Author Among Us

Welcome back!

If there were such a designation at St. Charles High School, David Algrim would have been voted the “Least Likely to Write a Children’s Book”.

Yet, that is exactly what he did. With the recent release of Oops-a-Daisy, he has three published books and counting … with the wheels already turning for the next creation. Algrim didn’t exactly tell me he’d have to kill me if I knew, but he wasn’t all that revealing which just heightens my curiosity as I anxiously await the next masterpiece. He did drop a hint, however; and the season we are in right now might have something to do with the setting of his next book.

“I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece,” said Algrim. “I just have lots of ideas, mostly ones that are born out of my experience raising kids.” Maxwell, 9, Connor, 6, and Meagan who is 4 provide plenty of material for his writing career. In fact Maxwell is the co-author of the story Wake Up, Papa Bear!, a book that was based on a bedtime ritual they used to play when Maxwell, then 4, would help create the different scenarios described in the story. Algrim also finds his role as a soccer coach and involvement with the Cub Scouts additional fuel for his writing passion.

By the time you read this, Algrim would have been to the Mill Creek Elementary School for a classroom visit, armed with 35 signed copies of his book, making good on a package he donated for the Mother’s Club of Geneva.

“I love sharing stories with the young kids, even middle school-aged kids. I like to let them know anyone can publish a book.” Inspiring people is considered great fun for Algrim. “That is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do,” he explained.

Future David Algrim sightings include the Mother’s Club of Geneva Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, November 14, at Geneva High School. Algrim was there last year, and the cramps he had from the book signing was proof it was a huge success!

Algrim ends with a compliment to our town. “Geneva is a great place to raise a family between the schools and parks. We love it here; it’s a great place to live.”

David Algrim, I am sure most will agree, people like you are what helps make Geneva a great place to live!

This article first appeared in the November 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Founding Fabyan

There was clapping and some cheering when “blue” was recently announced as Fabyan Elementary
School’s official color, but that approval by students was nothing compared to when the school’s mascot was revealed.

Fabyan Elementary School is now the Home of the Falcons, and students couldn’t be more excited. From a list of five possible mascots–frogs, leprechauns, falcons, foxes and monkeys–the Fabyan Falcons was the clear winner; and at least one-second grader, Rachel, was on board with that particular choice from the start.

“They’re cool, and they are very strong,” she said of the birds.

Nick, a third grader, was also a supporter. “We just like falcons,” he said matter-of-factly.

Principal Darcy Thompson said the selection of a school color and mascot was an exciting time for the new school community, as it was the first in a long line of traditions that this first Fabyan class and staff was able to embark upon together.

“The applause and cheering brought music to my ears,” she said. “I looked across our Fabyan student body and came to the conclusion that we are becoming a cohesive group. For all of our students and staff that have come from different schools, we are forming a great togetherness here at Fabyan.”

The kindergarten through fourth grade students each contributed by a “write-in vote” for mascot and school colors. From those write-in votes, the top five choices for each category were put on a ballot; and the fifth grade and Fabyan staff voted.

But it wasn’t until Bernadette and George Richter of SOAR–Save Our American Raptors–walked into an all-school assembly with Damsel, a 6-year-old Peregrine Falcon, and Lacy, a 4-year-old American Kestrel, that the students knew the outcome of the vote. And they heartily approved.

“The kids were just really excited that they were able to participate in the choice,” said Principal Thompson.

Kelley Munch is the Communications Coordinator for the Geneva School District.

This article first appeared in the October 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Geneva and Batavia to Join Upstate Eight Conference

With their current conference, the Western Sun in shambles, the Batavia and Geneva high school athletic programs look to join the two St. Charles schools in the Upstate Eight Conference (UEC). The schools both need final school board approval which should take place sometime this month, however it is anticipated both will join the Upstate Eight in 2010 after one final season in the Western Sun without any objections.

Current members of the Upstate Eight Conference include:

• Bartlett High School
• East Aurora High School
• Elgin High School
• Lake Park High School
• Larkin High School
• Neuqua Valley High School
• St. Charles East High School
• St. Charles North High School
• South Elgin High School
• Streamwood High School
• Waubonsie Valley High School

Although Batavia and Geneva will be the UEC’s smallest schools, it is expected that they will be able to compete just fine and strengthen the conference as a whole.

