WWPO 2013-14

227 N. Fourth Street
Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-463-3000

What We're Proud of 2013-14

Students Help the Homeless

Posted: June 30, 2014
Prior to the end of the school year and in conjunction with a unit on the Homeless in America, one team of seventh grade students at Geneva Middle School South conducted a successful collection of items for Lazarus House in St. Charles. The brief unit focused primarily on the children affected by the crisis and attempted to develop in students a deeper awareness of homelessness in our country. In only four days, the students collected enough items to fill a minivan and send to Lazarus House! Well done, seventh graders!

Masters of Words

Posted: June 26, 2014

Harrison Street Elementary School third and fifth grade students placed 4th and 6th, respectively, in the final WordMasters Challenge™ competition. Each year, over 125,000 students from public and private schools throughout the United States participate the WordMasters Challenge™, a competition for students in grades 3-8 that encourages growth in vocabulary and verbal reasoning.

In the third of three competitions, the Harrison Street 5th grade team placed 6th in the Gold Division in the third competition 191/200 points and they placed 10th in the cumulative rankings, which includes all three tests. The fifth grade team included Taylor Berg, Ellie Brault, Cam Coen, Tori Cornelson, Niels Eysturlid, Nicole Forde, Thomas (TJ) Godfrey, Carlos Gomez, Darian Holda, Will Holzhauer, Abby Karch, Andrew McCafferty, Kieran McCarthy, Lauren Molander, and Lilly Nowak.

The 3rd grade team placed 4th in the Gold Division in the third competition. The third grade team included Quinlan Bobeczko, Maggie Cremer, Tyler Elizondo, Ryan Forde, Meena Gosain, Claire Jennings, Annabelle Karch, Braeden Kraus, Dylan Platt, Elizabeth Malone, Maren Molander, and Isabella Walls.

In addition, the following students scored a perfect 20/20 on two tests: Darian Holda and Claire Jennings.These students scored a perfect 20/20 on one test: Cam Coen, Abby Karch, Lily Nowak, Michael Kolschowsky, Annabelle Karch, Elizabeth Malone, and Maren Molander.

Middle School Students Take a Stand and Make a Difference

Posted: June 18, 2014

Last fall, seventh grade students at Geneva Middle School North stood together against bullying in a 6-minute video called “Vikings Stand Up!” and raised more than $1,000 in t-shirt sales in the process. In May, the 7Blue team at North continued its the focus on taking a stand by choosing three charities to “stand up” for by donating the proceeds of the t-shirt sales.

In total, students researched 47 organizations, focusing specifically on how the charity makes a difference and the amount of donations that goes directly to the cause. Each individual or group created a visual presentation board displaying their research findings and presented them to their classmates in an effort to persuade their peers to vote for their particular charity.

The three winning charities are:

• Joni and Friends (researched by Zack Borrego)

• Feed My Starving Children (researched by Dan Belzer and David Tarpey)

• Make-A-Wish Foundation (researched by Nicole Walley)

In addition, the GMSN student council donated $500.000 to Hear the Cheers (researched by Eliza Peters); teacher Katie Edison and her husband chose to donate $100.00 to the Trevor Project (researched by Jacob Sweet and Dean Sela); and teacher Chris McKechnie and her husband chose to donate $100.00 to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative (researched by Julie Eich and Kendall Terzich).

Thankful for Loyal Employees

Posted: June 11, 2014

Congrats to Lester Kleckner, Geneva School District’s longest-serving bus driver, on the completion of his 45th school year driving a bus for CUSD 304!

Fabyan Elementary PTO Chooses ‘Our Sister School’

Posted: June 5, 2014

The Fabyan Elementary School PTO is embarking on a new partnership with E.M. Rollins Elementary School in Aurora, which was chosen this May to be Fabyan’s ‘Our Sister School’

The goal of the Our Sister School program is threefold – to provide information to the school’s PTO, to assist the school and staff with meeting their needs, and to build relationships between the students of both schools.

The program was created to bring to students the awareness of and compassion for those in need in our own backyard and to demonstrate how a good citizen should respond, all while fostering a sense of community. It is anticipated that Fabyan Elementary School students will have various opportunities to support and collaborate with the students of E.M. Rollins Elementary School for many years to come.

The Fabyan PTO has already delivered two listening centers to the Rollins School and collected “gently used” school supplies to help students in Rollins’ summer program.

Change for Autism Campaign Nets $1,500

Posted: June 2, 2014

Geneva High School students collected spare change during lunch periods for one week for Change for Autism. The net result of their efforts was $1,537.05 for the Autism Society of Illinois. Well done, Vikings!

