Students collected 253 lbs. of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Oak Lawn. The tabs were taken to the recy-cling center where they were exchanged for funds to support the house.

Chelsea sent out 40 Care Packages for the Troops.

HICKORY CREEK Raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Dean Burns, a second grader at Grand Prairie living with Cystic Fibrosis. This year Hickory

Creek raised over $7,700 for the cause. Over the past twelve years it has raised a total of $47,000. (Photo above.)

Over 600 “Letters to Santa” were an-swered by generous school families to provide toys, clothing and backpacks to needy children at Chavez School.

A total of $6,406.40 in donations was raised for Honor Flight Chicago to send World War II Veterans on a free trip to see their memorial in Washington, D.C.

Funds in the amount of $9,338.87 were donated to the GM1 Foundation in honor of Jenny McKernan. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and Hickory Creek Peer Helpers sponsored the Jenny & the GM1 Foundation Dance & Game Night. NJHS sold Valentine Grams and Talent Show Night donations and con-cessions were also donated. A District staff jean’s week & Grand Prairie pop-sicle sales effort boosted the total.

Families filled a Mitten Tree in December to benefit Guardian Angel Home and children who are less fortunate.

Students prepared care packages for the troops. Families brought in items and three popsicle sales paid for the postage for 60 care packages.

Students donated towels, blankets, gar-bage bags, dog/cat food and toys to sup-port animals at PAWS Animal Shelter.

In conjunction with their annual Cup Stacking Tournament, Grand Prairie stu-dents collected non-perishable items for the Frankfort Food Pantry. The Hickory Creek Student Council helped load buses and delivered. A total of 2,120 cans were delivered. Special thanks to Mariano’s for sharing carts.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand for Cancer Re-search was held during recess. This sup-ported Grand Prairie student Isabella Ver-setto’s efforts to raise money to defeat childhood cancer as she travels the U.S. for golf tournaments.

CHELSEA “Stack the Stock” was held in conjunction with Guinness Book of World Records “Stack Up Day.” Students brought in 1,700 items to replenish the stock at the Frankfort Food Pantry. (Photo below.)

Students participated in their annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event. Students and teachers raised over $49,000 for the American Heart Association.

O ur students had an amazing year of working to help others. They are making a difference! Thank you to our entire com-munity for supporting their efforts through-out the past year.

DISTRICT-WIDE Funds were raised by all three schools for the Lincolnway Special Recreation Asso-ciation (LWSRA) in the amount of $5,903.56. Fundraisers and events included a LWSRA Wheelchair Basketball Game, raffles, a staff jeans week, concessions, and popsicle sales.

Food Drives were held to benefit the Frankfort Food Pantry to help those need-ing assistance in our community.

Special events were held on Veterans Day at all three schools to honor Active and Veterans of the Armed Forces. The stu-dents learned about and honored veterans and local area veterans from the commu-nity were invited to attend. Throughout the year care packages were sent to the troops.

GRAND PRAIRIE The fifth annual “Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes” raised $17,470.18 to help re-searchers find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Students and staff walked during their PE classes. Over the past five years the stu-dents have raised $105,721.72 to find a cure. Special thanks to volunteer DJ Mr. Randy Ridderhoss from Awesome DJ’s. (Photo above.)

Frankfort C.C. School District 157-C Administrative Office 10482 Nebraska Street Frankfort, Illinois 60423 Telephone (815) 469-5922 www.fsd157c.org

Non-profit Organization STD MAIL

CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit #17 Frankfort, IL 60423-2235

POSTAL CUSTOMER FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS 60423

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

The Learning Connection Newsletter

GRAND PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • CHELSEA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL • HICKORY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRANKFORT SCHOOL DISTRICT 157-C

A Tradition of Excellence

Summer 2018

BOARD OF EDUCATION Gina Briese, President Tom Reidy, Vice President Edie Adamski, Secretary Brett Cosich, Member Dr. Larry Kociolek, Member Edith Lutz, Member Kevin Regas, Member EDITOR Nancy J. Neuzil

