|
Superintendent's Message
Dear RBHS Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
Welcome to all our students and staff to the 2017-18 school year. This year we will be celebrating 100 years of RBHS in our present building on Ridgewood. The District was officially formed in 1909, and celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2009. At first Riverside Brookfield High School held classes in the Central Grammar School building in District 96, and the District officially moved into its current location in 1917. This exciting milestone exemplifies our tradition of excellence by being a beacon that draws people to our community. Our beautiful building not only provides a well-equipped academic and extracurricular environment but also a foundation for our exceptional staff to nurture our students. We continually witness the Bulldog pride both on and off campus. Go Bulldogs!!
Below are some items of interest.
Cordially,
Kevin Skinkis, Ed.D
|
Life Safety/Capital Improvement Projects
|
|
|
Construction on the tennis courts, parking lot, and roof is essentially complete. The tennis courts and parking lot are being used by students.
|
|
|
Track Update (Public Use)
|
|
|
Our track is available for the public to use. Guidelines and restrictions are posted at the entrances to the athletic complex, and the track will be monitored by staff and local authorities. The public access point for the track is the turnstile in the southwest corner. Please be mindful of the posted regulations.
The tennis courts will be available for public use once all punch-list items have been addressed (probably early fall). Guidelines and restrictions will be posted, and the public can access the tennis courts from the gate on the south side of the new parking lot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Board of Education will
conduct a Public Hearing on September 12, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., immediately before the regular Board meeting. The Board of Education will review and discuss the 2018 budget at the hearing. The tentative budget can be viewed online at rbhs208.net under the Business Services tab.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Board of Education will
have two meetings in September in Conference Room 201 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The dates are September 12, 2017, for the Regular meeting, and September 26, 2017, for the Committee of the Whole meeting. Information regarding Board meetings can be found on the RB website under the Board of Education tab or watch the meetings on
www.rbtv.tv.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Alumni Achievement Medal dinner and presentation will take place on September 21, 2017. We have five nominees this year. They are John Lyell Clarke III (Class of 1973), Dr. Gwendolyn Kartje (Class of 1973), Robert P. Latham (Class of 1976), Wendy Snyder McInerney (Class of 1981), and Andrew Tecson (Class of 1973). If you would like to attend this event, please contact the District Office at 708-442-8275 for more information.
|
|
|
 |
|
Principal's Message
The 2017-2018 school year has gotten off to a great start! We welcomed 431 freshmen to RBHS as well as 1,211 returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It was great having the RB building come alive again with the return of staff and students.
Despite the clouds, students were still able to
 see the solar eclipse! During the eclipse, students in a science class that period collected data to measure temperature changes and visible changes in light and shadow. Additionally, a live viewing of the eclipse was streamed in the cafeteria for students to watch during their lunch period, and a special playlist of music for the eclipse was played in the hallways. Students and staff embraced this once in a lifetime experience.
Homecoming is rapidly approaching. Students are busy preparing for the week's events that will take place during September 18-22, with the dance occurring on September 23. We are excited to welcome back all of the alumni to the football game and look forward to a spirited week.
It's great to be a bulldog!
Kristin Smetana
Principal
|
|
Immunization Requirements for Freshmen and
Transfer Students
|
All freshman and transfer students must have a current physical on file and be in compliance with all required immunizations.
Students who do not provide the proper documentation of required vaccinations by Friday, October 13, will be excluded from school. Please contact your health care provider with any questions. For more information, please visit the
RBHS website.
|
Academic Accomplishments and Events
|
Last year, 585 students at RB were enrolled in AP courses and 1,304 AP exams were administered to RB students; 78.1 percent of the students who took AP exams last year earned a passing score of 3 or better. Data shows that not only do more RB students take AP courses each year, more of them pass the exams for those courses each year as well. Additionally, 38 percent of our 540 AP students earned the distinction of AP Scholar. This is a 6 percent increase over the previous year.
Academic Vocabulary Testing took place on August 23 for all students. Academic Vocabulary Testing measures student skill-level pertaining to the use of academic language. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to increase a student's academic performance is to increase the student's vocabulary. All courses will integrate academic vocabulary into their classes to support students' growth in this area. Post-tests will be administered to all students on December 12.
|
Incoming Freshmen Bulldogs - Class of 2022 Registration and Placement Test Information
|
|
|
The Illinois State Board of Education recently replaced the PARCC assessment with the SAT for all high school juniors. In order to best prepare our students for this state assessment, Riverside Brookfield High School has decided to switch from using the EXPLORE test for the placement exam to the PSAT 8 for the class of 2022 and beyond. In order for us to receive the students' test results in time for students to register for classes for the 2018-19 school year, the placement exam will be given on October 14, 2017.
