Communicate 158
Dedicated to Keeping District 158 Community Members Informed
Volume 38 Issue 1
District 158
In The News
Fall 2014
HHS Earns Highest ACT Composite Score in School History
Did you know that
you can stay up to
date with the latest
news, updates,
announcements
and news releases
featuring students
and staff members
of District 158?
In August, the State of Illinois released state and local ACT average scores for the graduating Class
of 2014, including composite score and individual subject area scores. In the past 9 years, the
school’s average ACT score has risen from an annual average of 20.0-20.5 to now having an annual
average of mid 22-23.0.
The average composite score of 23.0 is the highest score ever achieved by Huntley High School.
This score represents an improvement of 0.6 points, a substantial increase when viewing average
composite trends at both the district and state levels. In addition, HHS achieved significant increases
in the average scores of all subject area tests.
All students in the graduating class of 2014 took the ACT as juniors in 2013.
Visit the website at
www.district158.org
and select D158 In
the News from the
Quick Links.
2014 Composite
District
State
23.0
20.7
District 158 student average scores:
Our Mission
We will Inspire,
Challenge, and
Empower everyone
every day.
In this Issue:




Increased over the average score from the previous year in all categories;
Increased by a greater amount than the increases in the state averages in all categories;
Exceeded the state average score in all categories;
Posted the highest gain in reading (1.0), followed by the composite score (.6), with an equal gain
in English and math (.5), and science (.3).
Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, high school students in Illinois will no longer take the
Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE), which included the ACT. Instead, new college and
career readiness assessments, known as the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College
and Careers (PARCC) will be administered to high school students, as well as third- through eighthgraders.
__________________
Volunteer
Opportunities
2
Construction
Continues at HHS
3
Platinum Level
Recognition
4
D158 Education
Foundation
5
Fun at Parent Tot
Center
6
Community Events
7
Continued on page 4
Welcome Back Students & Parents
Communicate 158
Page 2
Make a Difference — Volunteer
By Eileen Delahanty, Volunteer Coordinator
Welcome to a new school year guaranteed
to be filled with many volunteer opportunities!
Parents, grandparents, retirees, and other
members of the community are encouraged to
share their time, knowledge and abilities with our
students by volunteering.
Please remember that in order to volunteer in any
capacity, you must complete a District Volunteer
Registration form available on the District website
under the Parents & Students tab. Just click on
Volunteers and you will be directed to the form.
Forms can be returned to your child’s teacher or
mailed to my attention at 650 Academic Drive,
Algonquin, IL 60102.
Contact me to discuss how
you can become involved in
our volunteer program.
Eileen Delahanty
edelahanty@district158.org
(847) 659-6152
Dates to Remember
October
October 10
Institute Day
No School
October 13
Columbus Day
No School / Offices Closed
October 24
End of First Quarter
November
November 24-25
Parent-Teacher Conferences
No School
November 26
Non-Attendance Day
No School / Offices Closed
November 27-28
Thanksgiving Break
No School / Offices Closed
December
December 19
Last Day Before Winter Break
December 22
Winter Break
No School thru January 2
For the complete 2014-2015 school year calendar,
visit Calendars under the About D158 tab at
www.district158.org
Santa Claus invites you to
Breakfast & Dinner!
District 158
Education Foundation’s Annual
The District 158 Education Foundation invites all
members of the community and their families to
kick-start the holiday season with fun and activities
for the children.
Santa’s Fireside Feast includes a pasta buffet bar
featuring a variety of pastas, sauces, and more. A
green salad, breadsticks, beverages, and Mrs. Claus’
dessert cookies will be served tableside.
Santa’s Fireside Feast
Friday, December 5
and
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling characters,
and enjoy musical entertainment. Children will also
receive a goodie bag to take home.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 6
Proceeds will be used to purchase
e-books for all K-8 school libraries
The annual Breakfast with Santa is a family-focused
event that promises to be fun for all and includes a
Pancakes & French Toast Sticks Breakfast, Kids’
Crafts, Games, Prizes, Holiday Music and More!
Additional information will be sent home with students
and will also be available on the Foundation
webpage and posted on the Virtual Bulletin
Board as the event dates approach.
Mark your calendar for these annual events!
Communicate 158 is published by School District 158 four times per year.
