2009 Universal School

www.Alanwar-Designs.com

behind them. behind

The elementary and high school teachers have an average of nine years teaching experience experience teaching years nine of average an have teachers school high and elementary The Universal in which students actively work in the community to help those in need. in those help to community the in work actively students which in Universal

Over 50% of the elementary faculty graduated with honors from their respective alma mater. mater. alma respective their from honors with graduated faculty elementary the of 50% Over The first high school chapter of IMAN (Inner-city Muslim Action Network) was established at at established was Network) Action Muslim (Inner-city IMAN of chapter school high first The

and high school teachers have been chosen annually, as Who’s Who among U.S. teachers. teachers. U.S. among Who Who’s as annually, chosen been have teachers school high and nline newspaper as well. well. as newspaper nline o an have and year, a times three newspaper student 12-page own

ne high school teacher has a Ph.D. in curricular development. Several elementary elementary Several development. curricular in Ph.D. a has teacher school high ne O Degrees. homeless shelters and sponsorship of orphaned children. Universal students publish their their publish students Universal children. orphaned of sponsorship and shelters homeless

ne Master’s Degree in education-related fields, the remaining have Bachelor’s Bachelor’s have remaining the fields, education-related in Degree Master’s ne o least at earned services, such as feeding the indigent, visiting nursing homes, participating in activities at at activities in participating homes, nursing visiting indigent, the feeding as such services,

except for a few who are currently pursuing a certification program. Over forty percent have have percent forty Over program. certification a pursuing currently are who few a for except significant role in the community. Many school programs involve the students in community community in students the involve programs school Many community. the in role significant

IMPACT ON COMMUNITY: ON IMPACT All teachers of core subjects are certified in their respective fields where certification is offered offered is certification where fields respective their in certified are subjects core of teachers All Since its inception, Universal School has played a dynamic and and dynamic a played has School Universal inception, its Since

Principal and Assistant Principal both hold a Master’s Degrees in Education and Administration. Administration. and Education in Degrees Master’s a hold both Principal Assistant and Principal away.

THE FACULTY/STAFF: THE The school is home to sixty dedicated faculty and staff members. The The members. staff and faculty dedicated sixty to home is school The from the entire Chicago land area with a significant number living up to an hour’s drive drive hour’s an to up living number significant a with area land Chicago entire the from

LOCATION: playing field; and a playground. a and field; playing Nestled in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Universal School draws students students draws School Universal Chicago, of suburbs southwest the in Nestled

media center; a cafeteria with a full service kitchen; an inside regulation size basketball court; court; basketball size regulation inside an kitchen; service full a with cafeteria a center; media level.

ne journalism lab; library- lab; journalism ne o labs; computer two lab; science equipped fully art, the of state a n the state state the n o competed students several and years, eight past the for Meet Sectional State

THE FACILITY: The spacious 70,000 square foot modern facility includes thirty-six classrooms; classrooms; thirty-six includes facility modern foot square 70,000 spacious The FACILITY: THE boys and girls (Islamic dress code worn through special permission) has participated in the the in participated has permission) special through worn code dress (Islamic girls and boys

Universal Students. This is well above the national average of 21.1 and State average of 20.5. of average State and 21.1 of average national the above well is This Students. Universal program where students participated and won at the regional level, track and field team for for team field and track level, regional the at won and participated students where program

as the highest ACT score, and 790 out of 800 SAT subject test score obtained this past year by by year past this obtained score test subject SAT 800 of out 790 and score, ACT highest the as a volleyball tournament for girls involving other Muslim schools in the area, a wrestling wrestling a area, the in schools Muslim other involving girls for tournament volleyball a

nationally conducted achievement tests such as the SAT and ACT, with the score of 34 out of 36 36 of out 34 of score the with ACT, and SAT the as such tests achievement conducted nationally joining an official IHSA private high school basketball conference; initiating and hosting and initiating conference; basketball school high private IHSA official an joining

n n o years four last the for 24.1% to 23.0 from averaged scores students’ school high Our character education program; 12-page, independent student newspaper, The Constellation; Constellation; The newspaper, student independent 12-page, program; education character

n the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Basic of Test Iowa the n o 8 through 2 grades in schools parochial and private other textbooks for the elementary grades; participants of the Tarbiyah Project, a national Islamic Islamic national a Project, Tarbiyah the of participants grades; elementary the for textbooks

th, th, nd

average, performed better than 77% of all the students nationally, when compared to students in in students to compared when nationally, students the all of 77% than better performed average, textbooks and materials; creating and utilizing an Islamic Studies curriculum as well as as well as curriculum Studies Islamic an utilizing and creating materials; and textbooks

n n o students, school elementary Our classes. Honors and Placement Advanced offering program endeavors include: establishing an Arabic as a second language curriculum including original original including curriculum language second a as Arabic an establishing include: endeavors

academic program that leads the students in the high school level to our college preparatory preparatory college our to level school high the in students the leads that program academic establishing and refining North America’s Islamic school movement. Some of our unique unique our of Some movement. school Islamic America’s North refining and establishing

URCLM N ACHIEVEMENT: AND CURRICULUM AIG H LEAD: THE TAKING The elementary level adheres to an accelerated accelerated an to adheres level elementary The Universal is known as the pioneer in taking bold steps toward toward steps bold taking in pioneer the as known is Universal

Award. Effort Extra WGN • other nationalities. other

countries, 15% represent the Indian subcontinent, 12% are African Americans and 10% from from 10% and Americans African are 12% subcontinent, Indian the represent 15% countries, out of 1600. of out

• Illinois State Scholar, State Illinois • economic backgrounds. Over 63% of parents of students come from twenty different Arab Arab different twenty from come students of parents of 63% Over backgrounds. economic awarded to 1% of Illinois H.S. seniors; Highest SAT score, 1570 1570 score, SAT Highest seniors; H.S. Illinois of 1% to awarded

ENROLLMENT: National Merit Scholar: Scholar: Merit National Universal’s 668 students and their parents are from various cultural and and cultural various from are parents their and students 668 Universal’s Awarded to 1 in 250,000 high school seniors. school high 250,000 in 1 to Awarded

Al mrcn il ots, winner: Contest, Girl American All • efforts. Sponsored by U.S. Congressman Lipinski; Lipinski; Congressman U.S. by Sponsored

amount is collected through tuition, the remainder is provided through grants and fund raising raising fund and grants through provided is remainder the tuition, through collected is amount Report.

