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nsA Guide For Incoming Freshmen Class of 2019 Welcome from Student Services

“The Point” at Stevenson

Dear Freshmen and Parents:

The people of Student Services are happy to know you will be

joining us for the next four years. This booklet has all the

information you need to assist you in making a smooth transition

to high school. It is full of information to keep you abreast of

what you should be doing and when you should be doing it. The

answers to many of your questions can be found in this booklet.

To begin the transition process, it is imperative that you read

pages 6-12 prior to mid-January to learn about all of the

important events scheduled to occur. We encourage you to mark

your calendars with all of these important dates.

For your information, any time you need to contact Stevenson,

the switchboard can be reached at 847-415-4000. Switchboard

hours are 6:30 a.m-6:30 p.m. on school days. For direct calls to

people or department offices, replace the last four digits with

the extension.

Stevenson High School offers many opportunities educationally,

athletically and socially. Many of the events to get you started

are listed in this booklet. We are hopeful that you will take

advantage of all that we have to offer. The people of Student

Services look forward to working with you in the coming months.

Stevenson Student Services

2 0 1 5 I L L I N O I S B E S T PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL

2 0 1 4

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATIONDistrict 125Bruce LubinPresident

Steve FrostVice President

Terry MoonsSecretary

Gary Gorson

Sunit Jain

Merv Roberts

David Weisberg

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFDr. Eric TwadellSuperintendent

Mark MicheliniAssistant Superintendent for Business

Troy GobblePrincipal

Dr. Gwendolyn ZimmermannAssistant Principal for Teaching & Learning

Ken LatkaAssistant Principal for Operations

PROGRAM DIRECTORSTricia Betthauser 847-415-4226Athletics

Sarah Bowen 847-415-4501Student Services

Wendy Custable 847-415-4151Applied Arts

Justin Fisk 847-415-4701World Languages

Ted Goergen 847-415-4461Student Activities

Jon Grice 847-415-4751Fine Arts

Darshan Jain 847-415-4601Mathematics

Doug Kahler 847-415-4301Information Services

Douglas Lillydahl 847-415-4326Communication Arts

Jill Lipman 847-415-4229Physical Welfare

Jay Miller 847-415-4801 Special Education

Brad Smith 847-415-4651Social Studies

Dr. Steven Wood 847-415-4401 Science

DEANSSue Crook 847-415-4024

Kathy McCauley 847-415-4037

David Schoenfisch 847-415-4035

Steve Tucker 847-415-4062

Nick Valenziano 847-415-4036

Daryl Wallace 847-415-4065

COUNSELORSJerry Franklin 847-415-4510

Amy Grove 847-415-4514

Mary Jones 847-415-4524

Sarah Kellogg 847-415-4521

Allison Kulla 847-415-4544

Patty Martin 847-415-4525

Katie Moran 847-415-4519

Lindsay Perkins 847-415-4536

Tim Roznowski 847-415-4532

Lisa Scanio 847-415-4526

Carol Seeger 847-415-4534

Terese Sullivan 847-415-4868

Dawn Timm 847-415-4540

Hector Vazquez 847-415-4541

Susan Biemeret 847-415-4505Post-Secondary Counselor

Dan Miller 847-415-4509Post-Secondary Counselor

EAST OFFICE NURSESGrace Difiglio 847-415-4028

Lisa Lau 847-415-4019

WEST OFFICE NURSESPeg Cucci 847-415-4025

Pam Kiefer 847-415-4039

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Superintendent Dr. Eric Twadell (left) and Board of Education President Bruce Lubin

DATE EVENT PAGEJanuary 12-16 Math & English Benchmark exams at Junior Highs .........................6

January 20-23 World Language Benchmark exams at Junior Highs .......................6

January 20, 22, 28 Parent/Student Orientation Evenings...............................................8

January 24 Benchmark exams at Stevenson.....................................................6

January 30 Enrollment forms due ......................................................................7

Early February Benchmark exam results mailed home............................................8

February 5,10 Course Selection Evenings ...........................................................11

Late February Freshman Course Verifications mailed home .................................11

March 25 Co-Curricular Fair .........................................................................13

May 2 Benchmark Retests & Make-ups at Stevenson ..............................6

June 9-July 2 Summer School–Semester One ....................................................12

July 6-July 30 Summer School–Semester Two ....................................................12

June & July Summer PREP Sports Camp & Activities ......................................12

August 3-11 Band Camp

August 6 Benchmark Retests & Make-ups at Stevenson ...............................6

August 19 Freshman Orientation Day

August 20 School Begins

Subscribe to the online

magazine e-Minuteman:

www.d125.org/newsletter

or Daily Digest:

www.d125.org/quicklinks/publications

in order to receive news alerts.

