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Superintendent's Message
The spring of 2011 has been full of exciting educational activities for students and their families within our school system. From musicals to athletic events, the students have excelled in numerous areas displaying their high level of ability.
Itasca School Board members have been diligent in their responsibilities associated with the development of a balanced budget, while preserving services for our children in Itasca School District.
As an outcome of the spring 2011 elections, there were a few changes in the School Board membership. We extend our sincere appreciation for two departing members: President Valerie Hogan and Member Leslie Dyra. Their direction and leadership was evident in the long list of their accomplishments. New members to the Board include Jenny Burke and Janice Gatbunton. Newly elected officers are as follows:
President Kathryn Miller
Vice President Daniel Kolar
Secretary Debbi Pawinski
Upon returning to our schools in the fall, students and staff will have the benefit of a new roof at Benson Primary School, as well as new flooring at Franzen Intermediate School and Peacock Middle School.
We extend a healthy and happy summer break to all of our district's families. Thank you for a great year.
Marcia Tornatore, Ph.D.
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F. E. Peacock Middle School
Secretary of State Jesse White visits Peacock
On Monday, May 10th Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White visited the students and staff of Peacock. Secretary White was interviewed by six students during a live broadcast from our video studio. The interview, broadcasted to all of our classrooms, dealt with questions that related to licensing of teen drivers, safe teen driving, recent legislation regarding general texting and cell phone use and specific restrictions on cell use that apply to all drivers while in a school zone. Following the question and answer session, the Secretary toured the school and visited several classrooms engaging students in his very personable manner. Before leaving the school, Secretary White promised to return with his Jesse White Tumblers for an all-school assembly.
8th Grade Graduation
On May 31st, 104 8th graders graduated from Peacock with the vast majority heading to Lake Park High School. This class has distinguished itself in so many ways including being the first group in over 15 years to have all members eligible for graduation as a result of fulfilling their academic and community service requirements. Other accomplishments include a 20th consecutive Division I rating for our Jazz Band, a Division I rating for our Concert Band, a 2nd place finish at the annual Lake Park math contest with Peacock student Brian Bayer the overall winner, over 1200 community service hours completed by this class with student Mark Badger and Brendan Fleming completing over 250 and 200 hours respectively during their three years at Peacock.
In addition, the Peacock staff and students selected two graduates to receive the Wesley G. Usher Award for Leadership and Excellence at the ceremony. Students Kevin Gordon and Michaella Busato were presented plaques by Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn honoring their excellent careers at Peacock. Both students are outstanding representatives from Peacock who embody the spirit of this very prestigious award. |
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Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School
Franzen School has had a wonderful school year! We are proud of our students, staff, and families. There are many achievements that have been accomplished during the 2010-11 school year. In regards to academic achievement, the following are some of the many accomplishments to note:
- 92% and 95% of all students at Franzen met or exceeded state standards on the 2010 ISAT tests in Reading and Math, respectively.
- Franzen earned the State of Illinois Academic Excellence award, having 90% or more of its students meeting or exceeding on state testing for three years in a row.
- Franzen's Education Fair in April generated over 100 projects involving more than 150 students with each grade level having representation.
- Franzen staff also collaborated to create a mission statement and school motto to help direct goals, frame decision-making, and create an overall vision.
Franzen School has also focused on helping others through Character Counts and through various philanthropic events. The following are a few examples:
- Franzen Students donated over $950 in loose change for the Red Cross campaign for the earthquakes in Japan.
- Franzen students participated in Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House pop tab campaign, and the Pennies for Patients philanthropic events.
Students at Franzen Intermediate School participated in their annual "Battle of the Books". This program is offered by the I.E.P.T.O. and the Itasca Public Library, along with the assistance of Media Director Linda Wit. Pictured below are students displaying their trophies.
We are extremely proud of our third, fourth, and fifth graders and all that they have accomplished and continue to accomplish. We wish each of you a safe and relaxing summer!
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Raymond Benson Primary School
Benson Primary teachers and students experienced a very busy and productive 2010-11 school year. Teachers continue to utilize the Children's Progress online assessment tool. All Benson students (Prek-2nd) were assessed a minimum of three times this school year. Some students were assessed more than three times, at the teacher's discretion. The teachers appreciated the immediate feedback the program provided as well as the opportunity to run a number of different reports for teacher and parent use. The Response to Intervention initiative continued to be implemented with integrity. Students received targeted interventions and those students were progress monitored to assess growth. Data days were held every eight weeks to review assessment data and adjust interventions based upon what the data showed.
Benson students participated in a number of community service opportunities during the 2010-11 school year including Pennies for Patients, Toys for Tots, silent art auction for the World Wildlife Fund and a silent art auction for the purchase of new technology within the primary building. Over 60 primary students participated in "Kids Teach Too" in which students created a presentation board on an area of interest and "taught" fellow students about that particular activity or interest.
The K-5 math committee selected a new math series that was adopted by the Board of Education for purchase and use beginning with the 2011-12 school year. The enVision math series will be implemented at the K-5 grade levels this coming fall. Teachers have already received some professional development regarding the new series and will continue to receive inservice during the 2011-12 school year. The Smartboard interactive whiteboards currently available within the primary building were used on a very regular basis. Teachers received some general training on the use of whiteboards and one Benson staff member was trained this May to become a certified Smartboard trainer and will serve as an in-district expert within this area of technology.
Kindergarten and second graders each performed their annual winter programs, first graders presented a musical "informance" for parents and friends and student artwork was highlighted at the April Celebration of Learning. Teachers and students worked hard this year and are looking forward to a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Then it's back to work mid-August for the start of the 2011-12 school year. |
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Itasca School District Board Members
President
Kathryn Miller
Vice President
Daniel Kolar
Secretary
Debbi Pawinski
Members
Michelle Hoss
Charles Sprandel
Jenny Burke
Janice Gatbunton
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