GHS Students Win First Place StudySync Video Contest

Posted: May 29, 2014

Geneva High School students in Kate Hertz’s English classes recently placed first and also as first runners up in the first ever MySyncTV contest. Classrooms from across the country were invited to produce their own version of StudySync’s collaboration videos, which are used to supplement Geneva High School’s English curriculum. The videos allow students to extend their classroom experience by watching videos of potential peers discussing works studied, write and peer edit their thoughts about works of literature online in authentic and relevant ways, and apply that information to shape their understanding of the text.

The First Place winners in the high school category were Geneva High School students Elizabeth Fallon, Angelie Humbert, Cassie Kuyawa, Marin Leone, and McKenna Schimmel with a MySyncTV episode on Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. The First Runners Up for high school episodes were Geneva High School students Brad Barr, David Gibson, David Mutchler, Mike Sampson, and Lauren Taylor with a MySyncTV video on The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.

Click here to watch the videos.

Middle School Students Win in The Stock Market Game™

Posted: May 27, 2014

After picking stocks that propelled them to the front of the class, students from Geneva Middle School North took 1st and 3rd place in a year-long session of The Stock Market Game™ program’s online portfolio simulation, while Geneva Middle School South took 3rd place in the spring session.

The winning student teams competed in the grades 4-8 level in their geographic region. Geneva MS North beat out over 396 other teams, and South beat 400 other teams.

The winning student teams from North included: in 1st place, Johnny Vrba, Ethan Eiss, and Ben Hertel, and in 3rd place, Tommy Miltner, Lizzie Lusk, and Anna Murray. Mr. Dave Kimball’s students increased their original $100,000 cash to final portfolio equities of $122,582.95 and $117,450.87, respectively.

The winning team from South included: in 3rd place, Bobby Lee, Dan Larsen, Mitchell Regelbrugge, and Simon Parsons. Mr. Mike Hack’s students increased their portfolio to $108,152.

GHS Seniors Rake in the Awards and Accomplishments

Posted: May 23, 2014

As the Geneva High School graduating class of 2014 prepares for Graduation on Sunday, we proudly display some accomplishments of this hard-working class. A total of 470 students will graduate from Geneva High School on Sunday, May 25. Of this number, 305 students achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above! In addition, 94 students were named Illinois State Scholars and 52 were named IHSA All-Academic athletes. Click here to see a list of students who achieved these accomplishments.

In addition, Geneva High School boasts three National Merit Scholarship Finalists – Jeannelle Alford, Rian Kormos, and Destin Tunca – and four National Merit Scholarship Commended Students – Brian Dahlberg, Alana Goodrich, Emma Pappas, and Ryan Schneider.

Finally, more than 60 seniors received awards and scholarships from more than 40 local groups, individuals, and/or organizations. Click here to see a list of awards/scholarships and recipients, but please keep in mind that these lists may be incomplete, as awards and recognition were self-reported by students and families. If we’ve missed someone, please call Geneva High School at 630-463-3800.

Geneva Admin Receives IASBO President's Award

Posted: May 21, 2014

District 304 administrator Todd Latham was recently selected as the sole recipient of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials’ President’s Award.

Mr. Latham, who is currently Geneva School District’s Business Services Coordinator, received the award from outgoing IASBO Board President Hillarie Siena, for his work at Northern Illinois University influencing/persuading individuals to study in the field of School Business Management and seek licensure as a Chief School Business Official (CSBO).

During Mr. Latham’s 2002-2013 tenure as NIU’s Assistant to the Chair (Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations), he worked to improve licensure requirements by strengthening CSBO preparation and credentials, permitting a pathway for CSBO’s to pursue the superintendency, co-developing a statewide on-line licensure, and co-creating a structured alternative route to CSBO licensure. During this time, the national ranking of this NIU program rose from 14th, to 4th, to 1st.

Geneva School District is fortunate to have Mr. Latham now working in our business services office. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

GHS May Students of the Month

Posted: May 19, 2014

Geneva High School has released its list of Students of the Month for May, calling the nominees everything from self-motivated, responsible and diligent to funny, positive, and fun. This month’s deserving students are: Freshman Claire Oetter; Sophomores Monica Altmayer, Taylor Hamilton, Kelly Jezior, and Katrina Pronenko; Juniors Emily Hartsock and Robert Machlet; and Seniors Victoria Ascencio and Alana Goodrich. Congratulations!

