1/19/2012
Board Meeting Highlights 01/17/12
Brooks Elementary School
· The Board received information from Tammy Carson about a benefit spaghetti dinner to be held on February 10th from 4-7 pm at DHS to benefit Christopher Canaday (a Brooks students who was born with a congenital heart defect). Tickets are $10 for adults & $5 for students & include entry into the DHS vs. Kaneland boys’ varsity basketball game at 7:00. Tickets are available at Brooks, Castle Bank & DHS.
· Brooks fifth grade students introduced themselves to the Board & sang the school song for them. Principal Spears gave the Board an overview of her school saying they take pride & honor in the diversity at Brooks & also in their steady standard of academic excellence.
· Mr. Gallagher (4th ward alderman) shared with the Board a proposal to improve Kiwanis Park with transplanted trees from the City of DeKalb tree farm.
· Mr. Frances from PMA showed the Board a PowerPoint of possible financial projections for our district based on certain revenue & expenditure assumptions.
· Colleen Dekraker & Danielle deVerdier from Cooper & Company pointed out to the Board the major points to note in our recent audit.
· Dr. Scott & Mr. Mix shared with the Board a proposal to ease the transition for students moving from 5th to 6th grade called “WEB” (Where Everybody Belongs).
· Dr. Moeller & Laura Edwards, Counselor & Assessment Coordinator, took the Board through 9th grade placement criteria developed by a committee at DHS.
· DHS math teachers (T.J. Fontana, Paul Severino & Sarah Scheen) informed the Board they are recommending that Algebra A/B would be the best option for the future.
Items approved by the Board:
ü The donation of $5,000 to DeKalb High School from an anonymous donor to assist with the payment of fees for our low income families.
ü DHS Outdoor Adventure Club Overnight Camping Trip
12/8/2011
The Students Involved with Technology Conference is an annual conference occurring at several sites throughout Illinois. It originated in Bloomington-Normal and has since expanded. This will be the 4th year DeKalb School District has hosted the SIT Conference locally. It is a conference for 3rd-12th grade students. So what makes the SIT Conference stand out? It is also completely presented by 3rd-12th grade students. While adult volunteers from local schools and the community help the day run smoothly, all presentations are prepared and presented by the students! If you’d like to be a part of the SIT Conference, as a student presenter or attendee, or as an adult volunteer, contact us or visit our Registration page!
What is the SIT Conference?
SIT is a conference presented by Higher Education and K-12 School Districts to provide a forum where kids in grades 3-12 can demonstrate technology tools they have learned in school or that they are interested in.
When Is the SIT Conference?
The 2011 Students Involved with Technology Conference will be February 18, 2012 from 8:30-2:00.
Where is the SIT Conference?
This year the conference we are hosting the SIT conference at DeKalb High School (501 W Dresser Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115).
Do Presenters need a Sponsor?
Yes. The sponsors’ role to make sure that the presenter is well-prepared to give their presentation. They are also in the room during the presentation in case the presenter needs assistance.
Do Sponsors have to register? Is there a fee for them to register?
Yes. Sponsors need to register for the conference. They are also charged the $25 registration fee. As a sponsor they will receive a conference T-Shirt, bag, lunch and snack. They are not eligible for SIT prizes.
Can parents attend?
SIT is conference by kids for kids. If a parent wants to attend they can – but they have to register as a participant in order to attend. They will get a shirt, lunch and snack. Adult participants are not eligible for SIT Prizes.
Can I bring a child that is younger than 3rd grade?
No. Due to the nature of the conference, it is not geared for younger children.
What if I want to come see my child’s presentation?
You would need to register as a participant. Due to the safety and security of the students, only registered attendees are permitted at the conference.
Do I have to sign up in advance?
Yes. If you want to attend the conference you need to register by 1/18/2012. No on-site registration is accepted.
Is SIT fun?
Yes, it is! The conference in Normal celebrated its 12th anniversary – would anyone still be coming after 12 years if it wasn’t fun?!?
What topics are going to be presented?
