U.S. News & World Report ranks OPRFHS in top 3% of nation's public high schools

     Oak Park and River Forest High School has been ranked in the top 3 percent of the nation’s public high schools, according to an analysis released by U.S. News & World Report. This “Best High Schools” methodology and national ranking places OPRFHS among the nation’s top 505 public high schools receiving gold or silver “college readiness” rankings and among only 30 Illinois high schools to receive this distinction. 
     “Acknowledgements such as this confirm that our school and community have much to be proud of and that we have a great foundation on which to build further excellence,” said OPRFHS/District 200 Superintendent Dr. Attila J. Weninger.
      OPRFHS is one of 24 Illinois high schools receiving silver rankings, including suburban Auburn in Rockford; Brooks College Prep, Lane Tech, and Von Steuben Metro Science in Chicago; and suburban high schools - Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, Hinsdale, Conant, Hersey, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lyons Township, Maine South, Naperville Central, Naperville North, New Trier, Niles North, Prospect, Vernon Hills, Wheaton North, and Fremd.
    With the exception of Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois gold medalists were all Chicago charter or magnet schools with selective admissions: Jones College Prep, Lincoln Park High School, Northside College Prep, Payton College Prep, and Whitney Young Magnet.  (Please click here to see a comparative chart of Illinois gold and silver medal schools.)
    Developed by School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education data research business run by Standard & Poor's, the U.S. News & World Report rankings are "based on the key principles that a great high school must serve all its students well, not just those who are bound for college, and that it must be able to produce measurable academic outcomes that show the school is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators.”
      The analysis examined data from the 2005-06 school year for 18,790 public high schools in 40 states – subjecting each to a three-step comparative analysis.  The first step determined whether each school's students were performing better than statistically expected for the average student in their state. The second step determined whether the school's least-advantaged students were performing better than average for similar students in the state. The third step assessed college-readiness performance, using Advanced Placement data as the benchmark for success.
       The top 100 high schools nationwide with the highest college readiness index scores were ranked numerically and awarded gold medals. The next 405 top-performing high schools nationwide based on their college readiness index earned silver medals. An additional 1,086 high schools in 40 states that passed the first two steps were awarded bronze medals.
More information about the methodology, rankings, and their implications is available at the following link: http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools.

   

District 200 seeks public input on plan to increase under-achieving students' academic performance; Board adopts resolutions focused on achievement gap
     

    Oak Park and River Forest High School Superintendent Dr. Attila J. Weninger presented a comprehensive plan to improve Oak Park and River Forest High School student achievement to the District 200 Board of Education at its October 25 meeting.

  The Board of Education adopted two resolutions to guide its consideration of achievement proposals:

 

Resolution 1: Be it resolved, that this Board of Education considers the continuous narrowing of the academic achievement gap between minority and non-minority students in this District to be its top priority.

 

Resolution 2: Be it resolved, that this Board of Education considers the improvement of the reading skills of those students whose levels of academic achievement are lowest, to be a primary and one of the more intense focuses of those appoaches to be considered in raising student achievement.

 

    Dr. Weninger and the Board of Education are continuing to seek feedback from all constituents impacted by and contributing to student achievement, including high school staff and faculty, parents/guardians, students and the community at large.  Feedback from and discussion by these groups will help the Board and OPRFHS administration as they refine direction, priorities and the budget for programs and initiatives.
     To that end, community members and parents are invited to these future meetings when the achievement proposal will be discussed: 
 

Board of Education meetings (2nd fl. Board Room):

• Board Workshops on Achievement - Thurs. May 15 CANCELLED due to schedule conflict. Meeting will be rescheduled. 

 Additional meetings are scheduled with high school students and staff, as well as the research team involved in the May 2003 "The Learning Community Performance Gap" report.

      Further comments or questions may be directed to Dr. Weninger at aweninger@oprfhs.org or 708-434-3211.  
    Click here for a PDF version of the plan presented at the Oct. 25 Board meeting.  

  

  

  OPRFHS Board of Education appoints new principal 

 

     Updated April 25, 2008 - The appointment of Nathaniel Rouse as Principal of Oak Park and River Forest High School, effective July 1, 2008, was approved by the Board of Education April 24 at its regularly scheduled business meeting. The Board welcomed Mr. Rouse and his wife, Effie Rouse (a teacher in Elgin District U-46), at the meeting, where Mr. Rouse expressed his excitement about his new role and the opportunity "to help make a great school even greater and to work on behalf of all students to ensure they are getting whatever help they need to become successful in school and in life." The District will host a reception for the new principal in the coming weeks, and provide an opportunity for OPRFHS students to meet him prior to the end of the school year, said OPRFHS Superintendent Dr. Attila J. Weninger: "We are so pleased that Nate has brought his energy, leadership and talent to our district and building, and look forward to welcoming him to our school and community."

     Mr. Rouse comes to OPRFHS from Highland Park High School where he has worked as the Assistant Principal since July 2004. In that role he has been responsible for extensive school operational and climate issues, as well as having supervision of academic department heads.  Prior to Highland Park, Mr. Rouse was Dean of Students at Elgin High School. A former English teacher at West Leyden High School, he continues to teach English as a Second Language at Elgin Community College. He is described by colleagues as a student-centered, smart, savvy and compassionate educational leader and coalition builder who makes a priority of reaching out to all school constituencies.

     Mr. Rouse has a BA in English from Northern Illinois University and an MAT degree in Language Arts and a Type 75 educational leadership certificate, both from Northeastern Illinois University. He expects to complete his doctorate in educational leadership at Aurora University in Spring 2009.

     Prior to initiating its search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. Susan Bridge upon her retirement in June 2007,  the Board of Education explored District and building leadership structure and future needs and decided to reinstitute the separate positions of Superintendent and Principal. Long-time OPRFHS educator Don Vogel has served as interim principal for the 2007-08 year, the first time the role had been reinstated since Dr. Robert Botthoff served as Principal under Superintendent Dr. Jack Swanson until 1983. During the intervening years, the roles of Superintendent and Principal were combined.

 

         

OPRFHS makes key administrative appointments  

 

     The Board of Education has approved the following administrative appointments, effective July 1, 2008, at its March 20 board meeting: Janel L. Bishop as Assistant Principal for Student Health and Safety; Dale Craft as Division Head for Physical Education and Driver Education; William F. Grosser as Division Head for Science; and Mark T. Wilson as Assistant Principal for Student Services. In addition, history teacher Matt Maloney has been recommended for appointment as the next Head Coach for Boy’s Varsity Basketball. The Board will vote on his appointment at the April 24 regular board meeting.  A brief description of each individual’s professional career is provided below.

    Janel Bishop - Ms. Bishop has been served as an OPRFHS Dean in Student Health and Safety since the fall of 2006.  Prior to the Dean’s position she served as a member of the World Languages Division as a Spanish Teacher from August 2000 to June 2006.  She also served as the Head Volleyball Coach at her high school alma mater, Proviso East High School, from 2000 – 2004. Ms. Bishop received her undergraduate degree in Spanish Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her graduate degree in School Leadership from Concordia University. She has also engaged in additional studies resulting in a Spanish Language Certificate from the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  During her tenure as an educator in the District, Ms. Bishop has established a solid reputation for instructional excellence and professionalism with students and colleagues alike through the rigor and creativity of her classroom and by serving on various District Committees such as the Professional Development Committee, the Joint Committee on Student Discipline, and the African American Faculty/Staff Advisory Council.  Ms. Bishop is eager to bring her zeal for finding creative ways to increase student success to the expectations of her new role as Assistant Principal for Student Health and Safety.     

  

     Dale Craft -  Since arriving at OPRFHS in August of 1999 as a Physical Education Teacher, Mr. Craft has immersed himself in the life of the school beyond the classroom as the Director of Summer School 2007; as an Administrative Assistant to the Physical Education Division Head; as an Assistant Coach of football and track; and as a member of various District committees such as the Staff Wellness Committee, the Professional Development Committee, School Improvement Plan Committee, and the Negotiations Team for Faculty Senate.  Before coming to OPRFHS, Mr. Craft worked as a Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director at Collins High School in Chicago for a six-year period. A graduate of Elon University in North Carolina with an undergraduate degree in Physical Education, Mr. Craft also has earned a Masters of Divinity in Cross Cultural Studies from Columbia International University and a Masters of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University.  A firm believer in the concepts related to servant leadership, Mr. Crafte is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the members of the Physical Education/Driver Education Division.

 

     William F. Grosser - Mr. Grosser has been selected to serve as the next Chair of the Science Division for the high school.  Since the fall of 1994, Bill has been a chemistry, physical science and earth science teacher at Glenbard South High School.  He is also the Head Coach for Girls Cross Country and an Assistant Coach for Girls Track and Field.  At Glenbard South, Mr. Grosser has served as a co-Chair of the high school’s NCA School Improvement Team, worked with faculty to promote critical thinking through the use of technology, and served as a member of the school’s Technology Committee.  Prior to his tenure at Glenbard South, he worked for five years at Naperville North High School as a Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher.  In addition, he has worked for the Amoco Chemical Corporation as a Microscopist in the area of polymer research and development.  With an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Illinois State University and graduate degrees in Secondary Education and Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University, Mr. Grosser is looking eagerly toward his first opportunity to lead members of a Science Division “in one of the top schools in the state.”

   

     Mark T. Wilson – Mr. Wilson comes to us from from Niles North High School where he currently serves as an Assistant Principal with responsibility for Guidance Counselors, College Counseling, Social Workers, Psychologists, Registrar, Scheduler, Nurses, and the Academic Achievement Center (Title I).  He has been an employee of Niles Township High School since the fall of 1998, having held positions such as Dean of Students, Summer School Principal, and Director of Student Activities.  Prior to his tenure in the Niles District, Mr. Wilson was employed by Lake Forest High School and the Chicago Public Schools (Manley High School) as a mathematics teacher.  Mr. Wilson has earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in Secondary Mathematics Education and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Mr. Wilson describes his leadership style as someone who “walks the talk” and as someone who believes that character is more important than strategy.  He is delighted to have this opportunity with OPRFHS.