BUDGET: The annual budget of Universal sums over 3,300,000.00. Seventy-five percent of this this of percent Seventy-five 3,300,000.00. over sums Universal of budget annual The Awarded grand prize in the national competition sponsor by US News and World World and News US by sponsor competition national the in prize grand Awarded

• 2000: Metro Prep Conference Championship, Student On-Line Award, On-Line Student Championship, Conference Prep Metro 2000: • others. (SOJA) (SOJA)

RECOGNITIONS EXTRA n American Islamic relations, among among relations, Islamic American n o Council and Inc., Dar-ul-Islam Council, Muslim American

leading Islamic school by the Islamic Society of North America, Islamic Circle of North America, America, North of Circle Islamic America, North of Society Islamic the by school Islamic leading Winners; 8 AP Scholars; 4 Illinois State Scholars. State Illinois 4 Scholars; AP 8 Winners;

North Central Association for Accreditation. Universal School is also recognized nationally as a a as nationally recognized also is School Universal Accreditation. for Association Central North Sponsored by U.S. Congressman Lipinski; Midwest Muslimah Volleyball Tournament Tournament Volleyball Muslimah Midwest Lipinski; Congressman U.S. by Sponsored

Education and in 2004, Universal School also received accreditation from the very prestigious prestigious very the from accreditation received also School Universal 2004, in and Education 2005: Highest ACT score of 34 out of 36. All American Boy Contest, 3rd place winner: winner: place 3rd Contest, Boy American All 36. of out 34 of score ACT Highest 2005:

ACCREDITATION: Since 1992, Universal has been recognized by the State of Illinois Board of of Board Illinois of State the by recognized been has Universal 1992, Since finalist in the All American Boys Contest. Contest. Boys American All the in finalist

2006: oversee the basic functions of the school. the of functions basic the oversee Highest ACT scores of 32 out of 36; 11 AP Scholars; 6 Illinois State Scholars. 1 1 Scholars. State Illinois 6 Scholars; AP 11 36; of out 32 of scores ACT Highest

There are nine members, eight men and one woman. These individuals who volunteer their time time their volunteer who individuals These woman. one and men eight members, nine are There ACT score 34 out of 36, and highest SAT 1420, 10 Illinois State Scholars. State Illinois 10 1420, SAT highest and 36, of out 34 score ACT

Muslim professionals who are not only active in the school, but in the community at large. large. at community the in but school, the in active only not are who professionals Muslim every 250,000 high school juniors). 2 finalists in the All American Boys Contest, Highest Highest Contest, Boys American All the in finalists 2 juniors). school high 250,000 every

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: OF BOARD THE Universal School is governed by a well-diversified, group of of group well-diversified, a by governed is School Universal Scholars and 2 National Merit Scholars Semi Finalists (This honor is awarded to only 1 in in 1 only to awarded is honor (This Finalists Semi Scholars Merit National 2 and Scholars

academic scholarships. academic place school Recognition in the Regional and Sectional WYSE Competition. 7 AP AP 7 Competition. WYSE Sectional and Regional the in Recognition school place

2007: other smaller undergraduate schools. Last year’s graduates received a total of over 2 million in in million 2 over of total a received graduates year’s Last schools. undergraduate smaller other 1 schools. 55 of out Fair Science Regional the in recognition school place 1

st st

Program, University of Illinois at Chicago Honors Program, University of Illinois at Urbana and and Urbana at Illinois of University Program, Honors Chicago at Illinois of University Program, of 36. of

Connecticut, I.I.T. Dual acceptance Medical, DePaul University, Loyola University Honors Honors University Loyola University, DePaul Medical, acceptance Dual I.I.T. Connecticut, 2 students finalists in the All American Boy/Girl Contest, Highest ACT score of a 34 out out 34 a of score ACT Highest Contest, Boy/Girl American All the in finalists students 2

Northwestern University, Washington St Louis Medical Program, Wesleyan University in in University Wesleyan Program, Medical Louis St Washington University, Northwestern 14 students were recognized as AP Scholars. 83% of the students passed the AP Exam. Exam. AP the passed students the of 83% Scholars. AP as recognized were students 14

accepted into Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University, University of Chicago, Chicago, of University University, Cornell University, Yale University, Harvard into accepted individual “Outstanding” recognition in the areas of Biology and Physics, at State level. level. State at Physics, and Biology of areas the in recognition “Outstanding” individual

growth, we anticipate reaching this number in a few short years. Our graduates have been been have graduates Our years. short few a in number this reaching anticipate we growth, Regional and Sectional WYSE Competition, Universal School students received received students School Universal Competition, WYSE Sectional and Regional

70,000 square foot modern facility allows a maximum of 700 students. At the current rate of of rate current the At students. 700 of maximum a allows facility modern foot square 70,000 place school recognition in the the in recognition school place 1 recognition. Projects” “Outstanding of percentage

elementary level and 327 in the middle and high school, totaling 668 students. The spacious spacious The students. 668 totaling school, high and middle the in 327 and level elementary schools. From the 300 projects judged, Universal School students received the greatest greatest the received students School Universal judged, projects 300 the From schools.