All dates listed were accurate as of January 23, 2015. To verify dates, check the online Stevenson calendar at www.d125.org.

CALENDAR O F E V E N T S

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“The Circle Drive” at Stevenson

Stevenson’s Forum

Benchmark Examinations ...............................................................6

Enrollment Information ....................................................................7

Enrollment Form

Consent Form

Home Language Survey Form

Affirmation of Residency Form

Submitting Enrollment Forms

Orientation Evenings .......................................................................8

Freshman Packets ..........................................................................9

2015-16 Course Book ....................................................................9

List of Freshman Course Offerings ..................................................9

Freshman Course Selection Worksheet

Summer School Pamphlet ..............................................................9

Co-Curricular Handbook .................................................................9

Invitation from PPA .........................................................................9

Required Health Forms .................................................................10

Certificate of Child Health Examination Form

Freshman Health Emergency Form

Permission to Administer Medication Form

Course Selection Evenings ...........................................................11

Freshman Course Verification

Registration Instructions

Student Guidebook/Planner .........................................................11

Summer School Courses ..............................................................12

Summer PREP Activities ...............................................................12

Student Access to Technology .....................................................12

Co-Curricular Fair .........................................................................13

Co-Curricular Activities .................................................................13

Intramurals ...................................................................................13

Summer Reading ..........................................................................14

Athletics .......................................................................................15

Accelerated/Honors Program .......................................................16

Frequently Asked Questions ................................................... 17-19

F O R Y O U RINFORMATION

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BENCHMARK EXAMS SATURDAY, JANUARY 24Students who miss an exam due to absence as well as students from other schools will take all necessary exams at the high school on this date. The math exam begins at 8 a.m., the English exam begins at 9 a.m. and the World Language exams begin at 11:30 a.m. Students will get a break between the English and World Language exams. Testing will end around 1 p.m.

Please arrive by 7:30 a.m., park in lot B and enter the Forum. There will be a check-in table at this entrance. Students must be registered to take the exam. All students will need to bring No. 2 pencils to the tests. Calculators are allowed on portions of the mathematics test. Students should bring reading materials in case they finish their tests early.

All incoming freshmen are

expected to complete benchmark

examinations in English,

mathematics and, if applicable,

World Languages prior to

beginning their Stevenson High

School career. Benchmark

exam results and successful

completion of junior high school

courses determine students’

placement in freshman-level

courses at Stevenson next fall.

Eighth-grade students in Stevenson’s public consortium school districts (76, 79, 96, 102, and 103) and St. Mary’s in Buffalo Grove will complete benchmark exams in January. Your junior high school will have exact date and time information for you as the date draws near.

MAKE-UPS & RETESTSOn May 2 and August 6 make-ups and retests are available in all subjects. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. and park in lot B and enter the Forum. There will be a check-in table at this entrance. Students must be registered to take the exam.

Stevenson faculty and eighth-grade teachers meet regularly to determine course goals and review prior results for the benchmark exams. Because of this close communication, eighth-grade teachers are aware of the content for the exams. Students need not look beyond their classroom for help on the tests.

Should you have any questions pertaining to the exams, contact your middle school principal or Jennifer Bazan in the Office of Teaching and Learning at Stevenson at 847-415-4200, or go to: www.d125.org/academic/curriculum-information/benchmark-exams.

BENCHMARKEXAMINATIONS

Parents: Mark Your CalendarsPlease mark these dates on your calendar. It is imperative that the tests be taken and that your student does as well as possible. Course placements will be mailed home in early February. Your student will not be scheduled for classes until benchmark exams are evaluated.

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ENROLLMENT FORM This form is used to enter information (name, address, etc.) into the Stevenson data system.

CONSENT FORM On the reverse side of the enrollment form.

