Dates to Remember:
Aug. 10
Aug. 11
Aug. 24
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Registration
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Registration
Opening Day for Students
8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
elementary students;
8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
junior high students.
Aug. 29 Sept. 2 ECC Screening 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 5
No School – Labor Day Holiday
Sept. 14 Elementary Open House
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 Junior High Open House
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 First Quarter Progress Reports
Sept. 30 School Improvement Day –
Early Dismissal at Noon
Oct. 6
8th Grade Parent Meeting at all
Junior Highs 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Oct. 10
No School – Columbus Day Holiday
Oct. 21
First Quarter Ends
Oct. 28
School Improvement Day –
Early Dismissal at Noon
Nov. 8
No School for students.
Election Day,
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Nov. 11
No School – Veterans Day Holiday
Nov. 23
Second Quarter Progress Reports
Nov. 24
No School – Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 25
No School – Thanksgiving Holiday
Spring/Summer 2016
Board of Education
PAID
Permit No. 20
Dolton, IL 60419
P.O. Box 160
Dolton, IL 60419
District
News
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 114 West 144th Street, Riverdale, Illinois 60827-2703
Phone (708) 841-2290 • FAX (708) 841-5048
Your School Board
Postal Patron
Dolton, IL 60419
Kim Adkins
President
Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr.
Vice President
A Message From the Interim Superintendent
Joyce J. Jackson
Secretary
Pamela L. Gibson
Faith E. Gunter
Larry Lawrence
For additional District information:
Charles W. Lloyd
Visit District 148 on the Web at: www.district148.net
Opportunities to “Discover Chicago”
District 148 students are discovering Chicago this summer.
“Discover Chicago” is the theme for this year’s summer programs.
The Summer Learning Academy program is for students across all
grade levels. It is happening from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays from June 13th through June 30th at Lincoln
School, Park School, and Washington School.
The program includes hands-on activities and lessons in reading,
writing and math that are aligned with the Common Core State
Standards. Students are creating art projects related to Chicago as well.
This year students also are getting the chance to learn about
nutritious eating and healthy food preparation. Instruction is being
provided by Marsha Zanders of the University of Illinois Extension.
Additionally, the Express Yourself! literacy program is taking place
at Riverdale School. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays from June 13th through June 30th. This program
emphasizes literacy, math and social-emotional learning standards.
Students also are receiving hands-on experience with the arts.
Both of the summer programs are being offered to help students
maintain and enrich their academic skills. Students are definitely
enjoying learning during the summer!
Ready for 2016-17 registration
Registration dates for the 2016-17 school year will be from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10th and from
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th at the school
your child or children will attend this fall.
It is important for you to register your child or children on
these dates.
Early Childhood Center students will register at Riverdale
School. New Out-of-District placement students will be
registered at their home school. Returning Out-of-District
placement students will be registered at District Office.
Please watch for additional registration information being sent
home by the District. Registration forms will be available at
District Office and are also on the District’s website. Proof of
residency is required at the time of registration.
Registration fees for the 2016-17 school year will remain
unchanged. The fee is $55 for students in Kindergarten
through Grade 8.
Parents of ECC students can sign up for a screening
appointment at registration. Screening dates are from 9 a.m.
until 3 p.m. on August 29th, 30th, 31st, September 1st, and
2nd. Anyone who will be three years old by Sept. 1, 2016 can
be registered/screened.
The first student attendance day of the new school year will
be on Wednesday, August 24th. Elementary school students
will be in session from 8:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. Junior high
school students will attend from 8:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Students are expected to come to school each day dressed in uniforms of navy skirts, jumpers or slacks worn with a
belt, and white shirts or blouses with collars. Shirts must be tucked in. Navy or white socks or tights may be worn along
with inexpensive gym shoes or solid-colored dress shoes. In warm weather, navy shorts that reach the knee may be
worn. On cold-weather days, students may wear navy or white sweaters or sweatshirts without hoods.
Thank you so much for assisting us as we challenged every child
to make academic progress in all subject areas during the 2015-16
school year. Your involvement in your child’s education is always
appreciated and we are so pleased to have you helping your child/
children to achieve success in the classroom and beyond.
Our Summer Learning Academy and Express Yourself! programs are
underway and will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays from June 13th through June 30th.
