Community Newsletter May/June 2023

Dive into summer!

Registration is underway for all programming in the Summer Program Guide. Programs are available at the Deer Grove Leisure Center and online at BvilleParks.org.

PARK ‘N PLAY

Get out and play this summer! The Bensenville Park District is continuing to bring more activities and programs to neighborhood parks! These parks serve a wide range of recreation needs based on the surrounding neighborhood, with many activities and amenities to keep visitors of all ages active and engaged the entire day. Activities include movies in the parks, fitness dayz and even a family campfire. Don’t miss the May 13 DriveIn Movie at White Pines! Watch Happy Gilmore on a golf cart at the driving range. On June 10, watch Encanto at DiOrio Field! Both movies begin at dusk. There is a $10 cart fee at White Pines, and each cart can hold two adults. Try an outdoor Zumba class at Sunset Park Saturday, June 17, as part of the summer fitness dayz that bring park district fitness programs to neighborhood parks. Spend an evening by the fire with s’mores and stories! The family campfire at Fischer Farm takes place Friday, June 23 Be sure to check out the variety of activities coming to neighborhood parks at BvilleParks.org/park-n-play!

WOOD STREET FITNESS

Don’t miss out on Free Fitness Week, May 1-6! Work out in the fitness center or try as many group fitness classes as you wish for free, including the new Fit & Balanced class Monday at 10 am. Spice up your group fitness workout during Wood Street Fitness’ free Fitness de Mayo celebration Friday, May 5! The center will be offering its regularly-scheduled Friday classes with a fun, Mexican theme, props for photos and an additional free fun fiesta with food provided by Loas Buenos Diaz.

FISCHER FARM

Fischer Farm’s new Little Lambs program offers two four-week sessions of parent-tot style programs to meet farm animals, plant seeds, make crafts and hear farm stories Wednesday mornings in June and July. The indistrict fee is just $32 for each four-week session.

Explore the fun-filled world of farm animal care and chores on a working farm by lending a hand and working with farm staff Saturdays once a month during the summer. Farm Chores meets 9:30-11 am, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19 and September 16. The in-district fee is just $7 per session.

2023 Fourth of July Parade and Hometown Hero

Join us for Bensenville’s Fourth of July festivities kicking off at 10 am in downtown Bensenville with our annual parade. The parade travels east on Green Street, continuing south on York Road, turning east onto Jefferson Street, and finishing at the Redmond Recreational Complex. The Village of Bensenville is also seeking nominations for veterans to serve as grand marshal for the Libertyfest Fourth of July parade. The nominees must be current residents of Bensenville and must also be veterans, or active military personnel. The deadline for submissions is June 9, 2023. Nominees must be willing and available to serve as grand marshal on July 4th and receive honors at a Village Board of Trustees meeting. To participate in the parade and for additional information, please visit: bensenville.il.us or call 630.594.1010.

The statements and opinions expressed in this

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

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)

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

Board of Commissioners

Rich Johnson | President

Val Karg | Vice President

Jay Snyder | Treasurer

Nancy Gibbs | Secretary

Executive Director

Joseph C. Vallez

BvilleParks.org

CULTURAL & FINE ARTS

Sign up for new summer cultural & fine arts classes! New classes include Storytelling, Intro to Playwriting, Playwriting Workshop, Audition Prep and Character Study. Learn to sing with the new Wednesday afternoon Voice Lessons program! Share your talents at Open Mic Night May 26!

Explore the park district’s new art classes! There’s something for those of all ages, including Color Outside the Lines, The American Canvas, Designing the Future, Numerical Art, Sketching 101, Aesthetically Painting, Art on the Rocks, Little Painters and Macrame. See detailed descriptions on pages 39-41 of the Summer Program Guide.

SUMMER CAMPS

The Bensenville Park District’s summer camps provide hours of safe, supervised fun and promote development, teamwork, and socialization. Camps adhere to all IDPH and CDC guidelines while the kids have a blast. During each exciting day, campers will participate in a wide variety of engaging games, projects, crafts, and of course, daily swim time at the water park. There’s even beforeand after- camp programs!

Register by 6 pm, Friday, May 5, and save $10 off each full 10-day session reserved for the all-new Fischer Farm Discovery Camp (ages 6-10), Adventure Camp (ages 6-10), Sports Camp (ages 6-10) and Teen Camp (ages 11-15). You may also take advantage of the discount for registering multiple children during this time. For details on the many different camps available, visit BvilleParks.org/Programs/Camps.

Tot Camp offers a caring and gentle introduction to the camp experience for two-year-olds with a new and exciting theme presented each week from 9 to 11:15 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sunshine Camp (ages 3-5) is designed to foster children’s growth and independence through exploration, guest speakers, sports, camp songs and playground time in addition to visits to the splash pad. The camps run from 9 am to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.

