Community Newsletter July/August 2023

bensenville hello!

a lifelong learning community | july/august 2023

BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

FREE SUMMER LUNCHES WITH THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY | 12-12:45 PM | UNTIL AUGUST 11 | AGES 0-18

DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

FOOD BANK

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is providing healthy lunches for kids 18 and younger this summer at the library, which is happening now until August 11. To ensure everyone’s safety, all of the food must be eaten on site, so plan to stick around and enjoy the deliciousness! Please note that lunches will not be served on July 4 and August 4 because of library closures.

NATURE AT NIGHT: LEARN ABOUT SKUNKS

MONDAY, JULY 17 AT 7 PM | ALL AGES | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Join Ms. Donna for a nature walk to look for animals, plants, and sky phenomena. Try out free apps you can use to identify everything from birds to planets, and document your finds in a nature journal. This edition of Nature at Night will focus primarily on skunks! Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

SPECIAL SATURDAY: SUPERHERO SATURDAY

SATURDAY, JULY 15 AT 2 PM | ALL AGES | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY Wham! Ka-POW! Zoom! Hey all you superheroes out there, join for some fun games and activities to bring out your super powers. You can also craft your own superhero to take home with you!

EMOJI CHALK WORKSHOP

THURSDAY, JULY 20 AT 6:30 PM | AGES 6 AND UP | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

In this program, you’ll receive simple step-by-step instructions to make your very own emojis. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can let your imagination run wild and design a brand-new emoji. If the weather’s nice, we’ll draw on the sidewalk in front of the library, but if it rains, no worries, we’ll just move inside and use personal blackboards.

LEGO NIGHT WITH WINDY CITY LUG

TUESDAY, JULY 11 AT 6:30 PM | AGES 4-11 | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

We’re bringing in some serious LEGO experts from the Windy City LEGO User Group to show us some epic building techniques and lead us in some extra special builds.

MINI CANVAS PAINTING

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 AT 6:30 PM | ALL AGES | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

You’ll get your very own mini canvas to decorate in any way you like! Just a friendly reminder to wear something that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Don’t worry about bringing any materials, we’ve got you covered.

COLLEGE IS POSSIBLE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 AT 2 PM | TEENS & ADULTS WELCOME | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Start planning for college early! Join our free presentation by ISAC staff to learn about the college and financial aid processes. We’ll lay the groundwork, provide tips and tools, and show you what to expect when applying and paying for a postsecondary education.

SUMMER READING

NOW UNTIL JULY 31ST | AGES 0-18 REGISTER IN-PERSON OR ONLINE AT THE LIBRARY

Want to earn some cool prizes this summer? Keep track of the time you spend reading and you could win big! If you read for 4 hours, you’ll pick a small prize. For 8 hours, you’ll get a T-shirt, a free book, and a chance to enter our grand prize drawing! You can participate by registering for summer reading and using a print log, which you can grab from the Youth Services Desk, or go online and use Beanstack (bit.ly/BeanStack). Happy reading!

IN THIS ISSUE

Bensenville Community p 1-3 Public Library

Village of Bensenville p 4-6

Fenton Community High School p 7-9

Bensenville Park District p 10-11

Elementary School District 2 p 12-14

Community Events p 15-16

The statements and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not reflect the views, opinions, thoughts or beliefs of each member organization. The member organizations are not responsible for opinions or statements made individually or by other organizations. For information, contact sparkison@benlib.org. Deadline for Sept/Oct is July 26.

200 South Church Road

Bensenville | Illinois 60106 www.benlib.org 630 766 4642

HOURS

MONDAY | 9 AM-9 PM

TUESDAY | 9 AM-9 PM

WEDNESDAY | 9 AM-9 PM

THURSDAY | 9 AM-9 PM

FRIDAY | 9 AM-5 PM

SATURDAY | 9 AM-5 PM

SUNDAY | 1 PM-5 PM

Board of Trustees

Linda Weiss | President

Tina Lux | Vice President

Susan Earley | Treasurer

Mandi Zalewski | Secretary

Dr. Consuelo Cabral-Marquez Trustee

Michele Janovsky | Trustee

Chris Sloan | Library Director

LIBRARY CLOSINGS

Tuesday, July 4 | Independence Day

Friday, August 4 | Staff In-Service Day

benlib.org

BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

DIY MINI BEE SKEP

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 AT 7 PM | AGES 18 AND UP | REGISTER | AT THE LIBRARY

Join Mary for a delightful crafting session as she guides you through creating your very own mini Bee Skep! With the help of a small terracotta pot, sisal or jute roping, acrylic paint, and charming trims, let your creativity blossom. Don’t forget to wear an old shirt or paint smock to stay messy-free. Please note that materials are limited to 20 attendees, so make sure to register early.

SOLAR MASON JAR LIGHT

MONDAY, JULY 17 AT 7 PM | AGES 18 AND UP | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Get ready to light up your backyard bash with our super cool mason jar solar lights. Swing by the library and join in on the fun as we create these stunning lights that will add a touch of pizzazz to your outdoor décor. Let’s keep those summer nights shining bright together!

