Riverside Brookfield High School

In turning my calendar from December 31, 2009, to January 1, 2010, I realized that we were beginning not only a new year, but also a new decade. As the music from an outstanding Holiday Concert fades from memory, I look forward to the performances and activities that will herald in the year ahead.

In becoming more connected to the RB community, I am impressed on a daily basis with the contributions that our students make outside of the school’s halls. Over one third of our students volunteered to help citizens during the Day of Service. The Fine Arts students produced murals for the Arcade Building according to the theme “This Place Matters.” Football players helped at Brookfield’s Farmers’ Market. More students than needed volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army. The madrigal singers and other music groups performed for organizations throughout RB-land. With the direction and oversight of a dedicated faculty and staff, the students at RB truly are a valuable community resource.

With almost 1,500 students, there are instances where some individuals are in violation of our policies and expectations for positive behavior. As a District and staff, we are direct in dealing with these individuals – hopefully to improve behavior. We do not hesitate, however, to involve law enforcement agencies and take other measures to ensure a safe environment for all.

As Interim Superintendent, one of my goals is to invite the community and parents to visit the school. Monthly forums are held on the first Friday of every month at 9:00 a.m. Board committees have been formed to study timely issues (facility usage and health and safety, for example) and parents/community members serve on these committees. Parents and community members are invited to provide feedback on the selection of a new principal. Also forums are planned on an updated athletic code and on financial projections and budget planning for 2010-11.

The new year and decade will provide challenges and new opportunities. I look forward to working with you as we seek to prepare the students that graduate from RB for college, the work place, and citizenship.

Sincerely,

David J. Bonnette, Interim Superintendent

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS

In the event that it is necessary to close school, we will make every effort to notify families in a timely and efficient manner. When weather is a factor, we try to decide before 6:00 a.m. However, many other factors such as power outages or hazardous material situations could make it necessary to send students home early. Parents are advised to brief their children on where to go or what to do in emergency situations.

The following methods will be utilized to inform parents of a school closing:

The Skylert broadcast call system

The District 208 web page

AM and FM radio stations

Public television stations

Note: If you have privacy manager on your home telephone system, the broadcast call system cannot leave a message.

Superintendent Schedules Open Friday Forums

Interim Superintendent David Bonnette has scheduled a series of open forums in an effort to invite parents and community residents to visit the school and to learn more about school programs. The forums are scheduled on Friday mornings – the first Friday of every month – beginning at 9:00 a.m. The meetings are in the District Office Conference Room.

The schedule for the remainder of the year is as follows:

February 5, 2010

March 5, 2010

April 9, 2010*

May 7, 2010

June 4, 2010

*Second Friday, due to Spring Break

There is no agenda that is set for the forums. While the Interim Superintendent may share timely information with those who attend, most of the time is spent on topics that parents and citizens bring to the meeting. If there is something that an individual would like to have researched, certainly they could call in advance of the meeting to have the information gathered.

Normally, about 1 ½ hours are set aside for the forum meeting, but this time limit is flexible, depending on the topics being discussed. Individuals attending the forum may park along the north fence at the new, main entrance to the high school (Door A).

Important Dates & Events for College Bound Students and Parents

February 9th @ 7:00 PM FAFSA Completion Workshop (Library)

In this program, financial aid directors and administrators from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will help parents and seniors learn how to complete the financial aid application required by all colleges and universities.

March 14^th – 18^th COLLEGE WEEK

March 16^th @ 7:00 PM “What I Wish I Had Known”

Juniors and Sophomores and their parents are invited to hear from a panel of Seniors and their parents about the college planning process.

April 7^th College Fair at Lyons Township High School

April 7^h @ 8:00 AM Triton College Placement Testing/Registration @ RB

Seniors with applications and transcripts on file at Triton by April 1^st are able to take the placement exam and register for classes at Triton.

April 10^th ACT Exam at RBHS

April 28^th and 29^th PSAE Exam at RBHS for all Juniors

On April 22^nd the ACT exam portion of the PSAE is administered and may be sent to colleges and universities as an official score.

May 1^st SAT Exam at RBHS

May 1^st National Candidate Reply Date

Seniors should make their final college choice by this date.

