1. education
2. school

Transitions
A Guide For
Incoming
Freshmen
Class of 2019
Welcome from
Student Services
Stevenson
“The Point” at Stevenson
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Dear Freshmen and Parents:
The people of Student Services are happy to know you will be
joining us for the next four years. This booklet has all the
information you need to assist you in making a smooth transition
to high school. It is full of information to keep you abreast of
what you should be doing and when you should be doing it. The
answers to many of your questions can be found in this booklet.
To begin the transition process, it is imperative that you read
pages 6-12 prior to mid-January to learn about all of the
important events scheduled to occur. We encourage you to mark
your calendars with all of these important dates.
For your information, any time you need to contact Stevenson,
the switchboard can be reached at 847-415-4000. Switchboard
hours are 6:30 a.m-6:30 p.m. on school days. For direct calls to
people or department offices, replace the last four digits with
the extension.
Stevenson High School offers many opportunities educationally,
athletically and socially. Many of the events to get you started
are listed in this booklet. We are hopeful that you will take
advantage of all that we have to offer. The people of Student
Services look forward to working with you in the coming months.
Stevenson Student Services
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2015 ILLINOIS BEST
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
MEMBERS OF THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
COUNSELORS
Jerry Franklin
847-415-4510
Amy Grove
847-415-4514
Mary Jones
847-415-4524
Sarah Kellogg
847-415-4521
Allison Kulla
847-415-4544
Patty Martin
847-415-4525
Katie Moran
847-415-4519
Lindsay Perkins
847-415-4536
Tim Roznowski
847-415-4532
Lisa Scanio
847-415-4526
Carol Seeger
847-415-4534
Terese Sullivan
847-415-4868
Dawn Timm
847-415-4540
Hector Vazquez
847-415-4541
Tricia Betthauser Athletics
847-415-4226
Bruce Lubin
President
Sarah Bowen
Student Services
847-415-4501
Steve Frost
Vice President
Wendy Custable
Applied Arts
847-415-4151
Terry Moons
Secretary
Justin Fisk
World Languages
847-415-4701
Gary Gorson
Ted Goergen
Student Activities
847-415-4461
Jon Grice
Fine Arts
847-415-4751
Darshan Jain
Mathematics
847-415-4601
Doug Kahler
Information Services
847-415-4301
Douglas Lillydahl
Communication Arts
847-415-4326
Jill Lipman Physical Welfare
847-415-4229
Susan Biemeret
847-415-4505
Post-Secondary Counselor
Jay Miller
Special Education
847-415-4801
Dan Miller
847-415-4509
Post-Secondary Counselor
Superintendent Dr. Eric Twadell (left) and
Board of Education President Bruce Lubin
Brad Smith
Social Studies
847-415-4651
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dr. Steven Wood
Science
847-415-4401
District 125
Sunit Jain
Merv Roberts
David Weisberg
Dr. Eric Twadell
Superintendent
DEANS
Troy Gobble
Principal
Sue Crook
847-415-4024
Kathy McCauley
847-415-4037
David Schoenfisch
847-415-4035
Steve Tucker
847-415-4062
Nick Valenziano
847-415-4036
Daryl Wallace
847-415-4065
Ken Latka
Assistant Principal for Operations
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Grace Difiglio
847-415-4028
Lisa Lau
847-415-4019
WEST OFFICE NURSES
Mark Michelini
Assistant Superintendent for Business
Dr. Gwendolyn Zimmermann
Assistant Principal for Teaching & Learning
EAST OFFICE NURSES
Peg Cucci
847-415-4025
Pam Kiefer 847-415-4039
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
DATEEVENT
“The Circle Drive” at Stevenson
Subscribe to the online
magazine e-Minuteman:
www.d125.org/newsletter
or Daily Digest:
www.d125.org/quicklinks/publications
in order to receive news alerts.
All dates listed were accurate as
of January 23, 2015. To verify dates,
check the online Stevenson calendar
at www.d125.org.
