L to R: Tom Dentice, co-founder of Tom & Eddie's; Joanne Spitz of BFEE; Deborah Brown, president of the GAF; and Ed Rensi co-founder of Tom & Eddie's

Tom & Eddie’s Geneva is pleased to announce it will donate $4,000 to two local organizations – the Geneva Academic Foundation (GAF) and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence (BFEE). The funds were raised during the nine day grand opening celebration of the restaurant which is located at the Shops at Geneva Commons, 1042 Commons Dr., Geneva.

“It is a pleasure to support these two important not-for-profit organizations,” said Ed Rensi, co-founder of Tom & Eddie’s. “We are 100 percent behind them and their missions to raise funds that benefit students in the Geneva and Batavia school districts.”

“We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business,” said Tom Dentice, co-founder. “As a result, we have chosen to support organizations that focus on youth and education. We are proud to do so.”

Each year, GAF provides grants to pay for supplemental programs, equipment, and educational resources to benefit the students at each school in Geneva. The programs funded are based upon requests by teachers. Also GAF is committed to the long-term success of the Geneva schools.  Each year, a portion of the funds collected are allocated to an Endowment Fund that will continue enhancing educational opportunities well into the future.

“We are so pleased at this news,” said Deborah Brown, president of the GAF. “The donation will go into a fund for next year’s grants, and we are most grateful. Tom and Ed can be very proud of everything they do, and their commitment to the community shows. Plus, we’re enjoying their food!”

The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence has been established to provide a long term, self-sustaining financial program to enhance the Batavia Public School system beyond the limits of normal tax support. The foundation provides support for the development of enrichment programs and services which make the critical difference between a very good education and an excellent education.

“It was a total pleasure working with Tom & Eddie’s,” said Joanne Spitz from the BFEE. “We so appreciate the donation. We are working toward a $1 million endowment, and every dollar helps.”

Tom & Eddie’s is a family-friendly, gourmet burger restaurant focused on giving its customers delicious food made from natural products, personal customer service, and a relaxed and happy dining experience. Beyond the ambiance and food, the two things that Tom and Ed believe in are integrity and commitment to community.

For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies.

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.

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.

After its loss in the Class 7A Championship last season, Geneva looks to rebound.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.