May 3^rd -14^th Advanced Placement exams administered at RBHS

May 26^th @ 6:00 – 8:00 PM Local Area Scholarship Reception

June 5^th SAT Exam (not at RBHS)

June 12^th ACT Exam (not at RBHS)

June 14^th -18^th Tentative Dates for Camp College

Registration for 2010-2011 begins soon
January 27-28	Counselors will distribute new curriculum guides and registration forms during English classes
Note: course recommendations for English, Math, Science, World Language, Social Studies, and Fine Arts will already have been made by teachers and department chairs based on students' previous academic performance
Students and parents should look over course options and select a challenging curriculum which still allows students to participate in sports, extra-curricular activities, work, and service. Students will be notified at least one day prior to his or her scheduled appointment time. Students should bring the registration form signed by a parent or guardian to their appointment (see below) Have alternate courses already pre-selected, in case a first-choice course is no longer available.
February 1 - 12	Sophomore (current freshmen) Registration
February 16 - 26	Junior (current sophomore) Registration
March 1 - 12	Senior (current junior) Registration
Have more questions? Contact your counselor. See E-mail and contact information HERE

Local Scholarship Applications for Seniors Available in February

Over $100, 000.00 in local scholarship money was awarded last year thanks to our very generous donors. All local scholarship opportunities are currently posted on the Student Services webpage, and applications will be available on February 16^th in the Student Services Department. Please see your counselor. New this year, students will be able to download and print applications from home. Seniors are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships if they quality.

ACT Prep Classes and Practice Tests for Juniors

Juniors took a practice ACT test on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. Results were given out in the CAP classes and mailed home to the rest of the students.

The testing in November provided students with a simulated experience of taking the ACT test as well as providing an indication of strengths and weaknesses in the four subject areas. While all students will be preparing for this test in their junior classes, it is may be helpful to take additional steps in preparation for this important test. Many students are receiving additional prep in the CAP class. For other students, taking an outside ACT prep at Riverside-Brookfield high school may be an additional option. Information on these classes was given in the fall bulletin as well as at the Nov. 18^th testing session.

The next all junior practice ACT test will be Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Results will again be analyzed by an outside company, and results will be given out to students.

RB Prep Class Information

Riverside Brookfield ACT Prep classes will be offered 2^nd semester for students who are interested in preparing for the April ACT test outside of the classroom day. Any student who is enrolled in the CAP class second semester would not sign up for these classes. The RB Prep classes are taught by RB teachers and include an ACT study book, student binder and classes in English, Math, Reading and Science. Scoring a few points higher on the ACT test increases the probability of college acceptance as well as chances for scholarships. The cost for these classes is $130 with a $50 refund if no more than one class is missed.

These classes are offered during 3 time slots:

7:10 – 7:50 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings – one class/day
3:20 – 4:40 PM on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons after school – two classes/day
9:00 – 11:40 AM on Saturday mornings – four classes/day.

Students should sign up for the time slot which works the best. On a limited individual basis students may move between time slots due to extenuating circumstances. Dates of the classes are on the sign-up form.

If you have any additional questions, please email Mrs. Ritchey at ritcheyl@rbhs208.org

	Testing Information – from Linda Gorman, Testing Director
The Consumer Education Proficiency Exam	The Consumer Education Proficiency Exam will be given on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The test will be given at 8:00 a.m. in room 257A. Students must register with Ms. Englehart in Student Services by February 1. We administer the exam for the State Board of Education twice a year – in October & February. Sample test items can be reviewed at the following web site: http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/pdfs/ICEPTSampleItems.pdf
RB Student Achieves National Hispanic Recognition
PSAE	On April 28 and 29 juniors will be taking the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE), the Illinois state test for grade 11 students. The PSAE assesses the progress of both high schools and individual students in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards. The first day of testing is a state administered ACT with writing. This test is a real ACT. All colleges and universities to whom ACT scores can be reported will accept ACT scores from PSAE testing. The second day of testing includes state-developed tests and WorkKeys, which are practical applications. The state is monitoring the administration of these tests very carefully. Students will register for this test, during a school day, in March. Students need to be in attendance both days. If you have further questions, please call your child’s counselor. We will be giving parallel tests to the freshmen and sophomores, specifically aimed at evaluating their achievement. Students need to be in attendance both days. More information will be sent regarding these testing dates at a later time.

Sophomore Parents: Preparing for Junior Year

The junior year is an important year for students in that the state mandated ACT test is required for all students. The ACT test is critical in determining which collegiate path will be available. ACT test preparation is helpful and used by many students in order to maximize test results and ease anxiety. The ACT test is composed of four subtests: English, Math, Reading and Science. The four subject scores are combined to create a composite score. A composite score of 20 is required for students to enroll in college level courses at Triton. Outside companies may charge thousands of dollars for student preparation classes. Riverside Brookfield high school provides opportunities for students to take a College Admissions Preparation Class (CAP) as well as an RB ACT Prep program which is offered second semester before and after school as well as on Saturdays.

