Sharks unchanged for Force. - The Star (South Africa)

THE Sharks will take all the omens they can get as they rally for a big push to the Super Rugby play-offs. So fielding their first unchanged team of the season will certainly be seen as a positive portent as they look to build on the crucial win last week against the Highlanders when they play the Force at Kings Park on Saturday.

It has taken 11 rounds for John Plumtree to field the same starting line-up, not to mention the same bench, and having made six changes to the run-on team the week before and been rewarded with a hard-fought victory, the coach has given the same players the green light.

That means no return to the match 22 for flanker Willem Alberts, fullback Riaan Viljoen and loosehead prop Dale Chadwick, the former two having been dropped because of poor form and the latter because of the return to fitness of Tendai Mtawarira.

Plumtree said the changes he made last week - some because of form, some because players had recovered from injury - had worked a treat and he has no hesitation in keeping the same combinations.

Furthermore, the Sharks' greater squad is showing its best health of the year, with only lock Ross Skeate and propJulian Redelinghuys unavailable due to injury.

'We are third in the South African conference and have ambitions of finishing higher, so to have so many players back from injury at such a vital stage of the competition is obviously a positive,' Plumtree said. 'When you have continuity in player personnel, combinations improve in performance and consolidate. You find good players not making the 22, which creates the competition you want in training. Everybody knows there is a hungry competitor in his shadow.

'That's what you want to create - a situation where opportunities are taken and the pressure then comes on from the hungry players knocking on the door,' said Plumtree.

School Notes - Glenview Announcements (IL)

GBS

The annual Glenbrook High School District 225 Techny Festival of Music will be held March 7 at the Divine Word Chapel, Techny, located at Waukegan and Techny Roads. The festival includes two concerts which will be performed at 2:30 p.m. and repeated at 5 p.m. The festival will feature more that 450 students representing the combined choirs of Glenbrook South and Glenbrook North high schools. The choirs will be accompanied by the Glenbrook Sinfonietta and selected Wind Ensemble members.

This year's concert features works by Beethoven, Gibbons, and Bass among others, and ends with the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' The guest conductor for the festival is Dr. Keith Hampton, professor of music and director of choral activities at the University of Central Florida. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. As available, tickets will be sold at the door. Sell out crowds are expected. For ticket information, please call Cindy Franz (847) 486-4432 or Debbie Dean (847) 509-2444 with any questions.

This year's concert features works by Beethoven, Gibbons, and Bass among others, and ends with the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' The guest conductor for the festival is Dr. Keith Hampton, professor of music and director of choral activities at the University of Central Florida. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. As available, tickets will be sold at the door. Sell out crowds are expected. For ticket information, please call Cindy Franz (847) 486-4432 or Debbie Dean (847) 509-2444 with any questions.

Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Pom squads are now busy helping out with the annual Titan Pom Fashion Show 'Rockin' the Runway!' at 1 p.m. March 21 in the Auditorium, featuring a performance by Solace and Nine. The Titan Pom Boosters plan the event, which is a fund-raiser; this year's committee members are Mary Abiera, Kathy Baboulas, Marlene Balling, Sheryl Blackman, Lynn Condon, Shannon Hogan, Sheree Kodros and Barrie McDaniel. Tickets are $10, as are raffle tickets. Raffle items include a $1000 cash prize and multiple themed baskets, health and fitness, spa, garden and a GBS themed basket. Contact Julie Manning at jmanning@glenbrook.k12.il.us, (847) 486-4661 or Lynn Condon at lcondonpt@aol.com or (847) 840-2974 for more information.

The coaches of the Titan Poms are Julie Manning and Kelli McDonald. The Varsity Titan Pomsquad consists of: Anna Baboulas, Anna Ballig, Andrea Cain, Nicole Collins, Kailey Dougherty, Alexis Edelstein, Jennifer Flaxman, Anna Giallombardo, Lauren Gibson, Casey Hamilton, Kelsey Hogan, Dragana Kangrga, Madelyn Kodros, Viky Kryvanos, Emily Miller, Stephanie Stone, Celia Tenzillo Leah Tsekouras, Samantha Welter and Riley Wharton. The Junior Varsity squad consists of Grace Abiera, Sara Betsoleiman, Amanda Blackman, Maggie Condon, Nicolle DeRoeck, Ellie Duerst, Kayla Forcey, Taylor Henry, Taylor Janisch, Chelsea Jerominski, Kelsey Kiwaiko, Mary Kate McPhilliamy, Marissa Mondlock, Hallie Schroll, Jessy Shellard, Shayne Turpin, Katie Vanderveen, Delaney Wharton and Nicole Zygmunt

.

Glenbrook South seniors Richard Day and Will Thibeau won the Harvard University debate tournament Feb. 13. The tournament featured 120 debate teams from 21 different states. Day and Thibeau went undefeated throughout the three day tournament and beat the Bronx High School of Science from New York in the final debate. This is the third consecutive national invitational that Day and Thibeau have won with undefeated records. They currently have a 33-0 record from their last three national invitational tournaments. Also placing at the tournament were seniors Hemanth Asokan, Jaret Kanarek, Jack McLeod, Phil Sailer, John Zhao and juniors Jake Saltzman and Samantha Varney. The GBS debate team is directed by Tara Tate and assisted by Kate Prockovic and Brian Peterson.

