DistrictADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 114 West 144th Street, Riverdale, Illinois 60827-2703

NewsPhone (708) 841-2290 • FAX (708) 841-5048

Winter 2016Board of EducationNon-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 20

Dolton, IL 60419

P.O. Box 160Dolton, IL 60419

Your School Board

Kim AdkinsPresident

Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr.Vice President

Joyce J. JacksonSecretary

Pamela L. GibsonFaith E. GunterLarry Lawrence

Charles W. Lloyd

Postal PatronLocal

For additional District information visitDistrict 148 on the Web at: www.district148.net

Greetings Parents/Guardians and Community Members!It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the 2016-17 school year! Students are making great academic progress and the transition to the new practices

and additions introduced in all of our schools this year has gone smoothly.Restorative Justice has been embraced by everyone as we continue to build positive,

trusting connections between students and staff. The Capturing Kids’ Hearts program also is creating respectful relationships at Riverdale, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools where it is being piloted. These approaches allow us to be proactive rather than reactive when handling issues of concern and are improving the overall culture in our schools.Furthermore, we continue to be astonished by our students’ academic and artistic talents. Hopefully,

you had the chance to enjoy the musical performances of our band and choir students during our Winter Concerts on Wednesday, December 21st and Thursday, December 22nd! The students and our Band and Vocal Ensemble Directors Mrs. Jennifer Fitzpatrick and Mr. Daniel Hardy put on two amazing shows! Congratulations to all!Additionally, our Grade 4 and Junior High Science Fairs were exceptional! We will get to enjoy the project

presentations by our top Grade 4 Science Fair winners at our Tuesday, January 24th School Board meeting. We know they will be outstanding! Our Grade 7 Science Fair winners will show off their work at our Tuesday, February 28th Board of Education meeting. We can’t wait to be amazed! Mark your calendars and come out to support our students on these dates!Also, our District Leadership Team (DLT) is fi nalizing a new, long-range plan. Our administrators and

Board members have worked together to provide input on a new plan that provides us with a “roadmap” for our future. We would like to increase our community involvement in our DLT discussions. Please join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, January 31st.Finally, on behalf of the Board, I wish all of our parents, students, staff and community members a safe

and relaxing winter break and a prosperous New Year! We look forward to seeing everyone back in our buildings on Monday, January 9th!

Kim Adkins

From the Board President

A Message From the Interim Superintendent During this season of thanks and generosity, I thank all of you for

your continued outpouring of support for our students and staff. The genuine kindness and caring everyone in District 148 shows to each other on a daily basis is second to none!Local businesses, government bodies, civic groups, community

members and volunteers have gone above and beyond with their donations and assistance this school year. The District is so fortunate to have you as our partners!New in our schools this year is the Arts 4 Students Organization

which is providing our students with a bevy of unique after-school opportunities. From martial arts and drama to dance, students are learning some new skills, are building confi dence and are being inspired to use their talents in extraordinary ways. We look forward to seeing the students’ performances in the coming months!We also are getting students ready for the 2017 Partnership

for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. All students in Grades 3 through 8 will be taking these

important reading/language arts and math assessments in March. Students in Grades 5 and 8 also will take the Illinois science assessments. We know that you will help us by making sure your children are well rested and at school on time every day during the testing period.We continue to stress the importance of regular school attendance.

When students are at school and on time each day, they benefi t from all of the educational opportunities available in our schools. This helps to prepare them for future success. Thank you for making regular attendance a priority for your child!Finally, as we prepare to turn the page to a new calendar year, I wish

you and your family a wonderful winter break and a very Happy 2017!

Dr. Saundra R. Mickles

h l tt d

Feb. 9 Bring your Parent, Grandparent, Special Person to School Day Feb. 9 Third Quarter Progress Reports Feb. 10 No School for students – Institute DayFeb. 10 Parent Advisory Committee, Principal Baruti Kafele addresses parents and students 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Lincoln Avenue School Feb. 20 No School – Presidents’ Day ObservanceFeb. 24 School Improvement Day – Early Dismissal at NoonFeb. 28 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceMarch 1 – April 28 Illinois Science Assessment, Grades 5 & 8March 6 No School – Casimir Pulaski Day ObservanceMarch 7 – April 25 PARCC Testing Period, Grades 3 - 8March 17 Third Quarter EndsMarch 28 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceApril 4 No School for students – Parent/Teacher Conferences, Third Quarter Report Card DistributionApril 13 Fourth Quarter Progress ReportsApril 14 – April 21 No School – Spring BreakApril 24 School Resumes After Spring BreakApril 25 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceMay 1 – May 4 Fine Arts Festival, Park School gymMay 12 School Improvement Day – Early Dismissal at NoonMay 15 Music Awards Dinner 6:15 p.m., Lincoln Junior High School gym (tickets required)May 15 –May 19 ECC Screening 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.May 16 Parent Advisory Committee 7 p.m., District Offi ceMay 23 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceMay 29 No School – Memorial Day Holiday