HOME LANGUAGE SURVEY In accordance with state law, all students must complete and submit this form.

AFFIRMATION OF RESIDENCY FORMIn accordance with Illinois School Code, all students attending Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 must be legal residents of the school district. You are required to verify your residency by completing the form and submitting photocopies of the following documents:

OF THE FOLLOWING:

Current and valid rental lease including the landlord’s name and phone number

Real estate tax bill

Closing document

Bill of Sale

Warranty Deed

Monthly mortgage statement

OF THE FOLLOWING:

Entire utility bill statement (gas, electric,

water or cable)

Auto registration

Homeowner’s/ renter’s insurance

Valid driver’s license with Certificate of Extension, if

applicable

1 12+ +

ENROLLMENT I N F O R M AT I O N

In January, enrollment

information will be mailed to

the homes of eighth graders.

In order to be successfully

enrolled, these forms are

required and due by

Friday, January 30.

SUBMITTING ENROLLMENT FORMSEnrollments forms are due by Friday, January 30. Parents may deliver the forms necessary for enrollment when attending an Orientation Evening.

Parents may submit them by email/scan by sending them to: Frosh_registration@d125.org

Parents may also submit all of these forms by mail. Please mail them to: Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Attn: Ellen Micheli, Student Services One Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

OF THE FOLLOWING:

Student’s birth certificate

Passport

Visa

Green card

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Students and their parents will be asked to attend a specific evening to keep the numbers balanced.

If you have a calendar conflict with your assigned evening, please feel free to attend on an alternate date. There is no need to inform us of the change.

If you are unable to attend any of the orientation evenings, packets will be delivered to the feeder schools for distribution to parents on Friday, January 30. If you have questions, please call the Stevenson switchboard at 847-415-4000.

Three orientation evenings are

scheduled for January. Families

are encouraged to arrive at

6 p.m. to receive two packets

of information, take a tour of the

facilities and turn in completed

enrollment forms. An orientation

program will begin at 7 p.m. in

the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

School personnel will be available

for questions after the program.

ORIENTATIONE V E N I N GP

AR

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TUESDAY, JANUARY

20FAMILIES WITH THE

LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH

A THROUGH H

THURSDAY, JANUARY

22FAMILIES WITH THE

LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH

I THROUGH P

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY

28FAMILIES WITH THE

LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH

Q THROUGH Z

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Freshman mentors welcome the Class of 2018 on the first day of school

Parents of incoming freshmen

will receive two packets at the

Parent Evenings in January. One

packet contains forms pertaining

to course selection and student

life, while the other packet is from

the nurses and contains health

information.

COURSE BOOKThis book is yours to keep throughout high school. It describes all of the courses offered at Stevenson High School. Please familiarize yourself with graduation requirements and the four-year planning sheet at the back and retain the Course Book for future reference.

The Course Book can also be found on the Stevenson web page: www.d125.org/academic/curriculum-information/course-book

LIST OF FRESHMAN COURSE OFFERINGS AND FRESHMAN COURSE SELECTION WORKSHEETAll freshmen are required to take math, science, English, and physical education (or dance), and may select up to three additional electives, of which one elective may be a study hall. Students must complete one year of World History by the end of sophomore year. All freshmen will have a lunch/advisory period, though students in Honors-level math may choose to enroll in TYMP (Talented Young Mathematicians Program) in lieu of lunch/advisory. Please examine the list to select elective courses. You should complete the Course Selection Worksheet and mail it to Student Services. Forms can also be delivered during the course selection evenings.

SUMMER SCHOOL PAMPHLETTo register for summer school courses, go to: www.d125.org/academic/summer-school. Registration will be available in early February.

CO-CURRICULAR HANDBOOKPlease review all possible co-curricular activities. You will have an opportunity to find out more specific information about every activity at the Co-Curricular Fair on March 25. Research shows that students who become involved in school activities earn higher grades and feel more positive about school.

INVITATION TO JOIN PPAFamilies new to Stevenson are invited to join the Patriot Parent Association. More info is available at www.d125.org/parents/ppa.

FRESHMAN P A C K E T S

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CERTIFICATE OF CHILD HEALTH

EXAMINATION FORM (PHYSICAL)

The Illinois School Code requires a physical examination and evidence of complete immuni-zation prior to entrance into ninth grade.

