September 26, 2012

Hannum students read their way to recognition

Eight smiling Hannum students stood proudly before the board of education. “These students demonstrated at least a three level increase on their guided reading levels this summer,” Principal McGovern shared with the board.

The increase was, in part, a result of the students’ participation in the first Hannum Summer Reading Challenge. The students enjoyed either completing the Oak Lawn Public Library Summer Reading Program or working on the interactive reading program, RAZ-Kids. Students who demonstrated the greatest reading growth over the summer were rewarded with a breakfast specially prepared by Principal McGovern.

“Students were able to choose what they wanted me to make, and the menu was pretty varied. We had French toast sticks, juice, eggs, bacon, cereal, fruit, toast and milk. One student requested cereal. I think because he felt bad for me.”

Board unanimously adopts the fiscal year 2013 budget

The fiscal year 2013 budget was adopted by the board of education by unanimous vote. The adopted budget continues to move the district toward a balanced budget, and the district is projected to accomplish this goal by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. The fiscal year 2013 budget helps move toward the goal by reducing $1.5 million in expenditures.

Over the past four years, the district has reduced the budget by over $4.4 million. The reductions have been made primarily in the area of operations, and the board has remained steadfast throughout the reduction process to protect class sizes and programs.

Conversations will continue throughout the fall and winter regarding specific future reductions, and the board invites the public to take part in the discussions at future committee of the whole meetings. The schedule for upcoming board meetings can be found here.

State Representative Kelly Burke discusses state funding challenges

Illinois State Representative Kelly Burke shared current state financial challenges that are impacting school district revenues. Due to the state treasury shortfall, quarterly mandated categorical payments are now being received 3 months late. The state has once again prorated General State Aid (GSA) to provide only 89% of the committed funding for school districts. This reduction is one of a number of state revenue shortfalls that has adversely impacted school district finance.

Representative Burke also explained the likelihood of future losses of school district revenue resulting from further GSA reductions, the potential pension cost shift to local districts, and the possible limiting of CPI- the primary source/multiplier for new revenues. Burke acknowledged this makes it very difficult for districts to effectively plan for district finances moving forward.

October 29, 2012

Students Honored for Red Ribbon Spirit Award

D123 building principals stood proudly before the board to announce their Red Ribbon Spirit Award winners for the 2012-2013 school year. Winning students were selected by classroom teachers based on their character, leadership, service, and participation in an anti-drug program such as D.A.R.E.

Selected students are honored at their building during Red Ribbon Week and at the Red Ribbon kick-off event “on the Green” in Oak Lawn. Congratulations to winning students Alex Rodriguez, Arley Martinez, Nathaniel Moran, Nicolas Soto, Alexandria Demas, and Lyalee Barakat.

Summer School in Review

Summer School Coordinator, Mr. John Mitchell, highlighted the success of the 2012 summer school program. The program was attended by 304 students in the district, and participants were offered courses in eight different learning categories. Summer school programs afford students opportunities to pursue academic classes, interest-based arts and sport-based sessions. The district will continue to build upon the successful summer school program next school year, and information for programs and registration for the 2013 summer school program will be distributed to parents in the spring.

Proposed 2012 Tax Levy Explained

In compliance with the Illinois School Code, each year school districts are required to file a formal tax levy to capture allotted revenues for the preceding school year. The levy is an estimated figure of collectible taxes based on several impacting factors listed below. District 123 will hold an official public hearing to discuss the 2012 tax levy at the November 26, 2012, board of education meeting to be held at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. This year, District 123 is proposing a levy extension increase average of 10.28% over last year’s levy.

The amount a district can levy is limited by a formula set in the Illinois School Code and is based on a combination of the Consumer Price Index, projected new growth, and equalized assessed property values within the district’s boundaries. As new growth figures and finalized property values are not established until the summer of the following year, school districts in Illinois levy for an amount above what is anticipated to ensure no revenue is lost when the final summer figures are released. The district will only be eligible to receive a final tax

extension amount based on the final figures released by the county the following summer. If the district adopts a levy that is less than the actual released figure by the county in the summer, the district can not recover the funds above the original levy adopted.

D123 will send out a more detailed communication piece in the coming week to provide an explanation of a tax levy and how it impacts local property taxes.

