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State identifies Exemplary, Targeted schools
SAUK VALLEY
State identif ies Exemplary, Targeted schools in latest repor t card
By TROY E. TAYLOR ttaylor@shawmedia.com
S i x s c h o o l s i n t h e S a u k V a l l ey region were categorized as Exemplary by the 2022 Illinois Report Card that the I l li no i s S t a t e B o a r d o f E d u c a t i o n released Thursday morning.
Another four schools carried the Targeted tag, requiring them to develop a four-year action plan to address a specific need; in their cases, how they can improve education for children with disabilities.
All other public schools in Lee, Whiteside, Ogle and Carroll counties were designated as Commendable.
None were labeled Comprehensive, however, which is reserved for the lowest-performing schools and require an overhaul over a four-year period.
Lastly, the report noted that many area grade schools made dramatic turnarounds in math and English language arts in their first full year back after the COVID-19 period of lockdowns and remote learning.
“I can’t be more proud of how our educators worked,” said Chris Tennyson, regional superintendent for the Regional Office of Education 47, which serves districts in Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties.
He emphasized the utility of measuring student growth in math and English during the fall, winter and spring assessments, even over the year-over-year results.
“These interim assessments … are a big benefit,” he said. “It gives you an immediate score. It’s really easy to see if those students are making gains.”
Tennyson also drew a distinction in student growth over the past year versus their proficiency against state standards at a given grade level.
“Kids learn differently and at different levels,” Tennyson said. “Did that student make progress? Did they show growth? That’s what we need to work with.”
All the figures in this story are based on preliminary numbers provided to the news media in advance of the release of the Illinois Report Card on Thursday morning.
Exemplary schools
In Whiteside County, the Exemplar y - r a t e d s c h o o l s w e r e P r o p h e t stown-Lyndon-Tampico Middle School, Erie High School and the Northside and Southside elementary schools in Morrison.
In Ogle County, Forreston Jr.-Sr. High School received the Exemplary designation. In Carroll County, it was Chadwick-Milledgeville Jr.-Sr. High School.
No Lee County schools received the Exemplary designation.
Shaw Media file photo Kindergarten teachers Fran Smith, Carissa Swanson and Wendy Connelly take part in a conference at Northside Elementary School in Morrison in an undated file photo. Northside was one of the schools the Illinois State Board of Education said was Exemplary in its Illinois Report Card that was released Thursday morning.
Targeted schools
Schools in the region rated as Targeted were Jefferson and Washington elementary schools in Dixon, West Carroll Primary in Savanna and Lincoln Elementary in Rochelle.
English and math turnaround
No one was immune from learning lag during the pandemic, including area grade schools in English Language Arts and math. But the rebounds in 2021-22 were dramatic.
Some grade schools in Rock Falls, Sterling and Dixon had experienced double-digit declines in the scaling rating employed by ISBE to measure student growth between 2019 and 2021. The declines registered for area schools were as high as 17 points in math and 29 points in English during that period.
A few schools mitigated that somewhat: Montmorency saw only a 2-point drop in math and a 4.1-point drop in English. Meanwhile, Sterling’s math p e r f o r m a n c e h a d j u s t a 5 . 7 - p o i n t decline.
But student growth in all the schools returned to form once they were in session full time in 2021-22.
Dixon was up 16.3 points in math and 17.6 points in English; Sterling was up 14.1 points in math and 11.8 points in English; Rock Falls Elementary School District 13 was up 10.5 points in math and 15.7 points in English; East-Coloma Nelson was up 16.6 points in math and 29.2 points in English; and Montmorency was up 9.7 points in math and 20.8 points in English.
Graduation rates
Statewide, improved graduation rates were touted by ISBE, calling them the highest in 12 years.
In the four-county area, 11 schools had a 90% or better four-year graduat i o n r a t e . E a s t l a n d H i g h S c ho ol achieved a rare 100%.
Other notably high graduation rates were Oregon High School at 97.8%, Chadwick-Milledgeville at 97.1% and Rock Falls High School at 96.1%.
The baseline for graduation in the four-county area was Rochelle at a still respectable 85.3%. All the other schools were higher than that.
Regional graduation rates for children with disabilities varied wildly; some smaller high schools don’t offer such programs. But there were notable achievements in that category: Byron had a 96.3% rate, Oregon a 92.9% rate, West Carroll a 92.3% rate, while Prophetstown and Rock Falls were both above 90%.