DISTRICT 34

Every year in March qualifying students from Attea and Springman Middle Schools compete in the National French Contest or the National Spanish Exam. These tests are taken by high achieving French and Spanish students in the U.S. and abroad to measure proficiency and to recognize achievement. Seventh and eighth-grade students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have maintained a high grade point average in French were invited to participate in Le Grand Concours. Eighth-grade Spanish students took a qualifying test to identify those students who demonstrate the level of proficiency to participate in the National Spanish Exam. Prizes for the winners of these national competitions range from certificates and medals to college scholarships and overseas travel opportunities.

Attea seventh-graders: Sophia Andricopulos, Jordan Arrigo, Anna Busch, Evan Chang, Yasmin Chavez, Kaitlin Day, Raudel Flores, Xavier Franczyk, Catherine Frey, Dana Grad, Noah Kerwin, Aidan Klemm, Christina Piron, Kara Sherman and Tracy Tojo. Attea 8th graders: Maya Bassin, Lauren Durning, Jessika Dziechciowska, Katerina Economou, Carey Entenman, Bojana Galic, Lauren Ingebrigsten, Megan Kay, Daniel Kim, Janna Lyhus, Brandon Loyfman, Juliana Minasian, Callie Nowak, Charlotte Peterson, Danielle Rozenman, Alison Rusher, Hannah Schiller, Symeon Solecki and Madeleine Turenne.

Springman seventh-graders: Brooklyn Cohen, Patrick Dziura, Chris Fuchs, Jessica Hoker, Helen Hsuan, Jessica Lopez, Sara Mouayed, Cyrano Michalak, Henr Netherland, Jazlyne Auijije, Marie Ramon, Lauren Ribordy, Eric Tomasic, Paulette Zdanowski and Michael Lewandowski.

Springman 8th graders: Daniel Ahn, Juliette Albano, Atticus Hebson, Adele Jose, Caroline Kelly, Rose Kelly, Alice Khananashvili, Yolanda Martinez, Gabrielle Medovoy, Jacob Owczarek, Elise Rattani, Stephanie Therios and Marie Yoshovska.

District 34 students who have been selected to participate in the 2010 National Spanish Exam are listed below.

Attea eighth-graders: Kelly Abarca, Daniela Aponte, Jose Avila, Peter Balabanos, Cristian Barraza, Ajay Bhojwani, Nick Burke, Chris Callahan, Delia Ciobotaru, Makenzie Conklin, Mary Demertzis, Gabrielle Foley, Jojo Garvey, Joseph Gordon, Beverly Hamilton, Samantha Ibarra, Julia Jacobs, Jake Janecek, Honey Joseph, Gabriella King, Victoria Mordzinski, Alina Moroz, Ana Mourikes, Bailey Moynihan, Cormac O'Brien, Dina O'Connell, Gabriella Oppenheimer, Ruben Padilla, Jason Paek, Nimisha Perumpel, Leah Rabinowitz, Adrian Remeniuk, Kurt Roemer, Brent Studenroth, Alan Xenos, Aleksandra Zebrok, Lindsey Zelvin, Anbang Zhang.

Springman Olympian Team eighth-graders: Karla Arcos, Paula Atsaves, Katie Barack, Chris Baylaender, Jun Choi, Chris Coleman, Miguel Garcia-Sanchez, Christina Han, Danny Jordan, Christine Kim, Nick Langas, Annette Manusevich, David Martinez, Ariana Nufio, Annelise Potter, Jannely Sanchez, Margaret Schneider, Steven Schroeder, Andjela Vukosaljevic and Sara Zhukovsky.

Springman Summit Team eighth-graders: Alexandra Arnold, Lizzie Baetz, Cristina Basilio, Matt Chorvat, Jackie Golding, Lauren Kessler, Jacob Kidd, Maddie Krug, Kelsey Lindquist, Sthasy Martinez, Theo Mavrakis, Alondra Muro, Tom Olickal, Bridget Sampson, Billy Schiele, Sam Sulejmani, Paul Tisch, Joe Varughese, Steven Wattley and Emma Yonkers.

Calendar

There is no school today for conferences.

There will be no school Friday, March 5 for a teacher institute day.

The Lyon/Pleasant Ridge PTA will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 9 at Lyon School, 1335 Waukegan Road.

The Junior High Band Festival will take place at 6 p.m. March 9 at Glenbrook South High School, 4000 West Lake Ave.

There will be a PTA Council Meeting from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. March 11 at the Administration Building, 1401 Greenwood Road.

DISTRICT 30

Willowbrook School's PTO will host a movie night from 6:30 to 8:40 p.m.,March 19 featuring 'The Princess and the Frog.' The cost is $6 per child with prepaid RSVP. Parental attendance is optional but welcome and free. Refreshments, popcorn and snacks are included in the admission price. RSVP should be turned in by March 17. The cost at the door on March 19 will be $8. Parents are required to escort and sign children in and out. Kids can wear pajamas and bring sleeping bags. Volunteers are needed to serve goodies and chaperone. For more information, contact PTO chair Lisa Steffen at (847) 559-2425.

On Feb. 17, District 30 Board of Education member and the father of Wescott School students Melissa and Michael, Dr. Kenneth Spero had no bones about taking time off from his job as a radiologist at Northwest Community Hospital to talk to Wescott School fifth graders about his lifelong career. He began his presentation by reviewing the function of bone, which involves the protection of vital organs, movement, balance, and giving structure and shape to the body.

Spero showed several samples of X-rays and explained that today most are downloaded onto a CD and viewed on a computer, as opposed to film. They are enlarged on the computer screen, so doctors are able to view a possible fracture in a bone. He displayed a few X-rays of a young boy's broken fingers and leg. Later the audience found out that these X-rays were his son's, taken in past years.