Summer Learning Academy is for students in kindergarten through
eighth grade. Students are engaged in reading, writing and math
lessons that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards and
they are learning about the history of Chicago, prominent Chicagoans
and significant places and events. The Express Yourself! program
is offered at Riverdale School to students in Kindergarten through
Grade 3. This program emphasizes literacy, math, social-emotional
learning standards and gives students hands-on experience with the
arts.
Both of these free summer programs include breakfast and lunch
for students. There will be a field trip to the
Chicago History Museum on Tuesday, June
28th. Student dismissal on this day will be
at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, please mark your calendars for
our 2016-17 registration dates on Wednesday,
i times
i
ill be
b
August 10th and Thursday, August 11th. Registration
will
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 10th and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on
August 11th. The new school year starts with a full day of student
attendance on Wednesday, August 24th.
In closing, I want to thank the following 11 retiring staff members
for their contributions to students and to the community of District
148: Myrna Ablin, Marietta Brazausky, Dr. Candace Dunleavy, Carol
Errico, Martin Isaac, Gail Jilek, Katherine Mader, Roberta Matthews,
Nora Rowe, Sharon Sanders and Margaret Ward. Best wishes for a
Happy Retirement!
Dr. Saundra R. Mickles
From the Board President
Hello Parents/Guardians and Community Members!
What a tremendous school year we have had!
Thank you for contributing to the success of our school year. As you know, the benefits of parent
and community participation in the schools are far reaching. Better school attendance, increased
grades/test scores and higher graduation rates are among the positive effects of parent/
community involvement. Please remember to stay in touch with your child’s teacher throughout
the school year, attend school and District events and help our students reach even higher levels of success.
We commend all of our students from Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington Junior High Schools who qualified
for the Regional Science Fair in March and achieved first and second place honors at this regional competition.
Thank you so much parents, teachers, administrators, the League of Women Voters of Thornton Township and
Science Fair Coordinator Mr. Mike Hurst for your steadfast support of our student scientists!
In April, the Board of Education gained a new Board Member following the appointment of Mr. Charles W. Lloyd
by Intermediate Service Center #4 Executive Director Dr. Vanessa Kinder. Mr. Lloyd fills the vacancy left by
the resignation of former Board Vice President Dr. Lisa Davis-Smith. We thank Dr. Davis-Smith for her service
and we welcome Mr. Lloyd. The Board looks forward to carrying on its mission to ensure academic growth and
lifelong prosperity for our young people.
This year, District 148 broke new ground in the field of the arts. Members of the District’s first-ever Drum
Circle along with Directors Ms. Ronisha Dubose and Mrs. Jennifer Fitzpatrick exhibited their unlimited supply
of creativity during the Annual Fine Arts Festival in May. We applaud the students and their leaders for the
superb display of Discipline, Respect, and Unity through Music. Hats off to all of the student artists, singers and
musicians who participated in the fest!
Lastly, congratulations to all of our 8th grade graduates and their families! On behalf of the School Board, I
wish you continued good fortune in the years to come.
Enjoy your summer!
Inside this issue:
Hats off to our grads .......2
Our sensational science
fair students .................2
Great Things
Are Happening .............2
Happy retirement! ...........3
Restorative Justice
in all schools ................3
Opportunities to
“Discover Chicago” .....4
Ready for 2016-17
registration ...................4
Dates to Remember ........4
Kim Adkins
Dist 148 News 06 16.indd 1
6/17/2016 11:26:37 AM
Happy retirement!
Hats off to our grads!
Congratulations Class of 2016!
Aaliyah E. at Washington Junior High School.
We celebrated the achievements of our eighth grade graduates
during commencement ceremonies in May. These formal occasions
marked the completion of eight years of hard work and determination.
Dolton Education Association Award winners are Egbe O. at LJH,
Ashley J. at RJH and Taylor J. at WJH.
Deserving special recognition are those students who earned
Valedictorian and Salutatorian status at their schools: Makayah M.
and Lynn J. and Alana W. at Lincoln Junior High School, Olukayode
A. and Gabriella K. at Roosevelt Junior High School and Jayla S. and
Christa McAuliffe Award Winners are Johnathan W-S at LJH, Jalyn P.
at RJH and Robert M. at WJH.
We wish all of our graduates continued success in high school,
college and their careers!
O sensational
Our
sscience fair students
W
When
it comes to creating and presenting science experiments, District
148 students are sensational!
