District 153 musicians and their supporters came out to perform in a special “thank you” concert Thursday, March 27, for the Parent Music Association as it celebrated its 70th anniversary. Studies have shown students who learn music have better results in school. In District 153, music is counted as part[Read More…]
Author: Marilyn Thomas
Election 2025: Steve Johnson dedicated 18 years to H-F Park District
Steve Johnson gave 18 years to his community as a member of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park Board. He has decided that after three six-year terms he will step down from the board. Johnson, of Homewood, said he and several other young fathers who were involved with Homewood Baseball and Softball decided[Read More…]
Work of 2 Willow School teachers wins state honors
Two outstanding Willow School teachers — Amy Brecheisen in kindergarten and Anne Wallace in first grade — received Those Who Excel honors from the Illinois State Board of Education. Brecheisen has been teaching for 17 years. She is a product of District 153 schools and Homewood-Flossmoor High School. When she[Read More…]
Election 2025: Steve Anderson gave 18 years to D153, D233 schools
Growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, Steve Anderson’s mom would support candidates for the local school board. Her involvement rubbed off on him, even though he left Iowa for Homewood. Anderson gave time the past 18 years to school boards – serving 10 years on the Homewood District 153 school board[Read More…]
Election 2025: Shelly Marks, D153’s 33-year advocate, steps down
Would you work for the betterment of children – without pay – for 33 years? Shelly Marks of Homewood has done just that as a member of the Homewood District 153 school board.She is ending her volunteer efforts in May when she finishes her eighth term on the board. “I[Read More…]
Family-owned Van Sipma’s Jewelers marks 125 years of service
For five generations, the owners of Van Sipma Jewelers have helped bring happiness into people’s lives. From its founding in 1900 as Van Sipma Bros. in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood to today’s store at 2011 Ridge Road in downtown Homewood, a member of the Van Sipma family has been serving customers[Read More…]
H-F loses its fourth CTE director in four years
Homewood-Flossmoor High School prides itself on the numerous programs it offers students who want hands-on learning experiences, but it is having trouble filling positions and it lost its fourth trades education program director in four years. The District 233 school board accepted the resignation of Michelle Meadows, director of Career[Read More…]
Election 2025: Introducing Tamekia Smith
District 233 candidate Tamekia Smith was an ultrasound technician for 20 years. Then she transitioned to teaching those skills and later recognized her place was in school administration. Today her position is Dean for Business and Social Sciences at Waubonsee Community College. Smith believes with her background, “I could have[Read More…]
Election 2025: Introducing Aredell ‘A.J.’ Roundtree
District 233 candidate Aredell “AJ” Roundtree is surrounded by family and friends who are teachers.“Five of my best friends are teachers, and I somehow missed the bus,” he jokes, although he has an endorsement as a chief school business official. Roundtree’s career is in marketing. He is running on a[Read More…]
Girls flag football coming to H-F in fall
At Homewood-Flossmoor High School, football isn’t just a boys sport any more. At the District 233 board meeting March 18, school board members unanimously agreed to offer girls flag football starting in the fall. Athletics Director Matthew Lyke said when the Illinois High School Association adopted flag football as an[Read More…]