U-46 school news
Here is what's in the news this week at Elgin Area Unit District 46 schools. For details, visit u-46.org.
Holiday recess
Students will be on break until Jan. 4. The Education Services Center will be open during the break, with the exception of Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
Celebrations
U-46 is already planning ahead with two big events in 2010:
• The U-46 Planetarium is turning 100 years old this February. The observatory/planetarium was deeded to the school district by the Elgin Watch Company in 1959. U-46 and the Elgin Area Historical Society are going to host an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.
• Kimball Middle School is planning a celebration of its 50th anniversary with a rededication of the school Jan. 26. The open house is from 5-7 p.m., with the ceremony at 7 p.m. in the gym. Alumni and the community are encouraged to see how Kimball has grown.
Special Olympics
The U-46 Blue Stars Special Olympics basketball team has been selected by the Chicago Bulls to play a scrimmage game immediately preceding the Bulls game Saturday, Dec. 26. Approximately 30 athletes will be stepping on the floor of the United Center 30 minutes before the Bulls tipoff. The Chicago Bulls provided the Special Olympics group with half-price tickets. Each player and family member is also receiving a complimentary commemorative Bulls poster.
Reaching out
Part of the holiday tradition is reaching out to help others. A partnership with Willow Creek Church has resulted in warm clothing for some of the children in need. Donated coats were shared between the Family Welcome Center and Project Access, the program for homeless students.
Schools across the district worked to make the holidays happier for families in their buildings and others in need. From elementary through high school, they shared what they have by collecting money, clothing and food.
If you would like to support our families anytime during the year, contact one of the following agencies that we work: All Peoples' Interfaith Food Pantry, (847) 741-2329; Willow Creek Food Pantry, (847) 882-3663; Catholic Charities, (847) 742-4525; Community Crisis Center, (847) 697-2380; Salvation Army, (847) 741-2304; Family Services Association, (847) 695-3680; PADS, (847) 608-9744; Hanover Township, (630) 837-0301; and YWCA, (847) 742-7930
Award winner
Leiann Neitzke, certified school nurse at Kenyon Woods Middle School, was recently named School Nurse of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Nurses-Northeastern Division. She has served on a number of school, departmental and district committees, including Special Education Committee, ETA, School Department and SIP. She has served as a mentor through the Teacher Mentor Program and been a team leader in a research project that led to a reduction in student absences. She was president of IASN-NE for the past two years, has served on several IASN committees and is current State Conference Chair for the IASN 2010 conference. She has been a tireless advocate for her students, providing them with the necessary resources and teaching them the skills they need to care for their health and reach their full potential educationally.