1
F
Fourteen
students from Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington Junior High
Schools scored first- and second-place honors at this year’s highlyS
ccompetitive Regional Science Fair.
These students were among those who qualified to compete at the Illinois
Junior Academy of Science Regional 9 Science Fair in Aurora.
Earning First Place certificates at the Regional Science Fair were: Jalyn P.
and Cydney J., Leon B., Amari F. and Shamariah W.
Second Place awards were captured by: Dashonna J., Zakayla P., Quintin
C., Anthony M., Ari B., Brandon H., Kevin J., Oshealona S. and Khadya R.
Our students did wonderful work at the 2015-16 Science Fairs.
Congratulations to all of our inquisitive young scientists!
Great things are happening
The following are among the great things happening in District 148:
grandmothers/other special women during the school’s Annual
Mother’s Day Spa.
✔ Students at Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools received ice
cream donated and delivered by Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers and
other Dolton village officials.
✔ Eleven Roosevelt Jr. High School students were inducted into the
school’s NJHS chapter.
✔ Washington Jr. High School inducted eight students into the
school’s NJHS chapter.
✔ Roosevelt Elementary School girls and their dads attended their
school’s Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.
✔ ECC students participated in a celebration honoring their
achievements.
✔ Franklin Elementary School girls, their dads and their moms
attended their school’s Daddy & Me & Mommy Too Dance.
✔ The District donated 12 pallets of textbooks and other books to
students in Jamaica and Ghana.
✔ Winners of the Annual Band and Choir Director’s Awards received
School Board recognition.
✔ The Annual Fine Arts Festival featured the artistic, dramatic, and
musical talents of the District’s students.
✔ Franklin Elementary School students and their families enjoyed
food, music, a video game truck and more during the school’s Third
Annual Family BBQ.
✔ The Board of Education honored three students for their winning
Fine Arts Festival program cover designs.
✔ The Technology Department is doubling the District’s Internet speed to
keep up with the increased use of technology by students and staff.
✔ Two Riverdale School students were honored by the Illinois
Principals Association during a recognition breakfast.
✔ Washington Elementary School first-graders pampered their moms/
2
Dist 148 News 06 16.indd 2
✔ Park School students participated in separate Boys’ Night Out and
Girls’ Night Out events.
✔ District teachers are participating in summer Professional
Development programs.
✔ The District is participating in a Southland Resiliency Project at
Governors State University.
Dolton West School District 148 lost to retirement 11 phenomenal staff
members this year. We will miss their caring nature, their love for the
students and the contributions they made to the school culture. We thank
them for their dedication and we wish them a very happy retirement!
After 25 years, Myrna Ablin retired as Instructional/
A
In
Intervention
Coach at Riverdale School. During her
ti
time
in District 148, she spent 15 years as a first grade
te
teacher,
served as a Success For All facilitator and for
th last 10 years, was a reading coach and Response
the
to Intervention/Instructional/Intervention Facilitator.
Myrna Ablin
“T most rewarding part of my job,” she said, “is
“The
seeing the delight on all the students’ faces as they grow with each
new concept and develop into the people they are becoming.” She
plans to travel, enjoy family time and keep in touch with friends during
her retirement.
Marietta Brazausky has been a teacher for 26 years.
S
She spent the first few years working as a substitute
tteacher then taught full time when the youngest of
h
her six children began school. She retired as a math
a
acceleration teacher at Roosevelt Junior High School.
T
Throughout the years she has enjoyed teaching the
Marietta Brazausky
yyounger siblings or family members of her previous
students. She will miss her co-workers after her retirement. “I want
to thank them for all of the times they helped lift my spirit with their
smiles,” she said. “They have always been a great support.”
Dr. Candace Dunleavy retired as Director of Support Programs. During
her 17 years in District 148, she served as a cross categorical teacher
at Washington School, as a special education teacher at the former
Harriet Tubman School, as Acting Director of Support Programs and
as Director of Support Programs.
A
After
20 years as a school nurse, Carol Errico retired
from
fro Park Elementary School. She served District
14 for 18 years. Prior to working in the schools she
148
worked
wo
in the hospital and home care setting. The
most
m
rewarding part of her job has been caring for
the
th students at Park School and working with many
Carol Errico
compassionate
co
parents/guardians. She will miss her
nursing colleagues and their friendship and support after she retires.
