Communicate 158
Dedicated to Keeping District 158 Community Members Informed
Volume 37 Issue 2
Winter 2013
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.
Kindergarten Registration
for 2014-15 School Year
District 158 will be holding Kindergarten registration for the 2014-15 school year for those
children who will be at least 5 years old on or before September 1, 2014.
Registration will be held on February 11, 12, and 13 at the Administration Offices located
at 650 Academic Drive in Algonquin.
To prevent overcrowding, we ask that you attend on the day indicated below. If you
cannot attend on the day listed for you, please feel free to come another day. If you are
unable to attend any of the scheduled times, please come to the District Registration
Office after February 18, but not later than April 1.
Parents with last names beginning A-H
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Parents with last names beginning I-P
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Parents with last names beginning Q-Z
Thursday, February 13, 2014
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Please see page 5 for a list of required items necessary to register your child for school.
In this Issue:
Emergency Closing
Information
2
National Merit
Students Named
3
Local Heroes
Honored
4
Target Team
Members Volunteer
5
Chesak Book Swap
HUGE Success
6
Recognizing
“Those Who Excel”
6
2014-2015
School Year Calendar
At the October 17, 2013 Board of
Education meeting, members
approved the calendar for the
2014-2015 school year.
The calendar is available
on the District website at
www.District 158.org/calendars
2013-2014 Budget
The approved 2013-2014 budget
for District 158 is available online at
www.district158.org/fiscal-services.
Questions related to the budget or
district finances can be forwarded to
Mark Altmayer, CFO/Treasurer
by phone at (847) 659-6158 or via
email at maltmayer@district158.org.
Communicate 158
Page 2
Dates to Remember
2013-2014
December
 December 20—Last Day of School Before Winter Break
 December 23—Winter Break ~ No School thru January 3
January
 January 1—New Year’s Holiday ~ Offices Closed
 January 6—Classes Resume after Winter Break
 January 17—End of 2nd Quarter
 January 20—Dr. M.L. King Day ~ No School / Offices Closed
February
 February 14—Institute Day ~ No School
 February 17—President’s Day ~ No School / Offices Closed
March
 March 3—Casimir Pulaski Day ~ School in Session
 March 21—End of 3rd Quarter
Last Day of School Before Spring Break
 March 24-28—Spring Break ~ No School
 March 31—Classes Resume after Spring Break
Emergency School Closing Information
Winter weather will soon be arriving and with that comes the chance of school being closed
due to heavy snow or inclement weather. As in prior years, District 158 will provide school
closing information through the Honeywell Instant Alert System.
If you have not already signed up: Go to the District 158 website (www.district158.org), select the “Parents & Students”
tab, then click on “Honeywell Instant Alert”. At the login page, select the “Parent” profile. Using “Consolidated SD 158” from
the drop down menu, enter the authentication information. Be sure to enter your child’s name. The system will guide you
through a series of questions to complete your registration for the Instant Alert System. You can also make changes to or
customize your child’s Instant Alert System profile.
To customize/change your profile: Login to the Instant Alert System and select the “Alert Setup” button and follow the
instructions on the screen to add, delete, or make changes to your profile.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the D158 administrative office at (847) 659-6158.
Closing information will also be available through the following:
Via the Internet
www.EmergencyClosingCenter.com/complete.html
(enter name & city exactly as listed below)
Chesak School - Lake in the Hills
Conley Elementary - Algonquin
Heineman Middle School - Algonquin
Huntley High School - Huntley
Leggee School - Huntley
Mackeben Elementary - Algonquin
Marlowe Middle School - Lake in the Hills
Martin School - Lake in the Hills
Communicate 158 is published by School District 158 four times per year.
Radio
WGN - 720AM
WBBM - 780AM
TV
CBS - Chicago 2
ABC - Chicago 7
FOX - Chicago 32
NBC - Chicago 5
WGN - Chicago 9
CLTV - Cable
Volume 37— Issue 2
Volume 37 Issue 2
Page 3
National Merit Semifinalists Named
Two seniors at Huntley High School, Francesca Milone and Kollin Rott, have been named as
semifinalists in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. Both competed against 1.5
million students, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT ® Selection Index scores
(critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores), to qualify for recognition in the
National Merit Scholarship Program.
Francesca Milone
Kollin Rott
In April following the fall test administration, high-scoring participants from every state are
invited to name two colleges or universities to which they would like to be referred by NMSC.
In early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high
scorers, are notified that they have qualified as semifinalists. To ensure that academically
able young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool,
semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis. They are the highest scoring
entrants in each state.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must advance to finalist
standing by meeting high academic standards along with several other requirements.