Teacher retention
The state said it was addressing the teacher shortage by retaining teachers and adding new ones to the employment rolls.
Sterling Public Schools reported that 10.6% of its certified staff were first-year teachers and Rock Falls High School was at 9.3%. The other districts in the three cities were between 2.8% and 5.6%.
As for teacher retention, Rock Falls High School brought back 94.3% of its teaching staff, Montmorency 91.1% and East Coloma-Nelson 90.9%. The baseline for retention was Sterling at 75.7%.
Sterling Public Schools is the largest employer of the core districts at 198 teachers. Dixon has 154 teachers. Rock Falls Elementary District 13 has 70.
Proficiency in English, math, science
Proficiency reflects the percentage of students who met or exceeded grade levels, regardless of where they started. ISBE contends it has some of the most r i g o r o u s s t a n d a r d s i n t h e n a t i o n , reflected in its seemingly low proficiency rates.
The schools in the three-city area with the highest English language arts proficiency are Rock Falls Middle School at 38.3%, Madison Elementary in Dixon at 30.9% and Montmorency in Rock Falls at 26.1%.
Those with the highest math proficiency were Montmorency at 31.2%, Rock Falls Middle at 23.7% and Merrill in Rock Falls at 23.1%.
As a subject, science is more difficult to gain a reading on for 2022, as ISBE substituted participation rates for proficiency in 2022. Schools with the highest science class participation were Montmorency at 55.6%, Madison at 54.6% and East Coloma-Nelson at 54%.
Enrollment
Statewide, enrollment stabilized. ISBE said that is reflected in the annual decline of birth rates, which has been at 2% since 2010.
Here are enrollments by school districts in each county:
Lee: Dixon 2,463, Amboy 721, Ashton-Franklin 484, Steward 66, Paw Paw 114.
Whiteside: Erie 618, River Bend 918, Prophetstown 754, Sterling 3,161, Morrison 935, Rock Falls ESD 855, East Coloma-Nelson 231, Montmorency 223, Rock Falls High School 558.
Ogle: Kings 81, Creston 82, Rochelle High School 895, Oregon 1,467, Forrestville Valley 732, Polo 517, Meridian 1,418, Byron 1,478, Rochelle grade 1,511, Eswood 70.
Carroll: Eastland 706, West Carroll 906, Chadwick-Milledgeville 357.
Sirena Huang, the gold medal winner in the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis in September, will be the guest soloist with the Clinton Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 5. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. in Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School.
In addition to the gold medal in the competition, she was awarded eight of the 11 special prizes. She will perform the “Dvorak Violin Concerto,” which she played in the final competition at Indianapolis.
M u s i c D i r ec to r a n d C o n d u ct o r Brian Dollinger will lead the orchestra i n W a g n e r ’ s “ S i e g f r i e d Idyll,” written f o r t h e c o m p o s e r ’ s w i f e , and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 3,” known as his “ S c o t t i s h ” s y m p h o n y , and dedicated to Queen Victoria.
The orchestra is composed of musicians from a wide area of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. This is the second concert of its 69th season.
Huang was the winner of the New York Concert Artist Worldwide Debut Audition in 2017, was First Prize Gold Medalist of the 6th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians and has won many other awards.
The Wagner piece was first performed by an ensemble on the stairway outside the room of his second wife following the birth of their son Siegfried. Many of its motifs appear later in his opera Siegfried.
The symphony and Community State Bank have arranged for a bus f o r c o n c e r t g o e r s f r o m C l i n t o n through Fulton and Morrison to the concert in Sterling. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 563-219-8084.
Tickets for the concert are available at the door. Adult admission is $20, and all students are admitted free through the generosity of the symphony’s many supporters. In addition, an adult who accompanies a student will be admitted for half price.
Full information and program notes are available on the symphony’s website at www.clintonsymphony.org.
Sirena Huang
OBITUARIES
LESLIE H. GLAZIER
Born: August 15, 1940 in Cordova, IL Died: October 26, 2022 in Erie, IL Leslie “Les” H. Glazier, 82, of Erie, IL, died Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at his home. Visitation will be from 3-6 pm on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Erie Ambulance and Fire Departments.
Les was born on August 15, 1940 in rural Cordova, IL, the son of Kenneth and Pauline (Massey) Glazier. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1958. Les married Marjorie Hastings on June 26, 1959 in Morrison, IL. He worked for International Harvester for 33 years, retiring in 1992. Les also served on the Erie Fire Department for many years.