Sophomore students have the option to take the College Admissions Preparation Class (CAP) which is offered by Riverside Brookfield for junior students during the class day. Each semester of CAP allows a student to receive instruction taught by teachers from the English, Math and Science departments. An advantage of the CAP class is that instruction will be provided in all of these areas during the school day. The goal of this class is to provide the opportunity for the student to achieve results, as well as open doors to a continuing education as well as possible scholarship opportunities.

The objective the CAP classes:

Familiarize a student with the types of questions and question stems which typically occur on these tests
Mental preparation for test taking
Teach test taking strategies
Review and teach skills which will help in college bound classes
Complete practice ACT tests that provide students with individualized results in all four areas
Provide individualized feedback indicating strengths as well as areas to work on
Emphasis on raising reading level
Raise skill levels in English, Math, and Science

If any parent has any questions concerning this program, please contact Mrs. Laurie Ritchey, CAP Coordinator, at ritcheyl@rbhs208.org

“Throw It Deep” Football Academy Camps

Coming to Riverside Brookfield High School

Eight-year NFL veteran quarterback Jeff Christensen and former Chicago Bear receiver, T.K. Ehlebracht will bring their highly successful football training academy to Riverside Brookfield High School. The 2-hour camps will be held on January 19^th&26^th and February 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, & 23^rd from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the new field house. There is a reduced cost for residents of School District 208 of $30 for quarterbacks and $10 for all other “Skilled” position players, (per session). RB high school football players may attend for free although there is an IHSA restriction of 2 players per school at each camp. RB High school players need to sign-up with the Athletic department at the school to reserve a spot at each camp. Non-district athletes will be charged $60 for quarterbacks and $20 for all other skilled positions, (per session).

Throw It Deep Football Academy will also offer several 2-day major weekend camps.

Two confirmed dates for these weekend camps are:

Saturday, January 30^th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Riverside Brookfield High School / Sunday, January 31^st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Lake Park High School (West Campus) in Roselle; and
Saturday, February 27^th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Riverside Brookfield High School / Sunday, February 28^th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Lake Park High School (West Campus) in Roselle. Athletes in District 208 may attend the Saturday camp only or sign-up for both locations.

The costs for these major camps are:

	Resident of District 208	Non-Resident
RB Saturday Camp only:
QB’s	$ 90	$180
Skilled Positions	$ 30	$ 60
RB & Lake Park Sat. & Sun. Camps:
QB’s	$150	$325
Skilled Positions	$ 90	$180

For information on the Throw It Deep Football Academy you may visit their website at www.throwitdeep.com. There is contact information on the website. Depending on their schedules, the camps may be attended by new Throw It Deep instructors, Mike Hohensee of the Chicago Rush Arena football team and Chicago Bear quarterback, Brett Basanez. Additional questions on the camps can be sent to T.K. Ehlebracht at TKE22@aol.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tardies / Saturday Detentions

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope that all is well with your family as we begin this New Year.

As we review the events of the past semester, the topic of tardies / truancies is, as usual, on our agenda. Attendance issues at the high school level are nothing new but still need to be taken seriously and be properly addressed. Toward that end, we are implementing Saturday Detentions beginning on January 25, the start of second semester. These detentions will be held in the Student Cafeteria (unless otherwise noted) from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Students will be allowed to enter and exit through Door A only. Students will not be allowed to roam the building (going to their locker, etc.). All school rules according the Handbook will apply.

The RBHS Detention Policy is explained fully on page 16 of the 2009 – 2010 Parent Student Handbook which is available on the school website www.rbhs208.org. A copy of the Handbook may be requested from Ms. Sharp in the Main Office, ext. 2110. All students received the Handbook at the start of the school year.

The assignment of a Saturday Detention is not one that we take lightly but there are occasions when this is the most appropriate penalty for inappropriate behavior. We appreciate your assistance in making sure that, if your student receives this penalty, he or she fulfills their obligation.

The privilege of educating the children of District 208 is a responsibility that we take seriously. We are proud to be your partners in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

RBHS Administration

WANTED!

If you have that springtime urge to de-clutter your closets and attics, RBHS is looking for any old RBHS Bulldog memorabilia.

If you happen to come across some items you would be willing to donate to the RB archives, please contact Betty Sharp at (708) 442-7500, ext. 2110. All items are guaranteed a good home.

Beginning second semester, reduced price lunches will be offered to eligible students. The cost of the lunch will be $1.00.

For an application for reduced price lunch,
please see Mrs. Lauren Presta in the Assistant Principal's Office.

SUMMER SCHOOL

The administration and staff are beginning the planning process for the 2010 summer school session. This year, the start date is tentatively set for Monday, June 21, 2010. The length of the Summer School program varies, depending on course requirements. The typical 16 day session, however, would end on July 13.