2008: 12th grade. During the last school year, there were over 341 students in the preschool and and preschool the in students 341 over were there year, school last the During grade. 12th place school recognition in the Regional Science Fair out of 48 participating participating 48 of out Fair Science Regional the in recognition school place 1

FROM CRAYONS TO COLLEGE: TO CRAYONS FROM DISTINCT AWARDS: DISTINCT Universal School provides classes from preschool through through preschool from classes provides School Universal SCHOOL PROFILE 2008-2009 PROFILE SCHOOL

“Where Islam and Education Come Together”

7350 W. 93rd Street • Bridgeview, IL 60455 Tel (708) 599-4100 • Fax (708) 599-1588 www.universalschool.org Behind A Great School is a Great Staff! DIRECTORS & FOUNDERS

Dr. Abdul Amine, M.D. Neurosurgeon Safaa Zarzour, M.Ed., J.D. Dr. Abdullah Khasawinah, Ph.D. (Vice-Chairman of the Board) Prof: Mohammed A. Kishta, Ph.D. In Memoriam (1939-2000) Bassam Osman, M.D. (Representative of NAIT)

Mr. Shafiqur Rahman (Member 2007-2010)

Mr. Ahmad Elwan (Member 2006-2009)

Mr. Farooq Lowe (Member 2005-2008)

Dr. Abdallah Altarshan, M.D (Fathers’ Club Representative 2007-2008)

Mrs. Raghad Nahhas (Mothers’ Club President 2007-2008)

Mrs. Itedal Shalabi (Mothers’ Club Representative 2007-2008)

August 2008 Rajab - Sha’ban 1429

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN

July 2008 September 2008 1 29 2 30

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30

3 1 4 2 5 3 6 4 7 5 8 6 9 7

10 8 11 9 12 10 13 11 14 12 15 13 16 14

ACT Reg. Deadline for 8/12/08 Teacher In-Service Week

17 15 18 16 19 17 20 18 21 19 22 20 23 21 All Islamic Teachers Picture PK-7th Open House Pre-K-12th grade School In-Service 5:00-7:00 pm First Day of School Day 8:20-12:00 Students Must Be in Uniform Teacher In-Service Week Pk-7th Open House 5:00-7:00

24 22 25 23 26 24 27 25 28 26 29 27 30 28 29 Pre-K-12th grade Pk-7th Grade 8th-12th Grade 31 First Full Day of Teacher Meeting Teacher Meeting School 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm Students Must Be in Uniform

Farhat Siddiqui, Principal Mrs. Siddiqui joined Universal School in 1993 after teaching two years at the Islamic Foundation School. She is a certified teacher in the state of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Northeastern University. Mrs. Siddiqui received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Loyola University in 2001. Mrs. Siddiqui is certified by the State of Illinois as a Principal with a type 75 administrative certificate.

Hanan Abdallah, Assistant Principal Mrs. Hanan Abdallah joined Universal School in 1998. She graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Mrs. Abdallah was the Director of Student’s Affairs and has taught High School Math including AP Calculus for six years, and received a Masters Degree in Education in 2004. She has been recognized in “Who’s Who” among educators. Mrs. Abdallah is a certified teacher in the State of Illinois with endorsements in Mathematics and Social Studies. This is her ninth year.

Dalila Benameur, Dean of Students

Ms. Benameur joined Universal School in 1996. Ms. Benameur is our Dean of Students and Social Studies Department Chair and veteran teacher. She has taught middle school and high school social studies and is currently the advisor of the National Honor Society. Ms. Benameur graduated from the University of Paris-Jussieu in France with a Master’s Degree in American Civilization and a post-graduate degree in comparative religion and women’s studies. Ms. Benameur also holds a teaching certificate from the university.

September 2008 Ramadan 1429

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6

Ramadan Schedule Begins Labor Day (Tentative) NO SCHOOL

7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13

Fall Picture College Fair College Fair Classroom Visits To New Teachers

14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20

New teachers Pk-7th grade HS. 8th-12th grade ACT Reg. Deadline for meeting 3:45-5 pm Teachers meeting Teachers meeting 10/25/08 2:45-4:00 pm 2:45-4:00 pm

21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27

Eid Bazar

28 28 29 29 30 30 August 2008 October 2008 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Eid Al-Fitr Break - NO SCHOOOL 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 31

Gloria Sharara, Office Manager Heda Al-Shuaibi, Secretary Mrs. Sharara joined Universal School in 1997. She has an associ- Mrs. Heda Al-Shuaibi joined Universal School in 2005. She has ate degree in Business Administration from LaGuardia Community many years of public relations experience. She worked for eight College in New York, and earned a certification in early childhood years with Al-Siddiqi Sunday School as a secretary, and with the education from Moraine Valley Community College. Cook County Health Department as an assistant. Mrs. Al-Sh- uaibi holds a Bachelors Degree in Shareeah and Islamic Studies from the European College for Islamic Studies.

Ruth Saleh, Administrative Assistant Imyassar Abdallah, Secretary Mrs. Saleh joined Universal School in 1992. She has twelve years of Ms. Imyassar Abdallah joined Universal School in 2006. She working experience at Universal in Pk-3 and Pk-4. She obtained her is currently attending Moraine Valley Community College pur- advanced certificate in early Childhood Education at Daley College suing her associates. Ms. Abdallah worked as a substitute for in the summer of 1998, and also earned an Associate Degree in Ap- her first year at Universal, and as a teacher’s aide her second plied Sciences with High Honors in May 2001. She is also certified in College Admission Counseling. year before becoming part of the administrative support staff.

Nada Abed, Secretary Nisreen Ahmed, Librarian Mrs. Abed joined Universal School in 2008. She is currently attend- Mrs. Ahmed graduated with Bachelors in Science in Journalism, ing Moraine Valley Community College to obtain a Massage Thera- from San Jose University in California. She interned at ABC Radio pist Certification. Mrs. Abed has previous office working experience in Chicago during her studies, and was on the Dean’s list through- from different business from the Chicago land area. out her college years. She joined Universal School as a substitute in January of 2004. She has been the Librarian/Media Specialist at Universal School for the past three years.

Fadwa Hammad, Secretary Abouelfatouh Sharara, Building Engineer Mrs. Fadwa Hammad joined Universal School in 2000. Mr. Sharara joined Universal School in 1994. He received his Mrs. Hammad is currently working in the office, handling accounts Bachelors degree in Physical Education from Alexandria Univer- receivable. She began working at Universal School as a substitute sity in Egypt in 1990. He taught P.E. at Universal for nine years teacher for one year and then transitioned to a permanent secre- prior to taking the Building Engineer position. Mr. Sharara is a tarial position in the main office. dedicated member of our staff.

