Friday, December 21, 2018

Principal Wardle's Weekly Blog 12/21/2018


Friday Focus:   Hello? Anyone listening?

Buffalo Grove High School’s One Grove Gallery is pleased to present it's latest art show: Hello? Anyone listening?. This exhibition is an exploration of the environmental issues facing us today.

Advanced Art students and beginning Graphic Arts students explored environmental issues of their choosing.  These artworks reveal the student's wishes to mitigate environmental disasters. Two views are depicted, one of devastation and one of solution and of human impact. AP Biology students also provided commentary on the works and larger issues at hand. We hope this furthers the dialogue and discussion of environmental issues.

The exhibition will run through January 19th, 2019. Click Here for more information on the One Grove Gallery.

Celebrating Our Success!
  • Congratulations our Varsity Coed Cheerleaders on taking first place at the Rolling Meadows Roundup, and to our JV Cheer team for taking 2nd Place!
  • Congratulations to Varsity Girls Gymnastics on finishing 3rd at the Addison Trail Invitational, led by Olivia Tangorra finishing 3rd All Around and Leah Oyen finishing 7th All Around! Three Bison also placed in in the top 3 on Bars. Congrats Olivia Tangorra, Leah Oyen and Hannah Greenspan!
  • Congratulations to Varsity Wrestlers Alejandro Mejia on finishing 2nd, Andrew Polk on finishing 3rd, and Michael Goubine on finishing 6th at the Glenbrook South Tournament last weekend.
  • Congratulations to the talented cast and tech crew from the Winter Play Noises Off! The hilarious performances last weekend and the incredible rotating set were outstanding!
Upcoming Dates

Date
Event
December 22- Jan 4
Winter Break
January 7
Institute Day - Students Not in Attendance
Class of 2023 CAF Night 5:15-9:00 pm
January 8
Classes Resume, First day of 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester
January 16
BGPA Meeting 6:00 pm
January 17
BOE Meeting 7:00 pm at Forest View Educational Center
January 21
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Building Closed
January 31/Feb 1
Parent Teacher Conferences - Thurs 1/31 5:30-8:30 pm and Fri 2/1 8:30-11:30 am
February 1
In-Service Day  - Students Not in Attendance
February 18
President’s Day - Building Closed

Back Those Bison!
Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the Coming Week
Date
Time
Event
December 21
6:00 pm
Wrestling vs. Prospect
December 22
4:30 pm
Boys Basketball vs. Maine East
January 5
4:30 pm
Boys Basketball vs. Grayslake North
January 7
7:00 pm
Boys Basketball Varsity Crossover vs. Schaumburg
January 9
4:30 pm
Bowling vs. Hoffman Estates
January 11
4:45
Boys Swimming & Diving vs. Schaumburg
6:00 pm
Boys Basketball vs. Hersey
7:30
Girls Basketball vs. Hersey
January 12
2:00 pm
Girls Basketball vs. Glenbrook North
For underlevel and away sporting events and the most current information for BGHS activities, please go to: Buffalo Grove High School Comprehensive Calendar

BGPA Scholarship Applications Now Available
Applications for the Buffalo grove Parent Association (BGPA) $1,000 scholarship are now available online on Naviance or a hard copy can be picked up in the College & Career Center through April 1, 2019. Any Class of 2019 graduating senior planning to attend a baccalaureate or technical program is eligible to apply. The scholarship value is $1,000 per selected applicant. The signed application with all of the attachments is due at the end of the school day on April 2, 2019. Applications submitted after April 2, 2019 will not be accepted. The scholarships will be distributed at the Principal’s Awards Ceremony on May 14, 2019.

