Greetings, Friends:
It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the halfway point of the school year. Looking back
over the first semester, we’ve all covered a lot of ground; looking forward, there’s still much
to get done by June!
As we start the second semester of the school year, I want to encourage all parents to talk
with their students to set some realistic personal goals related to school and to think about the
resources, support, and help they’ll need to achieve their goals. Now is the time to share those
goals with teachers, friends, and family members so that they can help you reach them – especially if the going gets tough. To all students I offer this advice: take a look at your first semester grades and reflect on your successes and challenges. If your grades are high, think
about what you can do to push yourself academically to achieve even more – this will serve
you well as you prepare for ACT, SAT, Prairie State tests, and other exams you will take before leaving Maine East. If your grades are not as high as you would have liked, determine
what you need to do or what help you need to be successful – and then take responsibility by
asking your teachers (and also your counselor, Dean, coaches, etc.) for help…remember, they
can’t do school for you, but if you show that you’re willing to work, they will help you!
All current freshmen, sophomore, and junior students will be meeting with their counselors in
the next few days to select classes for next school year. I want to encourage all parents to
speak with your students about their plans for the classes they wish to take next year. Please
note that once the registration period for classes ends in mid-March, no student or parent requests to change or drop courses will be accepted. It is very important that students and their
parents carefully consider post high school plans along with other family and work commitments to ensure that wise choices for next year’s classes are made.
Summer School registration will open soon, so many students will want to consider classes
they may need to take to earn credits they’ll need to graduate; or they may be looking to fulfill a course requirement that will allow them to take an elective during the next school year. I
encourage you to enroll right away to ensure that you get a seat in the class you want, and
also to help ensure that summer classes aren’t cancelled in April or May due to lack of enrollment. Please plan family calendars now so that students avoid missing any classes during
summer school. Also note that this year’s summer school schedule will utilize a four-day
school week (Monday through Thursday) to allow families more flexibility in planning weekend trips, etc.
As you’re likely aware, there were some disturbing reports of attempted abductions in our
community last semester. (Please note that none of these took place at Maine East – none of
the incidents were on school grounds.) In our ongoing efforts to help all of our students to be
safe in the community, our School Resource Officer, Mr. Ryan, will be meeting with all students through Physical Education classes during the coming few weeks to present safety information and tips. As you may be aware, Officer Ryan is a Park Ridge Police Officer who is
assigned full time to work at Maine East as a liaison to local law enforcement agencies. We
look forward to his work with all of our students.
In closing, I want to congratulate all students on their individual and collective achievements
during the first semester. All of us at Maine East look forward to the successes that are sure to
be a part of the second semester. On a special note to seniors, I urge you take a bit of time to
enjoy your friends and teachers during the coming semester – before you know it, Commencement will be here and you won’t have the same opportunity to see many of the friends
you’ve grown up with over the past few years. Enjoy the process, keep working in your studies, and be conscious in building the memories that will last your entire lifetime!
Best wishes to all – be well!
Michael W. Pressler
Principal
SCHOLASTIC CRIME STOPPERS AT MAINE EAST
Scholastic Crime Stoppers is a student led organization that provides rewards for
anonymous TIPS that lead to the solving of a crime. Our TIP line is 847-825-4450.
Now there is a way to text an anonymous tip. The program is called TXTaTIP and has
three simple steps:
Step 1: Send text to CRIMES or 274637
Step 2: Begin your message with ICARE then type your message and hit
send
Step 3: In a few seconds you will receive a message confirmation with an
Anonymous Alias ID.
Emergency School Closings
Maine East will again be using the AlertNow automated calling system to provide information
on school closings or for emergency communication.
Parents will receive a phone call at home with a recorded message. The phone number used
will be the contact number provided as part of the student registration materials.
To verify school closings, parents can also check the school website
at www.maine207.org. School closings will also be reported on local
media.
BE ALERT, BE SAFE
In consideration of recent reports in our community of suspicious individuals and possible abduction attempts, please take a moment to review the following safety tips; these are good reminders
of steps we can take to ensure our personal safety, especially during the winter months with
shorter daylight hours.
Report any unusual or suspicious activity you witness. If you witness a crime, be prepared to
provide a full description. Make sure you inform an adult at school, preferably your Dean or
one of our Security Personnel, if you notice anything suspicious on your way to or from school.
The Maine East Crime Stoppers Tip Line is 847-825-4450.
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and go
immediately to an area with lights and people; get help if necessary.
If you perceive you are in danger, yell or blow a loud whistle and look for an escape route.
