Community Newsletter May/June 2022 by Village of Bensenville

hello! bensenville a lifelong learning community | may/june 2022

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 STRATEGIC PLAN

Review the results of the District’s community engagement effort. District 2 is engaged in a strategic planning process to develop a shared vision for our schools. Involvement in this process by stakeholders from every corner of the community will result in a longterm framework for decision-making that builds upon the common values held by our community. As part of this process, the District conducted focus groups and an online survey of its employees, parents, students, and community members to ask them about their perceptions of BSD2 schools and their vision for the future of District 2.

VILLAGE RECYCLING EVENT – JUNE 4TH The Village is excited to host a recycling event on Saturday, June 4th from 9-11 am in the Public Works facility parking lot. This event is open to all DuPage County residents (no businesses) and includes recycling opportunities for electronics, textiles or clothing, and paper shredding. A list of all excepted items and additional event details can be found on page 13 or at bensenville.il.us.

During the BSD2 Board of Education’s March 16 meeting, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, the District’s strategic planning consultants, reported on the results of this community engagement effort. View the Community Engagement for Strategic Planning Report at bsd2.org/strategicplan. In April, a Strategic Plan Task Force composed of a variety of BSD2 stakeholders wrote a new strategic plan. It met three times to review this community engagement information, outline the strengths the District needs to expand upon and the concerns it needs to address, and establish the District’s priorities moving forward. This new strategic plan will be presented to the BSD2 Board for approval in May, and will be implemented for the 2022-2023 school year.

IN THIS ISSUE Elementary School District 2 p 1-3 Bensenville Community p 4-6 Public Library Fenton Community High School p 7-9 Bensenville Park District p 10-11 Village of Bensenville 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 Nov/Dec is May 27, 2022.

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 #THANKATEACHER

May 2-6 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. BENSENVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 210 South Church Road Bensenville | Illinois 60106 www.bsd2.org 630 766 5940 Board of Education Dr. Chris McCullough | President James Stoltman | Vice President Marisol Leyva | Secretary Lori Parthimos | Treasurer Jacqueline Dye Katie Krajecki Robert F “Bob” Laudadio Administration Dr. Raymond Lechner Interim Co-Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Nelson Interim Co-Superintendent Anne Paonessa Interim Director of Teaching and Learning Paul Novack Chief Financial Officer Juliann Greene Director of Special Education Missy Baglarz Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Edgar Palacios Director of English Learners DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Blackhawk Middle School 630 766 2601 Dr. Perry Finch | Principal Nicole Mrowice | Assistant Principal Zach Ettelbrick | 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

Thank you to the extraordinary teachers and staff who have worked tirelessly with students and families to keep things moving forward, despite such an unpredictable year. Thank you teachers and instructional assistants for the lasting contributions you made to your students’ future. Thank you principals and administrators for your leadership and commitment to promoting and improving teaching and learning. Thank you secretaries and clerical assistants for your work on the frontlines, serving as the hubs of information and communication in our offices. Thank you school nurses for being that vital link between education and the health of our students and families. Thank you psychologists and social workers for your focus on our students’ social and emotional needs. Thank you bus drivers for safely transporting our students to and from school. Thank you food service staff for providing nutritious and delicious meals for our students. Thank you custodians and maintenance workers for providing safe and clean environments for teaching and learning. Thank you tech staff for equipping our students, teachers and staff with the tools they need to succeed. Thank you EVERYONE for providing your specialized expertise to the District. Each of you plays a vitally important role in the fulfillment of our mission to maximize the unique potential of each child by honoring a natural curiosity and igniting a desire to learn. May each of you have a fulfilling and refreshing summer—one that prepares you for another exciting school year in 2022-2023.

SUMMER NUTRITION

EIGHTH GRADE PROMOTION CEREMONY

Get free breakfasts and lunches at Tioga.

Blackhawk Middle School will hold its eighth-grade promotion ceremony on Thursday, May 26, 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. Face coverings are recommended.

Bensenville School District 2 will serve FREE meals to anyone 18 years and younger during summer school. LOCATION DATES BREAKFAST LUNCH

Tioga School, 212 W. Memorial Road Monday-Friday, June 6-24 8-8:15 am 11:40 am – noon

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EXTRA SPECIALS

STEAM and SEL classes to be added to elementary specials rotation. Next year, the District’s elementary schedule will guarantee viable instructional time, daily grade-level planning time, and blocks to provide interventions and enrichment by adding STEAM and SEL classes to the elementary specials rotation. STEAM | The new weekly STEAM class will offer elementary students 21st-Century experiences in engineering and computer sciences, as well as opportunities to explore a MakerSpace, code Ozobots, and learn digital citizenship. Currently, elementary science standards are embedded within literacy-based, teacher-created units of study. This new class will provide all K-5 students with additional hands-on science, engineering, and integrated arts experiences on a weekly basis, and better prepare them for courses available at the middle school. SEL | The new weekly SEL class will provide elementary students with consistent delivery of key social-emotional learning educational components, such as Erin’s Law, Second Step skills lessons, anti-bullying curriculum, and executive functioning skills. These key skills will continue to be reinforced and reiterated by classroom teachers. Currently, SEL curriculum is the primary responsibility of the classroom teacher. The teaching of SEL has been inconsistent grade level to grade level and classroom to classroom. This new class will ensure that SEL instructional time will be consistent and equitable for all students. IN ADDITION | These two new specials classes will offer students additional enrichment opportunities while also allowing their classroom teachers to provide more data-driven, student-focused, and individualized instruction. The new elementary schedule gives grade-level teachers 20-30 additional minutes of daily common planning time, and allows for daily coordinated intervention blocks – similar to the middle school’s schedule. Currently, time allocations for each core content subject vary between the two elementary schools. With this new schedule, instructional time will be consistent and will move the District closer toward a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all BSD2 students.