IN THE NEWS

Family Math Nights Add Up to Fun Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Reading, Writing, and Creating! Wed, Oct 31, 2012

OLHMS 8th Graders Conduct a Health Fair at Sward Mon, Oct 29, 2012

EVENTS

Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:00-8:00 PM Nov 15, 2012

End of 1st Trimester Nov 16, 2012

No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences 8:30 AM-8:00PM Nov 19, 2012

Thanksgiving Holiday - No School Nov 20, 2012

Thanksgiving Holiday - No School Nov 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Holiday - No School Nov 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Holiday - No School Nov 23, 2012

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

4201 West 93rd Street Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Phone: 708-423-0150

November 26, 2012

Students “Just Say NO”

Red Ribbon week brought great inspiration to Covington School students as they found a creative way to spread their message of saying no to drugs and alcohol. With the help of staff, students wrote, directed, and edited a video using Taylor Swift’s music as inspiration. Great job to all those involved in the project, and you can see their excellent work by clicking here.

Raking Leaves for the Community

Over 110 D123 volunteers raked nearly 70 yards in the Oak Lawn community on Saturday, November 10, as part of the Village of Oak Lawn-sponsored “Senior Leaf Raking Day.” Board of Education President Sorrentino thanked the many families who came out to help, and he reiterated how highly D123 values being part of the community and supporting our residents. A brief video celebrating the event and discussing how much it means for D123 to participate in helping our community can be viewed here.

2012 Tax Levy Adopted

The D123 Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the 2012 tax levy as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Mr. Mike Loftin.

The amount a district can levy is limited by a formula set in the Illinois School Code and is based on a combination of the Consumer Price Index, projected new growth, and equalized assessed property values within the district’s boundaries. As new growth figures and finalized property values are not established until the summer of the following year, school districts in Illinois levy for an amount above what is anticipated to ensure no revenue is lost when the final summer figures are released.

For more information about the 2012 tax levy, including estimated figures of how the levy will impact tax bills, we invite you to watch this short, informational video.

IN THE NEWS

Star Lab Returns to Hometown! Mon, Nov 26, 2012

2012 Tax Levy Explained Mon, Nov 19, 2012

Reading, Writing, and Creating! Wed, Oct 31, 2012

Award Winning Author Visits OLHMS Tue, Oct 23, 2012

EVENTS

All District 5th Gr Trip ~ Band/Choral Concert Dec 12, 2012

District Wide Late Start Dec 5, 2012

Report Cards Sent Home Nov 30, 2012

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

4201 West 93rd Street Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Phone: 708-423-0150

January 28, 2013

Sward Students Raise Over $3,000 for Victims of Hurricane Sandy

On December 6, 2012, Sward students participated in a walk-a-thon, sponsored by the student council, to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Students received pledges for each lap they were able to walk around the school block. In total, Sward students raised an amazing $3,357.96.

Eight student representatives shared their experience with the board of education, and all in attendance at the meeting offered congratulations to the students and staff on their outstanding work to help support others in need.

No Student Fee Increase for 2013-2014 School Year

The board of education accepted the administrative recommendation not to raise student fees for the 2013-2014 school year. Last school year, the board voted to increase the technology fee in order to sustain the current level of technology access for students and staff into the foreseeable future.

Outside of the increase in the technology fee, this will mark the fifth consecutive year D123 has not increased student fees. After continuing an examination of the current fee structure and the level of increase necessary to significantly protect class sizes, programming or staff, the board did not see a student material fee increase as a revenue source solution at this time.

Parents Offered Opportunity to Provide Feedback in Upcoming Survey

From February 1, through March 31, 2013, parents will be invited to offer feedback to help D123 continue to seek ways to improve as a school district by participating in the Illinois State Board of Education’s 5Essentials Survey. Feedback will be collected and shared for individual schools, and final reports will be generated for each school if at least 30% of parents at each building participate in the survey. The district will share a link with parents to complete the survey starting on February 1, 2013.

For more information about the survey, please click here.

EVENTS

Tuition Preschool Registration Jan 31, 2013

District Wide Late Start Feb 6, 2013

OLHMS Make-A-Wish Volleyball Game Feb 8, 2013

Committee of the Whole Meeting Feb 12, 2013

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

4201 West 93rd Street Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Phone: 708-423-0150

March 8, 2013

Students produce award winning videos

Students from D123 participated in the NIU STEMFest video contest earlier this year, and the experience challenged students to explain a concept in science, technology, engineering, and math through a creative video. Two videos from Ms. Margaret Nugent’s Hometown class tied for second place in the third through fifth grade division, and Hometown School won a School Excellence Award for their submissions. The board recognized and congratulated the award winning students on their fantastic work.

To watch the students videos, we invite you to click here.