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PAGE
January 12-16
Math & English Benchmark exams at Junior Highs..........................6
January 20-23
World Language Benchmark exams at Junior Highs........................6
January 20, 22, 28
Parent/Student Orientation Evenings...............................................8
January 24
Benchmark exams at Stevenson.....................................................6
January 30
Enrollment forms due.......................................................................7
Early February
Benchmark exam results mailed home............................................8
February 5,10
Course Selection Evenings............................................................11
Late February
Freshman Course Verifications mailed home..................................11
March 25
Co-Curricular Fair..........................................................................13
May 2
Benchmark Retests & Make-ups at Stevenson ...............................6
June 9-July 2
Summer School–Semester One.....................................................12
July 6-July 30 Summer School–Semester Two.....................................................12
June & July Summer PREP Sports Camp & Activities.......................................12
August 3-11
Band Camp
August 6
Benchmark Retests & Make-ups at Stevenson................................6
August 19
Freshman Orientation Day
August 20
School Begins
Stevenson’s Forum
FOR YOUR
INFORMATION
Benchmark Examinations................................................................6
Enrollment Information.....................................................................7
Enrollment Form
Consent Form
Home Language Survey Form
Affirmation of Residency Form
Submitting Enrollment Forms
Orientation Evenings........................................................................8
Freshman Packets...........................................................................9
2015-16 Course Book.....................................................................9
List of Freshman Course Offerings...................................................9
Freshman Course Selection Worksheet
Summer School Pamphlet...............................................................9
Co-Curricular Handbook..................................................................9
Invitation from PPA..........................................................................9
Required Health Forms..................................................................10
Certificate of Child Health Examination Form
Freshman Health Emergency Form
Permission to Administer Medication Form
Course Selection Evenings............................................................11
Freshman Course Verification
Registration Instructions
Student Guidebook/Planner..........................................................11
Summer School Courses...............................................................12
Summer PREP Activities................................................................12
Student Access to Technology......................................................12
Co-Curricular Fair..........................................................................13
Co-Curricular Activities..................................................................13
Intramurals....................................................................................13
Summer Reading...........................................................................14
Athletics........................................................................................15
Accelerated/Honors Program........................................................16
Frequently Asked Questions.................................................... 17-19
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BENCHMARK
E XA MINAT I ONS
All incoming freshmen are
expected to complete benchmark
examinations in English,
mathematics and, if applicable,
World Languages prior to
beginning their Stevenson High
School career. Benchmark
exam results and successful
completion of junior high school
courses determine students’
placement in freshman-level
courses at Stevenson next fall.
Eighth-grade students in
Stevenson’s public consortium
school districts (76, 79, 96, 102,
and 103) and St. Mary’s in Buffalo
Grove will complete benchmark
exams in January. Your junior high
school will have exact date and
time information for you as the date
draws near.
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BENCHMARK EXAMS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Students who miss an exam due to
absence as well as students from
other schools will take all necessary
exams at the high school on this
date. The math exam begins at
8 a.m., the English exam begins
at 9 a.m. and the World Language
exams begin at 11:30 a.m.
Students will get a break between
the English and World Language
exams. Testing will end around
1 p.m. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m., park in
lot B and enter the Forum. There will
be a check-in table at this entrance.
Students must be registered to
take the exam. All students will
need to bring No. 2 pencils to
the tests. Calculators are allowed
on portions of the mathematics
test. Students should bring reading
materials in case they finish their
tests early.
MAKE-UPS & RETESTS
On May 2 and August 6
make-ups and retests are available
in all subjects. Please arrive by
7:30 a.m. and park in lot B and
enter the Forum. There will be a
check-in table at this entrance.
Students must be registered to
take the exam.
Stevenson faculty and eighthgrade teachers meet regularly to
determine course goals and review
prior results for the benchmark
exams. Because of this close
communication, eighth-grade
teachers are aware of the content
for the exams. Students need not
look beyond their classroom for help
on the tests.
Should you have any questions
pertaining to the exams, contact
your middle school principal or
Jennifer Bazan in the Office of
Teaching and Learning at Stevenson
at 847-415-4200, or go to:
www.d125.org/academic/curriculuminformation/benchmark-exams.
Parents: Mark Your Calendars
Please mark these dates on your calendar. It is imperative that the tests be taken and that your
student does as well as possible. Course placements will be mailed home in early February.
Your student will not be scheduled for classes until benchmark exams are evaluated.