AWESOME AUSTRALIA

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12 AT 7 PM | ALL AGES | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY G’day mate! With his tapestry of original photographs and deep well of stories, world traveler Brian Michalski illuminates ten months of backpacking and working in the Land Down Under. While visiting exotic destinations including the Australian Outback, Great Barrier Reef, and Tasmania, we also learn about the country’s fascinating history, grand traditions, chic urban life, charming slang, deadly animals, and Aboriginal influences.

RIVERVIEW PARK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 AT 7 PM | AGES 18 AND UP | VIRTUAL (benlib.evanced.info/signup)

Once the world’s largest amusement park, Riverview was a beloved Chicago destination, known for attractions like the Pair-O-Chutes, Aladdin’s Castle, and the Bobs rollercoaster. Join historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D. as she takes us on a journey through Riverview’s storied history, from its 1904 opening to its sudden closure in 1967.

NOTORIOUS: LIFE OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG

THURSDAY, JULY 27 AT 6:30 PM | AGES 18 AND UP | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Join historian Michelle Gibbons as she discusses the incredible life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fought tirelessly for gender equality and women’s rights during her 27-year tenure as a Supreme Court Justice.

TRIVIA NIGHT @ GREEN ST. GRILLE

MONDAY, AUGUST 7 FROM 7-9 PM | ALL AGES | DROP-IN (RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED) | GREEN ST. GRILLE

Join staff from the Bensenville Library on the first Monday of every month from 7-9 p.m. and flex your trivia muscle at the Green St. Grille! Gather your friends and family to compete against other teams for prizes by answering questions about history, pop culture, and more! Registration is not required, but reservations at the Green St. Grille are recommended. Please call (630) 474-1202 to reserve a table.

THE POWER OF PLANT-FORWARD NUTRITION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 7 PM | AGES 18 AND UP | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Discover the benefits of plant-based eating with registered dietician Katie Fischer. Learn how growing your own food can improve your health, the environment, and your wallet- all while enjoying delicious meals. Plant forward nutrition is neither a vegetarian or vegan approach to nutrition.

BLOOD DRIVE: VERSITI BLOOD CENTER OF ILLINOIS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 FROM 12-5 PM | AGES 18 AND UP | REGISTER | AT THE LIBRARY

Join us for a blood drive to help save lives at the library! Giving blood is a simple yet powerful way to support your community- just one donation can help save up to 3 lives. Book your appointment now at benlib.org/blood-drive and don’t forget to bring your photo ID. Your appointment should take around 45-60 minutes. Let’s make a difference together!

TRUE STORIES BOOK CLUB

Join our non-fiction book club, where we explore and discuss thought-provoking books that address relevant social issues of our time. Books will be available one month prior to the book discussion dates at the Circulation Desk.

Wild: A Journey from Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed

MONDAY, JULY 10 AT 11 AM

Cheryl’s impulsive solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother’s death leads to healing through physical and emotional challenges.

Reckoning by V (Formerly known as Eve Ensler)

MONDAY, AUGUST 7 AT 11 AM

V’s memoir chronicles her 40- year personal and political journey, exploring themes like abuse, activism, climate disaster, and self-hatred, while offering a path to freedom.

Book Brunch Book Club

We explore a diverse selection of literature including popular titles, best-selling books, award-winning works, and many others!

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

THURSDAY, JULY 27 AT 10 AM | VIRTUAL ON ZOOM

The famous Riva siblings throw an epic party that triggers a family drama changing their lives forever in a story that unfolds over 24 hours of love, secrets, and choices.

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 AT 10 AM | VIRTUAL ON ZOOM

Two families confront their pasts and navigate a city on edge after a police shooting of a black teenager and another shocking crime in L.A.

PAWS FOR A CAUSE: DOG ADOPTION EVENT

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

10 AM – 12 PM | AGES 18 AND UP DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Did you know that National Dog Day is August 26th? Please celebrate the day with us and join us for a morning of furry fun! A local shelter will be at the library with dogs looking for their furever homes. We will be making homemade dog treats to bring home with your new best friend or for your own dog at home.

CHECK OUT AN UMBRELLA ANYTIME!

Caught in the rain? No worries! Check out an umbrella at the Circulation Desk. Don’t let unexpected rain showers catch you off guard! Keep yourself dry by checking out our umbrellas at the front desk; just another way we strive to make your visit a pleasant one.

YOUR CHOICE: Wake-Up Call Backpack Presented with the Bensenville Youth Coalition

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 6:30 PM

AGES 21 AND UP | DROP-IN | AT THE LIBRARY

Wake Up Call offers practical information on current trends in alcohol, vaping, and drugs. You’ll learn how to recognize concealment techniques, see a hands-on demo, and ask questions. This presentation is for adults who are influential in the lives of youth, such as parents, teachers, and community members. Participants must be 21+.

Village of Bensenville

12 South Center Street

Bensenville, Illinois 60106 www.bensenville.il.us

630.766.8200

President Frank DeSimone

Trustees

Rosa Carmona

Ann Franz

Marie T. Frey

McLane Mac Lomax

Nicholas Panicola Jr.

