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We believe: • The individual has intrinsic value. • Learning and teaching should be guided by high expectations. YOURYOUR SCHOOLS Mission: • Learning is a life-long process. The Magazine of Thornton Township High Schools District 205 Winter 2011 Vol. 57 Special Edition IV “District 205’s school community • All students can learn. will create an environment where • Education is a shared responsibility of the school, student, family and community. every student can learn.” • Students learn best in and have a right to have a safe, positive and supportive environment. • Diversity enriches the school community. Special Edition: • Schools foster social responsibility. THE Power of Potential Board of Education Did You Know Education is a Global Experience? Rev. Dr. Carl E. King, Sr.

President [email protected] EUROPE North America Mrs. Bernadette Mr. Ray C. Lawrence Banks ASIA

Vice President Secretary [email protected] [email protected]

AFRICA SOUTH Mr. Arthur Dr. Sallie D. America Burton Penman

Member Member [email protected] [email protected] AUSTRALIA

Mrs. Vanessa Mr. Kenneth “Education is a pre-condition to survival in America.” Bradley Williams – Marian Wright Edelman

Member Member [email protected] [email protected] ANTARTICA

Needs of 9th Grade Students How will grant funding meet IN THIS ISSUE - Academic support - Development of study skills those needs? Did you know... - Development of leadership abilities - Implementation of academic support programs such as ★ We have 18 million dollars for the Township - Participation in extracurricular activities Ramp Up and Reading Navigator

- Positive mentoring and guidance - Did you know in your children’s lifetime they children “best and brightest”?

- Increased offering of honors level classes in English, Math and Science I L D - Development of organizational skills - Year-round enrichment programs, college visits and job shadowing will have upwards of 7 different careers? ★ District 205 Connects the Dots?

- College and career guidance H A R V E Y, P A I N O N-P RO F IT U.S. P O S T AG E - Participation in the 8 keys of Quantum Learning which will help P ERMIT N O . 333 - Did you know that when your child enters the ★ The J. in Dr. J. Kamala Buckner stands for Jessica? - Social/emotional support them be more accountable for their behavior - Smaller learning environments - Advisory & Mentoring programs for all students workforce they will be working with people who ★ We are Homegrown? - Increased focus on discipline - Math and Reading resource rooms come from different cities, states and countries? - Intensive support for transition to high school - Clinical social workers - Approximately 125 students will have 3-4 common core teachers to - Did you know you child’s future colleagues may establish strong relationships live in different parts of the world and speak at - Increased collaboration with Upper House Academies least 3 to 4 different languages. DID YOU KNOW THAT? ATRON “Spring break is earlier this year to allow juniors to take the Prairie State Achievement Exam on April 27 District 205 is on and 28?” Th o r n t o n To w n s h i p Hi g h Sc h o o l s –District 205 Facebook & E CR WSS L P P O S TA You may view all of the frequently asked questions raised at the community meetings, which were answered in the previous three editions of the Your Schools newsletter by visiting www.District205.net. 2 Special Edition Special Edition 3 Did you know that all of our children in the Township Did you know we are the “best and brightest” and the $18 Million will are preparing drive them to their fullest potential? students for college See new District 205 construction projects at & careers via The Did you know education is the civil rights issue of Did you know what the status of the high schools will this generation? be with the School Improvement Grant 1003 (g)? www.District205.net Too many minority students leave high school without the skills and The high schools will remain public schools and not become charter Triple “T” Effect? knowledge to continue their studies and prepare for a career. Having a schools. career provides a salary that will support a family, improves opportunities for advancement, and offers benefits such as health and life insurance. Did you know how quickly the world is changing? District 205 graduates will need proper preparation to compete for jobs Did you know District 205 is following the national with people from around the world. Many of these jobs will require tech- nology yet to be invented. The School Improvement Grant will help us education agenda? prepare students for a constantly changing future. High schools across the nation are struggling to properly prepare their students to not only compete locally, but globally. In Illinois, less than 10% of high schools made Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Facebook Behind. District 205 is planning to follow the national education agenda by making bold changes to educate their students. Our students deserve the best. New Cafeteria Spirit Walls Did you know President Obama has told the nation that the federal government will no longer fund the status quo in education? President Obama believes there is a serious need to change the educa- tional system for it to be effective in a global society. The structure of schools has remained the same in Illinois since 1899. If we do not change, we will be left behind. “We must Did you know that the federal government has “Education is the become the change provided a limited number of school districts with passport to the future we want to see.” – Mahatma Gandhi funding to implement this needed change? for tomorrow belongs to those Freshmen Center: The State of Illinois has approved and applauded District 205’s plan for who prepare for it today. “Some people want it to happen, transformation because our schools have been recognized as leaders in – Malcolm X Studies show that freshmen perform better when they are in a smaller some people wish it to happen, environment, free from distractions, with individualized attention. innovation, something that brings us great pride. others make it happen” Did you know that the federal government, through – Michael Jordan Upper Houses of Excellence Academies: the School Improvement Grant 1003(g), requires House of Arts & Communication: schools to make major changes? Digital Media & Culinary Arts, Music, Drama, World Languages Only five districts in Illinois received this grant. The Illinois State Board of Education only funded projects that demonstrated real change in how House of Health & Human Services: schools do business. The status quo is not acceptable. Pharmacy Club & Law and Social Justice, Nursing Did you know the next steps for the state House of Business, Engineering, Natural according to December 21, 2010 Chicago Tribune? Resources & Technology: “If the district is unable to bring the students up to standard, it could face Thornton Township Academy of Truck & Diesel Technology – Powered state takeover.” by Navistar, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Project Did you know the School Improvement Grant Lead the Way (Pre-Engineering & Bio-Medical Engineering) 1003(g) will benefit the entire school community? Funds from the grant provide high school readiness programs for stu- dents in grades 6 through 8, Clinical Social Workers and a community DID YOU KNOW THAT? health clinic that will serve students and residents of the District 205 “All great achievements require time.” community. –Dr. Maya Angelou Poet, Novelist, Educator, Producer, Actress, Historian, Filmmaker and Civil Rights Activist

