DISTRICT 62 IN THE SPOTLIGHT April20I3 Compliments of Community Relations Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations wardm®d62.org Jane of All Trades I District Administration Magazine http://\\'\\' \\'.d is tri c tadministration .com/article/j a ne-all -trades ~ Tweel ,1 () Like : 3 Fri, 03/22/2013 - 1:50/)m Feut11re Jane of All Trades Des Plains Chief Is Illinois Superintendent of the Year. ll!J: !.'t/6nkd ni,fnct Administration. AJ'ril :-ot:J Jane L. Beyer 'v\'esterhold knows no boundaries. As superintendent of the Des Plaines (Ill.) Community Consolidated School District 62 in suburban Chicago, Westerhold has led a three-year master plan with a $109 million facilities upgrade, narrowed the achie1·ement gap between low-income and other students, and kept a ..<\A+ bond rating- the highest gh·en by the Illinois State Board of Education. She managed this despite a recession and a diYerse student body, which speaks 61 languages. In recognition, Westerhold was named the 2013 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Superintendent Jane L. Beyer Westerhold, in red, celebrates winning a Blue Ribbon Distinction award for South Elementary School. The announcement prompted the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce to trumpet her award on an electronic billboard on Interstate High11·ay 90 . "1 1ras dying," Westerhold says with a laugh. "I was like, 'You've got to be kidding me. I am going to get so much abuse for this.' "She is also quick to add that most of her colleagues across Illinois are equally qualified for the honor. She Earned It But those who work with Westerhold, a 33-year Yeteran in K12 administration, agree she deserves the recognition. Nelson Gray, assistant superintendent and business manager at Des Plaines, says she brought together a "solid leadership group" that works across silos to achie,·e the mission ofthe K8 district, which has 5 , 000 students. "If we were to function as independent departments, the synergy wouldn't be there to moYe things forward the way the district has been able to do," Gray says. Brenda Murphy, school board president, says the superintendent has "yery high expectations" for herself and those around her and works tirelessly to see all students succeed. "Obviously, it takes a whole team of people to make a school district successful," Murphy says, and "one of her strengths is her ability to recruit and develop talent." Westerhold also empowers teachers in a collaborative fashion, says Kathy Borg, president of the Des Plaines Education Association, the teachers' union. "She really does promote that professional learning community concept," says Borg. "You can see her level of investment in the way the other administrators work to involve and engage teachers and parents." A Principal at 26 A native of Staunton, Ill., Westerhold says her home town focused heavily on its schools, where she was a member of the local high school marching ba nd. After receil·ing her master's degree in education from Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsYille, Westerhold became principal at age 26 at a school in the Worden (Ill.) School District 16, a small district that's since been absorbed into Edwardsville School District 7. In the years since, Wes terhold has earned her doctorate in leadership and policy studies I nf 1 4/ 1/1 3 10 :34 A M at Loyola University in Chicago while serving stints as assistant principal and principal in Edwardsville, principal and director of special projects in Schaumburg School District 54, director of curriculum and instruction in Wauconda Community Unit School District 118, and assistant superintendent in Valley View Community School District 365U that opened several new buildings. "My experience in working with the construction was an asset" after arriving at Des Plaines in 2005, says Westerhold, whose husband is a retired superintendent who has continued to work as an interim superintendent in three districts. Building in an Economic Bust Since arriving in Des Plaines, Westerhold is most proud of the master plan, an "elaborate ambitious goal" that was accomplished in three years, from 2010 to 2012. Westerhold invited more than500 citizensto provide input as the master plan took shape about "what they wanted the district to be," she says. "We tried to touch on every group willing to participate. That's critical to undertaking such a project" It was a significant undertaking to meet the needs, to fund it, and to physically get the work done in three years, Gray adds. "That all took place at the same time as trying to move other things forward with instruction, with technology," he says. The plan, which incorporated 625,700 square feet of renovations and 109,200 square feet of new construction, included a new early learning center that brought together preschool children who had been scattered in classrooms in other schools. It provides a focused setting while opening space in other schools to create TILE (Technology Integrated Learning Environments) rooms in every building. TILE rooms are computer labs each equipped wi th 6o laptops, two smart boards and document cameras, Westerhold says. Also as part of the master plan, decades-old buildings had significant upgrades, including HVAC, lights, floors, and painting. New, larger kitchens and cafeterias at Algonquin and Chippewa middle schools enable all students in each grade to eat together, where lunch periods had been staggered in the past due to insuffcient seating. The year-round K8 Iroquois School, located in the flight path to O'Hare International Airport, had originally been built without windows to keep air traffic noise down, but now has natural light from nearly soundproof windows, which Westerhold feels improves the learning environment. South School, about 75 years old and built with fireplaces inside two rooms that are now TILE rooms, was restored to its "historical" look, sh e says. Perhaps most presciently, the project added two sets of doors each with a security buzzer at the entrance and exit of a vestibule. "Everybody's scrambling to add security after the Sandy Hook (school shootings), but we already have it," she says. "That was comf01ting to our families after that horrible tragedy." ELL Training for All Westerhold's embrace of diversity and the challenges posed by the achievemen t gap have brought academic success. The achievement gap narrowed between lowincome students and others from 28 percent in 2005 to 14 percent today on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, even as the percentage oflow-income students rose from 28 percent to 45 percent in the same period. She attributes the reduction to leadership and "great teachers." With a student body that is 40 percent Hispanic, and where 61 languages are spoken, Westerhold and her team combined general education and English language learners into one educational track where they had been separate in the past. All incoming teachers and existing staff are encouraged to gain ELL certification, which the district pays about $50,000 per year to do so, Westerhold says. To date, 35 percent of the district's teachers have this certification. Along with ELL, teachers unde1take diversity training through learning modules that help them becomemore informed about the cultural needs of children-and staff. For example, teachers