Tentative agreement reached for new staff contracts

The Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123 Board of Education and the Oak Lawn-Hometown Federation of Teachers, Local 943, are pleased to jointly announce the agreement of terms for a new four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The financial and benefit portions of the agreement include a 1% total salary increase in 2013-2014 for certified and support staff, a certified staff increase based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3% in 2014-2017, and a support staff increase based on CPI with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%, plus a 1% additional increase above the certified increase in 2014-2017. In addition, health insurance plan modifications were established that will result in nearly $100,000 in cost savings for the district.

The prior certified teacher contract (2008-2013) salary increases averaged in excess of 5% for the duration of the contract. The board acknowledges and appreciates the willingness of the certified and support staff to negotiate a contract that will contribute to the board’s ability to address the existing deficits. Both the board team and the Oak Lawn-Hometown Federation of Teachers commented on the professional and respectful nature of the negotiation process and outcome.

The Oak Lawn-Hometown Federation of Teachers ratified the contract on February 22, and the Board of Education will take action to ratify the agreement at the March 19, Board of Education meeting. Once approved, the CBA will be in effect from July 1, 2013, through June 30,

2017, for non-certified employees and from August 16, 2013, to August 15, 2017, for certified employees.

Board approves 2013-2014 school calendar

The board of education approved the proposed 2013-2014 school calendar. Highlights of the adopted calendar are as follows:

School year begins during the week of August 19 with two (2) Institute Days for staff on Tuesday, August 20, and Wednesday, August 21. Students begin their school year with a full-day on Thursday, August 22, 2013.

Parent-Teacher Conference schedule remains the same as this year’s. Evening conferences on Thursday, November 21, and a full-day & evening of conferences (no student attendance) on Monday, November 25.

Thanksgiving Break – Tuesday, November 26 – Friday, November 29

Winter Break begins on Monday, December 23, and ends on Friday, January 3. Both high school districts have the same break schedule.

Spring Break – Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28. Both high schools have the same break schedule.

Mini-break surrounding Easter. Friday, April 18 & Monday, April 21

Last day full day for students – Wednesday, June 4, 2014.

Full-day Institute for teachers following the last day for students.

To view the full calendar, please click here.

IN THE NEWS

2013 Make-A-Wish Campaign Starts Now! Fri, Mar 1, 2013

OLHMS Band and Chorus bring home 59 medals Thu, Feb 28, 2013

Kolmar Bingo Night benefits children with cancer! Wed, Feb 27, 2013

EVENTS

IGSMA Band Contest Mar 9, 2013

Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar 10, 2013

SEPAC Meeting ~ TIME CHANGE Mar 13, 2013

IGSMA Jazz Band Contest Mar 16, 2013

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

4201 West 93rd Street Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Phone: 708-423-0150 www.d123.org

March 19, 2013

Choir singers deliver impressive performance for the board

OLHMS students Alexandra Overland, Kyle Haak, Jonathan McLawhorn, Fabian Quintero, and Ron Walker, impressed the board with their singing talents at the March 19, board meeting. Choir teacher, Virginia Ebner, first introduced and accompanied Alexandra, a recipient of a perfect Division I rating score at the IGSMA vocal concert. Following Alexandra’s performance, Kyle, Jonathan, Fabian, and Ron performed the ensemble number that earned them a Division I rating at the IGSMA vocal concert. The board expressed their pride and congratulations to the students on their outstanding performances and the positive way they represented D123.

New staff collective bargaining agreement approved

The board of education unanimously approved the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement for certified and non-certified staff. The new agreement will be in effect from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, for non-certified employees and from August 16, 2013, to August 15, 2017, for certified employees.

The financial and benefit changes of the agreement are as follows:

2013-2014

Certified and support staff: 1% total increase

2014-2015 through 2016-2017

Certified staff: increase based on CPI with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%.

Support staff: increase based on CPI with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%, plus 1% additional increase above the certified increase.

Health Insurance Plan Modification Proposal

Add $100 emergency room co-pay (waived if admitted to hospital)

Prescription Drug: $10 generic/$15 brand/$25 brand if generic available (same rates for 90 day mail order supply)

To read the full press release regarding the new agreement, please click here.

Board announces two staffing updates

The board officially announced Ms. Laura Ferrell as the new OLHMS assistant principal for the 2013-2014 school year. Ms. Ferrell currently serves as the instructional technology coach for OLHMS, and Principal Enderle shared his enthusiasm with the appointment by stating, “Ms. Ferrell stood out in our interview process, and we know she will continue to help us move forward with the progress we’ve made in transitioning to a 21st century model of teaching and learning.”