October 2008 Shawwal - Thul Qi’dah 1429

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN

September 2008 November 2008 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 Oct 08 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Eid Al-Fitr 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 (tentative) 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Eid Al-Fitr Break - NO SCHOOOL

5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 School Resumes Progress Reports 9th Graders Open House/Parents Progress Reports Due Sent Home EXPLORE Exam Workshop 5-8 pm 10th Graders PLAN Exam Scholastic Book Fair

12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18

Graduates Pictures PSAT Exam HS. 8th-12th grade Board/Parent & Fall Retakes Pk-7th grade Teachers meeting Meeting 6 pm Teachers meeting 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm

19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25

All Staff Meeting ACT Exam 4:00-5:00 pm

26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 1 31 2

All Staff Meeting End of 1st Quarter 4:00-5:00 pm

Sawsan Radwan, Preschool 3 year olds Hana’a Jody, Kindergarten Mrs. Radwan joined Universal School in 1995. She Ms. Jody has a bachelor’s degree in obtained her associate degree from Daley College. elementary education from Chicago State Mrs. Radwan worked for two years as a teacher in University and is a certified teacher in the state Children’s World Learning Center and four years as of Illinois. Ms. Jody has taught at Universal a teacher in Grace Preschool prior to join Universal School. since 1997.

Lila Alharsha, Preschool 4 year olds Ann Mehar, Kindergarten Mrs. Alharsha joined Universal School in 1998. She Mrs. Mehar joined Universal School in 2000. holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and a She obtained her B.S. in elementary education CDA certification in early childhood. She is in the from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. She process of receiving a National Administrators has worked in Universal’s pre-K 3 classroom. Credential. She has taught at the Pre K level for 12 years, 3 at All star kids prior to join Universal. Prior to that, she worked at the Wayne County School Career Center for five years in the nursery school, and for one year at Park Place Preschool. Mrs. Mehar is certified in elementary education.

November 2008 Thul Qi’dah - Thul Hijjah 1429

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN

October 2008 December 2008 1 3

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Nov 08 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31

2 4 3 5 4 6 5 7 6 8 7 9 8 10

Grades Due 9/10 Boys Students/ 9/10 Girls Students/ ACT Reg. Deadline for Admin meeting 4 pm Admin meeting 4 pm 10/25/08 Teacher In-Service NO SCHOOL

9 11 10 12 11 13 12 14 13 15 14 16 15 17

Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade Parent/Teacher Teachers meeting Teachers meeting Conference 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm 10-6 pm NO SCHOOL

16 18 17 19 18 20 19 21 20 22 21 23 22 24

New teachers All Staff Meeting Annual Dinner meeting 3:45-5 pm 4:00-5:00 p.m. 6 p.m.

23 25 24 26 25 27 26 28 27 29 28 30 29 1 2 30 11/12 Boys Students/ 11/12 Girls Students/ Admin meeting Admin meeting 4 pm 4 pm Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

Sabaah Ali, 1st grade Huwaida Hamed, 3rd grade Ms. Sabaah Ali is certified to teach K-9 by the State of Illinois. She received her Huwaida Hamed graduated from Trinity Christian College with a bache- collegiate education from Benedictine University. She is also certified to teach lor’s degree in elementary education. Ms. Hamed is certified by the State Spanish. Ms. Ali taught first grade in ICCI (Islamic Community Center Illinois) of Illinois and did her student teaching at Lyle Elementary School in Brid- before join Universal School. geview, Illinois.

Aliah Jody, 1st grade Linda Mosa, 4th grade Ms. Jody received her Associates in Arts Degree from Daley College in June of Mrs. Mosa is a graduate of Saint Xavier University with bachelors in El- 1992. She is currently working on earning her Bachelors of Science in Elementary ementary Education. She is pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum Education from Governors State University. and Instruction. She is certified to teach K-9, by the State of Illinois. Mrs. Mosa has experience teaching at Peck Elementary School in Chicago for the past six years.

Buthiana M.A. Shabaneh, 2nd grade Maribel Quiles-Moukaddem, 4th grade Mrs. Shabaneh is a 2nd grade teacher. She graduated with honors from North- Mrs. Moukaddem has a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction eastern Illinois University with a degree in Early Childhood education. Mrs. Sha- with a minor in Psychology from National Louis University at Wheaton, Illinois and baneh is certified by the state of Illinois. Mrs. Shabaneh worked for Universal for her bachelors of Science in special education from Southern Illinois University in three years as a Pre K-4 and for three years as a second grade teacher before she Carbondale, Illinois. She is certified by the state of Illinois to teach English as moved to Alabama where she also taught kindergarten. She also worked for two a second language. She has six year of teaching experience in the public school years at ICCI Academy in Illinois. system prior to joining Universal School in 2001. Noor Shalabi, 2nd grade Barbara Hamoud, 5th grade Mrs. Shalabi graduated from Saint Xavier University in 2003 with a Master of Arts Mrs. Hamoud joined the Universal faculty in January of 1992 after graduating from in Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in May 2000 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in elementary Rutgers University. She did her student teaching with Ridge Central Elementary education. She had a 4.0 GPA and was on the dean’s list every semester. She was School, and joined Universal School in October 2003 as a 2nd grade teacher. Mrs. active in the Muslim Student Association and is a certified teacher in the state of Shalabi is certified by the State of Illinois. Illinois, with an endorsement in English. She has taught kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade and 5th grade at Universal. Aminah Murrar, 3rd grade Ranya Hasan, 5th grade Mrs. Murrar graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She re- Mrs. Hassan is a graduate of St. Xavier University, graduating Cum Laude. ceived a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an area of concentration She is certified to teach K-9 and has worked for one year with Islamic in Arabic. Mrs. Murrar is certified by the state of Illinois. She joined Universal in Foundation School as an Elementary teacher. Mrs. Hasan is certified by 2001 as a 3rd grade teacher and plans to continue her education in Islamic Stud- ies through Open University. the state of Illinois.

