February 16, 2010 - Oak Grove School

Weekly Update • February 16, 2010
Dear Parents:
We are excited about the upcoming Oak Grove Education Foundation GALA on March 6. I am
looking forward to how fun it will be to socialize together with you at an adult gathering. I recall
that people had a ball at the 2008 GALA during my first year in the district. Unlike other social
events you may attend, everyone is connected to our school so that the people you meet may
enhance your entire family's Oak Grove experience.
We are also looking forward to how the proceeds will benefit our students. You may have read
that the elementary and junior high cafeterias are the projects that we would really like to improve
this year. The Principals, Mr. Karolewicz and Mr. Clement strongly support and brought this idea
to the Foundation. Currently the cafeterias are functional but they are noisy and not aesthetically
appealing. We believe that children who are in a more pleasant environment will act better, eat
better and learn better. You might think that this is strange but research we have collected actually
shows that children's test scores are higher in more aesthetically pleasing schools. (Let me know if
you would like me to email the research to you.) Personally I think that our children and staff will
feel valued and respected as they see us working together to improve their environment.
This event only occurs every other year so please don't miss it!
Janice Matthews
Superintendent
Click HERE for our February calendar
Important Dates to Remember
February 17
6:30 pm ~ Music Rotation Concert
7:30 pm~ Jazz Band Concert
February 19
8:30 am ~ AC Rock Assemblies
4:30 pm ~ Grade 4 & 5 Hot Wheels
Roller Rink
February 21
6:00 pm ~ Grades 2 & 3 Pool Party
@ Lifetime Fitness
February 22
7:15 pm ~ Board of Education Meeting
February 25
Grade 5 Open House
March 1
No School - Casimir Pulaski Day
March 3
9:00 am ~ PTO meeting
March 5
School Spirit Day!
March 6
6:30 pm ~ The Grove Gala
ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH CAFETERIA UPGRADES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The administrators, staff and Board members are excited that the Oak Grove School Education
Foundation has chosen to support the District’s plans to enhance the elementary and junior high
cafeterias. We hope that everyone will be able to join us for the Grove Gala on Saturday, March 6,
2010, at the Ivanhoe Club.
Although at first glance one might think that such a project is unrelated to the “real” job of educating
children, this is far from the case. There is abundant research to support the fact that the entire
school environment can positively or negatively affect children’s behavior, academic achievement
and acquisition of 21st Century skills.
How did the Oak Grove School Education Foundation select the Cafeteria Project as this
year’s fundraising project?
The Foundation Board based their decision on selecting this project based on six factors: 1) supporting the missions of both the Foundation and District 68;
2) supporting the District’s Strategic Plan and belief statements by providing students a safe &
healthy environment in which to learn;
3) potential projects considered by the Board of Education’s Facilities Committee;
4) discussions & recommendations from administrators (based in part on input from the
teachers);
5) the desire to fund something unlike previous projects funded by the Foundation; and
6) a project to benefit students at all grade levels.
What are the real needs school staff cites for the cafeteria upgrades? The teachers and principals noted a number of discipline issues in the cafeterias. Many are due
to the fact, they feel, that the kids are forced to talk loudly to be heard due to poor acoustics and/
or room layout (the kids get louder & louder, problems escalate, etc.), and that the general “look” of
the space does not promote positive behavior. Many of the behavior problems can carry out onto
the playground or to the next class which presents problems for the lunch monitors, teachers and
other students.
Additionally, although many teachers might choose to use the larger cafeteria spaces for group
activities during “off-times” (i.e., when lunches are not in session), they cannot because it is hard to
hear, talk and keep kids focused in either of those spaces.
ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH CAFETERIA UPGRADES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (cont.)
How will upgrades to the cafeterias address these issues?
Staff feels that if the spaces are aesthetically and functionally improved, the kids will behave better,
and be more respectful of each other, teachers and lunch monitors. Also, with the declining school
enrollment and better facilities, these spaces may be used to enhance curricular offerings in the
future, offering some flexibility for bringing two or more classes together for activities. There is also
consensus that the spaces could be more sanitary with regards to trash, recyclables, and the lost
and found areas.
How do the upgrades support the District’s Strategic Plan?