The board also approved the creation of a part-time Community Liaison Officer position to focus on increasing the connection between the district and the community. President Sorrentino stated, “We live in an incredible community, and we want to find every opportunity possible to communicate and connect with all of our stakeholders. We want to not only inform the community of the great things happening in our schools but also provide opportunities for our students to give back in order to teach them how important it is to contribute and support a community that constantly supports the work we are doing.”

IN THE NEWS

Helen Whalen Scholarship Deadline Approaching Fri, Mar 15, 2013

Hannum School hosts "Shave for a Cure"! Wed, Mar 13, 2013

O.L.H.M.S. Production of Annie Jr. Thu, Mar 7, 2013

EVENTS

Spring Break Mar 25, 2013 thru Mar 29, 2013

School Resumes Apr 1, 2013

Teacher Institute - NO SCHOOL Apr 9, 2013

Kindergarten Registration Apr 9, 2013

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

4201 West 93rd Street Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Phone: 708-423-0150 www.d123.org

April 22, 2013

D123 Names New Superintendent of Schools

The board of education unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Paul Enderle as District 123 Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2013. Enderle currently serves as the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School Principal.

"Mr. Enderle brings great experience and expertise not only in the excellent educational leadership he has demonstrated in his administrative role over the past ten years in our district, but also in his knowledge and connection with the broader Oak Lawn and Hometown communities,” board President Joe Sorrentino stated. “The board is proud to announce his appointment, and we look forward to the manner in which Mr. Enderle will continue moving our district forward through his skills as a leader."

Enderle’s educational experience includes his four years leading Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School as their building principal, six years serving as an assistant principal in District 123, and ten years serving as an administrator and classroom teacher for Luther High School South Junior High.

Enderle holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education from Concordia University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate from Concordia University in Educational Leadership.

OLHMS Teacher Joins “Dream Team”

The board of education congratulated Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School teacher, Kathy Ogean, on her recent selection to the LearnZillion Dream Team. Ms. Ogean was selected as one of 200 teachers from a pool of over 3,000 applicants. Ms. Ogean was selected for the team based on her “understanding of the Common Core State Standards and her ability to create high-quality, highly conceptual lessons.”

To read more about how the selected LearnZillion team will work together to help create resources for students, click here.

New Wrinkle in District 123 Education Foundation Golf Outing Event

The Board of Education approved the annual Ed Foundation golf outing for June 13, 2013, at Stoney Creek Golf Course. This year’s event will attempt to capture broader participation of families and students with the addition of a miniature golf/lunch option. Children and adults can participate in minature golf and receive a hot dog lunch for $5 per person or $20 for a family of 4 or more. The D123 Education Foundation Golf Planning Committee Chair, Jim Craig, indicated the golf outing event is not only about raising dollars to support our students but also about providing more opportunities to bring our school community together to celebrate. For more information about the event, including how to register, please click here.

School Calendar Amended for Snow Day

Due to the snow day on March 5, 2013, the 2012-2013 school calendar has been officially amended to reflect Tuesday, June 4, 2013, as the updated final day of attendance for students. June 4, will be a full attendance day for students.

IN THE NEWS

D123 Names New Superintendent of Schools Tue, Apr 23, 2013

2013 D123 Education Foundation Golf Outing Mon, Apr 22, 2013

D123 Art Work Displayed at Oak Lawn Public Library Wed, Apr 17, 2013

Hannum School Raises $15,600 for Childhood Cancer Research Wed, Apr 17, 2013

EVENTS

All District 4th Gr Trip ~ Band/Choral Concert Apr 24, 2013

COV Family Art Night Apr 24, 2013

K-5 Progress Reports Sent Home Apr 26, 2013

OLHMS Concert/Jazz Band Spring Concert Apr 26, 2013

May 30, 2013

One School, One Book

Student and staff representatives from Hometown School

shared their recent “One School, One Book” experience

with the board of education. The program is designed to

create a shared reading experience within an elementary

school community through coordinated events to promote

and enrich the reading experience of a common book read

by every family in the school. Hometown chose the book

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney,

and activities included a kick-off assembly, bookmark

contest, writing contest, weekly trivia questions, raffles, a

pet rodent photo wall, and a closing assembly.

More information about the One School, One Book

program can be found at readtothem.org.