Volume 38— Issue 1
Volume 38 Issue 1
Page 3
Construction Continues at Huntley High
If you’ve visited the Harmony Road Campus recently,
you probably noticed several changes—the main one
being easier access to and from the schools thanks to
new traffic signals at the Main Street/Marengo Road/
Hemmer Road and the Hemmer Road/Harmony Road
intersections. While this has helped, we anxiously
await completion of the Harmony Road widening
portion of the project and the inclusion of a student
and event access road along the East side of the
campus, currently in progress.
Visitors may also have noticed new parking lots for
busses, students, staff, and visitors, new traffic flow
patterns and the newly redesigned and relocated
main entrance to Huntley High School scheduled to
open later this month. All of these measures will help
ensure the safety of students and visitors.
New main entrance area during construction.
Other completed renovations include upgrades
to the tennis courts, softball fields and other
athletic areas, and the addition of stadium
lighting and a new scoreboard.
A new athletic field house along with several
new classrooms and science labs are being
added to accommodate the projected 3,000
student enrollment. This phase of the project is
scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2015.
Architect drawing depicting new redesigned and
relocated entrance to Huntley High School.
New Scoreboard Installed
Thanks to many generous sponsors from around the community, Huntley High
School has a new state-of-the-art scoreboard complete with an 8’x14’ video
display and improved speaker system that will not only excite fans and players
alike, but the advertisements will generate revenue for the athletic department.
Sponsors were honored during a dedication ceremony at half-time of the school’s
first home football game of the season and included: Huntley High School
Athletic Boosters, 1st Choice Physical Therapy, Inc., Centegra Health System,
Century 21 New Heritage, Century Dental of Huntley, CJ Drilling, Heartland Bank
and Trust Co., Hoffman Orthodontics, Huntley Heating and Air, Lamp Inc.,
McHenry County College, Ryland Homes, Springbrook Community Church,
Wolschlager Chiropractic Health, and Yumz Gourmet Frozen Yogurt.
Huntley High would also like to
thank Side Effects for coordinating
the project and securing sponsors.
The scoreboard project was fully
funded by our generous sponsors.
Thank you for your support!
“We are very fortunate and grateful to be
surrounded by such a supportive community.
HHS will benefit for years to come with the
upgrades made possible by our sponsors and
Athletic Boosters.”
Scott Rowe, Principal
Page 4
Communicate 158
ACT Composite Score
Continued from page 1
PARCC assessments will be implemented along with new Illinois state standards, which align with Common
Core. Under new legislation, all high school students are required to take an assessment that measures
college and career readiness in order to receive a high school diploma.
Since 2003, Illinois’ composite score has been among the highest for the group of states that annually tested
all of their students. This is the second consecutive year Illinois has ranked second only to Utah’s score of
20.8.
“Illinois has been and continues to be a leader in promoting
college and career readiness and we’re glad to see this
increase in the percentage of students meeting those
important benchmarks,” said State Superintendent of
Education Christopher A. Koch in a recent press release.
For a complete standardized testing schedule for 2014-15,
go to the District 158 website and select Curriculum under
the Academic Depts tab.
Congratulations students, staff and parents!
Schools Earn Platinum Level Recognition for PBIS Implementation
District officials are pleased to announce all D158 schools earned recognition for implementation of the
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program during the 2013-14 school year.
Martin Elementary and Huntley High Schools received special recognition for achieving Platinum level – the
highest level for the Illinois PBIS Network program. Only 29 schools across the state achieved this top level.
Additionally, Huntley High School is the only high school in Illinois to earn Platinum level achievement for
2013-14.
Chesak Elementary, Heineman Middle, Leggee Elementary, Mackeben Elementary, Conley Elementary, and
Marlowe Middle Schools achieved Gold level, and D158’s Early Childhood Education program earned
Bronze level recognition.
PBIS is a proven model for establishing and promoting positive behavioral supports for students to achieve
success at all levels. PBIS guides schools in identifying, implementing, and sustaining effective practices to
create a positive school culture that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning.
Volume 38 Issue 1
Page 5
Emergency School Closing & Message System
District 158 has changed over to a new alert system, Power Alert. This new system offers more functionality and
will work within the PowerSchool program to allow for more options for parents and staff.
With Power Alert, District 158 is able to use technology in conjunction with our current student database system to
provide a variety of notifications to parents. Notifications include:
1. Emergency Notifications—True emergency situations.
2. School Cancellation Messages— Messages regarding a school closing or activity cancellation.
3. Student Bulletins— Student specific information such as registration not complete, medical forms aren’t turned in,
parent meeting for special programs, etc.
