The Scholarship Committee, including local business, healthcare, education and community leaders from Kane, Kendall and LaSalle Counties, reviewed the applications to select eight students who plan to attend one of the state’s public universities, or to attend the University of Illinois. Academic achievement in high school (or college, if applicable), community service, and financial need are among the criteria considered by committee members.

“There are many qualified young adults in the 25th District. This is never an easy decision for the committee,” said committee chairman, Jeri Steinmetz.

The 2010 scholarship recipients who will be attending the University of Illinois are: Tara Czepiel, Sugar Grove; Matt Johnson, West Dundee; Lauren Michels, Aurora; Jake Petit, Geneva. The scholarship recipients who will be attending other distinguished universities in Fall are: Sarah Bohr-Walsh, Plano (NIU); Kate Abell, Aurora (NIU); Peter Vilim, Sugar Grove (UIC); Nicole Hanna, South Elgin (ISU).

“Although I have voted and have sponsored legislation to discontinue the scholarship program because it represents a ‘perk’ of public office, I’m proud that the committee fulfills our responsibility by awarding these scholarships on merit rather than politics,” Lauzen said. “Although we have always kept the process open and available to every student who meets the criteria, this will be the last year that our office participates in this program.”

The final event in the Festival Performance Series will be the first summer theatre production ever held in the Kaneland High School auditorium.

“The Music Man,” directed by assistant principal Kaneland High School Diane McFarlin, will take place on July 16-18.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, June 15. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens, and $23 for a family ticket, admitting all members of the family currently living in one household. More information can be found at www.kanelandartsfestival.org.

The goal of the Student-of-the-Term program is to recognize Kaneland High School students who exemplify the type of effort, commitment, character and leadership qualities and academic effort, including achievement, improvement and contributions, that are desired of all Kaneland students. The above-named students will receive a certificate, T-shirt and a plaque.

Kaneland High School recognizes the following students for at least 40 hours of volunteer service this school year: Brittany Bauer, Kami Bauer, Stephanie Bauer, Elaine Cannell, Megan Cline, Dominique Galloway, Dylan Good, Brooke Harner, Amy Husk, Katie Kenkel, Morgan Newhouse, Stephanie Rosenwinkel, Keith Runde, Erik Tattoni.

KHS recognizes the following students for at least 80 service hours during the school year: Eric Eichelberger, Tyler Fabrizius, Valerie Zavala and Mariella Zavala.

These $500 program scholarships are available to both new and returning Waubonsee students. A list of qualifying degree and certificate programs and an application form can be found at www.waubonsee.edu/scholarships, or call (630) 466-7900, ext. 5756.

Contest winners were recognized during an award luncheon on May 15.

Erica Brettman earned a second-place honor in the Environment category with a piece titled, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Ways to Go Green Today.”

Mel Mazuc earned second-place recognition in the Opinion category with an entry titled “He Might as Well Cause Cancer.”

Sarah Arnold earned third place in the Reviews category with “The Coolest, Funniest iPod Apps Money Can Buy.”

Austin Paulson earned an honorable mention in the Graphics category with an untitled graphic.

There will be a senior slide show, student testimonies and special music. The keynote speaker will be Victor Saad, student ministry pastor from Christ Community Church. Graduates should arrive by 6:30 p.m. with their caps and gowns.

The fundraiser will raise money for uniforms, equipment and fees for summer leagues and shootouts.

Prizes, raffles and a silent auction will follow the event. The golf outing is a scramble format and will cost $400 for a foursome; cost is $35 for dinner only.

For information, call (630) 365-5100, ext. 347 or email brian.johnson@kaneland.org.

These $500 program scholarships are available to both new and returning Waubonsee students. A list of qualifying degree and certificate programs and an application form can be found at www.waubonsee.edu/scholarships, or call (630) 466-7900, ext. 5756.

The top three finishers in each of the day’s seven subject area contests received partial Waubonsee scholarships. West Aurora High School turned in the best overall performance at Business Competition Day and received one full Waubonsee scholarship to be given to the student of their choice.

First-place winners included: Cesar Villa, East Aurora High School; Tyler Packard and Tara Olson, Kaneland High School; Jeremy Schmitt, Somonauk High School; Andrew Moment and Kyle Nusbaum, Yorkville High School; and Anna Marie Graham, Rosary High School.

Second-place finishers included: Eric Du, Batavia High School; Matt Schuman, Fox Valley Career Center; Nolan Meehan, Bernard Enriquez and Jeanette Bustamante, West Aurora High School; Abraham Herrera, Yorkville High School; and Elizabeth Healy, Rosary High School.

Third-place finishers included: Ben Justus, Kaneland High School; Jesse Long, Serena High School; Matthew Bily and Jose Valadez, West Aurora High School; Kevin Lafond, Batavia High School; Shanna Pack, Kaneland High School; and Kerry Portillo-Lopez, East Aurora High.

Joining the Hall of Fame in the Friend Category is Donald S. Myers. Pam Ferdinand was named to the Hall of Fame in the Commitment Category. The 1988 girls track team was named in the Teamwork Category.

Mandatory attendance will be necessary to meet the required classroom hours as set forth by the State of Illinois. There are only 30 seats available.

Classes will start June 21 and end July 17. Class will be held on Mondays through Fridays, from 7 to 9 a.m. Behind-the-wheel (BTW) times will be determined once class begins. Before class, after class, afternoons and Saturdays will be used to complete the BTW portion of the class.

The cost of the class is $250. To reserve a seat in this class, please contact Cyndi Violett in Kaneland High School Student Services at (630) 365-5100 ext. 212, before May 1.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity to recognize our talented young artists,” said Foster. “I encourage any interested high school student to submit a piece of artwork in the competition for the chance to represent the 14th District in the U.S. Capitol.”

The Congressional Art Competition, this year entitled an Artistic Discovery, is an annual, nationwide art competition. The contest provides members of Congress with an opportunity to showcase the talents of their creative high school constituents and acknowledge the nation’s gifted young artists.