Inside this issue . . . ♦ Thank you for supporting our charitable giving efforts

♦ Hickory Creek Middle School Graduation

♦ Pilots of social-emotional curriculum programs find success

FRANKFORT SCHOOL DISTRICT 157-C

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of District 157-C is to prepare all students to be confident, life-long learners and productive citizens by challenging them to reach their fullest potential and by providing a quality educational environment in partnership with family and community

DATES TO REMEMBER August 15 - Board of Educa-tion meeting, GP, 7:00 p.m. August 22 - First Day of School August 31 - Institute Day NO SCHOOL September 3 - Labor Day NO SCHOOL September 19 - Board of Education meeting, GP, 7:00 p.m.

A message to District families from your Superintendent

~ We hope all of our families and staff are enjoying a wonderful summer! We are look-ing forward to the beginning of the new school year and the return of the students. Please see the last page of this publication for the schedule of our “Meet and Greets” and “Curriculum Nights.” We invite our families to join us at these events. We also encourage our parents to volunteer and support our parent organizations that are of such benefit to our students. More infor-mation and links to these excellent organi-zations can be found at www.fsd157c.org. Thank you for your continued support. If you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact my office at (815) 469-5922.

Dr. Maura J. Zinni

Award-winning newsletter www.fsd157c.org

Grand Prairie Elementary School Grades Pre-K - 2

Chelsea Intermediate School Grades 3 - 5

Hickory Creek Middle School Grades 6 - 8

Thank you for supporting our charitable giving efforts

Please join us at our school events W e invite you to join us at our upcoming school events! We value you as members of our Frankfort School District family and welcome you to our schools. Please visit our online calendar at www.fsd157c.org for current information.

August 20 Kindergarten Curriculum Night Grand Prairie 5:30-7:00 p.m.

August 21 Preschool Curriculum Night Grand Prairie, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

August 21 “Meet and Greets” All Schools

Grand Prairie 8:00-9:30 a.m., Chelsea 9:30-11:00 a.m., Hickory Creek 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

August 22 Preschool “Meet and Greets”Grand Prairie

AM Classes 9:30-10:30 a.m., PM Classes 12:30-1:30 p.m.

August 23 Grand Prairie 1st Grade Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00 p.m. Grand Prairie 2nd Grade Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00 p.m.

September 4 Picture Day All Schools

September 5 Chelsea Curriculum Night All Grades 5:30-7:00 p.m.

September 6 Hickory Creek Curriculum Night All Grades 5:30-7:00 p.m.

157C Summer News 2018page 1

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 11:43CyanMagentaYellowBlack

Hickory Creek Middle School Graduation 2018

O ur Hickory Creek eighth grade students participated in their graduation ceremony on May 31 at Lincoln-Way East High School. Members of the

Board of Education and Ad-ministrators awarded diplomas to the 289 graduates in the Class of 2018. Special awards were also presented as fol-lows:

VIOLA LANKENAU

AWARD

Viola Lankenau dedicated forty-two years of service to the children in the community, serving as teacher, principal and superintendent in the Frankfort School system. The staff at Hickory Creek Middle School selects one student who best exemplifies qualities of good citizenship, fine schol-arship and excellent school participation. The award is sponsored by the Family School Partnership (FSP) Or-ganization. This year’s recipi-ent: Sophia Barnard.

LYNDSEY WHITTINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP

This annual scholarship was created to honor the memory of Lyndsey Whittingham, a former graduate of District 157-C. The scholarship is awarded to a student who best epitomizes Lyndsey’s love for life, positive attitude, caring nature and support to others. Sponsored by the Lyndsey Whittingham Foundation, the scholarship winner is nomi-nated by his or her peers and chosen from a panel of District 157-C teachers/staff. This year's recipient: Manuel Tsoukatos.

PATRICK MIZWICKI SCHOLARSHIP

This annual scholarship was created to honor the memory of former student Patrick Miz-wicki. To be considered for this scholarship, students must display two or more of the following pillars: Determina-tion, Friend to Everyone, Sportsmanship, Hard Work and Do Your Best. This year’s recipients: Leyla Eames, Chloe Geijer and Kailey White.

