News from Itasca School District 10

Itasca School District 10

Summer 2013 Newsletter

Superintendent's Message

Itasca 10 continues to be one of the top scoring school districts in DuPage County. As shown throughout the years within the Illinois State Report Cards, students consistently have displayed excellence as reflected within each schools attainment of Adequate Yearly Progress. The Illinois State Board of Education continues to distribute "recognition status" to our schools. Adequate Yearly Progress information for this past school year (2012-2013) is not yet available. In that the Illinois State Board of Education has restructured the grading process for the statewide assessment, we are anticipating our district scores being displayed as lower than in prior years although their performance continues to be of the highest standard.

We look forward to the upcoming events during the opening of the 2013-2014 school year. Numerous activities for the school year are listed within District 10's calendar, which is located within the school district's website. Each school will host a Curriculum Night during the first couple weeks of school. There are various activities where students will display their talents and academic accomplishments.

As we continue to strive for effective communication with our parents and community members, we hope that the electronic quarterly newsletters and weekly event newsletters will prove to be informative to you.

NEWLY APPOINTED PRINCIPAL AT

ELMER H. FRANZEN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Mr. Jason Taylor has been appointed as the building principal at Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School. With Mr. Jeff Murphy recently relocating out of Illinois, we are pleased to have identified an outstanding replacement. Mr. Taylor comes to us with experience at grade levels kindergarten through eighth. His expertise includes an emphasis in special education.

We hope you will join us to welcome Mr. Taylor at the IEPTO "Meet & Greet" event scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event will take place at the Franzen Play For All Park, which is adjacent to the school.

SCHOOL SUPPLY PICK UP

Benson Primary School and Franzen Intermediate School families who ordered the School Kidz Supply Kits for the 2013-2014 school year should plan to pick up their kits at the Itasca Community Library on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, from 4:00 to - 8:00 p.m.

K-5 CLASS LIST POSTING

The 2013-14 class lists for Benson Primary and Franzen Intermediate Schools will be posted on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 3:00 pm. The lists for the primary and intermediate schools will be posted at both school locations.

Marcia Tornatore, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Upcoming Events

Within Itasca School District's website (www.itasca.k12.il.us), a calendar for the 2013-2014 school year contains a listing of all upcoming events. Each school provides a variety of opportunities for students to showcase their accomplishments, as well as parents/guardians to visit our schools.

Budget

Itasca School District 10 continues to work diligently toward long-term financial sustainability. The District began its budgeting process for the 2013-2014 school year with an estimated $375,000 budget deficit. The tentative budget, currently on public display at the Administration Center, projects a deficit of $100,000. The deficit reduction came from a combination of expenditure reductions, fee increases, and donations from District 10 parents and community members.

Buildings and Grounds

CONSTRUCTION

Students, parents, teachers and staff returning to school in August will be welcomed by renovations both big and small. The most noticeable renovation is at Benson Primary School with new flooring and nearly all the walls repainted. More subtle changes will be noticed at Peacock Middle School, which will have a completely new roof and fresh coats of paint in the gym and hallways. Franzen Intermediate School took this summer off from construction after its floor was replaced two summers ago and its roof was replaced last summer. Franzen Intermediate School does have some freshly painted areas. Those coming to the Administration Center may notice a new roof. It is important to note that the major construction projects in District 10 are being funded by capital improvement bonds. These proceeds can only be used for building improvements.

F.E. Peacock Middle School

REGISTRATION DAY

Principal Brian Faulkner has organized the annual "pick up schedule day" for Peacock students. The event has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In addition to all student picking up their schedules, student pictures will also be completed.

It is an exciting day. The activities include students accessing their lockers and locating their classrooms. We look forward to seeing the students and parents that join us for this event.

PEACOCK PREVIEW DAY FOR INCOMING 6TH GRADE STUDENTS

For incoming 6th grade students, they are being given an opportunity to have a preview of the school. On Thursday, August 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., designated staff members will be the guides for the student to become acclimated to the building. With only the 6th grade students involved in this activity (no parents), the building principal will be joining his 6th grade teachers in this welcoming environment so as to make the first day of school a comfortable transition for them.

This is the first year this event has been offered for the entering 6th grade students to Peacock Middle School. We are anticipating a great turn out.

NEW BELL SCHEDULE

Peacock has eliminated block scheduling and created a more consistent daily bell schedule for the 2013-2014 school year. Students will have academic classes five days a week along with an Advisory, Target Time, and Common Time. Soon, the schedule will be posted on our district website.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

Peacock Middle School was recently issued the Academic Excellence Award by the State of Illinois. The State Superintendent provided a certificate that will be proudly displayed in our main office. Peacock was one of 454 schools in the State of Illinois to receive this honor. Congratulations to our staff, students and parents for making this happen.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE

2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR - BACK PACKS

For safety reasons, we will not allow students to bring backpacks into classrooms next year. Our lockers are small, but we've done research and have planned extensively for this and it is possible for our students to fit their belongings and books in their locker. We will allow "swag" bags in the classroom, which are smaller bags that have drawstrings. We are asking that parents do not purchase backpacks on wheels since these will not fit in our lockers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Faulkner.

Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION

Please join us Thursday, August 15th at 6:30 p.m. at Franzen Intermediate School. This event provides an overview of the building and an opportunity to respond to parent inquiries.

AUGUST CURRICULUM NIGHT AT FRANZEN

The annual Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, August 29th at Franzen Intermediate School for grade levels 3-5. This event provides an opportunity for students and their families to visit the classrooms and meet staff members. Early in the fall, the students will be busy preparing for this event so that many of their accomplishments can be displayed. We hope you will join us.

Raymond Benson Primary School

MEET AND GREETS

for

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES

On Tuesday, August 20, Benson Primary School offers Preschool, Early Childhood and Kindergarten students and parents opportunities to visit the school. During the visitation to their child's classroom, they will have the opportunity to meet the teacher and fellow classmates. The schedule is shown below:

EC and K-Prep 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

A.M. Kindergarten - 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

P.M. Kindergarten - 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.