Volume 15 Issue 4
MM O
UNITY HIG H
GRANT
Grant Community High School
OO L
G
H SC
C
December 2008
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE E
ST AB
LISHED 19
Dear Parents,
30
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Online Access For Parents
2
Guidance/ Semester Exam Schedule
3
Gala Highlights
4
Bulldog News
5
We are nearing the end of the first semester with final examinations right around the corner. This is a good time for parents and teachers to work together to make sure students are properly prepared. I would ask every parent to make sure their child is studying nightly by reviewing materials that will be covered on their tests. During final exam week, encourage your child to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast each day. We have a shared commitment toward their success and appreciate the support and encouragement that you provide your student. Skyward Family Access, our new student information system, will be unveiled second semester! We’re excited about this easy to use, password protected website that will allow parents and guardians to obtain information about their child from any computer with internet access. You will be able to view attendance, grades, progress, assignments, account information, and more. We know you’ll want to be part of this program and are sending a personal login and password to our primary family members on January 5, 2009 by email. Family Access Enrollment Forms are now available in the Front Office or on our website for those parents without an email address on file. We are in the final stages of preparation for the implementation of this exciting communication tool and your email will help us move forward toward our goal. We know you’ll soon be a fan of Family Access and your visits to grantbulldogs.org will provide you even more resources toward the academic success of your child. I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season as well as a safe and enjoyable winter break. We will see you back on January 5 for an exciting new year.
Bulldog News Continued
6
Music
7
Calendar
8
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Bentancur Principal
DECEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH The Grant Community High School December Student of the Month is senior Annie Adamski, daughter of Duane and Karen Adamski of Fox Lake. Annie’s academic achievements include induction into the National Honor Society during her sophomore year. She has earned her place on the Honor Roll, Scholars’ List and Academic Top Ten the same year she was invited to attend the Freshmen Honors Breakfast. Her class rank is currently 29/379 with an impressive 4.1/4.0 GPA. Her extracurricular activities are long and varied. They include Student Council, Environmental Club, Performing Arts Society, volleyball, Homecoming Committee, powder-puff committee leader and float decorator, assisting with freshmen orientation and parent/teacher conferences and concession stand at sporting events. She has attended the North Suburban Leadership Conference, was a Blue Ribbon winner at the North Suburban Conference Art Show and earned the Scholar Athlete Award. Annie has been instrumental in many community and charitable events such as Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, Buddy Walk for Downs Syndrome, raising money for autism during lunch periods, Toys for Tots, Red Cross, Camp Duncan, and the Richmond Food Pantry! In addition to all of her activities, Annie teaches vacation bible school and is a Sunday school teacher. Her plans for the future include majoring in art. She is exploring different options but would like to study at a university in a city setting.
Annie Adamski Congratulations
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Volume 15 Issue 4
GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE ONLINE ACCESS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES Grant would like to welcome parents and families to the education team. The District has implemented a new web-based service that will allow parents, guardians and authorized family members to view grades, assignments, progress reports, report cards, attendance records, schedules, health information and account balances with a simple “point and click.” With secure logins and passwords, a family’s privacy is never an issue. With PaC Family Access, the District gives families the power of information. This program will help parents participate in the educational process and increase communication between school and home. In order to participate, the District must have a valid email address on file. Login and password information will be sent to all adults that are listed as primary family members on January 5, 2009 by email. If we do not have your email address on file, you will need to complete a Family Access Enrollment Form and return the form in person to the main office. These forms are available in the main office or at www.grantbulldogs.org under the “Parent” tab. Please be prepared to show identification when returning the completed form. To access the new online program, parents/guardians must be at a computer that has internet access. There will be a direct link to the Family Access website in the email you receive on January 5 or you will find Family Access at www.grantbulldogs.org under the “Parent” tab. You will also find instructions on the use of Family Access under the parent tab. For more information, please visit the school district website at www.grantbulldogs.org or call one of the contacts listed below.