Did you know the students made recommendations for the schools? They recommended the remodeling of the cafeterias and washrooms. In addition, they wanted every building to comply with the American Disabilities Did you know better schools increase property values? Act therefore; they wanted to add elevators in the schools. The school board accepted all the student’s recommendations for change in the buildings. People want to live in communities where children excel. 4 Special Edition Special Edition 5 Did You Know SAFE that District 205 Connects the Dots? SECURE Through diverse community partnerships we have the power, the resources and impact for positive change. SUPPORTIVE We connect the dots and

Did you know why District 205 is proposing provide a safe, secure, such radical and bold changes? • Currently 43% of District 205’s incoming freshmen supportive environment enter high school with reading scores below 5th grade. District 205 has faced this challenge by working in partnership with students, parents, community members, feeder schools and businesses. SCHOOL This “Village” approach will result in a FAMILY COMMUNITY SELF successful educational experience for COMMUNITY District 205 students.

Did you know District 205 provides a Safe, Did you know that there will be an increase in Did you know we are increasing our focus on K Did you know that current sophomores and ju- Secure & Supportive environment for students, staff, needed professional development for teachers? through 8 education with our partner districts? niors at Thornridge will keep their current rank parents and the community at large? • The National Board Certification program produces highly • District 205 schools host summer programs for students in and GPA in place? • Our rich programs before, during and after school in conjunction qualified teachers. grades 5 through 8. • Current Thornridge sophomores and juniors will graduate as the with summer school programs keep our children busy, safe and • Teachers will be trained on Pearson Inform, a data warehouse that • District 205 hosts United Nations Summer Leadership Academies classes of 2012 and 2013 from Thornridge High School. immersed in learning. stores student academic data. for students in grades 3 through 8. • Starting with the class of 2014, Thornridge students will be included • District 205 provides an umbrella of support to students that • Intense professional development on math and reading support • Physics Fest, Biology Bowl and Chemistry Carnival provide in rank with their prospective classes from Thornton and feature programs ranging from academic support to credit programs will be offered. enrichment for middle school students. Thornwood. recovery programs. • Teachers will be aligning their instruction to college and career • Through Thornton Township Teaching and Learning Partnership readiness standards. there is a collaboration between middle school and high school Did you know that District 205 has laser focus on teachers on curriculum and student preparedness. increasing support for families and the Thornton Did you know that any potential changes in Township communities? property taxes are not related to the District 205 DISTRICT 205 TRIPLE “T” ACADEMIC CAMPUSES • Clinical social workers will provide services to District 205 families. transition into a grade level center district or to • A community health clinic will serve the District 205 community the School Improvement Grant? by providing services such as school immunizations for students in • Property taxes in any community are affected by businesses that grades pre-K-12, school and sports physicals and wellness checks. leave the community and the resulting lost tax revenue. • Parent academies will help parents support their student’s • Home foreclosures cause uncollected property taxes. academic needs. • The rate of inflation is a factor in property tax increases. • District 205 will host Family Reading Nights. TR TT TW Did you know District 205 was acknowledged by Did you know that employers seek graduates who 1960 1899 1972 the Schott Foundation in their public education have strong reading, math and technology skills? • District 205 has 32 months to demonstrate college and career THE POWER THE POWER THE POWER report on national graduation data? readiness on the state exam. According to the Schott Foundation District 205 is graduating 80% of its • Local business owners seek students and graduates who possess African American Males. strong skills in math, reading and technology that will help them be successful in their careers. Did you know the District has produced 13 Gates • Students who struggle in math and reading will receive additional Did you know the school board approved the remodeling of two science labs per building? Millennium Scholars? support from programs such as Ramp-Up to Literacy and Algebra We have eleven Gates Scholarship Recipients from Thornton and two and Math and Reading Navigator. Did you know the Thornton Township community and students recommended air conditioning for Thornton? from Thornridge. Gates Millennium Scholars receive funding for under- The board approved air conditioning and a water- based heating system. Now all three buildings are air conditioned. graduate degrees. In select fields, funding for graduate studies is pro- Did you know that all students will vided. have an equal opportunity to try out for athletic teams? DID YOU KNOW THAT? The main goal of the athletic program is to provide all students with the desire to participate, the opportunity to do so in a It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. fashion that develops the student and ensures access to quality – Frederick Douglass athletic exposure. Former Slave & Abolitionist

