Communicate 158
Dedicated to Keeping District 158 Community Members Informed
Volume 37 Issue 3
District 158
In The News
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?
Visit the website at
www.district158.org
and select D158 In
the News from the
Quick Links.
Our Mission
We will Inspire,
Challenge, and
Empower everyone
every day.
In this Issue:
Spring 2014
College Board Recognizes D158,
Placing District on AP Honor Roll
Financial Update
For the second consecutive year, District 158
is one of 477 school districts in the United
States and Canada to be honored by the
College Board with placement on the Annual
AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to
advance placement (AP) course work while
simultaneously maintaining or increasing the
percentage of students earning scores of 3 or
higher on AP exams. Reaching these goals
indicates that Huntley High School is
successfully
i d e n t i f yi n g
m o t i va t e d ,
academically prepared students who are
likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work.
While many districts in the State of Illinois
are financially struggling, District 158 has
steadily improved its financial position over
the last 5 years. As a result of conservative
budgeting, the District has increased its
fund balance, enabling the District to:
minimize educational service disruptions,
maintain cash on hand to counter
unanticipated cash flow shortfalls, address
emergency situations (particularly those that
threaten health and life safety), and
enhance the
District’s credit
rating which
increases
access to debt
markets at lower
interest rates. As a
result, the District
is financially
healthy as evidenced by the Illinois State
Board of Education’s Financial Profile
Rating. In Fiscal Year 2013, the District’s
Financial Profile Rating was that of
“Financial Recognition”, the highest rating
of financial strength in the State.
Helping more students learn at a higher level
and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all
members of the AP community from teachers
and school administrators to college
professors. Huntley High School is committed
to expanding the availability of AP courses
among prepared and motivated students of all
backgrounds.
Inclusion on the 4th Annual AP District Honor
Roll is based on the examination of three years
of AP data, from 2011 to 2013, for the following
criteria:
 Increased participation/access to AP by at
least 4 percent;
Shrek, the Musical
2
 Increased or maintained the percentage of
HHS Speech
Contest Winners
3
exams taken by African-American,
Hispanic/Latino, and American-Indian/Alaska
Native students; and
D158 Education
Foundation Awards
Teacher Grants
4
New Nutrition
Standards for
2014-15 school year
5
Huntley High School
Fine Arts Boosters
6
School District 158 currently offers 17 different
AP courses at Huntley High School.
Preschool to Hold
Fun Fair!!
6
Congratulations to the students and staff
on this remarkable achievement!
 Improved
performance levels when
comparing the percentage of students in
2013 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2011,
unless the district has already attained a
performance level at which more than 70
percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or
higher.
By Mark Altmayer, CFO
While financially healthy, the District’s
operating cost per pupil has been able to
stay relatively flat during a period of time
whereby enrollment is increasing. The
District’s operating cost per pupil,
approximating $8,619 per student in fiscal
year 2013, continues to be the lowest in
McHenry County for all K-12 districts and is
significantly below the State’s 2012 average
cost per pupil of $11,842.
Further enhancing the overall financial
position of the District was the District’s
receipt of a $39.4 million capital grant,
received in August 2012, for construction
Continued on page 3
Communicate 158
Page 2
Coming Soon!
Shrek, the Musical
Presented by Huntley High School
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
April 10, 11, and 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday
April 13 at 3:00 p.m.
District 158 Performing Arts Center
at Huntley High School
13719 Harmony Road in Huntley
Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the door
Dates to Remember
March
3/21
End of 3rd Quarter
Last Day of School Before Spring Break
3/24 - 3/28
Spring Break
No School
3/31
Classes Resume after Spring Break
April
4/18
Non-Attendance Day
No School
May
5/26
Memorial Day
No School / Offices Closed
5/29
Marlowe Middle School
8th Grade Promotion
5/30
Heineman Middle School
8th Grade Promotion
5/31
Huntley High School
Graduation
June
6/06
Last Day of School
If all 5 emergency days are used
♥ Helping Hands & Caring Hearts ♥
The Volunteers of District 158
By Eileen Delahanty, Volunteer Coordinator
The District would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who have continued their
volunteer work all winter and braved the cold and snow to come to the schools and share
their time and talents. Of course being at the schools and helping children certainly
warms everyone’s heart!