BENSENVILLE SPORTS CONFERENCE

From youth sports activities such as Teach Me Sports, Soccer Stompers, Kids Karate Club, Sports Explorers, Tiny Tot Tumbling and boys and girls volleyball skills to adult co-ed outdoor basketball and volleyball, there’s something for everyone.

Adults can get their friends together and try their hand at pickleball, the fastest-growing racket sport in America! Pickleball combines tennis, badminton and ping pong into a fun game! Courts are available for play 9 am – noon Monday through Friday through May 26 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. For more information, visit BvilleParks.org/pickleball.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!

Join the Bensenville Park District for a special day or night at a Chicago-area minor league baseball game this summer! The fun begins at 6 pm, May 20, when the Schaumburg Boomers host the Windy City Thunderbolts. The $26 ticket includes a hot dog, chips and small drink. Purchase tickets online at BvilleParks.org/Baseball. Additional games will be added throughout the season.

The following 11:30 am games for those age 21+ require advance registration at the DGLC: Chicago Dogs at Kane County Cougars June 21 and Gary Southshore Railcats at Kane County July 12. Tickets are $20 each ($15 for those living within park district boundaries) and include transportation, a hot dog, chips and soda.

WATER PARK & SPLASH PAD

Stay cool at the pool! Water park opens May 29. Passes on sale now! Learn to swim in the Tide Pool Water Explorers, Preschool, and Bensenville Swim Schools (four levels) programs. Private swim lessons are also available. Check the Summer Program Guide for more details.

WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB

White Pines will offer patrons the opportunity to test and purchase the latest in golf technology from Callaway and TaylorMade during the club’s fitting days.

Visit WhitePinesGolf.com for more information and to register.

Females golf free on Mother’s Day, May 14, as part of the club’s Mother’s Day special. Tee times are required. Restrictions apply. Book tee times at WhitePinesGolf.com.

Interested in working at the water park, White Pines Golf Club, or for the park district? Visit BvilleParks.org/JoinOurTeam to see all job postings and download an application.

White Pines is offering special evenings of family fun during its monthly family golf nights, with affordable rates and a family-friendly environment for those of all skill levels to enjoy. Fees are $5 for juniors 17 and under and $10 for adults. The cart fee is $10. Family golf nights take place 5 pm until dusk Sundays, May 21, June 18, July 23, August 20 and September 17.

in and around Redmond Recreational Complex with additional parking located off Jefferson St., George St., and on nearby side streets that allow parking. Food, drinks, and more will be available beginning at 6 pm. For additional details or a copy of this year’s flyer, please visit bensenville.il.us.

NOMINATE A HOMETOWN HERO FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE!

The Village of Bensenville is seeking nominations for veterans to serve as grand marshal for the Libertyfest Fourth of July parade. The nominees must be current residents of Bensenville and must also be veterans, or active military personnel. The deadline for submissions is June 9, 2023. Nominees must be willing and available to serve as grand marshal on July 4th and receive honors at a Village Board of Trustees meeting.

To submit a nomination, visit the Village website, scan the QR code, or call 630.594.1010.

Village Manager Evan K. Summers

B-RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING!

The Village is partnering with the Garden Club of Bensenville once again to recognize greatlooking 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.

something for everyone!

2023 MUSIC IN THE PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Everyone’s favorite summer concert series returns to downtown Bensenville from June 14 – August 23!

Stop by early to claim a spot and enjoy dinner in the park before the show. Each event will include a classic car cruise night and a 50/50 split the pot raffle that benefits not-for-profit organizations in our community. For additional information or for a copy of this year’s flyer, please visit: bensenville.il.us.

MAY IS NATIONAL SPORTS AND FITNESS MONTH

In honor of National Sports and Fitness Month, the Village’s recreation department challenges the community to get active this month. Here is a list of activities you could do within the Village’s recreation facilities to help you get active. As a reward for your hard work, residents who take a picture of themselves completing an activity and show it to Bensenville Theatre staff, receive one free scoop of ice cream. Limit one per customer.

Activities include:

1. Play a round of bocce ball at the new bocce ball courts.

2. Kick field goals at the newly refurbished turf field at the Redmond Recreational Complex.

3. Take a lap around the walking path at Redmond Recreational Complex.

4. Participate in open skating at the Edge Ice Arena.

5. Swim a few laps at the Water’s Edge Aquatics Center.

Friday, December 15 (Senior Holiday Party) To be announced

SPRING COMMUNITY YARD SALE DATES | JUNE 1-4

Save the date for our annual Spring Community Yard Sale! 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

All submitted applications will have their address added to our virtual yard sale guide. This 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 May 30th. For more information, visit bensenville.il.us or call 630.350.3413.