December 2008 Thul Hijjah - Muharram 1429

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 6 5 7 6 8 Dec 08 Quran Competition

7 9 8 10 9 11 10 12 11 13 12 14 13 15

ACT Exam

Eid Al-Adha Break - NO SCHOOL

14 16 15 17 16 18 17 19 18 20 19 21 20 22

School Resumes Progress Reports 8th-12th grade 8th-12th Science Elementary Eid Sent Home Teachers meeting Fair Party Pk-7th grade 3:45-5:00 pm Progress Reports Due Teachers meeting 3:45-5:00 pm

21 23 22 24 23 25 24 26 25 27 26 28 27 29

New teachers All Staff Meeting meeting 3:45-5 pm 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Winter Break - NO SCHOOL

28 30 29 1 30 2 31 3 November 2008 Januarty 2009 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Winter Break - NO SCHOOL 30

Qudsia Haque, 6th grade Rafah Abu Hayyeh, 7th grade Ms. Haque earned her B.A. degree from Mrs. Abuhayyeh joined Universal School in Northwestern University and has middle school 2006. She is a graduate of Northeastern endorsements in Math and Science. She did her Illinois University with Middle School student teaching at Nichols Middle School. Ms. Endorsements. She is certified by the State of Haque is certified by the State of Illinois. Illinois.

Azza Rahman, 6th grade Maria Lorena Jameel, 7th grade Ms. Rahman joined Universal School in 2007. She Mrs. Jameel earned her B.A. in Microbiology earned her B.A. degree in elementary from Eastern Michigan University and B.A. in education from Elmhurst College with middle school Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic endorsements in Science and Social Studies. She University. Mrs. Jameel is certified by the State also holds a Master of Education in Reading and of Illinois, Florida and Texas in Elementary Literacy from Benedictine University. Ms. Rahman worked at Averoes Academy before coming to Education. Mrs. Jameel had taught at N.U.I Universal School. Academy in Florida for the last two years prior to coming to Universal.

January 2009 Muharram - Safar 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN

December 2008 February 2009 1 4 2 5 3 6 Jan 09 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Federal Aid 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 (FAFSA) Worksheet 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 available 28 29 30 31 Winter Break - NO SCHOOL ACT Class Test 9:00-1:00 pm

4 7 5 8 6 9 7 10 8 11 9 12 10 13

School Resumes NHS Community Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade ACT Class Service Hours Due Teachers meeting Teachers meeting 3:30-6:30 pm ACT Reg. Deadline for 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm 2/7/09

11 14 12 15 13 16 14 17 15 18 16 19 17 20

All Staff Meeting 4:00-5:00 p.m. Exams Reviews

18 21 19 22 20 23 21 24 22 25 23 26 24 27 8th-12th Independent End of 2nd Quarter Study Day ACT Class New teachers 3:30-6:30 pm meeting 3:45-5 pm 8th-12th Semester Exams

25 28 26 29 27 1 28 2 29 3 30 4 31 5 Grades Due Report Cards Sent Home / Career Day (NHS Sponsored) / ACT Class Spelling Bee Week 3:30-6:30 pm

Fuzia Jarad Dalila Benameur, Department Chair Mrs. Jarad graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago in Ms. Benameur is the Dean of Students and Social Studies 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She began teaching at Department Chair. Ms. Benameur graduated from the Universal in 1993 until 1999 when she took a two-year sabbatical. University of Paris-Jussieu in France with a Master’s Degree She joined our teaching staff again in 2001. Presently she is teach- in American Civilization and a post-graduate degree in ing, High School English and Advanced Placement English. comparative religion and women’s studies. Ms. Benameur also holds a teaching certificate from the university. Dalal Askar Mrs. Askar earned her bachelors degree in Secondary Education and English from DePaul University and she is pursuing a Masters in Fiction Writing and Teaching Writing from Columbia College in Jehad Matariyeh Chicago. Mrs. Askar holds a secondary teaching certification from Mr. Matariyeh earned his Masters in Political and Justice the State of Illinois. Studies from Governors State University and his bachelor degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois in Deanna Othman Springfield, Illinois. Ms. Othman, a former Universal School student, has a bachelor’s degree in English and International Studies, and Masters in Maga- zine Publishing, Editing, and Writing from Northwestern University. Ms. Othman has many years of experience in her field.

Nassrine Hamdan Mrs. Hamdan earned her bachelor degree in History from Timothy L. Weldzius the University of Illinois in Chicago. Mrs. Hamdan worked at Mr. Weldzius graduated from University of Illinois in Chicago with Universal School from 1997 to 1999 as a first grade bachelors in English Language Arts. He is also pursuing a Masters’ teacher before dedicating herself to her family. She has Degree in Education from Chicago State University. Mr. Weldzius did his student teaching at Tilden High School, worked at Chicago Sun- always kept involved with the school as a parent and as Times Newspaper as an editor, and is currently a reporter for the a substitute teacher. Gazette Newspaper. Mr. Weldzius is certified by the State of Illinois.

February 2009 Safar - Rabi’ I 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 10 6 11 7 12 Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade ACT Class Math Counts Competition Teachers meeting Teachers meeting 3:30-6:30 pm ACT Exam 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm ACT Class Test College Seminar Making 9:00-1:00 pm It Count 10th-11th Grade

8 13 9 14 10 15 11 16 12 17 13 18 14 19

All Staff Meeting WYSE Regional Elementary Science 4:00-5:00 p.m. Competition Fair

ACT Class Workshop 3:30-6:30 pm

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Teacher ACT Class 3:30-6:30 pm In-Service NO SCHOOL

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Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade ACT Class Teachers meeting Teachers meeting 3:30-6:30 pm 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm ACT Reg. Deadline for 4/4/08

January 2009 March 2009

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31

Ali Abuhlaleh, Department Chair Usama Oubeid Mr. Abuhlaleh has a Bachelor Degree in Physical Mr. Oubeid earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Jordan University, and many years of Computer Science from Northeastern Illinois experience as a P.E. teacher and coach of different University. Mr. Oubeid had worked the computer wrestling teams. Mr. Abuhalaleh is our current coach of the field prior to come to Universal School. wrestling, and soccer teams.