Saturday, October 14 - High School Placement Exam
at Riverside Brookfield High School
8:00 a.m. - approximately 11:30 a.m. for regular testing
Students with extended time will finish later depending on their accommodations.
The front doors to the main entrance just east of the football field and south of the Brookfield Zoo (labeled Door A) will open at 7:30 a.m. In order to help us determine the most appropriate classes for freshmen, we require that ALL incoming 9th graders take a placement exam. All students should bring two #2 pencils and a calculator. Attendance on this date is extremely important since no make-up date is possible with the new exam.
You must register your student online by Thursday, September 21, in order for your student to take the placement exam. Please refer to the email sent from your student's school for instructions on how to complete the online form. This information can also be found on the
RBHS website. You must also reside in District 208 in order to test at RB.
Contact April Englehart in Student Services at extension 2190 with questions.
|
|
|
|
Testing Information
|
PSAT/NMSQT Exam Administration at RB
On Wednesday, October 11, interested sophomores and juniors can take the PSAT/NMSQT exam at RB. This is an optional test that serves as practice for the SAT and qualifies juniors to enter scholarship programs offered through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Students can register through our Total Registration website at
https://user.totalregistration.net/PSAT/143655 from August 16 until September 18 at 3:05 p.m. The cost to register for the exam is $21.
Standardized Testing for All Junior Students ACT and SAT
For the second year in a row, RB's junior students will have the opportunity to take an ACT and an SAT test during the school day at RB. The ACT will be given on February 27, and the SAT will be given on April 10. Students can use either an ACT or an SAT score for college admissions, depending on the college or university's requirements. Practice tests for both standardized tests will be administered throughout the school year.
Free SAT Practice Resources
The College Board and Khan Academy have teamed up to provide free practice resources for students taking the SAT. These individually personalized resources can be found at
www.practicesat.org.
Good luck and please contact Marc Helgeson, Testing Director, at
[email protected] (708) 442- 7500 extension 2129 with any questions.
|
|
|
|
|
All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at RB are now a part of the 1:1 Technology Initiative, utilizing Google Chromebooks as part of their academic programming. Freshmen received technology training in each of their classes to learn how to effectively use their new technology. As a part of the technology training, teachers led students in creating color-coded folders within Google Drive, accessing Schoology and Skyward, and acquiring Google Apps through the Chrome store. Teachers continue to work on developing new and innovative lessons utilizing the Chromebooks in and out of the classroom.
Click here to view a video that highlights some of the many ways teachers utilize Chromebooks in the classroom to enhance the learning environment.
|
|
|
Homecoming Week Activities and Information
September 18-23
|
Homecoming week is a time for students to share in their school pride through selected grade level competitions, the crowning of a King and Queen, followed by the Football Game and Homecoming Dance on Saturday. As we draw closer to Homecoming Week, we wanted to communicate updated procedures for the Football Game and Dance, as well as review handbook and safety expectations to ensure students, parents, and the community have an enjoyable Homecoming experience.
Dodgeball Tournament Kick Off - Open to all students on Saturday, September 16. Times TBD.
Homecoming Pep Rally - Friday, September 22 during school.
Homecoming Game - Friday, September 22. Sophomores 5 p.m. / Varsity 7 p.m.
Homecoming Week and Dance Reminders:
Tickets for the Homecoming Dance on September 23 can be purchased for $10.00 each at the door. Students, who have purchased a 2017-2018 Activity Fee Pass, will be allowed entry to the Dance with their current school ID.
Dance Guest Permission Slips must be turned in to the Assistant Principal of Student Affairs prior to the dance. Guest forms are available online and in the Main Office.
All students must show their ID for entry into the Homecoming Dance.
The dance will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and will end at 10:00 p.m.
There will be no admittance to the Homecoming Dance for students who arrive after 7:45 p.m.
No heels of any height may be worn at the dance. Only flat and wedged shoes are allowed. Heels of any height will damage and ruin our floors. All students must have on some type of footwear as students will not be permitted to go barefoot.
Students are asked to refrain from celebratory activities, i.e. toilet papering, spray painting, or any damage to school property.
Celebratory activities will result in disciplinary consequences. Please refer to the Student Handbook, page 34 item 21.
Students are expected to adhere to all school rules at the dance and are not allowed re-entry into the dance. Please refer to pages 8-9 and 30-33 in the Student Handbook.
|
|
Information from the Office of Student Affairs
|
Football Game and Kennelly Stadium Reminders
If students have purchased the 2017-2018 Activity Fee Pass, they will be allowed entry with their current school ID. Students who fail to bring their ID will pay full admission price at the gate. There is no re-entry to the stadium for students.