2023 DUNKIN’ COP ON A ROOFTOP

Cop on a Rooftop is a fun, unique, and easy way to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Stop by the Irving Park Road Dunkin’ in Bensenville on Friday, May 19th between 5 am and 12 pm to help raise funds for this great cause. Each guest who makes a donation will receive a free donut. Guests who donate $10 or more will receive a LETR/Dunkin’ branded travel mug (while supplies last) and a coupon for a free medium hot coffee.

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

Chris Sloan | Library Director

LIBRARY CLOSINGS

Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day

BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

MOTHER’S DAY CARD MAKING PARTY

WEDNESDAY | MAY 10 AT 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Do you want to make a Mother’s Day card for a special someone in your life? Join us for a night of fun card decorating with the whole family! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CUENTOS EN ESPAÑOL

THURSDAYS AT 6:30 PM | MAY 11 AND JUNE 8 | AT THE LIBRARY

AGES: 0 TO 6 YEARS OLD

Want to encourage early literacy in Spanish? Join us as we read our favorite books, do fun rhymes, and sing silly songs all in Spanish.

Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY | MAY 17 AT 4 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | GRADES: 6TH-12TH

Are you interested in engaging with the library community and earning community service hours? Join us for casual discussions about current events and give input into our library events and services for youth. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

HOME COMPOSTING 101

THURSDAY | JUNE 1 AT 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join recycling educators from SCARCE and learn how to set up indoor composting (vermicomposting) and backyard composting. They will demonstrate and discuss various compost bin options. Learn how to save money, conserve water and create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your home garden. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

PATIO PLAY

FRIDAYS AT 10:30 AM | JUNE 9- 30 | AT THE LIBRARY | AGES: 0-6 YEARS OLD

Join us on the library patio to play with some fun outdoor toys! We will have sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more!

Weather permitting, this event will take place outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be moved indoors. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

NATURE AT NIGHT

MONDAY | JUNE 19 AT 7 PM | ALL AGES

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. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

BAD ART NIGHT

THURSDAY | JUNE 22 AT 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | AGES 6 AND UP

Leave your talent at the door! Create something terrible. No skills required. Skills FROWNED upon. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

fabulous!

ON BEING FABULOUS WITH JONATHAN VAN NESS AND KRISTI YAMAGUCHI

WEDNESDAY | MAY 17 AT 7 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

Queer Eye and Getting Curious star and ice skating superfan, Jonathan Van Ness talks with his idol, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. They’ll chat figure skating, fabulous style, and whatever else comes up! With Jonathan, you never quite know what he’ll say next, but his unfiltered takes are always as interesting as they are hilarious.

REGISTER: bit.ly/OnBeingFabulous

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering high-quality events. Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

LET’S TALK: MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

THURSDAY | MAY 18 AT 7 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness of DuPage County, for a heart-to-heart discussion about today’s most pressing mental health issues: anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. NAMI DuPage was founded by a group of parents in 1985 as an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nationwide mental health advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of lives of people affected by mental illnesses. NAMI DuPage has grown from a small handful of people to an organization of over 1,000 members and has become one of the largest and most innovative of 1,200 affiliates nationwide. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

JUMP START YOUR GENEALOGY: Ancestry Library Edition

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 7 AT 11 AM | AT THE LIBRARY

Come to the BCPL computer lab for live hands-on instruction in the use of Ancestry Library Edition. Learn how to navigate and assess records, print, fill out and download forms and documents, and save and organize files. Please bring a USB thumb drive or external hard drive if you want to start saving your work.

Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit 6.

LITERARY GARDENS

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 7 AT 7 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

Join master gardener and natural history writer Cindy Crosby for a fun look at gardens in literature and poetry. From Agatha Christie’s mystery series, to Brother Cadfael’s medieval herb garden, to Michael Pollan’s garden in “Second Nature,” to the “secret garden” beloved of children’s literature, there are so many gardens that helped shape the books we love to read. Discover how gardens and garden imagery figure in the works of Mary Oliver, Henry Mitchell, Barbara Kingsolver, Lewis Carroll--and many more! See your garden with new eyes --- and come away with a list of books you can’t wait to explore. Registration is required through our online calendar or by phone. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. A link to the Zoom event will be emailed to participants after registration closes.

