How about a change of direction until Christmas

[southsidesignmaker]

Thacks to Casey, Twhl, Lorip, Sashimi, and the two old guys (just kidding) for responding thus far. It is nice to hear about people and programs that have a positive influence in our day to day school lives. If there is anyone who would like to comment about the middle school and high school experience it would be much appreciated.

[doctorwho]

Dec 17, 2008 9:56:59 GMT -6 southsidesignmaker said:

Thacks to Casey, Twhl, Lorip, Sashimi, and the two old guys (just kidding) for responding thus far. It is nice to hear about people and programs that have a positive influence in our day to day school lives. If there is anyone who would like to comment about the middle school and high school experience it would be much appreciated.

If I am one of the 'old guys' I surely don't mind that- I've earned that badge....and wear it proudly. ( and surely have been called much worse )

[researching]

Ok, I have been mulling over this topic for a while now. It's been hard to come up with much inspiring in the last year. Let's see...

I am inspired by Bob McBride (the new principal at NVHS). He is kind, intelligent, and open, yet firm when he needs to be.

I am inspired by Moira Arzich (the new principal at Fry). She attends every Fry event, even the smallest ones as well as the events off site. She also has an office filled with various "Potato Head" toys. The toys are a delightful ice breaker in a place (the Principal's Office) that can be enormously intimidating. Charming.

I am a huge fan of Mrs. Fry. She is greatly missed as a teacher. However, Mrs. Whitney is doing a great job of filling Mrs. Fry's shoes.

I LOVE the NVHS Poms Coaches and the NVHS Orchesis Directors. They have been inspirational to my daughter and hold their dancers up to a high moral level. As a parent, I appreciate the backup they provide in reinforcing a high standard of behavior, on and off the floor. The NVHS dancers are fabulous and that is in large part due to their exceptional coaches!

As you can see from my list, the people that inspire me are those who go ABOVE AND BEYOND, and genuinely CARE about my children fully. Not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. If I judged this district on academics alone, I would have moved to the New Trier area long ago. Our SB needs to get this message. When our kids have to spend hours and hours on homework or hire a tutor to learn the material, who is really teaching them? Is their success because of our district or because of supportive parents? It should be complimentary IMO. Yet, if you really look at the most successful students in this district, I believe you will see very supportive parents behind them. The balance is out of wack. JMO.

[we4]

Great idea.

I would like to congratulate all the students and parents of White Eagle Elementary School. Every year the school participates in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. Students at White Eagle were able to buy Christmas gifts close to 400 Aurora, Naperville, Sugar Grove, Montgomery, Oswego and I'm sure other area children in need. A job well done and many children will benefit from these gifts.

[southsidesignmaker]

Researching,

I am glad to hear you and your family have had great experiences at both the primary and high school level with teachers, coaches and administrators.

we4,

Thanks for sharing your story about the Angel tree program, it is wonderful to hear about the generosity displayed by many in our district.

[southsidesignmaker]

Taken from this month’s WV school newspaper, THE VOICE…..

Wildcats Shadow Warriors

By Nina Chang

What started out as a normal Thursday morning for Waubonsie’s Student Council turned into an adventure accompanied by students from our sister school Neuqua, for an exchange program. On Thursday, December 4th, 32 members from Neuqua Valley’s Student Council were paired up with members from Waubonsie’s own Student Council based on their positions and grade. It was an opportunity for Neuqua students to share their experience with their peers who might attend Waubonsie in the future.

Everyone met up in the auditorium at 6:30 AM for the usual big Student Council meeting which involved every class council. Afterwards, each Waubonsie member lined up while holding a piece of paper with their partner’s names, like waiting for someone at the airport. After matching up, each member showed their partner around the school.

“This school is just like Hogwarts” said Neuqua Valley Junior Sara Rahim. They were so confused by our hallways and different third floors. There was even a mini argument between a Waubonsie member and their partner about which way they had just come from. The partner was insistent that they just came from the same hallway while the student just laughed it off and told them that it was definitely not the same one.

Neuqua students followed Waubonsie students for their first five periods. They got to experience a day in the life of a Warrior, which included their classes, gym, lunch, music, and whatever else goes on during their day.

“I thought the classes were really relaxed and it was a good environment to learn in,” said Neuqua Valley Sophomore Angela Wang after following around and experiencing the classes of her partner.

It was definitely interesting to hear what Neuqua Valley had to say about Waubonsie and their experience here, so after 5th period, students were gathered in a room to have a group discussion and pizza. Ideas were exchanged and it was a great bonding activity as well.

They explained how their student council structure worked, starting with their CEO, all the way down to the class representatives. Neuqua students talked about their special events of the year, including a car show, a skateboard exhibition, and a bonfire. It was a really good time of sharing and we learned a lot about each other.

Senior Student Council President reflected on the exchange program. “Despite the seeming differences between Waubonsie and Neuqua, we were able to realize that we’re all students with the same goals and aspirations. The student exchange proved to be an asset to everyone, and through collaboration, both schools were able to take away ideas that will benefit everyone.”

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This article was borrowed From green with permission from Title1 Parent.

Thanks title1 parent for sharing this story. It is great to see students from each high school sharing experiences.