education briefs
Students picked for IMEA festival
Nearly 50 District 202 middle and high school music students have been invited to participate in this year's annual Illinois Music Educators Association District IX festivals for band, orchestra and choir.
Students endured a rigorous audition process before being selected and invited to participate in any of the IMEA festivals at both the senior and junior levels.
District 202 high school band, orchestra and choir students will participate in the IMEA District IX Senior Festival on Nov. 21, at Hampshire High School, in Hampshire. District 202 high school jazz band students will play in the IMEA District IX Jazz Festival on Nov. 14, at St. Charles North High School.
These students have been invited:
Plainfield High School-Central Campus Mark Talsma, junior, Bass
Ashley Donisch, senior, clarinet (Band)
Veronica Gloria, junior, trombone (Band)
Brandon Sheppard, sophomore, clarinet (Band)
Bileshia Sproling, senior, clarinet & alto sax (Band & Jazz Band)
Isabel Gloria, junior, trumpet (Orchestra)
Plainfield East High School
Megan Meyer, junior, flute (Band)
J.A. Banez, sophomore, Tenor II
Plainfield North High School Ryan Reichert, junior, violin (Orchestra)
Plainfield South High School Jessica Coffey, senior, Soprano I
Jessica Wheaton, senior, Alto II
Darien Hutchinson, junior, Tenor II
Aileen Hamilton, junior, clarinet (Band)
Zach Simmering, senior, trumpet (Band)
Middle School music students will participate in the IMEA District IX Junior High Festival on Saturday at Plano High School. District 202 middle school jazz band students played in the IMEA District IX Junior Jazz Festival on Oct. 31 at Traughber Junior High School in Oswego.
These students have been invited to perform:
Aux Sable Middle School Choir: Kayla Edwards (7th), Allison Hodges (7th), Kailey Edwards (8th), Tiara Hodges (8th), Bryan McDonough (8th), Staci McDugle (8th), Ashley Orozco (8th), Sarah Toth (8th) and Yasmine Vargas (8th).
Heritage Grove - Choir: Abbie Bruen (8th), Sam Cicero (8th), Taylor Cicero (8th), Sarah Crawford (8th) and Sira Crusoe (8th).
Ira Jones Middle School Cassie Schomuhl, (7th) French horn
Choir: Miciah Costilow (8th), Kendall Dixon (8th), Kelsie Granat (8th), Ashley Hernandez (8th), Abi Juganaru (7th), Mariana Kennard (7th), Cassie Schmidt (8th), Carly Staser (7th) and Dominique Stewart (7th).
John F. Kennedy Middle School Alyssa Hibben, (8th) clarinet (Band)
Shawn Eacott (8th), alto saxophone (Band)
Josh Kasper (8th), tenor saxophone (Jazz Band)
Timber Ridge Middle School Caylie Kurtenbach, (8th), flute
Taylor Hisey, (8th), clarinet
Sonie Vo, (8th), clarinet
Jon Maldonado, (8th), bass clarinet
Dan Schulz, (8th), baritone
Schools schedule parent conferences
District 202 preschool, elementary, middle and high schools will hold parent-teacher conferences this fall, beginning on Nov. 12.
This year, the conferences will be held the week prior to Thanksgiving recess. Conference date and time information for each District 202 school is listed below. Please call the school directly for more information.
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center: Nov. 23 from 12-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 4-7 p.m.
Plainfield Academy/ P-Step: Nov. 23 from 3-10 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Turnabout: Nov. 19 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 5-9 p.m.; and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Central: Nov. 18 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Charles Reed: Nov. 23 from 1-8 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Creekside- Nov. 19 from 4-8 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-6 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Crystal Lawns: Nov. 23 from 1-8 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Eagle Pointe: Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Elizabeth Eichelberger- :Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Freedom: Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Grand Prairie: Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 7-10 a.m.
Lakewood Falls: Nov. 23 from 1-8 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Liberty: Nov. 23 from 1-8 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Lincoln: Nov. 23 from 3-10 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Meadow View: Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Ridge- Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
River View- Nov. 18 from 3:45-7:15 p.m.; Nov. 19 from 3:45-7:15 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Thomas Jefferson- Nov. 23 from 1-8 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Walker's Grove- Nov. 23 from 1-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 3-7 p.m.
Wesmere- Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8-11 a.m.
Aux Sable- Nov. 23 from 1-8 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 4-7 p.m.
Drauden Point- Nov. 23 from 12-3 p.m. and from 4-8 p.m.; also Nov. 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Heritage Grove- Nov. 18 from 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Indian Trail- Nov. 19 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 7:15-10:15 a.m.
Ira Jones- Nov. 23 from 12-8 p.m. and Nov. 24, from 4-7 p.m.