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ENROLLMENT
I N F O R M AT I O N
ENROLLMENT FORM
In January, enrollment
This form is used to enter information (name, address, etc.) into the
Stevenson data system.
information will be mailed to
CONSENT FORM
the homes of eighth graders.
HOME LANGUAGE SURVEY
In order to be successfully
enrolled, these forms are
required and due by
Friday, January 30.
On the reverse side of the enrollment form.
In accordance with state law, all students must complete and submit
this form.
AFFIRMATION OF RESIDENCY FORM
In accordance with Illinois School Code, all students attending
Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 must be legal residents of
the school district. You are required to verify your residency by completing
the form and submitting photocopies of the following documents:
1 + 2 + 1
OF THE FOLLOWING:
OF THE FOLLOWING:
OF THE FOLLOWING:
Current and valid
rental lease including
the landlord’s name
and phone number
Entire utility
bill statement
(gas, electric,
water or cable)
Student’s
birth certificate
Real estate tax bill
Auto registration
Visa
Closing document
Homeowner’s/
renter’s insurance
Green card
Bill of Sale
Warranty Deed
Monthly mortgage
statement
Passport
Valid driver’s license
with Certificate
of Extension, if
applicable
SUBMITTING ENROLLMENT FORMS
Enrollments forms are due by
Friday, January 30. Parents may
deliver the forms necessary for
enrollment when attending an
Orientation Evening.
Parents may submit them by email/scan by sending them to: [email protected]
Parents may also submit all of these forms by mail. Please mail them to:
Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Attn: Ellen Micheli, Student Services
One Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
PA R E N T
STUDENT
ORIENTATION
EVENING
Three orientation evenings are
scheduled for January. Families
are encouraged to arrive at
6 p.m. to receive two packets
of information, take a tour of the
facilities and turn in completed
enrollment forms. An orientation
program will begin at 7 p.m. in
the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
School personnel will be available
for questions after the program.
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Students and their parents will be asked to attend a specific evening
to keep the numbers balanced.
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22
28
TUESDAY, JANUARY
THURSDAY, JANUARY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY
FAMILIES WITH THE
LAST NAMES
BEGINNING WITH
A THROUGH H
FAMILIES WITH THE
LAST NAMES
BEGINNING WITH
I THROUGH P
FAMILIES WITH THE
LAST NAMES
BEGINNING WITH
Q THROUGH Z
If you have a calendar conflict with your assigned evening, please feel free
to attend on an alternate date. There is no need to inform us of the change.
If you are unable to attend any of the orientation evenings, packets
will be delivered to the feeder schools for distribution to parents on Friday,
January 30. If you have questions, please call the Stevenson switchboard
at 847-415-4000.
Freshman mentors welcome the Class of 2018 on the first day of school
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FRESHMAN
PACKETS
COURSE BOOK
Parents of incoming freshmen
will receive two packets at the
Parent Evenings in January. One
packet contains forms pertaining
This book is yours to keep
throughout high school. It describes
all of the courses offered at
Stevenson High School. Please
familiarize yourself with graduation
requirements and the four-year
planning sheet at the back and
retain the Course Book for future
reference.
to course selection and student
life, while the other packet is from
the nurses and contains health
information.
The Course Book can also be
found on the Stevenson web
page: www.d125.org/academic/
curriculum-information/course-book
LIST OF FRESHMAN COURSE
OFFERINGS AND FRESHMAN
COURSE SELECTION WORKSHEET
All freshmen are required to take
math, science, English, and physical
education (or dance), and may select
up to three additional electives, of
which one elective may be a study
hall. Students must complete one
year of World History by the end of
sophomore year. All freshmen will
have a lunch/advisory period, though
students in Honors-level math may
choose to enroll in TYMP (Talented
Young Mathematicians Program) in
lieu of lunch/advisory. Please examine
the list to select elective courses. You
should complete the Course Selection
Worksheet and mail it to Student
Services. Forms can also be delivered
during the course selection evenings.
SUMMER SCHOOL PAMPHLET
To register for summer school
courses, go to: www.d125.
org/academic/summer-school.
Registration will be available in
early February.