Melvin Aziz Farid Mr. Farid attended Chicago State University. He has Lena Tlieb received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with Ms. Tlieb has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science a minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He started from Robert Morris College. She is currently our high school at Universal in 2001-2002 as a part time physical girls Volleyball and Basketball teams’ coach, and education teacher. a physical education teacher for our elementary, Middle Hayfae Awadallah and High school girls. Mrs. Awadallah completed a high school degree from Buffalo, New York, and was at the top of the class. She holds an Associate Degree from Moraine Mahmoud Ghouleh Valley Community College. Mr. Ghouleh is currently attending Moraine Valley Community College, and he is the Assistant Basketball Maha Abuzir, Arts Department Coach at Moraine Valley. Mr. Ghouleh is our current coach Mrs. Abuzir graduated from the University of Illinois of the high school basketball team. at Chicago with a Liberal Arts and Science Degree in 1993. Mrs. Abuzir joined Universal School as a fulltime Art teacher in 2006.

March 2009 Rabi’ I - Rabi’ II 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN 1 4 2 5 3 6 4 7 5 8 6 9 7 10 Mar 09 Progress Reports Due Progress Reports Sent NHS Induction ACT Class Home Ceremony 2-3:30 pm 3:30-6:30 pm

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All Staff Meeting HS Lexicon WYSE Sectional Regional Science 4:00-5:00 p.m. Challenge Competition Fair

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MS Lexicon ACT Class ACT Class Test Challenge 3:30-6:30 pm 9:00-1:00 pm

22 25 23 26 24 27 25 28 26 29 27 30 28 1

Spring Break - NO SCHOOL

29 2 30 3 31 4 February 2009 April 2009 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Rosemary Sahloul, Department Chair Linda Hamadeh, Department Chair Mrs. Sahloul graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mrs. Linda Hamadeh graduated from Northeastern Illinois She has a bachelor degree in Math Education, and she is certified by University in May 1997 with High Honors and received a B.S. the state of Illinois. She has taught for twelve years at AQSA School degree in Biology and Certification in Secondary Science prior to joining Universal School in 2000. Education grades 6-12. She began teaching middle school and high school science at Universal School in August 1997 until summer 2001, when she began working on her Ruqia Ali Masters in Educational Leadership and Supervision. Mrs. Ali has a Masters of Arts in Education from Benedictine Mrs. Hamadeh received her M.Ed. degree from St. Xavier University with a Secondary Education Certificate and Bachelors University in 2003, and she returned to Universal School as of Science. Mrs. Ali has taught for one year at Islamic Foundation a department chair and high school teacher. She has also School and is eager to get back into the classroom and have the been the official IJAS school sponsor since 2004. students work on Labs in our State of the Art Laboratory. Samina Syed Mrs. Syed graduated from the University of Alberta in Azza Jammal Ms. Jammal holds a bachelor degree in Commerce from DePaul Canada in secondary education (BED), with a bachelor’s of University. Ms. Jammal worked as a 7th grade teacher at Universal science degree (BSC), and a bachelor’s degree in School for a year and taught part-time in our H.S. / M.S. Math biological science and physical science. Mrs. Syed is department. certified as a science teacher. Mrs. Syed has been teaching Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry and Math.

Rashikah Hamayel Aniesah Mustafa Mrs. Hamayel earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Birziet Mrs. Mustafa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry University in Palestine. She obtained her Illinois certification in and a Master in Organic Chemistry from University of Illinois teaching math and physics from Trinity Christian College. Mrs. at Chicago. Mrs. Mustafa also holds a PhD Research from Hamayel has six years of working experience in the weekend school. Mrs. Hamayel did her student teaching at Universal School prior to the same University. becoming part of our full time staff.

April 2009 Rabi’ II - Jumada I 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN 1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8 Apr 09

Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade End of 3rd Quarter ACT Exam Teachers meeting Teachers meeting ACT Class Workshop 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm 3:30-6:30 pm

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Elementary Spring WYSE State Educational Forum Educational Forum Picture Competition Scholastic Book Fair

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All Staff Meeting Parent/Teacher 4:00-5:00 p.m. Conference 10-6 pm NO SCHOOL

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Arabic Spelling Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade Experience It! Bee Teachers meeting Teachers meeting Open House for 3:45-5:00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm New Parents 9-12 pm

26 1 27 2 28 3 29 4 30 5 March 2009 May 2009 Progress Reports Progress reports S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Due for 8th grade/ Roof- Sent Home for 8th & 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 Teacher 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 top Picture 12th grade In-Service 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 NO SCHOOL 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 IOWA TESTS 31

Motasem Azhari, Department Chair Turfa Taha Mr. Azhari joined Universal in 1993 after 18 years of teaching Arabic in Mrs. Taha has been teaching Arabic at Universal School for Kuwait and Jordan. He was also assistant principal of a middle school in thirteen years. Prior to that, she taught in Kuwait at al-Nahdah Kuwait for six years and a principal for six years at the same school. He School for six years, and subsequently became an assistant was a teacher>s inspector for the Arabic Department for five years. He principal at the same school and held that position for eleven years. graduated from the Syrian University. She was a principal of the Quran School in Kuwait for a year.

Jemana Martini Seida Khater Mrs. Martini holds a degree from Syria. Mrs. Martini is certified to teach Mrs. Khater is certified to teach Arabic and Islamic Studies. She has a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies. She has a degree in Education from the Open Education from the Open American University. She holds Bachelors in Political American University. She taught six years in Syria. She also taught Science and Business administration from Jordan University. She has earned an Arabic and Islamic Studies for two years at Al Noor School in New York, Ijaza in Quran recitation (Shatibyah method). She has worked as an Islamic Studies/Arabic teacher for the Mosque Foundation weekend school and two years at the Sister Clara Muhammad School, and two years at as a substitute for Universal School. She currently teaches Arabic and Quran to Brooklyn Cultural Center in New York City. This is Mrs. Martini>s eleventh grades 6th through 12th grade. year at Universal.

