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SEPTEMBER 2010
As I write this newsletter the students have been back for a little over a week, but it is the “feel” of September that resonates with me as the start of school. The weather begins to change from the heat of summer to the chill of fall. The afternoons on campus are alive with the sounds of the marching band practicing and the peel of whistles on the practice fields. The sun begins to set a bit earlier. The students are energized as they explore the possibilities of what a new school year can bring. September feels like school.
The most important thing we can do for our students as this new year begins is to be a constant source of support. All new beginnings bring challenges and uncertainties that will cause our students to question their abilities. It is our goal at Maine South to encourage students to stretch themselves by having high expectations for them, and therefore it is our responsibility to offer a high level of support as well. Your parental input is an important piece of our support system and helps to ensure our students are challenging themselves to be the best they can be.
Now that our students are settling into the routine of the school year, please encourage your child to be an advocate for himself or herself. Encourage your child to connect one-on-one with his or her teachers to establish a relationship with them. I will be encouraging our staff to look for ways to do the same. Do not hesitate to have your child ask for help and ask questions when something might not be clear. The student question is the most important part of any classroom experience as it lets the teacher know where students are and what they are thinking about the material. Take time to regularly check the Parent Portal and ask questions of your child regarding assignments he or she is working on and the classroom experiences in which he or she is engaging. Even though it can be tough to get your child to engage in a dialog about school at this age, remember, the conversation is the relationship.
I encourage you to engage our staff in conversation about your child and Maine South as well. The first PTC meeting is on September 15th, Meet the Teacher Night is September 22nd, and I will host the first Second Cup of Coffee meeting on September 29th.
Please take the opportunity as your schedule permits to discuss your child’s high school experience with us at one or more of these events.
-- Shawn P. Messmer, Principal
WELCOME NEW STAFF! (return to home)
There have been a few personnel changes at Maine South for the 2010–2011 school year. Mr. George Dagres has been elevated to the position of Assistant Principal for Instruction. Mr. Dagres is a graduate of Reavis High School and the University of Illinois. Mr. Dagres has been a dean at Maine South for eight years which has prepared him well for his new role.
This vacancy in the Deans’ Office has been filled by Linda Borchew. Ms. Borchew is a graduate of Maine East High School and Illinois Wesleyan University. Ms. Borchew began her career teaching mathematics at Maine South and has spent the last ten years teaching math and coaching Girl’s Varsity Basketball and Softball at Maine East. We are thrilled to have her on our administrative team.
Janet Taylor, a graduate of Maine South, is joining our Fine Arts Department. Mrs. Taylor is an accomplished artist in various fields. For ten years, Mrs. Taylor has painted and managed scenic works for Broadway, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Radio City, the Chicago Auto Shows, as well as various theatres, museums, operas, and tours across the nation. After teaching scenic art at Northwestern University in 2004-2005, Mrs. Taylor pursued and earned a Master of Education in Visual Arts from DePaul University. We are very fortunate to have such an accomplished professional join our teaching ranks.
NEW FOOD SERVICES PROVIDER (return to home)
Quest Food Services is our new food services provider here at Maine South. Quest offers a wide variety of food options to our students through the following lunch stations: Fiesta Junction, Deli Depot, Burger Depot, The Lighter Side, Mama Ping’s, and Oriental Express. Additionally, Quest opens at 7 a.m. each day to serve a full breakfast.
For your convenience, Quest uses a cashless system that allows students to load their ID cards with money via cash or checks (made payable to Quest) at any register. An added convenience is the ability for you to place money on an ID card at www.mealpay.com. After registering, online payments can be made to your child’s account.
ALERTNOW AUTOMATED CALLING SYSTEM (return to home)
Maine South High School will again be using the AlertNow automated calling system to provide information on school closings or for emergency communication. Parents will receive a phone call at home with a recorded message. The phone number used will be the contact number provided as part of the student registration materials.
To verify school closings, parents can also check the school website (www.maine207.org). School closings will also be reported on local media.