Given that we will be able to make use of our newly renovated facility, program opportunities could be expanded compared to those available in the past few years. The Summer School experience provides classes that enable students to make up lost credits, to build skills, to take classes that might not be available during the year, and to enrich the school experience.

Due to budget constraints, it will be necessary to have the program be self supporting through tuition. Low enrollment classes may have to be cancelled if class sizes are insufficient to fund the course.

As the school staff plans for the coming summer session, input from parents and students will help guide the development of course offerings. Please forward your suggestions and ideas to Summer School Director Tim Scanlon by e-mailing him at scanlont@rbhs208.org

Library and Instructional Technology Department -- from Doreen Fritz, Department Chair
Research at RBHS	Everybody agrees that our students need to learn how to do college-level research. Not everybody agrees on what standards or skills constitute “college-level,” but there has definitely been a push over the past couple of years to ensure that our students leave RB well-prepared for what will be expected when they reach college. Every department that challenges their students to conduct any type of information-based inquiry has jumped on board to use a common language and to work towards common standards / expectations for student research. Those standards are most clearly described in the document Standards for the 21^st Century Learner, published by the American Association of School Librarians. (http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/ learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf) To simplify the research process and to enable us to break down the skills into manageable lessons, we have adopted the Big6 research model. During the first semester the librarians worked with every English 9 class on a first exposure to high school-level research. Students practiced the skills of formulating a clear thesis, reading source articles while scanning for keyword information, organizing their notes, and then writing a paragraph proving their point, supported by collected information. Their second project, to be completed during 2^nd semester, will challenge them to evaluate web-based articles for reliability, to create a Works Cited page using MLA citations, and to learn how to use online databases effectively. Throughout both projects we have interwoven discussions about ethics related to copyright and plagiarism.
Database Resources	Students at college who are doing academic research are not allowed to simply browse the Internet for whatever webpage might have useful information. They need to prove that the information is valid, based on t he credentials of the author – and most professors expect that students will use research databases – searchable online collections of specialized articles, most often peer-reviewed. The RB Library has purchased several databases useful for a variety of curricular topics. Home access is also available. Access these valuable resources on the school’s website (www.rbhs208.org) – just click on the link above the bulldog in the upper left corner. Students (and their families) may find the passwords in a link from their Skyward account. If you have any questions about how to use the databases, or if you have difficulty accessing them, please call the library at Ext. 2120.

It's Election Time Again!

YES, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, it is almost time for another major election. Illinois voters will go to the polls on February 2nd for many primary races.

To prepare , RB students helped to register as new voters, over 80 fellow during all lunches in the student cafeteria. Even some teachers who had moved recently updated their voter registration. A big thank you goes out to Amy Delbecq, Natalie Benoy, Michelle Michaud and Norah Weber. They helped register all participants along with their teacher and Deputy Registrar, Jan Goldberg.

A Forum Club meeting will be held on the Friday morning before the election in Room 232 to discuss all candidates and races. All students (whether or not they are new voters) are welcome to attend this important meeting on January 29th at 7:20 A.M.

Finally, on Election Day over 30 RB students will be Election Judges. This involves an on-line “test”, a training class and a very long 15 hour plus day on Election Day. We should be proud of their political commitment.

As always, one goal of Social Studies Education is to produce caring and involved citizens. This year has already shown that our students are on their way toward meeting that goal.

Sincerely,

Jan Goldberg, Social Studies Department

Riverside Brookfield High School: District 208

2010 Winter Art Show Award Winners

****************************************************

Best of Show – 2D, 3D & Body of Work
Zoe Steinberg, Samantha Romano & Kerry Gawne

Riverside Arts Center Freeark Gallery Award
Tom Cichon, Lisa Stephan, & Haley St. Paul

Viewers’ Choice Award
Angela Bochucinski

****************************************************

Ceramics: (Functional)

1^st Place: Samantha Romano

Honorable Mention: Colleen Lucas

Honorable Mention: Jon Schereck

Painting:

1^st Place: Angela Bochucinski

Honorable: Kayla Thompson

Honorable Mention: T Stastny

Digital Imaging:

1^st Place: Zoe Steinberg

Honorable Mention: Brooke Tennert

Honorable Mention: Sean Hennessy

Photography: (Advanced)

1^st Place: Kelly Perfect

Honorable: Alyssa Carabez

Honorable Mention: Samantha Friend

Honorable Mention: Kerry Gawne

Drawing: (Advanced)

