Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017

Washington Post Publishes Senior’s Op-Ed Piece

Senior Conrad Oberhaus has participated in numerous national academic competitions over the past 10 years, ranging from chess and geography to business and literature. Conrad also has become a student of how such competitions work, and his research has led him to conclude that their formats discriminate against students — especially Hispanics — from the country’s most populous states. He stated his case in this Washington Post opinion piece published Wednesday.

Using U.S. census data, Conrad found that students from the two most populous states, California and Texas, have access to only 4 percent of the national spaces in iconic academic competitions such as the National Geographic Bee, the Presidential Scholars program, and the U.S. Academic Decathlon. Meanwhile, Wyoming and Vermont, which has less than 1 percent of the nation’s student population, are given an equal number of spaces.

Conrad argued that the American Mathematics Competition provides the model format that other contests should follow. In the AMC, advancement is based on a baseline test score rather than a set distribution of slots by state.

“Denying equal access to students in competitions limits their opportunity for success and potentially extinguishes their flame of hope,” he wrote. “The mission of equal opportunity in education should extend to national competitions for the social and economic welfare of our nation.”

Conrad’s column was based on a self-directed research project he began last year, and was completed with assistance from SHS Social Studies teacher Peter Anderson and Brandon Wright, editorial director of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an educational think tank, in Washington, D.C.

World Languages Teachers Give Presentations

Five members of the World Languages faculty gave presentations at the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages fall conference last week in Tinley Park. Here is a summary of who spoke and their topics:

For Students By Students: Portfolio in the Foreign Language Classroom: German teacher Paulina Glowacka and World Languages Director Justin Fisk discussed how moving to a growth-based portfolio model has led to improved assessment in the school’s German program.

Designing and Implementing Standard-Based 5-Year Chinese Curricula Without Using Textbooks: Chinese instructors Li Ye and Janet Wang demonstrated how their program’s curriculum works without using textbooks. They talked about how not using textbooks has improved students’ communicative skills and better prepared them for Advanced Placement-level courses.

A Standards-Based Grading Starter Kit: Fisk, Spanish teacher Patrick Grady, and Director of Assessment Anthony Reibel shared the basic tenets of evidence-based reporting (EBR), and how the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages are embedded within.

One of the conference’s main presenters was former SHS French teacher Todd Bowen, who now leads the World Languages Division for Niles Township District 219.

PPA Bake Sale Donations Sought

The Patriot Parent Association will hold its next bake sale Wednesday afternoon. Adults who want to donate items can sign up using this link.

PATRIOT SPORTS

Click here for today’s athletic schedule

Wednesday’s Varsity Results

Boys Ice Hockey

Barrington 4, Stevenson 3 (OT): The Broncos (6-6-1, 4-6) scored at the 1:30 mark in the overtime period at Crystal Lake Ice House, avenging a loss to the Patriots last month. SHS (16-6, 4-2) struck first, getting an opening-period goal from senior Trevor Hilt off an assist from junior Seth Cohen. After Barrington responded with a pair of goals, senior Jackson Leptich evened the score at 2-2 with an unassisted goal in the third period. Senior Roey Kleiman gave SHS a 3-2 lead two minutes later, assisted by classmate Michael Dowd. Senior goalie Nicolas Almenara made 30 saves. Each team had 34 shots on goal. The two teams will face off one more time this season, on Dec. 3. – Boxscore

Sophomore Football Team Goes Undefeated

The sophomore football team went undefeated this season, capping its 9-0 season with an exciting finish last Friday. Trey Faunce kicked a 34-yard field goal to give the Patriots a 24-21 win over Warren. The victory also marked the 200th career win for sophomore coach Joey Weber. Quarterback Justin Hiller drove SHS 62 yards in 64 seconds to set up the field goal, connecting on passes to Kenny Cacioppo, Mike Youkhanna and Rishik Kancharla. The close call against Warren was rare for Stevenson, which trailed only twice during the entire season while holding opponents to an average of 6.8 points per game. The team’s defensive coordinator was Guy Boliaux, who played at Wisconsin and spent time in the NFL with the Bears and the Cardinals.