SCHOOL CONTACTS Ms. Darlene Cankar 847-587-2561 extension 221 dcankar@grantbulldogs.org
Ms. Rose Jones 847-587-2561 extension 269 rjones@grantbulldogs.org
Exxon Mobil Education Alliance Program Grant Community High School has received a $500 grant from the Exxon/Mobil Combined Oil Company Educational Alliance program to support the school’s reading and math labs. Grant High School provides students assistance before and after school to help improve their skills. Rollins Road Mobil worked with school officials to secure the grant. The Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance program is designed to provide Exxon Mobil retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities through educational grants to neighborhood schools. Grant Community High School thanks Exxon/Mobile Combined Oil Company for this generous donation.
Ms. Christine Sefcik 847-587-2561 extension 223 csefcik@grantbulldogs.org
Driver Education Scholarship opportunity!! The Jiffy Lube “What Drives You?” Scholarship Program has been created to give a unique and early opportunity for high school students to gain funding for a college or other qualified technical and/or professional programs through a scholarship award sponsored by neighborhood Jiffy Lube owners. The “What Drives You?” Scholarship opportunity will offer specific scholarships to students in driver education as well as teen drivers enrolled in high school. The scholarship awards are not based on a student’s GPA or other standard qualifying criteria, rather each individual will be allowed to express his/her “inner drive” and personal ambition. There are fourteen scholarships for the Chicagoland area, totaling $27,000 with $3,000 in school awards. To learn more about this scholarship program, pick up an application form from the window of the Driver Education office (room 186) or see Jiffy Lube’s website at: www.yourturn2apply.com.
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Volume 15 Issue 4
G UIDANCE N OTES
P RE P C L A S T C S A
Guidance Department Activity Calendar 2008-2009 December Financial Aid Night ACT Test Date End of semester Institute Day SAT Regular Registration Deadline (January test)
Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 26
January SAT Late Registration Deadline Jan. 6 ACT Regular Registration Deadline (February test) Jan. 6 ACT Late Registration Deadline Jan. 16 Group registration meeting in auditorium, distribute curriculum Guides and worksheets Jan. 20 Juniors 2nd period in auditorium, lecture hall Jan. 20 Sophomores 3rd period in auditorium, lecture hall Jan. 20 Freshmen 9th period in auditorium, lecture hall Jan. 20 Individual student pre-registration meetings Jan. 21-Mar. 3 SAT Test Date Jan. 24 Consumer Education proficiency test
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION SESSION
A Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Session will be held in the Grant Community High School auditorium on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Margaret Alsaraf, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Lake Forest College, and Ellen Corey, counselor at Grant High School, will explain such topics as filling out financial aid forms, loans, scholarships and grants as well as the “Financial Aid” and “Scholarship” sections of the Grant Website. A direct website connection will enhance the explanation. Grant High School students and their parents are encouraged to attend. There will also be a Q & A at the completion of the program.
Jan. 27
Designed for college-bound juniors, ACT 36 is a test preparation program that will be offered at Grant Community High School this coming winterspring. The classes will allow students to develop confidence about the ACT by helping them analyze this pre-college test, practice with test questions, and master the pacing required to complete the exam. The eight-week, eighteen hour course will be offered on Mondays with a choice of two different time slots: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The classes will begin on January 12 and will end on March 23. Grant juniors may take the ACT on April 4. In addition, Grant juniors also will take the ACT on April 22, when it will be included as an important part of the Prairie State Achievement Exam, a test that is required of all Illinois juniors. ACT 36 registration packets were mailed to juniors in November. Students may enroll in ACT 36 by completing the ExcelEdge registration packet, including a check for $205.00, and bringing the registration form and attached check to the Guidance Office by December 15. The cost is less than $11.00 an hour. All students who register on time are guaranteed a spot in the program. Mrs. Ellen Corey, counselor, will handle any questions on registration or test preparation. We encourage you to consider this important opportunity for your junior.