DANA C. RUFF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was created by the Band and Orchestra Boosters in loving memory of Dana Ruff who founded the Hickory Creek Middle School

Band and served as its director for 27 years. Ms. Ruff shared her love and passion for music and band with the students of Chelsea Intermediate School and Hickory Creek Middle School. She taught the impor-tance of perseverance, coop-eration, and teamwork. This scholarship honors band students who have a passion for playing their musical instruments and sharing their musical talents in service to the school and community and who will continue their dedi-cation to the music program through their high school career. A blind review of the students' applications and essays is completed by a committee of teachers and directors. The three students earning the highest scores were chosen as the 2018 recipients. This year’s recipi-ents: 1st Place Charles

Machamer, 2nd Place Peter Bumba, 3rd Place Gabriella Velazquez.

PRESIDENT’S EDUCATION

AWARDS

Honoring student achievement and hard work is the purpose of the President's Education Awards Program. Since 1983, the program has provided indi-vidual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging stan-dards of excellence. Hickory Creek Middle School graduates earning the President’s Educa-tion Awards include: Olu-wadamilola Adesina, Mariam Azeez, Griffin Bell, Benjamin Beutler, Emma Blau, Kylie Brady, Mya Bremmer, Rachel Brettin, Nicholas Buggemi, Sean Camp, Emily Caruso, Bryce Caudill, Tynan Chamber-lin, Abigail Clarkin, Nicole Costa, Shane Crean, Dane Dal-Bianco, Aidan Dauber, Jack Delage, Sean Dore, Allison

Doyon, Adam Drumheller, Natalie Duncan, Leyla Eames, Declan Emery, Owen Feigen-winter, Charles Fordon, Luke Frazier, Meagan Fuqua, Lucas Garcia, Ellie Gentry, Lyndsey Golaszewski, Cora Goodwin, Samantha Groen, Grace Hage-master, Robert Hahn, Victoria

Hay, Sydney Hooten, John Ingram, Ashlee Jackson, Rheana Jankowski, Gavin Jones, Patrick Jungels, Kristin Karas, Easton Klein, Ian Ko-ren, Alexander Las, Rachel Leonard, Connor Lindaur, Emma Lombardo, Charles Machamer, Katherine Mal-com, Jack Marion, Emily McCarthy, Kelly McGinn,

Jacob Mecher, Rachel Miller, Gavin Murray, Meagan O'Connor, Abigail O'Hagan, Colin Ovando, Lindsey Page, Joshua Pellegrini, Alexa Pe-ters, Nikolas Phillips, Cath-erine Podlesak, Evelyn Pow-

ers, Krishan Puri, Loralei Quinn, Sarah Rattigan, Jade Reymond, Theresa Rincker, Sophia Roh, Dorothy Sargent, Nathan Scott, Ava Simoni, Christopher Speakman, Jared Stearns, Brennan Stolarek, Samuel Stoliker, Johnathan Strzelczyk, Kellie Sucha, Rylie Szablewski, Samuel Szafoni, Kaylin Thomas, Lau-relei Thormeyer, Sophia Tischer, Kianna Truitt, Manuel Tsoukatos, Alan Ulci-grai, Jordan Varga, Jack Veg-ter, Gabriella Velazquez, Anna Voss, Edmund Walenga, Peter Weygandt, Sydney Whitemil-ler and Daniel Yunker. Photos courtesy of Amanda Stoll/22nd Century Media.

Pilots of social-emotional curriculum programs find success

O ur students will soon benefit from an expanded social-emotional learning cur-riculum through the full implementation of two different programs, pending School Board approval. Second Step is tailored to students in grades kindergarten through fifth, and Mawi Learning is designed for students in sixth through eighth grades. For the past couple of years, the dis-trict’s Social Work Steering Committee researched and began piloting these pro-grams to respond to a need for this curricu-lum across the district. In 2016, the district piloted Second Step with small groups, and in 2017, pilots ex-panded to include groups in preschool, kindergarten and third grade. When comparing programs for younger students, Director of Special Services Jen-nifer Bajda said Second Step clearly rose to the top of the list based on results other districts across the nation received from the program. Through the use of both online and off-line materials, including puppets, posters, a song CD and more, Second Step focuses on four units. Skills for Learning includes focusing attention, listening, using self-talk and being assertive; Empathy includes identifying and understanding feelings, respecting similarities and differences, and showing care and compassion; Emotion Management includes feeling emotions