learned that hugging or putting their arm around the shoulder of a child is perceived negatively by Muslims. "They learn how to meet the needs for different languages, but also other needs," Westerhold says. A Visionary for Teacher PD ? of 1 4/1/13 10:34 To recruit an excellent team and help people succeed is another goal that sets Westerhold apart. In 2006, she incorporated the Charlotte Danielson framework for professional development, a research-based program that in part provides a common vocabulary and helps teachers understand expectations. The rigorous online training includes videos of both effective and ineffective teachers that viewers can review. A committee that included stakeholders from administrators to union leaders devised the district's new teacher evaluation system based on the model, and an ongoing evaluation committee reviews the rubric to find areas of improvement. In 2012, Danielson became the model for teacher evaluations in Illinois, Westerhold says. "I feel so f01tunate we were visionary to have that in place," she adds. She also developed a professional learning community network, which gives teachers a chance to look al the data andhave a dialogue around best practices. And since strong leadership is also important, Westerhold and her team have also instituted a new principalmentorship program in which she and the three assistant superintendents pelform an annual management review. In some cases, they bring in an outside mentor to review each principal's goals, with the hope that principals will feel more comfortable about revealing how they're trying to improve, she says. Financial Stability On the finance side, District 62 has improved its bond rating with Standard & Poor's, as well as gained recognition for financial stability from the Illinois State Board of Education, with "solid fund balances" and conservative spending habits, Westerhold says. Associate Superintendent Paul Hertel meets with each principal to discuss staffng needs in areas like special education, ELL, and even custodial, to evaluate needs and return-on-investment. When a program isn't making gains, it's discontinued, or when a special ed student leaves a district, for example, the aide for that student may or may not be re-assigned depending on need. The union is on board, Borg says. And relations v.~th the teachers' union has been positive, even during collectivebargaining. There have been no layoffs during Westerhold's tenure, but the union accepted a o percent cost-ofliving increase for four years along v.~th a "healthy step increase," Borg says. "If the district is struggling financially, nobody wins," she adds."We also recognize that negative relationships between the teachers and the board and administration have a negative impact on kids." And Westerhold's personal touch wins people over, Murphy says. "She writes a lot of thank-you notes," she says. "From her elementary school teaching days, she has lovely handv.Titing, so it's a very nice touch that she takes time to attend to those details." Ed Finkel is a contributing writer to District Administration. awards /competitions ~or register to post comments Q ~HARE .~ '! J 3 of 3 t _j Email this page "'= ------------------------------------~------------------~~----~----~--~~ 4/1 / 13 10:34 The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April3, 2013 Teen Tycoons District 62 Students Pitch Products At DP Chamber Panel Des Plaines business owners got a preview of the next generation of local economic leaders last month ·and the results were impressive. Twelve Des Plaines School Dist. 62 middle school students pitched their business plan concepts during an investor panel Tuesday, Mar. 19 at Club Casa in Des Plaines. The panel was part ofthe Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a national program run locally by Dist. 62 and the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce. The panel of nine investors, made up of local leaders and business professionals, made donations to the students' upstarts based on the quality of their pitch and chance for success. "It was just a very, very exciting evening for the students," said Barb Ryan, the chamber's executive director. "All the investors were impressed with what these students were able to accomplish." Proposals included party planning for children's events, an instructional video to teach young children basic basketball skills, a company that makes wallets and hair accessories out of duct tape, and bracelets that benefit endangered tigers. While all the student companies received some money, the big winner of the night was 13-year-old Chippewa Middle School student Cory Scholler. Cory invented a product that protects athletic shoes and received $1,470 from the panel. He'll also represent Dist. 62 at the national YEA! competition in Rochester, NY in April. This is the first year Dist. 62 and the chamber have participated in YEA! The students and their businesses were: • Bear Fitness: Jalen Moore and Bennett Miller, $155 investment • BOW Today: Lucia Gar- YEA! Class of 2013 (front row from left) Danna Oritz, Lil Duckies; Clara Cupuro, Easily Done Events; Brookes Saunders, Eclipsed Jewelry; Ella Powell, Eclipsed Jewelry; (second row: Lucia Garrett, Bow Today; Jizelle Torres, Lil Duckies; Corion Hudson, Hudson's Pro Clinic; Ella Kurtuz, Trinkets for Tigers; Cory Schol· ler, Smart Product Solutions; Bhagirath Mehta, Mehta +Tutoring; (third row) Bennett Miller, Bear Fitness; Jalen Moore, Bear Fitness. rett, $770 . rath Mehta, $625 munity College; Sandra Han• Easily Done Events: Clara • Trinkets for Tigers: Ella sen, manager of BMO Harris Kurutz, $440 Cupuro, $340 Bank; Tom Huffman, senior • Eclipsed Jewelry: Brooke • Smart Product Solutions: vice president ofWintrust; Bob Sanders and Ella Powell, Cory Scholler, $1,470 Lewandowski, Lewandowski $375 The investor panel included: Family Foundation; Christen • Hudson's Pro Clini: Corion Rosemary Argus, Des Plaines Osowski, branch manager for Hudson, $340 Community Foundation; Ed First Midwest Bank; Steve • Lil Duckies: Jizelle Torres Domingo, vice presidents of Pokrak, controller Millennium and Danna Oritz, $485 finance for Rivers Casino; Bank; and Lynn Seinfeld, Oak• Mehta+ Tutoring: Bhagi- Carlee Drummer, Oakton Com- ton Community College. District 62 Spring Registration Now Open- Des Plaines, IL Patch Page 1 of3 Your fashionjauorites at GIL'r up/ 1 (It 1'' Uke E<1110• Christopher Brinck erh off [email protected] DesPiainesPatch. Directory · ·· shop Now 111 ·on Gilt.com 915 sgo Pies & Clips Patch Newsletter · Nearby Advertise on Patch. I Commute I Real Estate More Stuff I District 62 Spring Registration Now Open Students need to return to the Registration Accounting and Transportation Enrollment Forms by May3. April4. 