She plans to travel, garden, finish household projects and see old
friends more often during her retirement years.
Martin Isaac has spent a total of 36 years in education
M
- 29
2 of them in District 148. He taught physical
education for 12 years and was a health teacher for 17
ed
years. He retired as a Roosevelt Elementary School
ye
physical education teacher. He became a teacher after
ph
be
being hurt playing baseball in Canada. He will miss the
Martin Isaac
people with whom he has worked over the years. After
pe
retirement, he plans to travel and move out West.
A
After 27 years of teaching, Gail Jilek retired as a special
education
teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. Her
ed
experience
includes having taught at Roosevelt School,
ex
the
th former Satellite School, the former Harriet Tubman
School
and at Washington and Riverdale Schools. She
Sc
will
wi
miss
most the feeling of “family” she has had with
Gail Jilek
her
he colleagues and collaborating with her teaching
partners to give each child what they need. After retirement, she plans
to spend more time with her grandchildren. She also hopes to travel
and looks forward to going to museums and shows.
Katherine Mader has worked in education for 21 years
K
– 19 of them in District 148 and all of them at Franklin
El
Elementary School. Having many educators in her
fa
family influenced her decision to become a teacher.
Am
Among the most rewarding aspects of her job has been
seeing former students accomplish their dreams. She
Katherine Mader se
wi
will miss “watching the light bulbs go on” when students
comprehend a lesson and seeing her supportive and caring coworkers daily. Her retirement plans include vacationing, reading and
spending a lot of time with her children and grandchildren.
Roberta Matthews has enjoyed her 23 years as a
R
te
teacher. She taught Grades 5 through 8 in District
1
148 and retired as a fifth grade teacher at Lincoln
E
Elementary School. She taught language arts,
re
reading, social science and computer applications.
H
Roberta Matthews Her fondest memories include those when she saw
st
students’ faces light up as they understood a lesson.
She plans to spend more time with her grandchildren after she retires,
do some gardening and also travel.
After 30 years, Nora Rowe retired in August 2015 as a special
education secretary at District Office. She served as a secretary at
Roosevelt Elementary School, as mentor secretary at District Office
and as Data Assessment secretary at District Office before joining the
staff in Support Programs.
Sharon Sanders retired in December 2015. She spent all but one of
her 17 years as school secretary at the Early Childhood Center. She
worked as a secretary at Roosevelt Junior High School before taking
the position at ECC. The most rewarding part of her job has been the
amount of knowledge she acquired over the years and the freedom
to use it to benefit ECC students, parents and staff members. Her
retirement plans include moving to Nevada, taking piano lessons and
enrolling in special interest classes.
A
After
23 years, Margaret Ward retired as a school
nu
nurse at Roosevelt School. Before that, she worked at
th
the University of Illinois hospital. “The most rewarding
and enjoyable aspect of school nursing is making
an
a cconnection with the students,” she said. She will
miss the relationships and daily interaction with the
Margaret Ward m
de
dedicated staff. She looks forward to spending more
time with family and friends. She plans to visit California and will take
advantage of the great outings Chicago has to offer.
Restorative Justice coming to
all District 148 schools
District 148 is taking steps to increase student attendance, enrich
the learning environment and build positive, trusting relationships
with students.
Restorative Justice was successfully piloted during the 2015-16
school year at Franklin Elementary School and will be in place at all
schools during the 2016-17 school year.
People Engaged in Advancing Community Enrichment (P.E.A.C.E.)
is providing the training, coaching and technical assistance in
Restorative Justice. This practice is being utilized as a way to
improve the overall school culture.
District administrators, teachers and staff members are participating
in professional development opportunities regarding Restorative
Justice. The training, which will also be extended to students and
parents in the near future, will enable teachers to bring various
strategies including the circle process to their classroom. Teachers
and students meet together in a circle setting to address and discuss
class or individual student concerns. This helps to reinforce a positive
classroom climate, helps build relationships and teaches students
that their classroom is a community and that their voice is important.
In conjunction with Restorative Justice training, the District also
is participating in Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a nationally-acclaimed
program that helps schools build positive, productive, trusting
relationships with students.
These programs are taking place as a precursor to Senate Bill 100,
a new law that takes effect in September 2016.
3
6/17/2016 11:31:42 AM
Happy retirement!