Did you know if one major component is removed we lose more than the The Power of Potential: Thornridge ●Thornton ●Thornwood 18 million dollar grant -- We will lose our quality of life for our children and the Thornton Township community? 6 Special Edition Special Edition 7 Who is the Superintendent? Did you know we Homegrown: The Power are homegrown? J. Kamala Buckner, Ph.D. Jacqueline E. Davis-Rivera Sherita Robinson Clerk, Thornton Township Guidance Counselor, Thornridge High School Of Potential District 205 and the educational benefits that they have I feel education is evolving, with global change we have to en- given to so many people in Thornton Township are priceless sure that our students are getting the latest technology and The History The Journey Continues - priceless because education is the number one key to suc- best practices in education. I am always interested in change It’s Jessica Kamala Buckner, better known as J. Kamala Buckner, Su- In 1999, the Board of Education hired me for the role of Superinten- cess. District 205 is teaching people to fish. The partnership and will do whatever it takes to help my students and parents perintendent of District 205. I am a resident of Phoenix, Illinois. I gradu- dent. The first day on the job I learned that the District was spending has been invaluable to Thornton Township and Restoration make the adjustment. ated from Coolidge Elementary School, in Phoenix, Illinois and Thornton over 12 million dollars more than their revenues and I would have to Ministries by allowing an open door policy with District 205 and our youth. Township H.S. in Harvey, Illinois. My sister and I attended Thornton and make drastic cuts in order not to be taken over by the state. During the Barbra Green-Kenan due to boundary line changes my brothers attended Thornridge High 2002-2003 school year with guidance from the Board and community Alderman Joseph Whittington, Jr. Guidance Counselor, Freshman Academy If you give a child a fish they will eat for a day. If you teach a School in Dolton, Illinois. Great counseling and guidance, as well as schol- the District made over 10 million dollars of permanent cuts to the bud- Alderman 2nd Ward, Harvey, IL. child to fish they will eat for a lifetime. That is what we are As the Alderman of the Second Award it gives me great plea- arship opportunities, allowed me to graduate from Indiana University get. Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year and every year since then doing in District 205. We are teaching our students to fish in sure to give my recommendation to District 205 to continue with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. This led me back to District 205 to the District has seen a balanced budget. In addition, many programs that the 21st century global society. begin my teaching career in 1973. I earned a Ph.D. from Loyola University were cut during the 2002-2003 school year were reinstated. The District to develop new approaches to educating our children. Spe- cifically, our freshmen need to be focused on new ideas and while working as a Superintendent. now has a certificate of financial recognition from the Illinois State Board exposed to international activities that will help them achieve of Education, which is the top fiscal recognition that a school district their goals. Kelly A. Danielson could receive. And finally, due to the strong fiscal management the Dis- Mathematics Teacher, Thornwood High School The Journey trict was able to obtain capital bonds to improve each of the three high Annette Whittington Thornwood has always been more than just a school to me; The road to the superintendency was a journey. While attending schools. Mother, Thornton High School it is my second home. Being involved in activities, meeting Thornton High School, I was placed in the lowest level math class for the I ‘m excited about the Freshmen Center because our students new people, and having caring and passionate teachers made I returned to my community to give back that which was given to need a place to grow. This will give freshmen a chance to be- my high school experience one that I will never forget. When first quarter of my freshman year due to low entry level test scores. But me─ hope, courage and a willingness to give back to my community. In ret- through “The Power of four”, I was able to overcome and move to a come acclimated to high school. Being with their peers, smaller I began looking for a teaching job after college, I knew that rospect I did not have the Internet, Facebook or email but the education classrooms and