District 62 notes

Volunteers needed for Silent Sustained Reading: The Iroquois Community School/Parent Teacher Council Academic Enrichment Committee is looking for volunteers for Silent Sustained Reading or SSR. Others call it recreational reading or independent reading. Some have clever acronyms for it, such as DIRT (daily independent reading time) or DEAR (drop everything and read). Whatever it's called, many teachers set aside a block of time each day -- usually anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the grade level and the ability of the students -- for quiet reading.

SSR can be one more element in a reading program aimed at demonstrating the joy that reading can bring and developing lifelong readers and learners. Volunteers are sought to read with ICS students from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every week or very other week. This program will begin January. For more information or to schedule your time, contact Robin Radar at (847) 296-7663, or e-mail robinpadar@comcast.net

Comedy Review 2: The success of last year's inaugural Comedy Review hosted by the District 62 Education Foundation has inspired members of the foundation to host another improvisation-themed evening, "Comedy Review 2." This year, Improv Unlimited will be the featured entertainment. This event will feature gags, giggles, and a great time and will take place at Grazie! Ristorante and Banquets at 6 p.m., Feb. 1. Tickets are $40 and will include a sumptuous dinner, silent auction, bag and 50/50 raffles, and the five-member comedy team performance. Proceeds will benefit the foundation's programs, which fund learning opportunities for District 62 students and staff. This year, the foundation provided more than $12,000 in student learning mini-grants and $11,000 for staff development.

Silent auction items, program advertisers, and table sponsors are also being sought by the foundation. Please contact Maxine Hubbard (847) 824-9556 or Betty Murphy (847) 298-5186 to reserve tickets or find out how you may contribute.

Activity Cards: Des Plaines School District 62 residents who are 55 years of age or older may apply for an activity card which entitles them to free, reduced or advance admission to school plays, concerts and musicals as well as many family activity nights and fundraisers.

The 62 CORP Passes are available at each of the district's 11 schools and at the Leon Smaage Administrative Center at 777 Algonquin Road. There is no charge for the card. Applicants need only meet the age and residency requirements.

The 62 CORP Pass program is was initiated by the Board of Education last year to show appreciation to District 62's senior residents for their long-term support of students and the schools.

Each cardholder is given a brochure explaining the 62 CORP Pass and how it should be used. During the school year, cardholders will be mailed the "62 CORP Link" newsletter, which lists school events and topics of importance to seniors.

Eligible residents may stop by any location to apply for their card. Anyone who is unable to apply in person may telephone Mindy Ward at the district office, (847) 824-8070 to request an application by mail.

District 62 Foundation Store: Funding District 62 student educational projects and programs just got easier for donors with the introduction of the District 62 Education Foundation Store. The store, which is accessible by visiting www.d62.org/d62foundation/index, and clicking on the District 62 Education Foundation Store icon, will offer shoppers a variety of giftware and clothing for men, women, and children.

Revenue from the sale of T-shirts, mugs, bibs, and other items will not only provide funding for the foundation, but buyers will have an opportunity to select gifts and clothing displaying the District 62 Education Foundation logo.

The Des Plaines School District 62 Education Foundation exists to provide a continuing organization outside the public school system to preserve and enhance educational opportunities for all children attending a Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District 62 facility.

Questions regarding the online store, donations to the foundation or volunteering may be directed to Co-Presidents Maxine Hubbard, (847) 824-9556, or Betty Murphy, (847) 824-1388.

More schools listed on honor roll: The Illinois State Board of Education recently notified Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, superintendent of schools, that six District 62 schools have been recognized for their academic achievements by being listed to the Illinois Honor Roll for the 2005-2006 school year. Last year two schools, Iroquois Community and Plainfield Elementary, achieved this status.

• Algonquin Middle, Iroquois Community, Central Elementary, Orchard Place Elementary, and South Elementary Schools received Academic Improvement Awards for substantial gains in performance, and are listed on the Illinois Honor Roll.

• Orchard Place Elementary and Plainfield Elementary Schools were designated Spotlight Schools and are also listed on the Illinois Honor Roll. Spotlight School designations recognize high poverty schools where high academic performance is closing the "achievement gap." The criteria for selecting these schools are rigorous. All schools must make Adequate Yearly Progress, at least half the students are from low-income families, and at least 60 percent must be passing the state achievement tests. Only 121 suburban schools met the criteria.

• Algonquin Middle School will join only 16 other schools in the State who qualify to apply for the 2008 NCLB Blue Ribbon Schools award.

Westerhold also learned that the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives developed for English Language Learners were met.

"I am certain that you will find such news a testament to the hard work of many in our District 62 family, as well as our students, parents, and community," Westerhold announced. "We are fortunate to have many talented, committed, and dedicated employees who are making a difference in the lives of our students."