Topics vary from year to year. We don’t know what the current topics will be until registration is complete. Consider visiting past SIT websites to see what has been presented in the past! 11/17/2011Board Meeting Highlights 11/15/11
Malta Elementary School
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· The Board of Education recognized the DeKalb High School Cross Country Team for placing 9th at the IHSA Cross Country State Meet last weekend and Kelsey Schrader, a sophomore at DeKalb High School, for finishing in second place. Kelsey’s finish in 17:11 made her the highest cross country finish in DeKalb High School history. Team members are Christin Bothe, Desa Diedrich, Danielle Dlabal, Kayla Federici, Marissa Maeder, Malerie Meares, Kelsey Schrader, Sara Schafer and Monica York. The team is coached by head coach Mike Wolf and assistant coach Duane Cowley. Dan Jones commended the team for being an All State, All Academic team with a combined GPA of 3.43.
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· Ms. Rohlman gave the Board a brief overview of Malta School
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· In honor of School Board Members Day, Tuesday, November 15, 2011, our Board members were recognized for the countless hours they donate to the students and staff of the DeKalb School District.
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· The Board of Education recognized Andrea Gorla and Cindy Carpenter for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Association of School Business Officials International for the comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
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· Emily Weller & principals from the three schools shared information about a recent Family YMCA Night (Brooks, Jefferson and Littlejohn).
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· Andrea Gorla shared with the Board results from three local banks for pre-placement of $5 million dollar bond.
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· Don Biggs shared additional proposals for the remaining contingency funds at Founders Elementary School & Huntley Middle School.
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· Dr. Cremascoli shared information about a New Course Proposal: DHS Intensive Geometry (Special Education).
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· The Board of Education held a first reading of recommended changes to Board of Education policies.
· Don Biggs shared additional proposals for the remaining contingency funds at Founders Elementary School & Huntley Middle School.
· Dr. Cremascoli shared information about a New Course Proposal: DHS Intensive Geometry (Special Education).
· The Board of Education held a first reading of recommended changes to Board of Education policies. 10/12/2011
The first meeting
of the newly formed
DeKalb School District
Finance & Facilities Committee
will be held
Thursday, October 13th
beginning at 7:00 p.m.
at the Education Center
Board room
901 S. 4th Street. 9/21/2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation is encouraging schools statewide to participate in next month’s International Walk to School Day. Attached is information about the event along with a form that IDOT would like participating schools to complete and return after the event.
International Walk to School Day is a great way to encourage safer and improved routes to school, healthier habits and environmental concern.
More information about International Walk to School Day is also available by visiting the websites www.walktoschool.org and http://www.dot.il.gov/green/IWTSD.html.
Please direct any questions about the event to Erik Hall at (815) 434-8520 or william.e.hall@illinois.gov.
6/23/2011
Board Meeting Highlights 06/21/11
· The Board of Education recognized Andria Mitchell, Principal of Tyler Elementary, for her Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy project, “CATCH the Spirit”, done in cooperation with Lisa Cumings, Community Health Liaison from Kishwaukee Hospital.
· The Board of Education recognized Jason Mix, Principal of Clinton Rosette; Doug Moeller, Principal of DHS; and Andria Mitchell, Principal of Tyler Elementary, for their participation in the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy.
· The Board agreed to pay teachers for packing their items if their program is moving for this year only.
· Don Biggs gave the Board an overview of the construction costs & said of the $1.5 million that was remaining we now have $720,000. He said the asbestos removal is complete at Clinton Rosette, Founders and the “new” Huntley. Don continued the construction is going well at Founders & the “new” Huntley & he hopes to have the projects complete by mid-August. Four schools are completely cleaned and we are well ahead on the furniture moves.
· The Board agreed to reschedule the meeting scheduled for July 19th to Thursday, July 28th, & to cancel the August 2nd meeting.
Items approved by the Board:
ü Letter of Agreement with the DCTA Regarding DHS Hourly Deans
ü Change Order #33 for the new High School
ü Maintenance Equipment & Vehicles for new High School
ü Disposal of Equipment
ü To Seek IDOT Approval for Pedestrian Crossing System at Barb Blvd. & 4th Street
ü Resolution Establishing Fund Balance Policies as Required by GASB 54
ü High School Yearbook Contract with Walsworth
ü Cooperative Swim Program Agreement with Sycamore
ü Flexible Benefit Plan Document
ü Electronic Grade Reporting for Secondary Students
5/24/2011
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· The Board of Education recognized Mrs. Yolanda Hopkins, Home-School Liaison at Littlejohn Elementary School, for her leadership initiating and organizing a new student group in the DeKalb School District which celebrates and honors the culture, traditions and diversity present throughout our schools and community. The Board was also treated to a performance from the group.