STEM CAMP

JUMP START

Do you like to explore? Do you like to design, build, and create? Are you creative? Are you a problem solver? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be interested in STEM Camp!

Fifth graders, you’re the Blackhawk Middle School Class of 2025! What does that mean? Find out by enrolling in JumpStart for incoming BMS sixth graders!

BSD2 students can learn design, engineering, coding and robotics this summer

We’re offering morning and afternoon STEM camp options for students currently in Grades 3-7: DATES HOURS

June 1-3 and June 6-10 8:30-11:30 am or 11:30 am – 2:30 pm GRADES 3-7 LOCATION Blackhawk Middle School COST FREE Space is limited, and seats will go fast! Register online now at bsd2.org/summerschool!

BMS summer enrichment program offers exciting learning opportunities for incoming sixth graders.

During this remote summer enrichment program, students will get acclimated to middle school by touring the building, learning the middle school schedule and procedures, meeting teachers, making new friends and gaining confidence before school starts! Morning and afternoon sessions are available for students to attend. Space is limited, so register now! DATES June 1-3 and June 6-10 HOURS 8-11:30 am or 11:30 am – 2:30 pm GRADE Incoming sixth graders LOCATION Blackhawk Middle School COST FREE Space is limited, and seats will go fast! Register online now at bsd2.org/summerschool!

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WANT MORE BSD2 NEWS? Follow us on Facebook at Bensenville School District 2 Follow us on Twitter @BensenvilleD2. Visit www.bsd2.org | About Us | News, Notifications & Social Media. 3

BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY STONED! A CRASH COURSE IN CRYSTAL AND STONE HEALING TUESDAY | MAY 10 | 7:00 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

BOOK & PLANT SIDEWALK SALE

SATURDAY | MAY 14 | 9 AM-1 PM IN FRONT OF THE LIBRARY Calling all book & plant lovers and bargain hunters! Join us for a special outdoor Library book sale. We will also have a limited selection of flowers and vegetable plants and houseplants available for purchase. Browse through fiction and non-fiction titles, children’s and teen books, and more. Everyone is invited! Weather permitting, this event will take place outdoors in front of the Library. In the event of inclement weather, the sale will be moved indoors. 4

Ehris Urban and Velya Jancz-Urban of the Grounded Goodwife will simplify and demystify the world of stones and crystals. You’ll learn about a wide variety of healing stones/crystals and their benefits, plus what to do with them, how to cleanse them, setting intentions, and more. Registration is required.

VINTAGE TEA PARTY TRENDS

THURSDAY | MAY 12 | 7:00 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

Join dessert historian and cookbook collector extraordinaire Amy Alessio and learn how tea parties were celebrated from Victorian times through the last century in this humorous, nostalgic presentation. Recipes for delicacies and drinks will be shared! Registration is required.

UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA ARE REAL... NOW WHAT? THURSDAY | MAY 26 | 7:00 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

A December 2017 article in the New York Times awakened the world to the reality of the actual existence of UFOs. As of last year, an official government acknowledgement has taken place and a special task force has been assembled to investigate further. So where do we go from here and what should we expect? Join Library favorite and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) field investigator Sam Maranto as he discusses the phenomenon and its implications. Registration is required.

LANDSCAPING FOR DOGS

THURSDAY | JUNE 9 | 7:00 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

You can have a dog and a beautiful yard at the same time! Find out how to share your outdoor space with your fourlegged friends while learning valuable tips for choosing dog-tolerant plants and using strategic placement to create a place for everyone to play and relax. Registration is not required to attend.

BASIC BACKYARD CHICKEN KEEPING

With Jennifer Murtoff from Home to Roost, LLC

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 AT 1:00 P.M. | AT THE LIBRARY AND LIVE ON ZOOM

Interested in backyard chickens? This class is designed for curious folks who are considering getting chickens, as well as for those who already have their own birds. Learn how to find local laws, choose and raise chicks, and care for adult birds. Registration is not required to attend in person, but registration is required to attend via Zoom.

JUNETEENTH: IN LIVING COLOR SATURDAY | JUNE 18 | 1:00 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join us as we welcome motivational speaker Kent Wade for an experience to introduce, educate, and empower participants to build an appreciation of Juneteenth. Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) is a federal holiday that commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Using real life stories, interactive dialogue, and creative writing this program aims to bridge gaps in Juneteenth awareness and advocacy. Registration is not required to attend. BE NSE NVIL L E

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

MIXED MEDIA CANVAS ART

SATURDAY | MAY 7 | ALL DAY AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

FRIDAY | JUNE 17 | 1:00 PM AT THE LIBRARY AGES: 4 TO 10 YEARS OLD Let’s get painting! Come to the library and create a one of a kind art piece using paper, paint, buttons, fabric, glitter, beads and more! Registration is not required to attend.