Students were then introduced to X-Ray Man, who Spero named Cesar. Cesar is an interactive game that he created in his spare time. The objective of the game is to try and identify everyday objects, by viewing an X-ray of each one. Students enjoyed guessing many of the objects that were shown. Some of the items shown were an iPod, television remote control, Xbox, Wii, a basketball, a computer mouse, a box of Mike and Ike candies and a Blackhawk's hockey puck.

Staff members who helped coordinate Dr. Spero's visit included Whitney Freehill, Michelle Maisel, Ann Cummins, Barbara Appell, Kery Obradovich, Edwin Katzman and Joe Warnstedt.

Second Trimester ends on Friday.

Wescott and Willowbrook Schools are celebrating school spirit on Friday and everyone is encouraged to wear school colors or spirit wear on that day.

On Feb. 6, Maple School's first Science Bowl Academic Team competed in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Argonne Regional Academic event, against 12 other middle school teams in ten rounds. Team captain Rohan Shah, Anya Agrawal, Nina Galanter, Nolan Gruemmer, Sarah Betadam, and Joel Schleicher made the 'EliteEight' and tied for fifth place. 'Maple's team competed strongly against their competition and had a five-win, two-loss record,' said science teacher Robin Dombeck.

Parents of fifth-graders are invited to attend an informational meeting on the Human Growth and Development curriculum at 7 p.m. March 9 at Wescott and Willowbrook Schools. For more information, call the school offices (847) 272-4660 (Wescott) or 847-498-1090 (Willowbrook).

Maple School's PTO will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 10 at 2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook. For more information, contact Co-Presidents Jana McWilliams or Stacey Holsman-Orleans.

Northbrook/Glenview School District 30's Board of Education will meet at 7:30 p.m. March 11 at Maple School, 2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook. For more information, contact the Harry P. Rossi Administrative Offices (847) 498-4190.

Willowbrook School's annual Discovery Corner will be held March 11 and March 12. It was originally scheduled on the District 30 calendar to be held on March 9-11. According to PTO Discovery Corner chairs Linda Arvanitis and Veronica Katranis, the topic will focus on physics, and a is titled, 'Lights, Camera, Action!' On March 11, Bill Bosworth from The Science Alliance, will discuss the laws of physics and involve the students in activities relating to Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion. These might include riding a Hovercraft and/or tricycle, swinging bowling balls, spinning on rotating discs, making tubes glow or learning about the Doplar Radar. On March 12, students will participate in a variety of hands-on activities throughout the day. For more information, go to www.sciencealliance.com.

Maple School musicians will compete at the Illinois Grade School Music Association (I.G.S.M.A.) contest at 10:45 a.m. March 13 at Viking School in Gurnee. For more information, contact Band Director Jeffrey Jay (847) 400-8936.

On Feb. 13, Maple School eighth-grade Spanish students were open for business at their El Mercado Espa�ol or Spanish market in Julie Fleisch's classroom. Eighth graders had recently finishing a unit of Spanish shopping vocabulary and conversation, and Fleisch asked them to create an end-of-unit project.

'The mercado project was aimed at being an entire class time of Spanish immersion among students -- giving the children in both seventh and eighth graders a chance to utilize the knowledge that they've been collecting over the past three to four years of language instruction. Using 'Monopoly' money, the kids sold jewelry, sports memorabilia, cookies they baked themselves, candy and other trinkets,' said Fleisch.

Northern Suburban Special Education District's (NSSED's) Association of Parents and Staff will host a presentation titled, 'Thoughts from Siblings of Children with Special Needs' from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 16 at New Trier's Northfield Campus, 7 Happ Road, Northfield. The moderator will be Tammy Besser, licensed clinical social worker, Jewish Child and Family Services. She coordinates Sibshops and Teen Sibshops developed by Don Meyer of the Sibling Support Project. Space is limited. RSVP to mades@nssed.org with your name, home telephone number and school district by March 12. Direct questions to Karen Noonan at (847) 831-5100, ext. 210.

On Feb. 11, Willowbrook School students learned about the unique sport of fencing during physical education class. Special guest and fencing expert Field School seventh grader Gabe Weininger and Willowbrook fifth-grader David Vayngart talked about fencing safety, donned their protective fencing masks, and showed the students some basic moves. Representatives from Metro Chicago Fencing Center discussed the art of fencing. They emphasized that fencing requires use of both the body and mind, adding that the three distinct weapons in fencing include the saber, epee and foil. They reminded everyone that the sport of fencing is friendly to all ages and ability levels stating that a fencer can begin to learn and enjoy the sport at the age of 4 and continue all of their lives. Competitive fencing begins with a 10 and under category and continues through to age 60 and over category. Physical education teachers Paul Szerszen and Debbie Simek coordinated this activity, with the support of Principal Jill Weininger.

Wescott School's PTO Fun Fair chair Jeanne Cagen is looking for donations of breads, cakes, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, whole cakes and cookie pizzas for the 'Spring Fling' Fun Fair Bake Sale, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 13, 1820 Western Ave., Northbrook. Item's should be wrapped in disposable containers and ready-for-sale to the Wescott office by noon March 12. Items should be labeled, for example: Banana Bread and Zucchini Bread. Nuts are permitted, but clearly indicate on the label, for example: 'Contains Peanuts.' Contact her at mjcagen@sbcglobal.net or call (847) 559-9078.

