Friday, January 23, 2015

Principal Wardle's Weekly Blog




Meet our newest Bison, Buck

Buck is a two year old boxer mix.  He has been trained as a therapy dog through the organization called Paws Giving Independence (PGI). PGI has high standards for all of their potential service, facility, or therapy dogs. Buck was matched for services in a high school setting for his loving temperament, gentle and friendly nature, and desire to please. He will be used in our student services department.  We are very excited to have Buck at Buffalo Grove.  


Brief overview of Therapy Dogs
Dogs have been used extensively to support and improve mental health.  They are sent to areas where great tragedy has occurred; they visit hospitals and nursing homes; veterans suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) or brain trauma use them during therapy, children giving difficult court testimony use them; colleges high schools have them available during finals week to reduce stress; they provide emotional and sensory support to children on the autism spectrum and they help reluctant readers feel comfortable reading aloud and improve their reading skills.  Therapy dogs are also used in two of our own District Schools.  Prospect High School has full time therapy dog that works in the counseling department and throughout the school environment.  In addition, Forest View Academy and Vanguard schools employ a private therapy dog owner to bring her dog to their schools to work with the students.


If you have questions regarding the use of a therapy dog in the school setting, please contact our Special Education Division Head, Rick Carlson, at richard.carlson@d214.org


BGPA Communication and Link
Lou's Pizza Factory http://www.louspizzafactory.com/#!menu/c5hf will be having a fundraiser to support the BGPA** (Buffalo Grove Parent's Association).  They have delicious antipasti, pastas (including gluten free), flat and pan pizzas, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks.  They are just a few blocks east of BGHS and are located at 719 E. Dundee Rd. in Arlington Heights.  This fundraiser will be for FIVE days beginning Superbowl Sunday, 2/1 through Thursday, 2/5, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m..  Lou's Pizza Factory will not be charging tax and will be donating 25% of their income if you mention BGPA.  This is valid for dine in, carryout, or delivery.  Any questions, please contact BGPA member, Lisa Groh at vantagept1@gmail.com or (847) 682-1200.  Thank you for your support of BGPA!

** BGPA supports numerous items at BGHS including; providing safe Post-Prom activities at Pinstripes in Northbrook, 10 college scholarships, Teacher Appreciation lunch, student snacks for finals, Student Directories, Spirit Wear, etc.


DISTRICT 214 CALENDAR
February 16 Presidents’ Day - No School
March 20 Spring Vacation Begins at Close of Classes
March 30 First Day of Classes after Spring Vacation
April 3 Non-Attendance Day - No School
May 25 Memorial Day - No School
May 31 Commencement Exercises
June 5 Last Day of Classes


Back Those Bison - Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the coming week
January 23 Boys Wrestling vs. Elk Grove, 6:00 pm, Gym
January 24 Boys Swimming/Diving Bison Invite, 8:30 am, Pool
January 24 Boys Basketball vs. Prospect, 6:00 pm, Gym
January 24 Chess, MSL Tournament, TBA
January 24 Pom Pons at Sectionals, Lake Park High School
January 26 Girls Bowling vs. Schaumburg, 4:30 pm, Arlington Lanes
January 27 Girls Basketball vs. Prospect, 7:30 pm, Gym
January 30 Boys Swimming/Diving vs. Elk Grove, 4:30 pm, Pool
January 30 Girls Basketball vs. Hersey, 7:30 pm, Gym
January 30 Girls Gymnastics at Conference, TBA
January 30 & 31 Boys Wrestling at Conference, TBA
January 30 & 31 Pom Pons at State, TBA
January 31 Boys Basketball vs. Niles West, 4:30 pm, Gym
January 31 Girls Bowling at Conference, TBA
January 31 Cheerleading at Sectionals, TBA

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.    


Staff member/ student of the week

What is your name? Amy Silverman
Amy Silverman collaborating with colleague Kurt Kutska

What department do you teach in/ what courses do you teach? I teach English and Social Thinking in the Special Ed. Department. I co-teach Written/Oral Com. and American Lit. & Comp. in the English Department.

How long have you been teaching at BG? I transferred from FV to BG eight years ago, but this is only my 3rd year back in the classroom. I spent my first five years at BG as the Special Education Coordinator. Must I admit this is my 21st year in District 214? I guess I just did!

Where did you go to high school? Glenbrook North High School.

What part of teaching do you find the most rewarding? Connecting with students on a personal level and earning their trust is most rewarding. I love to watch the lightbulb turn on in students' heads as they grasp the concept being taught!

What is something unique about you? On a professional level, I have taken on a very unique project since the end of last school year... I will be the owner/co-handler of Buck, the future BHGS facility dog! I am looking forward to all of the students and staff benefiting from having Buck as part of the BG staff!

What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? I am not an official sponsor, but my "open door policy" has created an environment in my classroom where students come and hang out during their open periods. The students call it "chill time". I have a feeling when Buck arrives, he and I may sponsor a "stress reduction club" - I can't wait!