The winning entry will be sent to Washington, D.C., where it will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building, a well-traveled corridor, where hundreds of people will view the piece of artwork each day. The winning artist will also receive airfare and an invitation to attend a national reception in Washington, D.C. honoring award recipients from across the country. Additionally, the second-, third- and fourth-place entries will be displayed on the walls of Foster’s Washington D.C., Batavia and Dixon offices.

High School students may submit artwork to the competition by delivering their entries to Foster’s Batavia, Dixon or Geneseo offices during normal business hours.

Entries must be received by the close of business on April 30, 2010. Entries are limited to one per student, and entries are not considered complete until Foster’s office receives both the piece of artwork and a Student Information Release form. The release form and competition guidelines can be found on Foster’s website at http://foster.house.gov/ConstituentServices/CongressionalArtCompetition.htm.

Earning the recognition was Rachel Matlock, Early Childhood II, Kaneland High School; Ashley McCool, Early Childhood II, Batavia High School; Jonathon Olson, Emergency Medical Technician, St. Charles North High School; Aaron Summo, PC Maintenance, Repair and Networking, St. Charles East High School; James Tarchala, Game Programming and Technologies, Kaneland High School.

Fox Valley Career Center recognizes students-of-the-month throughout the school year. In order to receive this honor, students are selected by their program instructors because they have demonstrated the ability to do excellent work and accomplish the goals for their career training program during the previous month.

The sale will feature gently-used spring and summer clothing. Certain items will be offered at half price from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Admission is free. Donations are welcome.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit all students of Kaneland John Stewart Elementary. Kaneland John Stewart is located at 817 Prairie Valley St., Elburn.

If you are interested in selling items on consignment or would like further information, call Michelle Klecka at (630) 927-9169 or Laura Molitor at (630) 365-9221.

The screening will check developmental milestones, including speech, hearing and vision. Please note that this is not a kindergarten screening.

To schedule an appointment, call the Kaneland School District Office at (630) 365-5111, ext. 110.

For children younger than 2 years, 8 months, call Child and Family Connections for Kane and Kendall Counties at (630) 761-9227, ext. 117.

The KHS groups learned of Lt. Col. Samuel Aldridge, a vascular surgeon in the U.S. Air Force Reserves who is currently serving his fourth tour, operating on the front lines in Afghanistan.

According to the groups, he is in desperate need of socks for injured soldiers, who are sent from surgery to hospitals with only a sweat suit and shoes, and no socks.

Anyone interested in donating white crew socks are asked to drop them off in the Troops Collection Box outside the Kaneland High School Athletic Office.

For additional information, contact Linda Kelley in the KHS Athletic Department, at (630) 365-5100, ext. 225, or by email at linda.kelley@kaneland.org.

With their unique blend of contemporary and classical styles, The Da Capo Duo presents an innovative and eclectic collection of music. Much of their program features Ben Westfall’s original arrangements for flute and guitar. A set of American film music includes the Forrest Gump Suite and selections from The Hours soundtrack, composed by Phillip Glass.

The Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival takes place on Sunday, April 18, at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road in Maple Park. The festival combines student and professional visual artists, hands-on workshops and professional performing artists and groups. The festival annually draws approximately 3,000 students, families and community members for a day of culture and fun.

For more information, call (630) 777-2955.

Admission is $5 per person.

In order to make the festival the great success that it is from year to year with 3,000 guests attending, the festival needs parent volunteers to help out ushering, handing out programs and assisting guests and artists.

Contact Erin Livermore at erin.livermore@kaneland.org if you are interested in volunteering. The volunteer letter and form is also available at www.kanelandartsfestival.org.

Diane McFarlin, Colleen Grigg, Joann Murdock and Maria Dripps-Paulson represented the 29 faculty and community member planning committee, accepting the award on their behalf and on behalf of the Kaneland School District.

The only Illinois organization affiliated with the Kennedy Center, the IAAE awards schools, organizations and individuals throughout the state for their promotion of the arts, particularly within the schools. The plaque will be on display at this year’s festival on Sunday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information on the festival can be found at www.kanelandartsfestival.org.

Photo: Colleen Grigg (left to right), Joann Murdock, Diane McFarlin and Maria Dripps-Paulson are Representatives of the KCFAF Planning Committee. Courtesy Photo

Over the years, they have given over $3,000 to deserving causes, including community theatres and multiple charities. All proceeds from “Acid Reflux in Wonderland”‘s performance on Friday, April 2, will be donated to the Time Out program at the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, a program designed to help children with cancer as a part of their everyday lives.

The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Jester’s Courtyard Theatre, an extension of All Dressed Up Costumes, located within the historic Campana Building, 901 W Batavia Ave., Batavia. There is also an encore performance scheduled for Saturday, April 3, at 8 p.m.

The sketch comedy troupe was established in 2006 by Kaneland alum Bryan Renaud (class of 2009), and features all original material written and performed by current Kaneland students Ben Tennant, Kasey Ostarello and Ryan Stasell, as well as Bessie Tockstein (class of 2009).

The troupe also recently helmed the talents of Kaneland students Chelsea Roberts, Angela Filippin, as well as many other Kaneland alumni, including Erika Davidson, Katie Holloman and Esther Espino (all of the class of 2007). Nikky Prusinski (class of 2009). Steven Sledzinski, Jill Nigh and Emily Schmidt also join the cast.

Acid Reflux Comedy Troupe’s past seasons will be available for purchase at the show on DVD. You can also purchase the DVD’s online at www.acidrefluxcomedy.com.

Tickets are $10. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling (630) 551-TUMS.

Each year, the Illinois Sheriff’s Association announces it will be awarding more than $53,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2010-11 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institute of higher learning within the state of Illinois.

Perez will award one scholarship in the amount of $500. There are no restrictions on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. The only limitations are as follows:
• Applicants must be Illinois residents
• Scholarships must be utilized at initiations of higher learning within the state of Illinois
• Students must be enrolled as a full time student during the 2010-11 school year (excluding summer session)

Applications are available by calling Dawn Barsanti at (630) 208-2003 or at www.ilsheriff.org. Applications are to be returned to the Sheriff’s Office in the student’s permanent county of residence and must be postmarked by April 12.