Les and Marge loved fishing and were avid square dancers in their earlier years. He enjoyed working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles and he was a big fan of watching westerns and mystery shows. Les also liked to listen to country western music.
He is survived by his 3 children, Steven (Laura) Glazier, Geneseo, Ron Glazier, Hillsdale, Denise Adams (Greg) Hanover, IL; 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marge; two sisters; two brothers; and a great granddaughter. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com
AARON LINKE
Born: April 5, 1974 in Clinton, IA Died: October 22, 2022 in Rockford, IL
MARVIN J. HEUN
Born: September 24, 1928 in Garden Plain, IL Died: October 29, 2022 in Morrison, IL Aaron Michael Linke, 48, was born on April 05, 1974 in Clinton, Iowa at Mercy Hospital. He died at OSF Saint Anthony’s hospital in Rockford, Illinois on October 22,
2022. He attended the Morrison public schools in Morrison, Illinois. He graduated from William Penn College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In his youth he participated in wrestling, football, baseball, and enjoyed riding ATVs. Many fond memories of Aaron are his willingness to help and volunteer when the situation occurred. He diligently took loving care of his father who is in failing health with the aide of his companion Rachel Tucker. Aaron is survived by his grandmother, Angelina Linke of New Jersey ; his mother, Mary Jane Linke of IL; His father, Gus Linke of IL; Aaron’s children, Brhenan (Kendra Fisher) Linke of IL, Alyssa Kirby of IA; His brother, Gus (Michelle) Linke lV of AR; his sister, Megan (Scott Marwin) Linke of NY; Nephews, Augustus (Grace) Linke V of IA, Colton Linke of IL, Liam Linke -Marwin of NY.
A Private family Service will be held at a future date. Aaron’s last loving deed Was to donate his organs for the benefit of others.
Memorials may be sent to the Gift of Hope Foundation : 425 Spring Lake Drive Itasca, Il 60143 or to www.giftofhope.org.
MARVIN J. HEUN, 94, of Morrison, IL; formerly of Fulton, IL, died Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Resthave Home in Morrison, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Newton Zion Reformed Church, 10465 Frog Pond Rd., Erie, IL. Rev. Shannon Parrish will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2nd at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in Fulton Township Cemetery. Memorials have been established to Newton Zion Reformed Church, Albany Indian Mounds and Resthave Home. Marvin, “Marv” was born September 24, 1928 in Garden Plain, IL to Dewey and Stella (Tenboer) Heun. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools. On February 11, 1949 he married Dolores M. Buikema in Fulton. She died on March 31, 2015. Marv engaged in farming along with his wife in the rural Fulton area since 1949. He was named Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Conservation Farmer of the Year. Marv was a member of Newton Zion Reformed Church in Erie, IL, and had served as an elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher and superintendent. He was a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau and was on the board of directors for the Albany Indian Mounds Historic Site. Survivors include one daughter, Trudy (Tim) Eckert of Fulton, IL; three grandchildren, Lynsey Wittenberg, Laura (Dustin) Weller and Megan (Richard) Connell; four great grandchildren, Ethan and Riley Wittenberg, Anna Weller and Tyler Freese; two brothers-in-law, Tom Bailey, of Bettendorf, IA and Darrell (Lynn) Buikema of Menomonee Falls, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dolores; one sister, Dorothy Bailey; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wilbert (Millie) Heun and Alvin (Phyllis) Heun. To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
BEVERLY SWANSON
Born: September 4, 1942 in Morrison, IL Died: October 25, 2022 in Clinton, IA BEVERLY J. SWANSON, 80, of Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Prairie Hills of Clinton Clinton, IA. Her funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2022 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. J.T. Bean, Pastor of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. There will be a visitation preceding the service, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. A memorial has been established. Beverly was born September 4, 1942 in Morrison, IL, to Gerald A. and Margaret (Vos) Ottens. She was educated in the Morrison grade schools and attended Morrison High School. On April 12, 1969 she married Richard Swanson in Morrison, they later divorced. She was employed with several local businesses - the Millstream Restaurant, Brickhouse Restaurant, Wilken’s Royal Blue Grocery Store, Stralow Hardware Store and General Electric – before farming in the Morrison area for 30 years. Later she was employed by Farm and Fleet in Clinton. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison where she participated in the choir, delivered church bulletins to shut-ins and served as the Sunday School treasurer. Beverly enjoyed singing and cooking and baking. Survivors include one brother, David Ottens of Morrison, IL; two nephews, DuWayne (Kathy) Ottens Jr. and Dean Ottens; several great nieces and nephews; several great great nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Cindy Ottens of Clinton, IA; a step niece, Becky (Bryan) Buhman, and a step nephew, Brian Shields. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, DuWayne Ottens Sr.; one sisterin-law, Sharon Ottens; one nephew, Brian Ottens. To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com