What Every Parent Needs to Know
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 – February 20, 2019
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Fee $30 per person
D214 Future Ready Parent is an engagement series dedicated to providing comprehensive community topics and education to ensure parent readiness for tomorrow’s challenges. We believe in providing relevant topics that can enrich and engage our community. The next class offered in the series is What Every Parent Needs to Know led by Bob Leece, the Student Assistance Coordinator at Buffalo Grove High School.  With over 30 years experience, Bob has trained thousands of parents through his lecture series giving them practical tools to deal with issues facing today’s middle and high school students. These sessions help parents navigate and respond appropriately to their children’s growth and development, anticipate and prevent behavioral problems proactively, develop mutually respectful relationships, explore fair discipline, maintain effective communication and use productive problem-solving methods. This program is presented in partnership with Link Together Coalition. Buffalo Grove High School Library (enter through Door 7)

BGHS in the News

State-Bound Buffalo Grove Jazz Ensemble Featured In Second Annual Showcase
Journal & Topics, December 21, 2018
The Buffalo Grove High School Music Dept. will host its second annual Jazz Showcase Dinner on Friday, Jan. 18 in the Buffalo Grove High School cafeteria. The evening will feature classic and newer jazz works performed by the Buffalo Grove High School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, By Popular Demand Vocal Jazz, Inversion Vocal Jazz, and the Cooper Middle School Jazz Ensemble. This performance will also serve as a fundraiser for the band program. Read Story

Composed Buffalo Grove knocks off Stevenson
The Daily Herald, December 17, 2018
After a tough Mid-Suburban East loss three days earlier, Buffalo Grove was eager to get back on the floor. Regardless of a conference or nonconference match, the Bison justed wanted to get back in the winning frame of mind. And that's exactly what they did against a winning girls basketball program from the neighboring town of Lincolnshire. Read Story

Buffalo Grove, St. Viator earn wins
The Daily Herald, December 15
Nate Cole scored 20 points and Tom Trieb added 16 Friday night as Buffalo Grove defeated Wheeling 69-49 in a Mid-Suburban League East boys basketball game. Kam Craft added 12 points for the Bison and Michael Nowakowski had 11. Read Story

Looking for More?

Click Here for The oneBG Podcast

Click Here for BGHS’s Daily Announcements

Click Here for the Second Quarter Parent Newsletter

Click Here for BG's student newspaper, The Charger

Click Here for the Fine Arts Calendar

Click Here for One Grove Gallery exhibits and information

Click Here for the detailed daily BG Activity/Athletics Calendar

Staff Spotlight

1. What is your name?  Rob Hartwig

2. What department have you/do you work in? I am the Associate Principal of Student Services and Operations.

3. How long have you been working at BG?  This is my 13th year at Buffalo Grove High School and my 30th in education.

4. Where did you go to high school? I attended Elk Grove High School

5. What part of working at BG do you find the most rewarding? The part of my job that I enjoy the most are the interactions with students and getting them the supports they need when necessary.

6. What is something unique about you? This is not necessarily unique, but something I am very proud of...I completed my third Chicago Marathon in October and am an avid runner.

7. What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? As an administrator, I enjoy attending different sports and activities.  It is always nice to see students in a different light than just the classroom.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Principal's Weekly Blog 12/14/2018


Friday Focus:   New Library First Semester Highlights
Here are just a few of the exciting things happening in our new library first semester:
  • Over 400 individual classes using the library space
  • 60 different sessions of orientation, book talks, independent reading, and book check-outs across all grades.
  • Mock elections, BG Gives Back, Breakout EDU, research instruction, and more
  • MakerSpace events hosted by Arlington Heights Library, Little Bison community events, and local/national conferences
  • The biggest highlight is that first semester circulation has nearly matched all of last year's circulation!

Celebrating Our Success!
  • Congratulations to Kevin Eloiza who was selected to the 2018 Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Soccer team. Kevin was recognized by our BOE for being instrumental for leading the boys soccer team to their first MSL championship in 30 years.
  • Congratulations to our Band, Orchestra, and Choir students for an incredible set of performances at our Winter Celebration of The Grinch last weekend. They did an amazing job of sharing music and joy with an audience of over 1,000 people!  
  • Congrats to the Math Team which placed 2nd in last night’s meet. Special congrats to Alannah Rodriguez who finished 2nd in oralist comp!
  • Congrats to the Scholastic Bowl team for defeating Barrington, Prospect, and Hoffman Estates last night!
  • Congratulations to our Bowlers on their 9-0 sweep over a young and impressive Wheeling team! And a sweep of Rolling Meadows this week! Congratulations to Maddie Schanke celebrating Senior Night!
  • Congrats to Sean Jacobs on his selection to play in the Shrine Game! The Shriners All Star game is set for 11:00 am on Saturday, June 15 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
  • Congratulations to senior Volleyball players Claire Ferriss and Maggie Streckert on being named Honorable Mention to the Pioneer Press 2018 Girls Volleyball All-Area Team!