The cafeteria upgrades focus more on environmental improvements and promoting better “soft” or
social skills and behavior in our kids, rather than the “hard” skills our strategic plan mostly focuses
on (e.g., curriculum, technology). It dovetails with the Strategic Plan in that effective social skills
and responsible behaviors in social or group settings are required of the 21st Century learner (this
is reflected in 21st Century skills literature). In fact, the project directly ties with some of the belief
statements and strategic parameters, objectives and initiatives which are the basis for the strategic
plan:
• Respectful, supportive partnerships among students, school staff, parents and community
promote positive learning.
• Caring relationships and a safe, engaging environment promote learning.
• We will promote actions and behaviors that model the six Pillars of Character.
• All students will demonstrate the 6 Pillars of Character.
What exactly is proposed for the cafeterias?
While we know that we need to address the basic issues of aesthetics, sound, and student
management, the District also wants to make improvements consistent with the needs of the
21st Century student. The question we are asking ourselves is: “How can we best renovate these
spaces to allow for optimal use as we guide our students and prepare them for success in the 21st
Century?”
To help us get the answers, the District has engaged an architect with experience in school design
and renovation to prepare schematic drawings for the two cafeteria spaces. The architects will
provide options based on current uses and needs, as well as those expressed by the staff for the
future. This will provide the District with options for enhancement of those spaces.
OAK GROVE SCHOOL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
REGISTER THROUGH
FEBRUARY 22ND!
SATURDAY, MARCH 6
THE IVANHOE CLUB IN MUNDELEIN
Proceeds from this fun filled evening of dinner, music,
and silent auction will support upgrades to both cafeterias and improve the
learning environment for our students!
REGISTER NOW!
www.ogsef.org/page/online-registration
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! There’s lots to do and if you are able to help,
please contact Kim Konigseder at kim@libertycoach.com or 847-680-9166.
The final Auction Book will be available online 1 week prior to
the Gala on the Foundation’s Website.
www.ogsef.org
As of February 10, 2010
The Grove Gala 2010 Silent Auction
Whether you are interested in entertainment, dining, shopping, learning something new, or pampering yourself with a spa visit,
the Grove Gala 2010 Silent Auction is the place to find your inspiration. And best of all, your winning bid will provide a
generous contribution to the Oak Grove School Education Foundation.
Here is a sneak preview of just a few of the exciting items and participating vendors that will be available for bid this
year. We’ll update this list periodically throughout the month. Check back on March 3rd for a downloadable copy of the
complete Auction Book. If you’d like to donate an item to the Silent Auction, please contact: kucerakris@aol.com.
Tickets & Events
Cubs Baseball Tickets
Bulls Basketball Tickets
DePaul Basketball (Mens and Womens)
Marriott Theatre Tickets
Durham School Bus Party Charter
Restaurants/Food
Mickey Finn’s Brewery Gift Basket
Zapatista Mexican Grill
Rocky Mountain Chocolates
545 North Bar and Grill
The Picnic Basket
Mainstreet Smokehouse
Casa Bonita
Chip’s Sub Depot
The Sweet Life
Sees Candy
Deer Path Inn Champaign Brunch for 6
Tavern
Executive Chef Dinner for 6 in Your Home
Goose Island Beer and Barrels
Clothing and Apparel
Serendipity
Garrett Bags
Street Chic
Forest Bootery
Lessons and Instruction
North Shore Academy of Martial Arts
Keerstin Goebeler, Tutor
John Goodman, Percussion Instructor
Slammers Baseball
Young Rembrandts, Children’s Art Instruction
Julie Cox Personal Trainer
Helen Ryan Trainer
Hidden Knoll Horseback Lessons
Weber Grilling Classes and Gifts
Fitness and Recreation
Pro-Active Health
X-Sport Fitness
Libertyville Gymnastic
Lake County Sports Center
Glacier Ice Rink
Rinkside
Ivanhoe Golf Rounds
Services
Renew Day Spa
Touché Salon
Dr. Chloe Dentistry (teeth whitening)
Long’s Garage, Auto Care
Portrait Session with artist Suzanne
Baumruk
Lindeman Chimney
Studio West
Gift Items and Stores
The Present Moment
Cathy’s Garden Gate
Libertyville Coach
Abt Gift Card
Sports 11
Stemware Wine Chiller
LexiWynn Designs
Brozenex Epson Photo Printer
Jewels by Park Lane
Starbucks Gift Basket
Libertyville Cyclerey Bikes
