Caudill Celebration - Frankfort School District 157-C

Kevin Suchinski, Principal
Nikki Beck, Assistant Principal
April Mahy, Dean of Students
Volume 9
Number 7
March, 2011
Caudill Celebration
The 2011 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award Celebration was a HUGE success! 621
students and staff read an amazing 4,060 books! The winners for the state will not be announced until after this newsletter has been published (check the HCMS LMC website for
those winning titles later this month) but the winners for our school are as follows:
1st place: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2nd place: Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy
3rd place: 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
44 students and 13 staff members completed all 20 nominated titles!
6 eighth graders accomplished this for the 3rd year, and 6 seventh graders for the 2nd year!
Congratulations to these students:
Back row: Jessica Walden, Chloe Summer (3), Matt Stern (3), Bailey Bade, Nick DeCero, Jason Ciabattoni (2), Kyndall Wallace,
Regan Sandberg
Second row: Sarah Weithers, Tessa Sellentin, Julia Chillon, Sarah Rojas, Michaela Mitchell, Collin Kavanaugh, Ryan Bortscheller,
Megan Conry (2), Claire Chung (2)
Hickory
Middle
School,
22150
116th
Avenue,
Frankfort,
PhoneGlenn
815-469-4474
FAXWilliams
815-469-7930
Third row:
KariCreek
Johnston,
Logan
Wallace,
Elise
Gevaudan,
Tyler
Krause IL
(2),60423
Tori Green,
Harris, Kaylee
(2), Kristen Ferracuti,
Ashley Chung
Front row: Kate Weithers, Daniel Zhao, Dylan Murphy, Dan Hudziak
Back row: Nathan Drewes (3), Luke Powell, Nick Cesario (3),
Austin Pearson, Scott Maniatis
Front row: Brianna McKenna (3), Alyssa Vogt,
Abby Couwenhoven (3), Caitlin Majka
Not pictured: Mary El Costin, Lauren LaDere,
Meaghan Mahoney, Jessica Stern, Kate Wardenburg (2)
Thank you to everyone who made this celebration possible:
Students, staff and administration of HCMS, Frankfort Education Foundation, Shannon Rogers, Kathy Conry,
Sandy Plourde, Judy Arseneau, Stacey Stepanek, Sheri Gevaudan, Holly Williams, Mariola Weithers Joyce Zuber,
Bobbi McNeil, Molly Kennerk, Kathy Arcy, Colleen Bruns, Karen Nelson, Marci Stern, Jim and Sheila Hurley, Marni
Vaundry, Dee Konstanty, Laurie O’Brien, Lisa Gromnicki, Donna Juracka, Sue Kazmierczak, Dawn Davis, Sharon Komarck and HCMS Student Council, Korinne Kustak, Sue Niendorf, April Mahy, Karen Roach, Amy Steele, Casey
Garrison, Hannah Zuber, Alexis Huss, and Alice Plechaty.
Also, thanks to all our fantastic student helpers: Nada Abourashed, Glenn Harris, Jack Harper, Kory Attar, Logan
Wallace, Kierstyn Blais, Claire Fries, Raed Farshoud, Graham Todd, Campbell Williams, Sydney Bloomfield, Dylan
Murphy, Jackie Sapato, Lauren Moriarity, Brooke Brajkovich, Vinnie Lorenca, Payglin Petersen, Carter Sabal,
Meaghan Mahoney, Aarhon Wright, Raven Slate, Nick Jordan, Emma Fowler, and Emily Grybas.
A very special thank you to Connie Vogt who has taken this celebration to heart and poured her considerable talents into it, and Renee Grady who brought the celebration to life!
The 2012 nominated list is already out. Stop by the LMC and pick one up.
Start reading now for our February 2012 celebration!
These books will be available in the HCMS LMC by the middle of this month. Any books on the nominated list our
students read starting now will count for the 2012 celebration as long as they are able summarize the plot for
next year’s teacher!
Happy Reading! Marybeth Raynes
Anxiety in Adolescents
Anxiety is a common experience to all of us on an almost daily basis. Feeling anxious is normal and can range from very low
levels to such high levels that social, personal, and academic performance is affected. At moderate levels, anxiety can be helpful
because it raises our alertness to danger or signals that we need to take some action. Anxiety can arise from real or imagined
circumstances. For example, your child may become anxious about taking a test (real) or be overly concerned that he or she will
say the wrong thing and be ridiculed (imagined). Because anxiety results from thinking about real or imagined events, almost
any situation can set the stage for it to occur.
