113 Connects
Volume 1, Issue 9June 2015
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District 113 Board of Education
Annette Lidawer, President

Julie Gordon, Vice President

Michelle Culver

Debbie Hymen

 

Alena Laube


Stacey Meyer

David Small
 


NOTE: If you wish to receive Board meeting notifications and agendas via e-mail, please click here and update your preferences by checking the Board meeting notifications box.

District 113 
dates to note
 
July 13

Board of Education meeting, 7:30 p.m., Administrative Building, 1040 Park Avenue West, Highland Park

August 17

Board of Education meeting, 7:30 p.m., Administrative Building, 1040 Park Avenue West, Highland Park


School calendars

HPHS:

DHS:

Athletics 

Activities 

Congratulations to the DHS and HPHS Classes of 2015!

 

A total of 505 Highland Park High School students and 410 Deerfield students donned their caps and gowns during this year's graduation ceremonies at Ravinia Festival. HPHS students graduated May 27th and DHS students graduated May 28th surrounded by family, friends, faculty and staff wishing them well. 


The HPHS Class of 2015 included 53 HPHS Scholars, valedictorian Elizabeth Terman, and salutatorians Samuel Brief, Katherine Jenks and Elizabeth Raab. The Medal of Honor was presented to Kiera Thorpe. Juan Barrios shared a moving senior address entitled "If You Want It, Show It." Click here for more about HPHS graduation. 


The DHS Class of 2015 included 47 Deerfield Scholars, valedictorians Dean Li and Joseph Liberman, and salutatorians Joseph Bloom and Jonathan Wexler. The John F. Kennedy Medal of Honor was presented to Heath Ogawa, who also delivered a moving senior address entitled "Coming to a New World." Click here for more about DHS graduation. 

District 113 update 
from Dr. Fornero

 

It is still difficult for me to believe that I am retiring from District 113, and these past few weeks and months have been extremely bittersweet for me.
 

I attended my last Deerfield and Highland Park High School graduation ceremonies at Ravinia and watched as more than 900 students (now alumni!) accepted their diplomas and moved on to the next step in their life's journey. As I mentioned during the ceremonies, when I attended my first District 113 graduations, most of the members of the Class of 2015 were in fourth grade. Time really does fly!  
 

I attended my final meetings of the District 113 Referendum Oversight Committee and District 113 Education Foundation. These incredible volunteers have dedicated countless hours to enhancing the learning environments at both of our schools. 

 

 

I attended my final meetings with our various staff groups. I have always been inspired by the passion and dedication of our staff and their commitment to doing whatever it takes, each and every day, to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. 

 

I attended my last FOCUS on the Arts assemblies and workshops; Highland Park and Deerfield ELS basketball games; Education Foundation Pizza Bowl fundraiser; College Bound Opportunities Induction Ceremony and Grand Times volunteer appreciation luncheon, to name just a few of my favorite memories from this past year. I am grateful for our families, our community members--including our dedicated Board of Education members--and the many individuals, groups and organizations who place such a high value on education and are always willing to go above and beyond to help our students succeed.  

 

There is much to be proud of as I reflect on all that we have accomplished together. Thinking just of the 2014-15 school year alone: 

Once again both of our high schools were named to the top 10 in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. Our students achieved phenomenal feats, as well as local, regional, state and national recognition, in academics; in the fine and performing arts; in clubs such as WYSE, Robotics, Chess Team, Debate Team, DECA and Model UN; in athletics; in print and broadcast media; and in service projects, particularly School Chest and Charity Drive. Our schools are standouts for many reasons, but one that will continue to resonate with me is their focus on giving back and making a difference. 


 

At the District level, the referendum projects at Deerfield and Highland Park High School continue to proceed on time, on budget, and on scope. We wrapped up the first year of our 1 to 1 Chromebook initiative, and have witnessed its transformative impact on teaching and learning. We have taken additional steps to ensure that all of our students feel safe and connected, which included launching a new resource called Text-a-Tip and participating in a community-wide anti-bullying initiative. We have maintained our strong financial standing despite continued challenges. We continue to make extraordinary progress with our equity work, and I have been proud to be part of a district where all truly does mean all.


Thank you all for your continued support of our students and schools. It has been a privilege partnering with our community to serve this great district.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. George V. Fornero

Superintendent
Township High School District 113

Facilities updates
 

Our referendum projects to enhance the learning environments at Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools continue to proceed on time, on budget and on scope.