COLLABORATION DAYS (return to home)
Collaboration among professionals is an essential ingredient for any organization’s success. With this in mind, Maine South continues to provide teachers an opportunity to meet with one another on a regular basis. We have scheduled a series of Collaboration Days – 15 in total – throughout the year. As has been the case for the past few years, teachers will be meeting in “course teams” to complete the curriculum mapping process, to align our courses with state standards, to analyze student achievement and assessment data, and to develop plans to improve student learning and instruction. To accommodate these efforts, we will utilize a late arrival schedule for students. On this and future collaboration days, school will begin for students at 9:30 a.m. for flap classes and 9:40 a.m. for regular classes. Students who remain in the building will be directed to the Student Cafeteria..
Please mark your calendars and plan that students will be on a Late Arrival schedule for the following dates:
| ***Friday, September 3, 2010 (Early Release) |
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 |
| Wednesday, September 15, 2010 |
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 |
| Wednesday, October 6, 2010 |
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 |
| Wednesday, October 20, 2010 |
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 |
| Wednesday, November 3, 2010 |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 |
| Wednesday, November 17, 2010 |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 |
| Wednesday, December 8, 2010 |
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 |
| Wednesday, January 12, 2011 |
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LATE ARRIVAL COLLABORATION BELL SCHEDULE
| Flap: 9:30 - 9:40 |
Period 5A 12:10 - 12:25 |
| Period 1 9:40 - 10:10 |
5B 12:30 - 12:45 |
| 2A 10:15 - 10:25 |
6A 12:50 - 1:05 |
| 2B 10:30 - 10:45 |
6B 1:10 - 1:25 |
| 3A 10:50 - 11:05 |
7A 1:30 - 1:45 |
| 3B 11:10 - 11:20 |
7B 1:50 - 2:05 |
| Hawk Talk 11:20 - 11:25 |
8A 2:10 - 2:25 |
| 4A 11:30 - 11:45 |
8B 2:30 - 2:40 |
| 4B 11:50 - 12:05 |
9 2:45 - 3:15 |
***There is one change to our collaboration schedule this month. Due to a unique opportunity for our students, collaboration for teachers the week of August 30 will now be held on the afternoon of Friday, September 3. ESPN will broadcast our away football game against Wheaton-Warrenville South live on ESPNU at 4:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday, September 3.
By moving the Collaboration Day to Friday and pushing collaboration time to the afternoon, we can maintain the instructional integrity of the week and dismiss students without losing class time. This enables students who would like to attend the game to get to WWS in time for the 4:00 p.m. start. Students will be dismissed at 1:20 p.m. on Friday, September 3. Arrangements have been made with PACE to pick up students at 1:30 p.m. in our front circle. The bell schedule for the day is listed below:
EARLY RELEASE COLLABORATION BELL SCHEDULE
| Flap: 7:25 - 7:45 |
Period 5A 10:15 - 10:30 |
| Period 1 7:45 - 8:15 |
5B 10:35 - 10:50 |
| 2A 8:20 - 8:30 |
6A 10:55 - 11:10 |
| 2B 8:35 - 8:50 |
6B 11:15 - 11:30 |
| 3A 8:55 - 9:05 |
7A 11:35 - 11:50 |
| 3B 9:10 - 9:25 |
7B 11:55 - 12:10 |
| Hawk Talk 9:25 - 9:30 |
8A 12:15 - 12:30 |
| 4A 9:35 - 9:50 |
8B 12:35 - 12:45 |
| 4B 9:55 - 10:10 |
9 12:50 - 1:20 |
The Maine South Athletic Department will sponsor two fundraising BBQ’s this fall. The first will be Friday, September 10, 2010. Student activity passes and family season passes will not be honored at these contests. The donation is $7.00 per person, which includes admission, sandwich, chips and a drink. Tickets are available from any fall athlete or may be purchased at the gate.
On Friday, September 10th football teams will play as follows:
4:30 p.m. sophomores vs Highland Park
7:00 p.m. varsity vs Highland Park
On Friday, October 2nd soccer teams will play as follows:
9:00 a.m. freshmen soccer vs Maine West
11:00 a.m. sophomores soccer vs Maine West
1:00 p.m. varsity soccer vs Maine West
Since these are major fundraisers for our Athletic Department for the benefit of all athletes at Maine South, I encourage you and your family to come out to support our teams at this annual event.