We hope you and your children are having a successful, 2016-17 school year. We want to continue to maintain a strong connection between you and your child’s school and to offer you the resources we believe can help support your student to be academically successful.On Friday, February 10th we are having a special Parent Advisory Committee Meeting just for you and your elementary and junior high school children, ages 5 and up. Renowned New Jersey Educator, Principal, Author and Speaker Baruti Kafele will be here to share some of his wisdom with all of us. He will inspire and motivate students and parents to strive for academic excellence. He will offer some ideas on how parents can develop strong relationships with their child and he will explain some of the challenges today’s children face. This event will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lincoln School, 14151 Lincoln Ave., Dolton. Raffl e prizes and refreshments will be available.Please mark your calendars now for our Bring Your Parent, Grandparent, Special Person to School Day on Thursday, February 9th and for this great Parent Advisory Committee Meeting with Principal Kafele on Friday, February 10, 2017!

Reaching Outto Parents

District 148 has so much for which to be thankful!Not only do we have the best students, parents, staff, administrators and Board of Education, but we also have wonderful and caring individuals, businesses, community groups and government agencies to help us fulfi ll our mission to challenge and support our students to reach their highest level of performance. We are always grateful for the support given to our young people and their families. This year is no different. Among those we want to thank are:• The National Learning Committee for providing toys for some families at Franklin,

Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools. The Committee also donated book bags to students at these three schools and made a monetary donation to purchase uniforms for some students at Roosevelt School.

• Riverdale School Teacher Ms. Desma Flagg for helping to teach her students the importance of generosity and helping those less fortunate. She purchased and sent school supplies and toys to children overseas.

• Lincoln Avenue School Teacher Sarah Donnelly for reaching out to others for donations of the J.K. Rowlings book “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for her students to read.

• The Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for hosting a “Breakfast With Santa” event at Park School - complete with hats, coats, gloves, scarves, toys, a bicycle raffl e and breakfast for community families.

• The Knights of Columbus Pinta Neri Council 1846 for including the District in its Tootsie Roll Day fundraiser.

• Dr. Ahmad Ramaha and Universal Dental Clinics for the dental services they provide to our students.

• State Rep. Will Davis for his participation in the Principal for A Day event at Franklin School.

• Riverdale Mayor Lawrence L. Jackson and his wife for the donation of more than 100 coats and scarves to Park School students.

• Alison Key of Businesses United for Dolton for the donation of coats to the students of Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools.

• Rev. Charles Straight and the Faith United Methodist Church for the donated books to Franklin School and for paying the school’s membership fee to join the World Vision Organization. The membership allows Franklin School teachers to visit the World Vision Organization to get free school supplies.

• Elder Richard Sparks of Agape Apostolic Faith Ministries for donating several tables and chairs to Franklin School.

• Stride Academy for supporting two District families.• The Charters Youth Commission for the Christmas Food Basket Giveaway for some

Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt students and their families.Thank you for your kindness, support and generosity!

We are thankful

Inside this issue:Dates to Remember ...1, 4

Grateful for the leadershipof our School Board ....2

Arts 4 Students offersnew after-schoolopportunities ................2

Scientifi c Discoveries ......2

Contributing to students’love for reading ............3

A lesson in generosityand selfl essness ..........3

Great things arehappening ....................3

We are thankful ...............4

Reaching Outto Parents ....................4

Dates to Remember: Jan. 9 School Resumes After Winter BreakJan. 13 Second quarter report cards distributed to studentsJan. 16 No School – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday ObservanceJan. 23 – Jan. 27 ECC Screenings 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Jan. 24 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceJan. 27 School Improvement Day – Early Dismissal at Noon

Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 1Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 1 12/22/2016 1:53:08 PM12/22/2016 1:53:08 PM

2 3

The following are among the great things happening in District 148:

✔ State Rep. Will Davis served as Principal for A Day at Franklin Elementary School on October 25th.