Hats off to our grads!
Congratulations Class of 2016!
Aaliyah E. at Washington Junior High School.
We celebrated the achievements of our eighth grade graduates
during commencement ceremonies in May. These formal occasions
marked the completion of eight years of hard work and determination.
Dolton Education Association Award winners are Egbe O. at LJH,
Ashley J. at RJH and Taylor J. at WJH.
Deserving special recognition are those students who earned
Valedictorian and Salutatorian status at their schools: Makayah M.
and Lynn J. and Alana W. at Lincoln Junior High School, Olukayode
A. and Gabriella K. at Roosevelt Junior High School and Jayla S. and
Christa McAuliffe Award Winners are Johnathan W-S at LJH, Jalyn P.
at RJH and Robert M. at WJH.
We wish all of our graduates continued success in high school,
college and their careers!
O sensational
Our
sscience fair students
W
When
it comes to creating and presenting science experiments, District
148 students are sensational!
1
F
Fourteen
students from Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington Junior High
Schools scored first- and second-place honors at this year’s highlyS
ccompetitive Regional Science Fair.
These students were among those who qualified to compete at the Illinois
Junior Academy of Science Regional 9 Science Fair in Aurora.
Earning First Place certificates at the Regional Science Fair were: Jalyn P.
and Cydney J., Leon B., Amari F. and Shamariah W.
Second Place awards were captured by: Dashonna J., Zakayla P., Quintin
C., Anthony M., Ari B., Brandon H., Kevin J., Oshealona S. and Khadya R.
Our students did wonderful work at the 2015-16 Science Fairs.
Congratulations to all of our inquisitive young scientists!
Great things are happening
The following are among the great things happening in District 148:
grandmothers/other special women during the school’s Annual
Mother’s Day Spa.
✔ Students at Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools received ice
cream donated and delivered by Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers and
other Dolton village officials.
✔ Eleven Roosevelt Jr. High School students were inducted into the
school’s NJHS chapter.
✔ Washington Jr. High School inducted eight students into the
school’s NJHS chapter.
✔ Roosevelt Elementary School girls and their dads attended their
school’s Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.
✔ ECC students participated in a celebration honoring their
achievements.
✔ Franklin Elementary School girls, their dads and their moms
attended their school’s Daddy & Me & Mommy Too Dance.
✔ The District donated 12 pallets of textbooks and other books to
students in Jamaica and Ghana.
✔ Winners of the Annual Band and Choir Director’s Awards received
School Board recognition.
✔ The Annual Fine Arts Festival featured the artistic, dramatic, and
musical talents of the District’s students.
✔ Franklin Elementary School students and their families enjoyed
food, music, a video game truck and more during the school’s Third
Annual Family BBQ.
✔ The Board of Education honored three students for their winning
Fine Arts Festival program cover designs.
✔ The Technology Department is doubling the District’s Internet speed to
keep up with the increased use of technology by students and staff.
✔ Two Riverdale School students were honored by the Illinois
Principals Association during a recognition breakfast.
✔ Washington Elementary School first-graders pampered their moms/
2
Dist 148 News 06 16.indd 2
✔ Park School students participated in separate Boys’ Night Out and
Girls’ Night Out events.
✔ District teachers are participating in summer Professional
Development programs.
✔ The District is participating in a Southland Resiliency Project at
Governors State University.
Dolton West School District 148 lost to retirement 11 phenomenal staff
members this year. We will miss their caring nature, their love for the
students and the contributions they made to the school culture. We thank
them for their dedication and we wish them a very happy retirement!
After 25 years, Myrna Ablin retired as Instructional/
A
In
Intervention
Coach at Riverdale School. During her
ti
time
in District 148, she spent 15 years as a first grade
te
teacher,
served as a Success For All facilitator and for
th last 10 years, was a reading coach and Response
the
to Intervention/Instructional/Intervention Facilitator.
Myrna Ablin
“T most rewarding part of my job,” she said, “is
“The
seeing the delight on all the students’ faces as they grow with each
new concept and develop into the people they are becoming.” She
plans to travel, enjoy family time and keep in touch with friends during
her retirement.
Marietta Brazausky has been a teacher for 26 years.
S
She spent the first few years working as a substitute
tteacher then taught full time when the youngest of
h
her six children began school. She retired as a math
a
acceleration teacher at Roosevelt Junior High School.