Morrison Police Arrests
On Saturday, Oct. 15, about 8:09 a.m., Morrison police responded to the 300 block of West Lincolnway, Morrison, to investigate a domestic dispute. As a result of the investigation, Morrison police arrested and charged Dvaree K. Thompson, 26, of Hillsdale with domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor). Thompson was transported to the Whiteside County Jail. Morrison police were assisted by the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
Citations Oct. 14
Lewis Williams, 34, Sterling, improper lane use
Dakota McClain, 18, Morrison, speeding
Payton Decker, 18, Morrison, speeding
Oct. 19
Jeffrey D. Sutherland, 33, Queen Creek, Arizona, speeding
Oct. 20
Melissa M. Ferguson, 49, Morrison, speeding
Kevin M. Manon, 31, Sterling, expired registration
Robert R. Ballard, 51, Davenport, Iowa, expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle
Oct. 21
Kane J. Eastwood, 27, Morrison, disobeying traffic control device
Oct. 22
Sebastian D. Duffek, 18, Morrison, operating uninsured vehicle
Oct. 26
Oct. 27
Jaden R. Julius, 20, Winslow, expired registration
Todd A. Cornilsen, 55, Sterling, speeding
Fulton Police Oct. 20
Zuiadi Khachiashvili of Brooklyn, New York, was cited for disobeying a stop sign at Highway 30 and Route 84. He was released with a promise to comply.
Abbigail M. Thyne of Fulton was cited for speeding at 10th Avenue and Route 84. She was released with a promise to comply.
Oct. 21
James S. Fernandes of Glendale Heights was cited for disobeying a stop sign at Route 136 and Route 84. He was released with a promise to comply.
Keeley M. Rumler of Mt. Carroll was cited for no proof of insurance, no valid registration and driving while license is suspended at Route 84 and 14th Avenue. She was released with a notice to appear.
Robert J. Wernick was arrested on a Whiteside County warrant in the 700 block of 20th Avenue. He was released with a notice to appear.
Penny J. Lanning of Clinton, Iowa, was cited for speeding in the 700 block of 14th Avenue. She was released with a promise to comply.
Oct. 22
Kelly N. Ooton of Fulton was cited for driving while license is revoked and no valid registration in the 400 block of 11th Avenue. She was released with a notice to appear.
Stanley A. Hart of Polo was cited for speeding in the 600 block of 14th Avenue. He was released with a promise to comply.
Oct. 23
Joshua L. Agnew of Fulton was cited for disobeying a stop sign in the 800 block of 15th Avenue. He was released with a promise to comply.
Oct. 24
Anthony J. Marzano of Belvidere was cited for driving while license is suspended and improper parking. He was released with a notice to appear.
Oct. 25
Eduardo M. Sanchez of Clinton, Iowa, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and no valid driver’s license in the 400 block of 14th Avenue. He was released with a notice to appear.
Individuals named in the police report have been accused of a charge. They are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
Whiteside County Environmental Health Office moves to Rock Falls
The Whiteside County Environmental Health Office has moved from the Morrison office and joined the Whiteside County Health Department and Community Health Clinic at the Rock Falls location, 1300 W. Second St., Rock Falls.
All paperwork and services will be provided at the Rock Falls office.
While the location has changed, the phone number remains the same. The Environmental Health Office in Rock Falls still may be reached by phone at 815-772-7411.
The move will help enhance collaboration between departments and continue to provide quality service for years to come.
VOTE FOR YOUR
REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 1970 ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENT The proposed amendment would add a new section to the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution that would guarantee workers the fundamental right to organize and to bargain collectively and to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions, and to promote their economic welfare and safety at work. The new amendment would also prohibit from being passed any new law that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively over their wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and workplace safety. At the general election to be held on November 8, 2022, you will be called upon to decide whether the proposed amendment should become part of the Illinois Constitution. For the proposed addition of Section 25 to Article I of the Illinois Constitution.
YES
NO