FORGOTTEN DISNEY: EXTINCT RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS OF THE FLORIDA PARKS

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 28 AT 7 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

In the 50 years that Walt Disney World in Florida has been operating, many attractions have been closed for one reason. In this PowerPoint presentation, we will look at some of these attractions. Some were loved and are still missed by fans today; others may be best forgotten. Will any of them be a favorite of yours? Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

BOOK & PLANT SIDEWALK SALE

SATURDAY | MAY 20

FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM AT THE LIBRARY

Calling all book lovers, plant lovers, and bargain hunters! Join us for a special outdoor Library book sale. We will have a limited selection of flowers, vegetable plants, and houseplants available for purchase. Browse through fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages, children’s and teen books, DVDs, and more. Everyone is invited!

CELEBRATION

JUNE 12 – 17

Join

JUNETEENTH FILM FESTIVAL

Join the library for a short three-day Juneteenth film celebration. Starting Monday, June 12, 2023 through Wednesday, June 14, 2023. The Library will show films that inspire hope, bring awareness to cultural issues, and showcase Black Excellence. But what’s a movie without popcorn? Black Owned business Sha-Poppin in nearby Westchester, IL will supply popcorn for our first movie Soul. (while supplies last). Registration is not required, but space is limited.

SOUL | PG | MONDAY, JUNE 12 | 1PM | ALL AGES | RUNTIME 1H 40M

Pianist, Joe Gardner who is killed in an accident before his big break as a jazz musician and seeks to reunite his separated soul and body

QUEEN OF KATWE | PG | TUESDAY, JUNE 13 | 1PM | ALL AGES | RUNTIME 2H 4M

A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess in this celebration of the human spirit.

THE HATE U GIVE | PG-13 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 | 6:30 PM | TEENS & ADULTS

RUNTIME 2H 12M

In this powerful drama based on the best-selling novel, when a teenager witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, she must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.

OH SWEET TRIVIA!

MONDAY | JUNE 12 AT 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Join us as we kick-off our Juneteenth celebration with a night of trivia! Gather your friends and family to test your trivia knowledge and compete against others. Win prizes by answering questions about Black History, pop culture and more. As a special treat we’ll also have cupcakes from Tee Tee’s Sweets – a Black Owned small business in nearby Oak Park, IL. (While supplies last). Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

ARTIST TALK SESSION WITH ART GALLERY OWNER LATOYA UNDERWOOD

THURSDAY | JUNE 15 AT 7 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

An intimate discussion on Art featuring the Exhibit – Thank God, I’m Free – A Collective of Struggle, Strength and Success in observation of Juneteenth and the Black Experience in America. This wonderful exhibit showcases work from Four Artists: Shanel Romain, Jeribai Andrew – JaJa, and Desiree Kelly. Pose Cultural Art Gallery owner Latoya Underwood will discuss the significance behind the pieces and their impact. The art will be on display at the Library from June 15 through June 21,2023

Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A TASTE OF POETRY WITH AUTHOR DR. TAYLOR BYAS, PH.D

JUNE 16, 2023 | TEEN / ADULTTIME | 1 PM | VIRTUAL EVENT AND IN-PERSON

The library presents Chicago native poet and essayist, Dr. Taylor Byas, Ph.D (She/Hers). Taylor is a Black Chicago native currently living in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is now a Yates scholar at the University of Cincinnati. An Associate Editor for The Cincinnati Review, and an Assistant Features Editor for The Rumpus. She is the author of the chapbook Bloodwarm from Variant Literature, a collection of poems that explores what it’s like to live in a black body that is constantly scrutinized and dissected beneath the white gaze.

Join us for an afternoon of poetry readings, and Q&A of Taylor’s latest book Bloodwarm. This program is a hybrid that can be watched at home or in the library. Registration is required through our online calendar or by phone. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. A link to the Zoom event will be emailed to participants after registration closes.

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

Kit Tingpalpong | President

Juliet Rago | Vice President

Leonel Figueroa | Secretary

Sylvia Hayde

Cary Lewis

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

Todd Becker

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

FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

Dear Fenton Families and valued community partners,

Graduation is on the horizon and I am so ready to celebrate the Fenton Class of 2023! These students were the last grade level to be in Fenton before the COVID pandemic. They are the last group that remembers full normalcy, and they’ve been amazing mentors to our younger Bison. As a reminder, Fenton’s Commencement Ceremony is Sunday, May 21 at noon. All seniors get four tickets, with overflow seating in our auditorium to watch the livestream. If you live or work in our community, please give a friendly shout out to any Bison graduates you know. They’ve worked hard these difficult last four years.

Moving forward, I just want to remind our community of the construction that will start in June and continue through January 2024. Funding for our community-driven referendum was not approved by voters last year. As part of the referendum we pledged to contribute around $10 million of cash reserves (savings); we have since decided to use that money for a water mitigation project in an effort to prevent further damage to our building and grounds.

This project will install an underground water storage tank near our stadium to temporarily collect stormwater from the western side of our campus. This includes new, larger underground pipes being added in front of our building, in the back of the building, and around our auditorium to funnel water away from the building.