 

     Matthew W. Maloney – A young man who has spent 30 of his 32 years in the Oak Park and River Community, Mr. Maloney is a 1993 graduate of the high school and a proud member of the basketball program as a student.  He returned to his alma mater in the fall of 2000 to serve as a member of the History Division after serving in various temporary positions over a two-year period.  His teaching assignments have included American History, World History, Asian Studies, Community Law, and Comparative Politics.  Since 1995 he has held a variety of coaching responsibilities in the school’s basketball program and he has been the Sophomore Boys Basketball Coach since 1998.  A 1997 graduate of Dominican University with a degree in Social Studies, Mr. Maloney has also earned a graduate degree in Interdisciplinary Instruction and Curriculum from National-Louis University.  His appointment as the Head Varsity Basketball Coach fulfilled a long time dream, and he is looking forward to the continuing challenge of integrating academics and coaching responsibilities.   

        

    

Huskies take home top co-curricular honors

      

Feb. 27, 2008 - The OPRF Math Team took 2nd at the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Competition Feb. 23, with a spectacular showing by all teams and individual math-letes, as well, including: Sophomore Team - First Place; Freshman/Sophomore 8 Person Team – 1st; Calculator Team – 1st; Individual Awards - Ben Mildenhall - Freshman 1st; Eric Hallman, Robin Jia and Evangelie Zachos – Sophomore 3-way tie 1st; Wilson Ho - Senior 1st; Avanti Badrinathan  - Junior 2nd, and Kevin Hallman - Senior 3rd!
   Congratulations to Math Team coaches Sheila Hardin, Kay Moran, Tia Marr and Joseph Kostal! All first place winners have qualified for state ICTM competition, and the entire team may qualify because of their high scores. 
 

      OPRF German students, taught by Frau Carol Ewald, wowed judges with their clever skits – earning the coveted first place trophy with their modern-day version of Goethe’s “Faust,” featuring a trigonometry twist and rap battle, at the annual UIC German Day competition. Skit winners were Stefan Scherer-Emunds, Maggie VanderMoloen, Nick House, Tom Sullivan, Evangelie Zachos, Natalie Greene, Claire Pedersen and Jon Libgober. Congratulations also to Patrick Clardy for winning 4th place in spelling and 3rd in essay writing and presentation. Other outstanding performers were Lukas Meyer, Walli Mbekeani and Audrey Roen.
 Special thanks to our community partnery, Elaine Schmelzer, owner of Oak Park's Benetton Shop, for the loan of the fabulous suit worn by Mephistopheles! A huge Huskie “thanks!” for supporting our students and German program!

    Congratulations to the Speech Team on a great season and to Jessica Smith who placed 4th in state in Radio Speaking!
    The entire Speech Team had placed 9th out of 26 teams in sectional competition, with Ms. Smith and Lakshmi Sundaresan advancing to state finals. Other sectional team members were: Megan Cheney, Paul Deziel, Ian Flanagan, Anna Hullinger, Steve Selwa, Emily Smith.
     Many thanks to coaches Patt Cheney, Matt Johnston, Hunter Evans, Sharon Johnston, and Michael Ashford for a successful season in which OPRF placed in the top half of the schools attending State Competition!

     Because of its top performance throughout the competition season, OPRF was also invited to particpated in the S.C.O.T.I.E. Tournament of Champions Feb. 22-23 at College of DuPage.  There were 35 schools from across the state with competitors who had placed first in their events at tournaments during the season. Huskies placed in the top 12 teams with only 5 students competing, with Lakshmi Sundaresan tying for top speaker of the tournament. She was named a S.C.O.T.I.E. Scholarship Recipient from Illinois State University Individual Events Speech Institute.    The following students also were ranked in the top three in each of their events: Jessica Smith, Steve Selwa, Ian Flanagan, and Megan Cheney.  Go Huskies!
 
    The Huskies have qualifyied for state finals in the Special Olympics state finals basketball playoff March 15-16! The OPRF Huskies Blue Team finished first in division playoffs on Feb. 3 at the Special Olympics district basketball tournament in Cicero, beating New Trier High School twice. The team will travel downstate to represent OPRF in the Special Olympic finals.  
     The OPRF Huskies Orange team finished third in the division, beating PAEC and losing to Maryville Academy.
    Congratulations to students: Huskies Blue – Billy Canavan, Sara Christensen, Jackie Finn, Eliza Grahnke, Karina Leonard, Claire Puiszis, Alex Stevic, Dana Wax, and Huskies Orange – Andrew Bacalao, Joseph Hines, Georgia Hunter, Garrison Lyons, Patrick McCarthy, Patrick Milburn, Charlie O'Connor, Clinton Plaxico, Terrance Plaxico, Ryan Thomas.

 

  Congratulations to the nationally renowned OPRFHS Debate Team for its recent successes. Freshmen James Hanley and Will Hardwicke unanimously won the JV championship of the University of California Berkeley debate tournament, an amazing feat for first-year debaters going up against second-year competition and their third tournament win of the year (and the FIFTH tournament win overall for OPRF Debate). UC Berkeley hosts one of the nation's largest and most prestigious debate tournaments and OPRF was well represented by Hanley (8th speaker overall JV) and Hardwicke as well as seniors Misha Slavin, Jon Libgober, Scott Marchi, and Adam Pearce, who had winning records against top national competition.

  

  

Huskie Blue Team takes 3rd in division at state!

 

      Congratulations to the Special Olympics Huskies Blue Team! They took third in their division at the state Special Olympics basketball tournament March 15 and 16 in Normal, IL. What a wonderful weekend for this team – the first year for the Huskies to qualify for state competition!
     The Huskies finished third after playing two tough games against Canton and Hersey. In addition to the team’s bronze medals, sophomore Dana Wax received the “spirit of the game” award for her outstanding performance in the game against Canton, and junior Sara Christensen won the “spirit of the game” award for her outstanding performance in ther game against Hersey.
     Congratulations also to Coach John Gann and his assistant coaches Jon Adelman, Joe Ordman, Jake Kyrias-Gann, & Mike Carmody, as well as to volunteer manager Bill McCarthy!

 

 

“Art Norman’s Chicago” to feature OPRF Gospel Choir

  
  
Thanks to the generous efforts of OPRFHS Gospel Choir family members and supporters, Channel 5- NBC’s Art Norman will feature the OPRFHS Gospel Choir on NBC Channel 5 @ 5 p.m.  "Art Norman's Chicago" segment on Thursday, March 20! Mr. Norman interviewed our students and Gospel Choir Director Latonia Brown March 20, in the Little Theatre between 10:44 a.m. and 1:18 p.m.! Mr. Norman shared his own experiences as a student at a historically black college during the peak of the civil rights movement and his personal recollections of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

  
During the televised segment, Mr. Norman also will be announcing the choir's creation of a BRAND-NEW Gospel Choir fund to help finance future educational opportunities and trips like the great one they have planned for this Spring Break when they'll be performing at DisneyWorld! Supporting the Gospel Choir program through tax-deductible contributions will be as simple as clicking on http://oprfhs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp  and following the directions from there or click Online Payments/Scholarship Foundation/Gospel Choir Donations.

(Checks also are accepted, made payable to the OPRF Gospel Choir, Attention: Latonia Brown, Gospel Choir Sponsor.)

The 33-person choir will be leaving by bus on Sun. March 23 for an exciting trip that includes tours of the historically black Spelman and Morehouse Colleges in Atlanta, as well an afternoon at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. The trip highlight will be when OPRFHS students under the direction of Latonia Brown perform at the Downtown Disney Marketplace Dock Stage on Thursday evening, March 27!

“This is an important and enriching opportunity for our students, many of whom have never traveled outside of the Chicago area before,” said Choir Director Latonia Brown. “Through the development of this new scholarship fund, we hope to be able to create more educational opportunities like this Spring Break trip and provide more students with the means to participate.”& amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt; /p>

Mr. Norman is an anchor and reporter whose feature stories focus on communities throughout the Chicago area in a segment called, “Art Norman’s Chicago.” Mr. Norman also anchors the daily iCast on NBC5.com and gives weekly technology reports in the "Weekend Web" segments along with NBC5's Charlie Wojciechowski.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards for journalistic excellence and has been recognized for his strong community and civic involvement.

 

   

ZBA denies high school's application for Stadium lights

 

     The Village of Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeals has voted to deny the high school’s request to install lights on the Stadium Field. At its Feb. 6 meeting, the ZBA split its vote, 3-3, on whether to grant the high school's application to install 80 – to 100-foot light towers on the Stadium field. ZBA rules require four votes for approval of such a variance, so a tie vote has the same outcome as a denial.
     The District, Boosters and Board of Education will be reviewing the decision and determining options and direction, Superintendent Dr. Attila J. Weninger said.  