Wescott School's PTO's Silent Auction team is looking for donations of prizes, goods and services to help raise money for the annual 'Spring Fling' Fun Fair. Funds raised from the Silent Auction are used to benefit the children at Wescott School. Families that have sports or cultural even tickets, gift certificates, timeshares in vacation condominiums, home business merchandise or services, autographed merchandise, collectibles, gift baskets, new toys or access to services such as manicures, massages, teeth whitening or personal trainers, should contact PTO chairs Linda Redstone at (847) 714-1122 or Dina Hebein at (847) 707-5235, or e-mail them at silentauc@yahoo.com. For more information, contact Principal Dr. Terri Carman (847) 272-4660.

Although officially, it is the Year of the Tiger, Wescott School first-graders were intent on creating colorful paper dragons in honor of this Chinese New Year during Tia Stevens' art class.

Northbrook/Glenview School District 30's Network Manager Randy Saeks recently completed his masters of business administration, with a concentration in management of public and private K-12 organizations from Keller Graduate School of Management. In addition, he holds a bachelor of science degree in electronics engineering technology from DeVry University. In early February, Saeks spoke during a two-day technology session at MacWorld held in San Francisco. The session, Enterprise Mac Integration, provided attendees an in-depth look at concepts, tools, and best practices important to planning, configuring, and implementing organization-wide technology systems.

'One of the things I think about working with technology is how fast it changes. Working in this field and in schools, staying informed on the latest happenings, and adding skills to do your job better is important. Given the chance to help teach 38 professionals on topics I am working with day-in and day-out was a great experience. Seeing others who are serious about acquiring new skills really motivates one to continue learning,' he said.

Saeks joined District 30 in July of 2006. In addition to his formal education, he possesses technical certifications from Apple, and has contributed to technical books pertaining to Apple OS X systems administration and integration.

DISTRICT 31

West Northfield School District 31's kindergarten registration for the 2010-11 school year is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. March 8, at Winkelman School, 1919 Landwehr Road, Glenview. The kindergarten fee is $55. To be eligible for kindergarten next fall, a child must be five years old by Sept. 1, 2010. Parents must bring in their child's social security number, as well as the child's state or municipal birth certificate. Hospital or baptismal certificates will not be accepted. Parents who do not have their child's birth certificate can still register the student on March 8, however the student will not be officially admitted until the proper certificate is approved by the district.

Parents registering a child in District 31 must prove residency. Homeowners should bring the most recent estimated real estate tax bill and one of the following items: Current homeowners insurance policy, current village/county/state vehicle registration, current vehicle insurance policy, utility bill or public aid statement. Renters should bring a valid lease for the current address that includes the name of the child, proof of rent payments for the last two months and one of the following items: A current village/county/state vehicle registration, current vehicle insurance policy, current renter's insurance policy, current public aid statement or current utility bill. For more information about proving residency, call the District Office at (847) 313-4416.

In addition to Winkelman's half-day kindergarten program, the district collaborates with the Champions Kindergarten Enrichment Program in providing a half-day kindergarten enrichment program. District 31 has contracted with Champions to offer this optional, tuition-based program that complements the regular kindergarten program. Besides the tuition fee, there is an additional fee for pre-paid lunches, milk, bus transportation and optional fees.

For more information about the Winkelman kindergarten program, call the school office (847) 729-5650. For more information about the optional half-day Champions kindergarten enrichment program, call (847) 229-1258.

Field Middle School recognized students who earned LEAF (Leadership, Effort and Academics at Field) Awards during the second quarter.

Sixth-graders who were honored include Lexi Agular, Paul Ahn, Hailey Alexander, Vignesh Alla, Alexa Ball, Arshad Baxamusa, Mary Calaj, Emily Chen, Donghun Cho, Connie Chrones, Haillee Chung, Annie Connor, Michelle Desh, Lauren Dod, Jackie DeWitt, Mikayla Franzese, Lauren Frias, Justin Frumm, Hailey Gould, Jakub Guziak, Anushka Haldar, Jaiden Hamelin, Phoebe Handler, Pam Haralampopoulos, Ashley Henschel, Ashley Jeon, Soomin Jeon, James Jin, Jamie Kang, Andrew Kim, Joseph Kim, Lizzie Kostadinov, Jeffery Kurian, Curtis Lee, Jenna Lee, Ken Lee, Sarah Lee, Sunmin Lim, Alexia Loggarakis, Billy Loggarakis, Tijana Markovic, Kelsey McGrath, Ben Milling, Mary O'Dea, Hwa Oh, Jane Park, Joyce Park, Rajit Patel, Gemini Plamoottil, Marni Pozin, Gina Puig, Diego Rivera, Michael Rodriguez, Maria Roman, Carli Romanek, Danielle Schoenberg, Nicki Sorrentino, Jimmy Testa, Sandra Sanchez-Cruz, Aagam Shah, Evelyn Tarnovsky, Kyrus Tsai, Anna Wasilczuk, Charath Wickrema, Austin Wright, Coco Yang, Sina Yazdani, Charles Yoon, Mary Beth Zerwic, Jaguar Zhu and Hellen Zuniga.

