Fenton Community High School

FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL | District 100 1000 West Green Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500 www.fenton100.org Mission Statement Cultivate successful, passionate learners through rigor, relevance and relationships. Board of Education Paul Wedemann | President Mary Ann Payton-Howell | Vice President Patricia Jalowiec | Secretary Leonel Figueroa Juliet Rago | Jacci Ramirez Kit Tingpalpong

Administration James Ongtengco | Superintendent Jovan Lazarevic Associate Superintendent/Principal Sam Bentsen | 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 Curriculum and Instruction Todd Becker Director of Activities and Athletics Thomas Kobel, Director of Building, Grounds and Transportation Eileen Roberts | Assistant Principal Pedro Castro | Dean of Students Nancy Coleman | Director of Special Education Kate Ward | Division Leader Eric Koranda | Division Leader Brian Agustin | Division Leader

Dear Fenton families & valued community partners,

We’re almost done, and in more ways than one. This extremely unusual school year is almost complete, and we are so proud of our students for facing a challenge no one has seen before. Thankfully our hybrid/in-person schedule and modified sports seasons have brought us back together as we wrap up this school year. Concurrently, the pandemic appears to be on a big decline, thanks to our many vaccination efforts and our collective commitment to safety.

Below you will find numerous updates as we look forward. Fenton’s Vaccination Efforts

Due to strong relationships with vaccine distributors, most notably JewelOsco, Fenton coordinated two-dose vaccinations for approximately 2,200 local educators and municipal workers, approximately 1,500 senior citizens in our community, and 1,600 hard to reach members of our community. These lifesaving efforts bring us a bit closer to normality and, we hope, keeps all of our families intact. Thank you to all of our heroic staff members and community partners who helped operate these events. Graduation, Prom & Senior events

Class of 2021 (and all students), thank you for coping and dealing with the pandemic. We know this is not how you imagine your senior year. We are trying to do our best to have some resemblance of a normal senior year. • Senior Awards will be on May 13th in our stadium. • Prom is scheduled for Friday, May 14th. • Senior Brunch is tentatively scheduled on May 14th • Graduation is scheduled for Sunday, May 16th in our stadium. The number of spectators will depend on health department guidance.

Let’s hope for a dry day. If it rains, we will reschedule. Dr. Sam Bentsen New Principal/Associate Superintendent of Fenton

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sam Bentsen has been appointed as Principal/ Associate Superintendent of Fenton starting July 1, 2021. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Fenton and will ensure a smooth and immediate transition of leadership. Dr. Bentsen is committed to student success, equity and social justice, and safety and wellness of students, staff and the community. Summer School & Next Year

Traditional summer school and our dynamic Summer Matters programming will occur fully in-person with lunch provided. We are also planning to start our 2021-22 school year with pre-pandemic in-person classes. As you contemplate what this will be like for your family, please remember that most of our current safety precautions (including the use of face coverings) will likely continue into 2022. Fenton will vigorously monitor health department guidelines.

Go BISONS!

JAMES ONGTENGCO | Superintendent

FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL | District 100 1000 West Green Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500 www.fenton100.org Mission Statement Cultivate successful, passionate learners through rigor, relevance and relationships.

Karissa Lara Wins SPEECH STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS in Two Events

Congratulations to junior Karissa Lara for becoming a DOUBLE STATE CHAMPION! During the IHSA Speech State Finals in February she took first place in BOTH of her events, Informative Speaking and Poetry Reading. Karissa is Fenton’s first double state champ in speech since 1994. “My heart is full of joy, pride and gratitude,” Karissa said. “I am beyond thankful for my speech coaches, Ms. Hendricks and Ms. Feinberg, who spent countless hours, long nights, and weekends helping me — and so many other students — find the truth behind their pieces and create passionate performances that touch the lives of others. I’m also so grateful for my parents who shower me with love, support and encouragement — and don’t mind my long Saturday afternoons.”