     

 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oration Presented

  

    Oak Park and River Forest High School marked the 29th anniversary of the school’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Assembly – and the 24th anniversary of the student oratorical contest -- with original Spoken Word tributes by OPRFHS students and presentations by the combined Gospel and A Cappella choirs.
     The highlight of the annual assembly, which asks students and staff to reflect on Dr. King’s life, teachings and legacy, is the presentation of the oration selected as the first place winner of the Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest held in December. Students are judged not only for the quality of their writing and ideas, but also for the power and skill of their presentation.
    Junior Gabrielle Cole’s winning oration, “The Real Issue,” challenges us to “unify ourselves under the banner of humanity not Black, White, Latino, or Asian. I believe the message of Martin Luther King speaks louder to us today than it did fifty years ago. It is one of love, respect, kindness, forgiveness, concern, and selflessness.”  Ms. Cole is a member of the OPRF varsity girls’ basketball team, was sophomore and freshman class council president, and was a 2007 J. Kyle Braid winner. A link to her winning oration is posted below.
     Second-place oration winner was junior Clare Mauney and third place winner was senior Laskshmi Sundaresan.
    Spoken Word artists Keenan Smith, Tabbi Watson and Angela Alesia perfomed.a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and aspirations. Additionally, the OPRFHS A Cappella and Gospel Choirs, under the direction of Elaine Hlavach, performed a selection of songs particularly liked by Dr. King himself. The assembly was emceed by BOSS member Aaron Saunders who asked students to reflect and act upon the inspiring messages presented.
    The convocation committee, led by math teacher Tia Marr, included special education teacher and African American Faculty Advisory Council President Tiffany Allison, history teacher Michael Mitchell, Math teacher Terri Hightower, Student Activities Director Cindy Milojevic, and Director of Instruction Amy Hill.
   Please click on this line to read the 2008 winning oration, "The Real Issue."

 

OPRF names new boys' water polo coach

     The Oak Park and River Forest High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Nickels as its new head coach for the boys’ water polo team.

     Mr. Nickels, a former assistant coach with the OPRFHS program, also served as an assistant coach at Purdue University for one season and for two seasons at Lake Forest High School. A Fenwick graduate and water polo player, he also played water polo at Purdue.

     “We are excited that Tom Nickels will be leading our boys’ water polo program into a new era. We feel his commitment to develop a culture within the program that actively involves all of our constituents, including students, parents, school and community said OPRFHS Athletic Director John Stelzer. “His leadership ability, coupled with his emphasis on building a strong program will help us build this program from the grassroots up and bring it back to being one of the elite programs in the state of Illinois.” Mr. Stelzer said Mr. Nickels exhibited the best qualities that OPRFHS seeks in its head coaches: leadership, wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport, and character and integrity “with an ability to pass on those values to our student athletes.”

    Mr. Nickel’s next door neighbor growing up in River Forest was the MVP for the high school’s girls’ water polo team that won a state championship. Her experiences inspired him to pursue water polo. “And teaching high school students has got to be one of the best things you can do in life – seeing kids learn the game and succeed at something through hard work, helping shape minds to make the big decisions ahead in life….that’s just one of the most fun things I think a person and coach can be part of it,” Mr. Nickels said.

     Mr. Nickels takes over from Jim Lock Jr. who coached at OPRFHS for 13 years and resigned in December to pursue other opportunities. "We appreciate Jim Lock's dedication to our student-athletes.  His committment to the OPRFHS Boys Water Polo program has had a tremendous impact over the past two decades,” Mr. Stelzer said.

 

 

Staff Appreciation Night - Fri. Feb. 1

  

     The Huskie Athletic Council and Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams are sponsoring the 2nd annual Staff Appreciation Night this Fri. Feb. 1 at 7:15 p.m. in the OPRFHS Field House during the break between the Girls' and Boys' Basketball varsity doubleheader against Downers Grove North (Girls – 6 p.m. ; Boys – 7:30 p.m.) 
    Students will give special recognition to two teacher-coaches: retired math teacher Al Allen who has coached boys’ basketball at OPRF since 1987 and Physical Education teacher Barb Liles, who retired from coaching last year after a career coaching girls’ field hockey from 1978 to 2006.  
   The students also will recognize the following staff members from each division for their inspirational efforts on behalf of students and student-athletes: (nominated by Boys' Basketball team) Mr. Francisco Arriaga, Math; Mr. Devon Alexander,  English; Mr. Mike Carmody, Special Education; Mr. John Costopoulos, Science; Mr. Doug Belpedio, Business; Ms. Alegra Quane, Art; (nominated by Girls' Basketball team) Mr. Jason Dennis, History; Mr. Manuel Gonzalez, World Languages; Ms. Kris Johnson, Counselor; Ms. Marcia Hurt, Physical Education; Mr. Anthony Svejda, Music; Ms. Marsha Shipley, Library.

  A special Huskie salute and huge "THANK YOU" to these staff members for the wonderful and caring work they do on behalf of OPRFHS students!

   

Village of Oak Park raises Scoville Ave. Garage (high school) visitor parking fees

  

    Beginning Wednesday, January 2, the Village of Oak Park will begin charging visitors $5 per vehicle for afternoon, evening and weekend parking in the Village parking garage at the corner of Lake and Scoville, immediately next to the high school.
     The Village Board of Trustees amended its public parking ordinance on December 13 to increase rates at its Scoville Avenue (high school) garage only. The new $5 fee will be collected during the following times:
· 4 p.m. – midnight – All OPRFHS faculty attendance days (school days plus Institute and Records Days); and
· 6 a.m. – midnight – All other days (including holidays; weekends; and winter, spring, and summer break periods)
OPRFHS staff will continue to have free access to the garage under the terms of the original contract.  (This was negotiated when the high school allowed the Village to build a public garage on high school land as part of a Village plan to resolve long-standing neighborhood parking disputes.)
     Parking in the garage during faculty attendance days will continue to be by permit until 4 p.m. Temporary parking permits will still be available during school business hours for longer term visitors. Limited, one-hour street parking is also available for daytime visitors to the school. Afternoon and evening visitors, however, will have to pay $5. This includes parents, students, visitors, etc., coming to the high school for events.  There will be an attendant on duty during the times and days noted to enforce the revised ordinance.

 

 

25th Annual Tradition of Excellence to honor celebrated alumni

      
     Oak Park and River Forest High School will celebrate its 25th annual Tradition of Excellence Awards with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 and student assemblies Friday morning, Nov. 2.  Established by the Class of 1982, the award is presented annually to alumni or former students who have distinguished themselves professionally and who, through theses accomplishments, have brought great credit to their alma mater. These distinguished alumni are honored at an evening dinner, followed by an awards presentation during an all-school assembly the next day.  We congratulate this year's honored alumni:  

     Charles P. Carey, Class of 1971, combines astute business acumen with a commitment to social justice concerns. A member of the Chicago Board of Trade since 1978, he is currently serving his third consecutive two-year term as Chairman of this leading global futures exchange. During his tenure as Chairman, the CBOT has achieved consecutive annual volume records.  Carey also spearheaded the move of the CBOT from a non-profit, member-owned organization to a for-profit, New York Stock Exchange-listed public company.

     Mr. Carey also has been presented the Anti-Defamation Leagues’ Lifetime of Achievement Award, honoring those who work against discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens. He is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor awarded by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation that recognizes immigrants’ contributions to the spirit and fabric of America. He also has received the Rerum Novarum Award, honoring those who promote Catholic social teaching on the dignity of the human being and human labor and upholding workers’ rights to organize and to earn a living wage.

     An inveterate sports enthusiast, Mr. Carey is president of the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, an organization active in providing scholarships for underprivileged youth. Mr. Carey also has recently been awarded “The Distinguished Alumni Award” from the Alumni Association of Western Illinois University where he received his degree in Business Administration.

 

     John Register, Class of 1985, is dedicated to using his own life’s lessons to inspire others to reach their full potential. A silver medalist and long-jump record holder in the Paralympic Games, Mr. Register now manages the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Paralympic Academy, introducing children with physical disabilities to the Paralympic Games. As director of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Sport Military Program, he provides support to physically disabled veterans to participate in Paralympic Sports as a crucial part of their rehabilitation. 

     Mr. Register has always been committed to athletic excellence, as an NCAA All-American honors winner at the University of Arkansas and during his enlistment in the U.S. Army from 1988 –1994, where he qualified for events in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic trials. A severe injury while training in 1994 necessitated the amputation of his left leg above the knee. He was medically retired from service and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

      As part of his rehabilitation program, John began swimming and set a successful goal to compete in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics. Following his success there, John trained for the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, earning the silver medal in the long jump and setting a new American long jump record.

     John continues to foster the growth of Paralympic Sports worldwide, believing that sports are a conduit to the rehabilitation of lives shattered due to a physical or emotional injury.  John is the co-owner of “Inspired Communications,” an inspirational and motivational speaking company.

 

OPRFHS honors National Merit program honorees for 2007-08

  

     Oak Park and River Forest High School is proud to announce that 21 of its students have placed as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists in the 2007-08 program and four students have received top placement in the National Achievement Scholarship Program in recognition of these students’ exceptional academic achievement. 

       The National Merit semifinalists are among 16,000 academically talented students named nationally who represent less than 1 percent of the nation’s high school seniors. The Oak Park and River Forest High School students named are: Rachel Baiman, Alexander Black, Rebecca Bloch, James Clark, Samuel Feldman, Wilson Ho, Samuel Linder, Kyle Liss, Scott Marchi, Colin McCarey, Thomas McCarter, Jennifer Mindrum, Lee Ann Monaghan, Kimberley Monks, Caitlin Naureckas, David Rubin, Jacob Silverman, Emily Smith, Brian Stratton, Marie Whittaker, and Abraham Zverow.

      Of 180 participating Illinois schools, OPRFHS was sixth in the state this year in the number of National Merit semifinalists in the 2007-08 program. Last year, OPRFHS was 6th of 137 participating schools. 

      The National Achievement Scholarship Program semifinalists are among the 1,600 academically talented seniors named nationally in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship-sponsored program. More than 140,000 high school juniors nationally required consideration in the 2008 National Achievement Program when they took the 2006 qualifying exam. The OPRFHS students named are: Uche Anigbogu, Kelsey L. Middleton, Jean-Luc T. Mosley, and Alexander Pergams.