Go Hawks!!
MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT – Wednesday, September 22, 2010 (return to home)
Maine South’s Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please take advantage of this great opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers and find out about the courses your son or daughter is taking this year. Making connections with your child’s teachers is an important part of creating a web of support for your child as they go through high school.
Schedules will be printed and distributed to students on Monday, September 20th. Please ask your son or daughter for his or her schedule prior to the start of the night. Your night will begin in your student’s first period class. These schedules will be important for you to successfully navigate the evening so please bring your student’s schedule with you.
Parking is always a challenge on this evening as on-campus parking is limited. There will be extra parking at the Tooling and Manufacturing Association (TMA) building located on the corner of Devon and Dee Roads for your convenience. Feel free to arrive at Maine South early as doors open at 6:00 p.m. Parents will follow the schedule below:
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010
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Evening Hours
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Parent Portal Registration and Assistance
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6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
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Period 1
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6:30 – 6:40 p.m.
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Period 2
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6:46 – 6:56 p.m.
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Period 3
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7:20 – 7:12 pm.
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Period 4
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7:18 – 7:28 p.m.
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Period 5
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7:34 – 7:44 p.m.
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Period 6
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7:50 – 8:00 p.m.
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Period 7
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8:06 – 8:16 p.m.
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Period 8
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8:22 – 8:32 p.m.
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Period 9
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8:38 – 8:48 p.m.
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**If your student has a physical education class scheduled in the gym, please report to the student cafeteria during this period as it is a more conducive environment for conversation.
Guidance Counselors and Department Chairs will be available throughout the night in our library.C114 (a computer lab) will open at 6:00 p.m. and be available throughout the night for Parent Portal questions and registration.
On Thursday, September 23, all freshmen, sophomore, and junior students will participate in District 207's mandatory fall testing program. Freshmen will complete the EXPLORE test, sophomores will complete the PLAN test, and juniors will complete the District 207 ACT test. Seniors will not be in attendance on Thursday, September 23.
These tests are essential in helping us evaluate each student's academic progress in English, mathematics, reading and science; additionally, this information assists students and staff with college and career planning. Finally, these tests provide valuable practice opportunities to help students build test-taking skills essential to success in the Prairie State Achievement Examinations required of all students in the spring of their 11th-grade year. The Prairie State Achievement Examinations (PSAE) tests are used to determine our compliance with standards mandated by No Child Left Behind. In addition, the PSAE test is a graduation requirement.
About the day: Tests will begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students should plan to be at school by 7:30 a.m. in order to assure that they report to their testing rooms on time. Students must report to their assigned advisory location. Students will be reminded of these locations prior to September 23rd and room locator lists will be posted throughout the building. Students should bring a minimum of three sharpened #2 pencils and a school-approved calculator (such as those used in Math and Science classes). September 23rd is a half-day of attendance for students - all students will be dismissed between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Lunch will not be served in the school cafeteria that day, however, breakfast will be available. We will notify Pace of our testing schedule to assure that buses will be available immediately following dismissal from testing.
Thursday, September 23rd is a mandatory attendance day for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Students who are unaccounted for from testing will be assigned Saturday detention(s) and may be required to make up the tests they missed.
Suggestions for Success: Research data tells us that students will be more successful in their testing if: they get a good night's sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast prior to testing.
Important Notice for 9th and 10th Graders: Performance on the 9th and 10th grade Reading and Math assessments will be used to determine if students are in need of additional instruction in Reading and/or Math.
Friday, September 24th is a regular day of attendance for all students.
PARENT TEACHER COUNCIL MEETING – Wednesday, September 15, 2010 (return to home)
The first Parent Teacher Council meeting of the year is scheduled in the Maine South Faculty Lounge Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. As parents of a Maine South student, you are automatically members of the Parent Teacher Council. Please join us for an evening of information as we discuss issues, concerns, and offer suggestions for the continued improvement of the Maine South programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRESS REPORTS (return to home)
Supplementary Progress Reports are designed to provide students and parents with communication regarding academic progress beyond the regular quarterly report card. The Supplementary Progress Reports are posted online as of the date listed below.
