We’ve been doing this for the last four years and it’s a great way to get the students involved in learning about famous people and history,” said Ms. Zawadzki, third-grade teacher at Riley. “It helps the students understand the world around them and gives them an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives,” said Mrs. Abel, third-grade teacher at Riley.  “It was great fun and some students even curtsied for Queen Elizabeth,” said Cassandra Young, director of community engagement.  \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"\"\" ]]>