    Of 41 Illinois schools participating in the 2007-08 National Achievement Scholarship program, OPRFHS tied with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in having the fourth highest number of semifinalists in the state.  Only the highest scoring students in the state were named Achievement semifinalists who are now eligible to advance to finalist standing.

 

 

OPRF names Bright A+ winner 9th year in a row

 

Oak Park and River Forest High School has received the SchoolSearch 2007 Bright A+ Award for the ninth year in a row! We’re one of only 84 out of 872 Illinois school districts to receive the award this year, presented to the top 5 percent of the schools in the state by the national educational research and consulting firm. This selective designation is based on five key factors: Academic performance; student/teacher ratio; expenditure per student; educational level of teachers, and average teacher salary. “Your school district is strong in all five family-favored areas!”

 

 

  OPRFHS announces interim principal appointment

 
July 18, 2007 - A well-respected educator with 33 years experience in student-focused and faculty-led activities at Oak Park and River Forest High School will serve as interim principal for the coming year.

 
The Board of Education on July 17 approved the appointment of Donald Vogel Jr., Director of Instructional Technology and Division Head for Business Education and Library Services, as interim principal.
 

“Mr. Vogel fuses deep institutional knowledge and hands-on experience with an unstinting affection for and loyalty to OPRF,” said OPRFHS Superintendent Dr. Attila J. Weninger. “He will provide a stable foundation upon which to build the structure and expectations for this role of OPRFHS principal that has been reinstituted for the first time since the early 1980s.”
 

Mr. Vogel has most recently served as acting division head for applied arts and library services division head and as summer school director. During his 1993 to 2000 tenure as summer school director, he worked with faculty and coaches to expand academic and sports offerings and enrollments to ensure the productive, nearly year-round use of OPRFHS facilities. In addition to expanding enrichment and elective course offerings, the program encouraged incoming freshmen to fulfill graduation mandates while orientating themselves to the high school prior to their fall arrival. Sports camp offerings were opened to younger grades, with more team development programs targeting middle school students.
   

Mr. Vogel also chaired the strategic planning committee that successfully secured public funds for the building wide technology update in 1996 that also included long-range plans for timely updating and replacement of computer hardware and software and Internet access. Under his leadership the library also has growth into a student supportive environment with an extensive array of electronic, paper and periodical resources.
 

During more than three decades as a Huskie, Mr. Vogel also has served as a Student Council advisor, senior class sponsor, freshman advisory teacher, audio-visual director, media coordinator and television instructor. He has been a member of or chaired numerous professional committees. 
 

A long-time resident of Oak Park, Mr. Vogel is well known as the school’s unofficial historian and archivist. While researching art pieces owned by the school, he realized the value and uniqueness of its collection of American impressionist art. A professional auction of selective works raised enough money to endow several generous scholarships awarded annually to graduating seniors. Last year, he helped oversee the cleaning and restoration of the century-old Classics Room murals. 

   

OPRFHS names new Athletic Director

    

 Oak Park and River Forest High School is pleased to announce that John A. Stelzer has been appointed the school’s new Athletic Director.

   

 “John’s knowledge about and commitment to our students and Huskie spirit and pride, coupled with his 15 year’s experience in athletic administration and events management, make him the ideal choice to oversee our extensive athletic program that plays such a critical and valuable role in the development of our students,” said District 200 Superintendent Dr. Attila J. Weninger.
  

 For the last three years, Mr. Stelzer has been the school’s assistant athletic director. During that time, he has served as co-sponsor of the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Program and helped develop the Huskie Athletic Council. In addition to extensive financial, operating and management duties, he has taken an active role in organizing special events such as the Spirit Assemblies, Parent Nights and College Signing Day ceremonies.

 
 He has initiated efforts to improve study sessions and requirements for athletes who are struggling academically, as well as revamping the format of the mandatory seasonal parent meetings. Prior to coming to OPRF, Mr. Stelzer served as manager of sponsor and suite sales for the Chicago Fire Soccer Team; worked for the U.S. Soccer Federation, directing National Teams Administration and managing National Teams Events and the Coaching Education Program. He also worked as an assistant men’s soccer coach for Loyola University.

 

 

 Factual update on weekend incident in Chicago involving two OPRF students

 

Mon. Sept. 10, 2007 - An incident in Chicago this weekend has fueled extensive and inaccurate rumors among our students and staff. Here are the known facts: two OPRF students were at a party on the West Side of Chicago late Friday night/early Saturday morning where there was a shooting. Our two students and a number of other individuals were injured, and one person was killed. The individual killed was not one of our students. One of our students was medically treated and released, and the second is expected to be discharged soon and make a full recovery. Chicago Police are investigating the shooting, and they have provided no further information at this time.

The high school's Crisis Team met Monday morning. All staff members have been advised to send any students who need assistance to Room 308 for counseling services or to their deans or counselors. There will be an additional Safety and Support Team and Oak Park Police presence around campus today to reassure our students that their safety and well-being is of paramount importance.

We appreciate parental support in quelling rumors and maintaining calm. If you have any questions or concerns , or if you have information about which we should be made aware, please contact the Superintendent's Office, Dr. Attila J. Weninger, at 708-434-3511 or aweninger@oprfhs.org.   

 

 

OPRF opts to seek interim for 2007-08 principal role

 

June 25, 2007 - The role of Oak Park and River Forest High School principal will be filled by an interim candidate during the 2007-08 school year, giving the new superintendent more time to find the right match for this new administrative role.

 

Dr. Attilia Weninger, who assumes superintendent duties July 1, began the principal search process as soon as the Board of Education’s May 15 approval of his contract. Last week, a 12-member team that included staff, parent and community representatives interviewed eight candidates chosen from among 35 applicants. Three 15-member teams of parents, students and staff were scheduled to conduct further interviews with up to three finalists this Tuesday. However, the first team declined to advance any candidates to the final round.

 

“The process worked, and I am grateful for the contributions of each of our team members who worked together with integrity, balance and mutual respect,” Dr. Weninger said. “We did due diligence in searching for viable candidates and concluded that, from this group, a good match for OPRF was not to be found. While all of us hoped for a different outcome, there is much to be gained from what we did, and we will move forward.”

 

At a June 13 transition briefing with the Board, Dr. Weninger said he anticipated that the short search timeline might well complicate efforts to find the right person to be OPRF’s principal -- a separate role from that of superintendent for the first time since 1983. Dr. Weninger said he was poised to start the search for an interim principal immediately, and he will present his plan for the search and hiring of a permanent principal to the Board in August.

 

  

OPRF names new head field hockey coach

 

The Oak Park and River Forest High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce that JV Field Hockey Coach Jane Graham has accepted the position as Head Coach for Girls’ Field Hockey.

 

"As an OPRF alumna, a two-sport coach and a faculty member, Coach Graham will bring a unique passion and commitment to continuing the legacy of Huskie sports and field hockey,” said Assistant Athletic Director John Stelzer. “We are excited about the experience she brings and the contribution she will make.”

 

Coach Graham began her field hockey career in 1989 as a member of the freshman team at OPRFHS. After four years of play at Oak Park, she played two years at Central Michigan University, a Division I school. For the last 11 years, Ms. Graham has coached the junior varsity field hockey team. She also has coached the girls’ badminton team for the past six years.

 

She has a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.  She taught physical education at Rhodes Elementary in River Grove for five years prior to coming to OPRF, where she has taught physical education for the past three years. 

  

“The most important thing to know about me, however, is that I am looking forward to a successful season with the players and leading this wonderful program with a long tradition of excellence,” Coach Graham said.

 

 

Principal and Athletic Director searches underway

 

 

The searches for an Oak Park and River Forest High School Principal and Athletic Director are underway with the intention of filling these key positions by July 1 and mid-July respectively, and having both new administrative leaders fully oriented by the start of the 2007-08 school year.

 
 
Dr. Attila J. Weninger, newly appointed District 200 Superintendent on July 1 when Dr. Susan Bridge retires, has structured and will oversee both searches that involve stakeholders throughout the process.  The recruitment and employment of a principal for the high school is one of the new superintendent’s performance goals, and he believes it is essential to achieve it now in order to also address several including raising student achievement, improving recruitment/retention practices, improving school climate, developing a freshmen mentor program, and increasing co-curricular participation.

 

Principal Search
Dr. Weninger has contacted the leaders of each parent group, as well as school administrators, faculty and staff for their participation, and to seek input on attributes and qualities they want in a principal and the areas in which they believe an OPRF principal needs to be engaged. Some of these were also gleaned from the February 28, 2006, report of the Superintendent/Principal Committee and from feedback throughout the Superintendent search.
While the interview team will develop attributes and qualities, Dr. Weninger said that he will be looking for candidates who are student-centered; have an inclusive approach to a high school education; have experience in and with diversity of students and community; have a  strong academic background; are successful leaders, and can be the “emotional core” of the school for students, staff, and parents.

 
The position has been posted on the OPRFHS website, a national education website, the Illinois Association of School Administrators website, and in the national education weekly, Education Week, as well as through other educational employment and search networks.

 

Applications will be accepted through June 15. Dr. Weninger and a representative team -- including the assistant superintendent for human resources, the director of instruction, three faculty members, two parents, two students, one academic division chair and one representative each from the buildings and grounds and clerical staffs -- will develop attributes, a job profile and questions, and then conduct initial interviews with up to nine candidates. The group will select three finalists to be interviewed June 26. Three 15-member teams -- one of students, of parents, and of faculty and staff, all broadly representative of the community -- will then interview each of the three candidates in a round robin format, with school administrators observing and listening. Dr. Weninger and the current Building Administrative Team will then interview each of the three finalists and reach a decision and recommendation.  Dr. Weninger intends to present a final candidate to the Board of Education at its June 28 regular meeting.