✔ iPads have been ordered for the District’s kindergarten classrooms.

✔ Selected families from Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools have been chosen to receive toys from the U.S. Marine Corps.’ Toys for Tots program.

✔ Alison Key of the Businesses United for Dolton donated coats to the students of Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools.

✔ Rev. Charles Straight and Faith United Methodist Church donated books to Franklin School and paid the school’s membership fee to join the World Vision Organization. This membership allows Franklin School teachers to visit the Organization’s resource center to receive free school supplies.

✔ The National Learning Committee donated book bags to Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools. The National Learning Committee also made a monetary donation to Roosevelt School to pay for uniforms for some students.

✔ Elder Richard Sparks of Agape Apostolic Faith Ministries donated several tables and chairs to Franklin School.

✔ Students are benefi ting from Title I after-school programs at Lincoln, Riverdale, Roosevelt and Washington Schools.

✔ The nationally-acclaimed Capturing Kids’ Hearts program and Restorative Justice practices are in place in our schools.

✔ More than 100 coats and scarves were donated to Park School students by the Offi ce of Riverdale Mayor Lawrence L. Jackson and his wife.

✔ The Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted area families at a Breakfast with Santa event on December 3rd at Park Elementary School.

✔ Students and parents from all three District junior high schools attended the District’s Annual High School Night at Washington Junior High School.

✔ Lincoln Avenue School has a Mentoring Program for 7th and 8th Grade girls.

✔ Washington Elementary School students who serve as Youth Leaders are helping to reinforce the school’s behavior expectations.

✔ The Chicago Bears’ offi cial mascot, Staley Da Bear, visited Roosevelt School and helped to reinforce an anti-bullying message.

✔ Students and their families attended Family Reading Night and Family Math Night programs in the schools.

✔ The Charters Youth Commission provided a Christmas Food Basket Giveaway for some Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt School students and their families.

Great things are happening

One Lincoln Avenue School teacher’s plan to take her son to the movie theater to see the latest Harry Potter movie somehow turned into something much bigger.Mrs. Sarah Donnelly and her son went to see the movie, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend but her students also began making some plans of their own.The students thought it would be a great idea for them to take a fi eld trip together to see the movie. But Mrs. Donnelly wants her students to fi rst read the book, complete the work associated with it and pass an accelerated reading test online in order to qualify to see the “Fantastic Beasts” movie.After posting on social media that she needed enough of the books for all of her students to read, Mrs. Donnelly was astonished by the support she received. Friends, family and fellow teachers pledged to purchase and donate books. In just a few days, 31 copies of the hardcover book were delivered to Lincoln School.“I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe so many people donated,” she said. “I’m so excited. This means a lot to me.”As the books began to arrive, her students became even more excited. The true Harry Potter fans were anxious to begin reading the Harry Potter prequel. The books are being read during the students’ scheduled reading time during the regular school day. They also are writing “thank you” cards to all of their book donors.

Contributing to students’ love for reading

More than 100 District 148 students are getting some experience in martial arts, drama and dance as part of a new after-school enrichment program being offered by the Arts (Actively Reaching Today’s Students) 4 Students Organization.

The program provides students in Grades 3 through 8 with the chance to explore and expand their talents in the Arts. Professionals in the Arts teach their skills to youths throughout the 10- to 12-week program.

The experience gives students the chance to build confi dence, to develop critical thinking and to strengthen their artistic and social skills. It also inspires them to use their talents in a positive way.

Each class session ends with a delicious meal for the student participants. Those meals can range from baked chicken and rice to beef or turkey ribs. Pizza – a favorite among the students – is provided once each week.

The Arts 4 Students program also provides students with a good foundation on which they can continue to build their interests in the Arts.

Arts 4 Students offers new after-school learning opportunities

Dolton School District 148 celebrated its crème of the crop Board of Education members at the November Board of Education meeting.

Students, staff and administrators from each school presented oversized handmade cards and messages of thanks. Students also performed cheers and sang songs to show how much they appreciate our School Board Members.

School Board Members Day is commemorated by communities throughout Illinois each November to recognize these selfl ess public servants for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

The theme for this year’s event was “Leadership Starts Here.”

Thank you Mrs. Kim Adkins, Mr. Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr., Ms. Joyce J. Jackson, Ms. Pamela L. Gibson, Mrs. Faith E. Gunter, Mr. Larry Lawrence and Mr. Charles W. Lloyd for your educational leadership.