JV Girls Golf Team Concludes Dominant Season

Not only did the varsity girls golf team reach the state tournament, but the junior varsity also had a standout season. SHS went 11-0 in dual matches and won the North Suburban Conference and Glenbrook South Invitational championships. At the conference meet, the Stevenson JV outshot every varsity squad except for the Patriot varsity. Freshman Briana Fidman won the NSC JV championship, sophomore Julia Yoo captured the GBS crown, and freshman Faith Wang took top honors at the New Trier Invitational with a 36.

STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Football Playoff Tickets for Sale

Tickets for Saturday’s state playoff football game at Hinsdale Central are available through the Patriot Superstore and its online store. Tickets are $5. For $10, students can purchase a ticket and ride the pep bus, which will leave Lot B at 1 p.m. and return there after the game. Students must ride the bus to and from the game. The Patriot Superstore is open 30 minutes before school begins, and during the lunch periods (11:10-1:41). Ticket sales end at the conclusion of Friday’s lunch periods. Kickoff Saturday is at 3 p.m.

Turn In Your Reflection Worksheet, Get a Prize

Don’t forget to turn in your reflection worksheet from Tuesday night’s “Let’s Talk About Your Future” exercise with your parents or guardians. Worksheets can be turned in at any Student Services office through Friday. Students who turn in a worksheet will receive a prize.

Halloween Costume Policy for Students, Staff

Students and staff can wear Halloween costumes to school. Because we want this to be a fun and safe experience for everyone, we ask that anyone wearing a Halloween costume adhere to a few long-standing school rules. These rules include: No face coverings such as masks, disguising makeup, or sunglasses; no double-meaning suggestive phrases on clothing or anywhere on the person; and no inappropriate props such as look-alike weapons. The rules are in effect not only during the school day but also during any after-school activity or event on campus on Tuesday.

CLUB NEWS

Stevenson’s newest club, Auto Club, will have an informational meeting from 3:30-4:30 p.m. today in the Student Activities Office (Room 1102). If anyone is interested in working on 1947 Jeep Willys and wants to learn how to work on cars, come to the meeting to find out more! Contact Mr. Phelps at rphelps@d125.org with any questions.

ATHLETICS

The sophomore boys basketball team will have an informational meeting at 3:35 p.m. today in Room 2900. If you cannot attend, please contact Coach Hess at dahess@d125.org.

The girls bowling team will have an informational meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Room 2002. If you cannot attend the meeting, contact Coach Johnson at rjohnson@d125.org.

ESPPA award nominations for the fall season are now being accepted through Monday. To make a nomination, fill out the form at this link. All are welcome to vote, including parents, fans and students. Any questions can be directed to Mr. Hodge at mhodge@d125.org.

COLLEGE NEWS

Are you thinking about studying music in college? Midwest Young Artists Conservatory is holding its free “College Night at the Fort” at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. This event is for students who want to pursue a career in music, or who want to continue to perform while exploring other career opportunities. There will be a panel discussion with college faculty and professional musicians from the Chicago area. The event will be held at 878 Lyster Rd. in Highwood.

The University of Illinois-Springfield, the University of Dayton, Gettysburg College, and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising are among the colleges coming to visit Stevenson next week. To see the complete list of college rep visits, and to find out how to sign up for one, visit www.d125.org/RepVisits.

ILLINOIS EDUCATION HEADLINES

Neuqua Valley principal among recipients of national leadership honor

Former Evanston teacher sexually abused students, lawsuits claim

Decatur history teachers eager for new JFK documents

SIU faculty, students raise doubts about restructuring plan

Nurses on picket line concerns some Palatine District 15 parents

Dixon explores renaming middle school because it’s “confusing”

Crystal Lake district wondering why buses were moved before inspections

Graffiti found at Glenbard South a “cause for concern”

Rauner loses round in fight over teaching cursive in schools

Parents protest CPS special education policies before board meeting

Former College of Lake County employee joins board of trustees