State law allows each member of the Illinois General Assembly to award scholarships (a tuition waiver) for Illinois state universities. Awards are given to students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, been active in public and civic affairs and who are in need of scholarship assistance. All applicants must live within the 50th District, which includes parts of Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties. You can determine if you live in the 50th District by phoning Representative Hatcher’s district office or by using the “Legislator Lookup” section of the Illinois General Assembly website, www.ilga .gov.

A total of eight one-year scholarships will be awarded. An independent committee comprised of community members selects the recipients of the 50th District Illinois General Assembly Scholarships. Representative Hatcher has no role in the selection of scholarship recipients.

The application deadline is Tuesday, April 20. For more information or to receive a scholarship application, call (630) 553-3223.

The event will include performances by local bands Red Woody and Back Country Roads.

Proceeds will benefit the students of the Kaneland School District.

Tickets are $20 and available by calling (630) 365-5111, ext. 109, (630) 774-8574 or (630) 881-3240.

The play will be performed in the high school auditorium, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park.

Tickets are $6 for adults, and $3 for children and students.

Parents should bring the original and a photocopy of identification, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, proof of residency and payment for fees, approximately $110. For more information, contact Director of Curriculum Sarah Mumm at (630) 365-5111, ext. 112.

The grant will allow Kaneland to purchase and have installed direct-fired heaters on 34 school buses, and direct-fired heaters, diesel multi-stage filters and closed crankcase ventilation units on five buses. The installation of this equipment means that the buses will not need to be plugged in during the winter, saving energy and money.

The updated technology included in the heaters also meets more stringent emission standards than those currently utilized in the buses, reducing the diesel emissions and fuel consumption of the existing vehicles, as well as improving operational efficiencies.

Transportation Director Jim Ogle, who applied for the grant, was at Monday’s meeting to answer questions from board members.

The heaters will be installed by June 30.

“I think that’s terrific,” School Board member Cheryl Krauspe said during the Feb. 22 board meeting.

Lipsky has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning autism, but during the time she was growing up, no standardized category yet existed for that diagnosis. It is a tribute to her that, through her own determination, she overcame many odds and earned a master’s degree in counseling and education. She was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome much later, at the age of 44.

Today Lipsky speaks nationally, presenting, with a large helping of humor, her own solutions and strategies for coping with autism. She prefers to look at autism as a cultural difference rather than a disorder. She has a way of helping her audience feel what it is like to be autistic. Her presentations work to bridge the gap between non-autistic and autistic individuals. It is her hope that she will help non-autistic persons understand and communicate more easily with those who have autism.

Lipsky draws on her many interests to help get her message across. She raises goats, donkeys, chickens and horses on her farm, is a licensed a wildlife rehabilitator, and participates in Civil War re-enactments.

For information or registration for the Dynamic Child, call Community Therapy Services at (630) 444-0077 or visit www.ctspediatrics.com.

Eligibility for Elburn Scholarships is limited to Kaneland High School alumni and members of Kaneland’s current senior class who will attend a local community college or one of the state universities in Illinois. High school seniors may obtain application forms in the Kaneland High School guidance office. Former recipients should follow their earlier instructions for reapplication.

Awards may also be available for Kaneland High School alumni whose pursuit of a degree was interrupted or who would like to pursue a new career. Such applicants should call (630) 665-2776 for instructions.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, citizenship, community and school service, and commitment to higher education as a means of enhancing potential for contributing to society.

Applications and supporting documents should be returned to: The Elburn Scholarship Committee, 611 Plamondon Court, Wheaton, IL 60189-6305.

The goal of the program is to recognize KHS students who exemplify the type of effort, commitment, character and leadership qualities and academic effort, including achievement, improvement and contributions, that are desired of all Kaneland students.

The council members are asking all students in all grades to collect items to ship to various military bases.

The group is specifically seeking the following items: peanut butter and jelly; individual packages of mayonnaise; crackers; antacids; unscented wipes; foot powder; shaving cream and lotion and mouthwash.

To donate items, drop them off at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Meredith Road, Maple Park. Please label all bags for the sophomore student council supply drive.

The district will check development milestones, including speech, hearing and vision. Please note that this is not a kindergarten screening.

To schedule an appointment, call the Kaneland School District Office at (630) 365-5111, ext. 110.

For children younger than 2 years, 8 months, please call Child and Family Connections for Kane and Kendall Counties at (630) 761-9227, ext. 117.

Applications must be made in January.

The Garfield Farm Museum Historic Administration Scholarship Fund has been established within the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. This annual scholarship is focused on students at the master’s level or higher, pursuing degrees in historic administration, public history, museum administration or related fields of study who preferably have demonstrated a strong commitment to the preservation of historic sites through their studies, work experience, volunteer or other community activities.

Potential applicants from the southern half of Kane County and Kendall County enrolled at an accredited college or university are encouraged to inquire of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley by calling (630) 896-7800 or visit www.CommunityFoundationFRV.org.

Garfield Farm Museum is located five miles west of Geneva off Route 38 on Garfield Road. For information, call (630) 584-8485 or e-mail info@garfieldfarm.org.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children in Illinois. According to a survey by the Illinois Department of Public Health, 55 percent of Illinois third-graders have experienced dental cavities. Among those children, 30 percent have untreated cavities and 4 percent have cavities that need urgent dental treatment.

“Since most tooth decay is preventable, we know it is important to start educating children about good oral health habits at an early age,” said Tom Colgan, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Illinois. “This program inspires a lifetime of good oral health habits and helps further our mission to improve the oral health of the communities we serve.”

Land of Smiles, sponsored by the nonprofit Delta Dental of Illinois, is a theatrical performance in which costumed characters Tooth Wizard and PlaqueMan educate kids on how to get rid of what Tooth Wizard refers to as that “icky, sticky, slimy, grimy, sort of yellowy, greeny gunk”—known as plaque—which causes cavities and damages gums.

Student volunteers will help Tooth Wizard and PlaqueMan demonstrate proper brushing techniques and how to floss using an oversized set of teeth and toothbrush. The characters will also discuss good and bad foods for teeth and why it is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

Scholarships are available to both new and returning Waubonsee students. Details and application forms can be found online at www.waubonsee.edu/scholarships. A printed brochure is also available by visiting Waubonsee’s Office of Fund Development, located in Dickson Center on the college’s Sugar Grove campus, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, or by calling (630) 466-7900, ext. 2983.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top 10 percent of high school seniors. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year.