John F. Kennedy- Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m.; also Nov. 24 from 4-7 p.m.
Timber Ridge- Nov. 23 from 4-10 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Plainfield High School-Central Campus- Nov. 23 from 12-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 4-7 p.m.
Plainfield East High School- Nov. 23 from 12-4 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m.; also Nov. 24 from 4-7 p.m.
Plainfield North High School- Nov. 23 from 12-7 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 5-8 p.m.
Plainfield South High School- Nov. 23 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. and from 5:30-8:30 p.m.; also Nov. 24 from 4-7 p.m.
Plainfield High School-Central Campus will present a special 20th year anniversary production of, "I Remember Mama" on Nov. 13 and 14. Both performances will begin at 8 p.m. in the PHSCC auditorium, 24120 West Fort Beggs Drive, Plainfield.
This is the play that was performed the year before the tornado. Cast members from the original production and staff members from that time are invited to attend.
"I Remember Mama" is a based on a book by Kathryn Forbes called, "Mama's Bank Account." It tells the story of a fictional Norwegian family living in San Francisco in the early 1900s.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Audrey Stein at 815-436-3200 ext. 5945. Extra tickets will be available for purchase prior to each performance. Tickets cost $5 for students and senior citizens and $7 for adults.
The school is also reviving the tradition of dinner prior to the Friday night performance. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will cost $10 per ticket or $5 per ticket for groups of 15 or more. Dinner seating is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to order their tickets early.
Plainfield North High School will present the comedy, "Rumors," by Neil Simon on Friday through Sunday. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m. All performances will be held in the PNHS auditorium, 12005 South 248th Avenue, Plainfield.
The audience is part of the fun as the play tells the story of the chaos surrounding the 10th wedding anniversary party of Charlie Brock, the deputy mayor of New York City. Throughout the play, the servants are gone, the hostess is missing and Charlie gets shot in the ear. The play is an amusing whodunnit as guests try to sort out the scandal.
Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the performances, or they can be purchased in advance by calling the Plainfield North front office at (815) 609-8506. Tickets cost $6 for adults and $4 for students, children and seniors.
The PTSO will provide cookies and punch outside of the auditorium during the performances.
Plainfield South High School will present "Noises Off," Nov. 20 through 22. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the PSHS auditorium, 7800 West Caton Farm Road, Plainfield.
"Noises Off" tells the story of Lloyd Fellowes, the director of a theatre company, who is desperately trying to get his production together, despite the best efforts of the cast, the crew, and Lady Luck. As with any group of actors forced to work closely together for any great length of time, romances and arguments are bound to break out. In this play, what's happening on stage is nothing compared to what's happening backstage.
Tickets can be purchased at the door before each performance. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.
Plainfield East High School will present "The Outsiders," by S.E. Hinton as its second fall play. Performances will run Nov. 13 to 15. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the PEHS auditorium, 12001 South Naperville Road, Plainfield.
The main character, Ponyboy and his brothers belong to a group of poor teenage boys called the Greasers. They often fight with the Socs, a group of wealthy boys who beat them up for fun. Ponyboy falls in love with the girlfriend of one of the Socs, and territorial battles result that teaches all the boys a deeper lesson.
Tickets are available in advance through cast members and Laura Shoplas or Michel Pawlak. Tickets can also be purchased at the door before each performance, but it suggested they are purchased in advance. Tickets cost $5 for students and staff and $7 for the general public.
All District 202 eighth grade students will be attending a performance as part of an in-school field trip since; "The Outsiders" is part of the seventh grade curriculum.
The "Liberty White Table" is set in the entrance of the school and will remain through Veterans Day until just before Thanksgiving. Liberty is located at 1401 Essington Road, Bolingbrook.
The White Table display stems from the book, "America's White Table" by Margot Thesis Raven. It tells the story of a soldier who goes off to serve his country and how a table is set as a reminder of those who serve, and in hopes that they are not forgotten.
In the book, the table represents a soldier's lonely battle against many, honoring America's Armed Forces, especially those missing in action and those held a prisoner of war. All fourth grade teachers at Liberty will read the book to their classes.
"This wonderful book not only honors our Armed Forces but reminds those who step forth into our building about those serving our country," Liberty Differentiation Specialist Jeff Hall said.
"This book is highly recommended for all grades. It is the story of a true event that happens every year in many military families, but most people are not aware of it," Hall said.
The tradition began four years ago when Hall's fourth grade class at the time decided to bring the story to life. The class shared its idea with other fourth grade classes and created a school tradition to honor veterans for Veterans Day.
The fourth grade students will set the table with a white tablecloth to signify a soldier's pure heart as he or she answers the call of duty.