Celebrating the Futures of Our Seniors

Posted: May 16, 2014

Geneva Community High School held the fourth annual “Celebrate the Future of the Senior Class” breakfast on Friday, May 16. Seniors were encouraged to wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt indicating their plans for next year, whether it is the college they plan to attend, military branch they will join, technical or vocational school they will attend, or their intended career choice. Pictured here are the four GHS seniors who have chosen to serve in the U.S. Military, three in the Marines and one in the Navy. You make us proud, Vikings!

Fabyan Staff Teams Up for Charity

Posted: May 14, 2014

Staff members at Fabyan Elementary School used part of a recent school improvement day to simultaneously strengthen their relationships as a team and support the community. Fabyan teachers and Principal Darcy Thompson worked together to pack a total of 70 lunches, which were donated to Hesed House in Aurora and Lazarus House in St. Charles.

Harrison Hurricanes Collect More than $1,400 in Coin Drive

Posted: May 9, 2014

Hurricanes Care, indeed! Elementary students from Harrison Street School collected $1,434 during a month-long coin drive for the Living Well Cancer Resource Center. This amazing donation will help fund Living Well’s programs and services, which are free of charge to children, teens and adults whose lives have been touched by cancer. Hurrah to the Hurricanes for this tremendous contribution to a worthy cause!

GMSS Teacher Serves Students and Educators Worldwide

Ame Kazmer Wins High School Educator of the Year!

Posted: May 5, 2014

A Geneva High School teacher won top honors Friday night at the 2014 Kane County Educator of the Year Award Program. GHS Special Education teacher, Ame Kazmer, was presented with an Educator of the Year Award in the high school teacher category. Congratulations, Ame, on this wonderful recognition of your dedicated service to the students of Geneva!

Three Geneva Students Named Ozzie’s Scholars

Posted: May 1, 2014

Congratulations to three Geneva students, who are among just 10 Chicagoland youth recognized by the Kane County Cougars as 2013-2014 “Ozzie’s Scholars.” The Cougars’ reading scholarship program encouraged current and former members of Ozzie’s Reading Club to submit a brief essay explaining how their love for reading was furthered through Ozzie’s Reading Club, the Cougars’ reading incentive program. Since the program’s inception 19 years ago, more than 2 million Chicagoland youth have participated in Ozzie’s Reading Club, which tracks the progress of a students’ reading around the bases of a baseball diamond. Congratulations to Carlie G. of Harrison Street Elementary School, Ian M. of Geneva Middle School South, and Emma P. of Geneva High School for being selected by the Cougars as Ozzie’s Scholars!

GMSS Teacher Serves Students and Educators Worldwide

Posted: April 28, 2014

Vicky Tusken, Ed.D, a language arts teacher at Geneva Middle School South, was recently elected to the 2014-16 Executive Council of the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) International Honor Society in Education. Dr. Tusken will serve as a professional representative on the council, which is charged with guiding the international organization’s strategic vision and initiatives for a two-year term. Kappa Delta Pi supports the professional growth and teaching practices of nearly 40,000 educators worldwide through programming, services, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Tusken’s term begins in July 2014. Congratulations, Dr. Tusken!

Harrison Street Students Share Kind Acts

Posted: April 24, 2014

The Harrison Hurricanes are participating in the national Pay It Forward Day kindness campaign! Students have spent the last 10 days documenting their random acts of kindness on circular “leaves,” which are now being compiled to create a Tree of Kindness at Harrison Street Elementary Schools. Well done, Hurricanes!

Exceptional Students Shine at GHS

Posted: April 23, 2014

Nine students have been nominated as April Students of the Month by staff members at Geneva High School. These students include freshmen Grayson Frazier, Kevin Huck, and Colin Plocinski; sophomore Cody Heckendorf; and seniors Dorie Arnold, Marissa Clifford, Lilianna Monroy, Jonathan Sather, and Wyatt Wegner. Staff members describe these exceptional students as genuine, intelligent, driven, and highly engaged, among many positive attributes. Congratulations, April Students of the Month!

Williamsburg Student Achieve Highest Honors

Posted: April 14, 2014

Several students representing Williamsburg Elementary School achieved individual Highest Honors in the recent WordMasters Challenge™ — a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000 students annually. Competing in the Gold Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, fourth grader Sunni Foard and fifth graders Audrey Bracey and Annabelle Letizia achieved a perfect score of 20 on the second of three challenges to be held this school year. Nationally, only 43 fourth graders and 62 fifth graders achieved this result. Other students from Williamsburg Elementary School who achieved outstanding results in the meet included 4th grader Eli Paschke. The students were coached in preparation for the WordMasters Challenge™ Nancy Krasinski.

