STATE PARCC SCORES

Students rank top among public schools in state

2 Meet our new teachers 3 Making music 4 Our instructional team

newslineBuTLER SCHOOL DISTRICT 53

Fall 2017

Students in Butler School District continued to outperform their peers acrossthe state and ranked second of 18 suburban school districts similar in size anddemographics. (See graphic at right.) Students at both Brook Forest and ButlerJunior High performed at the highest levels and like past years, ranked as one ofthe top performing school districts in the state on the PARCC exam.

“It’s extraordinary that students are scoring and maintaining at these highlevels and it reflects the exceptional commitment of the entire school community– students, parents, teachers and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom.

On the most recent state tests, called PARCC (Partnership for Assessment ofReadiness for College and Careers), 77.6 percent of District 53 students met orexceeded standards. The percentage of students who meet and exceed standards iscalled a readiness score. Butler’s readiness score of 77.6 percent compares to astate average of 34.1 percent. Butler District 53 students’ readiness score is aslight drop from 80.1 last year.

Of 18 schools that Butler District 53 often compares itself to, onlyLincolnshire-Prairieview District 103 students scored higher with a readinessscore of 80.7 percent. Other school district scores ranged from 57.8 percentreadiness in Glen Ellyn 41; 71.8 percent in Hinsdale 181; 74.9 percent inKenilworth 38 and 66.6 percent in Lake Forest 67.

The tests, given for the third year, are based on Common Core State Standards,which emphasize problem solving and higher order thinking skills. Despitegrowth and high scores, Wennstrom said there is still work to be done to continueto grow as a District and to empower students do their personal best.

HOW DISTRICT 53 COMPARES

80.7%

77.6%

77.3%

76%

74.9

Lincolnshire 103

Butler 53

Northbrook/Glenview 30

Western Springs 101

Kenilworth 38

The percentage of students who met and exceeded state standards onthe PARCC test. Butler ranks 2nd of 18 top public schools in the

Chicago suburbs similar in size and demographics.

Stretching students to be better readers and writersIn language arts classes at Butler Junior High, effort to integrate more vocabulary instruction into during conferences with the teacher and in small

students act as “word collectors” by gathering new language arts classes. During both reading and writing groups with peers. Teachers provide daily lessons onvocabulary words in their daily lives. The words can classes, students spend roughly 90 minutes on concrete ways to improve their reading and writingcome from reading, another class or conversations vocabulary each week. and much class time is given to applying those skills.around the dinner table. The goal is for students to In another example, students use the online Now, this year, teachers have added an intense focuscollect words around them, learn new words and use program Wordly Wise to acquire and build their on integrating education leader and researcher Robertthem in their writing and speaking. vocabulary lists. Teachers individualize the program so Marzano’s research-based vocabulary and grammar

This is just one example of Butler Junior High’s each student is working at his or her level. To apply instruction in all language arts classes. this learning, students often use word play activities “As a result, students are producing more in-depththat include charades, online activities and games, writing this year; they can write independently forfinding synonyms and discussing the nuances of the longer periods and they’re spending more time editingmeaning of a word and applying higher classifica- and revising,” said language arts teacher Joanna Lago. tion and evaluation skills to the words. The workshop model fosters independence in

Long gone are the days of just memorizing learning, invites engagement and promotes a learningdefinitions. “Students benefit from applying words community and collaboration.to various contexts,” said Alison Prochaska, “The results have been exciting,” said Butler Juniorlanguage arts teacher and assistant principal. High Principal Amy Read. “Teachers really know the

Grammar is similarly taught. In Prochaska’s reading and writing skills of each student, and thatclass, students just completed targeted strategies on allows them to challenge students at an individualusing quotation marks and comma usage and are level.” using them in their writing. The changes are best practices to stretch students

Two years ago, language arts classes shifted to further in their reading and writing. “It is exciting tousing a reading and writing workshop model. This watch students learn new words, use them in their

Students in reading and writing classes work at their ownlevel and track their growth in acquiring vocabulary andgrammar skills. Pictured here is teacher Joanna Lago and 6thgraders Faris Badwan and Areeba Shams.

research-based model exposes students to a wide writing and speaking, and enhance their vocabularies,”variety of genres, gives them more choice in what said language arts teacher Melissa Zaniewski.they read and write, and provides them withongoing feedback about their writing process both

D53 news 11-17 DB_Layout 1 11/15/17 4:18 PM Page 1

Roofs and courtyard workTwo major construction projects were completed

this summer – the reroofing of Brook Forest Schooland a revamped courtyard at Butler Junior High.