Quarter 1 – Thursday, September 30, 2010
Quarter 2 – Thursday, December 2, 2010
Quarter 3 – Thursday, March 3, 2011
Quarter 4 – Thursday, May 5, 2011
Supplementary Progress Reports include an assessment of progress from each teacher, as well as an indication of the quality of work, cooperativeness, class participation, test scores, and homework. In addition, there is space for teachers’ comments.
SECOND CUP OF COFFEE – Wednesday, September 29, 2010 (return to home)
In an effort to increase communication with parents, I am continuing monthly meetings with parents called a Second Cup of Coffee. Each month, I will invite a group of parents to meet with me to discuss mutual concerns and issues. The first meeting will be Wednesday, September 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Principal’s Conference Room C108. While I will randomly invite 35 to 40 parents, other parents may attend by making a “reservation” by calling (847) 692-8206.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT MAINE EAST – Wednesday, September 29, 2010 (return to home)
Maine Township High School’s Annual College Night will be held Wednesday, September 29, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Maine East High School located 2901 West Dempster, Park Ridge. Representatives from more than 200 universities, colleges, community colleges, hospital schools of nursing, and service academies will be present to talk with students and parents about their institutions and to provide specific information relating to majors, costs, housing, and admission requirements. In addition, two forty-five minute sessions on financial aid will be offered in the auditorium.
As you know, an important component of good career planning is college information that is current and accurate. Hopefully, students interested in going on to college will take advantage of this excellent opportunity to obtain the latest information from institutions in which they are interested and also to explore new ones.
A NOTE FROM MCYAF (return to home)
Kids need rules or guidelines in order to make good choices.Rules provide support and structure as children deal with new situations, experiences and friends, like those at the start of the school year. They still need their parents close by during the high school years of exploration.
Teens need - and secretly want - our help and guidance. Most teens expect and still want their parents to play a key role in their lives. They really do listen. They remember our advice when it matters most…even when it seems like they’re not paying attention.
As parents, we are still the #1 influence in the lives of our teenagers. According to the 2010 Illinois Youth Survey, Maine Township High School students reported that their parents are the most believable source of information about alcohol and drugs. And research shows that kids are less likely to use these substances if their parents have clear rules about not using them.
The start of a new school year can be a good time to set clear rules for your teens if you haven’t already...about curfew, telling you where they’re going, who’ll they’ll be with and when they’ll be home, checking in with you when they’re out with friends, and about not using alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Following rules can help protect your children’s safety and well-being, lower their risk for substance use, and increase their opportunities for success and happiness.
ATTENDANCE (return to home)
Students are expected to be prompt and regular in their attendance. Whether an absence is authorized or unauthorized, the learning process is significantly interrupted when a student is absent or tardy.
We do our best to assist students in making up class assignments; however, we can never recapture the effectiveness of the teaching/learning relationship of those classes missed. This holds true for more social experiences students have at school as well.
If your child will be absent, please call the Attendance Office at (847)825-7712; messages are received 24 hours a day. Please complete your call by noon on the day of the absence. No corrections will be made after 24 hours and the absence will remain unauthorized.
To address excessive absences and tardiness, we have established an Attendance Review Board. Members of the Attendance Review Board will meet with parents and students to discuss the impact of excessive absences on the student’s academic performance and to make recommendations for interventions to improve attendance. Failure to follow the intervention plan could result in removal from classes and a failing grade. Please plan your family trips and vacations so that it will not be necessary for your son or daughter to miss regularly scheduled class time.
District 207 limits the number of class absences, without formal consequences, to seven (7) per semester. Once a student has accumulated eight (8) absences in a semester he/she will be considered excessively absent. Strict formal consequences, including but not limited to withdrawal from the course and loss of credit, may be imposed on students deemed as excessively absence from a class.
Field trips, school sponsored activities, and other school-related absences do not count towards excessive absences. However, participation in such activities may be limited based on a student’s attendance record.
Upon reaching four (4) absences in a semester, the following will occur:
• a letter will be sent home notifying the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian of the absences.