Seventh-graders who were recognized include Laila Abdelmonem, Vanessa Aguayo, Kelly Anderson, Nishanth Asokan, Mia Bakis, Sabrina Basaria, Isaiah Briggs, Alexis Brill, Dino Charalab, Aaron Charous, Luke Chirayil, Seung Min Cho, Benya Chongolnee, Lexie Chron, Alyssa Ciss, Jackie Conkle, Colleen Doolan, Patricia Doolan, Melanie Eisen, Mary Fakhouri, Michael Ferrarese, Edwin Flores, Jack Giannini, Jocey Gilbert, Bram Hill, Insup Hong, Anna Hofmockel, Kayla Jackson, Serah James, Josh Jang, Hyeon Jin, Maria Kahn, Bari Kamensky, Maria Kardasis, Nicki Kaplan, Richie Kaplan, Camila Kaplunov, Rija Khan, Joanne Kim, Margaret Kim, Taewoo Kim, Eliana Kohn, Georgia Kotsinis, Michelle Kwon, Jieho Lee, Rachel Lim, Areesha Majeed, Sophie Marchionne, Dusan Markovic, Roshan Modi, Joe Mrowiec, Justin Mui, Kee Joo Nam, Rene Nayman, Emily Nelson, Jerry Park, Justin Park, Jex Philip, Evan Ren, Chris Ricco, Alex Rotman, Joe Rybinski, Sam Salvador, Jeeseock Seo Amar Silic, Gage Smith, Rachel Spector, Matt Stanielun, Hafsa Sultana, Yada Thia, Cameron Tokowitz, Griffin Tucker, Jazzia Ubeid, Christian Vargas, Jessi Vishny, Jason Walter, Gabe Weininger, Josh Wendt and David Zakhodin.

Eighth-graders receiving LEAF Awards include Vindhya Aiyagari, Ben An, Connor Ayres, Erica Blair, Carla Boffa, Callie Chang, Nicholas Chang, Demi Charalab, Julius Cheung, Courtney Chron, Sung Min Choi, Johnny Cowhey, Nick DiBartolo, Yvette Dybas, Will Estus, Nicole Favia, Dana Ford, Adam Goldberg, Tara Graff, Taylor Heyman, Kim Hill, Kevin Ho, Becky Holt, Nadia Homedi, Taylor Horvitz, Jeong Huh, Sabrina Iqbal, Esther Jeong, Arun Joseph, Betsy Kaplan, Ted Kardasis, Jessica Katsevman, Nicole Katsevman, Elisa Kim, Grace Kim, Yeomin Kim, Joel Kinzalow, Mack Lay, Antonio Lee, Brad Lee, Hye-In Lee, Jenny Lee, Junsup Lee, Yeeun Lee, Jung Lim, Kristin Lynch, Rosalie Mahler, Amreen Matharu, Shane Nediyakalayil, Josef Niemann, Huma Nizamuddin, Sloane Oblonsky, Su Oh, Megan Osadzinski, SJ Oyales, Romil Patel, Sonali Patel, Jake Pozin, Kelsey Pugh, Vicki Radaios, Izzy Rapacz, Emily Redden, Ali Ruben, Braselina Sabini, Jerin Saji, Haley Silver, Josh Simone, Jacob Spitz, Amanda Strapko, Alison Tye, Jonny Wagner, Sydney Weiss, Sammi Weinberg, Sally You and Nicky Zimniak.

Winkelman School will present the annual first grade musical for parents at 1:15 p.m. March 12. Students will be performing a variety of songs learned throughout the school year. Some of the songs will feature students playing instruments including sandblocks, drums, finger cymbals and tambourines. Groups of students will also present a circle dance and a swing dance. The show is directed by Jan Bergman, Winkelman music teacher. First graders are in the classes of teachers Kelley Couvreur, Stacy Diamond, Kathy Kalotihos, Carol Rudnik and Sarah Weisberg.

Tickets reservations are now being accepted for Field Middle School's upcoming musical production 'Seussical Jr.' The show will be presented at 7 p.m. March 19, and at 2 p.m. March 20, in the Field School Auditorium, 3131 Techny Road, Northbrook. Suggested ticket donations are $5 for adults and $2 for students and seniors over age 65. The community is invited to attend! Reserve tickets by calling the Field School Office at (847) 313-4449. Reserved tickets will be held at the Will Call desk on the day of the performance. The show brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life in a magical, musical story about helping friends, keeping promises and never giving up. The show features sixth, seventh and eighth grade students singing, dancing and working behind the scenes on lighting and sound.

Field Middle School congratulates its seventh-grade ICTM Math Contest winners. In the Individual Contest, Michelle Kwon placed first; Evan Ren and Colleen Doolan placed second; and Patricia Doolan, Jazzia Ubeid, David Zakhodin and Dusan Markovic placed third.

In the Team Contest, first place was awarded to the team of Taewoo Kim, Insup Hong, Gabe Weininger and Jeeseock Seo. Second place standings were awarded to the team of Mia Bakis, Georgia Kotsinis, Alexis Brill, Laila Abdelmonem and Lexi Chron and the team of Nishanth Asokan, Evan Ren, Aaron Charous, David Zakhodin and Dusan Marcovic. Third place teams included the team of Anna Hofmockel, Eliana Kohn, Patricia Doolan and Emily Nelson; the team of Maria Kardasis, Serah James, Michelle Kwon, Nikki Kaplan and Cameron Tokowitz; and the team of Jazzia Ubeid, Colleen Doolan, Samantha Salvador and Kelly Anderson.

District 31 parents are invited to attend the Parent Teacher Club meeting at 1:15 p.m. March 11 at Winkelman School.

District 31 families are invited to 'save the date' for the Parent Teacher Club's upcoming Sports Challenge Night at 6:30 p.m. April 23 in the Field School gym. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. For more information, call the PTC voice mail phone line (847) 832-2291. This high energy evening will include a spirited and fun competition among four teams featuring a combination of Field students, parents and staff.

DISTRICT 39

District 37/39 five-week summer enrichment program offers children completing kindergarten-seventh grade an opportunity for fun, creativity and learning.

The program will be held from June 21-July 23. Children may enroll in one, two or three classes. Bus transportation is available and 'link-up' bus service is available after the last morning class each day to students enrolled in Wilmette Park District camps. March 5 is the registration deadline until late registration begins March 29-May 7. A late fee of $25.00 will be applied after March 29.