Join the Library for Free Comic Book Day, a nationwide event held the first Saturday in May! Each year, participating comic book shops and libraries around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE. We will celebrate Free Comic Book Day with superhero mask making. Stop by the Youth Services Desk for your free comic, while supplies last!

MOVIE & CRAFT

THURSDAY | MAY 19 | 4:00 PM | GRADES: 3RD - 5TH

LISTEN TO YOUR ART

Join Mr. Parish as we watch the animated short Tangled: Before Ever After (54 min). After the movie, we’ll create a craft in the theme of the movie; this month we’re making light lanterns! Materials and everything will be provided, you just need to bring your creativity. Registration is required.

LIFE-SIZED CANDY LAND

FRIDAY | MAY 20 | 6:30 TO 8:00 PM | AT THE LIBRARY AGES | FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 3 YEARS OLD AND UP

You’re invited to play our life-size Candy Land game! The Library will transform into the game board with YOU as the game piece. Compete with your family for your Candy Land prize! Registration is required.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event

TUESDAYS | 10:30 AM JUNE 7- AUGUST 9 | AT THE LIBRARY AGES: 6 TO 10 YEARS OLD Let your creativity grow this summer! Join Miss Rosario as she teaches DIY arts and crafts every Tuesday. Each week will be a new project that incorporates elements you can find around your house and outside in nature. Registration is not required to attend.

KINDNESS ROCKS

GRAB AND GO | JUNE 3 – JULY 29 AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES Spread positivity in your community with a Kindness Rock! Stop by the library and pick up a bag that includes a rock and paint supplies to decorate and write a kind message on it. You may leave the rock in the library garden or anywhere visible for people to see!

FRIDAY | JUNE 3 | 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

Tall Tales and Silly Songs musical performance by Todd Downing at 11:30 am Join us as we kick-off this year’s Summer Reading Program with a fun-filled event! At the event, kids and adults can sign up for Summer Reading and families are welcome to stick around for a musical performance by Todd Downing doing his Tall Tales and Silly Songs. After the performance, stay for games, hot dogs, treats, and tons more summer reading fun!

NEW STORYTIMES

Join us this summer for a variety of new morning storytimes! LITTLE LEARNERS

WILDLIFE ART

TUESDAYS | 10:30 AM | JUNE 7 - AUGUST 9 | AT THE LIBRARY AGES: 3 TO 5 YEARS OLD

Join Ms. Stephanie for a storytime featuring a different theme each week. Themes include colors, numbers, patterns, senses, and more!

YOGA STORYTIME

THURSDAYS | 10:30 AM | JUNE 9 - AUGUST 11 | AT THE LIBRARY | AGES: 0 TO 6 YEARS OLD

ANYTIME FROM JUNE 3 TO JULY 31 AT THE LIBRARY | AGES: ALL AGES Come to the library and pick up a nature journal to sketch a drawing from a real fossil, seashell or other cool nature specimen. Stop by each week and sketch something new to add to your journal! Registration is not required to attend.

New Storytimes at the Library!

Join Ms. Stephanie for a yoga storytime! Afterwards we will practice some fun yoga poses! Due to restricted space, this program is limited to 10 little yogis.

PATIO PLAY

FRIDAYS | 10:30 AM | JUNE 10 - AUGUST 12* | AT THE LIBRARY | AGES: 0 TO 6 YEARS OLD

Join Ms. Stephanie for some outdoor fun on the library patio! Activities will include jump rope, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and more!

CUENTOS Y MÁS!

MONDAYS | 10:30 AM | JUNE 6, JUNE 20 | AT THE LIBRARY | AGES: 0 TO 6 YEARS OLD

Are you looking to encourage early literacy and social skills in Spanish? Join Miss Rosario as she shares her favorite stories, fun sing-alongs, silly dances, and crafts bilingually! A

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SUMMER READING 2022: READ BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH Join Bensenville Library’s summer reading program, Read Beyond the Beaten Path! Readers of all ages are invited to join in. Registration for summer reading begins on Friday, June 3 at our Summer Reading Kick Off event! Once readers are signed up, they will receive a reading log to track their reading. Complete the log to earn a prize and a chance in the grand prize drawing! The last day to turn in your summer reading log is July 29.

CHECK OUT A WONDERBOOK! Have you tried a Wonderbook yet? Now available in Youth Services, these amazing books will read to you! Wonderbooks are print books with a ready-to-play audio book inside. You just press play and the book will read along with you — or switch to learning mode for a fun literacy experience. Every book comes equipped with a headphone jack, too! Stop by the Library and check them out!

PLAYAWAYS — AUDIOBOOKS ON THE GO! Did you know that we have a selection of kids Playaways available for checkout? A Playaway is a highly portable, easy-to-use player pre-loaded with an entire audiobook! Playaways are located in the Youth Services Department and are available for 2 week checkout.

For more information, stop by the Youth Services Desk or the Adult Services Desk! Register at the Library or through our online program site, benlib.beanstack.org!