A lemon wedge and salt will be placed on a single plate to manifest a captive soldier's bitter fate and the tears of the families waiting for loved ones to return.
An empty chair will be placed at the table for the missing soldier who is not there. A black napkin will be placed near the plate, symbolizing the sorrow of captivity.
An overturned over glass will symbolize a meal that won't be eaten with family. A white candle will be placed on the table for peace. And a red rose in a vase, tied with a red ribbon, will be set on the table for the hope that all those missing will return someday.
Liberty families will also fill out "Salute and Thank You" sheets to honor family members who have served or are serving in the armed forces. The sheets will be placed on the wall behind the table for all students, staff and community members to view.
Construction on a new greenhouse is now complete after several years of fundraising by Ridge students, staff and the school PTO, coupled with grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence. The greenhouse now stands behind Ridge Elementary School, located at 1900 Caton Ridge Drive, Plainfield.
The new greenhouse facility creates many new learning opportunities for students and school sponsored clubs.
As soon as the greenhouse was available, each kindergarten through fifth grade level made plans to use it as part of their Science curriculum, to study the scientific method, measurement, the life cycle and plant related objectives.
"The possibilities for the greenhouse are endless," Ridge fourth grade teacher Robert Battey said. "This project is truly unique in that every child has the opportunity to help in the creation and management of our very own greenhouse."
The greenhouse also nicely served the newly formed Ridge Environmental Club. The club teaches fourth grade students how to maintain flower beds, compost, grow plants, recycle and conduct experiments.
The Ridge Environmental Club also partners with neighboring students in the Drauden Point Middle School Club Green to use the space for their club meetings and projects. It also fosters peer teaching between the students.
"Ridge students will have positive peer role models at the middle school level and be able to enjoy the greenhouse from elementary school through middle school if they choose," Battey said.
"Both clubs are excited to uncover all of the possibilities the greenhouse holds."
Invitation for membership into the Société Honoraire de Franí§ais French National Honor Society, Deutsche Ehrenverbindung German National Honor Society, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica Spanish National Honor Society is based on scholarship in the language as well as scholarship throughout high school.
The foreign language honor societies recognize student achievement in the study of foreign languages and promote further understanding of languages and cultures.
The following students will be inducted into a foreign language honor society at Plainfield South High School:
Société Honoraire de Franí§ais: seniors Elizabeth Boykin, Nathalie Herrera, Jeremy Majewski and Phuong Quynh Nguyen, and juniors Paige Beard, David De La Torre-Dorado, Alexander Flores, Angelica Gal, Jessica Gal, Erica Garcia, Elana Goodman, Mark Janociak, Nikole Linares, Melissa Mariotti, Kelsey Marth, Katrina Pangilinan, Paige Powers, Kristen Stoneking, and Jessica Vevers.
Deutsche Ehrenverbindung: senior Joanne Gallik (honorary member) and juniors Jakari Battie, Alex Fulton, Melanie Goff, Amanda Johnston, Mercedes Mick, Jonathon Resler, Dalton Schneider, Antonio Sellers, and Caitlyn Weber.
Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica: seniors Christian Anaya, Veronica Andrade, Shannon Becker, Holly Begley, Gino Hernaiz, Nicholas Pasieka, Mary Paterno, Paige Stankus, Maria Szocinska, Alyson Torres, and juniors Larissa Aguado, Daniel Anaya, Lauren Begg, Mackenzie Blecha, Vanessa Burciaga, Emily Burt, Victoria Camera, Charna Cole, Erin David, Kaitlyn Garon, Allison Giancarlo, Katherine Hamilton, Aileen Hamilton, Alyssa Hanc, Courtney Holbrook, Stephanie Jackson, Sarah Jasiak, Upneet Kaur, Sarah Keating, Meagan Kelly, Miranda Mayer, Troy Meehan, Elizabeth Mikkelsen, Kristyn Moore, Erin Moreno, Alyssa Orozco, Megan Patterson, Ashlee Pendola, Kristin Petrella, Marielena Rodriguez, Christopher Schei, Cortney Sears, Dianne Sepulveda, Michelle Sterna, Breeanne Uitich, Stephanie Werner, Gabriela Wnek, Eric Wos, and Victoria Wrubel.
"The ceremony is being held in recognition of the students' accomplishments, and the Plainfield South World Languages Department is very proud of their hard work," PSHS Spanish teacher Kristina Johnson said.
Plainfield High School-Central Campus, Plainfield North High School and Plainfield East High School will induct members into foreign language honor societies in the spring.
Previously, PSHS also inducted new members in the spring, but changed its program last year to give more students a chance to participate in honor society activities during both their junior and senior years.