Significant construction will occur in and around our stadium, which will result in the need to make repairs. Instead of replacing our problematic grass field with another problematic grass field, we plan to install artificial turf that will improve the availability of our stadium in the future. Portions of the track also will be damaged and need replacing.

Fenton is committed to maintaining every single academic and extracurricular program. Nothing will be canceled as a result of our construction.

I want to give a huge Bison Shout Out to Executive Director Joe Vallez and all the Commissioners at the Bensenville Park District. Thanks to our ongoing partnership and commitment to the community, we were able to coordinate the use of two nearby parks for our summer and fall sports practices.

Next school year will still begin on time and the daily bell schedule will remain the same, but outdoor physical education activities will be relocated. Similarly, Fenton will host its home football games at Triton College.

All of us at Fenton are excited to make this investment for the future success of our beloved school. However, the vast majority of this costly work will go underground and not be seen after construction ends. What will still be seen is the damage caused by water intrusion, the obsolete learning spaces our children are using, and the crumbling infrastructure that naturally occurs over time. These issues will still need to be addressed.

Let’s go BISON!

JAMES ONGTENGCO | Superintendent

10

making us proud!

AMONG THE BEST IN ILLINOIS: FENTON’S STATE BOUND STUDENTS

FENTON

COMMUNITY HIGH

Fenton continues to produce athletic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs that rival others throughout Illinois. Each time an individual or team qualify for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Finals, Fenton throws a State Bound celebration with classmates and families before school the day of or day before traveling to the competition. Fenton’s staff and Board of Education are extremely proud of these dedicated students and coaches.

Mission Statement

CHESS | The Bison Chess Team qualified for the IHSA State Finals for a 16th consecutive year. David Severiano went undefeated (7 wins and 0 losses) while at the State Finals, something no one else at Fenton has ever done!

SOPHIA SOSA PLACES 3RD AT IWCOA STATE FINALS

Congratulations to junior Sophia Sosa for earning 3rd place in the 155lbs bracket of the IWCOA Girls State Championships in March. Sophia had 4 tough wins against high level opponents but lost to the eventual state champion in the semifinals.

SPEECH | Our epic Fenton speech team sent three performers to the IHSA State Finals. Sarah Guerrero Gorostieta earned 3rd in state for Original Oratory. Nathan Rodriguez earned 6th in state for Original Comedy. Tera Pabico finished as a state finalist in Informative Speaking.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS | Fenton’s Special Olympics Basketball Team advanced to state after beating an undefeated Glenbard South. Once at state, they also upset a powerhouse Lyons Township team and eventually placed 2nd in the state!

WRESTLING | Yamile Penaloza qualified for the IHSA Girls Wrestling Sate Finals for the second year in a row.

All are Invited to Fenton’s 2ND ANNUAL SPRING KERMES

Fenton’s newest fundraiser returns on Saturday, May 6. Please join us for a day of food, music, face painting, and games.

The menu typically includes Tacos, Gorditas, Tamales, Sopes, Tortas, Enchiladas, Fried Tilapia, Fresca, and more!

A soccer tournament and 5K race typically kicks off the Kermes at 10 am and a band closes out the Kermes in the evening. More details will be posted our website fenton100.org as the date gets closer.

This is a family-friendly event is co-sponsored by the Bensenville Park District and open to the public. Remember, all proceeds benefit Fenton students!

Todos están invitados de Fenton 2DO ANNUAL PRIMAVERA KERMES

La recaudación de fondos más reciente de Fenton regresa el sábado 6 de mayo. Únase a nosotros para un día de comida, música, pintura de caras y juegos.

¡El menú generalmente incluye tacos, gorditas, tamales, sopes, tortas, enchiladas, tilapia frita, fresca y más! Un torneo de fútbol y una carrera de 5 km suelen dar inicio a la Kermes a las 10 a. m. y una banda cierra la Kermes por la noche. Se publicarán más detalles en nuestro sitio web fenton100.org a medida que se acerque la fecha. Este es un evento familiar copatrocinado por el Distrito de Parques de Bensenville y abierto al público. ¡Recuerde, todos los ingresos benefician a los estudiantes de Fenton!

MR. DRELICHARZ NAMED CTE INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR!

Congratulations to Fenton’s very own Mark Drelicharz, who in February was recognized as a Career & Technical Education Instructor of the Year by the DuPage Area Occupational Education System (DAOES) as well as College of DuPage. DAOES is an Illinois Education for Employment (EFE) system responsible for planning for the delivery of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in this geographical area. Fenton operates its CTE classes under the guidance of DAOES, which means they know an awesome teacher when they see one.