CO-CURRICULAR HANDBOOK
Please review all possible cocurricular activities. You will have an
opportunity to find out more specific
information about every activity at
the Co-Curricular Fair on March 25.
Research shows that students who
become involved in school activities
earn higher grades and feel more
positive about school.
INVITATION TO JOIN PPA
Families new to Stevenson are
invited to join the Patriot Parent
Association. More info is available
at www.d125.org/parents/ppa.
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REQUIRED
HEALTH FORMS
At the “Parent-Student
Orientation” evenings in January,
you will receive a Health Form
Packet, which includes all of the
required health forms. All health
forms must be returned to the
Nurse’s Office, by June 5.
REQUIRED HEALTH FORMS DUE BY JUNE 5
A + B +C + D
CERTIFICATE OF
CHILD HEALTH
EXAMINATION FORM
(PHYSICAL)
FRESHMAN
HEALTH EMERGENCY
FORM
PERMISSION
TO ADMINISTER
MEDICATION FORM
(IF NEEDED)
PLAN FOR
MANAGEMENT
FORM
(IF NEEDED)
The Illinois School
Code requires a
physical examination
and evidence of
complete immunization prior to
entrance into ninth
grade.
This form gives the
school permission to
release information
and to treat the
student in an
emergency situation.
This form allows your
student to receive
prescription and/
or over-the-counter
medication during the
school day.
If your student has
asthma or severe
allergies we require a
plan for management
at school, signed by
your doctor and you.
Additional copies of the forms are available at the Health Services web site:
www.d125.org/students/student-services/health-services.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions on
completing any of the forms,
Stevenson counselors are
available to answer your questions.
Please call 847-415-4500 or
847-415-4502 to be put in touch
with a counselor.
PA R E N T
STUDENT
COURSE
SELECTION
Parents and students are invited to attend a course
selection evening at Stevenson High School from
4-7 p.m. Students and parents are asked to attend
a specific evening, but if you have a calendar conflict
with your assigned evening, feel free to attend on the
alternate day. There is no need to inform us.
Freshman Course Selection Evening
A through L
Thursday, February 5
Room 2104
M through Z
Tuesday, February 10
Room 2104
Please park in Lot B and enter the Forum to check in.
Counselors will be available in Room 2104 to answer
questions you may have regarding elective courses.
Parents may submit completed forms during the
evening.
A nurse will be available each evening to answer
questions related to the Certificate of Child Health
Examination form and immunization requirements.
If your child takes medication during the school day,
the nurse will review Stevenson guidelines for
administration of medication. The nurse will also be
available to discuss any concerns in working with
children who have a chronic illness.
REMINDER
Parents should remember that this
is just the start of the high school
process and they will have ample
time to talk to Stevenson personnel,
if necessary, prior to the beginning
of the freshman year.
If you need to change any
information after the enrollment or
course selection forms have been
submitted, please contact
Ellen Micheli at 847-415-4502.
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FRESHMAN COURSE VERIFICATION
Course verification sheets will be sent home on
February 20. These sheets will list all courses entered
for the student’s freshman year. Instructions for
submitting elective course request changes will be
included. A smooth and effective beginning to the
school year will be enhanced by early decisions.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
In early summer, you will receive instructions in the
mail that will allow you to complete registration for the
upcoming school year, which includes paying fees and
downloading forms. Please follow the instructions.
STUDENT GUIDEBOOK/PLANNER
All Freshmen have the Student
Guidebook/Planner downloaded
onto their iPads. Students can
purchase a paper version in the
School Store. This planner will help
your transition to high school by
2014-15 Planner
familiarizing you with school
procedures and give you an opportunity to establish
goals, manage your time, enter assignments, establish
priorities, and record personal and social information.
Encourage your student to use it.
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SUMMER SCHOOL COURSES
Stevenson High School District 125 offers a
two-semester academic summer school program.
Summer school is an extension of the school’s regular
academic program designed to provide students
with opportunities to gain academic credit, receive
enrichment or remediation, and explore new interests.
Incoming freshmen are strongly encouraged to
consider enrolling in summer school, as it facilitates the
adjustment and transition to high school. About 70%
of incoming freshmen enroll in summer school annually.