GHS March Students of the Month

Posted: April 8, 2014

Students at Geneva High School continue to excel and stand out for their positive attitudes, commitment to education, and hard work. These outstanding students for March include: Freshman Isabella Howe; Sophomore Caleb Fringer; Juniors Aaron Knol, Alec Muschong, Alex Reed, Braden Saltus, and Ben Strah; and Seniors Anand Patel, Hunter Smith, and Jonathan Wiedenhofer. Congratulations!

Students Assemble Birthday Bags

Posted: April 3, 2014

Middle school students and staff recently completed a successful project to collect birthday party supplies for local children in need. Through their social studies classes at Geneva Middle Schools North and South, students and staff were encouraged to bring in cake mixes, tubs of frosting, candles, balloons, streamers and any other miscellaneous birthday party favors. Along with donated McDonald Happy Meal toys and cards made by students, the combined Social Studies Club of North and South packed up these birthday bag kits for a local food pantry. In total, the students collected enough items to assemble 163 birthday bag kits and donated an additional 56 cake mixes to the food pantry.

Fifth Graders Smash School Pi Day Record

Posted: March 25, 2014

Fifth grader Michelle Wang bested Mill Creek Elementary School’s Pi Day record by 85 digits during the school’s annual Pi Day grade level event on March 14 by memorizing and reciting 550 digits of Pi! Pi, the Greek letter “π”, is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant – the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter – which is approximately 3.14159. With the aid of modern technology, Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal, but literally, the possible calculations are infinite. This infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize and to calculate more and more digits. Pi Day is celebrated around the world each year on March 14th – or 3/14 – and is observed at Mill Creek Elementary School with a fifth grade competition to see who can memorize the most digits of Pi. The school’s previous record was held by James Warwick, now a freshman at Geneva High School. As a Mill Creek fifth grader in 2010, James memorized 465 digits! Ten students qualified to compete in this year’s final, which ended up breaking James’ record twice – by Michelle Wang with 550 digits and Yash Shah with 480 digits. Michael Daanen came in third place by reciting 351 digits.

GHS Students Receive Awards for National French Week Student Videos

Posted: March 19, 2014

The creative talents and hard work of Geneva High School’s French students paid off, as the students practically swept the awards for video production in this year’s AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) National French Week student video contests!

The challenge was to create a 30-second to 2-minute long video related to the National French Week theme, “French – language of the 21st Century.” GHS students took first, second and third places in the Chicago/Northern Illinois Chapter competition and first, second and fourth places the national competition! Several more students also received honorable mentions at both the national and chapter levels.

1st prize in the National competition (pictured) were Martha Behlow’s French IV class: Cameron Graber, Shelby Porter, Sierra Baginski, Jakob Eldredge, Hannah Brachat, Caroline Neal, Alexa Orlanda, Sam Kichka, Alan Celaya, Kyle Bertaux, Kathleen Clemens, Stephanie Condon, Amy Haboush, and Lauren Garrison. Watch the video here.

2nd prize in the National competition was Martha Behlow’s French II student Haley Hudetz. Watch the video here.

4th prize in the National competition were Martha Behlow’s French II students Olivia Smith, Olivia Zieba, Serena Wilson, Alison Kummerer, Anna Gain, and Vera Kotelnikova. Watch the video here.

1st place in the Chicago/Northern Illinois Chapter competition were Pam Cabeen’s French III students Emma McSpadden and Katja Gonzalez.

2nd place in the Chicago/Northern Illinois Chapter competition were Pam Cabeen’s French III students Maddie Nowak and Karli Vass. Watch the video here.

3rd place in the Chicago/Northern Illinois Chapter competition were Martha Behlow’s French II students Maddie Hagen, Alyssa Camp, Katia Savoni, and Emma Pietsch. Watch the video here.

Fourth Place Girls’ Varsity Basketball

Posted: March 17, 2014

The Geneva High School varsity girls’ basketball team came in fourth in state at the IHSA Class 4A State Tournament at Redbird Arena on March 7-8. The team members are Mary Burke, Madeline Dunn, Anna Finch, Amelia Grady, Allison Henrie, Makayla Koehn, Grace Loberg, Michaela Loebel, Jane McCloughan, Jill McDowell, Isabella Medina, Abby Novak, Emma Peters, Courtney Reynolds, Katherine Rogers, Sidney Santos, Morgan Seberger, Cheyenne Vieau, and Taylor Williams. The team is coached by Head Coach Sarah Meadows.