Armando Perez

Village Clerk

Nancy Quinn

Village Manager

Evan K. Summers

Starting in August, Village President Frank DeSimone and the Village Board will begin their series of casual neighborhood meetings throughout the Village. Coffee with the Village President is a great opportunity to ask questions and get information in an informal setting. All events take place from 9:00 – 11:00 am. If there is inclement weather during the scheduled date, the event will not be rescheduled.

2023 Locations

August 19 | Mohawk Park

September 16 | Sunset Park

October 7 | Krempels Park

August 1st with the Bensenville Police Department. This free event will include a classic car show, a first responders touch a truck, yard games, a K9 demonstration, refreshments, and more. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing a true sense of community.

OUTDOOR SENIOR LUNCHEON FRIDAY | AUGUST 11 | 10 AM

To celebrate the end of a great summer, our August Senior Luncheon will be moved from Friday, August 4 to Friday, August 11, and will take place outside in the grassy area next to Village Hall. The luncheon will include a boxed lunch with your choice of a hot dog or burger, chips, dessert, and a few rounds of bingo. The cost is $5 for incorporated Bensenville residents and $16 for non-residents. Check-in will begin at 10:00 AM and food will be served around 11:00 AM. Payment is cash only. Please RSVP by calling the senior hotline at 630.350.3426.

B-RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING!

The Village is partnering with the Garden Club of Bensenville once again to recognize great-looking residential properties in the community. Nominate your home or your neighbor’s by emailing the property address, name, phone number, and picture (if possible) to sskurski@bensenville.il.us. Judging will be done by the Bensenville Garden Club and awards will be given to the best-manicured homes. Winners will be announced at the September 12 Village Board Meeting and posted to the Village’s social media accounts.

Nomination period – June 1 through August 13.

REPORT A CONCERN

The Village utilizes a program called SeeClickFix to help residents request services or get help resolving issues. By using the SeeClickFix request form, your concerns are communicated directly to the Village staff that is responsible for resolving the issue. Residents are encouraged to create a profile on SeeClickFix so that Bensenville Report a Concern can keep you informed on the status of your request and those created by your neighbors. To utilize our Report a Concern system, visit the Village website and click the Report a Concern icon located on the homepage. For Emergency matters, residents should still call 911 immediately.

FALL COMMUNITY YARD SALE DATES SEPTEMBER 7-10

Residents are encouraged to clean up and cash in by holding household yard sales the extended weekend of Thursday, September 7th through Sunday, September 10th. To host a yard sale, residents must complete a yard sale application and obtain a FREE permit. Completed yard sale applications can be dropped off at Village Hall or emailed to: permits@bensenville.il.us. Applications are available on the Village’s website at: bensenville.il.us/432/applications-forms.

VIRTUAL YARD SALE GUIDE

In addition to our typical yard sale flyer, a virtual yard sale guide will be available on the Village website to make navigating community yard sales even easier! If you wish to have your address posted on the community yard sale flyer or virtual guide, please turn in your application by September 6th. For more information, visit bensenville.il.us or call 630.350.3413.

MOSQUITO ABATEMENT AND TIPS TO REDUCE MOSQUITO POPULATION IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Did you know you can report nuisance mosquitoes, standing water, and receive notifications for scheduled mosquito control treatments in your neighborhood? These mosquito abatement requests can be reported to Clarke Mosquito Control by visiting their online portal at: clarkeportal.com/hotline.

Clarke recommends the following to help reduce mosquitoes in your yard and neighborhood:

• Dispose of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water holding containers.

• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in the yard that hold water.

• Clean gutters regularly.

• Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.

• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.

• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.

• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store them indoors when not in use.

• Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for while on vacation.

• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.

• Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots or drip trays at least once each week.

• Keep grass and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.

one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

FENTON COMMUNITY

HIGH SCHOOL | District 100

1000 West Green Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500

www.fenton100.org

Mission Statement

Cultivate successful, passionate, empowered learners through rigor, relevance and relationships.

Board of Education

Cary Lewis | President

Juliet Rago | Vice President

Leonel Figueroa | Secretary

Reid Goodrich

Sylvia Hayde

John Radzinski

Kent Kovak

Administration

James Ongtengco | Superintendent

Sam Bentsen | Principal

Jose Jaramillo | Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations

Bruce Martin | Chief School Business Officer

Jim Batson | Director of Technology

Rick Kambic | Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Michelle Papanicolaou | Director of

Postsecondary Pathways/Division Leader

Kate Ward

Director of Learning/Division Leader

Pedro Rodriguez

Director of Athletics/Division Leader

Mike Berago

Director of Equity/Division Leader

Eric Koranda

Assistant Principal/Division Leader

Julia Bray | Assistant Principal/Division Leader

Lorenzo Rubio | Division Leader

Pedro Castro | Dean of Students

Jason Madl | Dean of Students

Thomas Kobel | Director of Building, Grounds and Transportation

finer details of this project and further narrowing down the exciting possibilities.

