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Superintendent's Message
Dear RBHS Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
Our first quarter has ended, and last Thursday was our parent-teacher conferences. The benefit of a smaller school is that we have an excellent opportunity to develop relationships between parents and teachers to support our students. The welfare of our students, both academic and personal, is a priority at RB. Encourage your student to apply themselves during the next quarter to finish the first semester strong.
As the year progresses, the Thanksgiving break (November 21 - 23) is fast approaching. The Board of Education and I would like to wish our students, families, staff, and the entire RB community a healthy, happy, and safe holiday.
Below are some recent items of interest from our District.
Cordially,
Kevin Skinkis, Ed.D
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The 2018 School Report Card for RBHS is now available on the District website. Please use the following link: 2018 School Report Card.
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One of the final Life Safety repairs the District needs to complete is replacing the original air handling unit over the pool. These plans are in the process of being finalized, with an expected implementation date of May - July 4. The pool will need to
be closed
during this time. Our Coaches and Aquatics Director are aware of this work schedule and are making adjustments to summer camps and swim lessons. The goal is to have the pool back open for use after the July 4 holiday.
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As reported during the previous months, we are continuing to work with Cook County Commissioner Jeff Tobolski, Superintendent of Cook County Forest Preserve District Arnold Randall, and Chicago Zoological President-CEO Stuart Strahl to negotiate an agreement for sole access of the athletic fields to the north of the high school. More information will be shared as the process continues.
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Due to the Thanksgiving break, the Board of Education will have only one meeting in November in Conference Room 201 beginning at 7:00 pm. The date is November 13, 2018.
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.
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Principal's Message
This year with the help of Best Buddies, RB celebrated World Smile Day. As you can see below in this month's newsletter, everyone had a wonderful day that was filled with many positive events and upbeat music in the hallways. A huge thank you to the students in Best Buddies and the sponsors for organizing such a positive event for staff and students.
To prepare your student for the upcoming course selection process for the  2019-20 school year, please review the updated curriculum guide with your student and discuss the courses he or she plans to take next year. If your student will be a junior or a senior next year, there are several options for dual credit at Triton. These courses are a great way to explore career interests. For more information, please look at the updated Curriculum Guide on RB's website beginning on page 18 and the dual credit presentation. Please also encourage your student to take advantage of the many different electives at RB or to embrace a challenge by taking
an honors or Advanced Placement course.
I would like to wish all of our RB families a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Kristin
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Seeking Veterans for November 9 Program
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Students will have an opportunity to honor our military veterans in a personal way at our annual Veterans Day program on November 9 from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. We are seeking veterans willing to discuss their service with students and answer questions about their experiences.
The program begins with a continental breakfast, followed by a school-wide assembly honoring the veterans in attendance, and ends with more personal classroom question and answer sessions. Interested veterans should contact Erin Cunningham at 708-442-7500 x2234 or Mary Ann Nardi at 708-442-8275.
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The Applied Arts Department is being featured this month to showcase  their creativity in all that they do. From Drafting CAD to TV production, to Business, Technology and Culinary Arts, all of these programs bring real-world opportunities to students. Click on the link for their Department Newsletter Applied Arts Update.
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Student Services Events and Information
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College Planning Kick-Off Night for Juniors & Parents
Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium
A panel of four college admission experts will provide you with a number of helpful planning tips as you begin the college search process.
Attention Seniors - Transcript Request Deadline
All transcript requests to be sent before the holiday break must be received by your counselor
by Friday, December 7, 2018. Requests received after the deadline will be processed in January 2019.
Course Selection for the 2019-20 School Year
Parents, please ask to see your student's course selection form and review RB's online Curriculum Guide for specific course information.
Pre-Course Selection Meetings with Counselors
| October 30 & 31 |
Class of 2021 |
Sophomores (Science) |
| November 27 & 28 |
Class of 2022 |
Freshmen (PE, Band, & Dance) |
| January 8 & 9 |
Class of 2020 |
Juniors (Science) |
Course Selection Appointments with Counselors
| November 1 - 20 |
Register Class of 2021 |
Sophomores |
| November 29 - December 14 |
Register Class of 2022 |
Freshmen |
| January 10 - 28 |
Register Class of 2020 |
Juniors |
Information for the Class of 2023
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Future Bulldog Night (for Parents & Students)
Important pre-registration instructions and information on extracurricular activities
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Registration at Riverside Brookfield High School (for Parents & Students)
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Appointment times TBD
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Information from the Office of Student Affairs
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As winter approaches, we remind families to have their students leave a bit earlier on their way to school to avoid related congestion on the roadways. Daily tardies will
be enforced for students that arrive late after the start of the school day.
It's that time of year when we notice an increase in
sickness-related absences. For support in
deciding on whether to send your son or daughter to school, please note the following protocols below.