FRESHMAN HEALTH EMERGENCY

FORM

This form gives the school permission to release information and to treat the student in an emergency situation.

PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER

MEDICATION FORM (IF NEEDED)

This form allows your student to receive prescription and/or over-the-counter medication during the school day.

A CB+ +PLAN FOR

MANAGEMENT FORM

(IF NEEDED)

If your student has asthma or severe

allergies we require a plan for management at school, signed by your doctor and you.

D+

QUESTIONS?If you have any questions on completing any of the forms, Stevenson counselors are available to answer your questions. Please call 847-415-4500 or 847-415-4502 to be put in touch with a counselor.

Additional copies of the forms are available at the Health Services web site: www.d125.org/students/student-services/health-services.

At the “Parent-Student

Orientation” evenings in January,

you will receive a Health Form

Packet, which includes all of the

required health forms. All health

forms must be returned to the

Nurse’s Office, by June 5.

REQUIRED HEALTH FORMS DUE BY JUNE 5

R E Q U I R E DHEALTH FORMS

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Parents and students are invited to attend a course selection evening at Stevenson High School from 4-7 p.m. Students and parents are asked to attend a specific evening, but if you have a calendar conflict with your assigned evening, feel free to attend on the alternate day. There is no need to inform us.

Please park in Lot B and enter the Forum to check in. Counselors will be available in Room 2104 to answer questions you may have regarding elective courses. Parents may submit completed forms during the evening.

A nurse will be available each evening to answer questions related to the Certificate of Child Health Examination form and immunization requirements. If your child takes medication during the school day, the nurse will review Stevenson guidelines for administration of medication. The nurse will also be available to discuss any concerns in working with children who have a chronic illness.

REMINDERParents should remember that this is just the start of the high school process and they will have ample time to talk to Stevenson personnel, if necessary, prior to the beginning of the freshman year.

If you need to change any information after the enrollment or course selection forms have been submitted, please contact Ellen Micheli at 847-415-4502.

FRESHMAN COURSE VERIFICATIONCourse verification sheets will be sent home on February 20. These sheets will list all courses entered for the student’s freshman year. Instructions for submitting elective course request changes will be included. A smooth and effective beginning to the school year will be enhanced by early decisions.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONSIn early summer, you will receive instructions in the mail that will allow you to complete registration for the upcoming school year, which includes paying fees and downloading forms. Please follow the instructions.

STUDENT GUIDEBOOK/PLANNERAll Freshmen have the Student Guidebook/Planner downloaded onto their iPads. Students can purchase a paper version in the School Store. This planner will help your transition to high school by

familiarizing you with school procedures and give you an opportunity to establish goals, manage your time, enter assignments, establish priorities, and record personal and social information. Encourage your student to use it.

Freshman Course Selection Evening

A through L Thursday, February 5 Room 2104

M through Z Tuesday, February 10 Room 2104

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COURSESELECTIONP

AR

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2014-15 Planner

SUMMER SCHOOL COURSESStevenson High School District 125 offers a two-semester academic summer school program. Summer school is an extension of the school’s regular academic program designed to provide students with opportunities to gain academic credit, receive enrichment or remediation, and explore new interests.

Incoming freshmen are strongly encouraged to consider enrolling in summer school, as it facilitates the adjustment and transition to high school. About 70% of incoming freshmen enroll in summer school annually.

Summer school courses meet Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m.-12:50 p.m. with the exception of the first week. First semester of summer school will start on Tuesday, June 9 and run through Thursday, July 2. Second semester will meet from Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 30.

For more information about summer school, contact the Summer School Office at 847-415-4500 or go to: www.d125.org/academic/summer-school.

SUMMER SPORTS ACTIVITIESFor information on summer sports camps and other activities offered by Stevenson’s PREP (Patriot Recreation Education Program), call 847-415-4145 or visit their web site at: www.d125.org/quicklinks/prep.

STUDENT ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGYStevenson students are given access to several different technology programs. Every student is

provided with a network account, an e-mail account, and an Infinite Campus (online gradebook) account. Login information (account names and passwords) should be kept private at all times.

The Computer Labs are located in the Link area. Students needing assistance with iPads may visit the SMARTdesk, also located in the Link. During summer school, the labs are open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. During the school year, the labs are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-3:25 p.m. Any special hours will be posted.