Bring your stuffed animal friend to the library for a super fun campout! We’ll share some campfire stories and you can tuck them in for the night. Come back in the morning to pick them up and join us for a light breakfast. We’ll show you all the fun, and maybe the mischief they got into too, that happened overnight in the library! Registration is not required to attend.

BILINGUAL FAMILY NIGHT: Seed Bombs THURSDAY | JUNE 23 | 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Join us on June 23 for our first Bilingual Family Night of the summer and let’s make some DIY seed bombs! Join Miss Rosario for some creative nature activities. Perfect for a rainy day, create and toss seed bombs anywhere you think needs some lovely flowers. After your flowers have grown, take a photo and share it with us! Registration is not required to attend.

DIY FELT ROSETTE PIN/EMBELLISHMENT WEDNESDAY | JUNE 8 | 7:00 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

Celebrate June by crafting a sweet, felt rosette with a few simple supplies. (A hot or cool temp glue gun at home is required to complete this craft). Registration for this virtual program is required through our online calendar or by phone; space is limited.

UPCOMING ANYTIME CRAFT KITS AGES: ADULTS ONLY!

RAINBOW HEART STRING ART | Pickup Starting: Saturday, June 4 Show your pride with this fun, easy to make string art. PATRIOTIC CANDLE HOLDERS | Pickup Starting: Saturday, July 2 Your patriotism will shine when you make these patriotic candle holders for your 4th of July table. ICYMI: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! | Pickup Starting: Saturday, August 6 Did you miss out on an Anytime Craft? This month you have the chance to grab one you missed. Stop by the Library and pick up one of the Anytime Crafts we gave away in recent months.

MIND*BODY*SOUL: A Girls After School Club, Presented by DuCAP WEDNESDAYS | 3:15 TO 4:30 PM | THROUGH MAY 25 | AGES: 11 TO 18 YEARS OLD

Join us after school for a different activity each week! Register for each session individually based on interest! This program is presented by the DuPage County Area Project, positive changes for youth. MAY 4 | Thankful Rocks MAY 11 | Building and Flying Challenge MAY 18 | Spa Day MAY 25 | Make Your Own Trail Mix and My Future Self

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FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Facility Referendum 2022 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 Patty Jalowiec Cary Lewis John Radzinski 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 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 Jason Madl | Dean of Students Nancy Coleman | Director of Special Education Kate Ward | Division Leader Eric Koranda | Division Leader Brian Agustin | Division Leader

@FentonHS

The Board of Education at Fenton Community High School District 100 voted on Wednesday, March 16th to proceed with a referendum seeking voter approval to modernize and expand Fenton High School. A $129.7 million community-driven plan will address critical deficiencies in our 1950s school building and the surrounding campus, plus allow us to transform our educational programs to better compete with others in DuPage County. Approval to begin this plan will appear on our ballots as a referendum in the June 28 primary election. Proceeds from the referendum can only be used for building improvements. Investing in schools adds value to a community. We are witnessing incredible community development all around us, but Fenton itself has not received comprehensive enhancements since taxpayers approved the last referendum in 1975. A successful referendum in June would allow us to keep pace, and secure our learning spaces. Our kids deserve safe facilities capable of 21st Century Learning. They’ll have more opportunities to follow their passion, graduating healthier, more well-rounded, and ready for high-wage careers. We appreciate the work all our current and former school board members, administrators, and staff have put forth in leading us to this point. Today we look forward to working hand-in-hand with our community members to transform Fenton and lead our students to new opportunities for success. We collaborated with many in our community these past six months to understand their priorities in this mission. Fenton will provide many more opportunities for you to visit, review our plan, and ask questions leading up to the election on June 28. Please check our website, fenton100.org/referendum, for more information.

Go BISON! JAMES ONGTENGCO | Superintendent

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Speech Team Wins 6th at State, TWO STUDENTS WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS Congratulations to all Fenton students who performed at the IHSA Speech State Finals in mid-February. Most notably, congratulations to our newest IHSA Speech State Champions:

FENTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL | District 100 1000 West Green Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 2500 www.fenton100.org

KARISSA LARA | 1st place in Informative Speaking (repeat champion) EVELYN PEREZ | 1st place in Special Occasion Speaking These two champions now make seven total individual speech state champions from Fenton in four years. Other individual performances at state include: CAROLINA ROSAS | 3rd in Humorous Interpretation KARISSA LARA (again) | 6th in Poetry Reading XOCHITL QUIÑONES | state qualifier in both Radio Speaking and Original Oratory events Fenton’s Performance in the Round (short theatre performance on a stage completely surrounded by the audience) also qualified for state and performed The Day the Crayons Came Home.

congrats!

Their combined scores resulted in Fenton placing 6th in state as a team. Congrats to Coach Nicole Hendricks and her assistant coaches, Melissa Feinberg and Mollie O’Connor, as well as all 15 students who performed at state!

FENTON STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL HONORS FROM COLLEGE BOARD Congratulations to Xochitl Quiñones and Michelle Agyemang for being recognized by the College Board for outstanding academic achievement. As part of an equity initiative a few years ago, the College Board created National Recognition Programs for students from underrepresented populations. These are highly-respected honors that carry a lot of weight on a student’s college and scholarship applications. High school students across the country are invited to apply if their PSAT or AP scores are within a certain range (typically top 10% in their state). They must also have a GPA of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year. Michelle Agyemang was selected for the National African American Recognition Award and Xochitl Quiñones was selected for the National Hispanic Recognition Award.