Summer school courses meet Monday through
Thursday from 7:45 a.m.-12:50 p.m. with the
exception of the first week. First semester of summer
school will start on Tuesday, June 9 and run through
Thursday, July 2. Second semester will meet from
Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 30.
For more information about summer school, contact
the Summer School Office at 847-415-4500 or go to:
www.d125.org/academic/summer-school.
SUMMER SPORTS ACTIVITIES
For information on summer sports camps and
other activities offered by Stevenson’s PREP
(Patriot Recreation Education Program), call
847-415-4145 or visit their web site at:
www.d125.org/quicklinks/prep.
The East Learning Center (Room 7026)
STUDENT ACCESS
TO TECHNOLOGY
Stevenson students are
given access to several
different technology
programs. Every student is
provided with a network account, an e-mail account,
and an Infinite Campus (online gradebook) account.
Login information (account names and passwords)
should be kept private at all times.
The Computer Labs are located in the Link area.
Students needing assistance with iPads may visit the
SMARTdesk, also located in the Link. During summer
school, the labs are open Monday through Thursday
from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. During the school year, the labs are
open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
Any special hours will be posted.
During the school year, freshmen may use the lab
during study hall by asking a classroom teacher for a
pass to the lab from study hall.
The computer lab is intended to serve instructional
purposes. Games are not permitted. Each student
must leave his/her Stevenson issued student ID at the
desk to be in the computer lab when not in a class.
In exchange for the privilege of using the District’s
computers, computer network, and Internet access,
students must consent to staff members monitoring
such use.
In order to use the Internet, a summer school student
must have a signed Acceptable Use Guidelines form
(regarding access and use of the District Information
Services systems) on file. For the school year, students
will agree to acceptable use during the registration
process. Inappropriate use of the District’s computers,
computer network and/or Internet access may be
considered gross disobedience or misconduct.
Computers are also available for student use in the
Information Learning Center (ILC) in the West Building
or in the East Learning Center (Room 7026). For
additional information regarding technology services for
students, visit the online Student Computer HelpDesk:
https://sites.google.com/a/d125.org/studenthelpdesk/
INTRAMURALS (IM)
Besides clubs, freshmen can
get involved in the following
intramurals:
Archery (boys & girls)
Ladies Polar Bear (girls)
Badminton Open Gym (boys & girls)
Open Cardio Room (boys & girls)
Baseball Open Gym (boys)
Open Weight Room (boys & girls)
Basketball League (boys & girls)
CO-CURRICULAR FAIR
The Co-Curricular Fair will be held
on Wednesday, March 25 from
6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Field House,
which is just east of the Stadium
(park in lot B). All incoming
freshmen and their families are
invited to come meet and talk with
sport coaches, club sponsors, and
current Stevenson students involved
in more than 35 sport teams,
over 125 co-curricular clubs and
multiple intramural programs. Take
advantage of this opportunity to find
out about all Stevenson offers.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Co-curricular activities are extremely
popular at Stevenson. Ninetytwo percent of the student body
participates in at least one club,
sport or activity by the time they
graduate. Last year, more than
1,100 students performed almost
20,000 hours of volunteer work
in school and community service
clubs. The intramural sports
program involved an additional
2,400 students. The theatre,
dance, choral, orchestra and
band programs boasted nearly
1,200 participants. More than 650
students participated in student
government last year.
There are over 100 clubs and
activities in which a freshman can
participate. Information about
all of these activities can be found
at: www.d125.org/students/clubs.
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Polar Bear (boys)
Basketball Open Gym (boys & girls)
Ski and Snowboard Club (boys & girls)
Bigger, Faster, Stronger (boys & girls)
Soccer Open Gym (boys & girls)
Bowling Club (boys & girls)
Softball League (boys & girls)
Cardio Training (boys & girls)
Softball Open Gym (girls)
Climbing (boys & girls)
Ultimate Frisbee (boys & girls)
Dodgeball League (boys & girls)
Volleyball League (boys & girls)
Fencing (boys & girls)
Water Polo (boys & girls)
Flag Football League (boys & girls)
Wrestling Open Gym (boys & girls)
Golf Club (boys & girls)
Yoga (boys & girls)
More information regarding
Intramurals is available at
the Intramurals web site:
www.d125.org/students/shsintramurals.