1st Semester Final Exam Schedule 2008/09 Tuesday, December 16, 2008 8:00 - 8:05 1st hour 8:05 - 9:13 9:20 - 9:25 2nd hour 9:25 - 10:33 10:40 - 10:45 3rd hour 10:45 - 11:53 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 8:00 - 8:05 4th, 5th, 6th hour 8:05 - 9:13 9:20 - 9:25 6th, 7th, 8th hour 9:25 - 10:33 10:40 - 10:45 9th hour 10:45 - 11:53 Thursday, December 18, 2008 10th hour 0 hour
8:00 - 8:05 8:05 - 9:13 9:20 - 9:25 9:25 - 10:33
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Volume 15 Issue 4
G
A AL
ST GU E
S DANCE THE NIGHT
AW AY
The Partnership for Academic Excellence hosted its 14th Annual Gala Dinner/Dance on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at Maravela’s Banquet Hall in Fox Lake. Students, in tuxedos and glimmering gowns, greeted guests, served hors d’oeuvres, and distributed programs. The following students participated: Bradley Baron, Garrett Olsen, Tyler Becker, Tyler Dempsey, Paige Stevens, Jill Sales, Kristine Campbell, Alyssa Black, Trenton Frank, Nathan Kovarik, Delanie Olsen, Kirsten Zitkus, Ana Zitkus, Kassie Stimpson, Sean Thandupurakal, Rebecca White, and Josh White. With over 200 participants from the business community and school, the Gala generated over $30,000 in revenues. The net revenue for the past fourteen years is over $300,000. Proceeds from this event will assist financially needy students, enhance classroom technology, and provide scholarships for academically talented students. In 1985, the Partnership for Academic Excellence was established to garner financial support from local businesses and community leaders for financially disadvantaged students and to acknowledge the academic accomplishments of graduating senior students. The Gala has become the primary source of revenue for the Partnership. We wish to extend a sincere appreciation to the individuals and businesses who participated and continue to support this event.
GRANT VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM MAKES US PROUD!
The 2008 Grant Varsity Football Team wrapped up one of the best seasons in school history recently, venturing further into the playoffs than any team before them. The Bulldogs made it to the 3rd round quarterfinals of the IHSA 6A playoffs with wins over Vernon Hills in the 1st round and Huntley in the 2nd round. The Lemont Indians played spoiler again, just like last season, with a 35-14 victory over the Bulldogs. Despite myriad illnesses and injuries, the Bulldogs finished the season 8-4 and had five AllConference players (Mike Bessette, Dan Hourihan, John King, Chris Staton, and Mike Zielinski) along with two All-Conference Honorable Mention (Jim Cokefair and Jacob Brown). Mike Bessette was also named to the Illinois Coaches’ Association Academic All-State Team. The graduating seniors combined two year record is an incredible 18-5. CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SEASON!
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Volume 15 Issue 4
BULLDOG NEWS GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2008 SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARDS
(3.0 AND UP) NAMES WITH *INDICATES A 4.0 GPA OR HIGHER)
FOOTBALL
CHEERLEADING
CROSS-COUNTRY
BOYS SOCCER
*Mike Bessette *George McKenzie *Peter Laubenstein Tyler Becker Brad Bertram Brandon Bushing Garrett Olsen Gunther Rosentreter Kevin Savage Chris Staton Robert Stochl Nolan Hebein Tayler Moore Kevin O’Donnell Kevin Rapp William Roucoulet Austin Thorsen Joe Wydra Zac Applehans David Gahgan Bryce McMullin Steven Niewiedzial Matt O’Donnell Mitchell Rosenlof Quinn Watters Ben Welter
*Nikala Gigliotti Brandy Hatcher Jessica Mamerow Ashlee McCarten Robin Rasmussen Nicole Hatcher Shelby Koutas Hope Lantz Lauren Wanhala Casey Barrett Chelsea Carlson Tianna Deligio Brittany Lippert Adrienne Pincombe