“Excellent high school grades are tremendously important for laying the groundwork for future college success,” said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis. “Illinois State Scholars are the best and the brightest in our state’s high schools, and we salute them, their families and their teachers on this achievement.”

Earning the distinction from Kaneland were Jenna Bartel, Emily Butts, Kristyn Chapman, Megan Cline, Eric Dratnol, David Dudzinski, Joseph Garlinsky, Tara Groen, Amy Husk, Haley Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Brett Ketza, Kevin Krasinski, Micaela Lane, Logan Markuson, Melanie Mazuc, Vincent Micek, Alexandra Morefield, Joss Nicholson, Zachary Nolte, Tara Olson, Kasey Ostarello, Kylen Pattermann, Justin Phillips, Lisa Roberson, Erin Rodway, Patrick Ruffolo, Kelly Shaw, Nikki Smith, George Spirakis, Elizabeth Webb.

Fox Valley Career Center recognizes Students of the Month throughout the school year. In order to receive this honor, students are selected by their program instructors because they demonstrated the ability to do excellent work and to accomplish goals for their particular career training program during the previous month. Further, these students also exhibited a positive attitude, willingness to work with others and willingness to learn.

However, five of the members resigned because the new schedule, which is the first Tuesday of the month, does not work for them. The FAC accepted resignations from Karen Glad, Sean Michels, Steve Pitstick, Shana Sparber and Melisa Taylor.

With the membership number reduced to 17 from 22, only 10 members must be present to establish a quorum.

According to the Kaneland.org website, the goals of the FAC are to deliberate financial problems, issues and questions, advise the board and administration regarding district finances, and to facilitate cooperation and communication between the schools, the district and the community.

District to put Esker Drive extension to bid
The Kaneland School District will ask for bids for the Esker Drive extension in January. The road extension, part of the Kaneland Harter Middle School construction project, will provide two entrances to the school campus, from Harter Road and Wheeler Road.

Engineering Enterprises, Inc. estimated the cost of the road extension at approximately $1.5 million. The actual cost will be determined once the district receives the bids.

School officials said they anticipate approval of a construction contract by March or April, with completion of the project set for July.

Visit www.kaneland.org for information.

This year’s Madrigal dinner will be held Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m.

The 7 p.m. Saturday show is already sold out.

Visit www.kaneland.org for information.

They will be at the Elburn Library, Reams, Conley’s, Papa G’s and the Community Center.

The group will also perform its annual Madrigal dinner on Friday through Sunday, Dec. 11-13. Ticket information is at www.kaneland.org.

Guests will dine in a 14th century castle by candle light, while being entertained with humor, drama and music.

For ticket information, visit www.kaneland.org.

All performances will be held at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. The opening night will be Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Two performances will follow on Saturday, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday’s performance will be at 2 p.m.

School Board adopts tentative levy
The Kaneland School Board on Monday unanimously passed a adopting a tentative levy of $38 million for the coming tax year. The tax rate for homeowners will be raised to $4.12 per every $100 of EAV for their 2009 taxes, an increase of 14 cents per $100 of EAV. For a homeowner of a $250,000 home, this will translate to an additional $116 in property taxes.

A truth-in-taxation levy hearing will take place on Monday, Dec. 14, with filing scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 29.

The book fair will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on school days, and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, during the choir and band concerts. The book fair will extend its hours until 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7.

The middle school’s student council will provide gift wrapping for any sales during the concerts for a donation.

Call Mary Miller at (630) 466-8400, ext. 77602, or e-mail mary.miller@kaneland.org.

The goal of the program is to recognize KHS students who exemplify the type of effort, commitment, character, leadership qualities and academic effort that the district desires in all Kaneland students.

In an official press release from Kaneland High School, Brian Willis was introduced as the head varsity softball coach after an internal and external interview process involving other candidates.

Willis, in his ninth year at KHS, has coached various levels of boys’ soccer and boys’ basketball. He is currently the advisor of Partners in International Education Club, Model UN and assistant student council advisor.

Willis was involved in varsity softball in May once former varsity coach Dennis Hansen was suspended.

“I stepped in and helped last year and I enjoyed it. A lot of girls encouraged me to go after the job. It’s an opportunity to turn the page and have a fun and positive year,” Willis said.

Willis has been involved in various levels of community softball since 1985.

“I have a passion for softball. Work hard and good things will happen,” Willis said.

The students from each country will conduct presentations each has created to demonstrate what it is like to grow up in their respective homelands.

The opportunity to work with the Danish school came about when its personnel visited the New Lennox School District last fall to learn more about the U.S. educational system. The students participated in fundraising activities during the summer to pay for the trip.

Administration conducts grade distribution study
Kaneland School District Superintendent Charlie McCormick said that the next step in evaluating the current grading system is to complete a study on how the grades are distributed. McCormick said that interim principal Greg Fantozzi will obtain similar information from other schools in the area.

After this information has been gathered and evaluated, McCormick said district officials will take another look at the grading strategy.

• Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.

Conferences will be scheduled in 15-minute intervals and scheduled in the order in which calls are received.

To schedule a conference, call (630) 365-5100, ext. 202.

For Fox Valley Career Center classes, call (630) 365-5113, ext. 170.

The cost for the three-class RAD is $15, which includes lifetime renewals to take the class for free the rest of your life.

The class is open to females age 12 and older. It will teach self-protection and safety information.

The last day of class will feature a padded RAD instructor for simulation instruction.

For more information on this course, call instructor Laurie Hermesdorf at (630) 248-6342.

To sign up for the class, contact Judy Fabrizius at Kaneland High School at (630) 365-5100, ext. 340.

Those students are Tyler Callaghan, Fire Science I, Kaneland High School; Patrick Hess, Auto Technology II, Batavia High School; Kris Marut, Electrician I, Geneva High School; Santiago Soto, Auto Technology I, Kaneland High School; Seri Stoppenhagen, EMT, St. Charles East High School; Kyle Straughn, Fire Science II, Kaneland High School; Alex Weiss, Welding I, Kaneland High School; and Ethan Williams, Auto Technology I, Kaneland High School.

