Testing has become an issue in many school districts because of the amount of time spent on actual testing and conclusions made based on testing. S chool administrators spend countless hours preparing tests, calculating numbers, and compiling tables to track academic progress of students and to hold teachers accountable…teachers drill, cram and coach their students, telling them to love knowledge for its own sake while dutifully recording marks and percentages for report cards and posterity.” This is a description of how testing currently is being carried out in some schools. Yet, these testing practices are how schools in the late 1800’s embarked on the widespread use of written examinations as described by William Reese in his book, Testing Wars in the Public Schools. Critics contend that American students are over-tested. A recent study of two midsize school districts’ assessment plans and testing calendars found that students in heavily tested grades spent 20 to 50 hours each year completing tests and students in high-stakes testing are involved in test preparation for 60 to 110 hours annually. In our school district, we are reviewing our use of assessments to determine if the results are useful in measuring student growth, and aid teachers in developing well-informed lessons to meet the needs of our students. Online assessments provide quick feedback so instructional adjustments can be made promptly to improve student learning. More use of online assessments is being considered to replace some existing assessments. New State Assessments In 2010, Illinois began implementing the new Illinois learning standards alignment to the English language arts and math common core state standards. Beginning in the coming school year, the state will launch new assessments linked to these common core standards. The new assessments will measure how well students are mastering the new standards and ultimately, how ready they are for college and further career/technical education. State educators indicate that new common core standards are more rigorous and provide a clearer focus than previous Illinois learning standards. End-of-year summative assessments will be administered by the state to assess student performance against a common set of standards. State officials point out that the new summative assessments will go beyond measuring students’ abilities to memorize facts as the current state assessments do by focusing on critical thinking and knowledge application skills. The state also is participating in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College Careers (PARCC) which will replace the Illinois Standards Achievement Testing (ISAT) for students in grades 3-8. This spring selected students throughout the state have been requested to take field tests to determine which test items are best. It is an opportunity to ensure that students can use the schools’ computers to take the tests and to identify any issues for those taking the paper and pencil versions of the new tests. Some of our third grade and seventh grade students will be participating in the field tests. To view more information about PARCC along with a video provided by the state, access our Benjamin District 25 website at www.bendist25.org. Full Day Kindergarten For All Students Next year full day kindergarten will be expanded from half of the students attending to all students being able to participate in the full day program. The results from the full day program have been very positive regarding students growing significantly academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Each child now will be able to benefit from the all day program! Teacher Appreciation Week Finally, you are invited to help us celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, to highlight our talented and dedicated educators. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those educators who have positively influenced our lives! Sincerely, Philip M. Ehrhardt, Ed.D. SUPERINTENDENT Philip Ehrhardt, Ed. D. Superintendent D ear F riends, A Benjamin School District 25 communique connecting schools and the community. SPRING 2014 Benjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents. T B e N . 25 | co n n e ct B e N . 25 | co n n e ct “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Socrates “
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Testing has become an issue in many school districts because of the amountof time spent on actual testing and conclusions made based on testing.
School administrators spend countlesshours preparing tests, calculating
numbers, and compiling tables to trackacademic progress of students and to holdteachers accountable…teachers drill, cram andcoach their students, telling them to loveknowledge for its own sake while dutifullyrecording marks and percentages for reportcards and posterity.”
This is a description of how testing currentlyis being carried out in some schools. Yet, thesetesting practices are how schools in the late1800’s embarked on the widespread use ofwritten examinations as described by WilliamReese in his book, Testing Wars in the PublicSchools.
Critics contend that American students areover-tested. A recent study of two midsize schooldistricts’ assessment plans and testing calendarsfound that students in heavily tested gradesspent 20 to 50 hours each year completing testsand students in high-stakes testing are involvedin test preparation for 60 to 110 hours annually.
In our school district, we are reviewing ouruse of assessments to determine if the resultsare useful in measuring student growth, and aidteachers in developing well-informed lessons tomeet the needs of our students. Online
assessments provide quick feedback soinstructional adjustments can be made promptlyto improve student learning. More use of onlineassessments is being considered to replace someexisting assessments.