1^st Place: T Stastny

Honorable Mention: Zoe Steinberg

Honorable Mention: Kayla Thompson

Honorable Mention: Angela Bochucinski

Photography: (Novice)

1^st Place: Amber Powers

Honorable Mention: Daniel Gonzalez

Honorable Mention: Sofia Soluri

Honorable Mention: Maraya Sandoval

Drawing: (Novice)

1^st Place: Andrea Varaneckas

Honorable Mention: Kevin Garcia

Honorable Mention: Cassie Cook

Honorable Mention: Jordan Purdy

Printmaking:

1^st Place: Angela Bochucinski

Honorable Mention: Maria Arevalo

Honorable Mention: Zoe Steinberg

Mixed Media:

1^st Place: Emily Hejna

Honorable Mention: Alyssa Carabez

Honorable Mention: Kelly Glavin

Sculpture:

1^st Place: Jackie Cedano

Honorable Mention: Colleen Fruin

Honorable Mention: Ashley Lozano

Honorable Mention: Sean McGonagill

NEWS FROM THE APPLIED ARTS DEPARTMENT With the start of second semester, the RBHS Applied Arts Department continues their enthusiasm for their new classroom settings. Now that they are "moved in," many class activities and events are in the making.
IN GOOD TASTE (FCS) FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES teacher PATTI FARLEE is busy getting ready for Advanced Foods and the part of the program that features the student-run mini-restaurant. With the original room gone in the remodeling, watch for the new restaurant name. Interested FCS students will represent RB in the FCCLA Culinary Arts competitions to be held in February at the College of DuPage and Springfield in April. The national youth organization FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) sponsors events in Pastry Arts, Salad Showcase, Relish Tray and Culinary Arts skills. New to RB this year are students showing interest in the areas of Fashion and Child Development. Good Luck, FCCLA competitors at your District (February), State (April) and National (July) competitions!		WE MEAN BUSINESS! BUSINESS EDUCATION teacher KATHY PETERSON was absolutely honored that her GRAPHIC ARTS students work was included in the RB Winter Art Show. Most of her student’s designs were done in “Illustrator.” The CORE COMPUTER SKILLS class produced “Holiday Books” as one of their final projects. Each bound and wrapped book was presented as a gift to their families over Winter Break.
	STUDENT, TEACHER AND COMMUNITY KUDOS! GRAPHIC ARTS student, Junior BRADLEY WILSON, recently updated RB’s “Bulldog” graphic. The pixels from the original have disappeared and all that remains are smooth lines for our one and only mascot. APPLIED ARTS teachers: PATTY SARKADY, KATHY PETERSON and PATRICIA FARLEE successfully shared their “Career Day Expo” presentation at the National Conference for the Association for Career and Technical Educators in Nashville last November. Over 100 audience members came to find out what it takes to develop a well-planned and well-executed career day. Their presentation would not have been possible without again THANKING ALL THE COMMUNITY AND AREA GUEST SPEAKERS that made our RB Career Day such a success in January 2009.	MOVIN’ ON UP! The INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Department will add a new dimension to the Applied Arts Division when the scheduled-to-be-completed APPLIED TECH CENTER is ready for Second Semester. Teacher BRUCE SPECHT reports that classes in Exploring Tech, Construction Techniques I and II are fortunate to have all brand new equipment and learning modules paid for with Career and Technical Education grant monies.
ALL MY CHILDREN Teacher KATHY PETERSON is enthusiastic about this semester’s Child Development Class. Please keep the program in mind as Peterson likes to keep her students interested with hands-on learning and observation of children in the community. Contact Mrs. Peterson at 442-7500 ext. 2325 to help her make her classroom reality-based with visits from infants to first grade aged children.
RBTV CHECKING YOUR TV GUIDE ADVANCED TV will be making a promotional video of RB’s elective options. Department Chair PATTY SARKADY reports that these videos will be finished by the middle of February. Incoming RB eighth graders will have the opportunity to see the videos before Freshmen Registration takes place on Saturday, March 13, 2010. If you weren’t aware before, the student-led RB16 NEWS will be producing live ten-minute newscasts this semester. The first broadcast viewing can be seen EVERY THURSDAY morning at 9:30 am and then it is repeated until the next new live show. ADVANCED TV PRODUCTION students have completed their “A-LIST” interviews with high profile individuals from the Chicagoland area. Teacher and Supervisor of TV and AV Services GARY PROKES reports that the students needed to contact a guest, develop a script outline, and interview their guest in the RBTV studio. The list of students and their guests included: STUDENT INTERVIEW WITH TITLE GEORGE SUCHY RICH MORRISEY, Chicago Tribune Sports Columnist JETTE PLEASANT BARBARA BROTMAN, Chicago Tribune Columnist COLTON ARNOLD MATT RODEWALD, NBC5 Traffic Reporter JACKIE GLOSNIAK ROB STAFFORD, NBC5 Anchor/Reporter LUKE JEBB MIKE SCOTT, WIND Radio News Director JASON FLAM EMERY MOOREHEAD ,1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champ DAN FLEMING GREGG POTTER, Emmy Award Winning Musician STACI SHERMAN CHRIS PYLE, Lake County Postcard Museum BRYAN SMALLER DICK JOHNSON, NBC5 Reporter TOM VOHASEK MICHAEL PHILLIPS, Chicago Tribune Film Critic MAX WEISS RAYE STAPLETON, Frankies On The Green RYAN CHADORA BENN COLLINS, Google.com LUKE JEBB MARK O’NEAL, Chicago Cubs Athletic Trainer COMING SOON ON RBTV… Advanced TV students will be finishing up their semester projects... watch for these new shows premiering on RBTV soon... "The Studio" A reality show about the students in 7th Hour Advanced TV class "The Late Hour" A talk show featuring students, staff, and community members "Pet Pals" An animal adoption series "Bulldog FaceOff" Season Two - a game show featuring students and staff "Shoes & Socks" A reality show based on students in 5th Hour Advanced TV class STAY TUNED A new season of “Bulldog Profiles,” “People In Perspective,” Student Short Films and Documentaries.