The roof at Brook Forest was past its lifeexpectancy and needed to be replaced. The projectincluded installing auxiliary roof fans and related work.The courtyard was replaced because standing waterfrom the area often leaked into the adjacent library. Inaddition to solving the problem, the area was revampedso it could also be used for classroom instruction.

The cost of the roof was $1.1 million. The courtyardproject tallied $94,000. Both projects had long been onthe Master Facility Plan list of projects. While there arestill projects remaining on the Master Facility Plan, theBoard of Education recently said that it will postponeprojects next summer so that it can better balance thebudget.

Education. Reading Resource Teacher, BF

Christine Tomasino Ms. Whittaker was a reading inter-Curriculum & Instruction Specialist ventionist, reading support teacher

and 2nd grade teacher in CiceroMs. Tomasino has extensive District 99. She was honored as anexperience in curriculum, exemplary model classroom forinstruction and technology, having the Reading/Writing Workshop Model. She has aserved in a number of educational Bachelor’s in English Literature from DePauwroles including Educational University, a Master’s in Elementary EducationTechnology Coordinator in from DePaul University and a second Master’s in

Flossmoor District 161, a Consultant for Teaching Reading Education from Northern Illinoisand Learning and also Director of Technology, University.both in DuPage High School 88. In these roles, shehelped build capacity for new instructional Katherine Cobbpractices, and organized and conducted Band/Music Teacher, BJHprofessional learning programs, among others. Shehas a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the Ms. Cobb has taught general andUniversity of St. Francis and a Master’s in instrumental music at theTeaching Gifted Education from Aurora University. elementary, middle and high

school levels, most recently asband director in Antioch District 34. Prior to that,

Samantha Barry she was a general Music Teacher in Morton GrovePart-time LMC Teacher, part-time LMC Aide, District 70 and a Band Director for six years inBrook Forest Virginia. She has a Bachelor’s in Music Education

Ms. Barry served as a 6th grade from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and ateacher in Woodridge District 68, Master’s in Music Education from the Universityspecial event facilitator at the of Michigan.Shedd Aquarium and programspecialist with the Boy Scouts of Nora FlynnAmerica. She student taught at Hill Part-time English Language ArtsElementary in Romeoville and at Teacher, BJH

Polegate School in East Sussex, England. She has a Ms. Flynn was a reading teacher atBachelor’s in Education from Illinois State Gwendolyn Brooks Middle SchoolUniversity. in Oak Park, and a curriculum

developer at the Academy forAntonina Sproch Urban School Leadership. She has also served as aSpecial Education Resource Teacher, BF social studies teacher and department co-chair at

Walter Payton College Prep and an adjunctMrs. Sproch was a resource professor at Loyola University. She holds ateacher in Flossmoor District 161, Bachelor’s in History and Teacher Preparationwhere she co-taught math and from Yale University; Master’s in Social Sciences,language arts classes. She has also University of Chicago; Master’s in Readingserved as Math Department Co- Education, Concordia University. Chair and has written the math

curriculum for 8th grade. Mrs. Sproch has a continued on back cover

Welcome to new facultyAndrea Prola Bachelor’s in Special Education from Eastern

Illinois University and a Master’s in CurriculumDirector of Student Servicesand Instruction from Lewis University.

Ms. Prola has a wide breadth of Scott Thesenexperience in student services and Technology/STEM Teacher, Brook Forestspecial education. Previously, sheserved as Case Manager in Troy Mr. Thesen has taught tech atUnit District 30C, managing Forest Park Middle School and atspecial education services, Triton College. He has a

teachers and curriculum. Other roles have included Bachelor’s from Columbiacoordinator of special education and adjunct College in Film and Video, ainstructor. She has a Bachelor’s in Special Master’s in Teaching fromEducation from the University of St. Francis, Dominican University, where he is working on aMaster’s in Educational Leadership from Master’s of Educational Technology. Concordia University and is working toward aPh.D. from the University of Illinois in Special Courtney Whittaker

2017-18

Fall sports round upThe boys’ cross country team finished the season in 5th place. But what was more exciting to coaches

was that 89 percent of all Butler runners, girls and boys, ended the season with their personal best times. The top 20 finishers were recognized at the meet. Butler was represented by Ethan Chow (7th place) and

Shiven Shah (12th place). Sami Baridi (21st) and Blake Edmonds (24th) just missed the top 20. In theboys’ open race, Butler was represented in the top 20 by Jesse Gamboa with a 13th place finish.