To receive this honor, students are selected by their program instructors because they have demonstrated the ability to do excellent work and to accomplish the goals for their particular career training program during the month. The students also are recognized for exhibiting a positive attitude, willingness to work with others and a willingness to learn.

Middle School
Mon: Grilled chicken on bun, goldfish, corn, chocolate chip cookie
Ala Carte: Hot dog
Tues: French toast sticks, sausage links, tri-tater, Minute Maid juice bar, fruit & milk
Ala Carte: Mini burrito, mini tacos
Wed: Baked spaghetti, garlic bread, cooked carrots, tossed salad with dressing, fruit & milk
Ala Carte: Cheesy pretzel
Thu: Chicken wrap, celery/carrot sticks w/dip, dessert.
Ala Carte: Chicken patty
Fri: Grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup w/crackers, green beans, apple crisp.
Ala Carte: Pizza

Tickets will be on sale for $10, as well as 20-count Fun Fair game punch tickets for $8 ($10 at the door) prior to and during the fun fair. The first prize winner will receive a Compaq Presario CQ60 Notebook Computer, second prize iPod Touch, third prize is $100.

All proceeds will benefit the Blackberry Creek PTO.

The fair will include activities such as inflatable bouncers, an obstacle course, mini raffles, face painting, races, more than 20 games with prizes and a dessert walk. Also included is a free kid’s craft corner. The Elburn Fire Department will be on location with their trucks and equipment from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Concession sales will consist of Paisano’s pizza, hot dogs and a wide variety of snacks—cash only please.

Potential volunteers can contact one of the committee chairpersons.

Raffle and punch tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Tracy Healy at (630) 365.5341 or kevscaddy@aol.com, or Robynn Pawlak at (630) 365-1344 or pawlakcpa@hotmail.com.

Admission representative Sarah Daugherty will be available to meet with high school juniors and seniors beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, contact the high school guidance office.

Monmouth College is a private, four-yea liberal arts institution of 1,350 students in western Illinois.

Friday’s sale hours are from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday’s sale hours are from 9 a.m. to noon.

The sale will feature gently used fall and winter clothing including infant wear, boys clothing through size 20, and girls clothing through junior sizes, jackets, shoes, boots, toys, games, puzzles, books, videos, jewelry and sports equipment. Certain items will be offered at half price from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Admission is free, and strollers are welcome.

The proceeds from the sale will benefit all students of Kaneland John Stewart Elementary. Donations are welcome.

Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School is located at 817 Prairie Valley St., Elburn. Anyone interested in selling items on consignment, or looking for more information, please contact Michelle Klecka at (630) 365-1518 or Laura Molitor at (630) 365-9221.

Bill McSkimming, owner of Riverfront Chrysler and grandfather to second-grader Shannon and sixth-grader Abby McSkimming, donated a gift of $1,400. He will work with Operation Outreach to use the money to purchase two books for each child in second grade and a class library of books for each second-grade teacher.

The Magic of the Spellbinder is the inaugural performance of the Festival Performance Series and tickets are on sale now.

Walter King, Jr., a.k.a. The Spellbinder, has entertained audiences across the country from the 2009 Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival to the Mirage and Stratosphere in Las Vegas.

The Spellbinder has exclusive experience and training in theater, film, and special effects. The Spellbinder is an African American Illusionist-Magician, who has performed with stars like Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Hudson, and the Temptations.

This show is appropriate for people 5 and older. For more information on the Spellbinder, visit www.magicofthespellbinder.com.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens, and $23 for a family ticket. A family ticket admits all the family members who reside in the same residence.

Purchasing presale tickets is encouraged. Ticket forms are available in all of the buildings of the Kaneland School District as well as the Kaneland website at www.kaneland.org.

Questions and comments can be directed to Maria Dripps-Paulson, executive director of the Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival, at (630) 365-5100, ext. 180.

Ticket winners for the Magic of the Spellbinder
MAPLE PARK—The Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival announced the following ticket winners for the Magic of the Spellbinder, the inaugural event of the Festival Performance Series on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Kaneland High School Auditorium.
• Bridget Hankes-Ixpata
• Brandi Tyse
• Carol Harvell
Participants entered their names in a drawing at the Sugar Grove Farmers Market, the Sugar Grove Corn Boil, and KanevilleFest to win free tickets to the Sept. 12 event. Tickets are now on sale for this event and forms are available at the main offices in all of the Kaneland School District buildings as well as online at www.kaneland.org.

The school food service account is required to limit its net cash resources to an amount that does not exceed three months’ average expenditures for its nonprofit school food service.

According to Assistant Superintendent for Business Julie-Ann Fuchs, one significant advantage of this change is that the hot lunch program is a well-balanced and nutritional meal consistent with the district’s wellness policy. By reducing the price, students may be encouraged to select a healthier choice for their lunch, she wrote in a memo to the board.

Students 18-years-old and younger who want to pursue their study of the arts, but who cannot afford the cost, are invited to apply for help through the program. Students may apply for scholarships for private music lessons, classes, and ensembles, as well as for art and theatre classes. The fall semester begins in September.

The deadline for financial aid applications is August 31.

The NIU Community School of the Arts is sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Northern Illinois University. There are approximately 80 teachers offering lessons on most musical instruments, as well as in art and theatre. More than 500 community people from nearly 50 towns and cities travel to DeKalb each semester for lessons and classes.

Application forms are available by calling the office at (815) 753-1450 or online at www.niu.edu/extprograms. The NIU Community School of the Arts is located in Room 132 of the Music Building.

Board members participate in self-evaluation
The Kaneland School Board members, Superintendent Charlie McCormick and associate Superintendent Jeff Schuler participated in a self-evaluation on Monday, facilitated by a representative of the Illinois Association of School Boards.

The purpose of the session was to help board members work more effectively with each other on behalf of the community, School Board President Lisa Wiet said.

The meeting took place in a session closed to the public. The Illinois Open Meetings Act allows the board to meet in closed session for the purpose of self-evaluation when it meets with a representative of its statewide association.

Board approves additional funding for Harter Road campus
The Kaneland School Board on Monday signed off on an additional $99,754 for the Harter Road Middle School construction, to shore up poor soils found under Harter Road at the entrance to the school.