2013 Recommend Tweet Comment 1 Related Topics: District 62 Spring Registration and Transportation Enrollment for School District 62's 2013-2014 school year is now open. District 62 parents and guardians must submit Registration Accounting and Transportation Enrollment Forms by May 3, 2013. Both forms are available on the district websiteand will be sent home with students the week of April 8, 2013. Registration for 2013-2014 If children will attend a District 62 school next year. parents and guardians should complete: • Registration Acccunting Form - Due with student fees by May 3, 2013. • Current 1st-4th graders, please return the K-5 grade Registration Accounting Form to each student's current elementary school. • Current 5th-7th graders, please return the 6-8 grade Registration Accounting Form to each student's attending middle school. • All Iroquois Community School students, please return Registration Accounting Form to Iroquois Community School. Note: Families new to District 62 should contact their new school for the complete registration requirements and packet. And, as needed, please provide their school with any updated contact information if you have recently changed your address, home and/or cellular phone numbers, or email address. Busing for 2013-2014 Both free and paid riders must complete the Transportation Enrollment Form to ride the bus in 2013-2014. Transportation Enrollment Forms- Due May 3, 2013 for discounted pricing June 11, 2013 is the last day for free and paid students to register for busing and be inducted in the development of computerized bus routes for 20132014. No new stops will be added to the route after June 11, 2013. Note: Buses will only stop at approved common stop locations on the new 2013-2014 computerized bus routes. The buses wilf not stop at residences; http://desplaines.patch.com/articles/district-62-spring-registration-now-open 5/6/2013 District 62 Spring Registration Now Open- Des Plaines, IL Patch Page 2 of3 students are expected to walk up to two blocks to common stop locations. Current and Mure 062 parents should contact the school that their child will attend during the 2013-2014 school year if they have questions or concerns. Those schools are: Algonquin Middle School, 847-824-1205 Central Elementary School , 847-824-1575 Chippewa Middle School, 847-824-1503 Cumberland Elementary School, 847-824-1451 Forest Elementary School, 847-824-1380 Iroquois Community School. 847-824-1308 North Elementary School, 847-824-1399 Orchard Place Elementary School, 847-824-1255 Plainfield Elementary School. 847-824-1301 South Elementary School, 847-824-1566 Terrace Elementary School, 847-824-1501 Email me updates about this story. T~t Recommend Follow comments Enter your email address Keep me posted 1 Submit tip Comment Leave a comment Submit> 1 Unique spice that controls diabetes Are you eating this powerful super spice? 4 foods that reduce high blood pressure See these four foods that reduce high blood pressure Sponsored Links New Rule in Illinois 2013)· If You Pay For Car Insurance Read This Now.. llr,on.,,~•""pend>ng org Refinance Now 2.53% FIXED No cost and no fee mortgager No SSN rqd. Free quote 1n m1nutes. (2 . Fetcharate com (. 4t«:. Start Your Own Business ::.,=. Opportumtres for Entrepreneurs! Info on 8 l' 'JiiJl n.r:r::-'T' 1oo·s of Franchises Here www Franch•seD~rect com http://desplaines.patch.com/articles/district-62-spring-registration-now-open 5/6/2013 The Daily Herald, Thursday, April II , 2013 Plainfield School renovations: Plainfield Elementary School in Des Plaines will showcase building improvements and renovations during a community open house at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aprill7. This event will give school officials a chance to show off the 47-year-old school. Principal Guillermo Heredia said the public is invited to visit and tour the school, 1850 Plainfield, from 5 to 6 p.m., before the K-2 musical. Upgrades included installation of interactive technology, fresh paint and flooring, and improved heating, air conditioning and lighting systems. Plainfield was one of three schools ren0\'<lted during Phase lll of the D"S Plaines Elementary School District 62 Master Plan. Iroquois Community Schoolis hosting a FOSS Science Night and Community Open House featuring Mr. Freeze from Ferrnilab on Thursday, May9. And Orchard Place Elementary School will host a community open house Tuesday, May21. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April12, 2013 ..... ... ....... - -. -- -· - . .. lmig Rejoins 062 Board A fonner Des Plaines School Dist. 62 board member is returning to the district with three incumbents. Ray Imig received as many as 327 write-in votes, according to Cook County Clerk spokesperson Courtney Greve. That's the number of write-in votes cast in the Dist. 62 school board race, though na;..l!S other than !mig's may have been submitted. However, Imig needed only one vote to win a spot on the board, as the fourth open seat was uncontested. A story in last week's Journal & Topics incorrectly stated lmig needed 50 write-in votes to qualify for a win. lmig served on the school board from 2005 to June 2011, when he resigned to pursue other endeavors. James Poskozim, another former Dist. 62 trustee, was appointed to fill out the rest of his tenn. Poskozim and two other incumbents, Stephanie ChambersDuckmann and Ronald Burton, won reelection Tuesday night. Chambers-Duckmann led with 4,340 votes (35.37%), Burton was second with 4,114 (33.52%) and Poskozim third with 3,818 (31.11%). The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April12, 2013 Plainfield School Open HousyApr. 17 Plainfield Elementary School in Des Plaines will showcase building improvements and renovations during a community open house on Wednesday, Apr. 17. This event will give school officials a chance to show off the 47-year-old school. · Principal Guillermo Heredia said the public is invited to visit and tour the school, 1850 Plainfield, from 5 to 6 p.m., prior to the K-2 musical. "This open house is for the community," Heredia said. "We're asking everyone to start at the main entrance at 5 p.m." Supt.Jane W~sterholdsaidthe school, originally built in 1966, received needed upgrades, from interactive technology, fresh paint and flooring, to upgraded HVAC and lighting systems. The renovations, which were a part of the Dist. 62's Master Plan, provides·ad~itionapeam ing spaces. Chi cago Tri hunc - District 62 approYcs 3-) ear goals hllp://my .ch icagotrihunc .com/ffstory/cHI-d62-board-meetin g-~ 15-2 ... ··District 62 approves 3-year goals - =-· Email I(J Facebook Sl'lh llll\H't>. din•l'lor of infortllatinn and iustm etioual lt'ehno lo)\)· a t 1lt>~ Pla im·~ Sdtoo! Distril·t (>:!, v;hes a tt•ehnnlov;y update to till' hoard on April t!). By Bob Chiarito, Special t o the Tribune April 16. :!Ot;l Des Plaines School District 62 may be busy for the foreseeable future after it passed sweeping education goals Monday, but it is well on pace to achieving its goals in the digital area, district officials said Monday. The board approved four goals s ubmitted by Superintendent Jane Westerhold. While specific plans are yet to be developed, implementation is to begin in July, with a planned completion date of J une 30, 2016. The board spent most of its time talking about plans to complete what it calls a digital conversion spanning all grades. The plan would ensure that students experien ce 21st-century methodologies throu gh digital delive1y of content and developing digital literacy skills to be ready for high school, college, career and life, according to Westerhold. Complementing the digital conversion goal was an update on technology by Seth Bowers, director of information and instruction al technology. Bowers explained that in 2008, the district's Programs and Services Committee made several recommendations cat egorized as "must haves," "should haves" and "nice to haves." "You can take a red marker and cross out all the 'must haves' and 'should haves,' because we've accomplished those," Bowers said. I of 3 ~11 7/13 8:27 AM Included on the "must have" list were mounted LCD screens, full 'vvireless access, installation of infrash·ucture and ports, adequate black-and-white printers and color print options, and full technology support at all district buildings. Rounding out the "should have" category were schoohvide intercom systems, a video distribution system, and laptops for students and teachers. On the "nice to have" list were interactive whiteboards and document cameras, which are in some but not all classrooms, Bowers said. There are currently 4,100 online devices at District 62 schools and 4 ,800 students, Bowers said. That's a twofold increase from 2008 , when the district had slightly fewer than under 2000 devices, he said. In addition, Westerhold said the district is "blessed to have wireless access in every building and is in a great position to move fmward." Citing the fact that some of the district's students come from poor households, Westerhold said, technology can offer a lot of opportunities. "We have a lot of kids who haven't seen a Jot of things," she said. "When we open them up to the digital world, they can go to a lot of places." Westerhold explained that while students cannot take the devices home, a committee \viii be formed in July to develop a plan that would likely create a 1:1 ratio of online devices to students. The committee will focus on specifics such as cost, what type of devices the district will select and how it will roll out its plan, Westerhold said. Among the other goals in Westerhold's plan approved by the board are the implementation of anti-bullying curricula in all schools; evaluation of school safety and security; development of a multiyear facilities plan; updating a plan for hiring teachers and administrators; digital rep011 cards, parental portal communication and digital registration; keeping fund balances in alignment 'vvith board of education policies; keeping a positive bond rating; seeking new sources of revenue; and allocating resources for increased bandwidth. Also, Ellen Teelucksingh, the new assistant supe1;ntendent for student services, was introduced to the board. Effective July 1 , Teelucksingh is replacing Brad Voehringer, who was recently hired to lead Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge. [email protected] Account Sign 1n Reg1ster Customer Serv1ce s Advertising Serv1ces Contact Us 2of 3 4/17/13 8:27 Page 1 of3 Going shopping? Grocery Specials Check Patch Grocery Specials for coupons and weekly deals before you go! Uke Ed•tcr Christopher Brinckerhoff [email protected] DesPiainesPatctt • Directory 915 sgo Pies & Clips Patch Newsletter Nearby Advertise on Patch . I Commute I Real Estate More Stuff I Police & Fire . Schools Retired Cop Shot in Leg at Des Plaines School The man was taken to the hospital, the Daily Herald reported, and no other injuries were reported . A pri117, 2013 Recommend 92 Tweet 6 Comments 2 Related Topics: Chicago Police. Des Plaines Police. District 62, Iroquois sc hool. city of des plaines, d es plaines. des plaines illinois . and school district 62 Tell us what you think. Tell us in the comments. A retired Chicago police officer was accidentally shot in the leg when his loaded gun fell on the floor at a school in Des Plaines on Monday, the Daily Herald reported. The man was taken lo the hospital. the Daily Herald reported, and no other injuries were reported. Email me updates about this story. Recommend 92 Follow comments Tweet Enter your email address Keep me posted 2 Submit tip 6 Comments Mary Beth Flag as inappropriate 3:54pm on Wednesday. April17. 2013 This occurred at my child's school. One has to wonder why a loaded gun was taken out of its holster and allowed to 'drop' even if accidentally. I am only thankful that none of the children present were injured or killed. This could have been a disaster. Senseless. irresponsible and stupid. Flag as tnappropnate 4:11pm on Wednesday, April17, 2013 MB... I agree with you 1000%...we are livid. my children also go to this school and it makes me think twice about allowing them to participate in after school activities. It shows definate lack of judgement and supervision of who is on school grounds. If it had been "accidently" a child who was hit by this stray bullet...it would have been a tragedy. The principal sent a message assuring us that all was ok. Not sure I am feeling ok ...would love to hear other families input. http://desplaines.patch.com/articles/retired-cop-shot-in-leg-at-des-plaines-school 5/6/2013 District 62 Names New Assistant Superintendent for Student Services- Des Plaines, IL Patch Going shopping? Page 1 of3 Grocery Specials Check Patch Grocery Specials for coupons and weekly deals before you go! -- - -- --- - - - - --- ----- Edttor Christopher Brinckerholf [email protected] DesPiainesPatch. · Directory -- - - ------ -----J Uke sgo Pies & Clips 915 Patch Newsletter 1 Nearby Advertise on Patch. I Commute I Real Estate More Stuff I District 62 Names New Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Ellen Teelucksingh will replace Brad Voehringer effective July 1. April17, 2013 Recommend Tweet 0 Comment 3 Related Topics: District 62 •. • . Will " ·.~l:c~:.' : ...·"-' ·:~ ·~ The Community Consolidated School District 62 Board of Education appointed Dr. Ellen Teelucksingh as the next Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, effective July 1, 2013. Teelucksingh replaces Brad Voehringer. who was recently hired to lead Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge, IL Currently, Dr. Teelucksingh serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Special Services in Lombard District 44. She oversees and supervises Special Education, ELUBilingual, Earty Childhood , and Social Emotional Learning programs and staff. She is also responsible for writing and managing several state and federal grants, compliance and monitoring of special services programs, and managing the department budget. Prior to working in Lombard, Teelucksingh served as the assistant principal of Glenwood School, a special education and public day school educational program for K- 12 students; special education supervisor of the Bren Road Education Center, an emotional/behavioral disorder site housing a variety of programs, including a j uvenile residential and correctional facility and the Omegon program a residential treatment center for juveniles with mental and chemical health needs; and as a program facilitator and school psychologist. Teelucksingh earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and master's and doctorate degrees in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota. An accomplished author and workshop and media presenter, Teelucksingh is a member of the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education, Council for Exceptional Children, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and National Association of School Psychologists. "I have always found great pleasure in helping students who have unique learning profiles reach their full potential," Teelucksingh announced, when asked about coming to District 62. "While student progress may be measured differently, educators must embrace the idea that