Samira Dissi Asma Atek Mrs. Dissi graduated from Al-Quds University in Jerusalem with a Bachelors Mrs. Atek had taught Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies during Degree in Arabic Literature. She has been with Universal since 1997, as Universal Saturday School for the last few years, and taught a substitute teacher and as a teacher>s aide for early elementary grades. Tajweed and Quran for adults as well. Mrs. Atek has an advanced She continues with Universal as a full-time Arabic teacher. course in Tajweed certification and more than seven years of teaching experience.

Ghina Jammal Ahmed Arafat Mrs. Jammal is certified to teach Arabic and Islamic studies. She has Mr. Arafat works in our Islamic Studies and Arabic Department. He a diploma in Education from the Open American University. She joined has a Bachelors degree in Languages and Translation with minors Universal school in 1995, and she has more than fourteen years of in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University in Cairo-Egypt. teaching experience.

May 2009 Jumada I - Jumada II 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN

April 2009 June 2009 1 6 2 7

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S May 09 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 State Science Fair 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 IOWA 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 TESTS

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AP Students Independent AP Calculus Exam AP English Literature AP US History Exam Study Day Morning Session Exam Morning Session Morning Session Pk-7th grade 8th-12th grade Teachers meeting Teachers meeting ACT Reg. Deadline for 3:45-5 :00 pm 3:45-5:00 pm 6/23/09

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AP Biology Exam AP Environmental AP English Language Study guides All School Program Morning Session Science Exam Exam 8th & 12th 6:30 pm AP Physics Exam Morning Session Morning Session students Afternoon Session Progress Reports Sent Progress Reports Due

17 22 18 23 19 24 20 25 21 26 22 27 23 28 New teachers Final Exams Due meeting 3:45-5 pm for 8th & 12th grade students Current families Registration - Last Name beginning with A

24 29 25 1 26 2 27 3 28 4 29 5 30 6 7 8th & 12th student Graduation Dinner 8th & 12th graders Last 31 Memorial grades for 4th Qtr Day of School & Award entered 8th &12th Grade Final Exams Ceremony / Seniors Picnic Fun Fair (5/24) Day by Juniors/8th& 12th 12-5 pm NO SCHOOL grades finalized & entered Current families Registration - Last Name beginning with B-L

Nazeerah Khudeira, Department Chair Fathi Fadhli Mrs. Khudeira has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences Dr. Fadhli obtained his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with a major in English, and a Master’s Degree in liberal education from the College of Education, at the University of with a concentration in Literature. She also holds a standard Missouri-Columbia. He holds a Masters degree in Science elementary certification K-9. She has taught in schools in New Education from the same university and a Masters in Mexico, various countries, and Chicago. She is certified to teach middle/high school English, Political Science, Sociology and Civics. Geology from the Department of Geology at Ohio University, She currently teaches Islamic Studies to grades 6th through 10th. Athens, Ohio. He worked five years with the Information and Access Technology Service Department at the University of Missouri during the course of his study, before joining Universal in 1999. Huda Ata Mrs. Ata received her Bachelor degree in Shariah and Usool Al-Din. Nazir Chahin Mrs. Ata has three years of teaching experience at Al-Siddiq School Mr. Chahin is a part time Islamic Studies teacher. Mr. (Mosque Foundation). She worked with the Munina Youth Club for Chahin earned a bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering three years teaching Quran interpretation (Tafsir) to English from Northern Illinois University and a Sharia in comparative speaking sisters on Sundays at the Mosque Foundation. Mrs. Ata Fiqh and Quran’s Sciences from Al-Azhar University in Syria. also volunteered as a teacher aide at Orland School for two years, and one year at Universal School, prior to joining Universal School Mr. Chahin is also the Imam at Orland Park Prayer Center. full-time.

Kifah Mustapha Mr. Mustapha is a part time Islamic Studies teacher. Mr. Mustapha is also an Imam at Mosque Foundation for many years and is coming to share his knowledge with our students.

June 2009 Jumada II - Rajab 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN 1 8 2 9 3 10 4 11 5 12 6 13

Study guides due Pre K/Kg Last Day End of 4th Quarter Jun 09 for 9th-11th grade Field Day for PK & Kg/ Kg Graduation 5pm students Final Exams Due 9th- 8 & 12 Grade Report 11th grade Card Pick Up Current families Registration - Last Name beginning with M-Z 9th-11th Grade Semester Reviews

7 14 8 15 9 16 10 17 11 18 12 19 13 20 8th Grade 9th-11th Independent 1st-7th grade Elementary/MS Awards Cer- ACT Exam Graduation 11-1 pm Study Day Field Day emony. Last Day & Report 12th Grade School in session for Card Pick Up for 1st-7th. Teacher In-Service Graduation 4-6 pm 1st-7th grade Dismiss at 12:00 pm 9th-11th Grade Semester Exams

14 21 15 22 16 23 17 24 18 25 19 26 20 27 HS Report Cards Pick Up

Office Summer Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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28 5 29 6 30 7 May 2009 July 2009 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 31

Huma Murad Howyda Ragab

Tazia Begum Akila Kouider

Deba Ahmed Kifah Soheil Nadia Rayan Asma Chehade

Nafeesunnisa Syed Kifah Abuhlaleh

Buthiana Mahafzah

July 2009 Rajab - Sha’ban 1430

ال�سـبـت SAT اجلمـعــة FRI اخلميـ�س THU الأربعــاء WED الثالثــاء TUE الإثـنـيـن MON الأحـــد SUN

June 2009 August 2009 1 8 2 9 3 10 4 11

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 SCHOOL CLOSED 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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CLASS of 2008