A portion of the money, $30,000, is covered by an unsuitable soils allowance, and $5,000 will be taken from a contingency allowance. The remaining $64,754 was approved through a change order by the board.

Kaneland parents are encouraged to bring their children, ages 3 to 5, to be screened. Development milestones including speech, hearing and vision will be checked.

This is not a kindergarten screening.

To schedule an appointment, call (630) 365-5111, ext. 110.

For children younger than 2 years, 8 months, please contact Child and Family Connections for Kane and Kendall Counties at (630) 761-9227, ext. 117.

Honor Roll
9th grade
Erin Arndt, Rebecca Arnold, Dhurata Azemi, Raymond Barry, Madison Bluml, Jordyn Boley, Zachary Brown, Acalia Cleaver, Andrew Correll, Ashley Cottier, Ashley Diddell, Alex Dorado, Zachary Douglas, Katelyn Dudzinski, Mitchell Gemini, Ariel Geraghty, Ryan Goodenough, John Goodrich, Matthew Grimm, Samantha Hansen, Samantha Heinle, Austin Henkelman, LaQuanda Hood, Seleana Isaacs, Jordan Jones, Sarah Kitz, Denitza Kolev, Ryan Kolk, Kelly Kovacic, Alec Krueger, Amber-Rose Lano, Cesar Lazcano, Ashton MacKenzie, Aracelli Magana, Jacob Mazuc, Nicholas McCarney, Kayley McPhee, Julianne Miller, Brendan Morgan, Amelia Napiorkowski, Diana Nuno, Konstantin Paraskevov, Austin Paulson, Sierra Perteete, Jordan Phillips, Edker Pope, Jari Ramos-Orbe, Sawyer Rego, Courtney Reiss, Josias Rodriguez, Angela Schramer, Grace Snyder, Erica Sorensen, Meggen Southern, Dalton Stewart, Michael Tattoni, Carolina Tovar, Amber Urich, Bryan Van Bogaert, Savannah Webb, Taylor White, Joshua Williams, Jordyn Withey, Maverick Wojciechowski, Erin Woodill
10th grade
Athina Ajazi, Yesenia Ayala, Kristina Bowen, Taylor Bradbury, Patrick Bratschun, Kayla Burns, Tyler Callaghan, Josiah Camiliere, Shaela Collins, Lauren Crites, Jonathon Delgado, Cali Dickerson, Andrea Dimmig Potts, Brian Dixon, Nicholas Dodis, Michelle Dugan, Tyler Esposito, Zachary Ganz, Angelica Garza, Damien Gilbert, Hayley Guyton , Michael Hammermeister, Megan Hanlon, Anna Henrichs, Elizabeth Hylland, Kelsey James, Kellie Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Allison Jones, Pamela Katsigiannis, Dylan Keith, Maria Kernychny, Skyler King, John Kintz, Kristen Krajewski, Nathan Krauz, Cameron LeBlanc, Mark Merfeld, Kaitlin Munyon, Joshua Nahley, Derek Nordine, Angela Parillo, Angelica Perez, Jimmy Ramirez, Stewart Ream, Kendall Renaud, Keith Runde, Colleen Ryan, Nicole Rymarz, Curtis Secrest, Briana Stark, Charlene Steininger, Bethany Swartz, Robert Thorson, Erich Turk, Alexander Vallejo, Logan Vines, Christian Williams, Ryan Wozniak, Robert Zachara, Kelsey Zollinger
11th grade
Danielle Anderson, Randi Bader, Ryley Bailey, Brittany Bauer, Robert Bergstrom, Chloe Bluml, Dennis Brettman, Edgar Celaya, Jaclyn Diehl, Scott Dienst, Brock Dyer, Andrew Eberle, Olivia Fabrizius, Angela Filippin, Kalina Flamand, Sabrina Gabriele, Lauren Gallucci, Colleen Gebauer, Jeffrey Gillett, Dylan Good, Tyler Hamer, Aaron Hayman, Matthew Ikemire, Jaclyn Isham, Lindsay Kahl, Tessa Kuipers, Caitlin Larson, Brandie Mattice, Jessica McHenry, Donald McLennan, Thomas Orr, Sean Paulick, Brenda Petersen, Izatmar Quiroz, Jordan Rego, Matthew Reusche, Connor Risch, Erin Rocha, Erin Rodway, John Scholl, Alyssa Snyder, Bradley Staker, Daniel Steinmiller, Cody Stults, James Tarchala, Benjamin Tennant, Kayla Thompson, Jacob Tickle, Xavier Torres-Valdovinos, Abigayle VanDerHeyden, Katie Walton, Nicholas Zimmer
12th grade
Cecelia Anderson, Jacob Astin, Garrett Austin, Kathryn Banbury, Joshua Bloome, John Brennan, Michael Chavez, Paul Davies, Laney Deligianis, Samantha Dixon, Alycia Donais, Kevin Durrenberger, Kelsey Fletcher, Alyssa Galvan, Eric Geiger, Lindsay Gierke, Mallory Gigl, Sally Gorenz, Kristen Hamer, Laura Hansen, Kathryn Hatch, Adrian Hernandez, Erin Heyob, Amanda Hilton, Mallory Huml, Brianna Hurst, Sonja Isaacs, Jenna Ivkovich, Krista Johnson, Lydia King, William King, Christopher Kovacic, Meghan Krajewski, Robert Kuti, Nathan Lewis, Robert Locke, Dylan Luse, Grant Mooney, Brittany Nelson, Michael Nguyen, Alexandra Olson, Daniela Parra, Benjamin Paulus, Troy Pritchard, Scott Proctor, Frank Reyes, Leah Richards, Paige Rogers, Sara Rose, Luis Ruiz, Joseph Ruppel, Samantha Sills, Kyle Slamans, Joseph Spitzzeri, Zachary Stavinsky, Jessica Stebbins, Kyle Stryczek, Annelise Weiss, Rick White, Lauren Whittaker, Cassandra Wilson, Mariella Zavala, Dana Zimmer

School Board approves plans for Esker Drive extension
The School Board on June 15 approved plans for the Esker Drive extension at the Harter Middle School site. Engineering Enterprises, Inc. has estimated the cost at approximately $1.5 million.