S&S Wine and Spirits Room Rental
STX Lacrosse Merchandise
Laminating Machine
Deluxe Paper Cutter
Class Gifts (preliminary list)
Kgtn Decorated bulletin boards
1st
iPod and books with stories read by teachers
2nd Pizza party
3rd
Digital frame with pictures of the students
4th
Reserved VIP parking for school events
5th
Valley Forge Day Hard Bound Photo Books
6th
Decorated Adirondack chair
7th
Framed class photo piece of art
8th
Reserved seating and parking spaces
Elementary PE "Kids Choice" for a day in PE
Junior High PE An hour of open gym for 9 friends
Junior High PE Four tickets to DePaul basketball
Lots, Lots More to Come! Check back often
As of February 10, 2010
From the Principal’s Desk~
Dear 5th-8th Grade Parents,
As you know our students are required to have their school ID’s every day. Most
importantly, it is critical for them to have the ID’s on days when PTO lunches are
served as their order information is coded on the ID. If they do not have their ID
they have to step into a separate lunch line to have their order looked up
manually. Recently we have seen 20-30 students at each grade level come without
an ID. By the time they go through the line to have their order checked they have
very little time to eat. Additionally, one of our volunteers is then pulled from
the serving line to look up the order, which disrupts their flow as well. Some
students have lost their ID, some have “left it in their locker” and some have “left
it at home”. Either way, we are asking for your support in making sure your
student(s) have their ID’s daily. In order to manage this situation we want to
make you aware of our system for accountability.
1st offense - office referral
2nd offense - letter home
3rd offense - $5 charge
Each additional offense - $5 charge
This process will be implemented as of March 1st. All students will begin with a
clean slate on that day. If they need to have their ID replaced they can do so before March 1st by requesting the replacement in the JH office.
Thank you,
Mark Clement
5th-8th Principal / CES Director
BAND NEWS
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 17th, we will present our annual
Winter Concert with the Symphonic and Jazz Bands and Jazz Combo in the
Patt Gym at 7:30 p.m. We will meet in the band room at 7:10 sharp to warm up and tune.
(Note
different meeting time). Please be on time. Dress is black and white. This will be a great
evening of music. Let's have a blast!
Beginning next week, (Monday, February 22nd) the Concert Band will meet in the rubber
gym for morning rehearsals.
Eighth graders should be working on LHS band audition material. If you still need to
download it, go to the LHS web site (lhsmusic.org) and follow the links (band, then audition music). The LHS directors will come to Oak Grove in May to hold auditions for
placement in the LHS bands.
During these times of colder weather it is definitely tough to brave the elements and get to
band on time. We appreciate your extra effort. Having everyone ready to play at 7:30 a.m.
for our rehearsals is all-important to the progress of our groups.
Our Solo and Ensemble event will be held here at Oak Grove on Saturday, April 17th, from
8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Prepare a solo, duet or other ensemble piece to perform for a
professional musician and clinician who will show you how to improve your playing. You
may participate in as many as three sessions. Details will follow soon.
Lesson schedules, band dates, private instructors, demonstration videos and more can also
be found on our web site. Check it often to keep up to date on band goings-on.
Please bring your Essential Elements book to rehearsals and lessons.
Symphonic Band: Essential Technique, Book 3 (green).
Concert Band:
Essential Elements, Book 2 (red).
Beginning Band: Essential Elements, Book 1 (yellow).
Upcoming Band events:
Wednesday, February 17th: Symphonic and Jazz Bands Winter Concert in the Patt Gym at
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11th: Jazz Band and Jazz Combo concert in the Patt Gym at 7:00 p.m.
SHOW YOUR OAK GROVE SPIRIT!
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!!
Go to any participating store in downtown
Libertyville and vote for our SNOWMAN
ON PARADE! It’s easy: fill out the slip
with your name and circle Oak Grove
School! You can vote once a day!
Everyday! Until March 5th! So while you
travel through downtown, just drop in to
any store and vote!!!
If you have changed your email
address recently, please inform
Karen Draths at
draths@ogschool.org.
Thank you.