*Alex Maskevich *Krish Patel *Jay Wisniewski *Stephanie Oehrlein *Sarah Defries Titus Lotz Robert McDonough Chris Oliver Tim Torkelson Lance Littleton Kevin Williams Alyssa Pasiewicz Maureen Cook Karen Ocampo Audrey Carrothers Alexis Capps Trisha Palmieri Brittney Froelich Vianca Bermeo
*Cody Colbert Franceler France Shane Hunter John Kramer Giovanny Aguilar Steven Cervantes Esteban Diaz Joe Lake
GIRLS TENNIS *Jeremy David * Johanna Eslabon *Cassandra Menke *Jessica Atchison *Desiree Dace *Ashley Oliver *Becky Tokarz Taryn Doherty Puneet Kahlon Lauren Leska Catherine Nicpon Roxanna Stancioiu Holly Carrothers Deysi Moya Jessica Ring Leigh Smith Emmy Spetz Nicole Wolski
GOLF *Sean Thandupurakal Daniel Tromotola Brandon Magnuson Connor Luetke John Schenning
VOLLEYBALL *Sarah Scurto *Hannah Couch *Valerie Heelan *Kayla Beverly *Alyssa Black *Rebecca McMullin *Sophia Trbojevich *Rebecca White Rachel Behm C.J. Hill Janine Fiordirosa Jessica Nusbaum Amber Potts Morgan Liles Kali Bachofner Stephanie Cahill Kelly Kucharski Julie Valenza
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Volume 15 Issue 4
GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2008-2009 NORTH SUBURBAN CONFERENCE ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE FOOTBALL
GIRLS TENNIS
CROSS-COUNTRY
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Mike Bessette Geordie McKenzie Nolan Hebein Tayler Moore Kevin O’Donnell Austin Thorsen Joe Wydra Peter Laubenstein
Jeremy David Johanna Eslabon Cassie Menke Jessica Atchinson Catherine Nicpon Ashley Oliver
Titus Lotz Robert McDonough Alex Maskevich Audrey Carrothers Stephanie Oehrlein
Rachel Behm CJ Hill Sarah Scurto Amber Potts Hannah Couch Valerie Heelan
GOLF
BOYS SOCCER
CHEERLEADING
Daniel Tromotola
Shane Hunter
Brandy Hatcher Ashlee McCarten
GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2008-2009 NORTH SUBURBAN CONFERENCE ALL CONFERENCE ATHLETES FOOTBALL
BOYS SOCCER
VOLLEYBALL
Mike Bessette Dan Hourihan John King Chris Staton Mike Zielinski Jacob Brown – Honorable Mention Jim Cokefair – Honorable Mention
Jeff Szelewicki Adrian Trujillo – Honorable Mention Shane Hunter – Honorable Mention
C.J. Hill Becca White – Honorable Mention
CROSS-COUNTRY Alexis Capps Kendra Kennedy Ryan Mamerow
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Volume 15 Issue 4
Music Department Prepares for Holiday Concert On Tuesday, December 9, the Music Department will present the annual Holiday Concert. There will be performances by: Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Chamber Singers, Sweet Adelines, Barbershop, Beginning Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. This annual celebration will once again include Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. All choir alumni are invited to perform on stage with the choirs. The concert will conclude with a grand finale consisting of all choir and band members. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. There is no charge for admission, but donations will be gladly accepted at the door. Complimentary refreshments will be served at intermission. Please join us for an evening of holiday cheer!
Holiday Season Busy for Music Department Students The Music Department students will be busy, once again, this holiday season with many performances in the community. Band and choir students will perform many holiday carols for audiences. We hope you can join us at one of the upcoming events! Sunday, December 7
Rotary Christmas Party for kids
Camp Duncan YMCA
11:00 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
Tuesday, December 9
Holiday Concert
Grant High School Auditorium
7:00 P.M.
Wednesday, December 10
Staff Holiday Lunch
Teacher’s Lounge
All Lunches
Thursday, December 11
Caroling at Foxy’s
Fox Lake Country Club
4:15-5:30 P.M.
Saturday, December 13
Chamber of Commerce
Lakefront Park
3:45-5:00 P.M.