all students can learn. IJihlen educators operate with this perspective, it's possible to maximize student learning potential and success. I look forward to working with District 62's leadership team. " Des Plaines School District 62 educates more than 4 ,990 students in eleven schools and employs more than 770 employees. Email me updates about this story. Enter your ematl address Keep me posted http:/I desplaines.patch.com/articles/district-62-names-new-assistant-superintendent-for-student-services 5/6/2013 The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Dist. 62 Names Assistant Supt. Of Student Services Des Plaines Elementary School District 62 Board of Education appointed Ellen Teelucksingh as the next assistant superintendent for Student Services, effective July 1. Teelucksingh replaces Brad Voehringer, who was recently hired to lead Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge. Currently, Teelucksingh serves as the assistant superintendent for Special Services in Lombard Dist. 44. She oversees and supervises Special Education, ELL/B ilingual, Early Childhood, and Social Emotional Learning programs and staff. Prior to working in Lombard, Teelucksingh served as the assistatit principal of Glenwood School. Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, April17, 2013 Man shot in leg at Scout meeting II• A retired police officer accidentally shot himself when he dropped his gun ~ide a Des Plaines school 1ifhile attending his grandtir!oy Scout troop I olice and school offisaid the man was • rrying his licensed, loaded gun. inside a fanny ~ck Monday evening at I'Jioquois School, and that srr:~t~ :~: gun after he dropped the k. e man was taken to ate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Attidge. Des Plaines police ~ef William Kushner .,.aid the man is a retired ~hicago police officer. ~No one else was in~d, Kushner said. -v The retired officer is licensed to carry the fireann, said a letter from Iroquois Principal Michael Amadei. "The district does not condone bringing firearJllfo on school grounds;' the letter states. - Jonathan Bullington; Tribune reporter Robert ~oppin contributed ~'"C~~-'"t:ltfq5j'O g.g ... 1S g. ·~ g. Si §. ~(JQ Q.~ ~ 8 § g. > [ ...~ t=< s·"g ~ s;· e..~ e.. a ~ ~"' ~ g. "' = (l)Q."'~~''"' Q. 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Si ........ ~'"C~i r~ n ::;.· "'e:. p: ~~~~~~~ Q. n·OQ (l) 0: (l) ~ (l) Q. . e:.. ~- (l)~~~'o "' Q. ::r - ..... (l) (') ~o s;·~ S::~n (l)e: "' ::r' I ...I o: :;i gog. (l) - (l) n.., Ill(!) s:: < !§"'g. (JQ s; .~. . ~(JQel § ~ . g~ s~Q. 5· g. <li ......... -~ Ot::: 1--6. ~ rc· oq rJ). =r 0 0~ rJ). ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ (b ~ ~ 0'(1). ~ n ~· ~ =r ~ 0 p. 0n ~ a ~· rc ~ ;J ('I) 0 ::r: ~. '-< ('I) ...., e. 9- ;J ~ 0.. ~ -6":J . ...... 00 N 0 ........ w Accident: 'For the most part everybody had left' Cnntinuedfrom Page 1 after the accident and are thankful that no students were accident," the chief said. injured. "We were relieved to hear "There was no collateral damage. Nobody else was that the leader's injuries were not as serious as anticipated," injured." In an email to parents, Iro- the letter reads. "Of course, quois Principal Michael Ama- the district does not condone dei said he and District 62 bringing firearms on school Superintendent Jane Wester- grounds." Amadei states the school hold were at the school shortly district will work with the Boy school buildings. Scouts of America Northwest "Our main concern is that Suburban Council and the everyone was not harmed," police department "to clarify Ward said. "This really is a any questions that arise." matter for the Boy Scouts District 62 spokeswoman of America to take care of Mindy Ward said Wednes- because they have very speday district officials have cific policies about firearms in not made any determina- schools." tion whether to change polBoy Scout Troop 38 Scouticy about allowing firearms in master Bryan Hedstrom said the meeting was over and Scouts and parents were exiting the school when the accident occurred. "For the most part everybody had left," he said, deferring all other questions to the Northwest Suburban Council. A council spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April 19, 2013 Flood Closes "Many Local Schools Most Mt. Prospect, Prospe€t Hts. Students Still In Class During Storm Days Several Journal-area schools closed Dist. 64. • yesterday {Thursday) due to flooding Districts 11>1, 62 and 64 will stay closed today (Friday). Dist 63 did not and some will remain dosed today. Public school districts that decided announce any Friday closures as of to keep students and staff home y~s yesterday's Journal deadline. terday included Maine Township Elk Grove Township School Dist. High School.Dist. 207, Des Plaines 59 remained open yesterday. Dist. 59 School Dist. 62, East Maine School serves Des Plaines west of Mt. ProsDjst. 63 and Park Ridge-Niles School pect Road. Elk Grove High School, which also serveg, Des Plaines west of Mt. Prospect Roa4, closed Wednesday, Apr 18. School officials as of yesterday were still considering whether to close Friday. Oakton Community College, with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie, closed for the day Thursday while Harper College m Palatine and Triton College in River Grove stayed open. Most public schools serving Mt Prospeet and Prospect Hts. stayed open. Mt, Prospect Dist. 57, River Trails Dist. 26, Prospect Hts. Dist. 23 and Prospect High School remained open for the day Thursday and had no plans to close today. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April 19, 2013 Shooting_ ·· (Continued from page lA) said in a letter to parents about the incident. "Of course, the district does not condone bringing firearms on school grounds," Amadei said. "We will continue working with the Northwest Suburban Council, BSA and the Des Plaines Police Department to clarify any questions that arise." Although there is a rule prohibiting students from bringing firearms to school, Ward said no such rule exists for anyone else. Ward said she was unaware whether a rule change to prohibit all guns on school grounds was being considered. The Journal was unable to immediately contact Dist. 62 Supt. Jane Westerhold or school board President Brenda Murphy. Ward said Dist. 62 officials, including Westerhold, responded to the school along with Des Plaines police who determined no laws were broken. Senior Des Plaines police officials were not immediately available for comment. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April19, 2013 Main, Bridge·· · Project In 2016 By HEATHER HOLM JoURNAL & ToPICS REPoRTER An eight-inch diameter water main attached to the bridge over the Des Plaines River on Rand Road will be replaced in 2016. The water main work will be done in conjunction with a bridge replacement project, scheduled for completion by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation in three years. Des Plaines City Council approved moving forward with this work Monday night. "The bridge is owned by the state," said Tim Oakley, Des Plaines' director of public works and engineering. "They are proposing to replace it. The water main is connected to the south side of the bridge. It is our water main attached to their bridge by permit." Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc., would complete design work for the new water main, replacing the current one that runs from Elk Boulevard to Ballard Road, at a cost not to exceed $23,000. The same contractor is scheduled to handle design engineering services for the bridge replacement. Construction on the bridge and water main replacement is proposed for the latter years of lOOT's 2013 to 2018 five-year capital improvement program. Nearby sidewalks and traffic signals would also be replaced. This could include changing the location of the traffic signal on Elk Boulevard, which is under the city's jurisdiction. IDOT may also combine the entrance to North Elementary School on Rand Road across from the bridge with a private road to the east called Wilson Lane. The state may also add a traffic signal at the school entrance. lOOT needs approval from the school to complete this project, according to Oakley. Page 1 of3 ·~·,c - ~ . -r - .. • '' ,. - ' - - ~ - -- 1:'\, p ' . Edttc-' Christopher Brinekerhoff [email protected] DesPiainesPatch Directory ~ Ltke sgo Pies & Clips 915 Patch Newsletter Nearby Advertise on Patch. I Commute I Real Estate I M ore Stuff I Schools, The Neighborhood Files. Local Connections North School to Open in Des Plaines Post Flooding North Elementary School in Des Plaines will reopen on Wednesday. By Christopher Brinckerhoff Email the author April 23, 2013 Recommend 4 Tweet 1 Comment Related Topics: Cook County, Des Plaines River, Flood Watch, city of des plaines, des plaines, des plaines flooding, des plaines Illinois, des plaines weather, and flash flood warning Tell us what you think. Tell us in the comments. North Elementary School, 1789 Rand Road in Des Plaines, will reopen on Wednesday after being closed since Thursday due to extensive flooding, a spokesperson for Community Consolidated School District 62 stated in an email to Patch. Bus transportation will resume for all D-62 students Wednesday, April 24, according to the district's statement, and students living on the east side of the Des Plaines River will be picked up. Early morning band and orchestra practice and transportation and before and after school activities will resume as scheduled, D-62 stated. Related: • The latest flood·related info from the City of Des Plaines. • Video of a motorist trying to navigate Des Plaines on Friday. • Check out videos of the Des Plaines flood on YouTube. Sign up for Des Plaines Patch's free daily newsletter. Email me updates about this story. Recommend Follow comments Tweet Enter your email address Keep me posted 1 Submit tip Comment http://desplaines.patch.com/articles/north-school-to-open-in-des-plaines-post-flooding 5/6/2013 The Daily Herald, Tuesday, April 23, 2013 Cleanup: Some Des Plaines residents stayed in homes the whole time umlinued}rom Page 1 Iresearch moving. flooding before ! Some neighbors along Ha-wthorne Lane had begun pumping out water and ! cleanup while others used · boats and waders to swvey the damage. Public works crews, contractors and Cook Cotmty prisoners in the Sheriffs Work Alternative Program are working throughout the floodaffected areas to facilitate cleanup, saiq Tim Oakley, the city's director of public works and engineering who is heading up the city's response. Starting Tuesday crews from lindenhurst and Hanover Park will be assisting with debris removal as part of the lllinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. officials said. "It's going to be weeks," Oakley said. "Our goal is to keep on top of the debris that gets placed on the parkways." Garbage pickup resumed Monday in the city's 6th Ward in areas south of Oakton Street and east of Mannheim Road. Trash receptacles have been placed at multiple locations. Two major roadways, Graceland Avenue and Rand Road west of Graceland are now open to traffic. While ' 1 JOE LEWNA.RO /j)ewnord@doilyherold .com sections of Oakton Street are blocked off by barricades, going west at the river and east between Lee and White streets, businesses along Oakton remain open. All Des Plaines Elementary District 62 schools, except North, were open Monday. North remains inaccessible due to road closures around the schooL district officials said. City crews are working on traffic control as the water recedes, which will be fol· lowed by street sweeping and inspecting structures, Oakley said. "There's still water on the pavement. We're not going to be able to get any of the major roads open," he said. Officials are asking for residents' cooperation as city employees begin inspecting Sewer water bubbles near the intersection of River and Rand roads in front of the Des Plaines Fire Department's Station No. 1 in Des Plaines Monday. homes and businesses to assess the extent of flood damage, per city code as required by FEMA. The inspections apply to all damaged structures and structures within the designated floodplain. Once city inspectors complete their assessment, a written determination will. be mailed to the owners of the inspected structures. Earlier estimates indicated nearly 800 properties sustained damage, but officials say that figure has grown much larger. "We are now expecting over 2,000 properties that are likely affected, so we are inspecting that many," said Alex Darnbach, director of community and economic development. Property damage estimates are still several days away, Dambach said. said. Station crews were relocated to Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines, from where they ran rescue operations. "We actually housed 18 of our responders here, working out ofHoly Family," Dyer said. Dyer said the station should stay are still holed up in their homes, surrounded by floodwater, Dyer said. Meanwhile, Salvation Army staff and volunteers are going door-to-door in Des Plaines to distribute flood cleanup kits. Residents also can pick up kits until supplies last at The Salvation Army Des Plaines Corps Community Center, 609 W. Dempster St. Trash receptacles have been set up at the following locations: • Fargo Avenue between River Road and Cedar Street • Welwyn Avenue between River Road and Cedar Street Avenue Whitcomb between River Road and White Street • Van Buren Street between River Road and White Street • Willow Avenue and Graceland Avenue (two receptacles) • Stewart Avenue and River Road with at least the rear parking lot cleared of floodwater within the next two days. Des Plaines firefighters rescued a total of 60 people from homes, cars and the river, but officials could not provide accurate numbers for how many residents left their homes on their own. Some residents who chose to rial roads closed, Des Plaines Police are advising motorists to use the following alternate routes: • North/south: Mount Prospect Road, Elmhurst Road, Wolf Road, Lee Street/Higgins Road • East/west: Miner/Northwest Highway, Touhy Avenue, Devon Avenue Flood recovery help The Salvation Army will distribute flood cleanup kits in the following locations while supplies last: • The Salvation Army Des Plaines Corps Community Center, 609 W. Dempster St. To confirm they are still available, call (847) 981-911 1. •1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aurora Corps Community Center, 437 E. Galena Blvd. The Salvation Army also offers long· term flood relief, including emergency financial assistance for furniture, clothing, food, rent and utilities for those who qualify. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Call (773) 205-3520. Source: The Salvation Army Officials said all repairs,. reconstruction and new construction will require a permit, and that the city will expedite that process. For more information, residents should call the Community and Economic Development Department at (847) 391-5380 during regular business hours. Firefighters began cleanup Monday of the city's main Fire Station No. 1 at 405 S. River Road, behind the McDonald's on Rand Road. It was evacuated early Thursday. "We kind of became a self. contained Island here," Division Chief Pete Dyer said. The station was fortified with water bladders and sandbags that kept the water from getting into the station, he be cleaned up and operatiomll With most major arre· The Des Plaines Journal, Wednesday, Apri124, 2013 Closed Roads Shutter North School By ~ATHER HOLM JOURNAL & TOPICS REPORTER North Elementary School on Rand Road in Des Plaines, closed Monday and Tuesday due to road closures from recent floOding. The school, along with the rest of Dist. 62 schools, was closed Thursday, Apr. 18 and Friday, Apr. 19. All other Di~t'. 62 schools opened Monday.Multipleroadclosures around the school caused families and staff to have no access to the area. "Buses cannot get into the area east of the Des Plaines River," said Mindy Ward, director of community relations for the school district. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April26, 2013 North School Reopens After Area Flooding North Elementary School on Rand Road in Des Plaines reopened Wednesday after closing last Thursday due to flooding. AU other Des Plaines School Dist. 62 schools that closed last Thursday reopened Monday. Addi tionally, all bus transportation f-or students living east of the Des Plaines River resumed Wednesday, according to infonnation provided by Mindy Ward, director of community relations for Des Plames School Dist. 62. Early morning band and orchestra practice and transportation' for before and after school activities resumed as well. Before Wednesday, students living east of the river did not have bus pickup due to flooding and there was no band or orchestra pickup. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April26, 2013 Plantings Celebrate Arbor Day Events Today In M t. Prospect, PH, Des Plaines Towns across the Journal~ area celebrate the national observance ofArbor Day today (Friday) with tree planting events. The Mt. Prospect Public Works Dept. will host an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at Lions Park El~ ementary School, "300 E. Coun~ cil Tr. During the ceremony, departing Mayor lrvana Wilks, Mayor-elect Arlene Juracek, various village officials, and students and staff from Lions Park will plant a London plane tree in the parkway. Students will sing songs and poems to commemorate the occasion. Also helping with the planting will be members of the Garden Club of Mt. Prospect. The club contributed funds to help the village purchase the Arbor Day tree. Additionally, public works mascot "P.W. Paws" will make a special appearance. The village will also commemorate its recent rec; ipt ofthe Tree City USAAward and Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation in Nebraska. This is the 28th consecutive year Mt. Prospect has received the Tree City honor and the 11th year.for the Growth Award. !'Planting a tree is a great way to celebrate Arbor Day," Mt. Prospect Forestry/Grounds Supt. Sandy Clark said. "In ad7 dition to their aesthetic qualities, they have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, provide food, medicines and shade, filter pollution, slow stormwater runoff, reduce energy costs, and more. I hope our citizens will join us this year in planting tree~ to help perpetuate Mt. Prospect's urban forest. Our community has lost many trees in recent years due to storms and Emerald Ash Borer, so it's more important than ever that all our citizens help p•ant trees when they can." In Des Plaines, an Arbor Day tree planting is set for 10 a.m. today at Plainfield Elementary School, 1850 Plainfield Dr. Prospect Hts. will also mark the occasion with a tree planting in front of city hall, 8 N. Elmhurst Rd., at 10 a.m. City officials, members of the Prospect Hts. Garden Club and the Prospect Hts. Park District plan to take part in the celebration. The Des Plaines Journal, Friday, April26, 2013 Two 062 Teachers Forced To Evacuate Home By HEATHER HOLM JOURNAl. & ToPICS REPORTER • Two Des Plaines Elementary School Dist. 62 teachers need a place to stay following last week's flooding event. The two teachers are husband and wife who work at Algon- quin Middle School and North Elementary SchooL "They had to evacuate their home and are staying with friends," said Mindy Ward, director ofcommunity relations for Dist. 62. They are looking for a temporary home for their family of four and two dogs. The couple is looking for a Dist. 62 Supt. Jane Westerhold house or townhouse they could , had tried reaching out to as rent on a short-term basis in ~ many people as possible. Two the Des Plaines area so they Dist. 62staffmembers---Kathy could both return to work, Sears at Chippewa Middle according to Ward. "They can School and Debbie Wilson continue working this way," at Plainfield Elementary--Ward said. offered the family a temporary As of Tuesday, Ward and place to stay. Other residents reached out after Des Plaines mayor-elect Matt Bogusz posted information on his Facebook page looking for residents who would provide temporary housing. As of this writing, the couple was still trying to find somewhere to stay. Journal & Topics Newspapers, April24-29, 2013 Rising Star Continuous Improvement Plan Approved For Schoo~ District 62 Des Plaines Elementary Dist. 62 has always worked· make sure it is what the state Dist. 62 school board mem- with the state of Illinois to wants," Ward explained. bers approved involvement monitor progress. "The state revamped its prior in the Rising Star Continuous Improvement Plan. structure to use this committee The state plan will monitor structure," Ward said. "This is student improvement through- the first year it is implemented out the year, according to as Rising Star and used in the Mindy Ward, director of com- Dist. 62 school district." The munity relations for Dist. 62. Rising Star plan is a more The program looks at student committee-based approach. achievement, such as what T he plan committee conhappens in the classroom, what sists of representatives from resources are being used and instructional services, student assessing student learning. services, second language "We must do this to show programs, building level adwhat we are doing to boost ministration and a regional student improvement," Ward office of education improvesaid. This· is in addition to ment coach. '"The coach helps them (the progress reports and report com111:ittee) write the plan to cards, Ward added. Board of Direeton Executive Board President Dr. Janet Horton Horton WeUness & Chiropractic President Elect FredScharm Scharm Floor Covering Treasurer Martin Gardner Village Bank & Trust Secretary Barbara Van Slambrouck Chromatech Printing, Inc. Past- President Jeff Rozovics Rozovics Group PC Board Members Don Empie UOP Dan Fink Juno Lighting Group ANNUAL FOOD FIGHT CHALLENGE The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Board of Directors recently challenged local community organizations• Boards of Directors to its 11th annual "Food Fight". This year eleven organizations collected a total of 6,622 pounds of food! The Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines won the challenge with 3,800 pounds of collected food. The additional groups participating in the 2013 Food Fight included: Des Plaines Camera Club ( 850 lbs.) i Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce ( 663 lbs.) i Rotary Club of Des Plaines (529lbs.)j DP Library Board/Friends of the Library (255 lbs.)i Des Plaines Garden Club (232lbs.)i Diplomat of Des Plaines Condo Assoc. (158lbs.)i Bethesda Worship Center ( 135 lbs.) i On behalf of the Self-Help Pantry and all the clients they serve, thank you for your support! ..:iii!!!