News from the world of Vocal Music
The RBHS Madrigals had a whirlwind of a Holiday concert season. From December 1 – December 19, they sang thirteen concerts! The season began by singing for visitors at the Open House during “We Are RB” and culminated in a performance in the main lobby of Orchestra Hall in Chicago.	Congratulations to Stephanie Duve, Chris Halline and Nathan Smith who were selected to sing in the Illinois All-State Choir. All-State Music Festival is held the last weekend of January in Peoria, IL. These students will have the opportunity to sing with the finest singers in our state.
All choirs will sing in our annual Winter Concert, to be held Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010. All are invited! The choirs are busy preparing their music. This is a diverse concert featuring music of different periods, different languages and different styles. We will feature music by Palestrina and Mozart, as well as Kander & Ebb and Disney. And Chamber Choir has officially been “Glee-ified”! If you enjoy the popular TV show, you will enjoy their version of the popular song, “Don’t Stop Believing”.	The students in the Music Department are busy selecting music to perform in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest that will be held the first Saturday of March. Since over a third of our vocal and instrumental students take private lessons, RB typically has the most participants of all the schools in attendance at this event.
The Music Department is always happy to welcome new students. Registration for the 2010-11 school year is just around the corner. Please contact Mrs. Marelli at marellid@rbhs208.org or 708-442-9464 if you have a student interested in singing in one of the choirs next year!

Instrumental Music Notes -- from Mr. McOlgan and Mr. Baum

Congratulations to Molly Chaney, Kevin Dinh, and Ben Mitchell who were selected to represent RB at the IMEA All State Music Conference Festival. They will be traveling to
Peoria for two intensive days of rehearsal followed by a concert on Saturday January 30th.

Also congratulations to Kevin Dinh, Sarah Otmanski, Maddy Muntean, Sarah Buksa, Sam Romo, Joe Wilkinson, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Kerry Gawne, Ben Mitchell, Phil Priorello, Kyle Perfect, and Nate Hurst who were selected to participate at the Metro Suburban Conference Honors Band. These students will be performing with students from all of the other schools in our conference on February 16th.

Be sure to come out and hear the Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble as they open for the Brass Tracks Big Band at Hackneys of Palos Park. The Jazz Band will perform on January 27th at 7:30, and the Jazz Ensemble will perform on February 17th at 7:30.

Our February concert season is coming up quickly.

Winter Band Concert will be held on February 11th
Winter Choir Concert on February 18th
Winter Orchestra Concert on February 23rd.

Thank you for all of your support at our first semester concerts!

Fine Arts NEW Website!!

http://rbfinearts.blogspot.com/

Have you visited the NEW RBHS Fine Arts Website & Blog yet?
We regularly update our blog with pictures
and stories on our latest happenings!

Visitors will also find an easy to use calendar for
all of our events that are taking place.

Visitors may also link to our Shutterfly account
to view or order prints from our music,
art, drama & dance program events.

Make us a favorite & follow our blog!

Calling all Alumni Artists

The RBHS Art Department would like to host an Alumni Art Show during the 2010 Homecoming Week. Do you know any RB Alumni artists that might be interested?

If so, please contact Jon Grice, RBHS Fine Arts Department Chair at gricej@rbhs208.org or 708-442-9366.