The course catalog containing descriptions of the courses is available at the Mikaelian Education Center, 615 Locust Rd. Wilmette, or at the Wilmette Public Library. The catalog is also available online at the District 39 Web site at www.wilmette39.org. For more information, call the summer enrichment office at (847) 256-2450 ext. 6060.

DISTRICT 63

Session III of the TLC Afterschool Program began March 1. Held at Apollo, Mark Twain, Washington, Nelson and Melzer Schools in East Maine School District 63, TLC runs from 3:15-5 p.m. on full school days and is open to children in first through eighth grades. TLC offers homework help, and enrichment classes like art, music, and drama in a safe learning environment. All activities are supervised by district teachers. Each location also has an option for students to ride the bus home or be cared for until 6 p.m.

The cost for an entire week of TLC activities, including daily snack, materials and supervision is $15. There is a price reduction for students who have been approved for free or reduced lunch at school.

Registration forms are located at each school office, in the TLC Office or on the TLC Web site, www.emsd63.org/tlc. For more information, or to try TLC free for one day, call TLC Director Pam Surber at (847) 827-4137.

DISTRICT 207

The Maine Township High School District 207 Educational Foundation will host its annual Benefit Dinner April 6 at the Rosewood, 9421 W. Higgins Road in Rosemont. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30. The event will feature entertainment provided throughout the evening by musical groups representing the three Maine Township high schools. Displays of student activities that have received mini-grants provided by the foundation will be on view. A cash raffle and a silent auction will also take place at the benefit. Tickets, which are $50 per person, are available at http://east.maine207.org, http://south.maine207.org, or http://west.maine207.org (click on the 'Benefit Dinner' icon at the bottom left of the Web page), or call ticket chairman Jim Blue at (847) 827-6029.

Proceeds benefit the students of Maine Township High School District 207 through continued support for innovative and imaginative educational opportunities. The Maine Township High School District 207 Educational Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and a portion of the ticket price is tax deductible.

Maine South High School students Molly Amelse, Claire Beyer, Melissa Biseck, Morgan Gaede, Brigid Loughran, Beth Vandernoot, Emily Vigil, Rachel Villeneuve, and Kristen Zillmer; and Maine East High School students Nick Vukovojac, Ivory Johnson, Jency Thomas, Kajal Chokshi, Erin Smith, Amelia Misiak, Susan Alababidi, Stacey Cherukara and Olena Yousif took home first-place awards at the Grayslake Regional Family, Career and Community Leaders of America competition on Feb. 19. The event was held at the College of Lake County and featured approximately 450 middle and high school students studying family consumer science.

MAINE EAST

Maine East High School's upcoming production of the musical, 'Seussical,' is for the whole family. Theater-goers will have four opportunities to enjoy the show: March 5, 6, 12 and 13; all performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Maine East Auditorium, 2601 W. Dempster St., Park Ridge.

All of the endearing characters from Dr. Seuss' stories will be featured on stage: The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, Gertrude McFuzz and all the Who's in Whoville. The cast of Maine East students, directed by Karen Hall, will be joined by two seventh-grade students from Emerson Middle School in Niles who auditioned for and will alternate playing the role of JoJo.

East's production of 'Seussical' marks the first time that the school's theater-goers will be able to obtain tickets online, by either Googling 'Maine East Fine Arts' or going directly to http://east.maine207.org/departments/finearts/default.aspx. Tickets cost $10. Those purchasing tickets online will be able to choose their seats.

On Feb. 26, several cast members visited East Maine Elementary District 63 schools, to give book performances as an introduction to the musical and to announce winners of a Seussical coloring book contest sponsored by Maine East. All entries will be on display in the Maine East Auditorium lobby.

NORTHRIDGE PREP

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Monaghan visited Northridge Prep on Feb. 22 to share his fascinating life story and the obstacles he has overcome. Monaghan outlined the five guiding principles of his life including spiritual, mental, physical, social and financial beliefs. Although Monaghan may be best known as the man who founded Domino's Pizza, he was once the owner of the Detroit Tigers who won a World Series while under his ownership and is the founder of Ave Maria College and Ave Maria School of Law located in Naples, Fla. His lesser known accomplishments include the building of a mission in a Honduras mountain town, the construction of a new cathedral in Nicaragua, and the creation of Ave Maria Mutual Funds.

GLENVIEW METHODIST PRESCHOOL

Students and teachers at Glenview Methodist Preschool have had a very busy start to the 2010 year. In January, the preschool decorated the bulletin board at the Glenview Public Library with the theme 'Aliens Wear Underpants' based on a popular children's book. The students also 'treated' their dads to breakfast and participated in face-painting and other crafts at the annual Dad's Breakfast.

February found the students contributing their allowance and spare change to 'Help and Hope for Haiti' following the devastating earthquake. The staff, students and their families donated over $416 which was given to the Little by Little organization to be taken directly to Haiti to aid in its recovery.

In March the teachers have been preparing for parent/teacher conferences which take place today. Also in March, the annual school auction, themed 'Chicago, My Kind of Town', will take place at the Renaissance Hotel in Northbrook March 13. The preschool still has openings for the 2010-11 school year and is accepting applications. Please contact the preschool at (847) 729-3606 or www.glenviewmethodistpreschool.com for more information.

REGINA DOMINICAN

GOVERNOR BROWN TAKES ACTION ON LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN. - States News Service

SACRAMENTO, CA -- The following information was released by the office of the Governor of California:

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced today that he has signed the following bills to protect children in California:

* AB 25 by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) - School districts: athletics: concussions and head injuries.