We have always known our learning spaces in this 1950s building are old, inadequate, and burdensome. Our 2019 facility audit formalized what we see every day. Many areas of the school that we hoped to modernize as part of our referendum will not be addressed, however, this STEM wing is one project from the referendum that we are able to accomplish independently.

I applaud our school board members for their patience and their passion for the future of our community.

Please review the renderings to the right and join us in being excited for this new chapter of Fenton High School

Let’s Go BISON!

JAMES ONGTENGCO Superintendent

well done!

Fenton’s Stage Crew is the Best in the Business

Contest Drama Wins Illinois Excellence in Technical Performance

FENTON COMMUNITY

HIGH SCHOOL | District 100 1000 West Green Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500 www.fenton100.org

Mission Statement

Cultivate successful, passionate, empowered learners through rigor, relevance and relationships.

FCCLA

Congratulations to Sofia Diaz, Izabel Krajecki, and Esther Zachariah for advancing to the Children’s Literature state finals competition for FCCLA (Family, Community, Career Leaders of America). Izabel and Sofia eventually received a gold medal ranking along with being awarded the most outstanding designation for their category. Esther also received a bronze medal ranking.

Congratulations to Fenton’s stage crew on the Contest Drama production Sylvia for winning a State Championship for Excellence in Technical Performance during the IHSA State Finals on March 25. The crew builds and manages the sets and props used in the performance, as well as manages the audio, visual, and lighting. Their actions are timed and measured just as rigorously as the performers on stage.

“I’m very proud of our whole team. While we had a few students here for the second year in a row, many were new to this activity and they all handled the pressure of the competition with grace.” said Dr. Mike Mitchell, who directed the production with assistance from alumni Jeremiah Barr and Amanda Baker.

The Fenton crew includes:

• Alex Cabello

• Jessica Van Leeuwen

• Ariana Hurtado (stage manager)

• Brandon Pauls

• Delilah Johnson

• Kailianna Smith

• Lex Mikulski

• Lita Aguilar

• Natalia Alvardo

• Natalie Sisto

• Nathan Rodriguez

• Neena Nair

• Pirote Thach

• Sara Schaefer

Sylvia is a Broadway comedy about a man who adopts a dog during his mid-life crisis and all of the dog’s antics that cause friction between him and his wife.

“It was such a great honor to work with a cast like this, which inspired me to keep going and do this for a career,” said Stage Manager Jessica Van Leeuwen. She plans to study film and television production in college next year.

“Performing at state was such an amazing privilege, but it was also a privilege to work with our directors, who devoted so much time and effort to this club and its success,” said Ariana Hurtado, who operated stage lighting.

Fenton is no stranger to the limelight, having previously won the Excellence in Technical Performance State Championship in 2015 for the Contest Drama production of The Pearl by John Steinbeck.

In addition to the technical award, Fenton senior Delilah Johnson earned All-State Cast Honors for her performance as Sylvia the dog. Delilah repeats her status after being awarded All-State Cast Honors for her 2022 performance in A Piece of My Heart, which was a play based on the true events of military nurses in the Vietnam War.

Congratulations to all!

GROUP INTERPRETATION

The cast and musicians of Fenton’s Group Interpretation performed “Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend” and advanced to the IHSA State Finals where Tera Pabico, Josslyn Wade, Sarah Guerrero Gorostieta, and Angel Santiago earned All-State Cast Honors.

FENTON SENIORS WIN COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Many Fenton students in the Class of 2023 have earned scholarships of all sizes and for a variety of accomplishments. Fenton is fortunate to have several local partners in the community that contribute their hard earned money toward scholarships for our graduates. Below is a list of graduated seniors who earned scholarships from our local community partners. Thank you to all of the donors.

American Legion Post 1205 Scholarship

• David Mathew

Bensenville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

• Jadyn Golz

• David Mathew

Bensenville/Wood Dale Rotary Club

• David Mathew

• Abigail Punsalan

• Jessica Van Leeuwen

Bensenville Youth Coalition Scholarship

• Jadyn Golz

Chick Evans Scholarship

• Kevin Cox

College of DuPage Project Hire-Ed Scholarship

• Miguel Flores

Dr. Alf Logan Scholarship

• Mcaleigh Logue

Fenton Education Association Scholarship

• Olivia Beecroft

• Ariana Hurtado

Fred Lewis Scholarship

• Jessica Van Leeuwen

Joshua D. Schoon Memorial Scholarship

• Natalie Worwa

Miller Family Scholarship for the Sciences

• Daphne Castillo

• Ethan Freeman

• Nayeli Galeana-Vieyra

• Elijah Johnson

STATE SCHOLARS

The following students were recognized in the State Scholar Program because of their outstanding academic achievements:

• Angel Acosta Leon

Music Booster Scholarship

• Mcaleigh Logue

• Ariana Hurtado

• Jessica Van Leeuwen

Padres Unidos Scholarship

• Berenice Garfias

• Esveidy Oseguera

Patrick Robert Curran Memorial Scholarship

• Reagan Dakins

• Berenice Garfias

• Patrick Karbowski

• Mcaleigh Logue

• David Mathew

• Natalia Szala

Russell B Dahl Love for Laces Scholarship

• Enrique Flores

Students to Students Scholarship

• Natalia Szala

The Akbar and Salma Navsanwala Scholarship

• Natalia Szala

Wood Dale Lions Club Scholarship

• Diego Meza

• Jessica Van Leeuwen

• Natalie Worwa

• Jessica Benn

• Alexandra Carillo

• Daphne Castillo

• Maximilian Celarek

• Reagan Dakins

• Vi Gibes

• Jadyn Golz

• Kaitlyn Hoffing

• Ariana Hurtado

• Patrick Karbowski

• Aleksander Klimczyk

• Dominik Kroupa

• Joanna Kukielko

• Anna Lelek

• Mcaleigh Logue

• Adarsh Patel

• Savannah Paz

• Ryan Peterson

• Lydia Rihani

• Oleksandr Rusnak

• Tiara Sanchez

• Natalia Szala

• Julissa Velazquez

• Madison Westbrook

• Sidney Westbrook

Students are selected based on their standardized test scores and their cumulative GPA after their second semester of their junior year.

MILITARY RECRUITS

Several Fenton graduates have proudly enlisted in the armed services. The following graduates agreed to disclose their plans and be recognized for their selflessness:

• Jenely Desiderio – United States Army

• Noah Sanchez – National Guard

Deer Grove Leisure Center

Administrative Office

1000 West Wood Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 7015

BvilleParks.org

@BvilleParks

White Pines Golf Club

500 West Jefferson Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 0304

WhitePinesGolf.com

@GolfWhitePines

Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad

1100 West Wood Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 SWIM (7946)

@BvilleWaterPark

Fischer Farm

16W680 Grand Avenue

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 834 3152

@BvilleFischerFarm

Wood Street Fitness Center

1000 West Wood Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 7015

WoodStFitness.com

@WoodStFitness

Board of Commissioners

Rich Johnson | President

Val Karg | Vice President

Jay Snyder | Treasurer

Nancy Gibbs | Secretary

Christopher Hernandez | Commissioner

Executive Director

Joseph C. Vallez

bvilleparks.org

BENSENVILLE PARK DISTRICT

Get out and play with the Bensenville Park District! Whether meeting friends at your neighborhood park, cooling off at the pool, exploring nature at Fischer Farm, hitting the links at White Pines, or working out at Wood Street Fitness, the park district provides something for everyone!

PARK ‘N PLAY

Meet us at the park this summer with activities and programs in your neighborhood parks as well as special events. Highlights include the continuation of the Movies in the Park series that includes Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on July 15, Jaws at the Bensenville Water Park on August 5 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on August 26 at Fischer Farm. Plus, don’t miss free Fitness Dayz Yoga at the Farm July 15 at Fischer Farm and the Outdoor Bootcamp August 6 at Varble Park. A listing of the many activities coming to neighborhood parks may be found at BvilleParks.org/park-n-play!

IT’S COOL AT THE POOL

With a 155-foot water slide, two drop slides, a diving board, a 2,527 squarefoot Splash Pad, sun deck, and a full-service concession stand, the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad is your home for summer fun! Veterans swim free and get a free lunch courtesy Geils Funeral Home on July 4. Save 50 percent on season passes after July 4! Swimming lessons are available for those of all skill levels.

FISCHER FARM FUN

Get back to nature at one of the oldest remaining homesteads in DuPage County. Parents and tots can take part in Little Lambs and meet farm animals, plant seeds, make crafts and hear farm stories in July. Kids can take part in the all-new Discovery Farm Camp all summer long. Families won’t want to miss the family campout Friday, August 11! Visit BvilleParks.org for more information.

WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB

White Pines Golf Club is the place to be this summer, from golf to special events and lessons. Book a tee time online at WhitePinesGolf.com. No matter what your age is or skill level, the professionals at White Pines are here to improve your golf game. Lessons are available for those of all ages and skill levels. Don’t miss family golf nights Sundays, July 23 and August 20, featuring special pricing for adults ($10) and juniors ($5) as well as cart rentals and a $4 meal deal after 5 pm.

LIVE AT WHITE PINES

Several evenings of live entertainment are coming to the golf course as part of the White Pines Golf Club’s FREE Live at White Pines concert series July 14 and August 18. Enjoy musical entertainment outside the 37 Bar & Grill with Uptown Rhythm July 14. Then enjoy salsa music night August 18 as the Caribe Project performs under the tented pavilion presented by Los Buenos Diaz Mexican Grill, which will have food for sale on site. Food and beverages will be available for purchase both nights.

FORE THE KIDS GOLF OUTING!

The Friends of Bensenville Parks Foundation will host its first-ever Fore the Kids golf outing Wednesday, August 9, at White Pines. Participants and sponsors will contribute directly to enhancing recreational opportunities for children in the community. Funds raised will support scholarships, educational programs and community building initiatives. The schedule for the golf outing includes a continental breakfast at 8 am, followed by a shotgun start at 9 am., a 9th hole lunch at the turn, open bar at 2 pm and a 3 pm dinner and raffle. Participant and sponsor information may be found at BvilleParks.org.