Plan the safest route: use well-lighted, well-traveled routes. The shortest route isn't always
the safest.
Avoid walking or running alone at night.
Walk at a steady pace with a confident stride.
Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you - especially if you are alone or it is
dark.
Avoid using distracting technology such as smart phones, MP3 players, or anything else that
will decrease the awareness of your surroundings.
Do not display valuables openly.
Have your keys ready in your hand so you can open the door to your home or car immediately.
Again, if you witness anything suspicious, please report the incident to an adult with as much detailed information as you can recall.
Important Calendar Dates
January/February
January 4
January 12
January 17
January 18
January 19
January 20
January 21
January 25
January 27
January 28
Return from Winter Break
Collaboration Day—Late Arrival
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday—No School
Final Exams—periods 3,2,6
Final Exams—periods 1,9,5
Final Exams-periods 7,4,8
2nd quarter ends—(end of first semester)
Professional Development Day—No School
Freshmen Orientation –6:30 p.m.
View 2nd Quarter Grades Online Through Parent Web Access
2nd Quarter Grades Scheduled to be Mailed to Parents
February 1
February 9
February 11
February 12
February 21
February 23
Incoming Freshmen Registration—6:30 p.m.
Collaboration Day—Late Arrival
Winter Pep Assembly—2:35 p.m. in fieldhouse
Girls Choice Dance
Presidents’ Day—No School
Collaboration Day—Late Arrival
Coaches’ Corner
Mike Bender, Athletic Director
January, 2011
With the basketball season half way over the girl’s team has posted 5 wins so far. They
are one win away from tying last year’s record. The most notable win so far has been
against Glenbrook North in the St. Viator’s Snowflake Tournament. The girls
finished 6th. Leading the way this year has been Junior Angela Jones, Senior Queenilyn
Napata and Freshman Maria Protic. Angela is leading our team with steals, Maria with
rebounds and Queenilyn is providing the senior leadership we really need.
The girls start the second round of conference play Friday, January 14, against GBN at
home.
Maine Historical Society
Twenty five members of Maine Historical
Society will visit Holy Family Nursing Home
on Thursday, January 20. This is an annual
visit to play BINGO with the residents.
Students bring prizes, operate the games
and interact with the elderly. This is an
enriching experience for everyone involved.
This is not the only important activity being
Undertaken by MHS at this time.
Plans are already underway for this year’s
Cherry Pie Festival on Thursday, February 24.
Three hundred students will be in attendance to hear a
speaker discuss the legacy of George Washington and this
country’s presidents who came after him.
Cherry pie and ice cream will be served!
SUMMER SCHOOL, 2011
Summer school registration at Maine East will begin on Tuesday, February
22nd. You may mail in or drop off a registration form at the main office.
If you did not receive a brochure, you may find one online or come into the
main office to get one beginning the 22nd of February.
The summer school program encompasses both academic and nonacademic
areas. Summer session courses taken for credit are acceptable toward
graduation.
How Summer School Can Help You
You can use summer school to take courses you were otherwise unable to schedule into your program, to make up credit that you missed during the regular school year, or to explore an interest
or career field. You should consult with your counselor regarding course selection for summer school.
If you have any questions, call the summer school registrar, Ms. Irene Balogh, at 847/692-8512
during summer school office hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2011 Summer School Calendar
Semester 1
Semester 2
Regular Hours
Quarter Classes
Science Hours
Monday, June 13—Thursday, June 30
Tuesday, July 5—Thursday, July 21
7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (includes a 15 min. break)
7:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (includes two 10 min. breaks and a
20 min. lunch)
NEW THIS YEAR: Summer school will be conducted Monday through Thursday
each week, with no classes on Friday.
One exception is the holiday week of July 4. There is no school on Monday, July 4,
but there will be school on Friday, July 8.
(Please note that some classes may deviate from these time schedules.
Make sure you know what time your class meets. )
A Message from MCYAF, the Maine Community Youth Assistance
Foundation
Underage Drinking: Do You Disapprove? Let your child know.
When it comes to teen drinking, parent disapproval plays a key role. That’s why MCYAF is
spreading its latest message to parents and other adults to step up and talk with kids about
not using alcohol. While most teens don’t drink alcohol, it’s clear that parents are very influential when kids make the choice to drink or not.
According to results of the 2010 Illinois Youth Survey taken by over 5,000 Maine Township
High School students, students who say their parents think it’s wrong for them to drink alcohol
actually drink less often than those students who feel their parents don’t think it’s wrong.
