Mr. Tony Santona Helps Independence Students Learn the Art of Filmmaking

Independence Elementary School Special Education Teacher Mr. Tony Santona has a rather interesting background in that his bachelor’s degree is in film & video. He is sharing his love of filmmaking with students at Independence as the sponsor of the Independence Filmmakers.

The Filmmakers are an after-school organization that creates original films with the help of Studio 300 in the Fountaindale Public Library. Watch the video on vvsd.org to see the original film “The Guest Teacher” written, produced, and edited by the Independence Filmmakers.

Males in Our Lives Matter at Jane Addams

As part of the events in the run-up to Holiday Break, Jane Addams Middle School invites the important males in the lives of their students to attend an early morning breakfast before school.

Jane Addams 8th grader Dyllan Rosenthal and his dad Darrell played a spirited game of checkers in addition to enjoying breakfast together. Dyllan is getting to the age where he comes close to beating his Dad…….but not quite.

After the game, we asked both gentlemen what the other means to them. Watch the video on vvsd.org

AVM Staff Members Recognized for ISBE Exemplary Status

A.Vito Martinez Middle School is one of two VVSD schools designated as “Exemplary” according to the most recent Illinois State Board of Education School Report Card. That means AVM is in the top ten percent of all schools in the state.

VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. and Asst. Superintendent Mrs. Rachel Kinder visited AVM to thank the students and staff for their work that made the designation possible. Every staff member received a pin commemorating the Exemplary designation.

Watch the video on vvsd.org as Mrs. Kinder addresses the students in Mrs. Vickie Witt’s Language Arts class. Jane Addams Middle School is the other VVSD school to earn ISBE exemplary status. (Dr. Mitchem and Mrs. Kinder will be visiting the Mustangs soon to award their pins, but it’s a secret, so don’t tell anybody!)

A Holiday Family Affair for the BHS Competitive Dance Team

To set the proper spirit for the Holidays, the Bolingbrook HS Competitive Dance Team asked parents to join them for a basketball halftime performance.

Jingle Bell Rock takes on a little bit different look and tone thanks to the guest performers! Watch the video on vvsd.org

Kudos for Noteworthy Achievements

Bolingbrook HS Seniors Tyler Cushing and Antonio King have been named all-state performers in their respective sports.

Cushing finished second in the IHSA Class 3A Boys’ Cross Country Championships in November in Peoria to earn all-state status.

King played running back and kick returner for the Bolingbrook HS football team and was named all-state by the Illinois High School Football Coaches’ Association.

Illinois 5Essentials Survey Now Open to Valley View Parents Valley View School District 365U is joining the Illinois State Board of Education in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, the seventh statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for students, teachers and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. Now through Feb. 14, students, teachers and parents can take a 25-minute research-based survey to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment. This survey will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation.Go to vvsd.org to take the 5Essentials Survey

Quick Notes

The next regular meeting of the Valley View School District Board of Education is on Monday, January 13, at John J. Lukancic Middle School, 725 W. Normantown Rd, Romeoville IL. The meeting will be called to order at 6:30 p.m. and the Board will vote to go into Executive Session. The Public Session of the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Agenda for the meeting will be posted no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting. Go to vvsd.org to view the Agenda

The Brook Theatre at Bolingbrook HS presents their annual Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa on Sat. Dec. 14 from 8:30-11 am. Tickets are $8 per person (children under 3 years old admitted for no charge) and includes a pancake breakfast, caroling with elves, holiday crafts, and a family photo with Santa. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.TheBrookTheatre.org

The Romeoville HS Baseball Team is offering a 3-Session Winter Baseball Skills Camp for players in grades 3rd-8th. The cost of the Camp is $20 per session or $50 for players pre-registered for all three sessions. Dates are Jan. 12 (fielding; Jan. 19 hitting; and Jan. 26 pitching and small games). For more information, contact Romeoville HS Baseball Coach Mr. Mike Skroch at [email protected]

Upcoming Important School Calendar Dates

Fri. Dec. 20: Second Grading Period Ends

Dec. 23- Jan. 3: Winter Break

Mon. Jan. 20: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday- No Classes

Wed. Jan. 29: Early Release (BHS 12:43, RHS 12:45, MS 1:20, Elementary 2:15)

Events for the Coming Week

Thu. Dec. 19: Pioneer Elementary Winter Cheer 6 pm

Fri. Dec. 20: Early Childhood Center Winter Frolics 9 am; Pioneer Elementary Winter Concerts 9 am; Lukancic Middle School Winter Assembly 1:20 pm

Northern Illinois Food Bank

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is conducting mobile food banks and micro pantries in the vicinity in the near future.

Please bring bags or boxes. Micro Pantries are designed to allow anonymous food pick-up for those in need and a drop-off point for those who wish to help. Micro pantries are accessible 24 hours a day. To find a Micro Pantry near you visit: http://arcg.is/04LijC

West Suburban Community Pantry in association with the Northern IL Food Bank will be hosting a Community Mobile Pantry in Bolingbrook every first Monday of the month. Each Community Mobile Pantry will offer fresh produce, proteins and staple items for those struggling to put food on the table. Different organizations from the community will also be present to connect community members and their families with services that can help put them back on your feet.

Will County MAPP Food Micro Pantries

Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships conducts micro and mobile food pantries throughout Will County. Go to vvsd.org for more details and a map of locations.