During the school year, freshmen may use the lab during study hall by asking a classroom teacher for a pass to the lab from study hall.

The computer lab is intended to serve instructional purposes. Games are not permitted. Each student must leave his/her Stevenson issued student ID at the desk to be in the computer lab when not in a class. In exchange for the privilege of using the District’s computers, computer network, and Internet access, students must consent to staff members monitoring such use.

In order to use the Internet, a summer school student must have a signed Acceptable Use Guidelines form (regarding access and use of the District Information Services systems) on file. For the school year, students will agree to acceptable use during the registration process. Inappropriate use of the District’s computers, computer network and/or Internet access may be considered gross disobedience or misconduct.

Computers are also available for student use in the Information Learning Center (ILC) in the West Building or in the East Learning Center (Room 7026). For additional information regarding technology services for students, visit the online Student Computer HelpDesk: https://sites.google.com/a/d125.org/studenthelpdesk/

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The East Learning Center (Room 7026)

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESCo-curricular activities are extremely popular at Stevenson. Ninety-two percent of the student body participates in at least one club, sport or activity by the time they graduate. Last year, more than 1,100 students performed almost 20,000 hours of volunteer work in school and community service clubs. The intramural sports program involved an additional 2,400 students. The theatre, dance, choral, orchestra and band programs boasted nearly 1,200 participants. More than 650 students participated in student government last year.

There are over 100 clubs and activities in which a freshman can participate. Information about all of these activities can be found at: www.d125.org/students/clubs.

CO-CURRICULAR FAIRThe Co-Curricular Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Field House, which is just east of the Stadium (park in lot B). All incoming freshmen and their families are invited to come meet and talk with sport coaches, club sponsors, and current Stevenson students involved in more than 35 sport teams, over 125 co-curricular clubs and multiple intramural programs. Take advantage of this opportunity to find out about all Stevenson offers.

INTRAMURALS (IM)Besides clubs, freshmen can get involved in the following intramurals:Archery (boys & girls)

Ladies Polar Bear (girls)

Badminton Open Gym (boys & girls)

Open Cardio Room (boys & girls)

Baseball Open Gym (boys)

Open Weight Room (boys & girls)

Basketball League (boys & girls)

Polar Bear (boys)

Basketball Open Gym (boys & girls)

Ski and Snowboard Club (boys & girls)

Bigger, Faster, Stronger (boys & girls)

Soccer Open Gym (boys & girls)

Bowling Club (boys & girls)

Softball League (boys & girls)

Cardio Training (boys & girls)

Softball Open Gym (girls)

Climbing (boys & girls)

Ultimate Frisbee (boys & girls)

Dodgeball League (boys & girls)

Volleyball League (boys & girls)

Fencing (boys & girls)

Water Polo (boys & girls)

Flag Football League (boys & girls)

Wrestling Open Gym (boys & girls)

Golf Club (boys & girls)

Yoga (boys & girls)

More information regarding Intramurals is available at the Intramurals web site: www.d125.org/students/shs-intramurals. 14

At the beginning of the school year, students will be expected to participate in discussions, use evidence from their summer assigned book in their writing, and demonstrate (in various ways) that they have read the book.

What is the purpose of the summer reading?To promote reading for enjoyment.

To increase reading skill. Studies show that the more you read, the better a reader you will become.

To become acquainted with the general topics and themes of the course.

Are there any questions I should keep in mind as I read?Yes. As you read, consider the following:

How does the main character change/mature over the course of the novel?

What are the central conflicts the main character faces? How are they resolved?

What lessons does the main character learn?

What are some of the important ideas in the book?

Should I annotate my book?Your teachers encourage annotation while reading as a way to engage in active reading; however, it is not required for the summer reading assignment.

Where can I find a copy of the book?Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com are good resources, as well as the local libraries.

If you have any questions, the Communications Arts Office can assist you at 847-415-4325.

S U M M E RREADINGAll incoming freshmen must

read a designated book over

the summer for their English

class. Please check the summer

reading web page for lists of

specific titles:

www.d125.org/academic/summer-reading/summer-reading

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Fall Stevenson athletes must complete registration for the 2015-16 season by August 1. Registration for Winter and Spring athletes is due prior to the tryout date.