The extension will allow traffic to travel south on Esker Drive through to Wheeler Road in Sugar Grove, providing another entrance to the school in addition to the Harter Road entrance.

The project will be put out to bid.

School District receives donations
The Kaneland School Board accepted the following donations on June 15:
• $750 from an Educational Alliance Grant to Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School for math and science education
• $6,000 from the Kaneland McDole Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to purchase technology and school improvement
• Used weight-training equipment from XSport Fitness with an approximate value of $4,000 for the Kaneland Middle School on Meredith Road.
• $1,496 from Spring Bluff Nursery, Inc. for Kaneland John Shields Elementary School grounds beautification
• $800 from the Kaneland John Shields PTO to the John Shields Learning Resource Center for the Book Chat project in conjunction with the Rebecca Caudill Award.

Kaneland High School would like to recognize the following students for at least 40 hours of volunteer service this school year: Kalina Flamand, Lauren Galloway, Dylan Good, Amy Husk, Haley Johnson, Haley Peterson and Haley Johnson.

Kaneland High School would like to recognize the following students for at least 80 hours of volunteer service this school year: Caitlin Baker, Brittany Bauer, Stephanie Bauer, Sarah Harant, Mitchel Malatak, Morgan Roberts, Nikki Smith, Mariella Zavala and Valerie Zavala.

The next recognition will take place in January, 2010.

Caitlyn Sharp was added to a growing list of GIVE students that have volunteered at lease 40 hours (Level 1) during the recent school year.

Natalie Swieca reached Level 2 by volunteering at least 80 hours during the recent school year.

The next Kaneland Knights GIVE recognition will be January 2010.

The first-place winners include Anna King, eighth grade; Sheldon Bartmann, second grade; Gavin Shafer, second grade; Heather Diehl, fifth grade; Maxwell LeDone, second grade; and Leina Kameyama, 12th grade.

The second-place winners were Teri Ruffolo, seventh grade; Hannah McCarron, first grade; Sophia James, kindergarten; Lillie Lindgren, first grade; and Xitlaly Andrade, first grade.

District seeks public bids
Kaneland will seek public bids on projects that need immediate attention. The money to pay for the projects will come from excess referendum money not used due to cost savings.

At its May 27 meeting, the School Board approved $57,000 to replace one of the two well pumps that serve the campus. The current pump is 26 years old and running at 15 to 20 percent capacity.

The board approved $55,000 to resurface the running track with a polyurethane structural spray to extend the use of the track eight to 10 years and avoid replacing the surface itself, which would cost double that amount.

The district will repave and repair the west and southwest entry drives and the west half of the bus parking lot. It will also fill cracks, seal coat and re-stripe the southwest parking lot, east entry drive and large northeast parking lot. The total cost is $950,000.

The board approved $29,000 to renovate the public washrooms under the press box.

Gordon named McDole, Shields assistant principal
The Kaneland School Board approved the appointment of Kevin Gordon as assistant principal of McDole and John Shields elementary schools at its meeting on Monday.

Gordon comes from the Geneva School District, where he taught fifth grade. He will serve as assistant principal in the southern part of the district, while Laura Garland will serve in the northern part at Blackberry Creek and John Stewart elementary schools.

Plattos donates raffle winnings
Music specialist Nika Plattos donated $2,500 to McDole and John Shields elementary schools. She won the money in a raffle called Classroom Makeover, that she entered at the Illinois Educators Association annual conference. The money was donated to the raffle by West Music Company.

Stewart PTN donates to help finish mural
John Stewart Elementary School is finishing up the mural in the Learning Resource Center thanks to a donation of $2,000 from the Parent Teacher Network.

The murals around the upper walls were inspired by student art work and are being recreated by professional artists Laura VanGemert and Steve Mockus on a larger scale on masonite board that will be attached to the walls.

Other sections of the mural have been funded by the Kaneland Foundation and the Arts to Remember program.

For Luck Wachiraskulchok (exchange teacher from Thailand at Rotolo Middle School), Elisabeth Overath and Afeenarmia BahMinor (German and Malaysian students attending Geneva High School), and Po Wongwoottisaroch and Ryoko Kawaguchi (Thai and Japanese students attending Kaneland High School), it meant joining the United Methodist Church of Geneva’s mission trip to New Orleans.

After enduring a long ride to St. Bernard Parish; sleeping for a week on bunk-beds at Camp Hope; rising early to drywall, sand and paint houses under restoration; and conversing with locals who had lost everything, the exchange teacher and students returned home exhausted but happy with what they had learned and how much they had accomplished.

Po wondered before the trip just what a hammer and toolbox were. He is now adept at mudding drywall on a ceiling and has become an experienced painter. He didn’t mind the warmer weather and Cajun music, either.

“I had a great experience in New Orleans. This trip and the people I met in New Orleans changed my life,” Ryoko said. “I was surprised a lot. It’s been almost four years, but people in New Orleans still need help. Some of them don’t have a house yet. Some trees are still dead. Many stores are still closed.”

“When we were working, we had a chance to meet some people who were in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina came,” Ryoko said. “They showed us pictures and videos that they took of their houses and communities right after the hurricane. That was a great experience to meet them. I’m so happy I got an opportunity to help people. I hope I can do something like that soon again.”

The Katrina work trip took place March 28 through April 2. The teacher and students named above are studying in the U.S. this year under the auspices of AFS Intercultural Programs. They were joined by 16 other volunteers from the church.

Photo: Exchange students from local schools took part in Camp Hope, the United Church of Geneva’s mission trip to New Orleans. Courtesy Photo

The purpose of the visit was to inform the students about the availability of scholarships for graduating seniors who will be continuing their auto tech education at the community college level. Another reason for the visit was to demonstrate to the students the simplicity of the Model A Ford. The morning was spent with a hands-on seminar that detailed the car’s various systems and parts.

The Fox Valley Club sought to instill an appreciation of Henry Ford’s sensational little car in “the next generation.”