Mr. Drelicharz is a leader in our school as an instructional coach, he’s a strong teacher in the classroom who inspires our students, and he is outstanding at developing industry partnerships that bring new and innovative learning opportunities to our students. We are very fortunate to have Mr. Drelicharz on staff and couldn’t be more proud of him. Fenton is putting more emphasis on career pathways via career treks, guest speakers, internships, and more. These opportunities allow students to envision themselves in those jobs and then work toward the career while still in high school.

Thank You for Inspiring Our Students

Fenton thanks all the colleges and local businesses that joined us in March for our alternating college fairs and career fairs. Our students benefit greatly from seeing real life examples of successful careers and the paths to get there. We want our students to be ready to build solid futures for themselves, and to find something they’re passionate about!

We arranged the fairs to alternate so students could take information they learned at one and build upon it at the other fair. For example, students met employers from a variety of organizations on Tuesday and Thursday, learning about the daily work and the credentials necessary to work there. Then students met representatives from colleges on Wednesday and Friday colleges to see if they offer courses that could lead to the careers the students learned about the day before.

These are potentially life changing introductions, and we are so thankful for all the time these organizations donated.

BENSENVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

2

210 South Church Road

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

bsd2.org | 630 766 5940

Board of Education

Jacqueline Dye

Victoria Gonzalez

Bob Laudadio

Marisol Leyva

Anita Miller

Lori Parthimos

James Stoltman

Administration

Dr. Katie McCluskey | Superintendent of Schools

Paul Novack | Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Anne Paonessa | Interim Director of Teaching & Learning

Dustin Berman | Director of Student Services

Edgar Palacios | Director of Multilingual Programs and English Learners

Shannon Steen | Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Assessment

Christy Poli | Director of Community Schools and Birth-to-3 Program

Tammy Hoeflinger | Human Resources Coordinator

Tim Waldorf | Community Relations Coordinator

Lara Schwarz | Project CARE Coordinator and Community Liaison

Claire Cooper | Director of Transportation

Greg Jones | GCA Manager Buildings and Grounds

Pam Laguna | Sodexo General Manager Food Services

DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS

Blackhawk Middle School | 630 766 2601

Dr. Perry Finch | Principal

Zach Ettelbrick | Assistant Principal

Nataly Lopez-Diaz | Assistant Principal

Tioga School | 630 766 2602

Jeffrey Kersten | Principal

Amber Soike | Assistant Principal

W.A. Johnson School | 630 766 2605

Carlos Patiño | Principal

Michelle Shabaker | Assistant Principal

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Thank you, BSD2 teachers and staff!

Every year, the first full week of May is Teacher Appreciation week – a time when we all are encouraged to #thankateacher.

As I approach the end of my first year as a superintendent, though, I’m compelled to thank our over 200 teachers and another 200-plus staff members for their combined contributions toward the education of the more than 2,000 students we serve here in District 2.

We began this school year by embracing the District’s new motto: Learning & Growing Together. Over the past 10 months, our teachers and staff have brought our motto to life every day in our schools and classrooms. I have loved going into the classrooms and our schools to witness – and be inspired by – this hard work!

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week I want our teachers and staff to know that these daily efforts are creating lifelong learners. Our students will appreciate their teachers’ impact on their lives more than our teachers will ever know, and long after our students’ days in District 2 have passed.

So thank you, BSD2 teachers and staff, for your commitment to our mission and your never-ending passion to ignite within our students a lifelong desire to learn and succeed in an ever-changing world. May each of you have a fulfilling and refreshing summer—one that prepares you for another year of Learning & Growing Together in 2023-2024. I cannot wait to celebrate the progress that year two will bring for our students, staff, and families.

Sincerely,

DR. KATIE MCCLUSKEY Superintendent of Schools BENSENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

HEROES WELCOME

Tioga hosts two superstars in one week!

Tioga School was the place to spot celebrities earlier this year, as BMX superstar and motivational speaker Matt Wilhelm and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce, author and illustrator of the incredibly popular Big Nate comic strip and children’s books, both visited the school in the same week!

Wilhelm visited for a schoolwide PBIS assembly, and shared with students how he was bullied at their age, but persevered to become a three-time X Games Medalist, World Championship Silver Medalist, two-time United States National Champion, and Guinness World Record Holder. And, of course, he demonstrated some of the tricks that earned him those accolades, as well as winning appearances on America’s Got Talent and FOX TV’s 30 Seconds to Fame.

Peirce spoke to students about the Big Nate comic series that he has drawn for more than 30 years, and told them he began drawing cartoons when he was a kid about their age. Then he demonstrated how easily they can create their own cartoons by showing them simple steps to draw some of the many different faces of Big Nate. Tioga was one of just three lucky Chicago-area elementary schools that Mr. Peirce visited courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville.

we appreciate you!