The Bison Way
We would like to recognize students and staff whose actions go above and beyond in their daily lives and epitomize the Bison Way. This week’s outstanding Bison are:
  • Alex Gilca - A member of the cheer team, Alex is always a respectful student/athlete. He’s shown great improvement and puts the team first.
  • Ben Goldberg - Ben is a great Swim teammate, a leader, and always helpful.
  • Sam Novak - A member of the cheer team, Sam is determined, puts forth great effort, and she puts the team first.
  • Michael Nowakowski - Michael was voted captain of the Boys Basketball team by the team. He is a leader, an exceptional defender, and sacrifices to put the team first.

Upcoming Dates

Date
Event
December 19
Final Exams - Periods 1, 2 and 6  Click Here for the Final Exam Schedule
December 20
Final Exams - Periods 3, 7 and 4  Click Here for the Final Exam Schedule
December 21
Final Exams - Periods, 8 and 5  Click Here for the Final Exam Schedule
NOTE: Students Dismissed after Final Exams. Winter Break Begins.
December 22- Jan 4
Winter Break
January 7
Institute Day - Students Not in Attendance
January 8
Classes Resume, First day of 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester

Need Extra Help? Saturday School Tomorrow!
The last Saturday School before finals will be tomorrow from 8:30 am to 11:00 am in the Library.  Students should enter through Door #1. Saturday School is a service provided by Buffalo Grove High School to help students raise a grade, make up missing work due to absences, or just find a quiet place to complete work. A small selection of BG staff and National Honor Society tutors are available at Saturday School. Though help at the honors and AP level is not always available, Saturday School can provide an environment for collaboration, guidance, and support.

Looking for a Quiet Place to Study for Finals?
Snacks, laptops, & study areas are available at local libraries during exam week! You do NOT have to have a library card to attend—just show up.  
Indian Trails Public Library
Arlington Heights Public Library
Saturday, December 15: 5-8PM
Sunday, December 16: 5-8PM
(NOTE: no one will be admitted after 5PM.
The library is open late only for high school students! Bring your own device if possible. Tutors are available!)
Monday, December 17: 3-10PM
Tuesday, December 18: 3-10PM
Wednesday, December 19: noon-10PM
Thursday, December 20: noon-10PM

(NOTE: High school students only!)

BGPA Spiritwear Sale!
The BGPA will be selling BG Spiritwear in the Main Foyer during the basketball games TONIGHT. Tipoff for the girl’s game is at 6:00 pm and the boy’s at 7:30 pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to cheer on the Bison and finish off your holiday gift list!

Back Those Bison!
Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the Coming Week
Date
Time
Event
December 14
6:00 pm
Girls Basketball vs. Wheeling - WHITE OUT!
7:00 pm
Winter Play Noises Off   Click HERE for Tickets & Info
7:30 pm
Boys Basketball vs. Wheeling - WHITE OUT!
December 15
7:00 pm
Winter Play Noises Off  Click HERE for Tickets & Info
December 17
7:30 pm
Girls Basketball vs. Stevenson
December 21
6:00 pm
Wrestling vs. Prospect
December 22
4:30 pm
Boys Basketball vs. Maine East
For underlevel and away sporting events and the most current information for BGHS activities, please go to: Buffalo Grove High School Comprehensive Calendar

Annual 5th Quarter Event TONIGHT
Elevate is hosting their annual 5th Quarter Event TONIGHT after the basketball games!
  • Wear white! It’s a WHITE OUT!
  • Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to the Girls or Boys Basketball games and get a free T-SHIRT (200)
  • Enter the raffle for a chance to WIN A JEEP at halftime!
  • 5th Quarter in the Fieldhouse after the game!
  • $1 Chick-Fil-A for students! Music! Games! And lots of fun... you’ll want to be there!