Please call the attendance line at (708) 442 - 8407 to excuse your student if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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- Signs or symptoms of a communicable disease that cannot be contained at school
- An oral temperature greater than 100 degrees. All students must be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
- Vomiting (not related to a single event such as gagging, mucus, running after eating, or eating spicy food)
- Diarrhea of two or more loose, watery stools
- Uncontrolled coughing
- Pink eye or purulent conjunctivitis (defined as pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge). The student must receive treatment for 24 hours before returning to school or provide a note from a health care provider stating that the condition is not contagious, and the student may return to school.
Families that are taking a
vacation while school is in session must speak with Heather Spry in our attendance office to complete an extended absence form. She can
be reached at
spryh@rbhs208.net or
(708) 442-8407.
Discouraging Use of Any Form of Tobacco
According to the CDC, 32% of Illinois high school teenagers reported
 using a form of tobacco in 2015. Vaping and smoking trends continue to skyrocket in Illinois, and it has affected students throughout our community as well. To attack this growing epidemic, the Deans Office continues to work with our staff and school Safety Liaison Mr. Niemann by informing them of the forms of tobacco that are presenting themselves at RB.
In addition, the Deans Office has and will continue to issue consequences for students who are in possession of tobacco products and will refer them to the Riverside Police Department.
Juuling
and/or vaping are common exposures students face on a daily basis. Although it is illegal in Illinois for students under 18 years of age to possess Juuling or vaping devices, we continue to see our students purchase these electronic devices at local convenient and online stores. At RB, we will continue to educate our staff on the presence of vaping and J
uuling and urge our parent and community members to learn more as well. Please visit the following link
for more information from the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html. As always, please contact our Deans Office at 708-442-8524 with any questions, concerns, or comments.
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Rouser -
Senior Ads and Award Announcements
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Senior Yearbook Ads are on Sale until December 31!
Don't miss this opportunity to recognize your senior student. Go to
www.jostensadservice.com
to create and purchase a custom designed senior ad. The last day to order is December 31. Contact Mrs. Marsh at
marsha@rbhs208.net
or call Jostens at 800-358-0800 with any questions.
The Kettle Morraine Press Association released their awards for publications from the 2017-2018 school year. Rouser earned a Second Place distinction in the student yearbook competition, with a perfect score in the "Style and Appeal" category. Special recognition goes out to the student editors from last year: Guillermo Arteaga ('18), Raziel Carmona ('19), Audrey Connelly ('20), Nicole Dearcos ('18), Millie Hernandez ('18), Kathleen Mahoney ('18), Olivia Meyer ('20), Mary Padilla ('18), Serena Palao ('20), and Allison Prasch ('18).
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It's been an exciting month in RBLibrary! We wished our beloved Mrs. Bajohr a happy retirement at the end of September and welcomed two new staff members, Ms. Shaker
and
Mr. Logli. They have been working hard to learn all about the library and meeting all the RB students.
Teen Read Week was celebrated in RBLibrary on October 9 - 12 with a lunchtime Pop-Up Library and the second Bulldog Book Club meeting of the year. The Pop-Up Library allowed students to look at and check out library books in the student cafeteria. Look out for the Pop-Up Library again in the future!
Bulldog Book Club met and had a great discussion about the fun, comedic romance When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon on October 11. The next meeting will be on November 8, when we will be discussing the two graphic novels nominated for this year's Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Award: Paper Girls, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, and Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona. Copies of both books can be found in the library, and all are welcome to join in the discussion, even if you have not read either book! Happy reading!
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Fall Play - Alice in Wonderland
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 Ladies and Gentleman! Boys and Girls! Children of all ages! The Mad Hatter has saved you a seat at his table to attend the RBHS Theater production of Alice in Wonderland. Witness the magic of The Cheshire Cat, play croquet with The Queen of Hearts, and follow Alice on her journey down the rabbit hole to a turn-of-the-century circus leaving you amazed, enchanted, mystified, and amused. Join us for this inventive retelling of Lewis Carroll's classic story, and most importantly ... don't be late for a very important date!
General Admission: $10 Students and Seniors: $5
Join the RBHS Theater at the Alice and Friends Tea Party on Sunday,  November 11, in the Faculty Lounge from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Apple juice and pastries will be served, and there will be a private photo session with the characters.
Walk-ins welcome
$5.00 per child
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Technology Spotlight
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As part of ongoing professional development, all teachers have joined instructional technology cohorts. Their investigations into tech tools that support 21st-century education continue to impact our students positively. To practice their language skills, Laurence Forberg's French III students Skyped with former exchange students in France. Deirdre Sullivan's Spanish II class Skyped with exchange students in Bilbao, Spain, to discuss the benefits of learning another language and studying abroad. And in her Wellness classes, Madelyn Doyle used the Hudl Technique app to record students' dance performances, provide personalized feedback, and track progress toward mastery.