Santa Spaghetti Supper
GRANT BULLDOGS WINTER SPORTS
Expectations are high and excitement is building as the Grant High School Winter Sports Programs prepare for the 20082009 campaign. Our Girls Basketball team, the NSC Prairie Division defending Champions, welcomes first year head coach John Eiduke and will rely on the senior leadership of Alyssa Pasiewcz, Gina Celluci, Brittani Schisler, Amber Potts, and C.J. Hill. The Boys Basketball squad also welcomes a first year head coach in Wayne Bosworth. They, too, are counting on their seniors who consist of A.J. Spohr, Garrett Olsen, John King, and Gilbert Sheehan. The Grant Wrestlers, coached by Ryan Geist, have won the last six NSC Titles and are led by seniors Nick Allen-Stewart, Ricardo Cabrera, Nick Guenther, Justin Jahnke, Jon Lassek, Jake Noesen, Tyler Becker, Roque Bustos, Jake Brown, and Tyler Dempsey. The Bulldog Bowlers, coached by Beth Miller, are also NSC Prairie Division Defending Champions and will be led by seniors Beth Bengston, Caitlin Loving, Dori Rivera and Serina Stow. Our winter cheerleaders have a first year coach as well. Veronica Hoehne is our head coach, and her talented senior team members include Rachel Behm, Brandy Hatcher, Jessica Mamerow, Ashlee McCarten, Robin Rasmussen, and Katie Walleck. Make it a point to come out and root for the Grant Bulldogs this winter. You will not be disappointed.
MR. BULLDOG 2008 On Friday, November 22, the Junior Class continued the Mr. Bulldog tradition and crowned a Top Dawg to roam the hallways. Ten senior boys entered the competition to determine who would be named Mr. Bulldog. Markos Andrews, Tim Cephus, Tyler Dempsey, Greg Luce, Matt Peterson, Ben Ranes, C.J. Salvador, Hugo Sancen, Adrian Trujillo, and Mike Zielinski competed in categories such as formal wear, interview and talent, showing their skills and abilities to the crowd and a panel of faculty judges. Prizes were awarded to Mr. Congeniality, the Best Talent, 1st RunnerUp and Mr. Bulldog. Adrian Trujillo was voted Mr. Congeniality and Hugo Sancen was named the 1st Runner-Up. C.J. Salvador was crowned this year’s Mr. Bulldog and also walked away with the prize for best talent. Congratulations and thank you to all the contestants! Hope to see everyone at next year’s show!
A.P. English What do students do in A.P English? We research world events, write papers analyzing current issues, discuss authors’ persuasive strategies, and explore themes in literature. A recent group project illustrating a sonnet’s theme through film, song, literature, fine art, and a learning activity had us eating cookies (do you choose milk or love with your cookie- in life you can’t always have both!) playing Jenga! (all good things must come to an end), and tearing up papers with the names of our loved ones (move on in life after losing a love). Next year’s A.P. Language and Composition course will be offered to juniors while seniors will have the opportunity to take A.P. Literature and Composition. As registration for 20092010 approaches, please consider these options for junior and senior students.
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Volume 15 Issue 4
Grant Community High School Dist. 124 285 E. Grand Ave. Fox Lake, IL 60020-1698 Phone: 847-587-2561 Fax: 847-587-2991
We’re on the Web www.grantbulldogs.org
CALENDAR December
Dec. 9 Dec. 10 Dec. 16, 17, 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 22-Jan. 2
Holiday Concert (7:00 PM - Auditorium) Financial Aid Night (7:00 PM - Auditorium) Semester Exams Institute Day, no student attendance Winter Break
January Jan. 5 Jan. 14 Jan. 19
School resumes, 2nd semester begins School Improvement Mtg., 1:35 release Martin Luther King’s Birthday, legal school holiday
February
Home of the Bulldogs
Feb. 4 Feb. 11 Feb. 11 Feb. 16 Feb. 18 Feb. 25, 26
Mid-point of 3rd Quarter School Improvement Mtg., 1:35 release Variety Show (7:00 PM - Auditorium) President’s Day Observed, no school Battle of the Bands (7:00 PM - Auditorium) 8th Grade Enrollment Nights (6:00 PM)
Jim Loris Tom Lippert Paul LaRoche Ryan Kelly Ruth Michniewicz Secretary Kenneth Mark Vice President Steve Hill President
Board of Education
Grant Community High School District 124 285 E. Grand Avenue Fox Lake, IL 60020-1698
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Fox Lake, IL 60020 Permit No. 31