Friday, December 12, 2014

Principal Wardle's Weekly Blog



Friday Focus - Special Communication to Parents
Have you seen our signs by the pickup/drop off entrance of our school?  "Talk They Hear You" Is a national campaign that empowers and reminds parents to talk to their children about the dangers of underage drinking.  Although it may not seem like it, when parents talk about underage drinking, their children do hear them. The   “Talk They Hear You” campaign is provided to us by the Link Together Coalition to:
·           Equip parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent underage drinking
·               Increase parents’ actions to prevent underage drinking
Three out of four youth say parents are the number one influence in their life when it comes to making decisions about drinking, however 45% of our teens say their parents have “not talked to them” or they “do not remember having a conversation” about not using alcohol.* Starting the conversation can be challenging! Click here for an interactive tool that can help you get started.

Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year,
Jeff Wardle, Principal and Social Norms Team Members

Amy Silverman, Special Education Teacher
Bob Leece, SAPP Coordinator
Christy Azriel, Pshychologist
Danielle Strauss, Link Together Coalition
Erin O’Donnell, Physical Education Teacher
Francesca Pecoraro, Guidance Counselor
Jarred Maddox, English Teacher
Jeanna Boros, English Teacher
Jeff Kondrad, Guidance Counselor
Karin Stoltz, Individual Resources Assistant
Kathy Fox, Guidance Counselor
Kevin Trow, Science Teacher
Mark Schaetzlein, Assistant Principal
Milan Vuckovich, Student Services
Roger Mills, Outreach Counselor
Scott Kopecky, Science Teacher
Stefanie McCleish, English Teacher
Jorie Ouimet, Link Together Coalition


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



Back Those Bison - Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the coming weeks
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
December 16 Senior Art Show, 7:00 pm, Cafeteria
December 16 Winter Choral Concert, 7:00 pm, Theater
December 16 Girls Basketball vs. Cary Grove, 7:30 pm, Gym
December 17 Girls Bowling vs. Wheeling, 4:30 pm, Arlington Lanes
December 18 Boys Wrestling vs. Ida Crown, 6:00 pm, Fieldhouse
December 18 Winter Band Concert, 7:30 pm, Theater
December 19 Girls Basketball vs. Elk Grove, 7:30 pm, Gym
January 2 Boys Wrestling Triple Dual, 9:00 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
Article on the fall play 


Staff member/ student of the week

What is your name?  Cori White


What department do you teach in/ what courses do you teach?  English/Fine Arts Department.  I currently teach AP Language and senior elective courses.

How long have you been teaching at BG? This is my 25th year. . . .yikes!

Where did you go to high school? Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, Minnesota - Go Ramsey Rams. . .

What part of teaching to you find the most rewarding? Hearing kids say, "It was a lot of work Ms. White, but I really learned how to think and write. . . "

What is something unique about you? I've hiked the Grand Canyon twice.

What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor? Back in the day I was the "BGettes" poms sponsor.  And yes, those who know me, find this hard to believe:)

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.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Principal Wardle's Weekly Blog



Friday Focus

Veteran’s Day 2014 - As you know, last Tuesday, November 14th, we celebrated Veteran's Day with all of the students in the building. I am so glad of this change, as it gave us a chance to discuss, learn about, and appreciate our veterans and Veteran's Day. We had an incredible display case put together by our Sandy Beguin, English Division Head (it is still up in the main office foyer if you come by the building). In addition, Special thanks to Jeff Bott and Sara Farrell, Media Tech and student Nate Woten who put the video together for us. Also shout outs go to Jarred Maddox for his interview of Bill Dussling; Stefanie Pehr for her work with publicity and the Charger article; student Kate Schneider for her editorial about Veterans Day featured in the Charger online; Stacey Baylen for her time finding our alumni who served, and all of you who contributed memorabilia for our students to see.  Finally, the most important thanks goes out to our veterans throughout the building and its extended community.  Your service and sacrifices go well beyond our momentary tribute.


Also, a special recognition to our students and staff member for the month of November!
Cesar Quilantan, Social studies, World Languages, ELL
Sydney Mann, Career Technical Education
Adam Apel, Math&Science
Dhruvi Shah, English and Fine Arts
Nikita Dolgikh, PE and Health
Kenneth Bernales, Student Services
Staff member Allison Holysz, PE/ Health (who will be featured in our staff spotlight)


Upcoming Dates / Big Events Semester 1
November 21 Multi-Cultural Club Show, 7:00 pm, Cafeteria
November 23-December 2 District 214 Community Education 2014 Online Auction, go to www.ce214.org to bid
December 2 “Ask the College” Night, 7:00 pm, Forest View Educational Center
December 4-6    Winter Play, The Boys Next Door, Thursday-7:00 pm, Friday & Saturday-7:30 pm, Theater


DISTRICT 214 CALENDAR
November 26 Non-Attendance Day - No School
November 27 & 28 Thanksgiving Vacation - No School
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



Back Those Bison - Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the coming week
November 21 & 22 Girls Swimming/Diving at State (Evanston High School)
November 22 Bison Classic Girls Basketball vs. Grayslake Central, 2:30 pm, Gym
November 24 Bison Classic Boys Basketball vs. Niles North, 7:30 pm, Gym
November 25 Boys Wrestling vs. Maine South, 6:00 pm, Fieldhouse
November 26 Bison Classic Boys Basketball vs. Grayslake Central, 7:30 pm, Gym
November 28 Bison Classic Boys Basketball vs. Christian Liberty, 7:30 pm, Gym
November 29 Boys Wrestling vs. Niles North-Andrew-Bartlett, 9:00 am, Fieldhouse
November 29 Bison Classic Boys Basketball vs. Marmon, 7:30 pm, Gym
December 1 Girls Bowling vs. Rolling Meadows, 4:30 pm, Arlington Lanes
December 2 Girls Basketball vs. Palatine, 7:30 pm, Gym
December 3 Girls Gymnastics vs. Conant, 6:00 pm, Gym
December 4-6 Winter Play, The Boys Next Door, 7:00 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



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
BG Staff Member for the month of November Allison Holysz

What is your name? Allison Holysz
What department do you teach in/ what courses do you teach? I am part of the PE/Health Department.  I teacher regular and LEP Health classes as well as the gymnastics PE classes.
How long have you been teaching at BG?  This is my 3rd year teaching at BG.
Where did you go to high school? I went to Fremd High School.
What part of teaching to you find the most rewarding?  I find it rewarding to see my students grow throughout their high school careers.  It is great to have students as sophomores in Health and be able to see them mature and change throughout their time at BG.  It is also rewarding when past students/athletes come back to visit and share how their experiences at BG have positively impacted who they are today.
What is something unique about you?  I am a very adventurous person. I have gone sky diving twice and jumped off a cliff into ocean.

What activities or clubs do you coach/ sponsor?  I coach girl’s swimming and girl’s gymnastics.