~=;;~==·~;-] Left: Debbie Walusiak of the Self-Help --~,_ Pantry congratulates the Kiwanis Club. (left to right) Brenda Murphy, Club President, Joel Bloom, Eldon Burk1 Debbie Walusiak, Keith Christman, Jim Grady and Don Johanson Johanson Decorating & Handyman Services Bob Lewandowski R. Franczak & Associates Joe James Macchiaroli Ace Hardware Fred Siebert Abbott Molecular Lynn Seinfeld Oakton Community College Holly Sorensen Des Plaines Public Library HermanZelk Solutions Networking Corp. rGu·onol USIHGSS HPO t I April tO 4 to 7 pm Over 60 Exhibitors And 15 Restaurants Executive Director Barbara Ryan Program Director Andrea Friedman Member Services slouronl DOIUGHSG SEARS CENTRE 5333 Prairie Stone Pbwy. Hoffman Estates Nancy Kirsh -:;:~ %;:j at&t uop A Honeywell Company • MILLENNIUMBANK rt'\jllage Ll Bank&rrusr = A \\'J.'ITR\!ST COMML'NITY !lANK I. ( ~ ~ B . nn_ Lr-."I .~ rt7ng , B 1}r::;ir:clsse:_ · L _ ··- ... _ . '-' ..__ , Twelve middle school students from District 62 pitched their business ideas to a panel of nine investors on March 19. at the Young Entrepreneur's Investment Panel Event The students have been participating in this after school program since October. Through their weekly lessons, and with the assistance of mentors, they have learned how to write a business plan and market their business successfully. They have visited with successful business owners and have met with graphic designers and web developers. Teachers, mentors, business hosts, guest speakers, and CEO advisors are all volunteers from the chamber of commerce membership. Financial support for the program came from the Lewandowski Family Foundation, Oakton Community College and Rivers Casino. The investor panel consisted of the following business professionals: Rosemary Argus, Des AainesCbmmunity Foundation, Ed Domingo, VP Rnance RversOlsno, Dr. Cartee Drummer, O:lkton CbmmunityCbllege, Sandra Hansen, Manager, BMOHarrisBank , Tom Huffman, 93nior VP, Wintru&, Bob Lewandowski, Lewandowski Family Foundation ,Christen Osowski, Branch Manager Rrs Midwest Bank, Steve Pokrak, Cbntroller Millennium Bank and Lynn Seinfeld,Oakton CbmmunityCbllege. The funds were divided and allocated to the businesses that the investors felt had a well thought out plan, and an idea that had a good chance at success. A total of $5,000 was invested in the nine businesses. The investors were also asked to select one student business to advance to the national Investment Panel Event in Rochester, New York on April 24. Cory Scholler owner of Smart Product Solutions Smart Product Solutions, a product based company that invented and sells athletic shoe protectors was selected to represent our chamber. The national competition includes students from 42 chambers from across the country. The top three businesses will receive scholarship funding in the amounts of $30,000, $25,000 and $20,000 and will present their business ideas at the US Chambers Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Above: Investors (right to left) Steve Pokrak, Rosemary Argus, Sandra Hansen, Ed Domingo a Bob Lewandowski .. Left to right Front row: Danna Oritz, Ul Duckies, Clara Cupuro, E'asly ~ne Event~ Brooke Saunders and Ella Powell, Edip~ ...Bwelry 2nd Row: Lucia Garrett, Bow Today, Jizelle Torres, Ul Duckies, Corion Hudson, Hudron'sA-o Oinic, Ella Kurutz, Trinketsfor Tigers, Cory Scholler, Snart A-oduct S:>lutions, Bhagirath Mehta, Mehta +Tutoring, 3 rd row: Bennett Miller and Jalen Moore, Bear Rtness Right: Cory Scholler of Smart Product Sol~~··v•....speaks to the investors .......~.~~----:o.·~- about his business. THE PANTRY PARTYLINE ISSUE NO. 13 SPRING 2013 Fantastic February Food Fight ! The 11 •h Annual Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce Food Fight challenged 11 local service groups and organizations to see who could donate the most food to the Self-Help Closet & Pantry. Together they donated 6622 pounds of food! Kiwanis Club won with 3,800 lbs. of collected food . Des Plaines Camera Club came in 2"d with 850 lbs. And Chamber of Commerce finished 3'd with 663 lbs. In the photo are some members of the Food Fight winn ing Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines with just some of the food they donated. This year's total is 6,622 lbs. (6,355 lbs. last year) Here are the final group tallies after all the food was weighed: Kiwanis Club- 3,800 lbs. Des Plaines Library Bd. & Friends - 255 lbs Camera Club- 850 lbs. Des Plaines Garden Club - 232 lbs Chamber of Commerce- 663 lbs. Diplomat of Des Plaines condo - 1 58 lbs. Rotary Club- 529 lbs. Bethesda Worship Center- 135 lbs. Thank you to everyone who participated. Tax Benefits Hirsch Greenberg A~counting of Des Plaines once again sent letters to their clients , inviting them to donate a bag of food when they visited the office during the 2013 tax season. What a clever idea! Accountants Sue Greenberg and Martha Holtz pose with some of the food they collected. Thanks to all for your generosity. The pantry honored its many outstanding volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in February. Ginger lmig, wife of board member and volunteer Ray Imig, orchestrated the whole event! Thank you to Ginger for the lovely party and to all our wonderful volunteers for their donations of time and energy throughout the year. 2 THE PANTRY PARTYLINE ISSUE NO. 1 3 SPRING 2013 Forest School Treats Pantry In March our volunteers picked up $1,500 worth of Market Day food donations from the families of Forest School. Students also contributed with a "Pennies for Pies" fundraiser. A huge thank you to Forest School for their generosity! Above left: Volunteers Lee Eilken and Paul Maier prepare to transport Market Day donations to the pantry. Above right: Debbie Walusiak (Exec. Dir. of the SHC&P) receives donations from Forest School. A Pat on the Back Local businessman Pat Ergastolo (center) receives a plaque of appreciation for his Joyal support of the Self-Help Closet & Pantry over recent years . Pat is owner of Club Casa and the former Casa Royale in Des Plaines, both sites of pantry fundraisers including the fashion show and football"tailgate." On hand for the presentation are Debbie Walusiak, SHC&P executive director, and Rev. Dr. William G. Grice Ill, SHC&P board president. Devonshire School Helps Out Student representatives and staff from Devonshire School in Des Plaines toured the pantry in January, when they brought in a huge collection of food from their school's holiday drive. Thank you to all! 3
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