We are very fortunate to have such a caring and supportive Board of Education!

Grateful for the leadership of our School Board

Sense Rasulbey, the owner of Precision Martial Arts World Academy in Chicago, teaches a martial arts class at Riverdale School. Below, these two students enjoy a hot meal after class.

Lincoln Avenue School Teacher Mrs. Sarah Donnelly reached out to others for help in acquiring enough of Author J.K. Rowling’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” books for her students to read. At left are more than 30 books that friends and co-workers donated to Mrs. Donnelly’s classroom.

It’s that time of the year again when our talented and inquisitive young scientists participate in the scientifi c process and discover new ideas. Our fourth grade students were very creative during the Grade 4 Science Fairs which took place on Thursday, December 1st in each of the District’s elementary schools. The 2016-17 school year fourth grade Science Fair winners are:• Yakira L. from Franklin Elementary School• Jaci C. from Lincoln Avenue School• Janise H. from Park Elementary School• Treshawn H. from Riverdale School• Selena C. from Roosevelt Elementary School• Jessica K. from Washington Elementary SchoolThese students are the First Place fourth-graders who were chosen to present his or her project at the January 24th Board of Education meeting. We congratulate these students and all of our Fourth Grade Science Fair participantsNot to be outdone by their younger counterparts, our junior high school students explored a wide variety of interesting topics and produced remarkable results during the Junior High Science Fairs held on Wednesday, December 7th, on Thursday, December 8th and on Wednesday, December 14th.Our three junior high schools also selected their top seventh grade science project. The students who achieved this high honor are:• Calvin L. from Lincoln Junior High School• Rayvon S.P. from Roosevelt Junior High School• Kaitlin R. from Washington Junior High School.These students will present their projects at the February 28th School Board meeting. They also will be among their school’s participants at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 9 Science Fair in March.

Scientifi c Discoveries

LMte

Sense Rasulbey, the owner of

Teacher Desma Flagg has found the perfect way to combine her love for shopping and giving with her desire to help children who are less fortunate.Every year, the Riverdale School educator spends months shopping for good deals on toys and school supplies. In November, she ships her sizeable collection overseas to young people in need.This year was the second year she involved her Riverdale School students in the process. Families were asked to contribute shoeboxes in which the supplies could be packaged and sent. Mrs. Flagg’s students then had the opportunity to select the items they thought boys and girls their age would appreciate. The effort helped to teach the students about sharing and about helping others.

A lesson in generosity and selfl essness

Riverdale School Teacher Desma Flagg and her students packed up some school supplies and toys she donated to less fortunate children in other countries. The generous gesture helped to teach students about sharing and helping others.

These are some of the students who participated in the Grade 4 Science Fairs on Thursday, December 1st.

We applaud our fantastic administrators, teachers, parents, School Board members and District 148 Science Fair Coordinator Mr. Mike Hurst for supporting our students!Kudos to all of our participants and best wishes to our Regional Science Fair qualifi ers: Jayera G., Najah T.W., Myishia S., Celeste D., Kaitlin R., Miracle D. and Yazmin B. from Washington Junior High School; Daviyon G., Natalie H., Calvin L., Carrie M. Sharese P. and Mark W. from Lincoln Junior High School; and DVon F. and Sean R., Gabrielle F. and Andre J., Ashley P. and Raven E., Rayvon S.P., Trevon D., Etienne A., Yalari T. and Trinity C., Akira S. and Jaylah H. from Roosevelt Junior High School.We are already looking forward to next year when our brilliant scientists will teach us something new that they discovered.

These arre

ies

“I love Harry Potter. I’m very excited to hear about what happened before he was born,” said one of Mrs. Donnelly’s most avid readers. “I’ve never read a Harry Potter book,” said another student. “Everybody says this is a good book. I love reading. If this is good, I’ll try to read more Harry Potter books.”Meanwhile, Mrs. Donnelly’s project has escalated even further. One of her former students who is now an adult has created an account and

others have made contributions to help raise money to pay for the Lincoln students’ “Fantastic Beasts” movie tickets.

Pictured here, from left, are Board Member Charles W. Lloyd, Board Vice President Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr., Board President Kim Adkins and Board Member Larry Lawrence.

Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 2Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 2 12/22/2016 1:41:55 PM12/22/2016 1:41:55 PM

2 3

The following are among the great things happening in District 148:

✔ State Rep. Will Davis served as Principal for A Day at Franklin Elementary School on October 25th.