Although the details of the additions are still being worked out, the basic plan is to split the UEC into two seven-team divisions based on enrollment. Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles East, St. Charles North, Elgin, Larkin and Streamwood would be in the smaller-school division while Bartlett, Lake Park, South Elgin, East Aurora, Neuqua, Waubonsie and new Metea Valley will compose the large-school division.

Most games played will be intra-divsion with some crossover.

One thing is for sure, fans in the Tri-Cities can expect to witness some great rivalries come the fall of 2010.

The Geneva Board of Education and the Geneva Education Association ratify a three year contract

The Geneva Board of Education and the Geneva Education Association have formally ratified a three-
year contract. The agreement was approved by the Geneva Education Association on Wednesday, June
3, and by the Geneva Board of Education on Monday, June 8.

Both the Board of Education and the Geneva Education Association are pleased that the settlement was
reached in a short period of time. Negotiating teams for both the Board of Education and the Geneva
Education Association cited a commitment to a process that was focused, positive and realistic in light
of the current economic times and the school district’s resources and budget. The contract is the result
of the continuation of the problem-solving negotiation model adopted in the school district 15 years ago.
The negotiation model is based upon identification of issues by each side and the development of
mutually acceptable solutions. Negotiators from the Board of Education and the Geneva Education
Association firmly believe that the negotiation process has served our students and the community well.

The contract will cover the 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12 academic years. The base salary rate will
increase 0.58% over the course of the three-year contract. The base salary will increase $39 from
$38,968 to $39,007 in the first year, followed by no increase the second year, and an increase of $644 to
$39,651 in the third year. The total percentage increase for salaries and extracurricular stipends is
2.67% in the first year, 2.96% in the second year, and 3.49% in the third year.

The insurance premium will be reduced by raising the deductible while working to preserve quality
health coverage.

Tuition reimbursement will be reduced by $70,000, or 37.5%, over the next three years. In addition, the
school district only will reimburse teachers for one graduate program.

In addition to salary and benefit matters, the Board of Education and the Geneva Education Association
agreed to changes and additions to certain working conditions in the best interest of the students, staff,
school district and community.

Information provided by:  Geneva School District 304

Geneva bus and school day schedule changes for 2009-2010 school year

Effective August 2009, bus pick up and drop off times and school day schedules will be altered to gain
efficiencies in transportation and save money on transportation costs. This plan was approved by the
Board of Education on May 26 is expected to save Geneva School District at least $300,000 in the 2009-
10 school year and additional money in future years due to the reduction in bus routes.

This change will impact all levels of education in Geneva School District. Bus drop off times at the
beginning of the day will be changed: five minutes earlier for elementary and high school students, and
five minutes later for middle school students. The actual school day schedules will also be modified:
15 minutes earlier for elementary students (based on the final/tardy bell, which currently rings at 8:15
a.m. at all schools), five minutes earlier for high school students, and five minutes later for middle
school students. Bus pick-up times at the end of the day, then, will also change: 15 minutes earlier for
elementary students, five minutes earlier for high school students, and five minutes later for middle
school students. In addition, kindergarten timing and routing is also being adjusted, making it possible
to reduce the number of kindergarten routes from 34 to 17.

The new schedules for the 2009-10 school year are as follows:

Elementary
Drop Off: 7:45 a.m.
School Start: 8:00 a.m.
School Dismissal: 2:15 p.m.
Half-Day Dismissal: 11:20 a.m.

Kindergarten
AM Session: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
PM Session: 11:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Middle School
Drop Off: 8:20 a.m.
School Start: 8:35 a.m.
School Dismissal: 3:24 p.m.
Half-Day Dismissal: 12:00 p.m.

High School
Drop Off: 7:15 a.m.
School Start: 7:40 a.m.
School Dismissal: 2:45 p.m.
Half-Day Dismissal: 11:05 a.m.

Information provided by:  Geneva School District 304

Acknowledging Greatness

What an amazing school year it’s been!

What’s more amazing is that it’s only a little more than half over! Academics, athletics, you name it! Geneva’s students and staff are making headlines!