There are many definitions of anxiety, but a useful one is apprehension or excessive fear about real or imagined circumstances.
The central characteristic of anxiety is worry, which is excessive concern about situations with uncertain outcomes. Excessive
worry is unproductive, because it may interfere with the ability to take action to solve a problem. Symptoms of anxiety may be
reflected in thinking, behavior, or physical reactions.
How Can I Help My Child?
Be consistent in how you handle problems and administer discipline.
Remember that anxiety is not willful misbehavior, but reflects an inability to control it. Therefore, be patient and be prepared to listen.
Maintain realistic, attainable goals and expectations for your child. Do not communicate that perfection is expected or acceptable. Often, anxious children try to please adults, and will try to be perfect if they believe it is expected of them.
Maintain a consistent, but flexible, routine for homework, chores, and activities.
Accept mistakes as a normal part of growing up, and that no one is expected to do everything equally well. Praise and reinforce effort, even if success is less than expected. There is nothing wrong with reinforcing and recognizing success, as long
as it does not create unrealistic expectations and result in unreasonable standards.
If your child is worried about an upcoming event, such as giving a speech in class, practice it often so anxiety will be removed; rather, the goal should be to get the anxiety to a level that is manageable.
Teach your child simple strategies to help with anxiety, such as organizing materials and time, developing small scripts of
what to do and say, either externally or internally, when anxiety increases, and learning how to relax under stressful conditions. Practicing things such as making speeches until a comfort level is achieved can be a useful anxiety-reducing activity.
Do not assume that your child is being difficult or that the problem will go away. Seek help if the problem persists and continues to interfere with your child’s daily activities.
Hickory Creek Middle School is very close to reaching our commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The February 4th
dance brought in $2000 towards our goal. This accomplishment could not have been done with the many students who attended the dance and also purchased the raffle tickets for the prizes. Thank you to the many parents who chaperoned the dance
that evening.
The Make-A-Wish can is being passed around during lunch, so very soon we will reach our goal of $5000. This task has not
been an easy one, but with everyone working together, it will be achieved.
The General Music classes at HCMS
are more fun than ever, thanks to the
Education Foundation’s grant of four
MIDI workstations and a bundle of music education and creation Software!
The music software and MIDI (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface) Keyboards help meet the needs of many
different levels of students in the general music program and serve as an
invaluable tool for differentiation. Mr.
Wonder’s room has four computers
that are now equipped with a 49-note USB keyboard (piano) controller. Each keyboard has an integral audio interface that will work seamlessly with music software
allowing kids at all levels to create, learn and discover music at their individual level.
The sixth grade team placed 3rd over-all at the Momence Math Competition on February 16, 2011. There were 18 schools
attending in two divisions. In the larger school division the 6 th graders placed 1st in Team competition, 1st in Relay competition, and 2nd in Speed competition. The sixth graders were Jared Blair, Jade Christensen, Raj Patel, Sebestian Khattabi, Kristen Ferracuti, Daniel Zhao, Michael Piunti, Ryan Siggins, Nate Briese, Dylan Murphy, Nathan Wise, Ryan Braun, Campbell
Williams, Andy Grever, Danny Hudziak, Luis Aragon, and Nick Puinti.
The seventh grade team placed in all four events in their 9-team division, taking second place in both Relay and Pairs, and
earning third place in both Speed and Team competition. The seventh grade team consisting of Kaylee Williams, Cameron
McCaslin, Jason Ciabattoni, Max Vaundry, Megan Conry, Ben Christensen, and Michael Lemmons brought home the plaque
for 3rd place overall.
The eighth grade team place 1st over-all against 8 other schools. The students took 1 st place in both the Team competition and
the Relay competition. They came in 2nd in the Mental Math event. The eighth graders are Michael Enright, Kenichi Haynie,
Austin Blair, Daniel Stolarek, Holly Podborny, Brianna McKenna, and Natalie McCray.
Parents of Lincoln-Way Area Associated with Special Education
Presents….
Does your child have a difficult time organizing their thoughts,
prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and making good
decisions? Come learn about the strategies that can help your
child to be successful.
Present by: Gail Malvestuto
School Social Worker, School Psychologist and Diplomat in School
Neuropsychology
When:
Where:
Time:
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Pioneer Grove Educational Center
601 Willow Street, Frankfort, IL
7:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
All parents welcome.