T
Throughout the years she has enjoyed teaching the
Marietta Brazausky
yyounger siblings or family members of her previous
students. She will miss her co-workers after her retirement. “I want
to thank them for all of the times they helped lift my spirit with their
smiles,” she said. “They have always been a great support.”
Dr. Candace Dunleavy retired as Director of Support Programs. During
her 17 years in District 148, she served as a cross categorical teacher
at Washington School, as a special education teacher at the former
Harriet Tubman School, as Acting Director of Support Programs and
as Director of Support Programs.
A
After
20 years as a school nurse, Carol Errico retired
from
fro Park Elementary School. She served District
14 for 18 years. Prior to working in the schools she
148
worked
wo
in the hospital and home care setting. The
most
m
rewarding part of her job has been caring for
the
th students at Park School and working with many
Carol Errico
compassionate
co
parents/guardians. She will miss her
nursing colleagues and their friendship and support after she retires.
She plans to travel, garden, finish household projects and see old
friends more often during her retirement years.
Martin Isaac has spent a total of 36 years in education
M
- 29
2 of them in District 148. He taught physical
education for 12 years and was a health teacher for 17
ed
years. He retired as a Roosevelt Elementary School
ye
physical education teacher. He became a teacher after
ph
be
being hurt playing baseball in Canada. He will miss the
Martin Isaac
people with whom he has worked over the years. After
pe
retirement, he plans to travel and move out West.
A
After 27 years of teaching, Gail Jilek retired as a special
education
teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. Her
ed
experience
includes having taught at Roosevelt School,
ex
the
th former Satellite School, the former Harriet Tubman
School
and at Washington and Riverdale Schools. She
Sc
will
wi
miss
most the feeling of “family” she has had with
Gail Jilek
her
he colleagues and collaborating with her teaching
partners to give each child what they need. After retirement, she plans
to spend more time with her grandchildren. She also hopes to travel
and looks forward to going to museums and shows.
Katherine Mader has worked in education for 21 years
K
– 19 of them in District 148 and all of them at Franklin
El
Elementary School. Having many educators in her
fa
family influenced her decision to become a teacher.
Am
Among the most rewarding aspects of her job has been
seeing former students accomplish their dreams. She
Katherine Mader se
wi
will miss “watching the light bulbs go on” when students
comprehend a lesson and seeing her supportive and caring coworkers daily. Her retirement plans include vacationing, reading and
spending a lot of time with her children and grandchildren.
Roberta Matthews has enjoyed her 23 years as a
R
te
teacher. She taught Grades 5 through 8 in District
1
148 and retired as a fifth grade teacher at Lincoln
E
Elementary School. She taught language arts,
re
reading, social science and computer applications.
H
Roberta Matthews Her fondest memories include those when she saw
st
students’ faces light up as they understood a lesson.
She plans to spend more time with her grandchildren after she retires,
do some gardening and also travel.
After 30 years, Nora Rowe retired in August 2015 as a special
education secretary at District Office. She served as a secretary at
Roosevelt Elementary School, as mentor secretary at District Office
and as Data Assessment secretary at District Office before joining the
staff in Support Programs.
Sharon Sanders retired in December 2015. She spent all but one of
her 17 years as school secretary at the Early Childhood Center. She
worked as a secretary at Roosevelt Junior High School before taking
the position at ECC. The most rewarding part of her job has been the
amount of knowledge she acquired over the years and the freedom
to use it to benefit ECC students, parents and staff members. Her
retirement plans include moving to Nevada, taking piano lessons and
enrolling in special interest classes.
A
After
23 years, Margaret Ward retired as a school
nu
nurse at Roosevelt School. Before that, she worked at
th
the University of Illinois hospital. “The most rewarding
and enjoyable aspect of school nursing is making
an
a cconnection with the students,” she said. She will
miss the relationships and daily interaction with the
Margaret Ward m
de
dedicated staff. She looks forward to spending more
time with family and friends. She plans to visit California and will take
advantage of the great outings Chicago has to offer.
Restorative Justice coming to
all District 148 schools
District 148 is taking steps to increase student attendance, enrich
the learning environment and build positive, trusting relationships
with students.
Restorative Justice was successfully piloted during the 2015-16
school year at Franklin Elementary School and will be in place at all
schools during the 2016-17 school year.