· The Board of Education recognized City of DeKalb crossing guards for their faithful work each day to make sure our students get safely to and from school.
· Gary Gustafson (construction liaison) informed the Board the new high school is essentially complete and is scheduled for an ROE inspection this Thursday. He continued the erection of greenhouse is complete & the interior mechanical & electrical work is ongoing. Work has begun on the stadium project as well.
Items approved by the Board:
ü The donation of two checks from Gordon Kresheck for $1,000 and $2,000, which represent his contribution to a DeKalb High School Scholarship Fund that recognizes senior student athletes and honors his daughter Carey’s memory & a grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation in the amount of $13,766 to support the purchase of junior size fresh fruit and vegetable bars at district elementary schools
ü Board of Education Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012
ü Addition of Boys Bowling at DeKalb High School
ü DeKalb High School Overnight Camps
ü Amending of 2010-2011 School Calendar (Last day of school is June 6th – ½ day)
ü The construction of a bike path by the City of DeKalb on DeKalb School District property, pending the development of intergovernmental maintenance agreements with the City of DeKalb and/or the DeKalb Park District
ü Change Order #32 for the new High School
ü Staggered bus schedule beginning with the 2011-2012 school year
ü The purchase 3, 1 year old buses from Midwest Transit and finance them through NBT Bank for a 3 year period at 3% interest for a total cost (which includes principal and interest) of $124,704 to save on busing costs
ü An addendum to the DHS course catalog for 2011-2012 to give weighted credit for classes taken in the Kishwaukee College Engineering Program
5/11/2011
Board Meeting Highlights 05/09/11
· The Board of Education recognized Andrea Gorla and Cindy Carpenter for their completion of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
· The Board was given a bond presentation by Liz Hennessey from the William Blair Company.
· Andrea Gorla reviewed district budget information with the Board.
· Andrea Gorla shared a possible staggered busing proposal for next year with the Board.
· The Board discussed the possibility of adding one more activity bus.
· The Board discussed with Doug Moeller & Cindy Lofthouse the best way to handle weighted grades at DHS.
· Doug Moeller shared a Security/Supervision plan for the new high school.
· Dr. Scott informed the Board administration is looking for their approval to go to electronic report cards at the secondary level.
· The Board looked at the possibility of patenting district logos & adding a $1 charge to district events.
· Dan Jones informed the Board he would like to add boys’ bowling at DHS.
Items approved by the Board:
ü The donation to Jefferson Elementary of 8 document cameras, 10 projectors and 2 Smart Boards from the Jefferson PTA, totaling $11,980, the donation of $500 to Jefferson Elementary to fund an additional document camera from Nick & Lisa Johnson & the donation to the district from the 3M Company of 25 classroom projectors (Close Projection System SCP717) at a value of $33,450
ü Extension of Construction Liaison Contract
ü Bid Process for Food Service Provider
ü The relocation of one portable classroom from Littlejohn to Lincoln
ü Buildings & Grounds Staffing Proposal for 2011-2012
5/6/2011
DeKalb School District anticipates a few kindergarten openings at the new Founders Elementary School which will open in September in the current Huntley Middle School building. If the number of lottery applications to Founders exceeds the number of openings, NIU will assist District 428 with an impartial lottery to help select students. Application forms will be available at the Education Center, 901 S. 4th Street and on the school district website. Completed forms will be accepted May 9-27, with decisions to parents in early June.
Final due date for all completed applications is Friday, May 27th.
Applications may be turned in at the Education Center, 901 S. 4th St.
For more information regarding Founders Elementary School, please contact Dr. Roger Scott, Assistant Superintendent, at (815)754-2350 or contact the Principal, Ms. Gina Greenwald at (815) 825-2061.
Founders Elementary Kindergarten Registration Form
Please join us for a reception on Monday, May 9th, from 6-7 pm to honor our new School Board and welcome incoming Board members Cohen Barnes, Nina Fontana, Tom Matya and Tracy Williams. The reception will be held in the Board room at the Education Center, 901 S. 4th Street, DeKalb. |
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