Spring is here – so we are looking at all the things that happen near the close of the school year. As mandated by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, state testing will occur in grades 3-11 in the upcoming weeks. Next week (March 5), ISAT testing will begin in grades 3-8. Please be sure that your child gets adequate rest and is prepared each day to do his or her best. High school testing on the PSAE will take place in late April, so 11th graders have a while to wait!
As the weather warms up, you’ll see lots of our kids outside participating in sports and other activities. Please watch carefully in case a ball should roll across the street or runners may be darting out of side streets. Also, plan for muddy shoes and wet pants legs until our fields dry up!
We will also be hosting our annual district-wide event for parents and students on Thursday, March 15, at the high school. This year’s theme is STEM: Science/Technology/Engineering/Math and will feature learning stations staffed by college folks from Northern Illinois University. Plan to come from 6 - 9 p.m. and have a great time!
I would also like to take this time to highlight more accomplishments of our teaching staff. This time we’ll look at teachers at Elmwood Park High School.
Matt McConnell – Earned his Master’s Degree in reading.
Mike Popplewell – Is working on his National Board Certification for 7-12 music; Was a guest conductor of the Elgin U-46 middle school choral festival; a guest clinician for the St. Charles Singers summer workshop; and biked for Multiple Sclerosis in DeKalb.
Katie Netti – Was certified as an advanced scuba diver and completed 18 dives.
Katie Mussio – Received National Board Certification in art and her Illinois Master Certificate (This is the highest credential available to teachers in Illinois).
Matt Lazzarotto – Spent a week kayaking on Lake Superior performing freshwater surveys with the Shedd Aquarium (used these skills with his students while investigating pollution in the Des Plaines River); and was appointed as School Board President of St. Leonard Catholic School in Berwyn.
Matt Weldon – Participated in a week-long US History AP seminar at DePaul.
Sara Klos – Completed her Type 75 certification and had a baby!
Bill Boston – Completed his Master’s Degree and is working on his Type 75 certification at Concordia.
Jo Halleran – Helped students participate in the annual family fest at Misericordia; and coordinator for the Children’s Theater/InCrowd Entertainers.
John Kingsmill – Worked as a staff developer for the PE department during inservice and professional development days; spoke to cross country and track coaches about methodology; and attended various coaching clinics.
Karen Bear – Was recognized as Illinois Marketing Educator of the Year and West Suburban Outstanding DECA advisor; attended several training sessions related to marketing; working on National Board Certification; and founded the Virtual Enterprise International (VEI) club at EPHS.
Debbie Anichini – Has earned a Master’s Degree in math and Type 75 certificate for administration; working on her National Board Certification; and ran the Chicago Marathon.
Toni Memmel and Marcia Bernas – Will present at the Connections Career Conference. They have presented there for the last four or five years.
Toni Memmel – Was Toni Wurch – now she’s married!
Sue Dutton – Competed in and finished the Wisconsin TOUGH MUDDER, a 10 mile race with 25 obstacles.
Nicole Franklin and Sue Dutton – Played in a 14” mush ball softball tourney to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Fund (They took 1st place!).
Karen Demas – Completed her Master’s program and received a reading specialist certification.
Monica Kula – Worked on finishing her ESL endorsement from Benedictine University.
What a talented bunch! Way to go EPHS!