* AB 90 by Assemblymember Sandre Swanson (D-Oakland) - Human trafficking: minors.

* AB 194 by Assemblymember Jim Beall (D-San Jose) - Public postsecondary education: priority enrollment: foster youth.

* AB 212 by Assemblymember Jim Beall (D-San Jose) - California Fostering Connections to Success Act.

* AB 301 by Assemblymember Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) - Medi-Cal: managed care.

* AB 395 by Assemblymember Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) - Newborn screening program.

* AB 687 by Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego) - Adoption.

* AB 709 by Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica) - Foster children: school placement: immunization records.

* AB 717 by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) - Child Abuse Central Index.

* AB 735 by Assemblymember Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) - Interns and student assistants: hiring preference.

* AB 764 by Assemblymember Sandre Swanson (D-Oakland) - Personal income taxes: voluntary contributions: Child Victims of Human Trafficking Fund.

* AB 1111 by Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego) - Debt collection: homeless youth.

* AB 1319 by Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Marina Del Rey) - Product safety: bisphenol A.

* SB 309 by Senator Carol Liu (D-Pasadena) - Child day care facilities: school age child care centers: nonminor students.

* SB 368 by Senator Carol Liu (D-Pasadena) - Developmental services: decision making.

* SB 578 by Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod (D-Chino) - Schools: pupils in foster care: course credit.

* SB 646 by Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) -Toxics: enforcement: lead and cadmium jewelry.

* SB 929 by Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) - Vehicles: child passenger restraints.

The Governor announced that he has vetoed the following bill:

* AB 200 by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) - Physical education: Health and Fitness Award Program. A veto message can be found here.

The Governor also signed the following bill to encourage solar power in California:

* SB 226 by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) - Environmental quality. A signing message can be found here.

For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

Any aid is better than none; If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, help within the first few minutes significantly improves the chances of survival. Neil Connor took part in a course which could literally mean the difference between life and death.(News) - The Birmingham Post (England)

Byline: Neil Connor

You cannot do anything wrong when you are trying to save a life that is already dead - that is the message from a new organisation set up to give people training in resuscitating people who have suffered a cardiac arrest.

Apparently, many people are put off being trained in these skills because they believe they might be blamed if their attempts at bringing people back to life are unsuccessful.

But for Heartstart UK, doing something is always better than doing nothing.

The organisation, which is a partnership between the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust and the British Heart Foundation, is going out into the community over the next few weeks to pass on skills which could help people to deal with a life-threatening emergency.

Latest figures show that, in the last 12 months, of the 1,032 people in Birmingham who suffered a cardiac arrest at home or outside a hospital, 988 died. Less than ten per cent received any kind of help.

Without any intervention, experts believe that a person's chances of survival fall by ten per cent every minute after a cardiac arrest.

But the good news is that anyone can learn resuscitation skills - even me.

Two former paramedics called Mike Mcleod and Paul Turner - recently recruited resuscitation officers - started the ball rolling with a demonstration, before I attempted to bring life back to the cheeks of Anne.

Anne is actually 'resusci-Anne', a doll who has probably received more mouth-to-mouth than a career-driven glamour model.

But before the serious business could start, I had to check what the situation was like around the casualty. Any electrical wires, slippery surfaces, or fallen objects should be picked up and noted as potential hazards - one casualty is better than two. It is also important to tell someone nearby to get help - a first-aider should not do everything alone.

Then it's time for an appraisal of the patient. If there is no breathing, there is a good chance the patient has had a cardiac arrest.

Now it is time to tilt the head back in order to open the airway, before two mouth-to-mouths breaths can be administered.

If there is still no response, it is straight into 15 chest-presses. To ensure that 15 are being carried out, you can sing the first verse of Nelly the Elephant while you are doing it - but not out loud.

Hopefully, by then the patient will be coughing, spluttering and returning to life. If not, the paramedics might have turned up.

Even if there is no sign of life, at least the patient was given the best chance of surviving under the circumstances.

Mr Turner said: 'The most common reasons for people not intervening range from fear, and simply not knowing what to do, to not wanting to call out an ambulance unnecessarily.

'If cardiac arrest happens in the home, in the street or in the pub, emergency teams will get there quickly - but with these simple skills we hope that anyone can buy vital time and greatly increase a person's chances of survival.'

Heartstart is urging people to attend one of its training courses, which begin today at Birmingham's Bullring, in the conference centre on the Upper Mall, starting at 10am, 12am and 2pm.

Further courses will be held at Handsworth Leisure Centre, Birmingham Sports Centre and Moseley School Health & Fitness Centre.

To arrange a session or find out more information call 0121 465 4831

A matter of life and death

The Heart of Birmingham PCT area has the highest mortality rate from coronary heart disease among under 75s in the West Midlands

Coronary heart disease in the PCT area is around one and a half times that of the regional average

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating

Unless intervention occurs, usually through defibrillation, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or heart massage, the patient will die

The chances of successfully reviving a patient in cardiac arrest greatly increase if resuscitation is given in the first four minutes following cardiac arrest

Typically survival rates for cardiac arrest in a clinical environment are around 15 per cent

Lottery grant to trace history and memories of Hilsea Lido. - The News (Portsmouth, England)

But in the meantime the local community group working to re-open the pool wants to hear from those who remember the attraction during its heyday.

The memories of Lido life will be collected as part of a social history project made possible by a A[pounds sterling]12,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The newly-formed charity - Hilsea Lido Pool for the People - will be researching the pool's history and impact from 1935 to the present day.

Volunteers will research how the Lido transformed local leisure opportunities for people re-located from slum housing during the depression of the 1930s and during and after Second World War.