People Engaged in Advancing Community Enrichment (P.E.A.C.E.)
is providing the training, coaching and technical assistance in
Restorative Justice. This practice is being utilized as a way to
improve the overall school culture.
District administrators, teachers and staff members are participating
in professional development opportunities regarding Restorative
Justice. The training, which will also be extended to students and
parents in the near future, will enable teachers to bring various
strategies including the circle process to their classroom. Teachers
and students meet together in a circle setting to address and discuss
class or individual student concerns. This helps to reinforce a positive
classroom climate, helps build relationships and teaches students
that their classroom is a community and that their voice is important.
In conjunction with Restorative Justice training, the District also
is participating in Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a nationally-acclaimed
program that helps schools build positive, productive, trusting
relationships with students.
These programs are taking place as a precursor to Senate Bill 100,
a new law that takes effect in September 2016.
3
6/15/2016 1:33:13 PM
Dates to Remember:
Aug. 10
Aug. 11
Aug. 24
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Registration
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Registration
Opening Day for Students
8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
elementary students;
8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
junior high students.
Aug. 29 Sept. 2 ECC Screening 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 5
No School – Labor Day Holiday
Sept. 14 Elementary Open House
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 Junior High Open House
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 First Quarter Progress Reports
Sept. 30 School Improvement Day –
Early Dismissal at Noon
Oct. 6
8th Grade Parent Meeting at all
Junior Highs 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Oct. 10
No School – Columbus Day Holiday
Oct. 21
First Quarter Ends
Oct. 28
School Improvement Day –
Early Dismissal at Noon
Nov. 8
No School for students.
Election Day,
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Nov. 11
No School – Veterans Day Holiday
Nov. 23
Second Quarter Progress Reports
Nov. 24
No School – Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 25
No School – Thanksgiving Holiday
Spring/Summer 2016
Board of Education
PAID
Permit No. 20
Dolton, IL 60419
P.O. Box 160
Dolton, IL 60419
District
News
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 114 West 144th Street, Riverdale, Illinois 60827-2703
Phone (708) 841-2290 • FAX (708) 841-5048
Your School Board
Postal Patron
Dolton, IL 60419
Kim Adkins
President
Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr.
Vice President
A Message From the Interim Superintendent
Joyce J. Jackson
Secretary
Pamela L. Gibson
Faith E. Gunter
Larry Lawrence
For additional District information:
Charles W. Lloyd
Visit District 148 on the Web at: www.district148.net
Opportunities to “Discover Chicago”
District 148 students are discovering Chicago this summer.
“Discover Chicago” is the theme for this year’s summer programs.
The Summer Learning Academy program is for students across all
grade levels. It is happening from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays from June 13th through June 30th at Lincoln
School, Park School, and Washington School.
The program includes hands-on activities and lessons in reading,
writing and math that are aligned with the Common Core State
Standards. Students are creating art projects related to Chicago as well.
This year students also are getting the chance to learn about
nutritious eating and healthy food preparation. Instruction is being
provided by Marsha Zanders of the University of Illinois Extension.
Additionally, the Express Yourself! literacy program is taking place
at Riverdale School. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays from June 13th through June 30th. This program
emphasizes literacy, math and social-emotional learning standards.
Students also are receiving hands-on experience with the arts.
Both of the summer programs are being offered to help students
maintain and enrich their academic skills. Students are definitely
enjoying learning during the summer!
Ready for 2016-17 registration
Registration dates for the 2016-17 school year will be from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10th and from
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th at the school
your child or children will attend this fall.
It is important for you to register your child or children on
these dates.
Early Childhood Center students will register at Riverdale
School. New Out-of-District placement students will be
registered at their home school. Returning Out-of-District
placement students will be registered at District Office.
Please watch for additional registration information being sent
home by the District. Registration forms will be available at
District Office and are also on the District’s website. Proof of
residency is required at the time of registration.
Registration fees for the 2016-17 school year will remain
unchanged. The fee is $55 for students in Kindergarten
through Grade 8.
Parents of ECC students can sign up for a screening
appointment at registration. Screening dates are from 9 a.m.
until 3 p.m. on August 29th, 30th, 31st, September 1st, and
2nd. Anyone who will be three years old by Sept. 1, 2016 can
be registered/screened.