physically, calming down strong feelings, managing disappointment and hurt feelings, handling insults, handling mistakes, and finishing tasks; and Problem Solving in-cludes playing fairly, taking responsibility, solving classroom and peer exclusion prob-lems, handling name-calling, dealing with peer pressure and gossip, and seeking help when needed. “It was wonderful seeing students take what they learned and see them using the program,” Kindergarten Teacher Amy Brandner said of the pilot program. “They

are young kids with really big feelings. This is so valuable, and it is great to see it in action. It helps them become more inde-pendent students.” Mawi Learning teaches older students many of the same skill sets as Second Step,

but in an age-appropriate way, according to Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann. The program is composed of 17 online lessons and 13 journal lessons co-taught by math teachers and social workers during students’ 20-minute advisory period. There are three units of study. Turbo teaches students to avoid blaming others, set measurable and attainable goals with a deadline, and get organized. Rela-tionships focuses on seeing risks in friend-ships, evaluating if a friendship is balanced and positive or unbalanced and negative, and having open conversations. Mindset teaches students to believe in growth and use language like “not yet” rather than “can’t.” Last school year, half of Hickory Creek students took Mawi Learning’s Turbo Leader course in the first semester and half took it in the second semester. Both groups took surveys at the beginning of the year and at the end of the first semester to meas-ure the impact of the course. At the end of the first semester, the stu-dents who were exposed to the course showed growth in self-efficacy, their sense of belonging, and their growth mindset behaviors and beliefs. “The kids related to Mawi,” Social Worker Diane Heimlich said. “It helps them to learn not to be taken advantage of, which can become more complicated in teen years.”

Thank you from Newsletter Editor Nancy Neuzil

I t has been my pleasure to serve as the District 157-C Public Rela-tions Coordinator for the past 23 years. I recently retired from the district but have so enjoyed report-ing its news. Under the direction of the Su-perintendent, it was my job to cre-ate newsletters, brochures, press releases and photos to highlight our schools and students. I loved the kids running up to ask me to take their picture, telling me they wanted to be “famous.” Hiring the first Public Relations Coordinator was one of the goals of the district’s first Strategic Plan. I have worked with six superinten-dents, numerous Board of Educa-tion members and many great teachers, staff, parents and stu-dents. I thank them for their input and inspiration.

Our community is always so supportive. I was proud to be part of our district’s efforts over the years to disseminate information, including the referendum materials for the successful building of the new Hickory Creek Middle School. Prior to my career with 157-C, I was very involved with the Frank-fort PTA (now FSP.) One of my favorite memories as PTA Presi-dent was conducting a successful fundraising drive to build the first large computer lab at Hickory Creek. Thinking back to that effort, I am so pleased that our current 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan has a strong technology com-ponent. Our many volunteer opportuni-ties in the district are a great way to meet friends while working towards a common goal. I met my

best friend in Frankfort while volunteering when my children attended our schools. In retirement I look forward to spending more time with my hus-band Len and our family, includ-ing our granddaughters Nora and Ashley. But don’t be surprised if you see me at our 157-C musi-cals, sporting events or other programs. While I will no longer be taking notes for a story, I will again be enjoying watching our students doing what they do best. The next “Learning Connec-tion” newsletter will be created by our new Public Relations Coordi-nator, Meredith Dobes. She is an excellent writer who comes to us with a strong journalism back-ground, including serving as Editor of the New Lenox Patriot newspaper. Her first newsletter article is the one at the top of this

Mawi Asgedom, founder of Mawi Learning, visited with Hickory Creek staff and students recently.

page. Watch for her future arti-cles, newsletters and our new 157-C Facebook page!