 
 
“While I am confident that we will identify a qualified candidate, I am not unrealistic that our process is abbreviated given the time constraints,” Dr. Weninger said. “If we do not have a qualified pool of candidates from which to interview or recommend a selection, we will quickly move to other options.”
For the last 24 years, the roles of District 200 Superintendent and Oak Park and River Forest High School Principal have been combined. Prior to initiating its search for Dr. Bridge’s replacement, a Board-appointed committee explored superintendent and principal roles and leadership structures at comparable suburban districts. Based on that committee’s findings, the Board split the positions prior to its search for a new Superintendent, with the understanding that the superintendent would hire a principal and recommend any administrative restructuring within the state's 5% cap on administrative expenditures and stay within the District’s overall personnel budget.

 
 
Athletic Director
The school also has begun its search for a new Athletic Director to replace Barry Huitema who will leave for Glenbard West High School at the end of this school year. 
A team -- chaired by the Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Witham, and composed of the Director of Student Activities, a dean counselor, a discipline dean, a division chair, two student-athletes, two Booster Club parents, and two coaches -- will develop desired candidate attributes and a job profile, develop questions, interview candidates, and recommend up to three finalists for Dr. Weninger and the current building administrative team to interview by early July, with a recommendation to the Board shortly thereafter.
 

 

OPRFHS celebrates student-athletes’ college commitments  

     The Oak Park and River Forest High School Athletic Department honored 43 student-athletes who have signed letters of intent to participate in collegiate sports in a ceremony on Wednesday, May 30.

     This event honors the exceptional accomplishments of these athletes and their contributions to their teams and high school, as well as celebrating their scholarships and their selection to participate in the highly competitive arena of college athletics.

     “We’re very proud of our student athletes’ accomplishments both on and off the field. Based on their leadership and contributions here at OPRFHS, we are confident these students will continue to represent the best of the Huskie tradition throughout their college careers,” said Athletic Director Barry Huitema. 

     The following student-athletes who have recently signed letters-of-intent, committed to accept athletic scholarships, or indicated their participation to continue to pursue their respective sports at the collegiate level will be honored:

 

STUDENT-ATHLETES BEING RECOGNIZED:

Josh Bixler, Football, College of DuPage
Max Brooks, Football, Illinois Wesleyan University
Justin Brown, Football, Western Illinois University
Gil Claudio, Baseball, Chandler-Gilbert College
Pierre Chatman, Football, College of DuPage
Liz Davis, Girls Volleyball, Grinnell College
Jack Edwards, Baseball, Chandler-Gilbert College
Cory Elich,  Boys Track, U.S. Military Academy
Kevin Finnegan,  Football, Macalester College

Max Ford, Football, University of Wisconsin—Whitewater
Caitlin Garvey, Girls Water Polo, University of Notre Dame
Tom Geraghty, Boys Track, Montana State University
Erica Gibbons, Cheerleading, University of Illinois--Springfield
Lauren Gumbel, Girls Swimming, Carnegie Mellon University
Xavier Holliday, Football, College of DuPage
Bridget Hosley, Girls Track, University of Dubuque
Marianne Kirk, Girls Track, Rhodes College
Kristin Komar, Girls Lacrosse, Wittenberg University
Peter Kowalczuk, Wrestling, Meramac College
Tim Mathieu, Boys Swimming, Eastern Illinois University
Neil Mejia, Baseball, Swarthmore College
Alex Morocco, Softball, DePaul University
Jamis Nelson, Boys Basketball, North Central College
Mike Nickels, Boys Water Polo, Purdue University
Nneka Nwani, Girls Basketball, Moberly College

Dave Pickard, Football, Southern Illinois University
Bryant Porter, Football, College of DuPage
Mattie Prodanovic, Field Hockey, Cornell University
Valerie Poulos, Girls Water Polo, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Alison Rack, Girls Track, Loyola University—Chicago
Megan Rigali, Girls Water Polo, Miami University (OH)
Weldon Rogers, Wrestling, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Mark Rosenberg, Boys Soccer, Grinnell College
Isaac Rothenbaum, Boys Swimming, Carthage College (WI)
Danielle Rousakis, Girls Track, Augustana College (IL)
Lamont Sanders, Boys Basketball, Joliet Junior College
Brian Schmidt, Boys Volleyball, Lewis University
Andre’ Smith, Cheerleading, Lincoln College (IL)
Rebecca Spira, Girls Volleyball, Colorado College
Rachel Teitelbaum, Girls Track, Williams College
Anya Twillie, Girls Soccer, DePaul University
Charlie Vogt, Football, Central College (IA)
Alexandra Williams, Girls Swimming, Wellesley College

 

 

 

 

District 200 and Faculty Senate vote on 5-year contract
Supervisory duties for teachers and 8-period day approved

      Oak Park and River Forest High School teachers will take on supervisory duties aimed at increasing faculty contact with students while improving school climate and providing more effective use of faculty and facilities. The high school’s schedule will change to a “true” 8-period day under terms of a five-year contract approved Tuesday by the District 200 Board of Education. OPRFHS Faculty Senate members ratified the agreement Tuesday afternoon.

     “This contract is consistent with the Board’s commitment made during the 2001 referendum by keeping salaries within the midpoint of the top half of our peer group while continuing to reduce retirement benefits and insurance contributions by the District,” said Board of Education President Barry Greenwald.

     Highlights of the contract for the 2007-08 through 2011-12 school years include:
· A 5-year term;
· A competitive overall compensation and benefits package focusing on comparability of peer districts;
· Continued reduction of retirement benefits;
· Increased teacher share of health insurance costs;
· Increasing teachers’ contact with students throughout the school day by eliminating one of two teacher planning periods and providing a supervisory assignment instead -- such as study hall oversight; tutoring and test make-up center staffing, and hallway monitoring;
· Modification of the schedule from a 10-period day with half-hour split lunch periods to eight periods, with a new school day from 8 a.m. to 3:04 p.m.; 
· Adherence to District financial goals and planning through 2012.

     Key components of the agreement are highlighted below.

  

SCHEDULE & SUPERVISORY CHANGES

    Starting next school year, the school day will consist of eight 48-minute periods, replacing the current 10-period day with its 4/5, 6/7, and 7/8 split periods and half hour lunches. The day will start at 8 a.m. and end at 3:04 p.m., with eight periods for a maximum of seven courses, including physical education, and lunch. (Freshmen will continue to be limited to five courses in addition to physical education and the option of a performance music course). The 5-minute daily announcement period and 5-minute passing periods will remain the same.

     Under the new contract, the District also will convert one of teachers’ two planning periods into a “supervisory” assignment. During their supervisory period, teachers may be assigned to study halls, test makeup centers, tutoring centers, and hallway supervision.

     For at least the past year, the faculty, administration and Board have been actively discussing the need to revamp the daily schedule and increase faculty presence in areas outside their individual classrooms throughout the day as another way of engaging students and enhancing student achievement – the District’s #1 goal.

     “This consistent, pervasive and positive adult presence will help reinforce behavioral expectations for our students and provide additional opportunities for students to interact with and learn from faculty throughout the day,” said Superintendent/Principal Dr. Susan Bridge. The new schedule will also allow for more efficient scheduling of classes and use of the facility and its resources, such as computer labs, as well as provide for more effective scheduling of faculty.

     “The faculty is eager to embrace the new responsibilities and opportunities afforded by this contract,” said James Paul Hunter, chair of the OPRFHS Faculty Senate. “This contract provides us with a new sense of freedom to work with all students – not just those we teach in our classrooms – in creative and focused ways to help them achieve in all areas of school and academic life.”

 

SALARY

     These salary increases place OPRFHS teachers at 11th of 18 of their peer districts. The contract provides for an average annual increase of 4% over the 5-year term of the agreement.  Consistent with comparable districts, the new salary schedule also increases the number of salary lanes that recognize teachers’ commitment to continuing education. This change helps OPRFHS remain competitive with peer districts for teachers in the middle of the salary schedule, helping to retain qualified mid-career faculty members.

RETIREMENT

      The new contract continues to reduce the District’s retirement benefits. This contract substitutes 6% increases in the last five years of a teacher’s career for the three years of 20% increases previously provided. The 6 % increases will be in place of – not on top of – regular salary increases provided under the salary schedule.

     This contract also ends the practice of allowing new and some existing retirees to continue on the District’s health insurance plan, a change that is expected to result in significant annual savings over time. Retirees will instead have the option of enrolling in the state’s teacher retirement plan (TRIP) or other insurance options.

      In addition, in an effort to encourage teachers to be proactive in increasing non-pension retirement benefits, the District will match up to 2.25% of teacher’s base salary into a 403(b) plan.  This benefit is very similar to a 401(k) match provided in the private sector.
 

HEALTH INSURANCE

      The new contract requires employees to bear a greater share of health insurance premium costs, in addition to higher co-pays and deductibles. The employee share of single coverage will increase from the current 5 % or 7 % (for PPO coverage) up to 8 % of the premium cost. The employee cost for family coverage will be 14%, up from 10%. Deductibles have doubled – up to $500 for individual and $1,000 for family coverage.
In an effort to encourage more employees to move to the less expensive/high deductible VEBA health insurance coverage, the contract provides for a nominal reduction in individual cost – 6% down from 7%. The employee cost for family coverage will increase to 12% from 10%.

###

 

OPRFHS Board approves superintendent contract and goals

 

May 15, 2007 - The Oak Park and River Forest High School Board of Education on Tuesday formally approved the hiring of Dr. Attila J. Weninger as the high school’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2007. The Board approved a 3-year contract with Dr. Weninger detailing employment and compensation provisions, as well as goals and performance indicators.