THE PEOPLE IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD

Community field trips introduce BSD2 first graders to local police, firefighters, and park personnel

COVID canceled all field trips for two-plus years, but they returned this year, allowing first-grade students to enjoy a beloved District 2 tradition, the community field trip.

As part of their study of communities, BSD2 first graders once again went on a fun-filled tour of Bensenville, meeting local police officers and firefighters, and learning how they protect and serve the community. They also toured Fischer Farm and learned how some of Bensenville’s earliest settlers lived in the 1800s. They wrapped up their adventure at Deer Grove Leisure Center, where they enjoyed an afternoon of crafts and activities.

A HUGE thank you to Bensenville Park District, Bensenville Police Department, and Bensenville Fire Protection District 2 for making the return of this BSD2 tradition possible!

PARENT EDUCATION SERIES

Final presentation will focus on toxic families and rational dialogue

Bensenville School District 2 and Fenton High School’s Padres Unidos have partnered this year to present a yearlong parent education series facilitated by Chicago-area psychologist Dr. Ferney Ramirez (Spanish) and YWCA clinical therapist Theresa Taylor (English).

The eighth and final offering in the series will be held from 6:30-8 pm, Thursday, May 4, at Fenton High School, located at 1000 W. Green Street in Bensenville.

The presentation is titled Son, Daughter, I Love You, But With Limits. It will help parents teach their children the importance of setting limits in their lives. How setting firm boundaries can help them keep their lives in order and provide for their personal security by avoiding negative situations and navigating toxic relationships.

These presentations will be offered in English and Spanish.

Childcare and food will be provided.

CLASS OF 2023

Save the date for Blackhawk’s eighth grade promotion

Blackhawk Middle School will hold its eighth-grade promotion ceremony on Thursday, June 1, in the field house at Fenton High School, 1000 W. Green Street, Bensenville. Families of students participating in the promotion ceremony receive a total of six tickets. Students should arrive at 6:30 pm. The ceremony starts at 7 pm.

Congrats...

AND BEST WISHES!

District 2 welcomes two new members to its Board, and thanks two departing members for their service.

Voters sent two newcomers and three incumbents to the Bensenville School District 2 Board of Education during the April 4 election.

Victoria Gonzalez and Anita Miller will join the Bensenville School District 2 Board of Education, serving four-year terms alongside newly elected incumbents Jacqueline Dye and James Stoltman. Incumbent Bob Laudadio was also re-elected to a two-year post.

The newly elected Board members will be seated during a special reorganizational meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, in the Lifelong Learning Center at the BSD2 Educational Administration Center located at 210 S. Church Road.

During the reorganizational meeting, the Board will vote to appoint new officers. The District will also thank departing members Dr. Chris McCullough and Katie Krajecki, both of whom chose not to seek re-election.

BUSINESS BINGO

BMS Career Exploration Fair introduced students to all kinds of jobs and the people who actually do them

Obtain three business cards, shake two participants’ hands, and ask one person why they chose their career – those were just three of the squares on bingo cards students sought to fill as they made their way through recent BMS Career Exploration Fair.

The students were joined in this game by two dozen different representatives from a wide variety of career fields: accounting, architecture, the arts, auto repair, beauty and cosmetology, business management and ownership, computer programming, daycare, education, engineering, finance, health and medicine, law, public safety, politics, professional sports, real estate, travel and tourism, and veterinary medicine.

Stationed at booths scattered throughout the BMS auditorium, those career reps signed students’ bingo cards after answering their questions about what they love about their work, or sharing cool facts many people don’t know about their jobs, or even offering advice for middle school students.

In that way, the Career Exploration Fair was an absolute winner, as the gamification of the traditional career day concept prompted students to not only explore career fields outside of their immediate interests, but also engage people who work in those fields in conversations about their jobs and their lives.

saturday

Addison Township Recycling Event, 8am-12pm, Addison Township Highway Garage

BPD Drive-In Movie Happy Gilmore with carts, White Pines Driving Range

BCPL Book & Plant Sidewalk Sale, 9am-5pm

thursday

BSD2 Developmental Screenings (By Appointment/No Pre-Kindergarten Attendance) FHS Fenton High School Community Service Deadline BPD Fitness de Mayo, Wood St. Fitness Kermes, 10am-3pm, Fenton Stadium

BSD2 Developmental Screenings (By Appointment/No Pre-Kindergarten Attendance) BSD2-Fenton Parent Education Series Son, DaughterI Love You, But With Limits , 6:30-8pm, Fenton FHS Padres Unidos Meeting, 6:45pm BPD TaylorMade Custom Fitting Day, White Pines

wednesday

BSD2 Board of Education Reorganizational Meeting, 6:30pm, EAC BSD2 BMS Chorus & Steel Drum Concert, 6:30pm, BMS BPD Board Committee Meeting, 6pm, DGLC