Students who are dropped off at the stadium should utilize the drop off area, which is near the south gate on Ridgewood Road.
Safety Drills
The safety of all RB students and staff is our top priority, so building safety drills were held successfully during the first two weeks of school. Our first fire drill was held on August 17, followed by a lockdown drill on August 22, and weather drill on August 24. On August 25 all students in wellness classes went through bus evacuation procedures. Students were also made aware of all safety protocols through grade level assemblies that were held the first week of school.
Hero
As an additional intervention to increase student attendance and reinforce positive behavior, the Deans Office began tardy scans on August 22. For students who arrive late after the first period bell, the Dean of Students will scan their ID at Door A and issue the appropriate consequence according to the Tardy Policy within the Student Handbook. Students who are late to class periods 2-7 will also need to scan their student ID at one of the HERO stations throughout the building. Consequences escalate and are assigned to students for every third action. The Deans Office and staff are also utilizing Hero for positive rewards this year. Students who accumulate positive points for exhibiting expected behaviors can exchange them for incentives (gift card/candy) every Tuesday during their lunch periods starting August 29.
Drop Offs and Pick Ups
As you drop off your students in the morning, please utilize the main entrance doors on Golf Road, labeled Door A. We ask families to please pull forward to the main entrance and use the turn around after your student exits the vehicle. As a safety precaution, we ask our students and guests to use the appropriate sidewalks and crosswalks. If students ride their bicycles to school, we advise them to secure their bicycles to the bicycle racks located on the south side of the building on Ridgewood Road. We are also asking students and parents who drive in the morning to watch their speed on Golf Road as several students will be crossing the street at that time.
|
Upcoming Student Services Events and Information
|
|
|
Seniors & Senior Parents - College Information/Transcript Requests
Counselors met with their seniors in small groups during English classes on August 28 and 29 to walk students through requesting transcripts, submitting applications and materials to colleges, letters of recommendations, and local scholarship opportunities.
Please remember that you must allow ten schools days for transcript requests to be processed. This is particularly important if you are trying to meet an early action, early decision, or priority filing deadline. Most of these deadlines are November 1 or November 15, but we encourage you to check the schools' websites to be sure. We are unable to process any last minute transcripts requests and cannot guarantee that a transcript will make a deadline if you submit a request with less than ten school days of the deadline date.
Counselor Meetings with Freshmen
Counselors met with their freshmen in small groups during wellness and band classes on August 22 and 23 to introduce themselves and welcome their students to RB! The students were encouraged to reach out to their counselors if they had any questions about their schedules, their classes, getting involved at RB, or if they were having any difficulties transitioning to high school.
The NACAC College Fair will be held at Navy Pier on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Admission representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities will be available to speak with students and parents one-on-one concerning the college admission process and college life opportunities. Forty-four states will be represented, and a list of participating colleges and universities is attached. Please visit
www.nacacfairs.org for more information.
College Planning Tips for Senior Parents
September 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium
Jim Franko will give some helpful tips for parents of seniors on admission, college applications, and financial aid.
Student Services Night for Freshman Parents
On Wednesday, September 13, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium, the counselors will cover topics such as graduation requirements, four-year academic planning, preparing for post-secondary education, using Naviance, and monitoring homework.
|
|
|
|
Rouser Earns Recognition
|
 The National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award has been created to recognize those who excel in the creation and distribution of their yearbook, and meet the following criteria:
A Meaningful Book for All Students
Schools must create a book with inclusive coverage. A vast majority of the student body must appear in the book at least three times.
A Book in Every Student's Hands
Schools must meet or exceed their sales goals and host a distribution event.
Effective Project Management
Schools must meet all deadlines throughout the year.
This is the second year in a row that we have received this distinction. Special recognition should go to the editors last year: Megan Kwilas, Editor in Chief ('17), Erin Grehan ('17), Maura O'Brien ('17), Joey Swallow ('17), Katie Mahoney ('18), Mary Padilla ('18), and Alli Prasch ('18).
|
|
RB Boutique Flash Sale
|
 Are you looking for that perfect homecoming dress? The RB Boutique Flash Sale is on Saturday, September 9, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The boutique will feature hundreds of new and gently used long and short dresses as well as accessories. Long dresses are only $10 each, while short dresses are $5.
|
|
Athletics Department
|
All Fall Sports are in full swing as teams begin preparing for their 2017 seasons. We have had almost 500 athletes sign up for this fall season.