The Registration procedure requires the Athletic Participation Form be completed, signed and returned to the Athletic Office or submitted electronically during the summer. The Past Medical History Form and a copy of the Certificate of Child Health Examination Form must be fully completed and delivered to the Nurse’s Office. Incomplete forms will be returned.

The Athletic Participation Form registers the athlete for fall, winter, and spring sports for the 2015-16 school year and is available at the Athletic Office’s web site: http://www.d125.org/athletics/tryout-information-documents. The Athletic Participation Form may be submitted electronically during summer registration (see page 12.)

The Certificate of Child Health Examination Form is a doctor’s confirmation that the athlete is physically able to participate in athletics. The athletic physical cannot be more than 395 days old during the time of athletic participation according to the Illinois High School Association. This form is available at the nurse’s web site: www.d125.org/students/student-services/health-services.

Athletes are held to a higher standard of conduct then non-athletes. The Co-Curricular Code of Conduct can be found at: http://www.d125.org/athletics/tryout-information-documents.

Fall Sports 2015Cheerleading Spring 2015 tryout datePatriettes (Poms) Spring 2015 tryout dateBoys & Girls Cross Country Girls Field Hockey Boys & Girls Golf Girls Swimming Boys & Girls Student Training Girls TennisBoys Football Girls VolleyballBoys Soccer

Winter Sports 2015-16Boys & Girls Fencing Girls Gymnastics Boys & Girls Student Training Boys & Girls Basketball Boys & Girls BowlingBoys Ice Hockey (tryouts occur in late August)Boys SwimmingBoys Wrestling

Spring Sports 2016Boys & Girls Lacrosse Girls Badminton Boys & Girls Track Girls Soccer Boys & Girls Water Polo Girls SoftballBoys & Girls Student Training Allied SoccerBoys BaseballBoys GymnasticsBoys TennisBoys Volleyball

Please check the Athletics web page for specific tryout dates for each sport: www.d125.org/athletics.

ATHLETICS

It is imperative that the student’s physician circle “Yes” on the Certificate of Child Health Examination Form that the student may participate in interscholastic sports.

Unregistered athletes will not be allowed to try out, begin practices, or participate until all forms are completed, signed and on file in the Athletic Office. All athletes must be covered by some form of insurance in order to participate.

ACCELERATED/HONORS PROGRAMThe accelerated/honors program provides

students the opportunity to explore the complexi-

ties of a given subject area beyond the traditional

high school curriculum. There is an assumption that

students in the program are highly motivated and

willing to engage in rigorous academic work.

ADVANTAGES OF PARTICIPATIONWeighted grade pointsThe school recognizes the additional demands these courses place upon students by assigning weighted grade points to those who successfully complete an accelerated or honors course. These weighted grade points positively affect grade point average.

Greater breadth and depth of contentNot only are students able to pursue a given course in greater depth, they can advance the sequencing of the content in a given subject at an accelerated rate.

The opportunity to interact with other students interested in that subjectStudents will meet other like-minded, highly motivated students.

Enhanced college evaluationsSeveral of the most competitive colleges insist that a student pursue the most rigorous curriculum that the high school has to offer in order to be considered for admission.

Opportunity for college-level courseworkStudents in the accelerated/honors program are eligible to pursue college-level work through the Advanced Placement (AP) Program as early as their sophomore year.

Award winning Information and Learning Center “ILC”

AP Government lecture in the ILC

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is freshman advisory?Freshmen are assigned to an advisory that meets Monday through Thursday for 20 minutes during their lunch period. Advisories are supervised by selected Stevenson teachers and upperclassmen who enjoy working with students in a less structured setting. The goal of advisory is to make the transition to Stevenson as smooth as possible for all freshmen. Counselors visit advisories to meet with their students on a regular basis.

How are my student’s placements determined in English, math and world languages?All incoming freshmen are required to take Benchmark exams in English and math, and have the option of taking an exam in world languages. Placement decisions are based on the results of these tests and on input from eighth grade teachers. See page 6 for more information.

What if I have questions about my student’s placement in English, math, science, world language, or special education?You should contact the director of the specific academic department.