New State AssessmentsIn 2010, Illinois began implementing the
new Illinois learning standards alignment to theEnglish language arts and math common corestate standards. Beginning in the coming schoolyear, the state will launch new assessmentslinked to these common core standards. Thenew assessments will measure how well studentsare mastering the new standards and ultimately,how ready they are for college and furthercareer/technical education. State educatorsindicate that new common core standards aremore rigorous and provide a clearer focus thanprevious Illinois learning standards.
End-of-year summative assessments will beadministered by the state to assess studentperformance against a common set of standards.State officials point out that the new summativeassessments will go beyond measuring students’abilities to memorize facts as the current stateassessments do by focusing on critical thinkingand knowledge application skills.
The state also is participating in thePartnership for Assessment of Readiness forCollege Careers (PARCC) which will replacethe Illinois Standards Achievement Testing(ISAT) for students in grades 3-8. Thisspring selected students throughout thestate have been requested to take field teststo determine which test items are best. It isan opportunity to ensure that students can
use the schools’ computers to take the tests andto identify any issues for those taking the paperand pencil versions of the new tests. Some ofour third grade and seventh grade students willbe participating in the field tests.
To view more information about PARCCalong with a video provided by the state, accessour Benjamin District 25 website atwww.bendist25.org.
Full Day Kindergarten For All StudentsNext year full day kindergarten will be
expanded from half of the students attending to allstudents being able to participate in the full dayprogram. The results from the full day programhave been very positive regarding students growingsignificantly academically, socially, emotionally,and physically. Each child now will be able tobenefit from the all day program!
Teacher Appreciation WeekFinally, you are invited to help us celebrate
Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, to highlightour talented and dedicated educators. We allowe a debt of gratitude to those educators whohave positively influenced our lives!
Sincerely,
Philip M. Ehrhardt, Ed.D.SUPERINTENDENT
Philip Ehrhardt, Ed. D.Superintendent
Dear Friends,
A Benjamin School District 25
communique connecting schools
and the community.
S P R I N G 2 0 1 4Benjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents. T
BeN.25|connectBeN.25|connect“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
Socrates
“
T Benjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents.S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
SCHOOL FINANCE 101
District’s Financial Statusand ProjectionsTight economic conditions warrantcontinuously monitoring the district’scurrent and projected financial health. Atthe February 10 board meeting, PMAFinancial Network presented a report ofthe existing and five-year projections’conditions.
The Fiscal Year 2014 revenue sources total$10,610,547. Just over 90 percent ofrevenue is derived from property taxesand other local sources. Like mostChicago suburban school districts, localproperty taxes are the main source of thedistrict’s revenue.
Fiscal Year 2014 expenditures total$10,553,261. The district’s salary andbenefits comprise nearly 71 percent ofexpenditures. Purchased services includecontracted transportation, custodial/maintenance, and food which amounts to14.3 percent. Capital outlay (equipment)and supplies/materials, which consists of8.7 percent of the budget, were reducedin 2009 and these expenditures haveremained at the decreased level.
State funding amounts to 7.4 percent ofrevenues and federal funding accounts for2.3 percent. Delays in state funding toschool districts continue to occur, whichcomplicates implementing the budget.
Our district’s revenues continue toexceed expenditures and we intend toextend this trend. In 2004 the schoolboard estimated that the additionalreferendum-generated revenues wouldlast at least through 2012.
“PMA’s five-year financial projectionsindicate there will be no need to considera referendum through 2019, whichreflects the sound financial practices ofthe administrators as directed by theschool board,” points out Philip Ehrhardt,Ed.D., superintendent.
Additional information about thefinancial practices of the districtincluding cost-saving measures andtuning into the superintendent’spodcasts may be found on the district’swebsite, www.bendist25.org.
