Friday, December 18, 2020

Principal Wardle's Weekly Blog 12/18/2020

 Friday Focus:  

Enjoy the Sounds of the Season! The Music Department is sharing the joy of music this season virtually, and we would love for you to join us and enjoy the content our students have worked to create. We are sharing a new video daily on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram through December 19th. You can always scroll back and watch previously posted videos, as well. Follow the hashtag #BGWinterCelebration and follow the accounts below to see their performances:


Fine Arts: Twitter - @BGHSFineArts

Band: Facebook - @bisonpridebands Twitter - @bgbisonpride •  Instagram - @bghsbisonpride

Choir: Facebook - BG Bison Choirs • Twitter and Instagram @BGBisonChoir 

Orchestra: Facebook - BGHS Orchestras • Twitter - @BGHSOrchestras • Instagram - @bghsorchestra



Upcoming Dates

Date

Event

December 18

End of 2nd Quarter

Winter Break begins at close of classes

January 4

In-Service Day - Students Not in Attendance

January 5

Classes Resume (remote learning)

First Day of 3rd Quarter

January 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Non-Attendance Day/Building Closed

January 19

In-person learning resumes (students who have committed to in-person learning for 3rd Quarter)

January 20

Buffalo Grove Parent Association meeting 7:00 pm

January 21

Board of Education meeting 7:00 pm at Forest View Educational Center

February 11

Board of Education meeting 7:00 pm at Forest View Educational Center

February 17

Buffalo Grove Parent Association meeting 7:00 pm

February 12

Non-Attendance Day

February 15

President’s Day - No School, Building Closed

February 26

In-Service Day - Students Not in Attendance


Senior Portraits & Underclass Retakes

Seniors - check your mail for a postcard from LifeTouch, the District 214 school portrait photographers. Senior Retakes will be happening from mid-January to early-February.  Lifetouch sent a postcard to every senior with their scheduled date and time.


Opportunities for underclassmen portraits and retakes are still being determined, but will likely be scheduled for February. An email will be sent with more detailed information early next semester.


Second Semester Blue & Orange Day Calendar

The Blue and Orange Calendar for second semester is now posted under Quick Links on the Buffalo Grove High School website, bghs.d214.org.

Click Here for the Second Semester Blue & Orange Calendar


BGPA Scholarship Application Now Available

The Buffalo Grove High School Parent Association (“BGPA”) and donor Mrs. Jackie Sell are pleased to award scholarships to recognize the achievement of our students. The winners will be selected based on school and community involvement, leadership, motivation, and academics, as well as a compelling personal essay. All graduating BGHS Class of 2021 seniors are eligible for this scholarship. Additionally, scholarship Applicants must plan to attend a post-secondary or technical school as a full-time or part-time student and must meet District 214’s requirements to participate in and to be awarded a diploma at commencement in 2021. The Scholarship is an outright gift and will be announced and disbursed at the Principal’s Awards Assembly on May 6, 2021.


The BGPA Scholarship application  is posted in Naviance, as well the College and Career Website.  CLICK HERE for the link to the scholarship page


All applications will be reviewed with complete anonymity. The completed application (stapled with required attachments and signatures) must be received in the BGHS College/Career Center by the end of school on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. All decisions made by BGPA will be final. Any application not submitted with all attachments or unsigned by the end of school on March 31, 2021, will be rejected.


Staff Spotlight

What is your name? Melissa Moy


What department do you teach in/ How long have you been teaching at BG?

World Language/Social Science, this is my 11th year.


Where did you go to high school? Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio, Texas.


What part of teaching do you find the most rewarding? When a student continues to learn and practice classroom learning in College and beyond. I’m always amazed when a student comes back and reports how much he/she has benefited and utilized what they learned in the classroom out in the real world. It’s especially rewarding when a student reports back that something they learned in the classroom changed them forever.


What new thing have you learned this year teaching remotely? I’ve learned that I can multitask much better than previously thought possible. I don’t know how to juggle (literally), but this year I am “juggling” by teaching a class stacked with 3 levels. I’ve learned to teach the same lesson in 3 levels of difficulties and expectation at the same time. In February, I will also be teaching the SAT Math prep course... just a little more multi-tasking.


What are you currently reading, and/ or do you have a favorite author or podcast?   I am currently rereading Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkien. My favorite novel is The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. But my favorite author is Jane Austin (Sense & Sensibility; Pride & Prejudice).


What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? I sponsor the Chinese Culture Clubs at both BG and Hersey.


What is something unique about you? I guess I am unique in that I was an Electrical Engineer in the corporate world for 10 years, and then went on to create and teach a Mandarin language program in District 214... quite a career change!


Back Those Bison!

Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the Coming Week

Date

Time

Event

December

Ongoing

Winter radio play Stuck Here Together premiers - CLICK HERE to listen anytime

December 7-19

Ongoing

Winter Celebration featuring Band, Choir and Orchestra - follow #BGWinterCelebration on social media platforms to view

For underlevel and away sporting events and the most current information for BGHS activities, please go to: Buffalo Grove High School Comprehensive Calendar


BGHS in the News

First generation students' path to college aided by D214 Foundation

The Daily Herald, December 16, 2020

College was an enigma to Serena Bekteshi. There was a point when the High School District 214 senior, who will be a first-generation college student, didn't know how to apply, didn't understand what grants were and couldn't quite figure out how scholarships might work. Then, a turning point: the Next Generation Pathway to Completion, a donor-funded program created by the District 214 Education. Ready Story


Looking for More?

Click Here for the New Block Schedule

Click Here for the Blue & Orange Day Calendar

Click Here for the Second Semester Blue & Orange Calendar

Click Here for the D214 School Calendars

Click Here for the 2nd Quarter Parent Newsletter

Click Here for BG's student newspaper, The Charger

Click Here for the oneBG Podcast

Click Here for One Grove Gallery exhibits and information

Click Here for the detailed daily BG Activity/Athletics Calendar

Click Here for the BGPA Bison Spiritwear online store


Friday, December 11, 2020

Principal Wardle's Weekly Blog 12/10/2020

 Friday Focus:  

🗞💻During this unprecedented year, we have not been able to publish a print edition of our BGHS student newspaper, The Charger. However, the Charger students have been hard at work writing articles, conducting interviews via zoom, and continuing finding ways to get the job done!  Did you know that you can keep up with all the latest news on The Charger website? Here is some new content you will find:

 

New Freshman Mentor Program provides connections for incoming freshmen

It’s Time to Put on Music, it’s Time to Light the Lights: BG’s Elizabeth Bennett is Nominated for Grammy, Again

Kappler's creativity aids interest in composing podcast music

DECA prepares for virtual State competition

Em & M’s Book Nook: Disability Visibility

Additional shutdowns could mean more trouble for businesses

Cancel culture skyrockets as TikTok and Twitter use progresses

Aquaphobia: When water makes anxiety come in waves

Artist of the Month: Lady Gaga

“Educated: A Memoir” tells powerful story of growth

Movies with Mikayla: The Witches


The Bison Impact:  

  • Congratulations to Photo 1 art student Khushi Gandhi who received Honorable Mention in Drexel University's High School Photo Contest. You can view her work HERE and it is also featured in the Digital Cyanotypes photo display in the main office stairwell area (middle panel, lower right). All contest winners' works are visible on the site and all the work is outstanding.


Winter Play Premiers TONIGHT at 7:00 PM

Synopsis: Stuck Here Together will keep you cuddled under your favorite blanket as Lou and Cheryl, a pair of grandparents, and their grandchildren, Noah, David, and Rachel, take you on a road trip through the great state of Illinois. These grandparents know how to travel and decide that Illinois is the best place to unplug from your phone and just listen to the voices on the radio. Their grandchildren, reluctantly resign to their rule.


You will be entertained by new contemporary stories written and performed by BG students.  Your heartstrings will be pulled as you listen to the real words of those who have lived here and experienced the changes our great state has endured.  You will laugh at the unfortunate Illinoisans who have been charged with crimes due to the "Wacky Laws" in some towns.  And, you may hear from a former president.  Plus, loads more!  


All the work is original and allows the audience to sit back, unplug our eyes from a screen, and enjoy the stories that unfold.  


CLICK HERE to listen on the BG Network Vimeo Page

CLICK HERE to listen through the BG Theater Arts Podcast Page

CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify 

CLICK HERE for the Stuck Here Together program


Winter Celebration Intro Video

The Music Department will be sharing the joy of music in this season virtually and we would love for you to join us and enjoy the content our students have worked to create. We will be sharing a new video daily on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram through December 19th. Follow the hashtag #BGWinterCelebration and follow the accounts below to see their performances:


Fine Arts: Twitter - @BGHSFineArts

Band: Facebook - @bisonpridebands • Twitter - @bgbisonpride •  Instagram - @bghsbisonpride

Choir: Facebook - BG Bison Choirs • Twitter & Instagram @BGBisonChoir 

Orchestra: Facebook - BGHS Orchestras • Twitter - @BGHSOrchestras • Instagram - @bghsorchestra


Upcoming Dates

Date

Event

December 14-18

Finals Week - Please consult course syllabus and teacher for details

December 18

End of 2nd Quarter

Winter Break begins at close of classes

January 4

In-Service Day - Students Not in Attendance

January 5

Classes Resume (remote learning)

First Day of 3rd Quarter

January 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Non-Attendance Day/Building Closed

January 19

In-person hybrid learning resumes

January 20

Buffalo Grove Parent Association meeting 7:00 pm

January 21

Board of Education meeting 7:00 pm at Forest View Educational Center


BGPA Scholarship Application Now Available

The Buffalo Grove High School Parent Association (“BGPA”) and donor Mrs. Jackie Sell are pleased to award scholarships to recognize the achievement of our students. The winners will be selected based on school and community involvement, leadership, motivation, and academics, as well as a compelling personal essay. All graduating BGHS Class of 2021 seniors are eligible for this scholarship. Additionally, scholarship Applicants must plan to attend a post-secondary or technical school as a full-time or part-time student and must meet District 214’s requirements to participate in and to be awarded a diploma at commencement in 2021. The Scholarship is an outright gift and will be announced and disbursed at the Principal’s Awards Assembly on May 6, 2021.