State Qualifiers

Posted: March 17, 2014

In recent months, several Geneva High School students have qualified to compete in their respective sports at the state level. Nathaniel Jesko qualified to compete at the IHSA State Swim Meet held Feb. 28 and March 1 in the 200-Free and the 100-back events. Mitchell Bradbury qualified to compete at the IHSA State Wrestling Meet held Feb. 20-22 in the 182-lb weight class. Jason Soto qualified to compete at the IHSA State Bowling Meet held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Congratulations Nathaniel, Mitchell, and Jason on your accomplishments!

Geneva Gymnasts

Posted: March 10, 2014

Congratulations to the state-qualifying Geneva High School Gymnastics Team, which placed fifth in state overall at the IHSA State Gymnastics Meet in February! The team members are Megan Beitzel, Dominique Brognia, Claire Ginsberg, Grace Ginsberg, McKenna Merges, and Claire Scatterday. The team placed fifth overall as a team, and Megan Beitzel and Dominique Brognia qualified for the finals in vault and floor, respectively. Freshman Claire Ginsberg was named the IHSA all-around state champion and in individual competitions placed third on the floor, fourth on both vault and beam, and eighth on the bars.

Three GHS Students Named National Merit Finalists

Posted: March 4, 2014

Geneva High School seniors Jeannelle Alford, Rian Kormos, and Destin Tunca have been named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. About 1.5 million juniors nationwide entered the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. To achieve the Finalist distinction, Jeannelle, Rian and Destin placed among the top one-half of one percent (or above the 99.5 percentile) of college-bound students in Illinois.

GHS February Students of the Month

Posted: April 8, 2014

Congratulations to the Geneva High School February Students of the Month! Colette Malovany, Sydney Nelson, Sara Temple, Conner Livingston, Jason Lagger, Jack Wassel, Madison Graber, Briar Hanlon, Grace Keegan, and Maria Ernst. Keep up the good work!

Williamsburg Word Masters

Posted: February 25, 2014

A team representing Williamsburg Elementary School achieved Highest Honors in the recent WordMasters Challenge™ — a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000 students annually. The fifth grade team scored an impressive 178 points out of a possible 200 in the first of three meets this year, placing 8th in the nation. Pictured here are a group of Williamsburg Elementary School fifth graders who participated in the WordMasters Challenge. Competing in the very difficult Gold Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, fifth grader Tom Traudt earned a perfect score of 20 in the meet. Nationwide, only 16 fifth graders achieved this result. There were also five students who helped their overall team score with personal scores of 18/20. These students were: Sean Chalmers, Evan Horvath, Annabelle Letizia, Stella Stoetzel, and Grace Henry. Students representing other teams from Williamsburg Elementary School who achieved outstanding individual results include fourth graders Andrien Peik, Natalia Bork, and Vivian Johnsen, and fifth grader Audrey Brennan. Students will be participating in two more WordMasters Challenge™ rounds this year.

Students Receive All State Honors

Posted: February 19, 2014

Four Geneva High School students recently received Tradition of Excellence awards from the Board of Education for their outstanding accomplishments at the Illinois Music Educators Association’s All-State Music Festival. Those chosen to represent Geneva High School at the festival were: Alexander Howe (Tenor II), Brandon Evert (Trumpet), Kevin Farley (Trumpet), and Sophia Spiegel (Cello). All four students also earned all-state honors recognition, which school administrators believe is the first time in school history that all of the students representing GHS at the festival earned all-state honors. Congratulations Alexander, Brandon, Kevin, and Sophia!

HSS Students Achieve Perfect Scores

Posted: February 19, 2014
Several students representing Harrison Street School recently received a perfect score in the first of three meets for this year’s WordMasters Challenge™—a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000 students annually. Competing in the very difficult Gold Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, fourth grader Michael Kolschowsky and third graders Claire Jennings and Annabelle Karch earned a perfect score of 20 in the recent meet. Nationally, only 12 fourth graders and 17 third graders achieved a perfect score. The students were coached in preparation for the WordMasters Challenge™ by Mrs. Katie Kennath. Congratulations to all of our students who participated. You make us proud!

Varsity Dance Earns State Championship

Posted: February 14, 2014

Congratulations to the members of the Geneva High School Varsity Dance Team, which earned a State Championship at the IHSA State Dance Finals held on January 31 and Feb. 1! The team consists of Diana Brognia, Elena Cramer, Aimee Dappas, Maddie Emma, Natalie Erickson, Danielle Friedel, Gianna Hansen, Kennedy Hughes, Mary Kafer, Michelle Lapetina, Mindy Lietza, Kelsey Paeth, Nicole Rinne, Emily Schmid, Nikki Serra, Jenna Soldati, Hailey Wishne, and Molly Zacher. The team is coached by Amy VanWagenen.