The girls’ team was led by Katie Kelly, Zaina Karim, and Anna Amine. The girls’ volleyball team’s JV season had a record of 1-9 and the varsity team finished with a record of

2-8. While both teams’ records were down over previous years, the games were very close, said AthleticDirector Mike Finke. “It was great to see them come together as a team at the end of the season withconfidence that they had worked so hard to achieve,” said Jessica Gunderson who coaches the JV team.

Sponsors

Benefit Consultant forButler School District 53

Brian Walshtel 630-468-6500

www.vistanational.com

Your Group Benefits with Vista!

D53 news 11-17 DB_Layout 1 11/15/17 4:18 PM Page 2

throughout their day and years at Brook Forest and Butler Junior High.“Butler has a tradition of dedication to arts education with the goal of enrichin

experiences that last a lifetime,” said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom.In addition to general music class, students at every grade level have the

opportunity to perform in a large-scale production appropriate for their grade level. education is critical, the District 53 music educators said. “Participation in musichelps develop creative and critical thinking skills, fosters a sense of teamwork andresponsibility, and problem solving and self reflection,” said Butler Junior Highmusic and band teacher Katherine Cobb.

Music education is critical because our lives are surrounded by music – in thecar, at the store, on TV and on our phones. “Music has a profound effect on ourworld. It allows us to focus or relax, become energized or agitated, and it willconjure up memories and also create them,” said Sterner.

Music education also helps students become confident and learn how to presentthemselves. Playing an instrument helps with hand-eye coordination and criticalthinking. “When students perform they have to interpret the musical symbols theyare reading on the page into fingering, durations, volumes and styles. They are alsoconstantly having to be aware of the sounds they are making and how these relateto the ensemble,” said Cobb.

District 53 educators agree that music is essential to schools. “Butler District 53music programming sparks children’s love of music, develops creative expressionand strengthens our core programs,” said Wennstrom. Both teachers say it is a toppriority for students to feel relaxed during class and at the same time have anopportunity to take risks with their music. “I’m really lucky to work with suchmotivated and hard-working students,” said Cobb. “I can’t wait to see what we canaccomplish together this year.”

At Brook Forest, there is Kindergarten graduation with musical selections; 1stgrade Music in Motion, which showcases students performing a collection of

multi-cultural songs; 2ndand 3rd grade HolidayShow with winter-themedsongs and choreography;4th and 5th grade Choir,4th and 5th gradeMusical and 5th gradeBand.

Likewise at ButlerJunior High, studentshave a chance toparticipate in multiplegroups. In addition togeneral music, there is6th-8th grade Chorus,Cadet Band, ConcertBand, Jazz Band, Guitarelective, and the 6th-8th

grade Musical. e Students also perform

at other venues, such asat the Chicago Wolvesgame or combining withthe Hinsdale CentralHigh School Band andChoir.

g Not every student willgo on to become amusician, but music

ds MuSIC, BAND, ORCHESTRA, CHOIR

Teaching music expands young minBrook Forest music, choir and band teacher LaurettaSterner starts off class by greeting each student by

name in song. Students are expected to return thegreeting, also in song.

It’s a warm up to the fun and nurturingworld of music in which she immerses herstudents. On this day, 2nd and 3rd grade

students were beginning to learn songs for thewinter musical. Sterner was not only teaching

Inspiring Instruction them the words, melodies and choreography butalso coaching them on the finer points.

“Envision yourself on the Brook Forest stage; how it feels to be standing there. Wpractice how we perform,” she explained.

Sterner’s goal is to help foster a lifelong respect for the fine arts and guidestudents in finding connections between music and their world.

“Teaching music in schools expands the minds of our students creatively,emotionally, and critically,” she said. Indeed, students are immersed in music

Band and music teacher Katherine Cobb works with asmall wind ensemble at Butler Junior High.