✔ iPads have been ordered for the District’s kindergarten classrooms.

✔ Selected families from Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools have been chosen to receive toys from the U.S. Marine Corps.’ Toys for Tots program.

✔ Alison Key of the Businesses United for Dolton donated coats to the students of Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools.

✔ Rev. Charles Straight and Faith United Methodist Church donated books to Franklin School and paid the school’s membership fee to join the World Vision Organization. This membership allows Franklin School teachers to visit the Organization’s resource center to receive free school supplies.

✔ The National Learning Committee donated book bags to Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools. The National Learning Committee also made a monetary donation to Roosevelt School to pay for uniforms for some students.

✔ Elder Richard Sparks of Agape Apostolic Faith Ministries donated several tables and chairs to Franklin School.

✔ Students are benefi ting from Title I after-school programs at Lincoln, Riverdale, Roosevelt and Washington Schools.

✔ The nationally-acclaimed Capturing Kids’ Hearts program and Restorative Justice practices are in place in our schools.

✔ More than 100 coats and scarves were donated to Park School students by the Offi ce of Riverdale Mayor Lawrence L. Jackson and his wife.

✔ The Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted area families at a Breakfast with Santa event on December 3rd at Park Elementary School.

✔ Students and parents from all three District junior high schools attended the District’s Annual High School Night at Washington Junior High School.

✔ Lincoln Avenue School has a Mentoring Program for 7th and 8th Grade girls.

✔ Washington Elementary School students who serve as Youth Leaders are helping to reinforce the school’s behavior expectations.

✔ The Chicago Bears’ offi cial mascot, Staley Da Bear, visited Roosevelt School and helped to reinforce an anti-bullying message.

✔ Students and their families attended Family Reading Night and Family Math Night programs in the schools.

✔ The Charters Youth Commission provided a Christmas Food Basket Giveaway for some Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt School students and their families.

Great things are happening

One Lincoln Avenue School teacher’s plan to take her son to the movie theater to see the latest Harry Potter movie somehow turned into something much bigger.Mrs. Sarah Donnelly and her son went to see the movie, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend but her students also began making some plans of their own.The students thought it would be a great idea for them to take a fi eld trip together to see the movie. But Mrs. Donnelly wants her students to fi rst read the book, complete the work associated with it and pass an accelerated reading test online in order to qualify to see the “Fantastic Beasts” movie.After posting on social media that she needed enough of the books for all of her students to read, Mrs. Donnelly was astonished by the support she received. Friends, family and fellow teachers pledged to purchase and donate books. In just a few days, 31 copies of the hardcover book were delivered to Lincoln School.“I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe so many people donated,” she said. “I’m so excited. This means a lot to me.”As the books began to arrive, her students became even more excited. The true Harry Potter fans were anxious to begin reading the Harry Potter prequel. The books are being read during the students’ scheduled reading time during the regular school day. They also are writing “thank you” cards to all of their book donors.

Contributing to students’ love for reading

More than 100 District 148 students are getting some experience in martial arts, drama and dance as part of a new after-school enrichment program being offered by the Arts (Actively Reaching Today’s Students) 4 Students Organization.

The program provides students in Grades 3 through 8 with the chance to explore and expand their talents in the Arts. Professionals in the Arts teach their skills to youths throughout the 10- to 12-week program.

The experience gives students the chance to build confi dence, to develop critical thinking and to strengthen their artistic and social skills. It also inspires them to use their talents in a positive way.

Each class session ends with a delicious meal for the student participants. Those meals can range from baked chicken and rice to beef or turkey ribs. Pizza – a favorite among the students – is provided once each week.

The Arts 4 Students program also provides students with a good foundation on which they can continue to build their interests in the Arts.

Arts 4 Students offers new after-school learning opportunities

Dolton School District 148 celebrated its crème of the crop Board of Education members at the November Board of Education meeting.

Students, staff and administrators from each school presented oversized handmade cards and messages of thanks. Students also performed cheers and sang songs to show how much they appreciate our School Board Members.

School Board Members Day is commemorated by communities throughout Illinois each November to recognize these selfl ess public servants for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

The theme for this year’s event was “Leadership Starts Here.”

Thank you Mrs. Kim Adkins, Mr. Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr., Ms. Joyce J. Jackson, Ms. Pamela L. Gibson, Mrs. Faith E. Gunter, Mr. Larry Lawrence and Mr. Charles W. Lloyd for your educational leadership.

