District 62 school news
Adopting a platoon: Forest Elementary School students and staff have "adopted" a platoon stationed in Iraq. This was done through the nonprofit organization called "Adopt a Platoon."
There are 12 men in Forest's platoon, deployed until June 2008. As an adoptive family, Forest's first responsibility is to send letters and cards frequently to platoon, uplifting the troop's spirits and letting them know that they are not forgotten.
Most of this will be completed by students in the classroom, under teacher supervision, although letters written at home would be accepted.
Forest's second responsibility is to send care packages at least once a month. The "Adopt a Platoon" Program will last until June 2008, unless they are notified otherwise.
The boxes, labels, tape, etc are provided free from the U.S. Postal Service, but the cost to send each box is approximately $10.
The boxes are 8 by 12 by 8 inches, but up to 70 pounds can be sent in each box. Forest is asking students to donate items that have been tagged as appropriate for the troop. The troop has asked for grab-and-go snacks, hand sanitizer wipes and beef jerky.
Students, staff and parents are asked to drop spare change into a spare change jar, dubbed "Silver Salutes," which will be kept safely in the office. This change will help cover the cost of postage.
Information on donation suggestions and other information may be found at http://adoptaplatoon.org
Contact Betty Giannasi-Walsten, ELL Resource teacher, at (847) 824-1380 if you like to contribute or underwrite the cost of postage.
SPARK Program: Special Programs Arranged Regarding Kids (SPARK) Early Childhood and School Age Program registration for the 2008-2009 school year began Feb. 1. Parents of District 62 students and preschool age children may enroll their children in fee-based programs that include Book Time for 2's, Mini School, Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, Extended Day Kindergarten, and School Age Before and After School Programs.
For details, visit www.d62.org/spark or call the SPARK office at (847) 824-1065 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Activity Cards: Des Plaines School District 62 residents who are 55 years of age or older may apply for an activity card that entitles them to free, reduced or advance admission to school plays, concerts and musicals as well as many family activity nights and fundraisers.
62 CORP Passes are available at each of the district's eleven 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.
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.
More schools on honor roll: The Illinois State Board of Education recently notified Superintendent Jane L. Westerhold 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. Algonquin Middle School will join only 16 other schools in the State who qualify to apply for the 2008 NCLB Blue Ribbon Schools award.