GHS Senior Named a Candidate in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Posted: February 10, 2014
Geneva High School senior Rian Kormos has been named one of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.4 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2014. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Approximately 560 semifinalists will be selected in April, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. Congratulations to Rian on this honor of being chosen as a candidate!

Geneva Teacher one of 20 in U.S. Inducted into Microsoft’s Expert Educator Program

Posted: January 9, 2014
Mill Creek Elementary School Teacher Donna Román is one of only 20 educators in the United States selected to take part in Microsoft’s Expert Educator program, created to recognize pioneer educators and schools globally who are using technology to transform education. This year, the Expert Educator program selected 250 educators out of 23,000 applicants.

Ms. Román was selected by Microsoft for her use of technology to drive student achievement based on a collaborative project in which she linked her fifth grade students with fifth grade students in Máire O’Keefe’s class in Kinvara, Co Galway, Ireland. Using a multitude of online resources, Ms. Román’s students and their counterparts in Ireland jointly researched the life of Captain Francis O’Neill, who lived in the eras of the Great Potato Famine and the Great Chicago Fire, from his life on a west Cork County farm in Ireland to occupying the office of the Chief of Police in Chicago.

Expert Educators work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education, advocate and share their experiences with effective uses of technology in education with their peers and policy makers.

Geneva Nurses Support Healthy Holiday Smiles

Posted: January 2, 2014
Geneva School District’s nursing staff in December participated in a service project in support of St. Peter’s Food Pantry. The School Nurse Team provided the food pantry with new oral health supplies such as tooth brushes and tooth paste.

GHS December Students of the Month

Posted: December 17, 2013
Team player. Leader. Passionate. Selfless. Inquisitive. These are just a few of the words that teachers used to describe Geneva High School’s December Students of the Month. These outstanding students for December include: Freshman Nicholas Weede; Sophomore Jim Zellmer; Juniors Justin Boschelli, Jose Diaz, Mary Owen, and Simran Sachdev; and Seniors Kaleigh Hollister, Sarah Lewis, Catherine McConnell, and Hailey Wishne. Congratulations!

Board Presents Tradition of Excellence Awards

Posted: December 13, 2013
On Monday, December 9, the Board of Education presented several groups of Geneva High School students with Tradition of Excellence Awards in recognition of the student’s various achievements. Girls Cross Country State Qualifiers: Kathryn Adelman, McKenzie Altmayer, Kathleen Anderson, Allison Dudman, Emma Claire Ehrhardt, Sydney Geils, Marin Leone, Emma McSpadden, Mary Grace Neville, Brooke Nusser, Analise Samples, and Gabrielle Thomson. Girls Tennis State Qualifiers: Emma Hazel, Margo Hess, Kirby Einck, and Grace Krueger. Diving State Qualifier: Natalie Williams. The staff of GHS’s 2013 Literary Magazine “The Skaldic”, which earned the National Scholastic Press Association’s highest rating of All-American with Four Marks of Distinction: Micah Andersen, Kate Creamer, Michelle Geiser, Madeline Happold, Sarah Lewis, and Haley Persin.

Geneva Leaders Celebrate American Education Week

Posted: November 22, 2013

Leaders from throughout our community gathered at Geneva High School on Wednesday in celebration of American Education Week. Among them were Geneva Academic Foundation Chairperson Laura Zuzuly and board member Sam Wolf, who presented the District a $32,051.71 check to fund grant requests submitted by Geneva’s teachers. This annual tradition by the Geneva Academic Foundation has provided more than $1.1 million since 1987 for countless pieces of equipment and opportunities to enhance Geneva students’ educational experience. We are grateful for their efforts to support Geneva’s students and teachers.

Geneva Middle School North Students Unite Against Bullying

Posted: November 21, 2013

Nearly 200 seventh grade students from Geneva Middle School North have united to send a very important message to their peers: We’re Not Alone. In recognition of Bullying Awareness Week (November 17-23), the students filmed an anti-bullying video which featured an original song performed to the tune of “Cups.” The song, titled Vikings Stand Up, features 198 students dressed in matching T-shirts, clapping and tapping out a rhythm in unison while singing verses like the following:
We’re not alone, we’re not alone; It’s you and me, we’re not alone; We will stand up and say; No, not this
No, not today!; Stand up together every day.
The Vikings Stand Up video can be viewed through a link on the Geneva Middle School North webpage.