The following sports are offered in the fall: Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Girls Swim, Girls Golf, Dance, Cheerleading, Football, Boys Cross Country, Boys Soccer, and Boys Golf.
The
NEW Tennis courts are completed, and the Girls JV team held the first match on the new courts against Addison Trail on August 21.
We will continue to communicate on our website called
8to18.com. This site has all schedules, rosters, playing sites, pictures, and many links to important sites for all our stakeholders.
The Riverside Athletic Boosters are always appreciative of help. They can be reached by going to our website,
http://il.8to18.com/RBHS
, and then go to the BOOSTER Tab, which will connect you to their webpage where you can see all their information. Sign up to help work concessions, buy RB gear, read minutes of their meetings, etc.
Fall Sports Update
Boys Golf - They have around 30 players, and Coach Festle says they are a great group to teach.
Girls Golf - Coach Gouwens says the overall athleticism has improved, and they are still looking for girls to fill out the JV Roster.
Girls Volleyball - They had very competitive tryouts again and hope to repeat last year's Conference Championship.
Dance - They have begun practicing and will work on developing a strong competition routine.
Girls Cross Country - Coach Jensen takes over this year as Head Coach. He hopes that the underclassman push the veteran runners, which will make the team even stronger, making a run at the Conference Championship, and a Top 5 State Qualifying team.
Girls Swim - Coach Laurich is excited to take the next step forward and improve on the 2016 season.
Football - Coach Curtin and staff have been working hard, have had a successful summer, and are preparing their Bulldogs for the 2017 season. The hope is always a Conference Championship and State playoff run.
Girls Tennis - Coach Hegner's team is looking forward to hosting some home matches after several years on the road. Coach is encouraging any new players to see him as they are still accepting players.
Cheer - Coach Huedepohl has the team working hard on their routines and continuing their preparation after a successful summer session. Their goal is Conference Champions.
Boys Soccer - Coach Halic had record numbers of athletes come out this season, and they will have many options to be competitive on all three levels this year.
Boys Cross Country - Coach Forberg is excited to see how this team works together and competes throughout the year. The hard work this summer will hopefully push them through the season to new heights.
|
|
Student Recognition
|
 Mary Clare Greenlees, senior, has been interning with the Adler Planetarium for a few years and has designed a camera to capture the eclipse from space!
Click here to view the article and video of Mary Clare's interview with ABC 7.
Two RB athletes were honored at the "Night of Champions 3," a sports gala organized by
Dominican University, Wednesday Journal, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, and Forest Park Review.
Kyle Fitzgerald won "Male Co-Athlete of the Year Award,"
and
Joey Swallow won the "Most Inspirational Athlete Award."
|
|
|
|
|
National Board Certification Videos 
National Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. The National Board certifies teachers who successfully complete its rigorous certification process that requires successful demonstration of national standards. David Monti, a veteran science teacher at RB, earned his National Board Certification in November of 2013. As a part of that certification process, teachers must submit videotaped lessons showcasing their teaching ability in a live classroom setting. Review and evaluation of the videotaped lessons is one part of determining if a teacher is accomplished enough to earn the designation of National Board Certified teacher. Earlier this month, the National Board notified Mr. Monti that one of the lessons he used as part of his submission for his National Board certification was selected to be included in ATLAS (Accomplished Teaching, Learning, and Schools®), which is the National Board's online resource using video cases of accomplished teachers to support teacher development in pre-service and in-service professional learning.
Night of Champions
Two RB coaches were honored at the "Night of Champions 3," a sports gala organized by
Dominican University, Wednesday Journal, Riverside Brookfield Landmark, and Forest Park Review. Congratulations to Doug Schultz who won the "Female Team Coach of the Year Award" and Tom McCloskey who was the recipient of the "Hall of Fame Award."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Excellence and Ethics
in Education
|
|
|
Important Dates
Please check our website for the dates and locations of all performances and events.
|
|
________________________
|
Labor Day Holiday
Non-attendance Day
September 6
Jostens Cap & Gown Orders / Class Rings
Student Café during all lunches
September 11
PTO Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Room 201
September 12
Board of Education Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Room 201
September 13
Student Services Night for Freshman Parents
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
September 18
Music Sponsors Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Band Room
September 22
Homecoming Varsity Game
7:15 p.m.
Kennelly Stadium
September 23
Homecoming Dance
7:00 p.m.
September 26
Board of Education - Committee of the Whole Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Room 201
September 26
College Planning Tips for Seniors
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
October 2
PTO Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Room 201
October 5
Fall Orchestra Festival
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
|
|
|
See our website for individual staff email addresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