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GIRLS BASKETBALL SETS NEW SCHOOL RECORD The 2021-2022 varsity girls basketball team now holds the Fenton school record for the most wins in a basketball season. The previous record was 22 wins, but on February 3 the Lady Bison defeated Zion-Benton High School 72-17 and took sole position of the all-time wins record with 23 regular season victories. No other girls or boys basketball team at Fenton has ever won more games in a single season. The February 3 game was not their last. The Lady Bison ultimately finished the regular season with a historic 26-6 record.

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FACILITY REFERENDUM 2022 Our Fenton High School District 100 community works together to ensure all our students become successful, passionate, empowered learners, but there’s one significant obstacle we just can’t overcome: the lack of space in our aging school building. We make do with what we have in our 1950s building, but our second-rate facilities are keeping our students from reaching their full potential. Our infrastructure has been extended well beyond its useful life. Mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical systems need to be addressed to keep the building safe and healthy. Our classrooms and learning areas are small and outdated. Our security system needs improvements. Flooding at building entries continues to be problematic. Fenton’s athletic, music facilities and auditorium are sub-par and old.

Our kids deserve better. The community-driven $129.7 million plan to renovate, modernize, and expand Fenton High School will now appear on our ballots to approve as a referendum in the upcoming election on June 28th, 2022. If the referendum is successful, we will be able to: • Renovate Our School to Make it Safer for Students and Teachers • Improve Our Programming and Career Learning Spaces • Modernize Our Classrooms for 21st Century Learning We can create an even safer and more secure environment in our school building through updated security systems, door and window monitoring, electronic door locks, and a storm shelter. We will improve our programming and career learning spaces so each and every student continues to have the opportunity to succeed in anything they choose. And we will be able to modernize and expand our classrooms. This will give us 21st century learning spaces with modern features to effectively implement current and future curriculum, facilitate collaboration, and allow for more individual and small group instruction.

With improved and safer facilities, our students will perform better. Our kids deserve the same opportunities provided by other districts in DuPage County. This plan we developed together will provide safer, 21st century learning spaces for all our students.

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bvilleparks.org

BENSENVILLE PARK DISTRICT Dive into summer! Deer Grove Leisure Center Administrative Office 1000 West Wood Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 7015 BvilleParks.org White Pines Golf Club 500 West Jefferson Street Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 0304 WhitePinesGolf.com 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 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 Greg Linder | Treasurer Nancy Gibbs | Secretary Jay Snyder | Commissioner Executive Director Joseph C. Vallez

LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

With all the activities coming to your neighborhood parks as part of the Bensenville Park District’s Park ‘n Play initiative, in addition to the opening of the Water Park & Splash Pad and White Pines Golf Club for the season, it won’t be difficult to fill your family’s summer with memories that will last a lifetime. Registration is currently underway for all programming in the Summer Program Guide, which was delivered into homes at the end of March and is also available at the Deer Grove Leisure Center and online at BvilleParks.org.

SUMMER CAMPS

The Bensenville Park District’s many Under the Sun 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 a Before-and-After-Camp Program! For details on the many different camps available, visit BvilleParks.org/Programs/Camps. Register by 6 pm Friday, May 6 and save $10 off each full 10-day session reserved for Adventure, Discovery (ages 6-10) and Teen Camps (ages 11-15). You may also take advantage of the discount for registering multiple children during this time.

BENSENVILLE SPORTS CONFERENCE

From youth sports activities such as Teach Me Sports, basketball, karate, soccer, t-ball, and floor hockey to adult basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball, there’s something for everyone.

WATER PARK & SPLASH PAD

Stay cool at the pool! With a 155-foot water slide, two drop slides, a diving board, a 2,527 square-foot Splash Pad, sun deck, and a full-service concession stand, the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad is your home for summer fun! Season pass holders receive unlimited admission to the Water Park & Splash Pad, free and unlimited admission to lap swim (11 am – noon, Monday-Thursday), free and unlimited admission to aqua fitness classes and a discount admission to water park events. The season opens Memorial Day. Get your season pass today! 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. Have a splash-tastic birthday party! The fee ($165 for residents, $195 for non-residents) includes free all-day admission to the Water Park, a two-hour private party room rental at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, cheese pizza, and drinks. For more information or to book this or other birthday parties, including Sports Parties and Good Ol’ Fashioned Birthday Parties, contact Todd Linder (rentals@bvilleparks.org, 630.238.4931).

@BvilleParks

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PARK ‘N PLAY

Meet us at the park this summer! The Bensenville Park District is bringing more activities and programs to your neighborhood park than ever before! Neighborhood parks serve a wide range of recreation needs based on the surrounding neighborhood. These parks are often meant to have many activities and amenities to keep visitors of all ages active and engaged for an entire day. Activities include movies in the parks, dance days, fitness days, play days, sports days, and even a family campout. Check out the variety of activities coming to your neighborhood park at BvilleParks.org/park-n-play!

WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB

White Pines Golf Club is the place to be this summer, from daily tee-time specials Monday through Thursday to special events and lessons. Don’t miss family golf nights this summer, featuring special pricing for adults and juniors as well as cart rentals and a $3 meal deal after 5 pm Sundays, May 15, June 19, July 17 and August 21. 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. Find the right equipment to help your golf game at one of three Callaway Fitting Days at the White Pines Driving Range May 7, June 4 and July 16. Register on the White Pines website, WhitePinesGolf.com. Don’t forget! Females golf free on Mother’s Day, May 8. Tee times are required. Restrictions apply.

BENSENVILLE PARK DISTRICT 2.0 For more than two years, the Bensenville Park District Board of Commissioners have received multiple, unsolicited inquiries from private development companies that are interested in discussing opportunities to redevelop certain acres of land that comprise the White Pines Golf Club. Given the commissioners’ responsibility to explore any options to improve all facets of the district for the benefit of park patrons, the district has been considering all aspects and implications of a potential sale of up to 125 acres of land currently being used by White Pines. As a result, the district has submitted a conceptual plan that describes operational challenges it faced before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes the reasons to consider the sale of certain acres of land. Now called Bensenville 2.0, the project is still in an exploratory phase, which includes proposing options for the use of any proceeds generated from the potential sale of any White Pines property. If approved, these proceeds could be used to upgrade, repair and replace some facilities. Once thoroughly vetted and approved, the sale of certain White Pines acres would be a significant economic engine that would produce resources to support district-wide indoor and outdoor capital improvement projects and programming. Those projects would improve virtually every aspect of the district’s operations to benefit patrons of all ages. In the event of a redevelopment, the Board of Commissioners would consider options including infrastructure additions and upgrades that would provide new, contemporary amenities for children, young adults, seniors and families in the district. The Bensenville 2.0 plan would include new recreational facilities, parks and programming for Bensenville and Wood Dale residents. One possible improvement and addition under consideration would be the construction of an indoor aquatic facility that would replace the current outdoor pool. The facility would provide year-round programs for residents, including swimming lessons, swim team, lap swimming, open swim, senior swim, swim fitness classes, lifeguard training and various other swim programs. The redevelopment project could also feature outdoor baseball and softball diamonds, multipurpose athletic fields, outdoor soccer fields and other leisure and recreational amenities for Bensenville residents of all ages and interests. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE 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

welcome summer!

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK | MAY 15 – 21 Show the Bensenville Police Department some love during National Police Week May 15th-21st. Here are a few things you can do to show your support to the Bensenville Police Department: • Wear a blue ribbon. • Hang a blue flag off of your porch. • Thank police officers on your business’s marquee, if you have one. • Write a letter to the Bensenville Police Department thanking them for their service. • Put a blue light in the front of your home. • Share some positive police stories on social media. • If you see a police officer in person, thank them!

2022 FOURTH OF JULY PARADE & LIBERTYFEST CELEBRATION Bensenville’s 4th of July festivities kick off at 10 pm in downtown Bensenville with our annual parade traveling East on Green Street, continuing South on York Road, turning East onto Jefferson Street, and finishing at the Redmond Recreational Complex. Live music at Redmond Recreational Complex will begin at 6 pm with DJ – M.B. Entertainment followed by Libido Funk Circus at 7:30 pm. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 pm and will be launched from the Public Works Facility. Parking will be available in and around Redmond Recreational Complex with additional parking located off of 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.

2022 MUSIC IN THE PARK Everyone’s favorite summer concert series returns to downtown Bensenville from July 13 – August 31! Stop by early to claim a spot, enjoy dinner in the park, and more. 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 12

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2022

VILLAGE RECYCLING EVENT & PAPER SHREDDING – JUNE 4TH The Village is excited to host a recycling event on Saturday, June 4th from 9-11am at the Public Works facility parking lot. This event is open to all DuPage County residents (no businesses) and includes recycling opportunities for electronics, textiles or clothing, and paper shredding. A list of all excepted items and additional event details can be found at bensenville.il.us.

Paper Shredding Details Participants may bring up to 5 boxes or bags for on-site shredding and recycling. Please remove all binder clips, binders, or media disks. Staples and paperclips do not need to be removed.

Electronics Recycling Details Most items are FREE of charge, excluding CRT, Flat Screens, Projection TVs and Monitors: Under 21” screen $25 per unit, over 21” screen $35 per unit. Payments: Cash or credit card accepted, no checks. Payment may be made on site or in advance at recycling.eworksesi.org.

Textile Recycling Details Please ensure all of the textiles are dry and remove all hangers and any sharp objects. Ensure all items are in sealed plastic bags. Due to processing limitations, our recycling partner cannot accept items of any kind that are wet or dirty.

2022 ADDISON TOWNSHIP RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES Addison Township offers a variety of recycling opportunities throughout the year that are available to all DuPage County residents. Their recycling program includes electronics, textiles, books, and paper. Note that all acceptable items are free of charge, excluding CRT, Flat Screens, Projection TVs and Monitors: Under 21” screen $25 per unit, over 21” screen $35 per unit. Accepted items include computers, laptops, servers, computer monitors, televisions, printers, facsimiles, scanners, VCR & DVD players, video game consoles, cable & converter boxes, satellite receivers, electronic keyboards, mice, portable music players, adapters, power supplies, cell phones, modems, and tablets. LOCATION

2022 DROP OFF DATES

TIME

Addison Township Highway Garage 411 W. Potter Street Wood Dale, IL 60191

May 7, 2022 August 6, 2022 November 5, 2022

All event dates run from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

For additional details, please visit www.addisontownship.com or call 630.766.2228.