4. Attendance Notifications— Automated calls from the school for an unverified absence for your student.
5. General Announcements— School or district alerts that aren’t related to emergencies or cancellations.
Parents are able to select the message types they wish to receive and the manner in which to receive (i.e. text, cell
phone, home phone, email—or any combination).
If you have not already setup your account, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Please visit the District 158
website at www.District158.org and select the PowerAlert tab under Parents & Students for complete instructions.
Activities & Events for
Community Members
The students and staff members invite all community members, families, and
friends to enjoy the wide variety of District and school activities which are open to
the public.
Each week, a compiled list of athletic events, plays, musicals, fundraising events, and concerts, as well as events
hosted by the Education Foundation will be posted to our website in a single convenient location.
To view the weekly list, go to www.District158.org and select D158 Community Activities & Events under the Quick
Links header.
District 158 Education Foundation
About the Foundation - Asserting that today’s children
are our future, the District 158 Education Foundation is
committed to helping our students become the leaders of
tomorrow. Established in 2003, the Education Foundation
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization
operating independently from the Board of Education.
What We Do - The Foundation seeks and makes available
resources to enhance learning for all District 158 students
and gives schools the ability to offer opportunities and
programs to students beyond those already afforded
through District funding. Students benefit through the
use of high quality, leading edge educational tools and
programs. Teachers benefit by being able to enhance
teaching experiences in their classroom.
Thank you for supporting the
District 158 Education Foundation
How You Can Help
Support our Projects and Events - Attend a Foundation
event or fund raiser.
Make a Donation - There are many ways to contribute to
the Foundation including:
 Make a financial donation.
 Request a corporate matching donation.
 Make a contribution in memory of a loved one.
 Name the Education Foundation in your will or estate
plans.
District 158 Education Foundation
650 Academic Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102
www.district158.org/education-foundation
Communicate 158
Page 6
Gift from ‘Grandma’
Martin Elementary’s Principal, Matt Webster, was looking out the doors
of his building one morning when a woman approached him, handed him
a bag and explained that she had made several hats and scarves and
wanted to donate them to any child at the grade 3-5 school who may
need a warm hat or scarf for the upcoming winter weather.
When Webster asked for her name so she could be properly thanked,
the woman simply stated, “Just tell them it’s a gift from Grandma.”
Thank you ‘Grandma’ for this wonderful gift!
We’re Having Fun at Parent Tot
Looking for something fun and new to do with your little
ones and preschoolers? Join in the fun at the Parent Tot
Center! We’re ready for a new school year with lots of
friends and it’s a great way to spend quality time with
your child all while interacting with others in an age
appropriate environment.
Parent Tot (PT) is a fee-based drop-in program
designed for children under the age of 5. The yearly fee
for children under the age of 5 as of September 1, 2014
is $25 per child, and those under the age of 1 as of
September 1, 2014 are free. The fee includes all
classes, playgroups, concerts or events sponsored by
the PT program.
Parent Tot Center
Open Play Hours
Monday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The place where a kid can be a kid!
The Parent Tot program is open to D158 residents
only and proof of residency is required at the time
of registration. Registration and payment for the
program can all be done at the PT Center during
open hours.
There are ongoing music and story programs, as well
as special events open to any District 158 resident
including CPR/AED/First Aid training and a special
concert featuring Laura Doherty in November
co-sponsored by the Huntley Public Library.
Please remember you must be a registered/paid
participant in order to attend unless otherwise
specifically noted in the Schedule of Events.
Be sure to check out the PT for FREE on your first
visit during open play hours to see what we’re all
about!
Located in Room 101 at
Chesak Elementary School
10910 Reed Road - Lake in the Hills
See all the fun events we have scheduled by visiting our webpage
at www.district158.org/about-d158/parent-tot-program.
Volume 38 Issue 1
Page 7
COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMING SOON TO THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER!
Huntley High School Presents
Come and join us on a magic carpet ride!
Heineman Middle School Presents
Book by Allan Knee
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Music by Jason Howland
Aladdin Jr.
Thursday, October 23 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 25 - 2:00 and 7:30 PM
October 2, 3, & 4 @ 7:00 PM
October 5 @ 3:00 PM
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Screenplay by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio
Tickets: $5 at the door
or online beginning September 8 at
http://www.district158.org/parents-students/web-store/
Six generations have read this story.
