Friday, December 5, 2014




Friday Focus
Check out this valuable information regarding parent resources for working with students in a technological world.  
http://www.edutopia.org/digital-literacy-technology-parent-resources

BGPA Communication and Link
Need stocking stuffers/ Hanukkah gift ideas? BGPA can help with your holiday shopping!


Wrap your favorite Bison in a navy and orange striped winter scarf embroidered with "BGHS" for just $13. Also available, keepsake BG tree ORNAMENTS ($5) and LICENSE PLATE COVERS ($3) to show off their Bison pride. There is a limited supply of CHOCOLATE BUFFALOS ($3) available in dark, milk and white chocolate. Contact Janet Reed tjreed@wowway.com or Karla Meyer karlameyer@sbcglobal.net for merchandise. Additionally, all SPIRIT WEAR is on sale. Get 10% off and free shipping through Dec. 14 online at https://tlkmarketing.tuosystems.com/stores/bgspirit2014


Still need a student directory? They can be purchased at any time in the office - $5 for BGPA members and $10 for non-members.

What is PARCC??  
Beginning in March, we are set to undergo the first sessions of PARCC Testing. Across the state, PARCC Testing is replacing our old model of testing, the Prairie State Achievement Exams (PSAE). PARCC Testing targets specific courses, whereas the PSAE targeted the junior class. In the first year of testing, the following courses will be tested. If your student is enrolled in any of these courses, he/she will take all of the exams for that particular course.


Courses Identified for Testing
Math Courses
  • 04581/04582  Algebra 2
  • 04740/04750 Advanced Algebra 74/75
  • 04800/04810 Honors Advanced Algebra 80/81
  • 04900/04910  Accelerated Honors Advanced Algebra 90/91
English Courses
  • 03471/03472 American Literature & Composition
  • 03481/03482 American Literature & Composition
  • 03971/03972 AP English Language & Composition
  • 04181/04182 American Literature & Composition Integrated (PHS only)

There are two testing windows for PARCC Testing. During the first window from March 9 - April 3, students will take Performance Based Assessments (PBAs) for these courses. During the second window, from April 27 - May 22, students will take End-of-Year Assessments (EOYs). Here is how the test distribution looks for each kind of test:


Performance Based Assessment (PBA)
Monday, March 16 ELA (3 Unit tests) 7:30am-11:30am
Tuesday, March 17 MATH (2 Unit tests)7:30am -10:30am
End of Year Assessment (EOY)
Monday, May 18 ELA (2 Unit tests) 7:30am-10:30am
Tuesday, May 19 MATH (2 Unit Tests) 7:30am -10:30am


Since this is the first year of using the PARCC Tests, the Illinois State Board of Education is finding that the concept of PARCC Testing is not transitioning well from theory into practice. As a result, District 214 is still receiving information weekly about testing rules and best practices. Should any changes occur, we will inform you as parents.  


If you have any questions about how the testing may impact your student, don’t hesitate to contact our Assessment Coordinator, Maureen Pfrank

DISTRICT 214 CALENDAR
December 19 Winter Vacation Begins at Close of Classes
January 5 First Day of Classes after Winter Vacation
January 16 End of First Semester
January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
January 20 Institute Day, Students NOT in Attendance
January 21 Beginning of Second Semester

Upcoming Dates/ Big Events Semester 1
December 5-6    Winter Play, The Boys Next Door, Friday & Saturday-7:30 pm, Theater
December 10 Financial Aid Night for Seniors and Parents, 7:00 pm, Forest View Eduational Center Theater

Back Those Bison - Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the coming week
December 5-6 Winter Play, The Boys Next Door, 7:30 pm, Theater
December 5 Girls Basketball vs. Wheeling, 6:00 pm, Gym
December 5 Boys Basketball vs. Wheeling, 7:30 pm, Gym
December 6 Boys Basketball vs. Palatine, 6:00 pm, Gym
December 9 Chess vs. Hersey, 4:30 pm, Community Room
December 10 Orchestra Winter Strings Concert, 7:00 pm, Theater
December 12 Boys Swimming/Diving vs. Wheeling, 4:30 pm, Pool
December 12 Boys Wrestling vs. Prospect, 6:00 pm, Fieldhouse
December 13 “Day with The Expressions”, 9:00 am Cafeteria, 7:00 pm Theater
December 13 Boys Wrestling Rex Lewis Tournament, 9:30 am, Gym


For underlevel and away sporting events and the most current information for B.G. activities, please go to:  http://il.8to18.com/buffalogrove/calendar


Daily Announcements Link
Buffalo Grove High School provides daily announcements to the students to keep them informed of current and upcoming events. To provide you with more information, the Student Announcements are now online. The announcements will be online for 10 days.    



BG in the news
BG hosts 8th grade students
http://buffalogrove.chicagotribune.com/2014/11/26/photos-buffalo-grove-high-school-hosts-future-students-day/


Staff Spotlight


What is your name? Teresa Deal


What department do you teach in/ what courses do you teach?  I am a special education teacher working with the social science dept. teaching World History and the english dept. teaching World Lit and Comp. I also teach a Strategies for Learning Class and an Instructional Social Science class.


How long have you been teaching at BG? This is year # 20!


Where did you go to high school? Forest View High School


What part of teaching to you find the most rewarding? I find the most rewarding part of my job is seeing the students I case manage grow up and mature throughout their high school years. It is a joy to see them senior year practicing everything we have been working on for the previous three years!


What is something unique about you? I am one of six children and my husband is one of ten children. The holidays are filled with a lot of love and laughter - and people!!

What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? I do not currently coach anything.