The BGPA Scholarship application  is posted in Naviance, as well the College and Career Website.  CLICK HERE for the link to the scholarship page


All applications will be reviewed with complete anonymity. The completed application (stapled with required attachments and signatures) must be received in the BGHS College/Career Center by the end of school on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. All decisions made by BGPA will be final. Any application not submitted with all attachments or unsigned by the end of school on March 31, 2021, will be rejected.


December SAT and ACT Exams Canceled

The SAT exam scheduled for Saturday, December 5 and the ACT exam scheduled for  Saturday, December 12 have been cancelled at all District 214 high schools. Please contact collegeboard.org and actstudent.org for future testing opportunities.


Need a physical library book during remote learning?

You can pick them up at school or we can deliver them to you!

CLICK HERE for the Physical Book Recommendation and Order Form

CLICK HERE for eBook/Audio Book Recommendation and Form

Any questions or concerns? Please reach out to our email bghslibrary@d214.org


DECA Sponsors Virtual Trick Shot Contest

We all know how hard COVID-19 has hit our athletics department. However, the BGHS DECA Chapter has found a way to get BG moving again! Starting Monday, November 30th, the DECA Club will be hosting a Virtual Trick Shot Contest. Yes, you heard that right. Both students AND teachers who are interested in having some fun (by themselves, with friends, or family) while showing off their best sports skills should fill out the form attached ASAP. Registration to sign up for the event closes Sunday, December 6th, and payment/video submissions will be accepted from Monday, December 7th to Friday, December 18th. The DECA Chapter will be collecting video submission fees for this event, and ALL proceeds will go toward the Good Sports Charity. Plus, there will be prizes (with over $120 in the prize pool)! You will find more information about registration and submission in the form. So, what are you waiting for? Go sign up! Payment (due after registration):


Individual: One person in video-$5.00

Group: 2-6 people in video-$10.00

Team: 7+ people in video-$20.00


Sign-Up Form (Registration open from Monday, November 30th to Sunday, December 6th).


Staff Spotlight

What is your name? Julie Santeford (“Frau”)


What department do you teach in/ How long have you been teaching at BG? World Languages, this is year 17, all at BGHS <3


Where did you go to high school? Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora


What part of teaching do you find the most rewarding? Hard to choose a “most” – but perhaps the most rewarding part of teaching is when I hear from present and graduated students about the ways they’ve used German in their lives: from studying abroad in Vienna for a semester, to talking with a German couple while working at Ace Hardware, to completing an engineering internship with Mercedes Benz in Stuttgart, Germany, or maintaining lifelong friendships with people they met on our Germany exchange, so many of them have been able to use and connect with their time in the German program here at BG.


What new thing have you learned this year teaching remotely? Teaching remotely, I have learned that time learning and bonding together in the physical classroom is irreplaceable and something to treasure. That said, I have also learned that with enough determination, both teachers and students have an amazing ability to “make it work” while learning remotely.


What are you currently reading, and/ or do you have a favorite author or podcast? I am currently reading Polish e-books because I love languages and reading, so it’s a win-win way for me to learn and enjoy at the same time. In general, though, I prefer nonfiction works about sciences (biological, physical, social…). A few favorite authors are Michio Kaku and Brian Greene.


What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? I sponsor German Club and also an exchange with a school in southern Germany. Mainly, my goal is to promote an interest in German culture and travel in general. Normally this would be a travel year for us … hopefully we can resume our awesome partnership asap!


What is something unique about you? I think it’s a hard question for anyone to answer what makes them unique(!) … but I would have to say – perhaps my nerdy obsession with language learning. There is not enough time in life to learn all I want to learn, so I can often be seen standing in line at the store or walking through the halls flipping through language flashcards… I assume most people think I am texting or browsing social media, but it’s always flashcards!

 

Back Those Bison!

Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the Coming Week

Date

Time

Event

December 11

7:00 pm

Winter radio play Stuck Here Together premiers - CLICK HERE to listen

December 7-19

Ongoing

Winter Celebration featuring Band, Choir and Orchestra - see info above and check social media platforms to watch

For underlevel and away sporting events and the most current information for BGHS activities, please go to: Buffalo Grove High School Comprehensive Calendar


Looking for More?

Click Here for the New Block Schedule

Click Here for the Blue & Orange Day Calendar

Click Here for the D214 School Calendars

Click Here for the 2nd Quarter Parent Newsletter

Click Here for BG's student newspaper, The Charger

Click Here for the oneBG Podcast

Click Here for One Grove Gallery exhibits and information

Click Here for the detailed daily BG Activity/Athletics Calendar

Click Here for the BGPA Bison Spiritwear online store