This generation will sing it.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical
novel, Little Women focuses on the four March sisters, their
beloved Marmee, at home in Concord, MA while the family
patriarch is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the
Civil War. Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold
are recreations of the melodramatic stories Jo writes in her attic
room.
Annual Craft Fair & Bake Sale
Saturday, November 22
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by:
Leggee Elementary School PTA
13723 Harmony Road in Huntley
Further details will be posted at www.LeggeePTA.org
and on the Virtual Bulletin Board
Interested in being a vendor?
Contact Janet Westberg at
(224) 569-2866 or via email
at jlwestberg@gmail.com
Tickets - $5 at the door
Heineman Middle School PTO’s
Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 13
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
725 Academic Drive in Algonquin
Further details will be posted on
the Virtual Bulletin Board
Vendors & Crafters Wanted!
Contact Christine Black
at hmspto158@gmail.com
PRSRT STD
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
ALGONQUIN, IL
PERMIT NO. 138
650 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON
Email Notifications Available
Our Schools
Chesak Elementary School
10910 Reed Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 659-5700
Lawn Care & Pest Control Products Applications
As required by School Code, notification of scheduled
applications of pesticide, herbicide, and/or fertilizer
products must be made to interested community members,
parents and staff prior to applications of such products.
District 158 will offer email notifications to interested parties
prior to all applications and in the event of a cancellation of a
scheduled application.
Conley Elementary School
750 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-3700
Heineman Middle School
725 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-4300
If you would like to receive notice of product applications,
please send an email to lwoods@district158.org to be added
to the list. Please include Product Applications in the
subject line of the email.
Huntley High School
13719 Harmony Road
Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 659-6600
Leggee Elementary School
13723 Harmony Road
Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 659-6200
Mackeben Elementary School
800 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-3400
Marlowe Middle School
9625 Haligus Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 659-4700
Martin Elementary School
10920 Reed Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 659-5300
* We will continue to post notifications of scheduled and emergency applications, along
with notice of cancellations on the home page of the District 158 website.
Virtual Bulletin Board
As a means to electronically distribute information about activities
and programs from outside non-profit organizations and
governmental agencies (Park District, Library, etc.) to interested
families and community members, District 158 will again offer email
notifications for all postings made to the Virtual Bulletin Board.
If you would like to receive notice of postings made to the Virtual Bulletin Board, please
send an email to lwoods@district158.org to be added to the list. Please include VBB in
the subject line of the email.
View all postings at www.district158.org/virtual-bulletin-board/.
At-Risk Preschool
10920 Reed Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 659-5403
Administrative Cabinet
Dr. John Burkey
Superintendent
Terry Awrey, Ed.S.
Associate Superintendent
Mark Altmayer
Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer
Jessica Lombard
Assistant Superintendent of HR
Erika Schlichter
Chief Academic Officer
Board of Education
Donald Drzal
President
Paul Troy
Vice President
Kimberly Skaja
Secretary
Michael Fleck
Member
William Geheren
Member
Kevin Gentry
Member
Anthony Quagliano
Member
District 158 Tip Line
847-659-INFO (4636)
District 158 offers a Tip Line in which
students, parents, and citizens can
anonymously alert administration to a
potential crisis such as:
Weapons ۰ Bomb Threats ۰ Vandalism ۰
Theft ۰ Abuse & Harassment ۰ Bullying
۰ Drug & Alcohol Use ۰ Gang Activity
When you call, you will be prompted to
leave a recorded message. The Tip Line
is monitored 24 hours per day, 365 days
per year.
The Tip Line provides callers an avenue
to report things they might otherwise not
have reported.
Notification of Compliance
In accordance with the requirements of the U.S.
Environmental
Protection
Agency
(U.S. EPA), we are notifying you that District 158
is in compliance with the Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act (AHERA).
All District 158 schools and the administrative
offices are asbestos free to the best knowledge
of all parties involved in the construction of these
facilities.
To see a copy of the management plan or if you
have questions, please contact Doug Renkosik,
Director of Operations and Maintenance at (847)
659-6158 or at drenkosik@district158.org.
~ Violent Offender Community Notification ~
State law requires all schools to provide parents and community members with information about sex offenders and
violent offenders against youth. You may find the Illinois Sex Offender Registry and the Murderer & Violent Offender
Against Youth Registry on the Illinois State Police’s website at:
www.isp.state.il.us/sor/
•
www.isp.state.il.us/cmvo/