 

Another busy summer is under way at both buildings, and we are appreciative of the community's continued support. Be sure to visit www.dist113.org/facilityupdates for the latest photos and information!

 

This summer...


Work continues on the DHS gymnasium (above, slated to be complete for the start of the 2015-16 school year) and pool (slated to be complete by late fall 2015).


 

Work continues on the new three-court gymnasium at HPHS (bleachers pictured above), which is slated to be complete for the start of the 2015-16 school year.


Exterior masonry restoration of the historic, 102-year-old B Building at HPHS (above) began in late spring and continues this summer.

The existing C building at HPHS (above) is being demolished this summer to begin the new classroom building construction. Additional classrooms also are being renovated this summer at HPHS.

This summer at DHS, the commons and cafeteria are being renovated, and the library renovation/expansion (above) has begun. The cafeteria is slated to be complete for the start of the 2015-16 school year, and the library is scheduled to be completed in late fall 2015. Additional classroom renovations will take place at DHS next summer.


Unrelated to the referendum projects, District 113 is also completing the second and final phase of the installation of environmentally-friendly permeable pavers at the Wolters Field parking lot (above). This project will improve traffic flow, as well as the condition of the lot.

  

Fun fact: HPHS students in the art classes of Gregg Montgomery, who retired at the end of this school year, gave the C Building a proper send-off by decorating the walls and floors with art and poetry! 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly Update
 

Click here to check out the latest Monthly Update from Gilbane and Perkins + Will for more photos, as well as the overall referendum project status, design status, work completed at both schools, work in progress/upcoming work, potential neighborhood impacts/notices, and logistics plans for the current phase of work.


 

Oversight Committee meeting minutes
 

District 113 continues to work closely with its Referendum Oversight Committee to monitor the referendum-related projects. Minutes of the meetings are posted for viewing at dist113.org/facilityupdates. Click here to view the minutes from the most recent Oversight Committee meeting, which took place June 2. 

District news
 
District bids farewell to retiring staff

 

District 113 said goodbye to 18 staff members who retired this school year, including seven HPHS staff members, six DHS staff members, three Administrative Building staff members and two Transportation staff members. We'd like to congratulate them on their achievements, thank them for their years of service, and wish them good luck in the future!

  

On June 8, the District 113 Board of Education recognized three retiring administrators and thanked them for their years of dedicated service. Click the links to see the resolutions that were read on behalf of:

The Board also thanked Tony Loizzi, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services, for his service to the District. Loizzi is leaving District 113 to return to practicing law.

 

Board approves hiring of Drs. McMahon, Sassen as assistant principals for HPHS

 

The District 113 Board of Education voted May 18 to approve the hiring of Dr. Eileen McMahon and Dr. Patrick Sassen as Assistant Principals for Highland Park High School. Dr. McMahon has been hired to serve as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, and Dr. Sassen has been hired to serve as the Assistant Principal of Student Services. Click here for the full story. 


Points of Pride: 
News from our schools


 

HPHS announces Rohan Malempati Scholarship recipients, unveils student-created mural in his memory

 

During his time at Highland Park High School freshman year and part of his sophomore year before his family moved to Georgia, Rohan Malempati's optimism, generous spirit and zest for life inspired all who knew him. Rohan was active in the Rotary Interact Club, where he served as community-building chair, and he always sought to make others smile. Although Rohan passed away in February 2014 due to complications from a lifelong illness, his legacy will live on at HPHS.


 
On May 26, the day before Malempati would have graduated from HPHS, Malempati's parents and other family members, along with students, staff and members of the Highland Park Rotary Club, gathered at HPHS for a special reception. The recipients of the first Rohan Malempati Memorial Scholarship, created with a generous donation from Malempati's parents, were announced, and three students unveiled a mosaic mural they had created in Rohan's memory. The recipients of the first Rohan Malempati Scholarship, selected following a rigorous application and review process, were Tiffany Alexanian, Charlie Mintz, Katie LaMarca, Isa Spoerry and Abby Stone. The mural was created by Tilly Freedman, Katie LaMarca and Abby Stone.

 

Click here for the full story! 

 

 

DHS students partner with Deerfield Public Library to create marketing materials

for summer reading program

 

The logos, posters and bookmarks for the Deerfield Public Library's 2015 Summer Reading Program, "Read to the Rhythm," all were designed by some amazing local artists - who happen to be graphic design students at Deerfield High School.  