mentoring will give them a strong foundation I wanted to return to my second home and have a positive regular algebra class. What is “The Power of four?” It includes my fam- that was provided prepared me for the future. Therefore, as a Sociology for being successful in high school. impact on a new generation of Thunderbirds. ily/extended family, the community, school community and me. I had to and History Teacher, a Federal Grant Writer, Special Education Director, Mark Danielson become responsible and accountable for my education. They were part Summer School Principal, Community Relations Director and Discipline of my journey through high school that led me to the National Honors Mike & Sheila Kellogg Physics Teacher, Thornwood High School Hearing Officer my code of ethics required that I prepare the students As a student at Thornwood High School, I was inspired by a Owners AMT Enterprises, Riverdale, IL. society and scholarship opportunities for the next leg of the journey. for jobs that were yet to be created. The high school model in Illinois has wonderful group of dedicated, compassionate teachers to fol- As an alumnus of Thornton Township District 205, member “The Power of four” supported “My Power of Potential.” “The Power low in their footsteps. It has been an honor to join that group been the same since 1899. We must change for the 21st Century if our of the community and local business owner/entrepreneur, of Potential” symbolizes the “We” and not “Me.” It celebrates the whole of dedicated, compassionate teachers and work towards mo- students are to compete in a world that is still being defined by the global I feel Thornton Township High School District 205 is doing tivating the next generation of students to go on to achieve community because it does take a Village to inspire a child. an excellent job of educating our students, developing their market. As a sociology teacher, the students were taught that change is their goals. tough, emotional and necessary. I often used the following illustration: creativity and encouraging originality. This is invaluable as an Throughout the journey many resources supported my growth. The Moving from high school, to college or a job is frightening because you employer when looking for potential employees within the local community. In our Patrice Payne resources that were prominent in every aspect of my education; the Dis- are used to your parents or guardian providing you direction. Once you industry, screen printing and embroidery, the skills you need to fulfill the customers’ Teacher, Thornton High School ideas are being developed by the various programs and activities currently offered by trict 205 Board of Education, the parents, the community, the students become an adult you are responsible for yourself. Change is frightening Thornton Township High School played an important part (my classmates) and staff. I leaned on the support of these resources not the District like the Navistar Program. Our contact with students of the District has in shaping my educational foundation. At Thornton, I gained but you must be prepared. convinced me that they will have a tremendous impact on the world and community. only through high school but as I continued my journey. This support sys- a more accurate view of my true potential as a learner and District 205 provided a great education for many. Now we must leader. I was pushed by my teachers, sponsors, and coaches to tem was critical in my making life long decisions. As I entered Indiana Uni- change in order to provide an exceptional and innovative education for Mike Abbott accomplish and attempt things beyond my expectations. And versity, I had the confidence that I needed to take on the challenges that I our youth. The District 205 Triple “T” Academic Campuses have three President, South Holland Business Association now, as a staff member, I want to provide my students with faced during troubling times of the 60s and 70s. Some of the most invalu- schools that must “Triple Their Power” and “Triple Their Efforts” to max- It is important that students looking to enter the trade unions similar experiences so that when they reflect on their experiences, they will realize able lessons I learned on perseverance started with those resources. imize the impact to ensure excellence for all children in the Thornton are proficient readers, possess strong mathematic skills and Thornton was the launching pad for many of their future achievements. are civic minded. Having quality career experiences in high Township Communities. This is a critical