Do you disapprove? Let your child know. If you don’t say anything to your child about drinking
alcohol, you may be giving the impression that it’s acceptable.
Parents sometimes give mixed messages about underage drinking, such as...
“If you drink, please don’t drive.” Teens might think that their parents are saying it’s OK to
drink as long as they don’t drive. By trying to limit use, you may be giving permission to drink.
“You and your friends can drink here at our house. At least you’ll be somewhere safe.”
When parents give permission to drink alcohol in one situation, their child may take that as
blanket approval. Research shows that youth who are allowed to drink at home are more likely
to drink elsewhere as well.
Sending a clear NO USE message is important. Have you been clear about your family rules and
values? What is the expected behavior? What is the consequence for breaking the rule?
Start off the new year by discussing family rules, expectations and consequences for underage
alcohol use and be prepared to stick with them.
Student Commendations
Congratulations to the following students who were
recognized by the Board of Education for their outstanding
accomplishments:
Name
Year in School
Commendation
Ann Peter
12
Octofinalist/5th speaker, Varsity Division
Valley High School Debate Tournament
Fatima Shareef
11
Octofinalist/Varsity Division
Valley High School Debate Tournament
Faith Keady
12
Chorus and Vocal Jazz Choir
IMEA District 7 Honors Music Festival
Jessica Bieniarz
12
Orchestra
IMEA District 7 Honors Music Festival
Samantha Stevens
11
Band
IMEA District 7 Honors Music Festival
Kamal Talukder
9
Jazz Band
IMEA District 7 Honors Music Festival
Paulina Nowak
11
State Officer, Skills USA
Jowita Szczypka
11
State Officer, Skills USA
Ann Peter
12
Octofinalist/Varsity Division
Iowa Caucus Debate Tournament
Fatima Shareef
11
Octofinalist/Varsity Division
Iowa Caucus Debate Tournament
Syed Martin
9
4th Speaker/Novice Division
Iowa Caucus Debate Tournament
Gisel Martinez
10
Quarterfinalist/4th Speaker/Varsity Div.
Niles West Debate Tournament
Fatima Shareef
11
Quarterfinalist/Varsity Division
Niles West Debate Tournament
Kamal Talukder
9
Octofinalist/Novice Divison
Niles West Debate Tournament
Student Commendations
Name
Year in School
Commendation
Daniel Choi
9
Octofinalist/Novice Division
Niles West Debate Tournament
Jose Guzman
12
All-Conference, Football
George Zakharia
11
All-Conference, Football
Petar Tijanic
12
All-Conference, Boys Soccer
Tom Malitz
10
All-Conference, Boys Soccer
Megan Harford
12
All-Conference, Girls Volleyball
Monique Tan
12
All-Conference, Girls Volleyball
Alexis Chavero
11
All-Sectional, Boys Soccer
Rami Dajani
10
All-Sectional, Honorable Mention
Boys Soccer
Karolina Blaszczuck
12
1st in Original Oratory
Hersey High School Speech Tournament
Karolina Blaszczuck
12
2nd in Original Oratory
Fremd High School
Natasha Laws
11
1st in Humorous Duet Acting
Hersey High School Speech Tournament
John Depa
10
1st in Humorous Duet Acting
Hersey High School Speech Tournament
Jessica Bieniarz
11
Orchestra, IMEA All State
Faith Keady
12
Honors Choir, IMEA All State
Aimee Sweet
12
1st place, Light Focusing & Flat Building
Thespian Technical Crew
Theatrefest
Student Commendations
Name
Year in School
Commendation
Nejra Muminovic
11
1st place, Flat Building
Thespian Technical Crew
Theatrefest
Weronika Gajowniczek
12
1st place, Flat Building
Thespian Technical Crew
Theatrefest
Bryan Golenia
12
All-State Crew Team
Theatrefest
Natasha Laws
11
All-Festival Improv Team
Theatrefest
Electronics Recycling Event
Partnering together, the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, the City of Park Ridge
and the Park Ridge Park District are planning the 3rd Annual Electronics Recycling
Event.
Date:
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time:
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Place:
Public Works Service Center,
400 Busse Highway
Accepting all computer related electronics, televisions, small appliances, household
batteries, cell phones and more.
$5 per car—each driver will receive a coupon good for $5 off a $20 purchase at
various Chamber members!
Major Sponsors: Maine Township, Maine Township Highway Commissioner Robert
Provenzano and Liberty Bank for Savings
For more information, call the Chamber at 847-825-3121 or Mike McGrath at Public
Works at 847-318-5243