We are very fortunate to have such a caring and supportive Board of Education!

Grateful for the leadership of our School Board

Sense Rasulbey, the owner of Precision Martial Arts World Academy in Chicago, teaches a martial arts class at Riverdale School. Below, these two students enjoy a hot meal after class.

Lincoln Avenue School Teacher Mrs. Sarah Donnelly reached out to others for help in acquiring enough of Author J.K. Rowling’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” books for her students to read. At left are more than 30 books that friends and co-workers donated to Mrs. Donnelly’s classroom.

It’s that time of the year again when our talented and inquisitive young scientists participate in the scientifi c process and discover new ideas. Our fourth grade students were very creative during the Grade 4 Science Fairs which took place on Thursday, December 1st in each of the District’s elementary schools. The 2016-17 school year fourth grade Science Fair winners are:• Yakira L. from Franklin Elementary School• Jaci C. from Lincoln Avenue School• Janise H. from Park Elementary School• Treshawn H. from Riverdale School• Selena C. from Roosevelt Elementary School• Jessica K. from Washington Elementary SchoolThese students are the First Place fourth-graders who were chosen to present his or her project at the January 24th Board of Education meeting. We congratulate these students and all of our Fourth Grade Science Fair participantsNot to be outdone by their younger counterparts, our junior high school students explored a wide variety of interesting topics and produced remarkable results during the Junior High Science Fairs held on Wednesday, December 7th, on Thursday, December 8th and on Wednesday, December 14th.Our three junior high schools also selected their top seventh grade science project. The students who achieved this high honor are:• Calvin L. from Lincoln Junior High School• Rayvon S.P. from Roosevelt Junior High School• Kaitlin R. from Washington Junior High School.These students will present their projects at the February 28th School Board meeting. They also will be among their school’s participants at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 9 Science Fair in March.

Scientifi c Discoveries

LMte

Sense Rasulbey, the owner of

Teacher Desma Flagg has found the perfect way to combine her love for shopping and giving with her desire to help children who are less fortunate.Every year, the Riverdale School educator spends months shopping for good deals on toys and school supplies. In November, she ships her sizeable collection overseas to young people in need.This year was the second year she involved her Riverdale School students in the process. Families were asked to contribute shoeboxes in which the supplies could be packaged and sent. Mrs. Flagg’s students then had the opportunity to select the items they thought boys and girls their age would appreciate. The effort helped to teach the students about sharing and about helping others.

A lesson in generosity and selfl essness

Riverdale School Teacher Desma Flagg and her students packed up some school supplies and toys she donated to less fortunate children in other countries. The generous gesture helped to teach students about sharing and helping others.

These are some of the students who participated in the Grade 4 Science Fairs on Thursday, December 1st.

We applaud our fantastic administrators, teachers, parents, School Board members and District 148 Science Fair Coordinator Mr. Mike Hurst for supporting our students!Kudos to all of our participants and best wishes to our Regional Science Fair qualifi ers: Jayera G., Najah T.W., Myishia S., Celeste D., Kaitlin R., Miracle D. and Yazmin B. from Washington Junior High School; Daviyon G., Natalie H., Calvin L., Carrie M. Sharese P. and Mark W. from Lincoln Junior High School; and DVon F. and Sean R., Gabrielle F. and Andre J., Ashley P. and Raven E., Rayvon S.P., Trevon D., Etienne A., Yalari T. and Trinity C., Akira S. and Jaylah H. from Roosevelt Junior High School.We are already looking forward to next year when our brilliant scientists will teach us something new that they discovered.

These arre

ies

“I love Harry Potter. I’m very excited to hear about what happened before he was born,” said one of Mrs. Donnelly’s most avid readers. “I’ve never read a Harry Potter book,” said another student. “Everybody says this is a good book. I love reading. If this is good, I’ll try to read more Harry Potter books.”Meanwhile, Mrs. Donnelly’s project has escalated even further. One of her former students who is now an adult has created an account and

others have made contributions to help raise money to pay for the Lincoln students’ “Fantastic Beasts” movie tickets.

Pictured here, from left, are Board Member Charles W. Lloyd, Board Vice President Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr., Board President Kim Adkins and Board Member Larry Lawrence.

Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 2Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 2 12/22/2016 1:53:28 PM12/22/2016 1:53:28 PM

DistrictADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 114 West 144th Street, Riverdale, Illinois 60827-2703

NewsPhone (708) 841-2290 • FAX (708) 841-5048

Winter 2016Board of EducationNon-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 20

Dolton, IL 60419

P.O. Box 160Dolton, IL 60419

Your School Board

Kim AdkinsPresident

Ernesto E. Mickens, Jr.Vice President

Joyce J. JacksonSecretary

Pamela L. GibsonFaith E. GunterLarry Lawrence

Charles W. Lloyd

Postal PatronLocal

For additional District information visitDistrict 148 on the Web at: www.district148.net

Greetings Parents/Guardians and Community Members!It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the 2016-17 school year! Students are making great academic progress and the transition to the new practices

and additions introduced in all of our schools this year has gone smoothly.Restorative Justice has been embraced by everyone as we continue to build positive,

trusting connections between students and staff. The Capturing Kids’ Hearts program also is creating respectful relationships at Riverdale, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools where it is being piloted. These approaches allow us to be proactive rather than reactive when handling issues of concern and are improving the overall culture in our schools.Furthermore, we continue to be astonished by our students’ academic and artistic talents. Hopefully,

you had the chance to enjoy the musical performances of our band and choir students during our Winter Concerts on Wednesday, December 21st and Thursday, December 22nd! The students and our Band and Vocal Ensemble Directors Mrs. Jennifer Fitzpatrick and Mr. Daniel Hardy put on two amazing shows! Congratulations to all!Additionally, our Grade 4 and Junior High Science Fairs were exceptional! We will get to enjoy the project

presentations by our top Grade 4 Science Fair winners at our Tuesday, January 24th School Board meeting. We know they will be outstanding! Our Grade 7 Science winners will show off their work at our Tuesday, February 28th Board of Education meeting. We can’t wait to be amazed! Mark your calendars and come out to support our students on these dates!Also, our District Leadership Team (DLT) is fi nalizing a new, long-range plan. Our administrators and

Board members have worked together to provide input on a new plan that provides us with a “roadmap” for our future. We would like to increase our community involvement in our DLT discussions. Please join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, January 31st.Finally, on behalf of the Board, I wish all of our parents, students, staff and community members a safe

and relaxing winter break and a prosperous New Year! We look forward to seeing everyone back in our buildings on Monday, January 9th!

Kim Adkins

From the Board President

A Message From the Interim Superintendent During this season of thanks and generosity, I thank all of you for

your continued outpouring of support for our students and staff. The genuine kindness and caring everyone in District 148 shows to each other on a daily basis is second to none!Local businesses, government bodies, civic groups, community

members and volunteers have gone above and beyond with their donations and assistance this school year. The District is so fortunate to have you as our partners!New in our schools this year is the Arts 4 Students Organization

which is providing our students with a bevy of unique after-school opportunities. From martial arts and drama to dance, students are learning some new skills, are building confi dence and are being inspired to use their talents in extraordinary ways. We look forward to seeing the students’ performances in the coming months!We also are getting students ready for the 2017 Partnership

for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. All students in Grades 3 through 8 will be taking these

important reading/language arts and math assessments in March. Students in Grades 5 and 8 also will take the Illinois science assessments. We know that you will help us by making sure your children are well rested and at school on time every day during the testing period.We continue to stress the importance of regular school attendance.

When students are at school and on time each day, they benefi t from all of the educational opportunities available in our schools. This helps to prepare them for future success. Thank you for making regular attendance a priority for your child!Finally, as we prepare to turn the page to a new calendar year, I wish

you and your family a wonderful winter break and a very Happy 2017!

Dr. Saundra R. Mickles

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Feb. 9 Bring your Parent, Grandparent, Special Person to School Day Feb. 9 Third Quarter Progress Reports Feb. 10 No School for students – Institute DayFeb. 10 Parent Advisory Committee, Principal Baruti Kafele addresses parents and students 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Lincoln Avenue School Feb. 20 No School – Presidents’ Day ObservanceFeb. 24 School Improvement Day – Early Dismissal at NoonFeb. 28 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceMarch 1 – April 28 Illinois Science Assessment, Grades 5 & 8March 6 No School – Casimir Pulaski Day ObservanceMarch 7 – April 25 PARCC Testing Period, Grades 3 - 8March 17 Third Quarter EndsMarch 28 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceApril 4 No School for students – Parent/Teacher Conferences, Third Quarter Report Card DistributionApril 13 Fourth Quarter Progress ReportsApril 14 – April 21 No School – Spring BreakApril 24 School Resumes After Spring BreakApril 25 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceMay 1 – May 4 Fine Arts Festival, Park School gymMay 12 School Improvement Day – Early Dismissal at NoonMay 15 Music Awards Dinner 6:15 p.m., Lincoln Junior High School gym (tickets required)May 15 –May 19 ECC Screening 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.May 16 Parent Advisory Committee 7 p.m., District Offi ceMay 23 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceMay 29 No School – Memorial Day Holiday