BE YOUR BEST SELF

Wood Street Fitness, located inside the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville, offers state-of-the-art free- and machine-weights and cardio equipment to provide all the best tools to be your best self. Take advantage of free Fitness Dayz events throughout the summer as well as free access to the fitness center and group fitness classes as part of Free Fitness Week, August 21-26. Aqua fitness classes are offered at the water park at 6 pm each Wednesday and 11 am each Saturday while the water park is open during the summer. Fitness Center membership rates and class schedules can be found online at WoodStFitness.com. Special rates are available for couples, teens and seniors, and corporate memberships are also available.

TINY TOT PROGRAMS

The Bensenville Park District’s Tiny Tot early childhood programs help mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally prepare tots for a life of learning beginning at one-and-a-half years old. Four distinct programs are offered: Play With Me (formerly Tot School Primer) for those 18-30 months, Little Sprouts (formerly Tot School) for ages 2-3 and two Tiny Tot Preschool programs (ages 3-4 and 4-5). Children must be age appropriate by September 1. Contact Cindy Banaszynski, lead preschool teacher, by calling 630.766.7015 x117 to schedule an appointment to tour the classroom and meet the teachers. More information may be found at BvilleParks.org/programs/preschool-primer.

FALL REGISTRATION

The Bensenville Park District’s Fall Program Guide is scheduled to be in homes mid-July. Fall registration for those living in district begins at 8 am on Tuesday, August 8, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville. Registration for all others begins Wednesday, August 9.

GOLF CLASSIC Benefitting the Friends of Bensenville Parks Foundation

FORE the

BENSENVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 210 South Church Road

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

bsd2.org | 630 766 5940

Board of Education

Bob Laudadio | President

Marisol Leyva | Vice President

Jacqueline Dye | Secretary

Lori Parthimos | Treasurer

Victoria Gonzalez

Anita Miller

James Stoltman

Administration

Dr. Katie McCluskey | Superintendent of Schools

Paul Novack | Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Anne Paonessa | Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning

Dustin Berman | Assistant Superintendent f or Student Services

Edgar Palacios | Director of Multilingual Programs and English Learners

DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS

Blackhawk Middle School | 630 766 2601

Dr. Perry Finch | Principal

Nataly Lopez-Diaz | Assistant Principal

Jamie Hogue | Assistant Principal

Tioga School | 630 766 2602

Jeffrey Kersten | Principal

Amber Soike | Assistant Principal

W.A. Johnson School | 630 766 2605

Carlos Patiño | Principal

TBA | Assistant Principal

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

ONWARD & UPWARD

Blackhawk’s eighth graders are ready to head to high school

Blackhawk Middle School’s eighth graders celebrated the completion of their District 2 careers during their promotion ceremony held Thursday, June 1, at Fenton High School. Among the 229 eighth graders who participated in the ceremony, the following students were recognized with special awards:

BLACKHAWK FACULTY MEMORIAL AWARD

Anaya Blissit & Oswal Zamora

BENSENVILLE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AWARD

Josemaria Alvarado

FENTON EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AWARD

Ameera Saadeh & Josue Bucio Duran

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD

Carolina Herrera Reyes & Alonso Romero

BMS I BELONG AWARD

Ramiyah Green & Aysiah Perez

HAWKS RECOGNITION

Josemaria Alvarado

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

Bensenville Community Foundation’s support makes for memorable end-of-year celebrations at BSD2 schools.

Fun-filled year-end celebrations and emotional promotion ceremonies can create lifelong memories for both students and parents. This year, those experiences were made possible in District 2 through the generous support of the Bensenville Community Foundation, which donated $8,000 to support end-of-year celebrations at all three BSD2 schools. Here’s how that support made memorable year-end celebrations possible at BSD2 schools.

BLACKHAWK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Before walking across the promotion stage at Fenton, Blackhawk’s eighth graders celebrated the conclusion of their careers as BSD2 students on May 31 with a day at the ballpark and a dance in a tropical paradise. It was a perfect day for a Chicago Dogs baseball game at Impact Field in Rosemont, and a Hawaiian themed eighth-grade dance in the school’s gymnasium and cafeteria. These festivities were enjoyed by all eighth graders, who experienced three years at Blackhawk unlike any others, and deserved a special send-off.

TIOGA SCHOOL

Tioga’s kindergartners are ready for first grade! They celebrated May 30 with a cute, memorable performance for their families, who packed the gymnasium for this special moment. The students looked fabulous in their terrific tie-dyed T-shirts as they sang and danced for their parents and teachers. The following morning, families once again packed Tioga’s gymnasium to celebrate the school’s fifth graders, who are ready to head to Blackhawk in the fall. Following this touching send-off ceremony, the celebration continued with the traditional fifth-grade picnic in Di Orio Park, and its featured attraction, the dunk tank! The entire day was a fitting salute to these wonderful students and how they’ve learned and grown together throughout their time at Tioga. They looked great in their Tioga Fifth Grade Picnic T-shirts donated by the Foundation, and they had so much fun at the picnic. They will remember this special day for years to come.