Preschool screening will be held on
Wednesday, February 24th at Oak
Grove School for children who are
three or four years of age. The
screening will examine a child's
proficiency in speech/language and
motor development as well as assess
pre-academic skills. Parents with
questions or concerns about their
child's development may schedule an
appointment by calling Julie
Waehner at (847) 996-1426.
School Calendar Input Welcome
It is time to finalize the Oak Grove
2010-2011 School Calendar. As we
develop the calendar we take into
consideration the number of days
required by the State, the calendar
of Libertyville High School (since
most families will eventually have
children at both schools), state
holidays and professional
development time for the teachers.
We welcome your views regarding
the calendar. Please email me in
the next week if you have thoughts
or wishes regarding the calendar.
matthews@ogschool.org The final
calendar must be voted on by our
Oak Grove Board of Education and
receives final approval by the state.
Wrestling:
OAK GROVE SPORTS
The last regular season
meet is today at Daniel
Wright (Lincolnshire)
4:30pm.
The IESA State
Tournament starts on
February 27th at the
Millburn Regional.
Congratulations to the
wrestlers on the win last
Thursday at the Crosstown
Classic against Highland.
The first dual meet win
over Highland for the
grapplin’ Eagles!
Basketball:
The 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball Teams will be heading down to Beasley
Academic Center in Chicago for a 7th grade exhibition game on Thursday.
The Beasley Bees will come visit the Eagles on Friday for another game against the
8th graders at 2:30 in the Pat Gym.
Boys Volleyball:
Boys Volleyball play one match this week today Vs Highland at 4:30 and 5:30 in the
Pat Gym.
The Boys Volleyball match originally scheduled for February 18th has been moved to
March 17th (the match is still away at Carl Sandburg)
Intramurals:
No intramurals this week.

















K - 4 Gone Wild With Good Character!
K - Joshua Poplawski
1 -
2 - Juliet Perez
3 - Nicholas Maestranzi
Jane Arnold
4 - Riley Gowens
Each week many K-4 students receive a "Gone Wild With
Character" nomination. These are displayed on the wall
across from the Pat Patt gym. The following students names
were randomly picked this week to say the Character Counts
pledge on Monday morning. Congratulations to all the
students who were nominated this past week!
Click *HERE* to view the following
flyers in the
VIRTUAL BACKPACK
Casa Bonita Fundraiser and Menus
Libertyville Cats Girls Softball Pre-K thru 11th Grade
Plastic Bottle Cap Recycling Program
Chess Club Schedule and Registration Form
PTO Lunch Calendar
Girls T-Ball
Piano Lessons
Family Reading Program @ SEDOL
Improv Summer Day Camp
Cook Memorial Library Children’s Programs
Chicago Botanical Gardens Camp
Chicago Botanical Gardens Club 2nd - 5th grade
Holy Cross Church Rummage Sale
Band Calendar
Afterschool Club
Homework Club Permission Slip
Snowmen on Parade
Jump Rope for Heart
Butterfield School Spring/Summer Clothing & Toy Sale
2nd - 3rd Grade Pool Party
Message for child in HONK! Jr. Program
Business Ad for Honk! Jr. Program
Dear Oak Grove Parents:
Oak Grove is participating in CureFinders to raise funds to cure Cystic Fibrosis. This
fun “kids helping kids” fund-raiser program will help to promote the community service
spirit already encouraged at Oak Grove.
We will be doing an activity called, “Change for a Cure” to support the mission of the
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and will be asking parents and students to donate their
change to the CF Foundation, February 22nd thru February 26th.
The top fund-raising class for each 6th thru 8th grade will win a special lunch donated by
a local restaurant. Please consider making a donation to help children like me live a long,
full life.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and
digestive system of children and young adults in the United States. When the CF
Foundation was started in 1955, a child with CF was not expected to live to attend
elementary school.
Today, dramatic advances in CF research and treatment have extended the median age
of survival for people with CF to almost 37. Progress to be sure, but not good enough.
There is still no cure for CF but, with the help of you and your family, there could be.
Thank you for supporting your child’s participation in Change for a Cure. You are helping
to create a fun, meaningful environment for your child to learn about helping others. To
learn more about CF and the programs and services provided by the CF Foundation,
please visit www.cff.org or call (800) FIGHT CF.