  “Dr. Weninger is a distinguished educator with the breadth and depth of experience and leadership qualities needed to take our students and high school to the next level of excellence,”& amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; #160;District 200 Board President Barry Greenwald said. “He understands the critical importance our school and community attach to the achievement of each and every one of our students, and he brings the energy, high standards, and focused commitment to accountability required to make genuine progress on this complex issue.”& amp; amp; lt; /p>

     The contract provides that Dr. Weninger’s salary for the first year will be $200,000, with future increases contingent upon annual evaluations. The District will also provide a $600 per month car allowance and pay the Superintendent’s, as well as District’s, share of contributions to the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System.

     The major performance indictors linked to the contract are in the following areas:  improving academic achievement for all students with particular emphasis on improved achievement of minority and special education students; integrating a separate position of principal into the District’s administrative structure within the budget; improving school climate among students and staff, and establishing a positive and meaningful presence in the school and community.

     Dr. Weninger is currently the Director of Human Resources at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, where he also served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction from 1996 through 2004. He was Principal of Wheaton North High School from 1992-1996, following an 18-year career at Lake Park High School in Roselle where he served in many capacities:  English teacher, activity sponsor and coach, English Department Chair, Director of Summer Programs, and Assistant Principal in three different capacities - Student Services, Administrative Services, and Instructional Services.

 

      "Such varied – and deliberately chosen -- responsibilities throughout 34 years in education are ideal preparation for the challenges facing a superintendent in a one-building high school district," Dr. Greenwald said. Those who have worked with Dr. Weninger and know him through his many professional affiliations describe him as a leader who gets things done by setting extremely high standards of accountability for himself and others.

     Among his many attributes, he is known for keeping student voices and experiences central in academic and co-curricular decisions and policies.  He established a Student Academic Advisory Committee to advise him about academic matters from students' direct perspective, and from this group he appointed two students each year to key leadership positions, including membership on the equivalent of OPRF’s Instructional Council. He has had proven success in recruiting and retaining minority staff and in the development of an effective and comprehensive induction and mentoring program for new teachers. While at Lyons, he also initiated and implemented a school-wide curriculum review process, which resulted in department and course standards, common assessments, and a sustained increase in student achievement.

     “I am honored, appreciative and excited to be the superintendent of OPRF.  To be a steward of such students, school, and district is a profound responsibility, which I accept humbly,” Dr. Weninger said. “I am returning to a community that I moved away from for professional reasons but one I have always cherished and considered home.”

     Dr. Weninger said he views OPRF as a “lighthouse school district – one capable of fulfilling its mission as an academically rigorous, comprehensive high school where I do believe each student will achieve.  I believe that mission requires us to give every student the tools they need to pursue, achieve, and succeed in their life goals beyond high school.”

     Dr. Weninger, who is Austro-Hungarian by birth, immigrated to the United States as a child with his family.  He has a passionate belief in the power of a rigorous and comprehensive education as the foundation for opportunity, achievement, success, and service. He has a M.A. in English and Ph.D. in Social Policy from Northwestern University, a B.A. magna cum laude from Michigan State University, and he began his undergraduate studies at Maryknoll Seminary concentrating in religious studies.

     "Over the next weeks, the Board of Education will look forward to introducing Dr. Weninger formally to the community as we prepare for the important transition and work ahead," Dr. Greenwald said. 

###

 

 

 

 

Convenient online payment available now for SNAP accounts and fees!  

    Oak Park and River Forest High School is now able to accept online payments for SNAP/food services accounts, 2007-08 district registration fees, and some summer school courses. The new system, approved by the Board of Education last month, is now available from the front of the website, www.oprfhs.org. It's as simple as clicking Online Payments in the Quick Links box on the lower right side of the front page. Families who receive notice of outstanding/past due cash obligations are now able to make payments online, as well. OPRFHS accepts Mastercard and Visa. 

     "We are genuinely excited to be able to provide this easy and convenient method of payment for our families," said Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Witham. The online payment system is served by a company called Rev Track and provides a completely secure and simple-to-use "shopping cart" payment option.

     Payments to students' SNAP accounts must be made by  5 a.m. to be credited in time for that same day's  breakfast. Payments received between 5 and 10 a.m. will be credited in time for the first lunch period of the day. Payments made after 10 a.m. will be available the following day.

     Other payment options will be added throughout the coming years, Ms. Witham said.  

 

 
Dr. Bridge honored by Oak Park Education Foundation

      Dr. Susan Bridge will be honored by the Oak Park Education Foundation at its annual William C. Staszak Dinner. This celebration honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the educational enrichment of Oak Park students. The dinner will be April 14 at the Oak park Country Club. Peter Sagal, host of NPR's "Wait...Wait...Don't Tell Me!" will be the special host. For more information, please contact Deb Abrahamson, executive director, at 524-3023 or dabrahamson@op97.org.

  

Dr. Urbanski one of 32 Golden Apple finalists

      Congratulations to Dr. Marie Urbanski who was chosen as a finalist for the 2007 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Urbanski, who has taught biology, A.P. biology, Environmental Science, Life Processes and Health at Oak Park and River Forest High School since 1974, was one of only 32 teachers selected from more than 941 nominated in the Chicago metro area.
     Dr. Urbanski received the 2004 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for her “dedication and contributions to the teaching profession.” The award, presented by the National Association of Biology Teachers, recognized Dr. Urbanski for her “compassion and rapport with students” and her “commitment to being a life-long learner.
    She also has spent three weeks in Japan as a participant in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program, selected from a national pool of more than 2,000 applicants by a panel of educators.
    She also has taught in the Philippines from 1989-90, presenting DNA workshops for teachers and students throughout the country and science inquiry workshops for Peace Corps trainees. She also taught biology, general science, and mathematics in the Malay language as a Peace Corps volunteer in the early 1970s.
    Recently, her Environmental Club students won an award from the Cook County Forest Preserve District for their efforts to adopt and clean up Thatcher Woods.  

 

 

 

OPRFHS students win numerous awards 

     Congratulations to OPRF's outstanding German students who accomplished the extraordinary feat of capturing four trophies at the annual German Day competition at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Winners of first place trophies were Scott Marchi for his culture essay and Michelle Mbekeani for poetry recitation. Natalie Greene took 2nd place in poetry recitation. A third place skit trophy was won by Karlyn Murphy, Nathan Krout, Stefan Scherer-Emunds, John Libgober, Jennifer Mindrum and Alexandra Rey-Talley. Hannan Gregg and Helen Beilinson placed four in the city guide competition. The students are taught by Frau Carold Ewald. Gut Gemacht! 

 

     Congratulations to the OPRFHS Scholastic Bowl team and coaches Marlene Rubinow, Leigh Remack and Phil Cook, on its clinch of the West Suburban Conference championship!  The team won decisively over York and Downers Grove North High Schools in the final games! Team members are: Captain: Gavin Schalliol and members John Binder, Dan Turza, Ryan Matos, Charles Barrows, Kevin Wyllie, Andy Soffer, Joe Yates, Charles Carbery, Meg Luther and Anthony Masi.

  

     Congratulations to these OPRFHS students for their competitive selection to participate in the IMEA All-State Music Conference this past February in Peoria: Rivkah Gevinson, All State Chorus; Nick Thompson, All State Orchestra, Cello (27th in State); Rachel Baiman, All State Honors Orchestra, Violin II (7th in State); David Rubin, All State Honors Orchestra, Violin II (13th in State); Shelley Liu, All State Honors Orchestra, Violin I (7th in State); Yonjoo Lim, All State Honors Orchestra, Violin I (15th in State); Nina Terebessey, All State Honors Orchestra, Trumpet (4th in State); Meredith Lusardi, All State Honors Band, Flute (20th in State); Zoe Hilbert, All State Honors Orchestra, Oboe (1st in State) Corin James, All State Honors Band, Clarinet, (15th in State); Lucas Ellman, All State Honors Jazz Band, Alto Saxophone (2nd in State);and Zach Easty, All State Band, Baritone Saxophone (4th in State).

     These students were recognized for their participation in District level orchestra but were unable to participate in All-State due to music auditions for college: Trevor Kazarian (cello), Reem Worley (violin), and Bryant Smith (trombone). Congratulations, one and all, and to faculty Elaine Hlavach, Patrick Pearson, Anthony Svejda and Rebecca Jacobsen.

 

     Congratulations to OPRFHS sophomore student scholar-athletes named recipients of the 2006-07 J. Kyle Braid Leadership Awards out of a total of 56 students nominated by coaches, teachers, deans and other staff:

Boys:

• Michael Jacobs
• Zachary Peterson
• Elliott Davidson -alternate

Girls:

• Casey Blaha
• Gabrielle Cole
• Pauline Lazzeretti -alternate

      These OPRF students are presenting leadership camps with Julian, Brooks and Roosevelt middle school students this spring before participating in an intensive week-long leadership training program at the JKB ranch in Colorado this summer.  Upon their return, they will model and share their newly honed leadership skills at OPRF and in the community at large in a variety of programs and projects.  

     Congratulations to the OPRFHS Math Team and coaches Sheila Hardin, Tia Marr, Joseph Kostal, and Kay Moran, for their stellar performance – including taking numerous 1st place wins -- at regional competition! Competitors and results are: Algebra 1:  Team - 1st place; Individuals – Maragarita Popova – 1st place, Robin Jia 2nd  place, Evangelie Zachos 2nd Place; Geometry:  Individuals - Shelley Liu - 1st place, Emma Lewis   2nd place; Algebra 2:    Team - 2nd place; Individuals - Scott Marchi  1st place, Adam Pearce - 2nd place; Pre-Calculus:  Team - 1st place; Individuals - Dan Turcza  - 1st place, John Binder  2nd place; Fr/Soph 8-person - 2nd place - Avanti Badrinathan, Ben Marchi, Shelley Liu, Mariam Shahsavarani, Eric Hallman, Robin Jia, Maragarita Popova, and Evangelie Zachos; Jr/Senior 8-person - 1st place - John Binder, Dan Turcza, Andy Soffer, Gavin Schalliol, Sam Feldman, Scott Marchi, Adam Pearce and Lingyi Meng; Calculator Team - 1st place - Charlie Barrows, Kevin Wylie, Wilson Ho, Philip Sparks, and Helen Bielenson; Fr/Sophomore 2 person - 1st place - Evangelie Zachos, Margarita Popova; Oralist - 1st place – John Binder and Andy Soffer!