We hope you and your children are having a successful, 2016-17 school year. We want to continue to maintain a strong connection between you and your child’s school and to offer you the resources we believe can help support your student to be academically successful.On Friday, February 10th we are having a special Parent Advisory Committee Meeting just for you and your elementary and junior high school children, ages 5 and up. Renowned New Jersey Educator, Principal, Author and Speaker Baruti Kafele will be here to share some of his wisdom with all of us. He will inspire and motivate students and parents to strive for academic excellence. He will offer some ideas on how parents can develop strong relationships with their child and he will explain some of the challenges today’s children face. This event will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lincoln School, 14151 Lincoln Ave., Dolton. Raffl e prizes and refreshments will be available.Please mark your calendars now for our Bring Your Parent, Grandparent, Special Person to School Day on Thursday, February 9th and for this great Parent Advisory Committee Meeting with Principal Kafele on Friday, February 10, 2017!

Reaching Outto Parents

District 148 has so much for which to be thankful!Not only do we have the best students, parents, staff, administrators and Board of Education, but we also have wonderful and caring individuals, businesses, community groups and government agencies to help us fulfi ll our mission to challenge and support our students to reach their highest level of performance. We are always grateful for the support given to our young people and their families. This year is no different. Among those we want to thank are:• The National Learning Committee for providing toys for some families at Franklin,

Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools. The Committee also donated book bags to students at these three schools and made a monetary donation to purchase uniforms for some students at Roosevelt School.

• Riverdale School Teacher Ms. Desma Flagg for helping to teach her students the importance of generosity and helping those less fortunate. She purchased and sent school supplies and toys to children overseas.

• Lincoln Avenue School Teacher Sarah Donnelly for reaching out to others for donations of the J.K. Rowlings book “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for her students to read.

• The Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for hosting a “Breakfast With Santa” event at Park School - complete with hats, coats, gloves, scarves, toys, a bicycle raffl e and breakfast for community families.

• The Knights of Columbus Pinta Neri Council 1846 for including the District in its Tootsie Roll Day fundraiser.

• Dr. Ahmad Ramaha and Universal Dental Clinics for the dental services they provide to our students.

• State Rep. Will Davis for his participation in the Principal for A Day event at Franklin School.

• Riverdale Mayor Lawrence L. Jackson and his wife for the donation of more than 100 coats and scarves to Park School students.

• Alison Key of Businesses United for Dolton for the donation of coats to the students of Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt Schools.

• Rev. Charles Straight and the Faith United Methodist Church for the donated books to Franklin School and for paying the school’s membership fee to join the World Vision Organization. The membership allows Franklin School teachers to visit the World Vision Organization to get free school supplies.

• Elder Richard Sparks of Agape Apostolic Faith Ministries for donating several tables and chairs to Franklin School.

• Stride Academy for supporting two District families.• The Charters Youth Commission for the Christmas Food Basket Giveaway for some

Franklin, Lincoln and Roosevelt students and their families.Thank you for your kindness, support and generosity!

We are thankful

Inside this issue:Dates to Remember ...1, 4

Grateful for the leadershipof our School Board ....2

Arts 4 Students offersnew after-schoolopportunities ................2

Scientifi c Discoveries ......2

Contributing to students’love for reading ............3

A lesson in generosityand selfl essness ..........3

Great things arehappening ....................3

We are thankful ...............4

Reaching Outto Parents ....................4

Dates to Remember: Jan. 9 School Resumes After Winter BreakJan. 13 Second quarter report cards distributed to studentsJan. 16 No School – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday ObservanceJan. 23 – Jan. 27 ECC Screenings 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Jan. 24 School Board Meeting 7 p.m., District Offi ceJan. 27 School Improvement Day – Early Dismissal at Noon

Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 1Dist 148 News 12 16.indd 1 12/22/2016 1:41:48 PM12/22/2016 1:41:48 PM