BCPL Cuentos en Espanol, 6:30pm BSD2 Band Festival, Grades 5-8, 6:30pm, BMS

BCPL Mother’s Day Card Making, 6:30pm

tuesday

friday may 2023 hello! bensenville

monday

Senior Luncheon, Green Street Grille, 10am CDC Meeting: 6:30pm, Village Hall Brush & Branch Pick Up: Brush and branches out by 7am BPD Wood Street Fitness Free Week through 5/6

Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, Village Hall

FHS Prom, 7pm Cars and Clothing, 5:30-8pm, Green St. and S. Center St.

BCPL Let’s Talk: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, 7pm FHS Senior Awards Night, 6:30pm

BCPL Youth Advisory Council, 4pm BCPL On Being Fabulous with Jonathan Van Ness and Kristi Yamaguchi, 7pm BSD2 Board of Education meeting, 7pm, EAC BPD Board Meeting, 6pm, DGLC

FHS Music Department Awards Night, 7pm Committee of the Whole Meeting 6:30pm, Village Hall

FHS Choir Concert, 7pm

BPD Mother’s Day Golf Special, White Pines

FHS Final Exam Day 3

Nominate a hometown hero for the Fourth of July parade!

FHS Final Exam Day 2 BPD Callaway Custom Fitting Day, White Pines

FHS Final Exam Day 1 FHS Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

The deadline for submissions is June 9, 2023. Details on page 3!

Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, Village Hall

BSD2 Memorial Day (BSD2 Schools and Offices Closed) BSD2 Memorial Day Parade performance by BMS Bands BPD Memorial Day Holiday BPD March with Park District at Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade BPD Water Park & Splash Pad Opening

FHS Graduation, 12pm BPD Family Day, 5pm, White Pines

BENSENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

210 South Church Road | Bensenville | Illinois 60106

june

Carrier Route Presort Postal Customer Bensenville | Illinois 60106

saturday

Spring Community Yard Sale

BPD Decorate the Deck, Water Park BPD Movie in the Park, Encanto , DiOrio Park

BPD Fitness Dayz –Outdoor Zumba, Sunrise Park

BSD2 Last Day of School for the BPD Decorate the Deck Day, Water

BCPL Home Composting 101, 6:30pm BSD2 BMS Eighth Grade Promotion, 7pm, Fenton High School BSD2 Board of Education regular workshop meeting 6:30pm, EAC Spring Community Yard Sale

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am

BCPL Cuentos en Espanol, 6:30pm

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am Juneteenth Celebration: A Taste of Poetry with Dr. Taylor Byas, 1pm

BCPL Juneteenth Celebration: Artist Talk Session with Latoya Underwood, 7pm

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am

from

friday Black artists, poets, films, trivia and sample food from Black Owned Businesses. Details on page 8!

BCPL Jump Start Your Genealogy: Ancestry Library Edition, 11am BCPL Literary Gardens, 7pm BSD2 Summer School, 8-11:30am Monday-Thursday at Tioga, through 6/29

BPD Board Committee Meeting, 5:30pm, DGLC

BCPL Juneteenth Film Festival: The Hate U Give , 6:30pm Music in the Park, 7:30pm, Downtown Bensenville

Bad Art Night, 6:30pm

BPD Callaway Custom Fitting Day, White Pines

BSD2 Board of Education meeting, 7pm at EAC Music in the Park, 7:30pm, Downtown Bensenville BPD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, DGLC

BCPL Forgotten Disney, 7pm FHS Board of Education Meeting, 7pm Music in the Park, 7:30pm, Downtown Bensenville

a week-long Juneteenth Celebration highlighting Black

Senior Luncheon, Green Street Grille, 10am CDC Meeting, 6:30pm, Village Hall BPD Senior Splash Bash

Join

Brush & Branch Pick Up: Brush and branches out by 7am

Spring Community Yard Sale

BCPL Juneteenth Film Festival: Queen of Katwe 1pm

BCPL Juneteenth Film Festival: Soul , 1pm 12 BCPL Juneteenth Celebration: Oh Sweet Trivia!, 6:30 pm

BPD TaylorMade Custom Fitting Day, White Pines

FHS Summer School Semester 1 Begins

Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, Village Hall

BPD Veterans’ Golf Event, White Pines, 9am-2pm

BCPL Nature at Night, 7pm

BSD2 Juneteenth National Freedom Day (Schools and Offices Closed)

BPD Father’s Day Special –Dads free with paying child, Water Park & Splash Pad)

BPD Family Day, 5pm, White Pines