Fast Facts About Benjamin District 25The 2013 Benjamin SD25 Report Card offers a wealth of information regarding snapshotdemographic details about the district, as well as academic and fiscal performance. There aresimilar report cards for each school. To view the report in its entirety, visit online atwww.illinoisreportcard.com
Racial / Ethnic DiversityStudent Academic Growth
Average Class Size
ISAT Test Results: Composite Reading & Math
79% ISAT Scores
730Total Enrollment
2Schools
50Teachers
4%Student Mobility
8% Low IncomeStudents
16% Students withDisabilities
6%English Learners
$7,252InstitutionalSpending
$13,038OperationalSpending
White (72.9%)Black (1.5%)Hispanic (11.5%)Asian (10.5%)American Indian (0.1%)Multi Racial / Ethnicity(3.4%)Pacific Islander (0%)
District State
District State
District State
20
2013 2012 20122013
21
83
59
79
59
New Cut Scores Old Cut Scores96
83
105 102 105 101
72.9%
3.4%10.5%
11.5%
1.5%
Growth Value
% Meets & Exceeds
Reading Mathematics
20
15
10
5
0
200
150
100
50
0
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Average Class Size
FY2014 Revenue - $10,610,547Revenue by Source Detail - FY 2014
FY2014 Expenditures - $10,553,261Expenditures by Object Detail - FY 2014
TBenjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents. S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
The future for journalism is bright, as evidenced by the sample article from our Benjamin Middle School newspaper:
Veterans Day Assembly at BenjaminBy Catherine Miller, student reporter
On November 11 every year, the UnitedStates celebrates those who have
fought for the country. Benjamin is no exception.On November 11, Benjamin Middle School held aVeterans Day assembly in the big gym toremember and honor all the veterans. Inaddition to the student and staff attendees, theMayors of West Chicago and Carol Stream, andseveral school board members attended. Theassembly included the scouts leading the Pledgeof Allegiance and music by the choir, fifth grade,and the band. Students who contributed to theseportions of the assembly all did an awesome job.
In addition to the music and videos,students got to see many of the veterans in their
very own Benjamin community.Several veterans from theBenjamin community came tothe assembly. All of the specialguests were introduced andthanked. Also, two veterans,Edward Obrachta and PaulLorenzo, spoke and shared someof their interesting stories withBenjamin students.
Veterans Day is a day forremembrance, honor, andthanks all across the UnitedStates, including at BenjaminMiddle School.
Benjamin sixth graders participate in an exciting hands-on assembly to learn more about energy sources andrenewable energy. Discussions of wind force, power,electricity and old-style windmills were reinforced asstudents built their own Vertical Axis Wind Turbines,thanks to a special LEGO local initiative grant.
Science Exploration!
Family Ties: KinChau, (dad); Kim Ly(mom), Lisa-Kim Sang,(sister), and Jeni-KimChau, (sister).
Career Highlights:She has been teachingfourth grade for sevenyears at EvergreenSchool, and alsocurrently serves as atechnology liaison.Her many extraendeavors includehelping with the beforeschool BOKS studentexercise program, coordinating the Math Boostprogram for before and after school tutoring, andrecently helped put together Family Math Night.
Favorite Benjamin District 25 Memories:Some of her favorite memories of her earlyDistrict 25 years are rocket launching anddissecting in Mark Bradbury’s science class;cooking hotdogs in solar ovens as a part of ChrisHlinak’s science class; building castles in MarkMason’s social studies class; art projects withAnna Mead; building bridges out of toothpicksand testing their strength in Mrs. Valek’s scienceclass; and student council.
Favorite teachers: “I loved all of my teachers,”says Chau, who adds, “When I think of the
Kimpha Chau, currently an Evergreen School
fourth grade teacher, says she has come full
circle—-beginning her school years at Evergreen
School and returning as a fourth grade teacher.
She graduated from Benjamin Middle School
(1998), West Chicago Community High School
(2002), North Central College (2006 bachelor’s
degree in elementary education), and the
University of Phoenix (2012 master’s degree in
curriculum and instruction with a
specialization in computer education). She
resides in West Chicago.
teachers that have made adifference in my life, my mindgoes straight to my BenjaminDistrict 25 years.” Favoriteteachers from each schoolinclude Cathy Bieniasz, thirdgrade, and Mark Bradbury,eighth grade science teacher.
How District 25 helpedprepare me for the future:“The teachers I had as a studentleft a huge impression on me,”says Chau, who notes that herteachers had high expectationsand inspired in her the
confidence to want to do her best. “They all had apassion for what they taught.”
In high school, she was advised to pick a careerthat she would love doing every day. “When Ithought about what made me happy, I thoughtabout school,” she recalls. “School was my life, Imet new people all the time, I learned a lotabout so many different things, I gainedconfidence, and I felt happy being in school.Every day was a learning experience to me.”