RBHS Dance

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, twenty-three Dance Technique I students attended the Joffrey Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theatre. Students were awe struck by the magical snow scene and the beautiful technique of the professional dancers. Thank you to Mrs. Henrichs and her 4 year old daughter, Brooke, who raffled off a pointe shoe. This shoe was autographed by the Snow Queen herself. Congratulations Sophia Soluri on winning this exciting prize.

Thank you to Mr. Brian Brennan and Ms. Arlene Rover for inviting RB’s Repertory Dance Ensemble to perform at this year’s annual holiday celebrations. The dancers enjoyed dancing for the community and sharing their love of dance with the children. Dancers performed five dances including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Rosie O’Donnell’s I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, a story book ballet, The Night before Christmas read by Natalie Godlewski and Tiffany Guel-Blanco, a dance inspired by the Rockette’s, and a dance to the song Sleigh Bells.

Repertory Dance Ensemble students recently finished performing their first ever winter dance concert. Revolution was performed on Friday, January 15, 2010 in the Little Theatre. The concert included nine dances showcasing new dances by seniors Melissa Pruitt, Danielle Kovack, Lauren DeRosier and Tiffany Guel-Blanco. Also, guest choreographer Jon Lehrer returned to RB for a one-week residency where he choreographed the dance Fused. The dancers are currently preparing for an educational art outreach performance at Ames Elementary School and St. Joe’s on Wednesday, February 4, 2010.

The Orchesis Dance Company is extremely excited to welcome Ms. Madeyln Doyle and Ms. Jessica Svacier as Co-Assistant Orchesis Directors. Both dancers come to us with a degree in dance from Columbia College in Chicago. Ms. Doyle is currently getting her dance teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin and teaches dance at the Linda McDonald School of Dance in Highland Park. Ms. Svacier is currently the director of dance at The South Loop School’s after-school program. The dancers were very excited to meet their new directors at the annual holiday party.

As we begin to prepare for the 2010-2011 school year, please take note of the many dance classes offered at RB. Dance classes are open to all students and levels. Here are a few of the fun classes the Fine Arts Department offers in dance:

Dance Technique I- ½ Credit, one semester

Dance Technique II- ½ Credit, one semester

Choreography I, II, III- ½ Credit, one semester each

Repertory Dance Ensemble- 1 Credit, two semesters, honors credit

Instructional Dance Internship- ½ Credit

If you have any questions regarding classes and/or extra curricular dance activities please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Mindy Hart-Haines at hainesm@rbhs208.org or 708-442-7500, ext. 2222

	News from Community of Caring
	Caring	Trust	Respect	Responsibility	Family
Don’t throw out your old Prescription Eyeglasses...we collect them at RBHS Glasses are donated to the Lion’s Club, who will send them overseas to people in need. The Drop Box is located in the Assistant Principal’s Office.	Attention Student Volunteers! The first semester transcripts were updated with current service hour totals for students who completed forms and turned them in by the deadline, Friday, January 15th. Students may continue to turn in forms from the ’09-’10 school year by completing a Service Hour Application Form. The hours will again be tabulated and updated in June, at the end of second semester. The forms are located in Ms. Mills Ziola’s Room (216), the Principal’s office and on our website. In May a volunteer information table will be set-up during all lunches for students to gather information on places they may choose to volunteer at during the summer. Some of the volunteer opportunities include: Salvation Army British Home YMCA Community Extension Project Riverside Parks & Recreation Riverside Library Cat Nap Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities St Thomas Hospice Scottish Home Riverside Division of Forestry Children’s Research Triangle Southwest Suburban Center for Aging
Continue Collecting POP TOPS for the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola Hospital. This is such an easy way to show how much we care. We are working toward an all-school goal of 1 million!
Glass Slipper Project Attention Ladies...here’s an opportunity to make room in your closet and Prom dreams come true! Please turn in your gently worn prom-appropriate gowns, shoes, purses, unused makeup, and jewelry for the Glass Slipper Project. These donations will help girls in the Chicagoland area who can’t afford Prom attire. The collection will begin in February and continue through the beginning of March. You can find out more information about volunteering on their website: www.glassslipperproject.org. To date the organization has helped out more than 10,000 young women attend their proms in style.

STUDENT ASSOCIATION -- from President Kelly Sherman

Dear Bulldogs,

As 2009 came to a close, Student Association sought to make a difference in the community. During the lunch periods, we collected over $900 and 13 staff members raised money in their classrooms to purchase gifts for families in our community for the holidays. We helped 31 total individuals. We are hoping that our gifts helped make their holidays a bit brighter. We also collected over 320 coats, blankets, hats, gloves and scarves, a record number! The coats were donated to two local churches, in Brookfield and Oak Brook, and a soup kitchen in Chicago.

