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.

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 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:

• Dr. George Fornero, who served as Superintendent of Schools for nine years
• Andrea Gratz, who served as Director of Student Support Services for eight years and as Special Education Department Chair at HPHS for six years prior to that
• Audris Griffith, who served as principal of Deerfield High School for six years

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.

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 10^th all-time in scoring, 5^th in 3-pointers made, 2^nd in steals and 2^nd 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

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."