• notification will be sent to the student’s counselor, dean, nurse, teacher(s) and attendance review board coordinator.
Upon reaching six (6) absences in a semester, the following will occur:
the student and parent/guardian will be notified and may be required to attend a meeting with relevant school personnel which may include but not limited to the case coordinator,
counselor, dean, nurse, teacher(s) and attendance review board coordinator. At this time, the following will occur:
1. discuss the reason(s) for the absences and any extenuating circumstances that may serve as contributing factors to the absences.
2. develop an intervention plan to improve attendance and prevent the student’s absences from becoming excessive.
3. set up an attendance contract with the student and his/her parents to limit future absences.
4. discuss the possible consequences that could be incurred if the absences become excessive, including but not limited to the loss of privileges, loss of credit for make-up work, and/or withdrawal from the course without credit and assigned a failing grade.
Upon reaching eight (8) or more absences in a semester, the attendance review board coordinator will meet with the building Executive Committee which will determine the extent of the consequences to be imposed that may include, but are not limited to, withdrawal from the course with a failing grade and loss of credit.
UP AND COMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! (return to home)
| Wednesday, September 1, 2010 |
Regular School Day |
| Friday, September 3, 2010 |
Collaboration Day – Early Release |
| Monday, September 6, 2010 |
No School – Labor Day |
| Wednesday, September 15, 2010 |
Collaboration Day – Late Arrival |
| Wednesday, September 15, 2010 |
PTC Meeting (7:00 p.m.) Faculty Cafeteria |
| Monday, September 20, 2010 |
Underclassmen Photo Retakes |
| Wednesday, September 22, 2010 |
“Meet the Teacher” Night (Regular school day for students) |
| Thursday, September 23, 2010 |
½ Testing Day – students leave between 11:30-noon / NO SENIORS IN ATTENDANCE |
| Wednesday, September 29, 2010 |
Second Cup of Coffee |
| Wednesday, September 29, 2010 |
District 207 College Night at Maine East |
| Thursday, September 30, 2010 |
Seniors Portrait Retakes (must call for an appointment) |
| Wednesday, October 6, 2010 |
Senior Class Picture (8:45 a.m. – Spec Gym) |
| Wednesday, October 6, 2010 |
Late Arrival – Collaboration Day |
| Wednesday, October 6, 2010 |
Powder Puff Game |
| Friday, October 8, 2010 |
Homecoming Activities |
| Saturday, October 9, 2010 |
Homecoming Parade (10:00 a.m.) |
| Saturday, October 9, 2010 |
Homecoming Festivities / Homecoming Dance (7:00-10:00 p.m.) |
| Monday, October 11, 2010 |
No School – Columbus Day |
| Saturday, October 16, 2010 |
Band-O-Rama Dinner and Performance |
| Wednesday, October 20, 2010 |
Fall Play |
| Thursday, October 21, 2010 |
Fall Play |
| Friday, October 22, 2010 |
First Quarter Ends |
| Friday, October 22, 2010 |
Fall Play |
| Saturday, October 22, 2010 |
ACT Testing |
| Saturday, October 23, 2010 |
Fall Play |
| Tuesday, October 26, 2010 |
Orchestra Concert |
| Thursday, October 28, 2010 |
Concert Choir Concert |
| Friday, October 29, 2010 |
Jazz/Concert Band |
| Friday, October 29, 2010 |
Red Ribbon Night |
| Thursday, November 11, 2010 |
No School – Veteran’s Day |
| Monday, November 22, 2010 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences (No school for students) |
| Tuesday, November 23, 2010 |
No School / Teachers’ Institute |
| Wednesday, November 24, 2010 |
No School – Fall Break |
| Thursday, November 25, 2010 |
No School – Thanksgiving |
| Friday, November 26, 2010 |
No School – Fall Break |
| Monday, November 29, 2010 |
Classes Resume |
| Friday, December 17, 2010 |
Winter Break Begins at 3:15 p.m. |
| Tuesday, January 4, 2011 |
Classes Resume |
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Past Principal's Newsletters and Calendars
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