Calling all local artists ~ Mackeben Elementary is looking for local artists who would be
willing to showcase and talk about their work with children and families during the
school’s annual Art Show on Thursday, April 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Art teacher,
Meghan VanNess thought it would be fun for students to see the work of adults who
make “art” a part of their life, either for pleasure or as a career. Some ideal artists would
include but are not limited to: painting, pottery, sculpting, glasswork, woodwork, jewelry
making, basket weaving, photography, graphic design, architecture and quilting. Please
contact me at edelahanty@district158.org or at (847) 659-6152 to sign-up or to answer
any questions you have about the event.
Huntley Community
Radio Station to Host
“Raider Radio”
Huntley High School
students will be “airing”
their new radio program, “Raider Radio”
on Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Saturdays from
3:00 to 3:30 p.m.
To tune in, visit
HuntleyRadio.com
Lastly parents, tis the season for Fine Arts events and in the weeks ahead you’ll be
receiving notices about such events as concerts, book fairs and art shows. Please
consider sharing some of your time as a volunteer when it comes time to sign up.
Remember many hands makes for light work for everyone and successful events for our
students and staff.
Communicate 158 is published by School District 158 four times per year.
Volume 37— Issue 3
Volume 37 Issue 3
Page 3
Financial Update
Continued from page 1
that was primarily completed in 2005. These grant funds are dedicated to capital projects and
the payment of long term debt, primarily to pay for the high school addition as well as for the
future abatement (reduction) over the previous payment schedule in taxes on the District’s
long-term debt.
The improved financial position has allowed the District to keep property taxes, aside from new
construction, flat the last three years. This year, due to increasing costs, the District is extending
the 2013 Levy, property taxes paid in 2014, with the Consumer Price Index increase of 1.7% in
accordance with State’s Property Tax Extension Limitation law.
The District is currently working on its Fiscal Year 2015 Budget. The first draft of this budget continues the strategic
direction of the District, including funds to cover the continued deployment of the District’s digital transformation (1:1) as
well as the hiring of additional employees, the result of increased enrollment and needs.
Although great things are happening in District 158, the District still relies on 23% of its revenues coming from the State of
Illinois, and therefore we cannot lose sight of potential risks and challenges. Currently, there has been no information from
the State with regard to the State Budget and the related funding of Elementary and Secondary Education. As such, there
continues to be heightened uncertainty surrounding education funding and the related state budget cuts.
As we have done in the past, should the forecasted results begin to slip at any point, the Administration and Board of
Education will modify course and make adjustments that are necessary to meet the overall financial and strategic goals
of the District.
Huntley High School Wins IHSA Regional Speech Contest
and Excels at IHSA State Contest
Competition was tough in the Illinois High School Association Regional Speech Contest held last
month, but Huntley High School participants excelled placing first in the day-long contest with an
overall score of 67.
Congratulations to the following individuals for their accomplishments and best of luck as they move on
to compete in the National Forensic League District Tournament scheduled for early March at Huntley
High School:
Category
Dramatic Duet Acting
Dramatic Interpretation
Extemporaneous Speaking
Humorous Duet Acting
Humorous Interpretation
Impromptu Speaking
Informative Speaking
Oratorical Declamation
Original Comedy
Original Oratory
Poetry Reading
Prose Reading
Radio Speaking
Special Occasion Speaking
Participant(s)
Edgar Arriaga and Stephanie Vargas
Jacob Quirk
Parth Patel
Jacob Quirk and Brooke Romero
Jordan Moore
Parth Patel
Jazmine Rosales
Lexie Ziolkowski
Jordan Moore
Lexie Ziolkowski
Valerie Hartgraves
Brooke Romero
Mark O’Meara
Max Peterson
Award Placement
5th place
1st place
1st place
5th place
1st place
1st place
1st place
4th place
1st place
1st place
5th place
1st place
3rd place
1st place
Congratulations also to Parth Patel who won the State Championship in Extemporaneous Speaking and to Jacob Quirk
who placed second in Dramatic Interpretation at the IHSA State Speech Contest!
Huntley High School had its best finish ever placing 8th as a team overall.
