Those Who Excel Winner: Tommy Wolfe
Several members of the Stevenson community are receiving Those Who Excel awards from the Illinois State Board of Education this month. Here is a brief article on one of the recipients, Tommy Wolfe, who was chosen for the Award of Merit in the Early Career Educator category.
Go to the end of the school year, and you’ll begin to understand what drives science teacher Tommy Wolfe. That’s when he dedicates an entire day to saying goodbye to his classes, addressing each student. “For everyone in the class, he talks about their greatest qualities,” said one of his former students, “which is one of the many things he does that displays the immense amount of love he has for teaching.”
Now in his fifth year teaching biology and physics, Wolfe has been a whirlwind in and out of the classroom. He’s made a significant impact not only on students, but also on his colleagues. Science Director Dr. Steve Wood said it’s no coincidence that the first two science curricular teams to make the transition from traditional grading to evidence-based reporting (EBR) are the two teams on which Wolfe teaches.
“Tommy’s passion and positivity are contagious, inspiring colleagues to tackle new challenges and innovate in the classroom,” Wood said. “Seldom have I seen a young educator garner the respect of his colleagues and lead in the ways he has.”
Wolfe has served on the Literacy Committee at SHS, is a sponsor of Operation Snowball, and even coordinates Friday morning faculty basketball games. He’s also working on his doctorate through DePaul University.
While a graduate student at the University of Illinois, Wolfe was part of Project NEURON, which developed middle and high school science curriculum materials emphasizing inquiry and active learning.
Wolfe’s teaching philosophy reflects several influences. He adheres to John Dewey’s philosophy of “learning by doing,” but takes it further by following George Curous’ challenge to go beyond engaging students and actually empowering them.
“My most influential high school teacher, Mrs. Bowers, told me when I started teaching, ‘If you show a student you care, they will do the work,’” Wolfe said. “I never disagreed with the statement, but I never fully understood the power of it until I myself became a teacher.”
Thursday’s Digest will feature Those Who Excel winner Dan Larsen.
Seal of Biliteracy Oct. Test is Closed, Registration Still Open for Nov.
A record number of students are seeking to earn a seal of biliteracy on their diploma and have registered to take the AAPL or ALIRA exam on Oct. 18. Registration for the Oct. exam is now closed. Demand for this exam has resulted in addition of a Nov. 8 exam date. Students who would like to take the exam in November must pay and register in person in Room 2434.
What Could Really Happen if my Child Drinks One Night?
Stevenson‘s Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, Dr. Cristina Cortesi, will share regular reflections during the school year in the Daily Digest. For more information on Dr. Cortesi and the substance abuse prevention program, visit her web page.
Experimental use of drugs and alcohol in the teen years may seem innocent and safe to some, but there are many unintended consequences that can result from even occasional use that can be irreversible and/or devastating. When teens drink, they tend to binge drink–5 or more drinks of alcohol at one time. This can lead to risky decision making, such as unintended sex, use of other drugs, fighting, etc. In addition, teens can drink to the point of alcohol poisoning or can pass out, aspirate and risk death. Is it worth the risk?
Baseball Fundraiser at Portillo’s Today
The SHS baseball team is holding a fundraiser at Portillo’s in Vernon Hills from 5-8 p.m. today. Bring in this flyer or show it on your phone when ordering, and 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit the program.
Click here for today’s athletic schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 9 Varsity Results
Boys Golf
Stevenson at IHSA Class 3A Palatine Sectional: Led by sophomore Conan Pan, the Patriots placed second (301) behind Lake Forest (296) at the Bittersweet Golf Club in Gurnee. Pan earned medalist honors with a score of 71. Senior Jackson Bussell, 2017 state champion, carded a 74 and senior Alexander Kim added a 76 to round out Stevenson’s scoring. Also competing for SHS were senior Mark Noonan (80), sophomore William Fishbein (83) and junior Jake Surane (87). Stevenson travels to the Den in Fox Creek in Bloomington for the state tournament, which begins Friday. This will be the Patriots’ second state appearance in a row, and their sixth in school history. SHS has reached state five times under current head coach John Rueth, who has led the program since 2001. – Official Results | Daily Herald
Boys Soccer
Stevenson vs Grayslake Central: Boys soccer won their final home game of the year 2-0. Their record is now 11-3-2 overall and 4-2-1 in conference. The first goal of the game was scored by junior Camron Mahdavian, assisted by sophomore Anthony Skordilis and sophomore Alem Duratovic. Senior Hunter Tam connected with the net for the second goal and classmate Luka Lezhava earned the assist. Congratulations to the seniors on the team who were honored last night. The game was streamed live and is available for on demand replay on the NFHS Network.
Hockey Fundraiser, Fan Appreciation Night Saturday
The boys ice hockey team is holding Fan Appreciation Night and having a fundraiser at the Lincolnshire Chipotle on Saturday. The varsity plays Glenbrook South at 5:40 p.m., followed by the junior varsity versus GBS at 7:40. Stevenson plays at the Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion, 1500 Abbott Ct., in Buffalo Grove. Every student who attends will receive a SHS hockey rally towel. There also will be a raffle. Prizes include two skybox tickets (including food and beverages) to a Chicago Blackhawks game, four tickets to Fright Fest at Great America, plus restaurant gift certificates. The fundraiser takes place from 5-9 p.m., which means there will be time before and after the varsity and junior varsity games to buy a meal. When ordering, show this flyer or mention “Stevenson hockey” to the cashier, and 33 percent of the sale will go to the team.
Cozzi Getting Cozy With Role on Volleyball Team
The varsity girls volleyball team has some tough matchups remaining in its regular season schedule, including tonight’s contest at Warren, which will have a major impact on the North Suburban Conference title chase. One of the Patriots’ key players has been Lily Cozzi, who is in her second year on the varsity. The 6-foot junior rarely leaves the floor and is emerging as a team leader. She talked with Pioneer Press about her growth as a player and person.
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Click This Link to See More Announcements
Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors Who Have Relocated
Seniors who relocated more than 50 miles, and are currently in good standing, may be eligible to apply for a scholarship through the Corporate Relocation Council of Chicago (CRC). Students will be evaluated on academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and on their response to an essay addressing the way they handled the challenges associated with relocating to a new area and a new high school. The application deadline is Jan. 1, 2019.
Everyone is invited to join the Spanish Club for its “Holy Guacamole” event from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday in the Culinary Arts Lab. If you like guacamole, then you’ll love this!
ILLINOIS EDUCATION HEADLINES
University of Illinois at Chicago flourishes amid struggles at state’s public universities
Why suburban school districts are discussing arming teachers
Harper College president calls on business community to partner with education
Construction to begin for Zion-Benton Township High School’s new performing arts center
MBA applications down at Chicago, Northwestern as economy booms and international students stay home
NATIONAL EDUCATION HEADLINES
The 6 college experiences that determine if you thrive as an adult
Report: Few high schools have persistent graduation challenges
New Jersey district will screen all students for lead exposure
Colleges set to fight for fewer students
Florida schools prepare for Hurricane Michael
One month after Hurricane Florence, this campus is still picking up
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The Daily Digest is compiled and edited by Jim Conrey. To subscribe or unsubscribe, contact him at jconrey@d125.org.
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