They will look at the surge in group fitness activities such as the Women's League for Health and Beauty and how the appeal of outdoor pools waned with the growth of post-war foreign holidays.

Local people will be interviewed to capture memories of sunny summer childhoods, meeting future partners at the pool and visiting with children and grandchildren.

The project coincides with the Lido's 75th anniversary year.

Stuart McLeod, head of HLF south east, said: 'This project will raise awareness of the crucial role played by the Lido in the social life and leisure time of Hilsea over many years and will whet the appetite for a re-opening of the pool in the future.'

Sabrina Richards, from Hilsea Lido Pool for the People Trust, said: 'This is a fantastic project and we are really excited to receive the Heritage Lottery Fund grant.'

>> Vote in our latest web poll.

Fishing for prizes at annual derby.(Neighbor)(Local beat) - Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)

Byline: Ed Fanselow

Dust off your fishing poles and lures - it's time for the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce's annual Community Fishing Derby.

The event, now in its 11th year, kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday on the north end of town, near Whiteley School.

Two retention ponds - err, lakes - will be stocked with fish, some of which are tagged to correspond with cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100. Prizes for the longest fish will also be awarded.

Registration costs $5.

For more information, log onto hechamber.com or call (847) 781- 9100.

Fit to be tied: Also on Saturday, the Hoffman Estates Park District will kick off its new Summer Fitness Challenge with a special open house at the Higgins Road community center/ice arena.

Participants in the summer-long program will receive a Step Up to Health passport, which provides free access to all park district facilities and discounts to certain programs and services.

Registration costs $10 (or $25 for a family). For more information, call Debbie at (847) 285-5442.

Overdue honor: In a special ceremony earlier this week, Hoffman Estates village officials honored the life of longtime resident Jim Knippen, who died in March.

Knippen, a Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was among the early leaders of the village's volunteer fire department and was a 17-year public works department employee before taking a job as a dairyman with Dean Foods.

Knippen also served for many years as a deacon at St. Hubert Church.

'It's people like Jim who built this community,' Mayor Bill McLeod said. 'We wanted to thank him and his family for that.'

Local exposure: Photographs by local artist Liz Cockrum will be on display through June at the Hoffman Estates village hall. Among the works exhibited are several included in her 'Kane County' series, which chronicles the effects of suburban sprawl.

The exhibit can be viewed during regular business hours.

Party with the stars: Former Chicago Bears Jim McMahon and Steve McMichael and former Bulls Bob Love and Artis Gilmore are among the local sports celebrities expected to appear on Sunday at a special pre-party celebration in advance of the seventh annual Walter Payton Memorial Scholarship Fund golf outing on Monday.

The party will take place at the Alumni Club, 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and are available at the door.

Tidbits: Village officials have approved a liquor license for the owners of LaStrada Ristorante, scheduled to open later this summer along Barrington Road just north of the tollway ... Congratulations to Hoffman Estates police officer Bob Kravetz who marks his 35th year on the force this month ... Stay tuned for news next week about the new indoor water park resort planned for the Prairie Stone business park.

We sold our home and travelled 65,000 miles to help Mark fight cancer; Exclusive Hopes rise as son set to move closer.(News) - Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)

Byline: By Craig McDonald

DEVOTED parents Karen and Stephen McLeod gave up their home and jobs to help their teenage son fight cancer.

Now they believe brave Mark Ballantyne's two-and-a-half-year struggle and their sacrifices could finally be rewarded.

Mark, 18, who has had two bone marrow transplants, could soon be moved from Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.

It would be the first step to him going home to Golspie, Sutherland, and an end to the long-distance nightmare which has split the family.

Karen, 40, and Stephen, 33, who is Mark's stepdad, moved to Glasgow with younger daughter Mea, three, to be closer to him.

Mark's brother Martin, 21, and sister Michaela, 16, remained in Golspie because of work and school commitments.

But each week - and sometimes twice a week - Karen and Stephen make the 500-mile round trip home to see their other children.

It all adds up to more than 65,000 miles travelled and an estimated pounds 8000 spent on petrol.

The couple also had to give up their jobs and now have a council house in Golspie after being forced to sell their four-bedroom family home.

Yesterday, Karen, who worked for a store chain, said: 'Mark's had a terrible time and we needed to be near him.

'We've given up everything but didn't think twice about it. It's been one battle after another for Mark. We just hope and pray things will work out.'

Mark was diagnosed with the bone marrow cancer myelodysplasia at just 15.

And Karen says all the upheaval will be worth it if her son can battle back to full health.

She said: 'We were devastated when first told Mark was ill. We thought he would only be in Yorkhill for six to nine months.'

She added: 'We've asked for him to be transferred to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

'We can't afford to stay in Glasgow - it's too far for the rest of the family to come visiting.

'Once we get him home, we hope it will be a lot better.

'I am hoping he'll be moved this summer as he is a lot better than he was. But there are still major problems to overcome.'

As well as his transplants, Mark has had eight doses of intensive chemotherapy.

Karen said: 'He's a real fighter - you have to be.'

Mark has needed a blood transfusion every two days to keep him alive and blood platelets each day to stop him bleeding to death.

Now, though, he is producing his own platelets and no longer needs transfusions, giving the family hope.

And doctors say once he puts weight on and builds his strength up, they will consider the transfer to Raigmore.

Karen said: 'We're hoping he might be moved to Inverness in six weeks.'

She added: 'He's a very intelligent boy but has missed out on vital schooling. He just wants to get home and spend six months getting back to fitness.

'It's then his aim to look at college and civil engineering.'

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