Chau says she most wants to be like the teachersshe once had. “I want to inspire others the waymy teachers inspired me, and to buildconfidence in other students the way myteachers did in me.”
Where Are They Now?Benjamin District 25 Spotlight On Kimpha Chau
TBenjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents. S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
In this feature, we take a look at one of the many shining stars for whom Benjamin District 25provided a solid educational foundation and helped lay the roots for blossoming careers.
ACROSS THE DISTRICT
Highlights
Kimpha Chau in the eighth grade.
Teaching fourthgrade math.
A first gradestudent from
Mary ElaineLegan’s art class
shares his“seahorse”
picture patternedafter author and
illustrator, EricCarle, at a recent
board meeting.
Fifth grade teacher Jill Wheaton andstudents analyze owl pellets to
learn what owls eat at BenjaminSchool’s Red, White and Beautiful event.
Philip Ehrhardt, Ed.D, superintendent,welcomes an Evergreen School
second grade student as“superintendent for a day.”
The student’s family won the activity inthe Benjamin Foundation for
Educational Excellence Trivia Night silent auction.
TBenjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents. S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
A comprehensive technology integrationenhancement plan, created by a
committee of students, staff and parentrepresentatives, was unveiled recently andincludes opportunities for students to expandlearning opportunities throughout the school dayand at home.
Expanded access to technology is expectedto augment learning in five specific areasincluding academic content, communication andcollaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity, and innovation with specificteacher and student indicators, according toPhilip Ehrhardt, Ed.D, superintendent.
Beginning this fall, students in grades 4-8will have access to personal computers whichwill be assigned for use at school and at home.Students will use the same device each year andwill return it at the end of the school year forsummer updating. Parents and students mustattend an orientation/training just before schoolstarts in the fall. Additional training sessionswill be offered for parents throughout the year.
Third grade students will have personalcomputers for use at school only, and students inkindergarten, first and second grades will useclusters of personal computers and electronicwhiteboards in their classrooms.
Technology Integration & EnhancementBenjamin
District 25 willlease computersfor a four-yearperiod. Anannualtechnology feewill include a bag thatstudents in grades 4-8 will use from year-to-yearto carry the device, as well as cover the cost formaintenance of computers, software upgradesand other technology-related costs. Studentsmay keep the bag when they leave the district
YEARLY TECHNOLOGY
FEES:$95 grades 4-8$75 grade 3$35 grades K-2
Student Fees For 2014-2015 School Year Grade Tech Usage Level Fees Fee
Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . $78 . . . . . . . .$351st Grade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $74 . . . . . . . .$352nd Grade. . . . . . . . . . . . . $76 . . . . . . . .$353rd Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79 . . . . . . . .$754th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 . . . . . . . .$955th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $82 . . . . . . . .$956th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $84 . . . . . . . .$957th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $91 . . . . . . . .$958th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 . . . . . . . .$95
Extracurricular Program Fees After-School Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15Chess Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35Girls Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65Interscholastic Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65Intramurals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30Additional Intramurals . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15NJHS, includes T-Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20Pompons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35Sixth Grade Basketball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35Theater Club, Cast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30includes T-ShirtTheater Club, Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20includes T-Shirt
Other Fees Transportation: K-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $425/year.K-4 one way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $215/all year. Hot lunches at Benjamin Middle School will remain . $3.00/lunch.Milk is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20/year.Apple juice is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37/year.Band Fee, 1 student. . . . . . . . . . $250/year.Band Fee, 2 students. . . . . . . . . $400/year.Band Fee, 3 students. . . . . . . . . $562/year.
Our Thanks!
Our Benjamin-Evergreen PTA was recently chosen to receive the 2014 Take YourFamily To Work Week grant from the National PTA in support of their
extraordinary efforts to bring families to school for the Evergreen math night and book fairevents. The grant program encourages strong family engagement and the importance ofpartnership between parents, teachers and school administrators.
Present for the grant presentation at a recent board meeting and Family Math Nightwere: Laura Pfanenstiel, Evergreen principal, Howell Granger of the AXA Foundationsponsoring part of the grant, and Amy Teske, Benjamin-Evergreen PTA president.