 

     The Huskies' Speech Team qualified eight students in nine events for the S.C.O.T.I.E. (Special Commission on Tournaments Individual Events) Tournament of Champions hosted by Illinois State University Speech Communications/Theatre Departments in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. Congratulations to Dan Turcza, Mike Augustyn, Keri Garlick  Vlada Gaysina, Lakshmi Sundaresan, Joe Muriello, Jessica Smith, and Ariana Tuckey.

 

     Of the four students who were able to attend the competition, all came home with top awards: Lakshmi Sundaresan, Joe Muriello, Jessica Smith and Ariana Tuckey. Coaches Patt Cheney, Matt Johnston, Sharon Johnston, Jonathan Saucedo, and Eileen McCormack-Nicodemus were recognized with SCOTIE Coach Awards for Excellence

     These students competed in four rounds of competition in each event and received a minimum of 6 out of 8 Superior ranks to earn a SCOTIE Award. Scholarship awards for overall top students in the tournament required a minimum of 13 out of 16 Superior Rankings, and OPRF students received these top awards: 3rd place Region II Area Scholarship Award Winner  -- Joe Muriello   (Prose and Special Occasion Speaking); Jeff Berke SCOTIE Scholarship Award Winner; Lakshmi Sundaresan (Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking) 15 out of 16 Superior Ranks.

     Ms. Cheney, Head Coach Individual Events Speech, was appointed as Region II Area S.C.O.T.I.E. co-commissioner for Illinois Speech and Theatre Association.

 
     The OPRFHS Spoken Word Poetry Slam team (Gehring Miller, Christian Harris, Tabitha Watson, De'Ja Taylor, Nova Venerable and Adam Levin and student coach Gabrielle Worley) qualified for the final found of the Chicago Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Slam, the largest in the country.

 

 
State releases confirmed 2006 PSAE scores

      The Illinois State Board of Education has released final and corrected scores for the Prairie State Achievement Exams administered to Oak Park and River Forest High School juniors in April 2006.  The scores indicate that OPRFHS remains consistently ahead of state averages in the percentage of students overall meeting or exceeding state standards, according to an initial analysis by Director of Instruction Amy Hill.
    Significantly, OPRFHS met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind law for all student subgroups in both reading and math in these 2006 PSAE scores. Meeting AYP in the fourth year of Prairie State testing linked to NCLB goals means that OPRFHS does not face corrective action sanctions. The school must continue to use up to 5% of its Title I allocation to offer supplemental educational services – i.e. tutoring – to identified students. OPRFHS must also continue to must notify parents of the school’s AYP status.
   OPRFHS tested 98.3 % of its juniors, surpassing the required participation rates set for all subgroups. (The state requires schools to report data separately for NCLB-defined groups if the school has 45 or more students who are identified within those groups or categories.) OPRFHS counts every third year student as a junior required to take the PSAE rather than defining “ junior” by the number of credits a student has earned or by the successful completion of certain courses. This practice ensures the broadest and most accurate number of third-year students are included in the school’s test numbers.
   The District saw considerable gains across the board in mathematics performance overall and in every subgroup. The percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards in mathematics was:
 
74.1 % overall (66.2% 2005);
86.3 % for white students (80.1 % 2005);
35.8 % for African American students (29.6 % 2005)
40 % for students with disabilities (31.2 % 2005)
33.3 % for students who are economically disadvantaged (27.3 % 2005).
      
    Despite meeting AYP in this fourth year of NCLB accountability, areas of sustained concern remain the continuing level of lower performance on the test among students who are African American; have special needs with an Individualized Education Plan, or are economically disadvantaged.
   Reading scores that had shown strong gains between 2004 to 2005 stayed static overall in 2006 – 77% meeting or exceeding compared with 76.9 % last year – and declined for students in identified subgroups:
 
86% white (86% 2005)
48.4% African American (53.5% 2005)
35.6% students with disabilities (43% 2005)
39.7% for students who are economically disadvantaged (49.1% 2005)
 
   More scrutiny of the data and other information about these students’ performance and academic experiences and performance is needed before drawing conclusions about this one-year rise in math scores and dip in reading scores, Ms. Hill said.
   
 
     The school and its academic divisions have focused considerable resources and attention on initiatives focusing on improved achievement, including an intensive focus on preparing freshmen to move out of transition level courses into college prep courses by second semester; on moving students toward more rigorous honors level studies; on training teachers in all content areas how to use effective literacy strategies to increase students’ understanding of course materials, and on increasing the number of freshmen students who master algebra as the first step in preparing for college readiness in mathematics.
      The school needs to continue to mine this PSAE data to help evaluate the impact and success of initiatives – such as CRISS/reading-across-the-curriculum training, Agile Mind, Algebra 1 Block -- on individual student’s academic achievement, Ms. Hill said. Meeting AYP goals in the fourth year of NCLB accountability gives the District breathing room to pursue its focused evaluation of current programs and modify or eliminate them based on those evaluations and results, she said.

 
 
 
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Assembly

 
     Oak Park and River Forest High School marked the 22nd anniversary of the school's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Assembly with original Spoken Word tributes by OPRFHS students and presentations by the combined Gospel and A Cappella choirs.
     The highlight of the annual assembly, which asks students and staff to reflect on Dr. King's life, teachings and legacy, is the presentation of the oration selected as the first place winner of the Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest held in December. Students are judged not only for the quality of their writing and ideas, but also for the power and skill of their presentation.
     Senior Liam Bird's winning oration, “A Call to Action,” challenged students to speak out against injustices, stereotypes and slurs of any kind that they witness or experience. This year, second and third place winners also spoke. Senior Luke Knanishu spoke against people judging each other based on race, gender and sexual orientation, and Tabitha Watson, the third-place winner, reflected on the school's positive response to the negative and false stereotyping in the press of an African American student as a gang member.
    Spoken Word artists Deja Taylor and Christian Harris and Novana Venerable presented a tribute to Dr. King. Additionally, the OPRFHS A Cappella and Gospel Choirs, under the direction of math teacher and Gospel Choir co-director Terrell Burgess, performed “Til We Reach that Day” and “Down by the Riverside.”  The assembly was emceed by BOSS member Aaron Saunders who asked students to reflect and act upon the inspiring messages presented.
     The convocation committee, led by math teacher Tia Marr, included special education teacher and African American Faculty Advisory Council President Tiffany Allison, history teacher Michael Mitchell, Math teacher Terri Hightower, Student Activities Director Cindy Milojevic, and Director of Instruction Amy Hill.

 
 

   

24th annual Tradition of Excellence recipients honored

  

     Nov. 2, 2006 - This year’s Tradition of Excellence recipients – including one awarded posthumously to an alumni who graduated 90 years ago – highlight the scope of Oak Park and River Forest High School’s influence through its distinguished alumni.
     The high school will celebrate its 24th annual Tradition of Excellence Awards with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 and student assemblies Friday morning, Nov. 3.  Established by the Class of 1982, the award is presented annually to alumni or former students who have distinguished themselves professionally and who, through theses accomplishments, have brought great credit to their alma mater. These distinguished alumni are honored at an evening dinner, followed by an awards presentation during an all-school assembly the next day.
     “These alumni through their professional pursuits and contributions to our society truly embody our school’s motto, ‘Those things that are best.’ We applaud them for their accomplishments and thank them for the inspiration they provide to our students here today,” said Dr. Susan Bridge.

 
      The 2006 Tradition of Excellence winners are:

 
Jayne Carr Thompson, Class of 1964 - Government/Law

 
     Mrs. Thompson is a noted public affairs specialist and public relations practitioner, as well as a former trial and appellate lawyer.  She founded Jayne Thompson and Associates, Ltd., a strategic communications consultancy, in March 2002.  Mrs. Thompson has served three Governors of Illinois on issues relating to health and human service delivery systems and the status of women. Mrs. Thompson is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, The Executive Club and the Chicago Committee of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations.

Sara Giddings Bode, Class of 1953 - Government

 
     Her Rudy Bruner Award “for excellence in the urban environment” expresses Ms. Giddings-Bode’s life focus on cities and the people who live and work in them. To that end, she served on the boards of the Michigan Avenue National Bank and the First Bank of the Americas where she could monitor red lining of minority customers; on boards working for the homeless and jobless such as Mayor Daley’s Task Force on Welfare Reform, and on numerous civic and cultural boards.  She also served as trustee, then president, of the Village of Oak Park board and as Director of the Oak Park Development Corporation.  She is currently Strategic Coordinator of a Congressional campaign in Michigan.

  
Terry C. Isaacson, Class of 1960 - Education

 
     Mr. Isaacson served as a Vice Provost at Arizona State University, overseeing facilities, business services, campus housing and the conversion of a former military base into a vibrant university campus now serving more than 6,500 students. Previously, he served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, flying more than 3,000 hours, including a combat tour in Southeast Asia.  Colonel Isaacson held many command positions, including Wing Commander at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.  When Williams closed in 1993, Mr. Isaacson negotiated the conveyance of 614 acres of the former base to Arizona State for its new campus.