Karissa said she has felt unheard at times in her life, but Fenton Speech Team has allowed her to speak her mind uninterrupted with supportive coaches who help her maximize the power of her voice. “My Poetry program discussed the trials and tribulations of being a woman in today’s society and the challenges that come with being a female,” Karissa said. A week before regionals, Coach Hendricks challenged Karissa with creating a new poetry selection to add to her already outstanding program. Karissa embraced the chance to elevate her approach and she carried that addition throughout the state tournament. “Intensive one-on-one coaching sessions with Karissa are always a joy because she leans into learning nuance and interpretation skills,” Coach Hendricks said. “I love collaborating with speech students on their program choices. What’s more, is that she trusts me; together, we work as a partnership. Karissa is truly an unstoppable force.” Coach Melissa Feinberg said she is proud of the “strong, capable, and dedicated person” Karissa has become. “Working with Karissa in Informative Speaking has been CBD-elightful,” Coach Feinberg said. “Her informative speech, which is about CBD (short for cannabidiol), was such a complex topic to explore. What’s wonderful about Karissa as a performer is her ability to explore and communicate this complexity in a way that makes the information easy to understand. She delivers her speech with an ease and confidence far beyond her years.” This event was yet another opportunity for Karissa to realize the potential impact her voice carries. “My Informative speech uncovered the benefits and drawbacks of CBD and how it affects our daily lives in ways we may not realize,” Karissa said. “It is such an overwhelming and powerful feeling knowing that I can make a difference doing something that I love. Being able to express myself through my voice is a gift that I will treasure throughout my life.” In total, four Fenton students competed in six events at state. Karissa was joined by Evelyn Perez (Special Occasion Speaking), Alexander Pizarro (Original Oratory), Carolina Rosas (Humorous Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation). Coach Nicole Hendricks said each of them walked away without regrets and left it all on the stage. Junior Carolina Rosas advanced to the Day 2 final rounds in the Humorous Interpretation event and she took 6th in state. Overall, Fenton tied for seventh in state. All four students and both coaches were recognized during Fenton’s March Board of Education meeting.

welcome!

DR. SAM BENTSEN APPOINTED NEW PRINCIPAL OF FENTON HIGH SCHOOL

President Wedemann and the rest of the Board of Education congratulates Dr. Sam Bentsen for being appointed Fenton’s next Associate Superintendent/Principal, effective July 1. The March 17 vote to appoint Dr. Bentsen was unanimous. Dr. Bentsen is currently Fenton’s Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations. He was a vital leader in Fenton’s efforts to create a virtual school early in this pandemic and then institute safety precautions for Fenton’s current hybrid model. “I’m thrilled by the Board’s decision to accept our hiring committee’s recommendation,” Superintendent James Ongtengco said. “Dr. Bentsen has 20 years of school administrator experience both at the building and district levels. His strong relationships with our staff and the board, especially during this crisis, will allow him to hit the grounding running and commence his transition immediately.” Dr. Bentsen joined Fenton in 2018 from nearby DuPage High School District 88, where he oversaw Special Education programming, Disciplinary practices, Guidance programming, and Safety and Security. He also was Willowbrook High School’s assistant principal for seven years after having been their Director of Deans. Originally a social studies teacher and a head coach in three different sports, Dr. Bentsen said he is excited to be the face of Fenton High School encouraging students to pursue their passions. In his current HR role, Dr. Bentsen is already very familiar with the staff and structure of Fenton’s diverse programming. “I am absolutely humbled by the decision to trust me with this important role in the bright future of Fenton High School. I understand that I have been appointed to lead the district through a variety of critical initiatives, including our steadfast commitment to equity and social justice,” Dr. Bentsen said.

Mr. Jovan Lazarevic, Fenton’s current Associate Superintendent/Principal, accepted a position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Lake Park High School District 108. “Thank you Principal Lazarevic for your strong leadership over the years and congratulations on your new adventure,” President Wedemann said. “Dr. Bentsen provides Fenton with both stability and innovative ideas for building upon the momentum Mr. Lazarevic and Mr. Ongtengco have created.”

2021 HIGHLIGHTS YEARBOOK

We may not have all been in the same place at the same time this year, but the Highlights Yearbook Club found a way to have you covered. The deadline to purchase was in April but the publisher says some overflow might be available on a first come, first served basis. Search Fenton High School on yearbookforever.com to check availability.

2 MUSICIANS QUALIFY FOR STATE

Junior Anna Micor senior Bart Sporna were recognized during District 100’s February virtual board of education meeting. Anna qualified for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All State Band playing the Piccolo. Bart qualified for the ILMEA All State Honors Choir. Earlier this school year Anna and Bart were among several Fenton students who were selected for the ILMEA District 1 Festival, and their same auditions were then advanced to the state level where Anna and Bart were chosen from a large pool of applicants from across Illinois. Shortly before the District 1 festival in November, ILMEA named Anna as First Chair status in the piccolo category, which means she earned the highest score among all of the selected piccolo musicians. Bart was selected to the All State Choir for a second consecutive year. Director of Bands Garett George joined Anna for a photo and short video with Fenton’s Statebound banner. Similarly, Director of Choirs Seredy Williams joined Bart. Congratulations to Anna, Bart, and their families for all the hard work!