The first student attendance day of the new school year will
be on Wednesday, August 24th. Elementary school students
will be in session from 8:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. Junior high
school students will attend from 8:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Students are expected to come to school each day dressed in uniforms of navy skirts, jumpers or slacks worn with a
belt, and white shirts or blouses with collars. Shirts must be tucked in. Navy or white socks or tights may be worn along
with inexpensive gym shoes or solid-colored dress shoes. In warm weather, navy shorts that reach the knee may be
worn. On cold-weather days, students may wear navy or white sweaters or sweatshirts without hoods.
Thank you so much for assisting us as we challenged every child
to make academic progress in all subject areas during the 2015-16
school year. Your involvement in your child’s education is always
appreciated and we are so pleased to have you helping your child/
children to achieve success in the classroom and beyond.
Our Summer Learning Academy and Express Yourself! programs are
underway and will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays
through Thursdays from June 13th through June 30th.
Summer Learning Academy is for students in kindergarten through
eighth grade. Students are engaged in reading, writing and math
lessons that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards and
they are learning about the history of Chicago, prominent Chicagoans
and significant places and events. The Express Yourself! program
is offered at Riverdale School to students in Kindergarten through
Grade 3. This program emphasizes literacy, math, social-emotional
learning standards and gives students hands-on experience with the
arts.
Both of these free summer programs include breakfast and lunch
for students. There will be a field trip to the
Chicago History Museum on Tuesday, June
28th. Student dismissal on this day will be
at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, please mark your calendars for
our 2016-17 registration dates on Wednesday,
i times
i
ill be
b
August 10th and Thursday, August 11th. Registration
will
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 10th and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on
August 11th. The new school year starts with a full day of student
attendance on Wednesday, August 24th.
In closing, I want to thank the following 11 retiring staff members
for their contributions to students and to the community of District
148: Myrna Ablin, Marietta Brazausky, Dr. Candace Dunleavy, Carol
Errico, Martin Isaac, Gail Jilek, Katherine Mader, Roberta Matthews,
Nora Rowe, Sharon Sanders and Margaret Ward. Best wishes for a
Happy Retirement!
Dr. Saundra R. Mickles
From the Board President
Hello Parents/Guardians and Community Members!
What a tremendous school year we have had!
Thank you for contributing to the success of our school year. As you know, the benefits of parent
and community participation in the schools are far reaching. Better school attendance, increased
grades/test scores and higher graduation rates are among the positive effects of parent/
community involvement. Please remember to stay in touch with your child’s teacher throughout
the school year, attend school and District events and help our students reach even higher levels of success.
We commend all of our students from Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington Junior High Schools who qualified
for the Regional Science Fair in March and achieved first and second place honors at this regional competition.
Thank you so much parents, teachers, administrators, the League of Women Voters of Thornton Township and
Science Fair Coordinator Mr. Mike Hurst for your steadfast support of our student scientists!
In April, the Board of Education gained a new Board Member following the appointment of Mr. Charles W. Lloyd
by Intermediate Service Center #4 Executive Director Dr. Vanessa Kinder. Mr. Lloyd fills the vacancy left by
the resignation of former Board Vice President Dr. Lisa Davis-Smith. We thank Dr. Davis-Smith for her service
and we welcome Mr. Lloyd. The Board looks forward to carrying on its mission to ensure academic growth and
lifelong prosperity for our young people.
This year, District 148 broke new ground in the field of the arts. Members of the District’s first-ever Drum
Circle along with Directors Ms. Ronisha Dubose and Mrs. Jennifer Fitzpatrick exhibited their unlimited supply
of creativity during the Annual Fine Arts Festival in May. We applaud the students and their leaders for the
superb display of Discipline, Respect, and Unity through Music. Hats off to all of the student artists, singers and
musicians who participated in the fest!
Lastly, congratulations to all of our 8th grade graduates and their families! On behalf of the School Board, I
wish you continued good fortune in the years to come.
Enjoy your summer!
Inside this issue:
Hats off to our grads .......2
Our sensational science
fair students .................2
Great Things
Are Happening .............2
Happy retirement! ...........3
Restorative Justice
in all schools ................3
Opportunities to
“Discover Chicago” .....4
Ready for 2016-17
registration ...................4
Dates to Remember ........4
Kim Adkins
Dist 148 News 06 16.indd 1
6/17/2016 11:31:31 AM