And on June 2, Tioga’s pre-kindergarten students celebrated the end of the school year with beautiful ceremonies and presentations in their classrooms. After the celebrations, all of them and their families participated in a nice family gathering where they ate a light snack and enjoyed time with their friends, playing and dancing to the rhythm of the DJ.

W.A. JOHNSON SCHOOL

Johnson’s kindergartners are also ready for first grade! They celebrated June 1 with an adorable performance for their families, who packed the gorgeously decorated gymnasium for this special moment. The kindergartners’ celebration wasn’t over, though. The next day, they also gathered on the hill for a lastday-of-school picnic and bubble wands for each student. It was a fabulous send-off to first grade!

Families also packed the gorgeously decorated gymnasium the morning of June 2, the last day of school, to celebrate the school’s fifth graders, who are ready to head to Blackhawk in the fall. Following this touching send-off ceremony, the celebration continued as the fifth graders loaded onto buses and traveled to Bowlero in Glendale Heights for an afternoon of fun, bowling and eating pizza with friends. The entire day was a fitting salute to these wonderful students and how they’ve learned and grown together throughout their time at Johnson. It was such a fun day, and the students will remember it for years to come.

Thank you to the Bensenville Community Foundation for its generosity in not only making these events possible, but for also creating lasting memories for our BSD2 students!

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS

District 2 is offering free developmental screenings on September 13 and 14

Do you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5? Professionals will assess the development of your child’s large and fine motor skills, pre-academic readiness, and speech, language, vision and hearing. The screening will help identify children who qualify for the District’s free preschool program, or who would benefit from additional services prior to entering kindergarten.

Your child must be 3 years old by the screening date to participate. Screenings take about an hour and require an appointment.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call Tioga School at 630.766.2602 ext. 4200.

NOT REGISTERED?

Walk-in registration for 2023-2024 school year set for August 3 for all Bensenville School District 2 schools

Registration for new students or returning students who have not yet registered will be from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, August 3, at all District 2 schools. Parents who are not certain which school their child will attend may call the Educational Administration Center at 630.766.5940, ext. 1108 or 1114. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023, to register for the 2023-2024 school year.

To register new students, parents must bring:

• Certified copies of the original birth certificates for each child being registered

• Proof of residency

• Up-to-date physical, dental, vision, and immunization records

• Transfer slips from the previous school they attended

The first day of the 2023-2024 school year is Wednesday, August 16. For more information, contact the BSD2 Educational Administration Center at 630.766.5940, or any District 2 school.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Johnson and Tioga students can meet their teachers on Tuesday, August 15

The first day of classes in Bensenville School District 2 is Wednesday, August 16. Before classes convene, all students in Grades Pre-K-5 attending W.A. Johnson and Tioga Schools will be able to meet their teachers on Tuesday August 15, according to the following schedule:

• LAST NAMES A-K | 2:30-3 PM • LAST NAMES L-Z | 3-3:30 PM

BRIDGE TO BLACKHAWK

Two-day orientation program will help incoming sixth graders feel like they belong

Everyone belongs at Blackhawk Middle School! That’s why the school is hosting its new Bridge to Blackhawk two-day orientation program for incoming sixth graders from 8-11:30 am Wednesday and Thursday, August 9 and 10, at Blackhawk Middle School, 250 S. Church Road in Bensenville.

Bridge to Blackhawk will be held right before the start of the school year to welcome incoming sixth graders and help them become familiar with their new school.

During the two-day orientation program, the new sixth graders will …

• Get to know their new classmates

• Meet teachers, administrators and other staff

• Tour the school

• Walk their schedules

• Set up their lockers

• Pick-up their technology

• Learn behavior expectations

All incoming sixth graders are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to acclimate themselves to their new school!

To register, visit bsd2.org/BMSbridge.

BLAST-OFF

BMS seventh and eighth graders can walk their schedules and set up their lockers on Saturday, August 12

All incoming BMS seventh- and eighth-grade students are invited to attend BMS Blast-Off from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, August 12, at Blackhawk Middle School, 250 S. Church Road in Bensenville.

During Blast-Off, you will be able to ...

• Walk Your Schedule

• Tour the Building

• Set Up Your Locker

• Start the Connection

FREE SUMMER LUNCHES 12-12:45 pm

Every Monday thru Friday in July (except July 4)

Summer Reading!

Want to earn some cool prizes this summer? Keep track of the time you spend reading and you could win big! You can participate by registering for summer reading and using a print log, which you can grab from the Youth Services Desk, or go online and use Beanstack (bit.ly/BeanStack). Happy reading!