GHS November Students of the Month

Posted: November 19, 2013

Motivated. Positive. Creative. Respectful. Kind. These are just a few of the words that teachers used to describe Geneva High School’s November Students of the Month. These outstanding students for November include: Freshmen Isabel Fromm, Molly McGavin, Adam Huber, and Matt Sweet; Junior Justin Nebel; and Seniors Elise Anderson, Sydney Garth, Steffen Graham, Anna Kilmer, and Russel Saleh. Congratulations!

Board Member Wins Geneva Chamber’s Community Service Award

Posted: November 13, 2013

Geneva school board member Mary Stith is one of two recipients of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Wood Community Service Award. According to the Chamber, Mrs. Stith received this award because “she continually has the best interest of Geneva’s students, youth and future front of mind ...” She is currently serving her third term on the Board of Education, and over the years has been involved in various PTOs, the Geneva Academic Foundation, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Mother’s Club of Geneva, TriCity Family Services, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and the Illinois Association of School Boards. Congratulations, Mrs. Stith and Jean Gaines, this year’s second Wood Award recipient, on this much-deserved award!

Veteran's Day

Posted: November 11, 2013
Students across Geneva School District honored our nation's veterans on Monday, November 11.

A 384-Pound Treat for the Troops!

Posted: November 8, 2013

In just two weeks, Heartland Elementary School second graders in Mrs. Lindsay McNally’s class collected 384 pounds of leftover Halloween candy for the troops. The candy was donated by families school-wide between October 25 and November 8. Mrs. McNally’s second graders then bagged the candy, weighed it, and quantified the lot as a 384-pound donation. The candy will be sent to troops overseas through Fox Valley Troop Support, www.fvts.org.

District Employee Wins IASB Service Award

Posted: November 5, 2013

Pam Burgeson, administrative assistant to the Geneva School District Superintendent, is the recipient of the Illinois Association of School Boards’ 2013 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award. Thirty-five individuals from across Illinois were nominated for this honor, which was created in 2009 to recognize the extraordinary work and service provided by secretaries who serve and assist their local Boards of Education. Mrs. Burgeson, who was nominated by the Geneva School District Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Kent Mutchler, has been a Geneva School District employee since 1981 and has spent the last 25 years in the Superintendent’s Office. She plans to retire at the end of this school year.

Harrison Students Succeed with S.A.N.T.A. Project

Posted: October 28, 2013

Members of the Harrison Street Elementary School student council collected more than 400 new toys for the Send A New Toy to Appalachia (S.A.N.T.A.) Project. The items, which included small non-electronic or battery operated toys, games, crayons, and books, were collected between October 14 and 23. The collection drive was connected to the school’s theme of caring during Red Ribbon Week and always.

Heartland Students Run from the Heart for Charity

Posted: October 24, 2013

On October 17, more than 175 Heartland Elementary School students and staff members ran for charity in the annual Run from the Heart event at Heartland Elementary. Participants ran a kids’ dash – two laps around the school – as well as a one-mile run. In total, $2,800 was raised for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the students’ charity of choice this year.

GHS October Students of the Month

Posted: October 22, 2013

Congratulations to Geneva High School’s October Students of the Month. These outstanding students include: seniors Alyssa Hensley, Madelyn Juby, Lizzy O’Loughlin, Thomas O’Brien, and Tyler Schleicher; and freshmen Jacob Glyzewski, Luis Gonzalez, Rebecca Koskiewicz, and Miranda Mannarelli. Congratulations!

Geneva Teacher’s Articles Published

Posted: 10/21/2013
Katie Howlett (Bullock), 3rd Grade teacher at Williamsburg Elementary School, has had not one but two articles included in a professional journal. The first article, “Strategies and Ideas to Motivate Students to Love Reading,” was published in the Colorado Reading Council Journal. The second article, “Building a Community of Readers,” was included in the December 2012 edition of the Reading Teacher. Both articles attempt to identify some of the key strategies that teachers can use to encourage students to read for enjoyment, pleasure, and learning. Congratulations to Katie for her work and for the contribution she has made to our profession!

Click on "Read More" for links to Mrs. Howlett's articles. More +

GHS September Students of the Month

Posted: September 30, 2013

Congratulations to Geneva High School’s September Students of the Month! This month’s recognized students are seniors Kristin Combs, Brandon Evert and Haley Persin; juniors Kathryn Gibson and Megan Kozlow; sophomores Bobby Ariss, Kendall Feeney and Kari Kurl; and freshman Greg Wendt.

Communications Award at INSPRA Conference

Geneva Newsletter Wins Communication Award

Posted: 9/27/2013

Geneva School District’s quarterly newsletter, “Geneva School News,” received an Annual Communications Contest Award of Merit from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association on Sept. 20.