Page 4
Communicate 158
Education Foundation Announces Grant Recipients
Members of the District 158 Education Foundation recently surprised several teachers by entering
their classrooms carrying the famous “Big Check” to award this years’ grant recipients. A total of
$8,085.00 in grants were awarded to provide funding for programs, resources and tools that can
significantly impact student achievement and learning. The 2014 winning grants include:
Site License to Big Universe.com
School site license with access to ebooks
and writing resources for students
$3,200.00
$1,200.00
Martin Elementary – Matt Webster
Math Team Contest Fees
Registration fees for students to attend
math team contests in 2014-15
$375.00
Huntley High – Laura Jenkins
Huntley High Medical Academy – Renae St. Clair
“Road to College” Mural
Financial assistance for program to
increase independent learning skills
$3,000.00
D158 Special Education – R
Conley Elementary – Kelly Fusco
Blood Pressure Simulator
Financial assistance for program to
increase independent learning skills
LIGHT Program — Tier I
Program funding to increase independent
learning skills for students ages +18
$310.00
“Egg”cited About Science
Supplies for Hands-on Science
“Chick Unit” for kindergarten students
$200.00
Mackeben Elementary – Jennifer Wilkinson
The Foundation received 22 applications with requests totaling $59,408.12 this year. Applications not selected for
funding have been placed online to provide local businesses and the community at large the opportunity to adopt and
fund even more innovative ideas. Visit the District 158 Education Foundation Fund a Need Program requests page at
www.district158.org/education-foundation.
The Education Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides funding for grants and other programs through
fundraisers, special events, and the solicitation of funds in an effort to fulfill their mission to enrich and enhance
educational opportunities to assist students in achieving academic excellence.
The Education Foundation would like to thank the many volunteers, donors, and participants for their
support of our fundraising events which makes the awarding of grants possible each year.
Education Foundation Announces New Board Members & Officers
The District 158 Education Foundation has recently added four new members to serve on the organization’s
Board of Directors:
 Sara Mitchell, D158 parent and realtor for Century 21 New Heritage
 Michael Skala, D158 parent, owner of Innovative Component Sales, Inc. and ICS Flange, McHenry County
Board Member, and former Board of Education President for School District 158
 Mary Argall, administrative assistant to D158 Food Services Director
 Tina Drzal, D158 parent and chef instructor at McHenry County College
The following individuals have been sworn in as Education Foundation Officers for 2014:




President - Chad Alexander, D158 parent and employee with Lamp, Inc.
Vice President - Roger Schroepfer, D158 parents and employee with Wold Architects Engineers
Secretary - Mary Argall, administrative assistant to D158 Food Services Director
Treasurer - Samuel Wise III, D158 parent and employee for Chase Bank
Additional Board of Directors member: Lorie Woods, Foundation Board Executive Secretary, District 158
Administrative Assistant of External Programs.
Volume 37 Issue 3
Page 5
Changes Ahead for Nutrition Standards
Means Healthier Students
By Kevin Harris, Food Services Director
 Trans Fat must be zero grams (< 0.5g) of trans fat
Effective July 1, 2014 there will be new Nutrition
Standards for all foods sold in schools.
per portion;
 Sodium—Entrées must be ≤ 480mg of sodium per
In the past, the USDA regulations only governed the
reimbursable meals in the National School Lunch and
Breakfast programs. Section 208 of the Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act provided the USDA the authority to
establish nutrition standards for all foods and beverages
sold to students outside of the Federal child nutrition
programs in schools. The new USDA established
nutrition standards will impact all food and beverages
sold to students on the school campus* during the school
day including:





A la carte in the cafeteria
School stores
Snack bars
Vending machines
Fundraising activities
To be allowable, a food item must:
1. Be a whole grain rich product (50% or more whole
grains); or
2. Have the first ingredient listed as a fruit, vegetable,
dairy product or protein food (meat, beans, poultry,
etc.); or
3. Be a “combination food” with at least 1/2 cup of fruit
and/or vegetable (fruit and yogurt, hummus and
vegetables, etc.); or
4. Contain 10% of the Daily Value of one nutrient of
public health concern (through 6/30/16) such as
calcium, potassium, vitamin D dietary fiber; and
5. Must meet all of the specific nutrient standards below:
 Total Fat must be ≤ 35% of total calories from fat
per item;
 Saturated Fat must be ≤ 10% of total calories per
item;
* School Campus: all areas of the property under the jurisdiction of the
school that is accessible to students during the school day. The school
day is the period from the midnight before, to 30-minutes after the end
of the official school day. Not applicable to faculty areas in which
students do not have access.




item (for entrée items that do not meet NSLP/SBP
exemption);
Sodium—Snack and Side items must be ≤ 230mg
(until 6/30/16) and ≤ 200mg after 6/30/16;
Calories—Entrées must be ≤ 350 calories per item
(for entrée items that do not meet NSLP/SBP
exemption);
Calories—Snack and Side items must be ≤ 200
calories per item;
Total Sugar must be ≤ 35% of weight from total
sugars per item (dried/dehydrated fruits and
vegetables are exempt);
Allowable beverage items:




Plain water (carbonated or non-carbonated)
Low fat milk, unflavored
Non-fat milk, flavored or unflavored
100% fruit and/or vegetable juice
Elementary and Middle Schools
Foods and beverages must be caffeine-free, with the
exception of trace amounts of naturally occurring caffeine
substances.