BY THE NuMBERS82 4th & 5th Gr. Choir Members 50 5th Grade Band Members 25 Butler Chorus Members68 BJH Band Members

You, too, could be part of thechallenge

Butler Junior High studentsare challenged to read 40 booksthis year by the Language ArtsDepartment. The 40 BookChallenge encourages studentsto read more books across avariety of genres. Students andteachers keep track of the booksthey read. Students are alsowriting to adults in their linviting them to participatchallenge.

Second grade students rehearse for their winter concert with BrookForest music teacher Lauretta Sterner.

GOOD NEWS

Book challenge, giving, awards, sports round up State award in Houston, the student councils provided 33 pairs of

pants, 34 uniform skirts, 19 pairs of shoes, 10 packsof socks and 22 belts and other essential items forstudents of Chancellor School. Students also wrotenotes to students at Chancellor, most of whom losteverything in the flooding. Monies were alsodesignated for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico andFlorida.

Healing Fields Students and staff from Brook Forest and Butler Students participate in the fun run at Oak Brook’s

g Healing Field of Honor. All students grades K-8 attendedthe ceremony and participated in the run.n

Constitution Center, among others. “It was a fantasticlearning opportunity,” said Principal Amy Read.

Junior High came together at the Oak Brook HealinField of Honor to honor those who lost their lives oSept. 11. The choirs performed, dignitaries gavespeeches, then students participated in a fun run.

Music Festival honorsFour Butler Junior High students performed Nov. 4

in the prestigious Illinois Music Education Association(ILMEA) music festivals. “It is a great accomplishmentand honor for our students to be part of the festival,which features some of the most musically skilled andtalented students in the state,” said Principal AmyRead. Sophia Lee (choir and band), Leandra Gruft(choir), and Sam Daw (band) Jui Khankari (band) wereselected to be a part of the festival. They each earned a

District 53 again won a state award for thisnewsletter from the Illinois Chapter National SchoolPublic Relations Association (INSPRA). The awardreflects a long tradition of earning top honors fromINSPRA for communications.

Students giving helpIt’s amazing what a small suburban school

community can do. Butler Junior High and BrookForest Student Councils raised over $2,000 to helprelief efforts in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico after thedevastating hurricanes. For an area hit especially hard

spot in the District 1 region of the festival.

Philly whirlwindSeventh graders spent three days in Philadelphia

learning and touring historical sites, including theLiberty Bell, Betsy Ross House and National

ives and The schoole in the community joined

in with studentson the 40 BookChallenge.

In the boys’ cross county Top 7 race, the team finishedin 3rd overall. Pictured (l to r) are Rayyan Iqbal, SamiBaridi, Shiven Shah, Arjun Shah, Ethan Chow, BlakeEdmonds and David Cox.

Fall sports round upThe boys’ cross country team finished the season in 5th place. But what was more exciting to coaches

was that 89 percent of all Butler runners, girls and boys, ended the season with their personal best times.The top 20 finishers were recognized at the meet. Butler was represented by Ethan Chow (7th place) a

Shiven Shah (12th place). Sami Baridi (21st) and Blake Edmonds (24th) just missed the top 20. In theboys’ open race, Butler was represented in the top 20 by Jesse Gamboa with a 13th place finish.

The girls’ team was led by Katie Kelly, Zaina Karim, and Anna Amine.The girls’ volleyball team’s JV season had a record of 1-9 and the varsity team finished with a record o

2-8. While both teams’ records were down over previous years, the games were very close, said AthleticDirector Mike Finke. “It was great to see them come together as a team at the end of the season withconfidence that they had worked so hard to achieve,” said Jessica Gunderson who coaches the JV team.

D53 news 11-17 DB_Layout 1 11/15/17 4:18 PM Page 3

Continued from page 2Welcome to new faculty

Art Board

Jessica GundersonPE Teacher, BJH

Ms. Gunderson was a long-term PEteacher substitute at Argo HighSchool and a long-time coach in a

. She has a Bachelor’s in Physical minor in Special Education from College.

variety of sportsEducation and aTrinity Christian

Dina JonesEnglish Language Arts Teacher, BJH

Ms. Jones served as a language artsteacher in Bensenville District 2 andEvanston/Skokie District 65.She received a Bachelor’s in

Education from Illinois State University. As an ISUstudent, she took part in a partnership with SchoolDistrict U-46 where she tutored students in readingand language arts.