juncture in District 205’s edu- school will make it easier for them to transition to trade Calvin Stark DID YOU KNOW THAT? cational process. (It is about the children. It is about making them schools and the workforce. Students who will be attending A.P. Chemistry Teacher & Coordinator of Pre-Pharmacy competitive for the global market. It is our collective responsibility college will need additional skills on how to take standardized Program, Thornton High School “Education does not end at any point in our lives; it and a call to “The Village” to make this happen.) It is my goal to tests and a good command of technology. Our students need My vision and outlook for the students is that all of them will is an ongoing journey to be carried with us everyday make sure that the students of the Thornton Township community are to be prepared for the higher education of tomorrow. go to college or enter a vocation. I am hoping that I will play an important part in them reaching their goals. I am partial throughout our lives.” respected and respectful and that they embrace their community and its toward the sciences and technology. The world they will be – Thomas J. Powell mission so they can return to make a difference in the lives of the next entering will be technology driven and scientifically based. I Chief Executive Officer generation. want my students to be knowledgeable about science and technology so they can un- ELP Capital derstand what is happening in the world around them and I think that is the direction our District should be moving toward. 2008 2002 Part - Time Curriculum 1973 and Instruction Direc- Indiana University: Masters in Political Science/Employed by District 1997 Began School Improvement 1983 2005 2007 tor; Capital Improve- 205 and began Teaching Sociology at Thornridge Travelled with International Initiatives; Small Learning ment Bonds ($50 Mil- District Chapter/Title I Director Part - Time Human TR Co- Cheerleading Sponsor ( 2 years) Trends and Services for Committee Grant - Reduced Budget Deficit lion); Part-Time Human (Trained clerical team to use Resource and Links to South Africa to 2001 (3years- $2.8 million) by $8.4 million Resource Manager and technology) Superintendent 1978 help build schools Part-Time Human Resource Superintendent (Cost 1972 1994 Began School Im- 2004 (Cost Containment) Girls Gymnastic Assistant Manager (Cost Contain- Containment); Improved Indiana University: B.S. in Education Assistant for Pupil Personnel provement Initiatives; Initiation of District 205 Coach Assistant Chapter I ment); Self-Imposed Pay 2006 Discipline Model and 1968 and B.A. in Speech and Theater; 1986 1991 Services and External Chaperoned Foundation for TT, TR (Title 1) Director Freeze (Cost Contain- Community Technology Reduced Expulsions; Graduated from Cotillion Dance Choreographer Summer School Principal Director of Pupil Funding [Managed 39 Students to Spain and TW 1956 TT Co-Cheerleading Sponsor ment); Established Com- Program; Small Learn- Balanced Budgets; 2010 Thornton Town- Director of Student Ser- Personnel Services- Categorical or Competitive 1999 2000 munity Strategic Planning 2003 1971 1974 Special Educational, ing Grant #2 ($1.8 Schott Award for District Received Moved to Phoenix, ship High School; 1982 vices--Special Education, Gant Programs], Community First African American Improved Committee-Finance made Received Doctorate 1977 Grants, and Support Million); Part- Time Graduating over 80% of $18 Million Grant IL and Attended Indiana Travelled to University of the Part-Time Earned Gifted, Food Services, Relations Liaison and Female High School Technology cost reduction from Loyola University Personnel, implement- Business Manager and African American Males entered Coolidge University on Philippines and Kyoto, Japan Instructor South Girls Gymnastic Administrative Chapter I Reading and District Hearing Officer Superintendent in Access recommendations; --Educational Leadership ed computer labs) Superintendent (Cost Middle School Scholarship (Indiana University) Suburban College Assistant Coach Certificate Math Programs [Excess 6.5 Million annually] State of Illinois (Internet) 21st Century Grant (3years) and Policy Studies 1955 Containment 2011

Did you know the Thornton Township community Our contact with students of the District has convinced me that they will have and students recommended air conditioning for Thornton? The board approved air conditioning and a water- based heating system. Now all three buildings are air conditioned. a tremendous impact on the world and community. - Mike & Sheila Kellogg