In the new year we plan to be just as busy, and hopefully successful. On Wednesday, February 3rd we will host our 2nd blood drive of the year, sponsored by Life Source. At our last blood drive, we donated 109 pints of blood. Additionally, we have been preparing for Matchmaker, a fun survey matching students with other students throughout the school. It includes some interesting trivia about their birth date, matches them with their best match in their grade and in the whole school and their most compatible classmates in the school. The students will take the test during their second hour class on January 27th. Students may purchase their Matchmaker forms in lunches on February 11th, just before Valentine's Day. All of the proceeds of this fundraiser will be donated, the recipients are still to be determined.

Additionally, we have begun preparation for the Turnabout Dance, which will be held in the main gym on Saturday, February 20th from 7-10 pm. The theme was voted on at our Weds, Jan. 13 meeting and the mural painting began on Sat, Jan. 16. Since school spirit was outstanding during our Homecoming spirit week, we have decided to have a spirit week for Turnabout too, which will be the school days of Tuesday, Feb 16 - Thursday, Feb. 18! Also, for this dance we hold a contest between the girls to see who asked their date to the dance in the most original and cutest way. A winner will be selected from each grade and they will be announced at the dance.

We continue to collect pop tops during all lunches. The pop tops will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola Hospital. We are hoping to reach the 1 million mark this year! We hope that everyone will encourage their children to participate in the pop tops fundraiser, matchmaker, spirit week and blood drive sponsored by the Student Association. If you have any questions or ideas, we may be reached at (708) 442-7500 ext. 2400.

Happy 2010!
It's great to be a bulldog!

Important Dates
Date	Event	Location	Time
2/1/10	Patron's Council Meeting	Alumni Lounge	7:30 - 9:00 pm
2/3/10	Blood Drive	Alumni Lounge	7:00 am - 4:00 pm
2/4/10	Booster's Meeting	Alumni Lounge	7:30 - 8:30 pm
2/9/10	FAFSA Completion Workshop	Library & Computer Lab	7:00 - 9:00 pm
	Board of Education Meeting	Alumni Lounge	7:30 pm
2/10/10	Teacher Appreciation Luncheon	Alumni Lounge	10:44 am - 1:15 pm
	Parent Information Night: "Smart but Scattered" (see below)	Faculty Cafeteria	7:00 - 8:00 pm
2/11/10	Winter Band Concert	Auditorium or Band Room	7:00 - 9:00 pm
2/15/10	PRESIDENT'S DAY - NO SCHOOL
2/16/10	RB Music Sponsors Meeting	Alumni Lounge, Band/Choir Room	7:00 - 8:00 pm
2/18/10	Choirs Winter Concert	Auditorium	7:00 - 9:00 pm
2/19/10	INSTITUTE DAY - NO ATTENDANCE
2/20/10	SA Turnabout Dance	Main Gym, Alumni Lounge, Main Entrance	7:00 - 10:00 pm
2/24/10	Bilingual Advisory Meeting	TBA - check signs at the entrance	7:00 - 8:30 pm
3/1/10	Patron's Council Meeting	Alumni Lounge	7:30 - 9:00 pm
3/4/10	Boosters Meeting	Alumni Lounge	7:30 - 8:30 pm
3/9/10	Board of Education Meeting	Alumni Lounge	7:30 pm
3/12/10	Musical Performance	Auditorium	7:30 - 9:30 pm
3/13/10	Musical Performance	Auditorium	7:30 - 9:30 pm
3/14/10	Musical Performance	Auditorium	2:00 - 4:00 pm
3/16/10	RB Music Sponsors Meeting	Band/Choir Room	7:00 - 8:00 pm
	What I Wish I'd Known	Little Theater	7:00 - 8:30 pm
3/21/10	Dedication Ceremony	whole building	TBA
3/29/10	SPRING BREAK BEGINS
4/5/10	STUDENTS RETURN TO CLASS

On the RB Website, click on the Calendar link to access an up-to-date, complete calendar of events!

Sports information can also be accessed through the RB Bulldog Sports website.

PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Faculty Cafeteria

Topic: "Smart but Scattered"

Does your son or daughter struggle with disorganization, lack of focus, disregard for details, and procrastination? And is s/he also bright, creative, and challenging? Join us for an evening of information and discussion about parenting a child with ADHD and how to best support them in school. Feel free to contact Mrs. Mortensen, social worker, for details. (708-442-7500, ext. 2317)