The newsletter – which highlights District news, events, and Board of Education action – is sent to all Geneva homeowners four times per year and posted on the District’s website. The newsletter was revised in 2012 in an effort to make it more timely, engaging, and informative.

Bowling Grant Awarded to Geneva’s Elementary Schools

Posted: September 26, 2013

Fabyan Elementary School is the proud recipient of the Bowler’s Education In-School Bowling Grant, a collection of in-school bowling kits that will be rotated throughout Geneva’s six elementary schools. Valued at $1,200, the equipment includes six carpet bowling lanes, rubberized bowling balls and pins, and a curriculum guide. The grant was awarded to Geneva’s schools by The Bowling Foundation.

Two Cross Country Trophies for South

Posted: 9/24/2013
The Geneva Middle School South cross country team had an outstanding day Saturday at the Troy Invite, which included more than 40 schools and races with more than 300 runners. The 6th and 7th grade boys put on an awesome display of running, placing 1st and 2nd as teams, respectively, winning trophies that are now on display at the school. Both the 6th and 7th grade girls teams placed 8th overall, and many of the 8th grade boys and girls ran their personal best times at the meet. Congratulations to all of our cross country runners on these accomplishments!

Western Avenue School Garden Dedication

Posted: Sept. 23, 2013
On September 13, 2013, the Western Avenue Elementary School community recognized the many individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the school’s garden and also dedicated the garden’s reading circle to former WAS teacher Mary Bencini. Among those mentioned as contributors were Jen Kelley and Lisa Goewey, the parents who envisioned and started the garden, as well as Jay Womack of WRD Environmental, Paveloc, Midwest Groundcover, Sebert Landscaping, Great Impressions, Midwest Trading, Kane County Fit For Kids, Wasco Nursery, and Western Avenue families, teachers, and students – all of whom donated time, expertise, and materials.

Three GHS Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Posted: Sept. 11, 2013
Geneva High School seniors Jeannelle Alford, Rian Kormos, and Destin Tunca have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. About 1.5 million juniors nationwide entered the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Approximately 16,000 students – representing less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors – earned the Semifinalist distinction.

School Board Earns IASB Governance Recognition Designation

Posted: Sept. 10, 2013
The Geneva School District Board of Education is one of only 10 to earn the IASB’s 2013 School Board Governance Recognition, a designation meant to acknowledge those school boards that have engaged in activities and modeled behaviors that lead to excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education. Congratulations to Board President Mark Grosso, Vice President Kelly Nowak, and members Leslie Juby, David Lamb, Mike McCormick, Mary Stith, and Bill Wilson on this recognition.

Fifth Grader Chosen as Featured Artist in National Magazine

Posted Sept. 5, 2013
Katherine Lemke, 5th grader at Mill Creek Elementary, is the featured young artist in Arts and Activities Magazine. In a nearly two year process, Katherine’s art was selected not only for the feature but also for the cover of the magazine. Arts and Activities is the nation’s leading magazine for Art Education and only selects 10 students from around the country for this honor each year.

Record ACT Scores!

Posted: August 23, 2013

Geneva High School’s graduating class of 2013 achieved a record average ACT composite score of 24.6, according to numbers released today by ACT. The average composite ACT score for 2013 graduates state-wide is 20.6. Nationwide, the composite score is 20.9. District 304 has seen an impressive 2.3-point increase in composite score in the last decade – from 22.3 in 2004 to 24.6 in 2013.

GHS Grad Places 11th in National Culinary Competition

Posted July 3, 2013
On June 27, 2013, Geneva High School graduate Olivia Block placed 11th in the nation in culinary arts at the national SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City, Missouri. Olivia won first place, or Top Chef, at the SkillsUSA statewide competition in April. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Congratulations to Olivia on this accomplishment.

Heartland Students Present Tech at State Capitol

Posted July 1, 2013
In May, Heartland Elementary School kindergarten students James Cooper and Matthew Pender (pictured with State Senator Karen McConnaughay) participated in the annual TECH 2013 Students for the Information Age event at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield. Heartland was among approximately 60 schools statewide that participated in the event to show the public and elected members of the Illinois State Senate and House of Representatives how technology is being used in the classroom to improve student achievement.

Distinguished Music Educator

Posted July 1, 2013
Geneva Middle School Band Teacher, Jason Flaks, has been selected as a Distinguished Music Educator by the Yale School of Music. Every two years the Yale School of Music selects 50 teachers from around the country for their outstanding accomplishments teaching music in public schools. In June, Jason travels to New Haven, Connecticut, to participate in a variety of workshops and discussions related to music education.

Archived News