High Schools Only
 No caffeine restrictions;
 Calorie Free beverages maximum serving size is 20 fluid
ounces.
 Lower-Calorie Beverages: Maximum serving size is 12
fluid ounces; up to 60 calories per 12 fluid ounces; or up
to 40 calories per 8 fluid ounces.
Communicate 158
Page 6
HHS Fine Arts Boosters
Window Decals Now Available!!
Show your pride in your Red Raider’s achievements all around town with a
personalized 6” Fine Arts Window Decal for your car! Sale dates are NOW
through March 21st.
Visit www.HuntleyFineArts.com choose FUNdraisers and follow the links
to the order form.
Delivery will be available at Fine Arts events throughout the month of
April… just in time for the warm weather to affix your new show of pride
decal to your vehicle!
Save the Date: April 27 Fine Arts Variety Show
The Fine Arts Boosters are happy to announce the Annual Fine Arts Variety Show will be held on Sunday, April 27 at
3:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at the high school.
Again this year, the show will feature current and future HHS Fine Arts Talents from District 158. Start practicing now for
tryouts later this month. Visit www.HuntleyFineArts.com for audition times and location.
Stay Connected to HHS Fine Arts
There are many new and exciting events, fundraisers, and lots of news coming from your HHS Fine Arts Boosters.
Stay connected to it all with our NEW newsletter which can be found at www.HuntleyFineArts.com, or by emailing us at
HuntleyFineArts@gmail.com.
FACEBOOK USER? Find us at our page “HHS Fine Arts Boosters” or for more details, join our group “HHS Fine Arts
News and Events”.
Attention College-Bound Seniors
Scholarship Money Available!!
HHS seniors: Are you looking for money to help pay your
tuition, books, supplies, and other fees needed for college?
Check out the Scholarships Available page of the HHS
Student Services website at district158.org/hhs.
Many scholarship opportunities are available including:
HHS Fine Arts Boosters - Offering 3, $500 scholarship to
graduating seniors and 2, $200 scholarships to underclassmen
who are involved in the fine arts disciplines at Huntley High
School (band, chorus, dance, theatre, speech and visual arts).
Scholarships for non-graduating students are to be used to
attend summer extra curricular activities such as camps,
education programs and opportunities in the fine arts.
Scholarships for graduating seniors are to be used strictly for
college expenses.
Application forms and complete details are available at
huntleyfinearts.com/scholarships.
District 158 Education Foundation - Awarding up to 10,
$1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who are planning
on continuing their education.
Application forms are available on the Foundation webpage at
district158.org/education-foundation.
Summer School for
High School Students
Registration for 2014 Summer School for
high school ‘Get Ahead’ Courses and
Remedial Courses is currently underway.
Two sessions will be held:
Session I
June 9 to July 3 (Monday thru Thursday)
Session II
July 7 to July 31 (Monday thru Thursday)
For additional information, visit
district158.org/summerschool/index.html
Due to construction taking place this
summer at Huntley High School,
ALL high school courses will be held at
Marlowe Middle School.
Volume 37 Issue 3
Page 7
Kindergarten Parent Orientation Night
and Building Tours
Is Your Child Registered
for Kindergarten?
If you were unable to attend Kindergarten Registration in
February, please come to the District Registration Office,
located at 650 Academic Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102, as
soon as possible to register your child. Please check
the District website for required paperwork needed to
register at www.district158.org/kindergarten-registrationinformation.
If you have any questions, please contact the District 158
Registration Office at (847) 659-6147.
Please bring your kindergartener with you so we may
take their ID photo at the time of registration.
The Registration Office will soon be in the process of
making preparations for the 2014-2015 school year. It is
extremely important that we have an accurate number for
our student enrollment to properly plan for the new school
year. In order to do that, letters will be mailed home for
each student in early April regarding the returning student
registration procedures.
Registration Fees for 2014-2015 will remain the same,
with no increase from the current school year.
Pre-school Programs
Kindergarten teachers will be available to answer
questions and talk about the grade level curriculum.
Please note this is a meeting for parents only.
Parents and incoming kindergarteners are invited to visit
the schools for building tours to help prepare students and
parents for a smooth first day of school. Tours will be
conducted June 10, August 7, and August 12 at 1:00 p.m.
at Chesak Elementary, Leggee Elementary, and
Mackeben Elementary Schools.