157C Summer News 2018page 2

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 11:43CyanMagentaYellowBlack

Hickory Creek Middle School Graduation 2018

O ur Hickory Creek eighth grade students participated in their graduation ceremony on May 31 at Lincoln-Way East High School. Members of the

Board of Education and Ad-ministrators awarded diplomas to the 289 graduates in the Class of 2018. Special awards were also presented as fol-lows:

VIOLA LANKENAU

AWARD

Viola Lankenau dedicated forty-two years of service to the children in the community, serving as teacher, principal and superintendent in the Frankfort School system. The staff at Hickory Creek Middle School selects one student who best exemplifies qualities of good citizenship, fine schol-arship and excellent school participation. The award is sponsored by the Family School Partnership (FSP) Or-ganization. This year’s recipi-ent: Sophia Barnard.

LYNDSEY WHITTINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP

This annual scholarship was created to honor the memory of Lyndsey Whittingham, a former graduate of District 157-C. The scholarship is awarded to a student who best epitomizes Lyndsey’s love for life, positive attitude, caring nature and support to others. Sponsored by the Lyndsey Whittingham Foundation, the scholarship winner is nomi-nated by his or her peers and chosen from a panel of District 157-C teachers/staff. This year's recipient: Manuel Tsoukatos.

PATRICK MIZWICKI SCHOLARSHIP

This annual scholarship was created to honor the memory of former student Patrick Miz-wicki. To be considered for this scholarship, students must display two or more of the following pillars: Determina-tion, Friend to Everyone, Sportsmanship, Hard Work and Do Your Best. This year’s recipients: Leyla Eames, Chloe Geijer and Kailey White.

DANA C. RUFF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was created by the Band and Orchestra Boosters in loving memory of Dana Ruff who founded the Hickory Creek Middle School

Band and served as its director for 27 years. Ms. Ruff shared her love and passion for music and band with the students of Chelsea Intermediate School and Hickory Creek Middle School. She taught the impor-tance of perseverance, coop-eration, and teamwork. This scholarship honors band students who have a passion for playing their musical instruments and sharing their musical talents in service to the school and community and who will continue their dedi-cation to the music program through their high school career. A blind review of the students' applications and essays is completed by a committee of teachers and directors. The three students earning the highest scores were chosen as the 2018 recipients. This year’s recipi-ents: 1st Place Charles

Machamer, 2nd Place Peter Bumba, 3rd Place Gabriella Velazquez.

PRESIDENT’S EDUCATION

AWARDS

Honoring student achievement and hard work is the purpose of the President's Education Awards Program. Since 1983, the program has provided indi-vidual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging stan-dards of excellence. Hickory Creek Middle School graduates earning the President’s Educa-tion Awards include: Olu-wadamilola Adesina, Mariam Azeez, Griffin Bell, Benjamin Beutler, Emma Blau, Kylie Brady, Mya Bremmer, Rachel Brettin, Nicholas Buggemi, Sean Camp, Emily Caruso, Bryce Caudill, Tynan Chamber-lin, Abigail Clarkin, Nicole Costa, Shane Crean, Dane Dal-Bianco, Aidan Dauber, Jack Delage, Sean Dore, Allison

Doyon, Adam Drumheller, Natalie Duncan, Leyla Eames, Declan Emery, Owen Feigen-winter, Charles Fordon, Luke Frazier, Meagan Fuqua, Lucas Garcia, Ellie Gentry, Lyndsey Golaszewski, Cora Goodwin, Samantha Groen, Grace Hage-master, Robert Hahn, Victoria

Hay, Sydney Hooten, John Ingram, Ashlee Jackson, Rheana Jankowski, Gavin Jones, Patrick Jungels, Kristin Karas, Easton Klein, Ian Ko-ren, Alexander Las, Rachel Leonard, Connor Lindaur, Emma Lombardo, Charles Machamer, Katherine Mal-com, Jack Marion, Emily McCarthy, Kelly McGinn,