Call Eileen Parente if you have any questions : 815-806-4600
Next general meeting on April 12, 2011
Overview of the District 843 Transition House
P- Pride
A—Attitude
W—Work
S—Service
FEBRUARY Awards
We would like to encourage you to frequently check the Virtual Backpack on
the district website www.fsd157c.org
for school and district handouts. At
this time, the Hot lunch forms, FSP directory, FSP donation forms, Party
forms (Grand Prairie and Chelsea),
and FSP assembly fee forms (Grand
Prairie and Chelsea) are now available
on the Virtual Backpack.
Ricky Hesse
Bobby Paulsen
Cole Goar
Tony DeFrancesco
Joe Manning
Nick Marietto
Meghan McGonagle
Christina Keller
Sydney Zeller
Nastassia Velazquez
Olivia Bauer
Mia Pranckus
Jack Dingle
Jack Harper
Taylor Wojcik
Jessica Biel
Nick Vozar
Dan Mulhollan
Samantha Weithers
Kailey McCarry
Jake Pomykalski
Charlee Amacher
Jade Christensen
Joe Hertz
Andrew Garcia
Emili Dobronics
Shannon O'Brien
Jake Juracka
Trevor Corcoran
Lindsey Paulsen
Alexa Cox
Kyle Zajac
Dan Zubenko
Stefanie Cetera
Emily Ebers
Levi Ruby
Steven Lavin
Logan Trento
Emily Grybas
Caroline Haas
Michael Walsh
Colin Walsh
Holly Podborny
Colleen McBrady
James Lurgio
Andrew Ogarek
Casey Stanevicius
Marissa Smith
HOMEWORK HOTLINE
In an effort to be proactive and assist parents, HCMS has implemented a Homework Hotline updated daily at 2:45 p.m. This hotline is not in lieu of students writing their assignments in their notebook, but rather as a tool to help parents support their child. We highly
encourage parents to continue to contact teachers regarding specific homework questions.
Teachers will list daily homework assignments for the current day. You can also check
your child’s homework.
For more information please go to www.fsd157c.org and select Homework Hotline listed
under Online Resources for Hickory Creek Middle School.
SYMPTOMS
Is it the COLD
or the FLU?
….of a COLD
…of a FLU
Fever
Rare
Usually present.
Higher than 100 degrees F is associated
with the flu
Chills
Headache
Mild
Uncommon
Moderate of Severe
Common
Body Aches, Pains
Fatigue, Weakness
Runny/Stuffy Nose
Sneezing
Sore Throat
Usual; Often severe
Moderate to severe
Sometimes
No
Not Common
Chest Discomfort
Slight
Fairly mild
Common
Yes
Common
Mild to Moderate
Cough
Hacking, productive (mucus pro- Non-productive (nonmucus producing)
ducing)
Treatment
Antihistamines,
Decongestants,
Pain relievers
Antiviral medications see your doctor
Prevention
Wash your
hands often with
soap and water;
Avoid Close contact with anyone
with a cold
Wash your hands often with soap and water; Annual vaccination; Antiviral medications - see your doctor
Sinus infection,
Ear infection,
Asthma, Bronchitis
Sinus infection, Bronchitis, Pneumonia;
Can worsen chronic
conditions; Can be
life-threatening.
Complications more
likely in the elderly,
those with chronic
conditions, young children and pregnant
women
Knowing the difference
between a cold or flu
can speed up recovery!
MEDICATION POLICY
According to District 157-C policy, students are NOT allowed to carry (or store
in their locker/backpacks/purses) any
prescription OR over the counter medications. The only medications LEGALLY allowed to be with students are emergency
meds: Epi-pens and rescue inhalers. There
must be a signed “Authorization For Students to Carry MEDICATIONS” form
signed by parent/guardian, and a “School
Medication Authorization Form”, filled
out and signed by parent and physician
and ON FILE with the nurse.
Students found in possession of medications in school (without proper documentation) are in violation of our drug
policy and may be subject to any disciplinary action outlined in that policy.
Complications
Often severe
The sixth grade completed our annual February nursing home project, "Sweet Connections". On Friday, February 11th, sixth grade
students and teachers delivered 120 Valentine's Day bags to the Frankfort Terrace
Nursing Home. The student-decorated bags
contained items made by the students in
advisory classes, as well as additional goodies to enjoy. The nursing home residents
were thrilled with their care packages, and
our students realized the rewards of showing compassion and caring for others. We
would like to give a special thank you to all
of you who donated items to support our
service project.