Michelle MilaniPart-time Math Teacher, BJH

Ms. Milani served as a permanentsubstitute at Butler and in ElmhurstDistrict 205. She has been an active

volunteer and a teacher at Hendricks Academy inChicago. She conducted her student teaching atHendricks and the Winnetka Public Schools. She has aBachelor’s in Finance from the University of NotreDame and a Master’s in Education and Social Policyfrom Northwestern University.

Alison ProchaskaEnglish Language Arts Teacher andAssistant Principal, BJH 

Ms. Prochaska served as a 7th gradelanguage arts/literature teacher inLibertyville where she also served asrdinator. She has a Bachelor’s inintervention coo

Secondary Education from the University of Illinois,Urbana-Champaign, a Master’s in Curriculum andInstruction from Concordia University and a Master’sin Educational Administration, also from theUniversity of Illinois.

Rebekah StathakisPart-time Spanish Teacher, BJH

Ms. Stathakis returns to Butler afterleaving in 2008 to spend time withher family. In addition to teaching atButler, she hold workshops on

teaching foreign language, serves as an instructor andassessment coordinator for Northwestern University.She has a Bachelor’s in Secondary Spanish Teachingfrom Northwestern University and a Master’s inEducational Leadership from DePaul University.

Instructional leaders talk vision, surprises, roles An instructional leader’s role is large – shaping a vision of academic success

for all students, creating a positive climate, cultivating leadership in others,improving instruction and managing people, data and processes to foster schoolimprovement.

Butler District 53’s team, old and new, together are collaborating to do justthat. “This team is extraordinary,” said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom.“They work hard to create a shared leadership approach to decision making thatcreates a very positive climate and culture for our school community.”

Here are snippets of quotes from the team on what surprised them about theirrole, why they joined District 53 and their vision for the future.

Amy Read, Principal, Butler Junior HighMy vision for Butler: “I was fortunate to spend the majority of my teaching

career as a member of a professional learning community that was nationally andinternationally recognized – Stevenson High School. As principal of Butler Jr.High, I am proud to lead and grow a school community committed to theformative middle school years and one in which our academic andsocial/emotional leaning programs are consistently viewed as leading models.”

Chad Prosen, Principal, Brook Forest SchoolOne thing that surprised me: “How deeply the faculty, staff, and administra-

tion of Butler 53 truly care about students. Everyone goes above and beyond tomake sure that the students not only feel cared for, but also are given opportunitieto learn each and every day.”

Lisa Owen, Assistant Principal, BF (part-time administrator)My vision for Brook Forest: “I want all our students to feel safe, to have fun and

leadership team: “Butler D53's leadership team is comprised of members withextensive and varied experiences in education. The team offers sound models ofprofessionalism and knowledge. We have the great opportunity to learn from oneanother and continually improve because of collaboration.”

Andrea Prola, Director of Special ServicesOne thing that surprised me: “I am surprised at the level of dedication ofeveryone – parents, teachers, and administrators – and how welcoming they are.”

Christine Tomasino, Teacher on Special Assignment, Curriculum andInstruction

s The role of the leadership team: “The Butler 53 learning community’s focus anddedication in meeting the needs of all learners is such a valuable asset for thelearning environment. Each conversation I have been a part of reflects decision-making that identifies what is best for students.”

Butler District 53 studentsdisplay their artwork on

artsonia.com Pictured here (from l to r)

are iPhone self portraits, grade1, grade 3 and grade 4.

BOARD OF EDUCATIONDr. Elizabeth Chun, PresidentDr. Sally Beatty, Vice-PresidentMr. Ahmad Sulaiman, SecretaryMr. James ChowMr. Christopher EdmondsMr. Cabin KimMr. Lou PaskalidesDr. Heidi Wennstrom,Superintendentwww.Butler53.com

to know that they aretruly cared for. Thewonderful learning thattakes place happensbecause of those threethings.

Alison ProchaskaAssistant Principal, BJH(part-time administrator)The strength of the

Butler School District 532801 York Rd.Oak Brook, IL 60523

S SR RO OS S

N NO OP PS S

Principals and assistant principals were honored as partof Illinois Principals’ Week. Pictured are Chad Prosen,Amy Read, Alison Prochaska and Lisa Owen.

Follow us on Facebook andTwitter at @ButlerSD53

D53 news 11-17 DB_Layout 1 11/15/17 4:18 PM Page 4

Postal Customer

Presort StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 26Oak Brook, IL