The Wit “Roars” To First Place In Scholastic Press Association
The Wit Magazine recently learned that its 2021 edition from last school year was awarded first place by the American Scholastic Press Association. Meanwhile, sophomore Rithika Rajesh also took first place in the Outstanding Art category for her Digital Art, “Lion.”
“The award reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire Wit staff, as well as all the remarkable art and writing that our student body submitted for consideration,” said Robert Zagorski, one of the sponsors of The Wit.
Patriot Singers Practice With A Patriot Pro
The Patriot Singers were treated to some instruction and coaching at their practice during seventh hour on Monday by someone who once used to be in their shoes and is now out performing in the real world.
Tommy Novak, a 2007 Stevenson graduate (blue blazer in photos), was back on campus to help instruct the Patriot Singers and share with them useful vocal preparation techniques. The group would sing segments of songs normally, then with the techniques. The Patriot Singers’ practice consisted of about 50 choir members who were preparing for an upcoming competition. It was led by choir directors Alice Nuteson (orange sweater in photos) and Kirstin Snelten (brown sweater in photos) and a parent volunteer played piano.
Novak was involved in choir and fine arts while he was a student at Stevenson. He is currently an active performer and educator in the fields of music and theatre.
“The students were very receptive to Tommy’s work with them in class and it really brought our performance skills to the next level,” Snelten said.

Apply To Be A Camp Patriot Role Model!
Love kids? Camp Patriot might be the place for you! PREP’s Camp Patriot is looking for Stevenson alums and students who are current sophomores and older to work as role models for our day camp at Stevenson this summer! Role Models help our Kindergarten through 8th grade campers play gaga, experiment in science, create art and have fun. Please click here to apply or reach out to Isaac Brubaker with questions!
Juniors: Take a Free SAT Practice Exam…Register Now
Just a reminder that on Saturday, Feb. 5, juniors will have the opportunity to sit for a free, full-length SAT practice test (without the essay or accommodations). This proctored practice SAT exam, which will run from 8 a.m to 12 noon in the Fieldhouse, will help build endurance and give a real-time snapshot of testing performance. Scores are received the same day and will be accessible through the student dashboard. Students must register by Monday, Jan. 31.
Each registered family will also have the chance to arrange an optional virtual meeting with an Academic Advisor at Revolution Prep, who will help you to understand the score report, identify strengths, and target opportunities for improvement. This is NOT a requirement for registering for the practice SAT test.
If you have any questions please contact Ellyn Ross at (847) 415-4556. To schedule your optional, complimentary SAT score report virtual review please contact our liaison Jeanette Brink at Revolution Prep, at (708) 300-9276 or email Jeanette.Brink@revolutionprep.com.

Girls Softball Information Meeting Is Friday Via Zoom
Want to try out for the softball team? Please attend Friday’s informational meeting at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Tryouts for the program, which includes a varsity team and two JV teams, begin on Feb. 28 either in the Stevenson Fieldhouse or at the varsity Softball Field depending on weather. Click here for a detailed document listing information for all spring sports meetings and tryouts.
Athletic Results
Girls Basketball: The Patriots traveled to Mundelein and rolled to a 58-17 victory to move to 24-1 overall and 11-0 in the North Suburban Conference. Simone Sawyer and Ava Bardic both put up 12 points apiece, while Emory Klatt chipped in with 10 points. Brianna Welter scored 9 points and Kate Arne added 7 points. The Patriots are back in action against Warren at 7 p.m. on Friday at Warren’s Almond Campus.
Girls Bowling: The Patriots took on North Suburban Conference opponent Zion-Benton last night and won 9-0. Anna Reyes was the top bowler with a high score of 222 for a game and a 654 series. Next up is Mundelein on Wednesday at Lakeside Lanes. The action starts at 4:45 p.m.

How Has The Pandemic Changed The Way Educators Think About Homework?
Chicago Public Schools high school journalism and English teacher Ray Salazar is part of a growing movement of educators rethinking homework in light of the pandemic. The heightened stress of COVID-19 has led many teachers to think more critically about their impact on students’ mental wellbeing, and districts around the country are turning toward social-emotional learning as a way to nurture and better support students during this time of isolation and increased anxiety. The pandemic has also reignited a debate that teachers and academics have struggled with for decades: What is the most effective strategy for assigning and grading homework?
State Efforts To Close The K-12 Digital Divide May Come Up Short
Students and teachers alike struggle with digital connectivity – but education is just one area in which technology matters.

The Week Ahead
Mark your calendars for these events and see the Stevenson Calendar for details on these and future programs.
Jan. 25: Incoming Freshmen Course Selection Evenings
Jan. 27-29: Frosh/Soph Play: The Marvels
Jan. 31: Consortium Jazz Concert
Feb. 1: PPA Meeting
Feb. 1: BPO Meeting