Jacob Mecher, Rachel Miller, Gavin Murray, Meagan O'Connor, Abigail O'Hagan, Colin Ovando, Lindsey Page, Joshua Pellegrini, Alexa Pe-ters, Nikolas Phillips, Cath-erine Podlesak, Evelyn Pow-

ers, Krishan Puri, Loralei Quinn, Sarah Rattigan, Jade Reymond, Theresa Rincker, Sophia Roh, Dorothy Sargent, Nathan Scott, Ava Simoni, Christopher Speakman, Jared Stearns, Brennan Stolarek, Samuel Stoliker, Johnathan Strzelczyk, Kellie Sucha, Rylie Szablewski, Samuel Szafoni, Kaylin Thomas, Lau-relei Thormeyer, Sophia Tischer, Kianna Truitt, Manuel Tsoukatos, Alan Ulci-grai, Jordan Varga, Jack Veg-ter, Gabriella Velazquez, Anna Voss, Edmund Walenga, Peter Weygandt, Sydney Whitemil-ler and Daniel Yunker. Photos courtesy of Amanda Stoll/22nd Century Media.

Pilots of social-emotional curriculum programs find success

O ur students will soon benefit from an expanded social-emotional learning cur-riculum through the full implementation of two different programs, pending School Board approval. Second Step is tailored to students in grades kindergarten through fifth, and Mawi Learning is designed for students in sixth through eighth grades. For the past couple of years, the dis-trict’s Social Work Steering Committee researched and began piloting these pro-grams to respond to a need for this curricu-lum across the district. In 2016, the district piloted Second Step with small groups, and in 2017, pilots ex-panded to include groups in preschool, kindergarten and third grade. When comparing programs for younger students, Director of Special Services Jen-nifer Bajda said Second Step clearly rose to the top of the list based on results other districts across the nation received from the program. Through the use of both online and off-line materials, including puppets, posters, a song CD and more, Second Step focuses on four units. Skills for Learning includes focusing attention, listening, using self-talk and being assertive; Empathy includes identifying and understanding feelings, respecting similarities and differences, and showing care and compassion; Emotion Management includes feeling emotions

physically, calming down strong feelings, managing disappointment and hurt feelings, handling insults, handling mistakes, and finishing tasks; and Problem Solving in-cludes playing fairly, taking responsibility, solving classroom and peer exclusion prob-lems, handling name-calling, dealing with peer pressure and gossip, and seeking help when needed. “It was wonderful seeing students take what they learned and see them using the program,” Kindergarten Teacher Amy Brandner said of the pilot program. “They

are young kids with really big feelings. This is so valuable, and it is great to see it in action. It helps them become more inde-pendent students.” Mawi Learning teaches older students many of the same skill sets as Second Step,

but in an age-appropriate way, according to Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann. The program is composed of 17 online lessons and 13 journal lessons co-taught by math teachers and social workers during students’ 20-minute advisory period. There are three units of study. Turbo teaches students to avoid blaming others, set measurable and attainable goals with a deadline, and get organized. Rela-tionships focuses on seeing risks in friend-ships, evaluating if a friendship is balanced and positive or unbalanced and negative, and having open conversations. Mindset teaches students to believe in growth and use language like “not yet” rather than “can’t.” Last school year, half of Hickory Creek students took Mawi Learning’s Turbo Leader course in the first semester and half took it in the second semester. Both groups took surveys at the beginning of the year and at the end of the first semester to meas-ure the impact of the course. At the end of the first semester, the stu-dents who were exposed to the course showed growth in self-efficacy, their sense of belonging, and their growth mindset behaviors and beliefs. “The kids related to Mawi,” Social Worker Diane Heimlich said. “It helps them to learn not to be taken advantage of, which can become more complicated in teen years.”

Thank you from Newsletter Editor Nancy Neuzil

I t has been my pleasure to serve as the District 157-C Public Rela-tions Coordinator for the past 23 years. I recently retired from the district but have so enjoyed report-ing its news. Under the direction of the Su-perintendent, it was my job to cre-ate newsletters, brochures, press releases and photos to highlight our schools and students. I loved the kids running up to ask me to take their picture, telling me they wanted to be “famous.” Hiring the first Public Relations Coordinator was one of the goals of the district’s first Strategic Plan. I have worked with six superinten-dents, numerous Board of Educa-tion members and many great teachers, staff, parents and stu-dents. I thank them for their input and inspiration.

