In her 22 years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Paula Crawford taught just about every physical education and health course on the books. Outdoor life and sports have always been a part of her life. She grew up on a South Dakota farm, the youngest of eight children. Between helping on[Read More…]
Education
Retiring teacher ready to write a book filled with tips for new teachers
By Marilyn Thomas After 18 years in a classroom, retiring James Hart School teacher Mary Carvlin is thinking about writing a book – a primer for new teachers sharing all her first-hand knowledge. Carvlin said teaching “takes a lot of experience, but I also think it could be taught better”[Read More…]
Willow School nurse wraps up 40-year nursing career
The kids at Willow School are happy to have the school year come to a close, but for Willow School nurse Gail Straney it is bittersweet. “I’ll miss the kids,” she said as retirement looms. But after a 40-year career as a hospital nurse and then a school nurse, it’s[Read More…]
James Hart’s Dawn Spisak ends 35-year teaching career
For 18 years, Dawn Spisak has shared another world with James Hart School students through her Spanish language classes. She is saying “adios” to her students and the teaching profession. In all, she’s been in front of a classroom for 35 years. At James Hart, Spisak used games, songs and[Read More…]
D233 prepares for debt sale to banks reducing costs for $20 million initiative
The District 233 school board agreed to try a different approach on its $20 million borrowing plan that could save the district more than $2 million in costs. The board is planning to borrow the funds to cover the costs for constructing a new science wing onto the South Building[Read More…]
Retiring H-F High School librarian says students still love print books
Homewood-Flossmoor High School head librarian Jane Harper has seen many changes in her 16 years at H-F, but students’ love of books has remained a constant. “Kids still love the print books. Kids love to read,” she said. “Our budget is such that we’re able to provide them with the[Read More…]
Construction work at Homewood schools starts June 2
Construction projects at Willow, Churchill and James Hart Schools totaling $9.4 million will be starting June 2. After months of assessments and meetings, the District 153 school board agreed in November to four major projects to bring its aging buildings up to date. Work will be completed over a two-year[Read More…]
District 153 emphasizes English/Language Arts for 7th graders
The District 153 school board agreed to a curriculum change that will double the time seventh graders spend on English/Language Arts instruction. At the May 9 meeting, board members unanimously approved the proposal from Superintendent Scott McAlister. Currently, students enrolled in Spanish and French take their first language instruction in[Read More…]
Guests get a tour of amazing space in H-F’s Performing Arts Center
Homewood-Flossmoor High School students gave guests a taste of the arts program on Wednesday, May 11, when District 233 hosted a Performing Arts Center open house. Students and faculty gave tours through the space. Guests got time to hear the Bel Canto Choir sing Motown hits, the H-F Jazz Band[Read More…]
District 153 musicians premiere two new works at band concert
It was a first! The District 153 bands gave world premiere performances of two pieces written by area composer Heather Hoefle during the bands’ concert May 3 at James Hart School. “Squirrel Monkeys” and “Middle Schooled” were the two new pieces written by Hoefle, a band director for the district’s 5th[Read More…]