Had you heard that:

• Four Geneva High School students achieved perfect scores (36) on the ACT.
• Four students were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists, five were named Semi-Finalists and 16 were named Commended Students.
• There were 102 Illinois State Scholars this year at Geneva High School.
• Fifteen students received College Board Advanced Placement Scholar Awards, some with Distinction and Honors.

How about the fact that:

• Another Geneva teacher achieved National Board Certification, bringing Geneva School District’s number of National Board Certified teachers to 12.
• Geneva School District was the recipient, for the fifth year in a row, of the Bright Red Apple Award for academic excellence.
• Geneva High School ranked #23 in the Chicago Tribune’s list of the top 50 high schools in Illinois based on performance on the 2008 Prairie State Achievement Exam.

And we’re sure you heard that:

• The Varsity Girls’ Cross Country team won their second consecutive state championship.
• The Varsity Football team had an undefeated season and made it to the state championship for the first time since 1975.
• The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team finished fourth in state.
• The Dance Team won first place at state in lyrical dance and third place in open dance.
• The Vikings were conference champions in all eight conference fall sports and four of the winter sports and activities in which they compete.
• The Varsity Boys’ Cross Country team finished third in state.
• Four Girls’ Tennis players and one Girls’ Golf Team member competed in the state finals.
• Eight Geneva High School students were selected to perform in the All-State Music Festival.

All of this in a matter of months! And we haven’t even gotten to the end of winter sports and activities, the start of spring sports and activities or the second semester of academic accolades!

We simply do not have enough good things to say about the amazing students and staff at Geneva School District or the incredibly supportive community in which we reside. It is through the efforts of all that these and many other students and staff members are able to achieve and succeed to such profound levels!

Kelley is the Geneva School District’s communications coordinator.

This article first appeared in the April 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

PRIDE in Geneva 304

In the fall of 2005, Geneva School District opened its doors to senior citizens wishing to volunteer their time in classrooms working with students and providing an “extra set of eyes, ears and hands” to the teachers.

In four short years, the program known as Proud Retired (and other) Individuals Dedicated to Education or P.R.I.D.E. has come to be called “a win-win,” “ success” and “very satisfying.” It has also grown to include nearly 40 volunteers in six of Geneva School District’s eight schools!

“I do think there are times when some of the kids just need a little bit more help, and when you have one teacher and 24 kids that’s difficult to do,” said Rose Fausey, one of P.R.I.D.E.’s first volunteers. “To have that extra help, it really benefits the child.”

“The P.R.I.D.E. program creates intergenerational relationships, opening doors and allowing for the sharing of experiences to create a better understanding between students and seniors,” said P.R.I.D.E. coordinator Steve Lillie.

“Students are so full of energy; and P.R.I.D.E. volunteers are positive, high-energy people, too,” Mr. Lillie said. “It is a wonderful match, and both the student and the volunteer benefit.”

At each level volunteering is flexible to accommodate the talents, availability and comfort level of each volunteer; and there is no special training required. Rose Fausey has volunteered at the elementary level for four years and has both learned from and enjoyed the weekly interaction with today’s students.

“It is satisfying,” said Mrs. Fausey. “They do want to learn, and you can see the results by how much effort they put into what they’re doing and when you do the follow-up. It’s just a good feeling you get.”

If you or someone you know would like more information about the P.R.I.D.E. program, call Geneva School District’s administrative offices, 630-463-3000.

Kelley Munch is the Communications Coordinator.

This article first appeared in the March 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Plantings Earn District “Green” Award

The wispy foliage and colorful flowers of Geneva Middle School North’s native plantings provide an aesthetically pleasing prairie view. What is a little less obvious to the naked eye, however, is that those plantings filter the water that flows toward Peck Lake, provide a habitat for local birds and wildlife and create a learning environment for Geneva’s middle schoolers.

It is for these many reasons that the native landscaping surrounding Geneva Middle School North has earned recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness. The 2008 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award was presented to Geneva School District as a result of the successful 2005 project.