By the end of the day, more than 65 students and Career Center Auto Tech instructors, Clayton Hansen and Paul Potvin, had the opportunity to climb in and under several examples of the Model A Ford. They were able to look inside a sliding gear manual transmission and understand the simplicity of mechanical brakes. Other principles of the internal combustion engine were also clearly explained.

To cap each learning block experience, the kids enjoyed a ride around the parking lot. The “new” concept of the rumble seat was an immediate favorite. The Fox Valley Club was very appreciative of the opportunity to get their scholarship message to the students and to show off their cars.

Photo: Fox Valley Career Center auto tech students learned about the Model A Ford during a visit from The Model A Restorers Club. Courtesy Photo

The keynote speaker will be Tim Badal, a teaching pastor from Village Bible Church in Sugar Grove.

Spending cuts continue
Kaneland officials continue to reduce deficit spending to achieve the balanced budget required by July. From a deficit of $1,478,344 that they projected in February, to being $113,724 away from its goal, the district says its cuts paid off.

“In February, we became very pro-active. We have made significant progress toward balancing our revenues and expenditures for the 2009-10 school year,” Assistant School Business Official Julie-Ann Fuchs said. “The cuts we made are truly starting to help us reach the goal of a balanced budget.”

The district reduced spending by $500,000 in nonpersonnel cuts. It also cut full- and part-time staff positions.

New board settles in
The newly elected members of the Kaneland School Board took the oath of office Monday.

Newcomer Kenneth Carter and incumbents Elmer Gramely and Cheryl Krauspe join Bob Myers, Diane Piazza, Deborah Grant and Lisa Wiet as members of the 2009 School Board.

The new board unanimously elected its officers. Returning to their respective positions are Lisa Wiet as board president, Elmer Gramley as vice president and Cheryl Krauspe as secretary.

The public is encouraged to stay to hear presentations on district learning projects at the School Board meeting. Staff members involved with the projects will present the first-place award winners for the Fox Valley Career Center’s Skills USA, a kindergarten through fifth-grade Collaborative Ocean Project, a sixth-grade through eighth-grade Collaborative Medieval Fair Project, the high school and Career Center Small World Student Books Project and the Bright Red Apple Award.

The host family provides a bed and meals and welcomes the student as a member of the family. Local trained volunteers provide orientations and support throughout the year. Contact Leanndra Bowen at (630) 365-1529.

Proceeds will benefit Kaneland’s horticulture and FFA programs.

Prices are $12 to $18 for a flat of flowers; $1 each for herb and vegetable plants; $4 for a geranium and $10 for hanging plants.

The greenhouse entrance is on the southwest corner of the school, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park.

For more details, call Laura Widham at the high school, (630) 365-5100.

“The Congressional Page Program is a tremendous learning opportunity for our future leaders,” Foster said. “Many successful and accomplished people have gotten their start from the Page Program, from Bill Gates to President Lyndon B. Johnson.”

Foster will nominate one high school junior to the second session of the summer program in Washington, D.C., which runs from July 5 through Aug. 1. Pages assist members of Congress with their legislative duties, deliver correspondence and small packages within the congressional complex, answer phones in the member cloakrooms and prepare the House Floor for sessions.

Interested high school juniors must live in the 14th Congressional District of Illinois, and must be at least 16 years of age. Applicants must submit a completed application via fax or hand delivery to either Foster’s Dixon or Batavia office by the close of business on May 1.

Applications may be downloaded at foster.house.gov/UploadedFiles/pageapplication.pdf. Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Security number, a parental consent form, official transcript of high school grades, a written essay, a resume of extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation.

Members of Congress take turns nominating students for the Congressional Page Program, meaning that the opportunity to nominate a page is a rare occurrence.

For more information about the Congressional Page Program, visit pageprogram.house.gov.

A qualified instrument technician will appraise the instruments and donation letters will be provided for the assessed value. Low student rental fees will cover repair and maintenance of the instruments. Eligibility to rent will be determined through confidential free and reduced lunch program criteria. Only brass or woodwind instruments will be accepted (no percussion or electronic instruments).

For more information, contact Suzanne Satterfield at (630) 365-8170, ext. 246 or suzanne.satterfield@kaneland.org.

Mandatory attendance will be necessary to meet the required classroom hours as set forth by the state of Illinois. There are only 30 seats available.

Classes are from June 22 to July 24, and will be held Mondays through Fridays, 7 to 9 a.m. Behind-the-wheel times will be determined once class begins. Before class, after class, afternoons and Saturdays will be used to complete the behind-the-wheel portion of the class.

The cost of the class is $250. To reserve a seat, call Mary Albrecht at (630) 365-5100, ext. 210, before May 1.

State falls $1 million behind in payments
So far, Kaneland has received $500,000 from the state for its transportation fund, but officials are not optimistic they will get all four payments.

The state board has released the second and third payments, but the comptroller doesn’t have the funds to make the second payment, let alone the third and fourth.

The state is two payments, or $1 million, behind what it owes to Kaneland.

“We’ll be lucky to get payment number two this year,” School Business Official Julie-Ann Fuchs said.

Filling the new middle school
Once the Kaneland Harter Road Middle School building is completed, it will need to be outfitted with furniture and equipment. At its meeting on Monday, the School Board approved bids to furnish the school totaling $1,985,085.

“This is one of the largest bids Tom (Runty) and I have ever worked on,” School Business Official Julie-Ann Fuchs said.

The bids were as follows: $152,365 from Wenger Corporation for music room equipment, $25,139 from Midwest Tech for industrial arts equipment, $25,804 from Blick Art for art equipment, $146,252 from Henrikson for library furniture, and $1,635,525 from Lowery McDonnell for classroom furnishings.

Officials said that all the technical equipment that is currently in the Meredith Road Middle School will be taken out and used throughout the district.

Second wave of personnel reductions
The Kaneland School Board continued its reduction in personnel needed to keep expenditures down.
It approved reducing the noncertificated staff of paraprofessionals by 11 positions. Additional voluntary resignations bring the total number of noncertificated staff positions lost to 14.5.

“It is possible that several of these positions may be called back with additional staff turnover prior to the start of the 2009-10 school year,” Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Jeff Schuler said.

Employees who are let go are not dismissed through any performance-based criteria. The action is a reduction of force. They have the right to recall in order of seniority, should positions become available.