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Upcoming December National ACT and SAT Exam Registration Deadlines
Students interested in taking either the national ACT or SAT in December may do so at any neighboring school that will be hosting the exam on those dates. RB will not be hosting any December national test dates. The next national ACT will be offered on April 13 at Riverside Brookfield High School. Interested students should register by March 8 at www.actstudent.org
The national SAT and SAT Subject Tests will be offered on December 1. Interested students should register by November 2 at
AP Testing Information
A draft of the AP exam schedule at RBHS is available for review.
PSAT Results
PSAT scores will be returned to test takers differently than in years past. The email address that was entered by the student on the answer folder on the day of testing will be used by the College Board to send a link to access scores online. Please be on the lookout for this College Board generated email with the link to access scores, as it will also include other important information.
RBHS will also hand out paper copies of the scores and return test booklets to each student that took the PSAT in January. Students should listen to announcements for the hand out date and expect to receive a follow-up email to confirm this information as well.
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Extracurricular Activities
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Best Buddies Brings Happiness on World Smile Day
This year, World Smile Day fell on October 5, and students were all on board to participate. Members of Best Buddies along with sponsors, Dawn Soprych and Mitch
Zilinger, had planned a day of smiles and happiness. The hallway music was chosen to be cheerful and upbeat, and it
really set the tone for the day. During all lunches, a raffle
was held for $5.00 Target gift cards. All students that submitted a note stating what makes them happy were eligible and
were given a smiley face raffle ticket.
Student Association
On
Halloween students were allowed to wear either a school-appropriate costume or be an appropriate meme. This day was in response to student comments that they would really like a meme dress-up day. SA will sponsor and promote more dress-up days throughout the year.
The Student Association sponsored Blood Drive is on Wednesday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the East Gym. Students who are 16 or older with parent permission, weigh over 110 lbs., and in good
health qualify to donate.
We will begin collecting items for the Thanksgiving Baskets on November 9. These baskets will then be delivered to CSS in Brookfield to help local families in need. From November 19-December
6 we will host our annual Coat, Hat, Gloves, Scarf,
and Warm Blanket Drive. These items can be dropped off in the Welcome Center.
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On September 25, AP Spanish Language and Culture students
 volunteered at Bernie's Book Bank to
jump-start their AP with WE service with a focus on poverty and education. Students organized, sorted, and packed books for schools with children from low-income households who do not have access to books.
On October 2, the AP Spanish Language and Culture classes had the opportunity to see two speakers from the WE Read Together Speaking tour. The speakers spoke about local and global literacy issues and their importance.
Following the keynote presentation, a smaller group of students had the opportunity to attend a workshop with the WE facilitators. The students
were provided with the skills and tools needed to become social issues ambassadors in their school and community. These students will share these skills with their classmates, which will help with their service learning projects that will
be completed by the end of the school year.
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Fall Choir Concert / Junior High Choir Festival
 On Wednesday, October 17, approximately 250 choir students from RB, Hauser, S.E. Gross, Komarek, and George Washington came together for a full day of choral singing. The Junior High Festival was a full day of celebrating the choral arts in our area. The groups rehearsed the concert music and came together for a grand finale at the RB Choir Concert the same evening. The feeder schools were individually featured in the concert as well. It was a fantastic evening of celebrating the
fine choral groups and being able to see the vertical growth possible for our students in the choral arts.
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Fall Sports are concluding. Below is an update of our fall athletic programs (As of October 21).
Girls Volleyball:
Played West Chicago High School in the Main South Regional on Monday, October 22.
Girls Cross Country:
The team won the RBHS Regional Championship (October 20) and senior Tara Janey took 1st place overall. The team will compete next at the Kaneland High School Sectional on October 27.
Girls Golf:
Placed 5th at the IHSA Regional. Isabel Hughes & Keanna
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Kiki Keen heads to State
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'Kiki' Keen qualified for the Sectional competition. Keanna Keen became the first RBHS female golfer to qualify for the State Final Tournament held at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur, IL.
Boys Cross Country:
The team won the RBHS Regional Championship. All seven runners finished in the top 15 of the race: Josh Ranft (All Regional),
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Boys Cross Country
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David Keen (All Regional), Conor Raymond (6th place), Peter Kallas (8th place), Quinn Van Nice (9th place), Quin Jacquat (14th place), and Chris Magno (15th place). The team will compete next at the Kaneland High School Sectional on October 27.
Girls Tennis:
Placed 7th in a very competitive IHSA sectional tournament.