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AQUAHAWK ALERTING To receive alerts for increased water usage, subscribe to our AquaHawk Alerting program! Aquahawk Alerting is a free service for Village of Bensenville residents and can also assist in efficiently managing water usage. To register for the program, please visit bensil.aquahawk.us/login. Individuals requiring assistance in setting up their Aquahawk Alerting account can contact the Utility Billing Department at 630.594.1011.

SAVE THE DATE FOR A FREE SENIOR BARBEQUE! Bensenville senior residents 65+ will be invited to enjoy a free barbeque lunch in downtown Bensenville in July! Be sure to be on the lookout for a special mailing to all senior households in June with information and registration details.

FREE SMART THERMOSTATS AVAILABLE TO BENSENVILLE RESIDENTS As part of our continued efforts to identify environmentally friendly and cost effective initiatives, the Village is proud to offer a new program that supplies a limited number of smart thermostats to Bensenville residents. For details on how to register call our Community and Economic Development Department at 630.350.3396.

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 13 Village Board Meeting and posted to the Village’s social media accounts. Nomination period – June 1 through August 8.

SPRING COMMUNITY YARD SALE | JUNE 2 – 5 Our Spring Community Yard Sale is just around the corner! This is the perfect opportunity to do some spring-cleaning while also putting a little money in your pocket. To host a yard sale, residents must complete a yard sale application and obtain a FREE permit to be included in the Community Yard Sale directory. 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 May 30th. For more information, visit www.bensenville.il.us or call 630.350.3413.

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LIBRARY CLOSED VILLAGE HALL CLOSED Memorial Day Parade performance by BMS Bands

BCPL Library Board Meeting, 7:30pm

BCPL Lit Chicks Virtual Book Club, 7pm Zoom FHS Referendum Town Hall, 7pm

BPD Family Golf Night, after 5pm, WPGC FHS Graduation, 12pm

BCPL Pajama Storytime, 6:30pm BCPL Carapia’s Coven Book Club, 7pm Zoom BSD2 Last week of Project CARE

BPD Mothers Day-Females golf free, WPGC

BCPL Trivia Night, 7pm Green St. Grille BSD2 Johnson 4th & 5th Grade Spring Concerts, 1-3pm, online FHS AP Testing Week Begins FHS Choir Concert, 7pm

monday

sunday

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BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Mind*Body*Soul with DuCAP, 3:15pm BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm

BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Mind*Body*Soul with DuCAP, 3:15pm BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL Genealogy Discussion Group, 7pm Zoom BSD2 Board of Education meeting, 7pm, EAC FHS Final Exams FHS Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Mind*Body*Soul with DuCAP, 3:15pm BCPL Polish Storytime, 5:30pm BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm

BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Mind*Body*Soul with DuCAP, 3:15pm BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BSD2 Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting, 6:30pm, EAC

wednesday

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BCPL Family Art Night: Lollipop Flower Pots, 6:30pm Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, VH FHS Referendum Town Hall, 7pm

BCPL Bingo for Kids, 6:30pm Zoom BSD2 Project CARE Luncheon, BSD2 Tioga Arts Explorer Day, 2:30-4pm, Tioga Committee of the Whole Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

BCPL LEGO Night, 6:30pm BCPL Crystal and Stone Healing, 7pm BSD2 Johnson Arts Explorer Day, 2:30-4pm, Johnson BDS2 Food for Families, 4-5:30pm, Westview School in Wood Dale FHS Music Department Awards Night Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

BCPL Family Movie Night, 6:30pm CDC Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

tuesday

2022

See page 12 for details!

National Police Week is May 15 – 21

BSD2 Last Day of School for the 2020-2021 School Year BSD2 End of Third Trimester

BCPL Life-Size Candy Land, 6:30pm FHS Final Exams

FHS Prom

FHS 12:08pm dismissal

friday

SHOW THE BENSENVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT SOME LOVE!

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BCPL Book Brunch Virtual Book Club, 10am Zoom BCPL Manga Book Club, 3pm BCPL MUFON UFO Program, 7pm Zoom BSD2 BMS 8th Grade Promotion, 7pm, Fenton High School

BCPL Movie & Craft, 4pm BCPL Bilingual Family Night: Loteria, 6:30pm BCPL DIY Tea Party Bracelet, 7pm Zoom FHS Final Exams FHS Referendum Town Hall, 7pm

BCPL Vintage Tea Party Trends, 7pm Zoom BSD2 Johnson PTA/CSC meeting, 6pm, Johnson and online BSD2 BMS Chorus & 6th Grade Band Concert, 6-7pm, Blackhawk BSD2 BMS Jazz Band & 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert, 7-8pm, Blackhawk FHS Graduation Rehearsal, 8am FHS Senior Awards, 7 pm

BCPL Thursday Night Book Club, 7pm Zoom FHS Band Concert, 7pm

thursday

hello!bensenville

may 2022

VILLAGE HALL CLOSED

BPD Play Dayz (activity stations), 11am-1pm, DiOrio Park FHS Referendum Town Hall, 10am