Academic Department Directors

English Douglas Lillydahl 847-415-4326

Math Darshan Jain 847-415-4601

Science Dr. Steve Wood 847-415-4401

Special Education Jay Miller 847-415-4801

World Languages Justin Fisk 847-415-4701

What is a normal class load?The typical school day consists of eight 50-minute periods. School begins at 8:05 a.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m. Freshmen may enroll in up to seven classes (including physical education) but have the option to enroll in a study hall as opposed to a seventh class. Most freshmen are assigned to a lunch/advisory period. Lunch periods are divided into two periods: 30 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for advisory.

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Freshman Student Mentors (FMPs)

Freshman orientation in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

Should my student take a full-period study hall or a seventh class?We recommend that all students consider the following before deciding:A study hall provides a structured time and place to work on homework assignments, get extra help in the learning centers, or make up missed tests at the testing center.

For a student involved in co-curricular activities, a study hall provides time for homework completion.

A seventh class allows students to explore elective courses.

If undecided about what to do, remember that a student may start a semester with a seventh course but has seven weeks in which to drop a course without suffering any penalty. Talk to a counselor for more information.

Should my student take a world languages course during freshman year?If your student possesses self-discipline, strong study skills, and a good work ethic, he/she is encouraged to begin a world language during the freshman year. If, however, your student’s study skills need remediation, he/she should postpone study of a world language until the sophomore or junior year. Study of a foreign language is not required for graduation but some colleges count it as an admission requirement.

Which courses does my student need to take for college?All information pertaining to graduation requirements and college admissions can be found in the front pages of the Course Book. It is suggested students check over this information. Any questions can be directed to your student’s counselor.

What if my student is having difficulties in a class?If a student is having a problem in a class, all remedies start with the student talking to the teacher. It is advised that a student make an appointment to meet a teacher during free time or a study hall period to discuss the difficulties. No level changes or drops occur without this first step.

Should my student take summer school courses?It is not required that a student attend summer school but taking summer school allows a student to get familiar with the building. It can also allow a student to create space in his schedule during the school year for an elective course of study.

What freshman courses are available in the summer?Each freshman will receive the Summer School Pamphlet in the packet distributed at Parent Orientation evenings. Summer school information is also available online at: www.d125.org/academic/summer-school.

When may my student take Driver’s Education?Enrollment in driver’s education is based on age. Cutoff dates are printed in the Course Book. This course is normally taken during one semester of the sophomore or junior year. The student must have a social security number, an instruction permit issued by the Secretary of State’s office through the Driver Education Department, parental consent, verification of age, and have earned at least eight credits in the previous two semesters. Passing the classroom phase of Driver’s Education is required for graduation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How do we learn about co-curricular activities?Each student will receive a Co-Curricular Handbook in the Freshman Packet. You are also invited to attend the Co-Curricular Fair (March 25) to meet coaches, sponsors, and students involved in student activities. Students are also invited to participate in activities through freshman advisories. In addition, the Daily Bulletin announces all club and sport meeting times. More information is available at: www.d125.org/students/clubs.

Are there late afternoon buses for students involved in sports and student activities?Monday through Friday, buses leave the West Glass Entrance off Lot B at 6:30 p.m. One bus goes east and one goes west. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, buses also leave the West Glass Entrance at 4:30 p.m. The route each bus will take is determined by the destinations of the students riding.

How may my student see his/her counselor privately?Students should see a secretary in one of the three Student Services offices in order to arrange a meeting with a counselor. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to see their counselor during a study hall or lunch period.

First Day of School

Freshmen August 19

Sophomores through Seniors August 20

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What kinds of support services are available at Stevenson High School?Students experiencing difficulties at Stevenson are referred to the individual’s Student Support Team (SST), consisting of a school psychologist/coordinator, a counselor, a dean, and a social worker. Appropriate intervention strategies to promote student success are recommended at weekly SST meetings. More information can be found at the Student Services web page: www.d125.org/students/student-services.

When is the first day of school for freshmen?Freshmen begin Wednesday, August 19 one full day prior to the regular starting day. On that day, freshmen attend an orientation meeting in the morning and follow an abbreviated version of their schedule in the afternoon. Regular bus service is available on this day.

Check out a video from last year’s Freshman Orientation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R6bpLQFU6w&feature=autoshare