BCPL Special Saturday: Superhero Saturday, 2pm

BPD Live at White Pines –Uptown Rhythm, 6pm, White Pines

BPD Farm Chores, 9:30-11am, Fischer Farm BPD Yoga at the Farm, 10-11am, Fischer Farm, All Free BPD Movie in the Park –Sonic the Hedgehog 2 , Dusk, Varble Park

FHS Deadline to Register for the 2023-2024 School Year

BPD Yoga & Art in the Park, 6-8pm, Varble Park

FHS Registration for 2023-2024 Begins BPD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, DGLC

Village Hall Closed Libertyfest Parade & Celebration BPD Veterans Swim Bash, Noon-5pm, Water Park & Splash Pad Independence Day,BSD2 schools and offices closed

Brush & Branch Pick Up: Brush and branches out by 7am BPD Brieter-Palm Park Wellness Circuits, 9-10:30am, Breiter-Palm Park

BCPL Awesome Australia, 7pm Music in the Park, The Moods

BCPL LEGO Night w/ Windy City LUG, 6:30pm Senior Luncheon, 10am, Green Street Grille BPD Slushy Day, All Day, Water Park & Splash Pad

BCPL True Stories Book Club, 11am

BPD Kids’ Night Out at the Farm, 6-7:30pm, Fischer Farm BPD National Hot Dog Day, All Day, Water Park & Splash Pad

BCPL Emoji Chalk Workshop, 6:30pm BPD Natural Adventurers, 2-3pm, Breiter-Palm Park FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School

BCPL Riverview Park, 7pm Music in the Park, Heart To Heartbreaker BPD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, DGLC FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School

Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

BCPL Nature at Night: Skunks, 7pm BCPL Solar Mason Jar Light, 7pm BPD Picnic in the Park, 11a-1pm, Breiter-Palm Park

BCPL Notorious: Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 6:30pm BCPL Book Brunch Book Club, 10am FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School

FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School Music in the Park, American English BSD2 Board of Education Regular Business Meeting, 6:30pm, Educational Administration Center

FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School

FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School

BENSENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

Carrier Route Presort Postal Customer Bensenville | Illinois 60106

saturday

BPD Family Campout (Overnight), 5pm-9am, Fischer Farm BSD2 BMS Blast-Off, 9am-noon

BCPL College is Possible, 2pm Coffee with the Village President, 9am-11am, Mohawk Park BPD Farm Chores, 9:30-11am, Fischer Farm

BCPL Paws for a Cause, 10am-12pm BPD Movie at the Farm –Puss in Boots: The Last Wish , Dusk, Fischer Farm

thursday

Outdoor Senior Luncheon, 10am, Town Center Movie in the Park, 8pm/Dusk Town Center BPD Family Campout (Overnight), 5pm-9am, Fischer Farm

BSD2 New Teacher Orientation BSD2 Bridge to Blackhawk Sixth Grade Orientation Program, 8-11:30am, Blackhawk Middle School

wednesday

Music in the Park, EZFM BPD National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, All Day, Water Park & Splash Pad BPD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, DGLC

BCPL Mini Canvas Painting, 6:30pm Music in the Park, The Blooze Brothers BPD Zumba ® Surf N’Turf, 6-6:45pm, Water Park & Splash Pad BPD Fore the Kids Outing, 8a-6pm, White Pines

tuesday

friday hello! bensenville august 2023

monday

National Night Out, 6pm, Town Center CDC Meeting, 6:30pm, VH BPD Senior Splash Bash, 10a-1pm, Water Park & Splash Pad FHS Senior Portraits 8am to 5pm at Fenton High School

FREE SUMMER LUNCHES 12-12:45 pm Every Monday thru Friday August 1-11 (except August 4)

BSD2 Board of Education Regular Workshop Meeting, 6:30pm, EAC

BCPL Power of Plant-Forward Nutrition, 7pm FHS Textbook Pickup Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

BSD2 New Teacher Orientation BSD2 Bridge to Blackhawk Sixth Grade Orientation Program, 8-11:30am, Blackhawk Middle School

BPD Live at White Pines –Caribe Project, 6pm, White Pines BSD2 Pre-Kindergarten Home Visit Days, no Pre-K student attendance

BCPL DIY Mini Bee Skep, 7pm BPD Natural Adventurers, 2-3pm, Varble Park BSD2 Pre-Kindergarten Home Visit Days, no Pre-K student attendance

FHS First Day of School Music in the Park, Generation BPD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, DGLC BSD2 First Day of School Grades K-8

BSD2 Pre-Kindergarten Home Visit Days, no Pre-K student attendance

BCPL Versiti Blood Drive, 12-5pm Committee of the Whole Meeting 6:30pm, VH BSD2 Professional Development Day no student attendance

BSD2 Meet the Teacher, Pre-K-5, last names A-K from 2:30-3pm, last names K-Z from 3-3:30pm, Johnson and Tioga

BCPL Book Brunch Book Club, 10am

Music in the Park, Kashmir BSD2 Board of Education regular meeting at 6:30pm, Educational Administration Center

Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

BCPL Trivia Night @ Green St. Grille, 7 pm

BCPL True Stories Book Club, 11am Brush & Branch Pick Up: Brush and branches out by 7am BPD Brieter-Palm Park Wellness Circuits, 9-10:30am, Breiter-Palm Park BPD Outdoor Bootcamp, 9-10am, Varble Park

BSD2 District Institute Day no student attendance

BSD2 First Day of School for Pre-Kindergarten