Student Creates Remote Volunteer Organization
Sophomore Avi Gogineni saw a need in the community last spring after reading an article about the isolation elderly patients in nursing homes and hospice centers were experiencing due to COVID-19 visiting restrictions.
Gogineni responded to this need by forming The Elderly Help, an organization that provides students and community members an opportunity to volunteer remotely by sending encouraging cards, letters and works of art to patients in designated hospice centers in four states. More than 80 volunteers have participated to date and Gogineni is seeking additional volunteers and centers.
This Patriot was inspired to volunteer and give back after participating in the Stevenson Key Club and we applaud this example of a Commitment to Others!
Hybrid Learning Feedback from Students
It has been wonderful to have students back in the building under the Hybrid Learning Plan. Last Friday, we asked students for feedback. They offered suggestions and 90% said they have had a good in-person experience and plan to come back. Examples of some of the feedback received include:
“I personally think I felt quite safe in relation to distancing and covid in general…”
“All of my teachers did a great job this week.”
“I just liked being back.”
“I like being able to talk to my teachers during passing periods”
“No suggestions, it’s going great so far”
“They (the teachers) acted very safely.”
Students have a choice and for students who have chosen to learn from home, we look forward to welcoming more students back!
Congressional Debate Team Members Compete at National Tournament
Ten students from the Congressional Debate team represented Stevenson at the virtual Barkley Forum National Tournament, held by Emory University in Atlanta.
Those who competed were Michelle Velyunskiy, James Xie, Aditi Ambravan, Mahum Sheikh, Srikar Kovvuri, Anna Xie, Sriya Mamidanna, Aditi Singh, and Ojasvi Saxena.
Among our competitors, Aditi Ambravan, Aditi Singh, Ojasvi Saxena, Mahum Sheikh, and Maddie Wang broke beyond the preliminary rounds and progressed to quarters.
Congratulations Patriots!
Cold Weather iPad Care
With extremely cold temperatures in the weather forecast, members of the Stevenson SMARTdesk want to remind students that iPads should not be left outside in cars or areas that could be cold such as a garage.
Apple shares on their support page that low- or high-temperature conditions might cause devices to change behavior and using an iOS device in very cold conditions outside of its operating range may temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to turn off.
PATRIOT SPORTS NEWS
Girls Badminton Match Postponed Today
The girls badminton team was scheduled to face Zion-Benton this afternoon. That match has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Feb. 5, at 4:30 p.m. in the Field House.
Live Streaming of Boys Varisty Bowling Today
Look for a “Live” camera icon on the Stevenson Athletics Schedule webpage for opportunities to view contests remotely. The boys varsity bowling team’s match against Waukegan will be streamed live today, Feb.4, at 4:45 p.m.
Fencing
The Patriot fencing team traveled to New Trier for the first meet of the season yesterday. The girls team fell to the Trevians 16-32 and the boys team recorded a 34-14 victory. Both teams are back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 10 for a home match versus Maine West.
Girls Bowling
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the girls bowling team had their first match of the season against Grant High School. The Bulldogs defeated the Patriots (0-1) 2294-2220 in a three-game series. This team will face Warren Township tomorrow.
Start Dates for 2020-21 Athletic Seasons
The Illinois High School Association released information last week on the sports seasons for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. Detailed start and end dates for winter, spring, and summer sports seasons can be found on the IHSA webpage.
For many multi-sport athletes, there is an overlap of seasons. Student-athletes involved in a current sport season will be allowed to participate in a tryout for a cut sport in the next season, but they will be expected to finish the current season in good standing before joining that next sport, provided they make a roster. If the sport in the next season is a no-cut sport, the athlete will be able to join that program after their current season is complete.
For more specific information on which sports at Stevenson are no-cut and cut sports, please visit individual team pages at https://www.d125.org/athletics.
EDUCATION NEWS
Out-of-Conference Guidelines Announced by IHSA
New scheduling guidelines were announced by the Illinois High School Association in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding out-of-conference games which will create more flexibility for schools as they put together schedules for upcoming athletic seasons.
Tennessee Supreme Court to Hear Voucher Appeal
The Tennessee Supreme Court recently agreed to consider the state’s request to restore a school voucher law that was overturned last spring by a lower court. The order addresses Tennessee’s quest to create an education savings account program to provide taxpayer money to eligible families to pay private school tuition.
Stevenson Daily Digest 