Our community is always so supportive. I was proud to be part of our district’s efforts over the years to disseminate information, including the referendum materials for the successful building of the new Hickory Creek Middle School. Prior to my career with 157-C, I was very involved with the Frank-fort PTA (now FSP.) One of my favorite memories as PTA Presi-dent was conducting a successful fundraising drive to build the first large computer lab at Hickory Creek. Thinking back to that effort, I am so pleased that our current 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan has a strong technology com-ponent. Our many volunteer opportuni-ties in the district are a great way to meet friends while working towards a common goal. I met my

best friend in Frankfort while volunteering when my children attended our schools. In retirement I look forward to spending more time with my hus-band Len and our family, includ-ing our granddaughters Nora and Ashley. But don’t be surprised if you see me at our 157-C musi-cals, sporting events or other programs. While I will no longer be taking notes for a story, I will again be enjoying watching our students doing what they do best. The next “Learning Connec-tion” newsletter will be created by our new Public Relations Coordi-nator, Meredith Dobes. She is an excellent writer who comes to us with a strong journalism back-ground, including serving as Editor of the New Lenox Patriot newspaper. Her first newsletter article is the one at the top of this

Mawi Asgedom, founder of Mawi Learning, visited with Hickory Creek staff and students recently.

page. Watch for her future arti-cles, newsletters and our new 157-C Facebook page!

157C Summer News 2018page 2

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 11:43CyanMagentaYellowBlack

Students collected 253 lbs. of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Oak Lawn. The tabs were taken to the recy-cling center where they were exchanged for funds to support the house.

Chelsea sent out 40 Care Packages for the Troops.

HICKORY CREEK Raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Dean Burns, a second grader at Grand Prairie living with Cystic Fibrosis. This year Hickory

Creek raised over $7,700 for the cause. Over the past twelve years it has raised a total of $47,000. (Photo above.)

Over 600 “Letters to Santa” were an-swered by generous school families to provide toys, clothing and backpacks to needy children at Chavez School.

A total of $6,406.40 in donations was raised for Honor Flight Chicago to send World War II Veterans on a free trip to see their memorial in Washington, D.C.

Funds in the amount of $9,338.87 were donated to the GM1 Foundation in honor of Jenny McKernan. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and Hickory Creek Peer Helpers sponsored the Jenny & the GM1 Foundation Dance & Game Night. NJHS sold Valentine Grams and Talent Show Night donations and con-cessions were also donated. A District staff jean’s week & Grand Prairie pop-sicle sales effort boosted the total.

Families filled a Mitten Tree in December to benefit Guardian Angel Home and children who are less fortunate.

Students prepared care packages for the troops. Families brought in items and three popsicle sales paid for the postage for 60 care packages.

Students donated towels, blankets, gar-bage bags, dog/cat food and toys to sup-port animals at PAWS Animal Shelter.

In conjunction with their annual Cup Stacking Tournament, Grand Prairie stu-dents collected non-perishable items for the Frankfort Food Pantry. The Hickory Creek Student Council helped load buses and delivered. A total of 2,120 cans were delivered. Special thanks to Mariano’s for sharing carts.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand for Cancer Re-search was held during recess. This sup-ported Grand Prairie student Isabella Ver-setto’s efforts to raise money to defeat childhood cancer as she travels the U.S. for golf tournaments.

CHELSEA “Stack the Stock” was held in conjunction with Guinness Book of World Records “Stack Up Day.” Students brought in 1,700 items to replenish the stock at the Frankfort Food Pantry. (Photo below.)

Students participated in their annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event. Students and teachers raised over $49,000 for the American Heart Association.

O ur students had an amazing year of working to help others. They are making a difference! Thank you to our entire com-munity for supporting their efforts through-out the past year.

DISTRICT-WIDE Funds were raised by all three schools for the Lincolnway Special Recreation Asso-ciation (LWSRA) in the amount of $5,903.56. Fundraisers and events included a LWSRA Wheelchair Basketball Game, raffles, a staff jeans week, concessions, and popsicle sales.