  
Scott McAdam, Class of 1975 - Landscaping/Business

 
    Mr. McAdam, a Registered Landscape Architect/Horticulture Specialist and President of McAdam Landscaping, Inc. for more than 26 years, has been responsible for the design of more than 1,500 commercial and residential installations.  Mr. McAdam served as President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) in 1992/1993 and received the ILCA’s Man of the Year Award.  He continues to be a supporting member of the Chicago Department of Environment Greencorps Program and has served as a member of the University of Illinois Horticultural Advisory Board.  He is a member of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show board and of the American Nursery and Landscape Association’s Information Technology Committee.
George Trafton, Class of 1916 – Athletics. Awarded posthumously.

  
     Mr. Trafton, elected to the professional Football Hall of Fame in 1964, was first seen at Oak Park High School by Knute Rockne and went on to play for him at Notre Dame.  Mr. Trafton and George Halas were friends and partners in the National Football League, which led to the development of professional football. He played 13 seasons for the Bears, while continuing to box professionally in a short but colorful career. Credited with helping to start professional black boxing, he also coached for the Green Bay Packers, the Rams and a Canadian League.  He proved an excellent coach, but his lasting reputation came from his playing.

  

Intergovernmental collaboration seeks concrete savings to taxpayers

 

     Nov. 1, 2006 - Oak Park and River Forest High School is working with other local government groups to formally explore ways to turn intergovernmental collaboration into concrete savings to taxpayers. The group expects to realize savings on health insurance costs as early as January 2008 through a new cooperative venture. Additionally, the government groups plan to discuss potential savings opportunities in the areas of technology services and energy and fuel purchases. District 97 and 200 also have agreed to pursue new or expanded collaborations in their food services, operations and maintenance and business and finance areas. 

      “It is essential that we work together to find ways to streamline costs while improving services,” said Cheryl Witham, Chief Financial Officer for District 200.  “It is the right thing for all of us to do, and we are excited about working together to look for ways we can effect real savings.” Districts 97 and 200 have already experienced some partnering success, such as sharing some food services functions.

     Each tax levy and reassessment cycle brings renewed calls for restrictions on government spending. Government entities themselves are concerned about the need to control budgets while providing mandated and expected services. At a taxpayer forum this fall, Oak Park Village President David Pope and State Senator Don Harmon both pledged to support streamlined or cooperative government services that would result in overall savings.

     First on the plate is a proposal to reduce the health insurance premium costs each government group pays. Last month, Ms. Witham invited the business managers of the Villages of Oak Park and River Forest, the Park District of Oak Park, the Village of Oak Park library, and both township governments, as well as Districts 90 and 97, to meet with the high school’s health insurance broker to discuss forming an alliance to coordinate health insurance services with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

      As of January 2007, OPRFHS will be self-insured with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and will shift its enrollment period to align with other Oak Park and River Forest government entities. By the January 2008 insurance cycle, these government entities – many of which are self-insured with medical benefit plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield and having the same enrollment deadlines – will be able to combine as a co-op for purposes of negotiating lower administrative and claim processing fees with Blue Cross Blue Shield, while retaining their own health insurance benefit plans. This collaboration will also result in Blue Cross Blue Shield being able to provide actuarial data to the group that will help in tailoring cost-effective, targeted wellness programs and better integrated employee assistance programs. These steps could potentially result in reduced claims costs down the line through improved preventative programs and care.

     At this point, it is premature to project the actual dollars that might be realized through this alliance, Ms. Witham said. Part of that will depend upon how many other River Forest and Oak Park government agencies eventually join the alliance, she said.

     “The important first step is to accept philosophically that this united approach is the way that local governments have an obligation to proceed whether we’re talking about health insurance premiums or purchasing agreements,” said Ms. Witham, who has asked that these proposals be discussed at an upcoming Oak Park Council of Governments meeting.

 

  Student wins 2006 National Council of Teachers of English Award 

    Oct. 16, 2006 - Oak Park and River Forest High School senior Samantha Michaels has been honored as a 2006 winner of the prestigious National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in English. She was nominated by English teacher Ginger Brent, and her expository writing challenge was monitored by Bill Lovaas. In addition, the National Council of Teachers of English commended the high school’s English Division “for excellence in its instructional program, as revealed by its evident contribution to the high quality of writing of its  [student] honored with the [award].”

  
 
UIC to launch Spoken Word poetry education program

OPRFHS to celebrate partnership during 4th annual London exchange

     Oct. 16, 2006 - Oak Park and River Forest High School is partnering with the University of Illinois-Chicago to launch a pioneering new Spoken Word Poetry Education program as part of its English Education Department. The kick-off event will be Friday, Nov. 3, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at UIC when London and OPRFHS students join internationally known poets to celebrate the release of a trans-Atlantic poetry anthology.

     For the last year, OPRFHS English teacher and Spoken Word sponsor Peter Kahn and Spoken Word students and alumni have collaborated with UIC on several Spoken Word workshops and presentations for UIC undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for students at Chicago public schools that serve as UIC “lab” schools.

    “The idea of Spoken Word was intriguing as another niche where students could find success in school. It was through going to the poetry slams, seeing Spoken Word at work in the neighborhoods and schools in the city and at OPRFHS, and watching teachers and poets working with students that I ‘got religion’ and saw this as something important to teach educators how to use,” said David Schaafsma, professor of Education at UIC.

    “For education to be progressive and relevant it cannot simply reproduce the status quo for generation after generation of students and teachers, never connecting with current culture and communities. Spoken Word is one exciting way in which these connections can happen within education,” said Prof. Schaafsma who is partnering with OPRFHS and Mr. Kahn to develop the certificate in Spoken Word Education program. They are now gathering the resources, funding and other collegiate partners to proceed with formal program and curriculum development in hopes of having the formal program in place at UIC by next fall.

      The Nov. 3 kick-off event will feature writers from the international poetry cooperative, Malika’s Kitchen, as well as students from the OPRFHS Spoken Word Club and the London Team Poetry Slam’s winning team from Holy Family College, London, that is at OPRFHS for the 4th annual Spoken Word exchange from Oct. 28 – Nov. 4.

     “This partnership with Oak Park is one of the exciting community initiatives we have going at UIC,” Prof. Schaafsma said. “Traditional education often fails to work hard enough to make connections between the school and community, between youth culture and the street. We risk limiting the scope of our vision. But if we want teachers to be able to use new tools, then we have to prepare them. That’s what we think this new program will do.”

  

  Students bring home gold, silver and bronze from Special Olympic Fall Sports event

   Oct. 16, 2006 - Three OPRF students, Patrick McCarthy, Alyson Brown and Claire Puiszis all participated in the Special Olympics Fall Sports Festival for Equestrian Events on September 10 and 11 in Decatur, Illinois.  Patrick brought home a gold and silver medal for his participation in the Western/Stock Seat Equitation and Working Trails events.  Alyson Brown was a double gold medalist for handling her horse in the English Equitation and Working Trails events, and Claire Puiszis won a gold and bronze medal for separate English Equitation and Working Trails Events.  All three take horseback riding lessons at the Hanson Center in Burr Ridge. Congratulations to these gold medallists!

 
 
2006-07 National Merit program honorees named

OPRF National Forensic Chapter honored in top 1% nationwide
 
 
    Sept. 27, 2006 - Oak Park and River Forest High School is proud to announce that 21 of its students have placed as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists in the 2006-07 program. In addition, two OPRFHS students have been named National Achievement Scholarship semifinalists and two students have earned the distinction of being named National Hispanic Program Scholars.
     The National Merit semifinalists are among 16,000 academically talented students named nationally who represent less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors. The Oak Park and River Forest High School students named are: Todd S. Anderson, Aaron W. Baskin, John R. Binder, Lucy Conley-Smoucha, Lauren A. Davis, Rachel E. Hatcliffe, Michael W. Hirsch, Haley W. Jordahl, Melanie R. Kassel, Sarah M. Leitson, Julia A. Locascio, Ryan E. Matos, Jennifer S. Monson, Charles M. Muller, Michael D. Murray, Brynne S. O’Neal, Gavin W. Schalliol, Theadora J. Swenson, Benjamin D. Taylor, Dan F. Turcza and Daniel M. Woznica.
      The National Achievement Scholarship Program semifinalists are among the 1,600 academically talented seniors named nationally in the 43rd year of this National Merit Scholarship-sponsored program. The Oak Park and River Forest High School students named are: Jordan Moore-Fields and Kevin White. The 2006-07 National Hispanic Program Scholars are Cristina Perez and Eric Rubio.
      "We applaud these students’ exceptional achievement and the dedication and hard work their semifinalist status represents," said Superintendent/Principal Dr. Susan Bridge. "We thank their families and their elementary schools for preparing them so well for the challenges of rigorous academic work. Their success also is an indicator of the high caliber of instruction that our faculty is able to offer our two communities’ high school students."
      Of 137 participating Illinois schools, OPRFHS was fifth in the state this year in the number of National Merit semifinalists in the 2006-07 program.

 

  Newsweek includes OPRFHS in America's top schools list
  
      OPRFHS has been listed #478 of 1,000 on Newsweek's 2006 list of America's Best High Schools -- 9th highest of the 31 Illinois schools on this year's list based on a formula that includes Advanced Placement courses offered and taken.  

     

OPRF earns Bright A+ and "What Parents Want" awards

  
       Oak Park and River Forest High School has earned the SchoolSearch "Bright A+" Award for academic excellence in education for 2006 -- the 8th year in a row for this honor! The school is one of only 61 districts out of 879 school districts statewide to earn this distinction.

      SchoolSearch, a national educational reserach and consulting firm, selects only the top 5 percent of all Illinois school districts using objective academic indicators such as state and national and college entrance test data.

 
          For the 14th year in a row, OPRFHS has been selected by SchoolMatch for the 2005 “What Parents Want Award.”  OPRFHS is among only 16 percent of the nation’s 15,573 school systems to receive this honor distinguishing OPRF among a select group nationally.

     SchoolMatch, one of the nation’s largest school selection consulting firms, bases this award on assessments of parental expectations and school performance indicators.