Football:
Honored our local military service men and service women and veterans at their last regular season home game with a Military Appreciation Night. This young team returns with several experienced student-athletes in 2019.
Girls Swimming:
Competed at the conference meet at Oswego East
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Girls Cross Country
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High School on Saturday, October 27.
Boys Golf:
Placed 5th at the IHSA Regional. Chris Robertson and Jackson Fields qualified for Sectionals.
Boys Soccer:
Finished 4th in Conference with a record of 3-3.
Winter sports registration is available now!
2018-2019 Winter Tryout schedules:
Gymnastics
Monday,
November 5, 3:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. All Levels in the Gymnastics Room
Boys Basketball
Monday, November 5, 3:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Freshman in the Main Gym
3:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sophomores in the Main Gym
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Varsity in the Main Gym
Wrestling Practice
Monday, November 5, 3:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. All-Levels - Wrestling Room
Boys Swim
Monday, November 19, 3:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. All Levels - Pool Deck
The Riverside Brookfield HS Athletic Boosters are always appreciative of help. Please consider joining the Boosters since all of their funds go directly to RB Athletics. You can register for membership online athttps://www.rbsportsboosters.com/. All members are invited to the monthly Booster meetings that fall on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge. Upcoming Booster Meeting Dates: November 15, December 20, January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, and
May 16.
Our athletic department website continues to grow and has many links and school forms for parents and community members. Please visit at http://il.8to18.com/RBHS and sign up now for e-mail alerts from the Athletic Department regarding important information regarding our athletic teams.
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Students of the First Quarter
On Wednesday, October 17, ten students were honored, representing each academic department, in addition to a Student Building Leader who exemplify our values of "Excellence and Ethics in all Bulldogs Do!" These students were nominated by faculty for excelling in two areas: academics and character.
Pictured left to right:
Front Row: Anysiah Taylor (Junior), Elizabeth Marquez (Junior), Isabel Rurka (Senior), Sarah Cuevas (Senior)
Back Row: Daniel Hynes (Junior), Taylor Bitzer (Junior), Claire Kutay (Senior), Gillian Gaines (Senior), Ian Klump (Junior), Gilius Aleksa (Senior)
Not Pictured: Jack Jameson (sophomore)
Congratulations to the RBHS 2018 Illinois Music Educators Association District I Musicians
On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, over 1,000 students auditioned for the District 1 Illinois Music Educators Association Senior Music Ensembles. Twenty-two students will be representing RBHS Music at the Jazz and Senior Chorus Festivals on November 10 and November 17.
| Band |
Chorus |
| Emily Ruvoli, Flute |
Sofia Arcos, Alto 2 |
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Katie Culloden, Soprano 1 |
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Grace Gersch, Soprano 2 |
| Jazz Ensemble |
Joy Greco,Soprano 1 |
| Ben Mulaomerovic, Guitar |
Maggie Greenlees, Soprano 2 |
| Jimmy Sacharski, Jazz Piano |
Quincy Hayes, Alto 1 |
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Noah Hoadley, Bass 2 |
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Molly McCormack, Alto 2 |
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Delaney O'Brien, Alto 1 |
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Tess Obuchowski, Soprano 2 |
| Orchestra |
Ewan Perry, Bass 2 |
| Hannah Briones, Viola |
Zachary Picton, Tenor 1 |
| AJ Morrisey, Percussion |
Haley Rayfield, Alto 1 |
| Olivia Moyer, Cello |
Megan Riordan, Alto 2 |
| Kate Schulte, Cello |
Eric Watson, Tenor 1 |
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Excellence and Ethics
in Education
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Important Dates
Please check our website for the dates and locations of all performances and events.
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November 5
PTO meeting
7:00 p.m.
Room 201
November 6
College Planning Tips for Freshman Families
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
November 7
Blood Drive
8:00 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
East Gym
November 8
Fall Play Alice in Wonderland
7:30 p.m.
Auditorium
November 9
Veteran's Day Assembly
8:30 a.m.
Main Gym
November 9
Fall Play Alice in Wonderland
7:30 p.m.
Auditorium
November 10
Fall Play Alice in Wonderland
7:30 p.m.
Auditorium
November 11
Tea Party with Alice & Friends
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
November 11
Fall Play Alice in Wonderland
2:00 p.m.
Auditorium
November 13
Board of Ed Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Room 201
November 15
Booster Club Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Alumni Lounge
November 19
Music Sponsors
7:00 p.m.
Band Room
November 21-23
Thanksgiving Holiday
Non-Attendance days
November 29
Repertory Dance Ensemble Concert
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
November 30
Repertory Dance Ensemble Concert
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
December 4
College Kick-Off Night for Juniors
7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
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Contact Us
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(708) 442-7500
newsletter@rbhs208.net
See our website to contact individual staff members.
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