Food Drives were held to benefit the Frankfort Food Pantry to help those need-ing assistance in our community.

Special events were held on Veterans Day at all three schools to honor Active and Veterans of the Armed Forces. The stu-dents learned about and honored veterans and local area veterans from the commu-nity were invited to attend. Throughout the year care packages were sent to the troops.

GRAND PRAIRIE The fifth annual “Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes” raised $17,470.18 to help re-searchers find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Students and staff walked during their PE classes. Over the past five years the stu-dents have raised $105,721.72 to find a cure. Special thanks to volunteer DJ Mr. Randy Ridderhoss from Awesome DJ’s. (Photo above.)

Frankfort C.C. School District 157-C Administrative Office 10482 Nebraska Street Frankfort, Illinois 60423 Telephone (815) 469-5922 www.fsd157c.org

Non-profit Organization STD MAIL

CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit #17 Frankfort, IL 60423-2235

POSTAL CUSTOMER FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS 60423

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

The Learning Connection Newsletter

GRAND PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • CHELSEA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL • HICKORY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRANKFORT SCHOOL DISTRICT 157-C

A Tradition of Excellence

Summer 2018

BOARD OF EDUCATION Gina Briese, President Tom Reidy, Vice President Edie Adamski, Secretary Brett Cosich, Member Dr. Larry Kociolek, Member Edith Lutz, Member Kevin Regas, Member EDITOR Nancy J. Neuzil

Inside this issue . . . ♦ Thank you for supporting our charitable giving efforts

♦ Hickory Creek Middle School Graduation

♦ Pilots of social-emotional curriculum programs find success

FRANKFORT SCHOOL DISTRICT 157-C

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of District 157-C is to prepare all students to be confident, life-long learners and productive citizens by challenging them to reach their fullest potential and by providing a quality educational environment in partnership with family and community

DATES TO REMEMBER August 15 - Board of Educa-tion meeting, GP, 7:00 p.m. August 22 - First Day of School Grades K-8 August 23 - First Day of School Preschool August 31 - Institute Day NO SCHOOL September 3 - Labor Day NO SCHOOL September 19 - Board of Education meeting, GP, 7:00 p.m.

A message to District families from your Superintendent

~ We hope all of our families and staff are enjoying a wonderful summer! We are look-ing forward to the beginning of the new school year and the return of the students. Please see the last page of this publication for the schedule of our “Meet and Greets” and “Curriculum Nights.” We invite our families to join us at these events. We also encourage our parents to volunteer and support our parent organizations that are of such benefit to our students. More infor-mation and links to these excellent organi-zations can be found at www.fsd157c.org. Thank you for your continued support. If you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact my office at (815) 469-5922.

Dr. Maura J. Zinni

Award-winning newsletter www.fsd157c.org

Grand Prairie Elementary School Grades Pre-K - 2

Chelsea Intermediate School Grades 3 - 5

Hickory Creek Middle School Grades 6 - 8

Thank you for supporting our charitable giving efforts

Please join us at our school events W e invite you to join us at our upcoming school events! We value you as members of our Frankfort School District family and welcome you to our schools. Please visit our online calendar at www.fsd157c.org for current information.

August 20 Kindergarten Curriculum Night Grand Prairie 5:30-7:00 p.m.

August 21 Preschool Curriculum Night Grand Prairie 5:30-7:00 p.m.

August 21 “Meet and Greets” All Schools

Grand Prairie 8:00-9:30 a.m., Chelsea 9:30-11:00 a.m., Hickory Creek 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

August 22 Preschool “Meet and Greets” Grand Prairie

AM Classes 9:30-10:30 a.m., PM Classes 12:30-1:30 p.m.

August 23 Grand Prairie 1st Grade Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00 p.m. Grand Prairie 2nd Grade Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00 p.m.

September 4 Picture Day All Schools

September 5 Chelsea Curriculum Night All Grades 5:30-7:00 p.m.

September 6 Hickory Creek Curriculum Night All Grades 5:30-7:00 p.m.

157C Summer News 2018page 1

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