“The Geneva Middle School project is an excellent example of successful incorporation of natural plant communities in a school development,” said George Milner, Ecologist and Senior Project Manager for V3 Companies. V3 Companies designed, planted and is maintaining the native landscaping.

Three years since the planting of the landscaping around the middle school expansion, the native plantings have become more established and are filtering water as it leaves the middle school property and flows toward Peck Lake. The landscaping was designed to allow as much water as possible to seep back into the groundwater supply and to filter runoff in three stages: through the deep roots of prairie plantings in bioswales near North’s parking lots, through wetland plants in basins on the west side of Viking Drive and finally through another vegetated swale to the south of the basins.

“The idea is to provide some opportunities for the water to be cleaned before it enters Peck Lake,” Milner said, calling the process a “storm water treatment train,” and adding, “This has been very successful.”

More than 85 plant varieties, many of which flower beautifully in the spring and fall, are incorporated on the middle school site. Similar native plantings can be found on a smaller scale at Fabyan, Mill Creek and Williamsburg Elementary Schools.

“This is something that has momentum,” Milner said of this type of landscaping, adding that traditional grass detention basins are falling out of favor in new construction projects. “This is the wave of the future.”

This article first appeared in the January 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

American Education Week

We all have a lot to celebrate in Geneva!

Just last year, there were 106 Illinois State Scholars from Geneva High School. The varsity girls’ cross country team earned a state champion title. The average ACT score of the class of 2008 increased to 23.9 compared to the state average of 20.7.

Dozens of students and teams qualified to compete in state competitions including girls’ golf, girls’ and boys’ tennis, girls’ and boys’ track and field, boys’ gymnastics, dance team, math team, the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering team, the Illinois Drafting Educators’ Association team and more! And believe it or not, the list of amazing accomplishments goes on and on!

School District’s staff works hard to help each and every student succeed, and a huge factor in the success of Geneva’s students–at the elementary, middle and high school levels–is the fact that we have parents and a community that place a high value on education. This value is translated into successful educational careers, inspiring athletic performances and smart, well-rounded students ready to take on the world after graduation!

It is this partnership with the greater Geneva community that we celebrate during American Education Week! American Education Week was first observed in 1921 to shine the spotlight on the wonderful things public schools do for students and to thank local communities for their support of public education.

It is during this week–November 17 to 21–that we recognize our educational partners like the City of Geneva, the Geneva History Center, the Geneva Library and Park Districts, local businesses and civic organizations, student leaders, Parent Teacher Organizations, and volunteers who contribute so much to our students’ success.

From time, talent, and treasure … everything you do to help and support Geneva’s youth speaks volumes to the tradition of excellence that includes the greater Geneva community. Thank you for all you do! We really can’t do it without you!

This article first appeared in the November 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Welcome to Williamsburg!

One month into operation and Geneva’s Williamsburg Elementary School is still receiving rave reviews from teachers, parents and students!

“I just keep hearing, ‘It’s beautiful,’ ‘It’s beautiful,’” said Principal Dr. Julie Dye. “They like all the light; they like the color scheme; and they were surprised and delighted by some of the features of the building, like the two-story art room.”

In addition to being visually appealing, the 1812 Williamsburg Avenue building is also proving to be a perfect educational space for the 560 students currently enrolled!

“The building combines efficiencies in design, construction, and sustainable maintenance with an excellent learning environment for students,” said Geneva Superintendent Dr. Kent Mutchler, adding, “We are very thankful to the community for making this vision a reality for our students.”

Appropriately-sized and well-laid-out classrooms, as well as well-planned storage and an abundance of natural light, make it easy to have an active and engaging program for students.

“The design makes sense for an elementary school,” said Dr. Dye, adding that teachers especially enjoy the grade-level wings, which provide opportunities to interact as teams. “The staff absolutely loves the building.”

Crews broke ground on the Williamsburg Avenue site in May 2007 and worked non-stop to have the site ready by August 2008. It then took every day, hour and minute in the weeks leading up to the start of school to unpack and prepare the building for the students’ arrival, but the air of excitement never died.

“People gave freely of their own personal time,” said Dr. Dye. “It was a massive undertaking, but it was done by a committed group who did it in a cheerful manner.”

This article first appeared in the October 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

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