If you have any questions regarding the Building Tours or
Parent Orientation Nights, please contact the school
office your child will attend in the fall.
Returning Student Registration
for 2014-2015 School Year
If Paid Before
8/20/14
Before you realize it, August will arrive and you will be
sending your child off to school for the very first time. To
assist parents with this transition, a Parent Orientation
Night meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22 from 6:00
to 7:00 p.m. at Chesak Elementary, Leggee Elementary,
and Mackeben Elementary Schools.
If Paid After
8/20/14
N/A
$112.00
Kindergarten—AM Only
$117.00
$167.00
Kindergarten—Full Day
$167.00
$217.00
Grades 1-5
$123.00
$173.00
Grades 6-8
$168.00
$218.00
Grades 9-12
$178.00
$228.00
Immunization & Physical Requirements for
2014-2015 School Year
Illinois State law requires that every child entering
Preschool, Kindergarten, grade 6, or grade 9 submit a
complete physical exam and immunization record to their
school Health Office prior to the first day of school or the
child will not be allowed to begin school.
Please Note:
Students entering Kindergarten will not receive their
teacher assignments until their physical is submitted.
Students who are entering grade 6 or grade 9 will not
be permitted to pick up their schedule at “Material
Pick-Up Day” without a physical submitted.
Forms and a complete listing of requirements
for each grade level are available at:
www.district158.org/forms
The four month payment plan (August thru November)
will be available again for the 2014-2015 fees. In order to
receive the reduced rate, 25% of the family total will need
to be received in the Registration Office on or before
Wednesday, August 20, 2014.
If you have any questions regarding the registration
process, please contact the Registration Office at
(847) 659-6147.
School Supply Lists
School supply lists for students
entering grades K-8 will be
posted on the District website
at www.district158.org/forms by
May 1, 2014.
PRSRT STD
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
ALGONQUIN, IL
PERMIT NO. 138
ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON
650 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
Our Schools
Fertilizer/Herbicide, Pesticide Applications
Chesak Elementary School
10910 Reed Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 659-5700
As required by School Code, notification of scheduled applications of pesticide, herbicide,
and/or fertilizer products must be made to interested parents, students, community members,
and staff prior to applications of such products.
Conley Elementary School
750 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-3700
District 158 will again offer email notifications to all interested individuals prior to all
scheduled applications and in the event of an emergency application due to an immediate
threat to property or health.
Heineman Middle School
725 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-4300
If you would like to receive notice of applications, please
send an email to LWoods@District158.org to be added to
the email notification list. Please include Product
Applications in the subject line.
Huntley High School
13719 Harmony Road
Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 659-6600
Those individuals who are already signed up to
receive notifications do not need to sign up again.
Leggee Elementary School
13723 Harmony Road
Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 659-6200
Mackeben Elementary School
800 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-3400
We hope you will find these email notifications to be a
valuable and timely communication tool.
* We will continue to post notifications of scheduled
applications, emergency applications, and notice of
cancellations on the home page of the District 158
website.
As indicated in District 158’s Integrated Pest Management program,
fertilizer, herbicide, and pest control products are applied only when necessary.
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
Administrative Cabinet
Dr. John Burkey
Superintendent
Terry Awrey, Ed.S.
Associate Superintendent
End of School Year Reminders
Although it is only March, the end of the school year will be here before we know it and
therefore, we’d like to remind parents and students of the following:

Student Medications - All medications must be picked up on the last day of school by a
parent or guardian. Please contact the Health Office at your child’s school with any
questions or concerns.

Lunch Menus - Parents are asked to check the K-5 grade lunch menus each week
during the last month of school as menus may be revised to eliminate waste.

Graduation Information - Huntley High School’s Graduation will take place on
Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates. Additional information
for parents will be mailed home as the date approaches and will also be posted on the
Huntley High School web pages.

Middle School 8th Grade Promotions - Promotion ceremonies for Marlowe Middle
School 8th graders will be held on Thursday, May 29 and for Heineman Middle School
8th graders on Friday, May 30. Both promotion ceremonies will be held at Huntley High
School beginning at 7:00 p.m. Additional information will be distributed to 8th graders
and will also be posted on the Heineman and Marlowe Middle School web pages.
Mark Altmayer
Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer
Jessica Lombard
Assistant Superintendent of HR
Mike Moan
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
Be sure to check the District 158 website for
updates, notices, important dates and additional information.
~ 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/