 

When the DPL's summer reading committee convened to plan this year's program, they discussed having logos and materials designed that would unite all of the departments, and thought it would be nice to get the high school students involved, said teen librarian Nina Michael.

 

The library reached out to DHS and got in touch with art teacher Chris Sykora, who was very enthusiastic about the project as an authentic learning experience for his students.

 

"The situation was most definitely one of great timing and opportunity. Around the same time that the library reached out, I was starting to engage my class in real-world design experiences and skills. My goal was to approach the second semester much like a design firm in which students worked together with the goal of solving a design problem. I had a logo design experience in mind, so when the library reached out, I jumped on it," Sykora said.

 

Click here for the full story! 

 

 

HPHS Almanac showcases

work by graphic arts students

 

The HP Almanac 2015 has been posted for viewing on the HPHS website, hphs.dist113.org. The almanac is a compilation of writing, photography, and design developed by the HPHS Graphic Arts classes. Article topics include skateboarding, dance show, Crossroads Café and Robotics Team. Students in the entry-level course range from freshman to senior, and they used Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to design their articles. Click here to view the Almanac!  
 

 

DHS after prom delivers the fun

 

For the eighth year in a row, Deerfield High School seniors were treated to the "ultimate basement party" thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of parent volunteers. Following their traditional formal prom on May 16, more than 400 teens made their way to the Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield and within minutes went from red-carpet glamour to t-shirts and tennis shoes. From midnight to 3 a.m. the teens enjoyed a steady stream of pure, unadulterated fun. Click here for the full story!

 

HPHS celebrates prom

 

Highland Park High School's Senior Class Council hosted Prom 2015, "Enchantment Under the Sea," at the Shedd Aquarium on May 16.

 

The Prom King and Queen were Omkar Prasad and Katherine (Kate) Haile.

 

Senior class sponsors are Drew Eder and Kate Kastner.    

 

  

DHS, HPHS students

recognized at Honors Nights

 

Congratulations to the Deerfield and Highland Park High School students who were recognized during their annual Honors Nights!

 

              Click here for the full list of HPHS students. 

 

                Click here for the full list of DHS students.

 

 

Foundation Board welcomes new

DHS student ambassadors 

 

The District 113 Education Foundation is pleased to welcome Sam Aronson and Amina Awad as student ambassadors to the Board. Sam is an active member of Model UN, DECA, Boy Scouts and a multitude of musical programs. He is a collaborative individual who strives to help his community whenever possible. Amina Awad has exceptional communication skills and an eye for designing art. She values diversity as a broader scope and brings a new perspective to greater knowledge of the world. Rounding out the DHS student contribution are Jake Leahy and Ariel Feldman, who will serve as DHS student liaisons to the District 113 Education Foundation. The Board is also grateful for the continued service of HPHS student ambassadors Monse Alvarez and Danny Bronska, as well as the service of previous DHS ambassador Dean Li, who graduated in May.    

 

Click here for more information about the District 113 Education Foundation!

 

DHS gymnastics team finishes strong
 

The Deerfield High School gymnastics team finished in sixth place in the state, and was the only team to increase their score from Sectionals to State. Not only was DHS senior Heath Ogawa the 2015 State champion in Vault, his score of 9.5 was the highest recorded score on any event at this year's State meet. Ogawa also placed sixth on floor exercise. Junior Jack Schneider placed fourth on Parallel Bars, and eighth on both Floor Exercise and Pommel Horse.

 

HPHS athlete signs letter of intent

to play college basketball

 

Highland Park High School senior David Sachs signed a letter of intent May 19 to play basketball at Barry University in Miami, Florida. David was HP's starting point guard for the past three years. 


 

"He never missed a game, and our team took on his competitive personality.  He hit big shot after big shot throughout his career and he, along with his teammates, helped us to a  42-16 record over the past two seasons," said coach Paul Harris.
 

Sachs finished his career 10th all-time in scoring, 5th in 3-pointers made, 2nd in steals and 2nd in assists. Sachs was Team MVP and was selected CSL all-conference during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons--only the second player in HPHS history to be a three-time MVP.  Sachs was also special mention all-state during his junior and senior year as selected by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. 

  

DHS track and field team members

finish strong at state

 

The DHS boys track and field program finished 15th overall at state, and senior Chris Douglas was state champion in the 300 Intermediate Hurdles, only the second state champion in DHS history since Tom Stevens in the 1600m in 1979! In addition, senior Charles Nash was 9th in the 800m and All-State, junior Hank Flury was 10th in high jump, senior Jeremy Latronica was 30th in the 800m, and senior Graham Tonner was 30th in discus. 