Students Represent to Representatives

On May 7, 2013, Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123 was

among approximately 60 schools statewide that

participated in the annual TECH 2013 event at the Illinois

State Capitol Building in Springfield. Instructional

Technology Coordinators, Mrs. Ferrell and Miss Keiner,

led four students in demonstrating game-based learning

activities they have been working on in their SWAT clubs

at OLHMS and Covington.

At the board meeting on Tuesday, Alex Rodriguez, a 5th

grader at Covington, demonstrated the game-based

learning activity he had on display at TECH 2013. Alex

displayed games he created using Gamestar Mechanic.

Alex and Miss Keiner also showcased the MaKey MaKey

application they used to turn Playdoh and bananas into

working arrow keys for a computer. The D123 booth was a

great hit amongst students and legislators alike.

D123 Welcomes New Administrative Staff

The board of education announced and welcomed the new

OLHMS Principal and D123 Chief Information Officer.

Both will begin their new role in the 2013-2014 school

year. Below is a brief introduction and bio from both new

administrators.

Nicole Leggett- Incoming OLHMS Principal

As the new Principal of OLHMS, I am thrilled to be a

Mustang. I have spent the last 10 years as both a teacher

and an Assistant Principal at Prairie Junior High in Alsip.

Middle school students by nature are inquisitive and high

spirited, and I love every moment that I am able to spend

working with them. My own personal philosophy of

education is hinged upon building relationships, a sense of

excitement, camaraderie and a standard for educational

excellence. Clear, consistent communication within the

school community is something that I work hard to

establish, and I look forward to meeting many of you at

OLHMS! It is with eager anticipation that I await the start

of the 2013-2014 school year, as I am looking forward to

working and learning with the wonderful District 123

community.

Joseph Macchia- Incoming Chief Information Officer

I have served the students and staff of Neuqua Valley High

School in Naperville, Illinois, for the past 7 years as a

Media Arts instructor and Instructional Technology

Coordinator. Technology has been a passion of mine since

the second grade when

I used my own money to purchase my first computer. To

this day, the first game I ever played on floppy disk hangs

proudly in my home office. Understanding the power

technology has on my own learning experiences, I hope to

provide similar opportunities for the students of Oak

Lawn-Hometown District 123. I hold an undergraduate

degree in the Media Arts, an MAT in Education and a MA

in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in

River Forest, Illinois. Leading and learning with

technology may be my love during the day, but my true

loves are my wife Kelly, and our two children, Jack and

Natalie.

McGugan Facility to Host New Senior Center

District 123 is honored to partner with the Village of Oak

Lawn to provide space for the new Oak Lawn Village

Senior Center at the McGugan facility located at 5220 W.

105th St. Opening festivities occurred on Thursday

morning, May 30, with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the

gym. Approximately 75 seniors watched Oak Lawn

Mayor, Dr. Sandra Bury, cut the ribbon with the assistance

of Village Clerk, Jane Quinlan. Also in attendance were

village trustees Carol Quinlan, Terry Vorderer, Alex

Olejniczak and Bob Streit. Sue Murphy, Oak Lawn Park

District Board President was in attendance as was District

123 School Board President Joseph Sorrentino, District

123 Board Secretary Jay Lurquin and a host of other

village officials.

Village Manager Larry Deetjen addressed the audience and

trumpeted the community partnership between the Village,

Park District and District 123 stating, “District 123 has

been an outstanding partner…” in the efforts to find a new

home for the senior center-- previously located on 95th

Street adjacent to village hall. On very short notice and

during the busy school year-end events, Covington second

and fifth graders provided welcome posters and placemats

which were proudly displayed in the main entrance and on

the walls and activity room tables along with the flower

bouquets contributed by the district. Although change is

always a challenge, the seniors seemed excited about the

new location and were very appreciative of everyone’s

efforts to find a new home for the Senior Center. District

123 is proud to be part of this community partnership for

the benefit of the Oak Lawn senior community.

IN THE NEWS

D123 Students use the Sidewalk as their Canvas… Wed, May 29, 2013

Lots of exploring going on at Covington School! Wed, May 29, 2013

Muffins with Mom Wed, May 29, 2013

EVENTS

EC/BEL Picnic May 31, 2013

Last Day for EC/BEL kids May 31, 2013

Last Day for Tuition Preschool May 31, 2013

OLHMS 8th Gr. Graduation May 31, 2013

Last Day of School ~ FULL DAY Jun 4, 2013

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

4201 West 93rd Street Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Phone: 708-423-0150 www.d123.org