BCPL Book & Plant Sidewalk Sale, 9am-1pm

BCPL Free Comic Book Day, All Day BCPL Craft Pick Ups for All Ages Addison Township Recycling Event, 8am-12pm, Addison Township Highway Garage FHS Cinco de Mayo Kermes Celebration and Fundraiser, 9am-3pm

saturday

tuesday

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BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm

BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL Vintage Weddings and Showers, 7pm Zoom

BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm SD2 Board of Education meeting, 7pm, EAC FHS Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

BCPL Wednesday Tales, 10:30am BCPL Crayons & Games, 6:30pm BCPL DIY Felt Rosette Pin, 7pm Zoom

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BCPL Little Learners, 10:30am BCPL Listen to Your Art, 10:30am BCPL Family Art Night: Dreamcatchers, 6:30pm FHS Election Day, Fenton Building Referendum

BCPL Little Learners, 10:30am BCPL Listen to Your Art, 10:30am BCPL Polish Storytime, 4:30pm BCPL Bingo for Kids, 6:30pm BPD Movie in the Park, The Goonies, Dusk, Kremples Park Village Board Meeting, 6:30pm, VH

BCPL Little Learners, 10:30am BCPL Listen to Your Art, 10:30am BCPL LEGO Night, 6:30pm

BCPL Little Learners, 10:30am BCPL Listen to Your Art, 10:30am BCPL Family Movie Night, 6:30pm CDC Meeting, 6:30pm, Village Hall

SD2 JumpStart, 8-11:30am and 11:30am-2:30pm, Wednesday-Friday, Blackhawk BSD2 STEM Camp, 8-11:30am and 11:30am-2:30pm, Wednesday-Friday, Blackhawk BSD2 Board of Education regular workshop meeting 6:30pm, EAC

wednesday

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BCPL Yoga Storytime, 10:30am

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am BCPL Stuffed Animal Campout Drop-Off, 4pm BPD Toddlers and Tadpoles, 10-10;45am, Fischer Farm BPD Kids Night Out, 6:30-8pm, Kremples Park BPD Family Camp Fire, 8:30-9:15pm, Fischer Farm

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am BCPL Mixed Media Canvas Art, 1pm BPD Owl Prowl, 8:30-9:15pm, Fischer Farm

BCPL Patio Play, 10:30am

BCPL Summer Reading Kick-Off Event, 11am-2pm BPD Decorate the Deck Day, All Day, Water Park & Splash Pad Spring Community Yard Sale

friday

2022

BCPL Book Brunch Virtual Book Club, 10am Zoom BCPL Yoga Storytime, 10:30am BCPL Bilingual Family Night: Seed Bombs, 6:30pm

BCPL Yoga Storytime, 10:30am

BCPL Yoga Storytime, 10:30am BCPL Landscaping for Dogs, 7pm

BCPL Thursday Night Book Club, 7pm Zoom Spring Community Yard Sale

thursday

BCPL Stuffed Animal Campout Pick-Up, 10am BPD Morning Walks, 8:30-9:15am, RBreiter-Palm Park BPD Youth Introduction to Dance, 10-11am, Rose Park

BCPL Juneteenth Program, 7pm BPD Volunteer Summer Days, 9-10:30am, Fischer Farm

BCPL Backyard Chickens, 1pm BPD DJ on the Deck, All Day, Water Park & Splash Pad BPD Bonfire Buddies, 7-7:45pm, Fischer Farm

BCPL Anytime Craft Pick Up for All Ages PD Volunteer Summer Days Orientation 9-10:30am, Fischer Farm Spring Community Yard Sale Village Recycling Event, 9-11am, Public Works

saturday

210 South Church Road | Bensenville | Illinois 60106

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BSD2 Elementary Summer Camp through 7/14, 8:30am-2pm, Johnson

BCPL Cuentos y Mas, 10:30am

BPD Family Golf Night, after 5pm, WPGC BPD Fathers Day-Dads are free with paying child, Water Park & Splash Pad

BCPL Nifty Nature Explorers, 10:30am BCPL True Stories Book Club, 7pm Zoom FHS Early Voting Begins, Fenton Building Referendum

BCPL Cuentos y Mas, 10:30am BCPL Trivia Night, 7pm, Green St. Grille SD2 JumpStart, 8-11:30am and 11:30am-2:30pm, M-F, Blackhawk BSD2 STEM Camp, 8-11:30am and 11:30am-2:30pm, M-F, Blackhawk BSD2 Summer School through 6/24, 8-11:30am, Monday-Friday, Tioga BSD2 Opportunities for All Summer Camp, 8:30-11:30am, M-F, Tioga BSD2 BMS Summer Camp, 11:30am-3pm, M-T, Blackhawk

See pages 7 and 9 for details!

Election Day is Tuesday, June 28 for the Fenton High School FACILITY REFERENDUM 2022

Spring Community Yard Sale

monday

sunday

hello!bensenville

june 2022 BENSENVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 Presort Standard US Postage PAID Permit No. 122 Bensenville, IL

Carrier Route Presort Postal Customer Bensenville | Illinois 60106

Community Newsletter May/June 2022

Articles inside

Community Events

Bensenville Park District

Public Library Fenton Community High School

Bensenville Community