 

Grand Times volunteers 'interview'

HPHS students for internship

 

Members of District 113's Grand Times intergenerational volunteer program recently conducted mock interviews of Highland Park High School students "applying" for a social media internship at the Saving Tiny Hearts charity. Volunteers reviewed the resume and cover letter that the student completed in response to the "job" description, conducted an interview, and completed a feedback sheet.

 

Click here to learn more about Grand Times, including how to apply to become a volunteer! 

 

DHS students named to IHSA All-State Boys Tennis Team

 

Congratulations to Noah Rosenblat (1st team singles), along with Chris Casati and Niko Wasilewicz (1st team doubles), who were named to the Illinois High School Association's All-State Boys Tennis Team for 2015!
 

HPHS counselor receives award;

team members present at conference 

 

Highland Park High School counselor Drew Eder received the Molly K. Arnold President's Service Recognition Award from the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling at their conference in early May.  This award is given to members with more than 5 years of service to IACAC and have provided "strong and consistent" leadership.

 

In addition, Counseling Department Chair Alesia Margetis, college counselor Aliza Gilbert, counselor Holly Fleischer and Drew Eder presented at the IACAC Conference.  Eder moderated a session that Fleischer presented called Generation Stressed.  Gilbert was the moderator for a session called The Common Application Update, and was asked to participate in the Endnote Speaker Panel.  Margetis presented as a member of a panel for a session called FT: High School Counselor Interviews - Part I.

 

"I am so proud and humbled to work with such hardworking and dedicated members of our HPHS Counseling Staff who share their knowledge and expertise with others in the counseling field," Margetis said.
 

District 113 maintenance worker earns Certified Plant Supervisor designation

Dan Fairbanks, a second shift skilled maintenance worker in District 113's buildings and grounds department, recently achieved the designation of Certified Plant Supervisor (CPS), demonstrating his preparedness and proficiency in the facilities world of first-line supervision.

Facilities certifications, accredited by the Association for Facilities, allow participants to gain essential knowledge and skills in the areas of maintenance management as well as supervisory management. Some key areas targeted by the program include communication skills, leadership and motivation, time management, conflict resolution, team building and workplace safety.

"Dan's commitment to developing his skills and improving school district operations is to be commended," said Dan Mortensen, Director of Facilities for District 113. "CPS certification is a highly valuable course, and I look forward to sending more of our dedicated facilities professionals to participate, particularly now that the Illinois Association of School Board Officials has worked to bring these facilities professional development opportunities to us locally."  

Community Corner

Highland Park Neighborhood meetings planned for public feedback

 

In an effort to develop impactful discussion on enhancing our community, the City of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112, Township High School District 113, Park District of Highland Park, Highland Park Public Library, Moraine Township and Lake County will host Neighborhood Meetings this summer to meet with residents to discuss Highland Park community priorities.


 

The final meeting for summer 2015 is set for 7 p.m. July 22 at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue.

 

Neighborhood Meetings provide an opportunity to interact with staff, elected officials, and other community leaders in a friendly, informal environment. The meetings are intended to offer an opportunity for the public to provide input and feedback to Highland Parks' government bodies. For more information about the Neighborhood Meetings, please contact the City Manager's Office at (847) 926-1000. 
 

 

Community Partners for Affordable Housing offers opportunities 

Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) is a local non-profit that provides affordable rental and ownership housing opportunities. CPAH currently has 3 homes in Highland Park that are or shortly will be available to low or moderate income, qualified buyers. There will also be 3 rental units available this summer.

If you are interested in applying for the program, please contact CPAH directly at (847) 681-8746, or akaufman@cpahousing.org.   CPAH highly recommends attending an information session to learn more about the program. The next session is July 14 at 7 p.m. at CPAH's office, 400 Central, Suite 111, Highland Park. Please let CPAH know if you plan to attend. 

Township High School District 113, consisting of Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools, serves the communities of Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Bannockburn and Riverwoods.
 
113 Connects is designed to share timely, relevant information about District 113 and its two high schools with parents, community members, alumni, and others who are interested in how we are living out our mission. If you have any questions/comments regarding 113 Connects, or have an article/photo idea for the publication, please contact Director of Communications Jennifer Waldorf at jwaldorf@dist113.org or (224) 765-1018.