Universal School “Where Islam and Education Come Together” 7350 W. 93rd Street • Bridgeview, IL 60455 Phone (708) 599-4100 • Fax (708) 599-1588 • Website: www.universalschool.org SCHOOL PROFILE 2008-2009 FROM CRAYONS TO COLLEGE: Universal School provides classes from preschool through DISTINCT AWARDS: 12th grade. During the last school year, there were over 341 students in the preschool and 2008: 1st place school recognition in the Regional Science Fair out of 48 participating elementary level and 327 in the middle and high school, totaling 668 students. The spacious schools. From the 300 projects judged, Universal School students received the greatest 70,000 square foot modern facility allows a maximum of 700 students. At the current rate of percentage of “Outstanding Projects” recognition. 1st place school recognition in the growth, we anticipate reaching this number in a few short years. Our graduates have been Regional and Sectional WYSE Competition, Universal School students received accepted into Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University, University of Chicago, individual “Outstanding” recognition in the areas of Biology and Physics, at State level. Northwestern University, Washington St Louis Medical Program, Wesleyan University in 14 students were recognized as AP Scholars. 83% of the students passed the AP Exam. Connecticut, I.I.T. Dual acceptance Medical, DePaul University, Loyola University Honors 2 students finalists in the All American Boy/Girl Contest, Highest ACT score of a 34 out Program, University of Illinois at Chicago Honors Program, University of Illinois at Urbana and of 36. other smaller undergraduate schools. Last year’s graduates received a total of over 2 million in 2007: 1st place school recognition in the Regional Science Fair out of 55 schools. 1st academic scholarships. place school Recognition in the Regional and Sectional WYSE Competition. 7 AP THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Universal School is governed by a well-diversified, group of Scholars and 2 National Merit Scholars Semi Finalists (This honor is awarded to only 1 in Muslim professionals who are not only active in the school, but in the community at large. every 250,000 high school juniors). 2 finalists in the All American Boys Contest, Highest There are nine members, eight men and one woman. These individuals who volunteer their time ACT score 34 out of 36, and highest SAT 1420, 10 Illinois State Scholars. oversee the basic functions of the school. 2006: Highest ACT scores of 32 out of 36; 11 AP Scholars; 6 Illinois State Scholars. 1 ACCREDITATION: Since 1992, Universal has been recognized by the State of Illinois Board of finalist in the All American Boys Contest. Education and in 2004, Universal School also received accreditation from the very prestigious 2005: Highest ACT score of 34 out of 36. All American Boy Contest, 3rd place winner: North Central Association for Accreditation. Universal School is also recognized nationally as a Sponsored by U.S. Congressman Lipinski; Midwest Muslimah Volleyball Tournament leading Islamic school by the Islamic Society of North America, Islamic Circle of North America, Winners; 8 AP Scholars; 4 Illinois State Scholars. American Muslim Council, Dar-ul-Islam Inc., and Council on American Islamic relations, among EXTRA RECOGNITIONS others. • 2000: Metro Prep Conference Championship, Student On-Line Award, (SOJA) BUDGET: The annual budget of Universal sums over 3,300,000.00. Seventy-five percent of this Awarded grand prize in the national competition sponsor by US News and World amount is collected through tuition, the remainder is provided through grants and fund raising Report. efforts. • All American Girl Contest, winner: Sponsored by U.S. Congressman Lipinski; ENROLLMENT: Universal’s 668 students and their parents are from various cultural and National Merit Scholar: Awarded to 1 in 250,000 high school seniors. economic backgrounds. Over 63% of parents of students come from twenty different Arab • Illinois State Scholar, awarded to 1% of Illinois H.S. seniors; Highest SAT score, 1570 countries, 15% represent the Indian subcontinent, 12% are African Americans and 10% from out of 1600. other nationalities. • WGN Extra Effort Award. CURRICULUM AND ACHIEVEMENT: The elementary level adheres to an accelerated TAKING THE LEAD: Universal is known as the pioneer in taking bold steps toward academic program that leads the students in the high school level to our college preparatory establishing and refining North America’s Islamic school movement. Some of our unique program offering Advanced Placement and Honors classes. Our elementary school students, on endeavors include: establishing an Arabic as a second language curriculum including original average, performed better than 77% of all the students nationally, when compared to students in textbooks and materials; creating and utilizing an Islamic Studies curriculum as well as other private and parochial schools in grades 2nd through 8th, on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. textbooks for the elementary grades; participants of the Tarbiyah Project, a national Islamic Our high school students’ scores averaged from 23.0 to 24.1% for the last four years on character education program; 12-page, independent student newspaper, The Constellation; nationally conducted achievement tests such as the SAT and ACT, with the score of 34 out of 36 joining an official IHSA private high school basketball conference; initiating and hosting as the highest ACT score, and 790 out of 800 SAT subject test score obtained this past year by a volleyball tournament for girls involving other Muslim schools in the area, a wrestling Universal Students. This is well above the national average of 21.1 and State average of 20.5. program where students participated and won at the regional level, track and field team for THE FACILITY: The spacious 70,000 square foot modern facility includes thirty-six classrooms; boys and girls (Islamic dress code worn through special permission) has participated in the a state of the art, fully equipped science lab; two computer labs; one journalism lab; library- State Sectional Meet for the past eight years, and several students competed on the state media center; a cafeteria with a full service kitchen; an inside regulation size basketball court; level. playing field; and a playground. LOCATION: Nestled in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Universal School draws students THE FACULTY/STAFF: The school is home to sixty dedicated faculty and staff members. The from the entire Chicago land area with a significant number living up to an hour’s drive Principal and Assistant Principal both hold a Master’s Degrees in Education and Administration. away. All teachers of core subjects are certified in their respective fields where certification is offered IMPACT ON COMMUNITY: Since its inception, Universal School has played a dynamic and except for a few who are currently pursuing a certification program. Over forty percent have significant role in the community. Many school programs involve the students in community earned at least one Master’s Degree in education-related fields, the remaining have Bachelor’s services, such as feeding the indigent, visiting nursing homes, participating in activities at Degrees. One high school teacher has a Ph.D. in curricular development. Several elementary homeless shelters and sponsorship of orphaned children. Universal students publish their and high school teachers have been chosen annually, as Who’s Who among U.S. teachers. own 12-page student newspaper three times a year, and have an online newspaper as well. Over 50% of the elementary faculty graduated with honors from their respective alma mater. The first high school chapter of IMAN (Inner-city Muslim Action Network) was established at The elementary and high school teachers have an average of nine years teaching experience Universal in which students actively work in the community to help those in need. behind them. www.Alanwar-Designs.com

“Where Islam and Education Come Together”

7350 W. 93rd Street • Bridgeview, IL 60455 Tel (708) 599-4100 • Fax (708) 599-1588 www.universalschool.org