Milone and Rott will learn in February if they have advanced to finalist standing.
Commended Students Named in National Merit Scholarship Program
Huntley High School principal, Scott Rowe announced that Holly Baldacci, Max Peterson, Lauren Piell,
Vitoria Reales, Sai Sajani Sivakumar and Jolie Steinert have been named Commended Students in the
2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National
Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Mr. Rowe to
these scholastically talented seniors.
Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their
exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2014 competition for National Merit
Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students
who entered the 2014 competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
Holly, Max, Lauren, Vitoria, Sai and Jolie have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success
and this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities as they continue their pursuit of
academic success.
Holly Baldacci
Max Peterson
Lauren Piell
Vitoria Reales
Sai Sajani Sivakumar
Jolie Steinert
Page 4
Communicate 158
Check Out the Fun at the Parent Tot Center
Are you looking for something to do with your toddler now that the
weather has turned colder? Well, it’s not too late to join in the fun at the
Parent Tot Center!
The Parent Tot (PT) program, designed for children under the age of 5,
is open only to D158 residents. The yearly fee is $25 per child for those
under the age of 5 as of September 1, 2013 and children under the age
of 1 as of September 1, 2013 are free. The fee includes all classes,
playgroups, programs, concerts and other special events. Once you
are a paid participant, you may drop in any time during open play hours
and also sign up for our fun activities and parenting classes.
There are ongoing Tot Tunes and Story Time events taking place
throughout the entire school year. Don’t forget, you can check out the
Parent Tot Center for FREE on your first visit during open play hours to
see what we’re all about!
Registration and payment for the program can all be done at the PT
Center during open hours. We are located at Chesak Elementary,
10910 Reed Road, Lake in the Hills, directly inside the main entrance
in Room 101 across from the main office.
See all the fun events we have scheduled by visiting our webpage at
www.district158.org/about-d158/parent-tot-program.
Parent Tot Center Open Play Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
10:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
~ LIKE us on Facebook ~
Contact Carla Elam, Parent Tot Coordinator at
CElam@District158.org with any questions.
Local Heroes Honored
on Patriot Day
Students at Mackeben Elementary
honored local heroes on Patriot Day
by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
and the singing of “My Country ‘Tis
of Thee” while gathered around the
flag pole.
Those in attendance included
parents who have students
attending the Kindergarten through
grade 2 school.
Thanks to all those individuals who
serve our communities and our
country.
Pictured from left: Chad Felde, Police Officer for Palatine, (student Breanna); Jeffrey Schlee, Police Officer Village of Palatine, (student
Ava Marie); Mike Jedicka, Police Officer in Crystal Lake, (student Grace); Jeremy Beasley, Police Officer in Crystal Lake, (student
Canaan); Jason Lira, Police Officer for LITH, (student Aidan); James Spivey, Firefighter for Crystal Lake, (student Gavin); William Berens,
Police Officer for LITH, (student Ashlyn); Lisa Palm, US Army Veteran, (student Ashlyn); Kevin Goers, Firefighter in LITH, (students
Laren and Hailey); Larry Kane, Firefighter, (students Colleen and Kyle); and Jeff Sizemore, Former Air Force, (student Emma).
Volume 37 Issue 2
Page 5
Target Team Members
Give Back to Community
Team members from local Target stores
recently participated in a day of giving back
to the community through volunteering at two
District 158 schools—Mackeben Elementary
and Conley Elementary.
While at the schools, Target employees
worked with students on reading and writing
skills, as well as reading to classes.
Target provides a variety of opportunities
for team members to get involved in and
support communities through volunteerism.
Team members are encouraged to choose
activities that match their interests.
Target team members give hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours in their communities each year, making their
neighborhoods safer, healthier places for everyone.
In 2012, team members donated more than 679,000 volunteer hours to projects and organizations and are on track to meet
their goal of 700,000 hours a year by the end of the 2015 fiscal year.
District 158 is grateful for the support and work of these volunteers.
Kindergarten Registration
Continued from page 1
When attending Kindergarten registration, please
bring the following required items with you:
 Official Birth Certificate - not a hospital
issued certificate
 Two emergency contact names and phone
numbers (other than parents)
 Parent’s work and alternate phone numbers
 Proof of guardianship (if child is not living with
birth parents)
 Proof of Residency:
Homeowners
House closing statement or
Real estate tax bill
Renters
Current signed lease agreement; and
Proof of current month’s rent payment; and
Utility bill in your name (water, gas, electric) or
Driver’s license with current address
If you have any questions, please contact the
District 158 Registration Office at (847) 659-6147.