The $1,000 grant will be used to help expand the at-home and school-based Lexiareading program designed to aid students in mastering foundational reading skills.Teachers track Lexia skill progress and provide lesson plans and practice actvities to helpstudents achieve goals. Real time data aids in designing individualized instruction andoffers below grade level and early readers a proven, evidence-based method to jumpstartreading success.
Mark Your CalendarsApril 27
Benjamin-Evergreen PTAFun Run, 1:30 p.m. Red Hawk Park
May 2Half-day schoolimprovementPreschool screening, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Call 630-876-7810 forappointments
May 8Art Extravaganza & Second Grade Musical, 7 p.m. Evergreen School
May 9School improvement day
May 12Board of Educationmeeting, 7 p.m.boardroom
May 14Early dismissal
May 18National Junior HonorSociety Relay for Life Walk,Benjamin School
May 21Benjamin band and choirconcert, 6:30 p.m.
May 26Memorial Day—-no school
May 28Benjamin spring sportsawards night, 6:30 p.m.,small gym
June 98th grade graduation
June 10Last day for preschoolLast day for kindergarten
June 11Last day of schoolBenjamin 11:10 a.m.dismissal, Evergreen 11:40a.m. dismissal
June 16Board of Educationmeeting, 7 p.m.boardroom
Make The BeN.25CommunicationConnection!Building and maintaining open lines ofcommunication with members of our BenjaminDistrict 25 family are key ingredients to making adifference in the lives of the children we serve. Avariety of communication methods are availableto share a compliment, address a question orcommunicate a concern to the superintendent.They include:Written: Send written communication tothe Administration Service Center, 28W250St. Charles Road, West Chicago, IL 60185.
Phone: Call 630-876-7800 to speak with Dr.Ehrhardt, or leave a voice mail message.
E-Mail: Use the address: [email protected].
Fax: Use the Benjamin District 25 fax line at 630-876-3325 to send your comments to Dr. Ehrhardt.
ECRWSSPOSTALCUSTOMER
NonProfit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDPermit No. 179West Chicago, IL 60185
Additional calendar dates may be found on the district website atwww.bendist25.org.
Please note that because Benjamin District 25 mails its publications by postal
route, some individuals who do not live withinBenjamin District 25 may receive this mailing.
A Benjamin School District 25 communique
connecting schools and the community.Board of Education:Tammy Mastroianni, President
Jack Buscemi, Vice President
Gregg Lemkau, Secretary
Vince EngstromJodi Krause
Dennis PetersonAnna Taylor
Superintendent:Dr. Philip M. Ehrhardt
Benjamin District 25’s Ben.25Connect community newsletter was recognized in 2010 and 2012 with a
top Award of Excellence by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public
Relations Association.
BeN.25
connectBeN.25
connectBeN.25
connectT Benjamin District 25 publishes BEN.25 Connect for parents and residents.S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
Mark Your Calendars
District 25 Spring Breakout 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Kindergarten Registation
Saturday, April 2610 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pick up race packets at Dick Pond Athletics,
26W515 St. Charles Road, Carol Stream
Registration Fee for 5K or One Mile:$25 Children (12 and under) / $30 Adult
Sunday, April 27 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Late registration/packet pick up at Red Hawk Park
» 1:30-3:30 p.m. Children’s activities» 2 p.m. One-mile Fun Run/Walk» 2:30 p.m. 5K» 3:20 p.m. Awards presentation
facebook.com/BenjaminDistrict25
Sunday, April 27 / Red Hawk Park, Carol Stream
Sponsored by the Benjamin-Evergreen PTA. For information: www.bendist25.org/pta or email [email protected].
Kindergarten registration is ongoing at Evergreen Elementary School. For the 2014-2015 school year, students will be attending all day. To be eligible to attend kindergartenin the fall, a child must be five years old on or before Sept. 1. Parents are asked to bringtheir child’s original county birth certificate, parent work phone numbers, emergencycontact home numbers and doctor’s phone number with them to register.
The forms for child health, eye and dental examinations for kindergarten must becompleted and returned to the Evergreen School office by the end of this school year orto the Benjamin District 25 Administration Service Center by Aug. 1. Forms areavailable on the district’s website at www.bendist25.org or packets are available at theEvergreen School office.
All documents must show proper address. For registration information, call theEvergreen School office at 630-876-7810.
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