Giant red bird spotted in hallways of Hoffman Estates school

A giant redbird and several of his featherless friends have taught eight Frank C. Whiteley School students a valuable lesson in character.

Stephanie Kovarik, special education teacher at the Hoffman Estates school, arranged for the surprise meeting this week between her students and their elder pen pals at Illinois State University, with whom they've been corresponding for months. ISU mascot Reggie Redbird was also on hand for the occasion.

"This was the most memorable and fulfilling teaching experience I've ever had," Kovarik said of her seven years in the classroom. "The kids were beyond excited."

Whiteley participates in No Excuses University, a national initiative designed to get elementary-aged kids excited about college. Kovarik's class of fourth- through sixth-graders adopted ISU, which recently launched its 'Birds in the 'Burbs program.

Kovarik's students were each paired with two pen pals - an ISU student and student-athlete - they've written to twice monthly.

"It's been amazing to see how excited my students are to receive and write their college buddies back," she said.

They've also earned nearly 1,200 "Reggie-Grams" for good behavior and responsible choices since Winter Break, far surpassing their goal.

Monday, the Whiteley students played games with their collegiate buddies and led them on tours of the school, demonstrating what they've learned about introductions and being polite. They were also beaming with pride in their near ISU shirts.

"This is a very special population of kids," Kovarik said of her class. "I'm so glad they'll always have this to remember."