LIGHT—Life Instruction Guiding Huntley Transition
A transition program for students age 18-21
Students in District 158’s LIGHT program recently took a field trip to
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm to learn about the process of harvesting
pumpkins, corn, and a variety of other vegetables.
LIGHT began its inaugural year on August 19 as a three-tiered
program located at Huntley Park District’s Deicke Park and
McHenry County College.
The program is taught by D158 special education teachers and
support staff using curriculum focused on developing and building
academics, employment, and independent living skills to meet the
unique needs of our 18-21 population.
Communicate 158
Page 6
Chesak Book Swap is HUGE Success
Hundreds of students at Chesak Elementary
School brought in gently “used” books to
swap for “new” used books. The school’s
cafeteria was buzzing with excitement as
students entered and looked over the tables
filled with books to swap.
Literacy Leader Kathy Kamper said, “Hearing
their comments as they walked out into the
hall with a “new” book was spectacular!”
The school hopes the book swap will
encourage students to read and talk about
their books with their families and friends
helping to foster a literacy community and a
lifetime love of reading.
Those Who Excel 2013
The Illinois State Board of Education annually sponsors Those Who Excel to honor individuals who have made
significant contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.
Awards of Excellence, Meritorious Service, and Special Recognition are presented in seven categories: school
administrator, student support personnel, school board member/community volunteer, educational service
personnel, team, early career educator, and classroom teacher. Nomination materials are evaluated by a
selection committee comprised of individuals who represent a variety of educational organizations.
Once again, District 158 was well-represented among the award recipients:

Pat Olson-McGee, Student Support Personnel (Merit)
Ms. Olson-McGee was a Counselor at Huntley High
School for 11 years before retiring last spring

Ingrid Mullane, Classroom Teacher (Recognition)
Mrs. Mullane teaches music at Martin Elementary School

Jeffrey Robinson, Early Career Educator (Recognition)
Mr. Robinson teaches Biology at Huntley High School

Michael Skala, School Board Member (Recognition)
Mr. Skala was Board President for the District 158
Board of Education before his resignation in January
Congratulations to all award recipients!
From left: Mrs. Kim Skaja, BOE Secretary; Mr. Jeffrey Robinson; Mr. Scott Rowe; Mr. Michael Skala, former BOE President;
Dr. John Burkey; Mrs. Jessica Lombard; Mr. Terry Awrey; Not Pictured: Ms. Pat Olson-McGee and Mrs. Ingrid Mullane
Volume 37 Issue 2
Page 7
PRSRT STD
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
ALGONQUIN, IL
PERMIT NO. 138
650 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON
Our Schools
PBIS Celebration for Preschoolers
Chesak Elementary School
10910 Reed Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 659-5700
As a participant in the Illinois Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) initiative, the
District 158 Preschool Program held their first PBIS School-Wide Celebration. Students earned
stamps for their “passports” by learning behavior expectations for the bathroom, the motor room
and the hallway. During the celebration, the preschoolers had fun exploring a camping themed
center where they were able to fish, swim in a pond, read books in a tent, act like forest animals,
participate in a scavenger hunt, and pretend to paddle a boat. It was a fun filled day!
Conley Elementary School
750 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-3700
Heineman Middle School
725 Academic Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
(847) 659-4300
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
Administrative Cabinet
Dr. John Burkey
Superintendent
Terry Awrey, Ed.S.
Associate Superintendent
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
Report Incidents
of Bullying / Harassment
District 158 Tip Line
847-659-INFO (4636)
Weapons ۰ Bomb Threats ۰ Vandalism ۰
Theft ۰ Abuse & Harassment ۰ Bullying
۰ Drug & Alcohol Use ۰ Gang Activity
Bullying is a form of harassment
which is unacceptable behavior.
Bullying is defined as harassment
verbally, physically, and/or emotionally which is
repetitive in nature (similar behavior which occurs more
than once), creates a power imbalance (by size, age, or
numbers), and is intended to hurt the victim socially,
emotionally, or physically.
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.
Students and parents can report incidences
of bullying by completing the Bullying/
Harassment Report Form located online at
www.district158.org/bullying-information/.
The Tip Line provides callers an avenue
to report things they might otherwise not
have reported.
The online form will be automatically sent to
the school principal who will research your
report and respond as necessary.
District 158 offers a Tip Line in which
students, parents, and citizens can
anonymously alert administration to a
potential crisis such as:
~ 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/