Sincerely,
Robin Borgeson
Sister of Oak Grove Student
Copyright 2005 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
OAK GROVE SCHOOL
“Best of Class” ifieds
Your place to advertise items for SALE and GIVE-AWAY
FOR SALE: Wood Nok Hockey table 47x35” includes 2 wood pucks & 2 plastic sticks. Good cond $18. ~ Multi
Game table foosball/tbl. tennis/soccer/turbo hockey/ bowling/shuffle bd/chess/checkers/backgammon ~
45.5”L x24”Wx32” H ~ Avg. condition $28. ~ Contact Paula @ 816.7282 or polixeni@comcast.net
FOR SALE: Yamaha Keyboard (PSR-225GM) 61 keys, multi function LCD display, 200 preset & user settings,
chord guide functions, portable grand function, 100 styles, 128 voices, 10 drum kit voices, song recording
features, GM compatible ~ Stand & lesson books included ~ 37”x15”x5” ~ 12 lbs. Exc. condition/hardly used.
$69.99 ~ Contact Paula @ 816.7282 or polixeni@comcast.net
FOR SALE: Canon Z 115 sure shot 35mm automatic camera w/zoom lens.(orig $300) Excellent condition ~
brand new lithium batteries (just cost me $16) $36 ~ Contact Paula at 847.816.7282 or polixeni@comcast.net
FOR SALE: Vintage 60-70’s Doll House. All wood construction, ready to be painted/finished. Includes stand
and large tote of doll furniture and accessories. Great condition, can deliver locally if needed as it is too large to
fit in most cars. Asking $200.00. Contact Gary at gkamees@aol.com or call 224-234-1641 for pictures or information.
FOR SALE: Like new Bellini Baby furniture set, Avanti series- Danny crib (beautiful detail ), large 4 shelf w/
drawer bookcase, 3 drawer dressing chest w/ slide top changer, Glider w/ ottoman Coffee color $600.00 call
Valerie (847) 309-4713
FOR SALE: Walnut twin bed w/ headboard/footboard including mattress. Light cream shadow strip sofa 84”
long. Both in very good condition; best offer for either piece. Contact Diane at Dllarak@aol.com or call 847-9187602.
GIVE AWAY: Lazy Boy (non-motion) sectional ~ 3 connecting pieces, sofa, armless chair and left-hand chaise
(chaise extends 62”) ~ Good condition ~ hunter green w/ small design, 141” L x 38” W x 35” H (3 pcs), sofa +
chaise = 107” L ~ Call Kathy for more info 847.816.0865
GIVE AWAY: National Geographic Magazines in leather slip covers from July 1983 - Dec. 1992, missing 1985.
Many individual magazines from ‘93 - ‘96, plus Oct. - Dec. ‘85. Very good to excellent condition. Pick them up
and they are yours! Call Mark at 847-362-3698 or email me at mxstav@comcast.net
GIVE AWAY: CD jewel cases - For art projects, demo’s for indie bands, etc. We have hundreds available. Call
Juliana Furlong at 847-922-6538 to arrange pick up.
The Oak Grove PTO is pleased to begin our third year of the “Best of Class” ifieds…the Classified
Ad page exclusively for the OGS community where all PTO members and Oak Grove Staff may advertise their
no-longer-needed items. Ads may be placed “For Sale” or “Give-Away”. All items need to be tangible, no
services please. Each ad will run for two consecutive weeks in the Oak Grove News. The cost to advertise “For
Sale” items is $5.00 for two lines. Give-away items are free! Each line is approximately 21 words. There is a
minimum purchase of 2 lines at the cost of $5.00. You may purchase extra lines in 2-line increments at the same
cost of $5.00. All ads are due to Kathy Blaha via e-mail at (ogsclassifieds@comcast.net ) no later than Noon on
Wednesday for the following Oak Grove News publication. Please put “OGS” in the subject line of your e-mail.
All payments must be by check made payable to Oak Grove PTO and mailed to Kathy Blaha at 31360 Reigate
Lane, Green Oaks, IL 60048. The Oak Grove PTO reserves the right to refuse an ad. Any questions, please e-mail
Kathy Blaha at ogsclassifieds@comcast.net.