BGPA Scholarship Applications Now Available
Applications for the Buffalo grove Parent Association (BGPA) $1,000 scholarship are now available online on Naviance or a hard copy can be picked up in the College & Career Center through April 1, 2019. Any Class of 2019 graduating senior planning to attend a baccalaureate or technical program is eligible to apply. The scholarship value is $1,000 per selected applicant. The signed application with all of the attachments is due at the end of the school day on April 2, 2019. Applications submitted after April 2, 2019 will not be accepted. The scholarships will be distributed at the Principal’s Awards Ceremony on May 14, 2019.

What Every Parent Needs to Know
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 – February 20, 2019
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Fee $30 per person
D214 Future Ready Parent is an engagement series dedicated to providing comprehensive community topics and education to ensure parent readiness for tomorrow’s challenges. We believe in providing relevant topics that can enrich and engage our community. The next class offered in the series is What Every Parent Needs to Know led by Bob Leece, the Student Assistance Coordinator at Buffalo Grove High School.  With over 30 years experience, Bob has trained thousands of parents through his lecture series giving them practical tools to deal with issues facing today’s middle and high school students. These sessions help parents navigate and respond appropriately to their children’s growth and development, anticipate and prevent behavioral problems proactively, develop mutually respectful relationships, explore fair discipline, maintain effective communication and use productive problem-solving methods. This program is presented in partnership with Link Together Coalition. Buffalo Grove High School Library (enter through Door 7)

BGHS in the News

Buffalo Grove edges Wauconda
The Daily Herald, December 10, 2018
When Buffalo Grove guard Kam Craft opened the season by dropping 31 points on Grayslake Central, it's fair to say that Grayslake Central might have been caught a little by surprise. Craft is just a freshman, after all. Probably not a lot of game film on him at the time. Craft wasn't, however, quite as stealth with his coaches and teammates. They saw him coming from a mile away. Make that two years away. When Craft was a seventh grader, he had the high schoolers intrigued. Read Story

Freshmen Lead The Way
Journal & Topics, December 12, 2018
Even on the boys’ side, Buffalo Grove freshman Kam Craft exploded out of the gate. He scored 31 points in his debut and has 128 points through six games (21.3 ppg). Craft also made 28-of-33 free throws, which shows poise beyond his years. Craft has made his last 20 free throws in a row. Through six games he also leads the Bison in rebounds (35), assists (9), steals (12) and blocks (4). Read Story

Improved Buffalo Grove aces Mundelein
The Daily Herald, December 11, 20118
An Exam Jamm test yielded more positive results for Buffalo Grove's girls basketball players. If they were failing last year, the Bison are passing with flying colors this year. Take Tuesday night. By beating Mundelein 51-39 in Lake Zurich's Exam Jamm College Showcase, the Bison bested their win total from last year. "We've come a long way," Buffalo Grove coach Steve Kolodziej said after his team improved to 6-3. "These kids have worked tremendously hard. They're extremely coachable." Read Story

Nate Cole gives Buffalo Grove an unexpected scoring boost
Chicago Tribune, December 8, 2018
There’s a new version of Nate Cole on display this season. The Buffalo Grove junior forward is bigger, stronger and more self-assured in his second varsity season. And in complete contrast to the reserved, tentative Cole that was squeezed for minutes last winter, he even dunks. “That really helped my confidence. It was toward the end of the game, and I got a steal at half court and went up and was able to put one down,” Cole said of his dunk against Zion-Benton on Nov. 21. “That told me this could be a pretty special season.” Read Story

Looking for More?

Click Here for The oneBG Podcast

Click Here for BGHS’s Daily Announcements

Click Here for the Second Quarter Parent Newsletter

Click Here for BG's student newspaper, The Charger

Click Here for the Fine Arts Calendar

Click Here for One Grove Gallery exhibits and information

Click Here for the detailed daily BG Activity/Athletics Calendar

Staff Spotlight

1. What is your name?  Zack Crandall

2. What department have you/do you work in? I work in the Social Science/Foreign Language/ELL Department. I teach

3. How long have you been working at BG?  This is my 14th year at BG.

4. Where did you go to high school? Glenbard West.

5. What part of working at BG do you find the most rewarding?  The most rewarding part of teaching for me is when the students make a connection between class concepts and real world events.

6. What is something unique about you? I lived in Egypt for a summer during college as part of a study abroad program through UIUC and I continue to be very interested in the Middle East.

7. What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? I am the head boys gymnastics coach and an assistant girls gymnastics coach.