Congratulations to all those who participated in the Science Fair this year. Although most students are finished, some
are just beginning their journey to the Regional competition. We had over 50 students present their projects to be
judged on January 27th. Of these presenters, we have 11 going to the Regional competition on March 12 th at Unity Jr.
High School in Cicero. Congratulations to all those who qualified and Good Luck!
Emma Albers-Lopez
Kaitlyn Bailey
Kayla Groen
Abbie Hasson
Elise Jankowski
Kylie Konstanty
Madison Martino
Brianna McKenna (8th Grade)
Jacqui Michuda
Austin Pearson
Kyle Plourde
Max Vaundry
Kyle Zajac
Grease Lightning
The team would like to congratulate Logan Trento and Britney Kopec for going above and beyond in science this trimester. Both
students completed a Science Fair project and participated in the annual HCMS Science Fair. We are really proud of the two of
you for going above and beyond. It says a lot about your work ethic and devotion to your studies. Keep up the good work!
Solid Gold
The Solid Gold team of teachers is pleased to announce that the following students have excelled at having good character. These students include Savanna Hoffman, Drew Ogarek, Kirk Lever, Jakob Parduhn, & Laura Walch. Each student represents the outstanding attitudes, friendliness, and peer kindness. Please congratulate each student for their character.
Team Stripes
In March, Team Stripes will be completing shark dissection in Mrs. Duff’s science class. The students will be learning “hands
on” the anatomy of the shark, and are excited about this for sure. We want to commend our students on a 96% team participation
for the Rebecca Caudill book voting party. That is over 300 books read by Team Stripes, and I’m sure more to follow in 3 rd trimester. Keep it up Team Stripes we are proud of you!
The Everest students are looking forward to spring and third trimester. All of the Everest classes have been busy writing
essays connected to work that we are doing in literature, social studies and science. Writing, editing, and rewriting are good
practice for all of our classes and for the testing to come in March.
The sixth graders have finished their “digs” and are now amateur archeologists. We are currently completing our Black Hole
studies; your child is working to finish their simulated Black Hole project here at school. We had a great day at the Adler on
February 22nd and learned much about our universe. We will soon begin work on two new units in sixth grade: biodiversity
and geology. Visiting the Hall of Minerals at the Field Museum last fall sparked our interest in geology. The students were
fascinated to view all of the diverse gems exhibited there and will be working on mineral research.
The seventh graders are looking forward to their trip to the Chicago History Museum in March. We are learning about Chicago history and architecture to help prepare the students for their grade level Architecture Boat Tour and to compare Chicago with what we learned about London during Shakespeare and Dickens time periods. Afterwards we will begin working
on a solar energy unit. Students will be working to complete many “labs” giving them plenty of solar “exposure” – from the
electromagnetic spectrum to the properties of light. During March, we will also continue working on our literature circle
choices.
The eighth grade students are planning their visit to the Museum of Science and Industry on March 17th. While at the Museum we will visit the U505 exhibit as we prepare for our World War II studies. In March, the class will begin working on a
variety of projects concerning the War that coordinate with the students’ language arts and social studies core classes. We
will also begin reading the novel, Return to Manzanar, which centers on issues faced by a Japanese American relocated to
Manzanar.
Physical Education
Students recently participated in the “Hoops for Heart” program at HCMS. Donations were collected throughout January to support the American Heart Association. All students then participated in different basketball activities, including 5 on 5, Knock-out,
Around the World, and Basketball Golf for two days of PE class. After our initial count for donations, Hickory Creek has raised
over $5000. Awesome job!!!
PE classes also have been collecting box tops for the “Box Tops for Education” program. As an entire school, we collected 10,000
box tops!!! The money earned from these will be used to purchase new PE equipment! Thanks to all the students that brought box
tops in, it is greatly appreciated!!!
Health Education
The next health rotation started on February 25 th with Mr. Rigoni’s PE classes. This health rotation will go until the beginning of
April. Eighth grade health classes have been participating during their rotation in a presentation called “Choices”, which is an
IMPACT abstinence education program. Students are learning about making positive choices when it comes to major decisions
they may face as teenagers. All eighth graders will see the presentation before the school year is over. Ask your teenager what
they learned!!
Sixth grade only…The Robert Crown field trip is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 th. More information will be coming home
soon!!!
8th Grade Parents
Please have your child bring Mr. Smit a baby picture of themselves for the graduation slideshow. All pictures will be returned back
to the student after they are scanned. If you would like to e-mail Mr. Smit a picture, please do so at jsmit@fsd157c.org. Thank
you.