SUMMER
READING
All incoming freshmen must
read a designated book over
the summer for their English
class. Please check the summer
reading web page for lists of
specific titles:
www.d125.org/academic/summerreading/summer-reading
At the beginning of the school year, students will be expected to
participate in discussions, use evidence from their summer assigned
book in their writing, and demonstrate (in various ways) that they have
read the book.
What is the purpose of the summer reading?
To promote reading for enjoyment.
To increase reading skill. Studies show that the more you read, the better
a reader you will become.
To become acquainted with the general topics and themes of the course.
Are there any questions I should keep in mind as I read?
Yes. As you read, consider the following:
How does the main character change/mature over the course of the novel?
What are the central conflicts the main character faces? How are they resolved?
What lessons does the main character learn?
What are some of the important ideas in the book?
Should I annotate my book?
Your teachers encourage annotation while reading as a way to engage
in active reading; however, it is not required for the summer reading
assignment.
Where can I find a copy of the book?
Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com are good resources, as well
as the local libraries.
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If you have any questions, the Communications Arts Office can assist
you at 847-415-4325.
ATHLETICS
Fall Stevenson athletes must complete registration
for the 2015-16 season by August 1. Registration for Winter
and Spring athletes is due prior to the tryout date.
It is imperative
that the student’s
physician circle
“Yes” on the
Certificate of
Child Health
Examination Form
that the student
may participate
in interscholastic
sports.
Unregistered
athletes will not
be allowed to
try out, begin
practices, or
participate until
all forms are
completed, signed
and on file in the
Athletic Office.
All athletes must
be covered by
some form of
insurance in order
to participate.
The Registration procedure requires the Athletic
Participation Form be completed, signed and returned
to the Athletic Office or submitted electronically during
the summer. The Past Medical History Form and a copy
of the Certificate of Child Health Examination Form
must be fully completed and delivered to the Nurse’s
Office. Incomplete forms will be returned.
The Athletic Participation Form registers the athlete
for fall, winter, and spring sports for the 2015-16
school year and is available at the Athletic Office’s web
site: http://www.d125.org/athletics/tryout-informationdocuments. The Athletic Participation Form may be
submitted electronically during summer registration
(see page 12.)
The Certificate of Child Health Examination Form is a
doctor’s confirmation that the athlete is physically able
to participate in athletics. The athletic physical cannot
be more than 395 days old during the time of athletic
participation according to the Illinois High School
Association. This form is available at the nurse’s web
site: www.d125.org/students/student-services/healthservices.
Athletes are held to a higher standard of conduct then
non-athletes. The Co-Curricular Code of Conduct
can be found at: http://www.d125.org/athletics/tryoutinformation-documents.
Fall Sports 2015
Cheerleading Spring 2015 tryout date
Patriettes (Poms) Spring 2015 tryout date
Boys & Girls Cross Country
Girls Field Hockey
Boys & Girls Golf
Girls Swimming
Boys & Girls Student Training
Girls Tennis
Boys Football Girls Volleyball
Boys Soccer
Winter Sports 2015-16
Boys & Girls Fencing
Girls Gymnastics
Boys & Girls Student Training
Boys & Girls Basketball
Boys & Girls Bowling
Boys Ice Hockey (tryouts occur in late August)
Boys Swimming
Boys Wrestling
Spring Sports 2016
Boys & Girls Lacrosse
Girls Badminton
Boys & Girls Track
Girls Soccer
Boys & Girls Water Polo Girls Softball
Boys & Girls Student Training
Allied Soccer
Boys Baseball
Boys Gymnastics
Boys Tennis
Boys Volleyball
Please check the Athletics
web page for specific tryout
dates for each sport:
www.d125.org/athletics.
ACCELERATED/HONORS
PROGRAM
The accelerated/honors program provides
students the opportunity to explore the complexities of a given subject area beyond the traditional
high school curriculum. There is an assumption that
students in the program are highly motivated and
willing to engage in rigorous academic work.
Award winning Information and Learning Center “ILC”
AP Government lecture in the ILC
ADVANTAGES OF PARTICIPATION
Weighted grade points
The school recognizes the additional
demands these courses place upon students
by assigning weighted grade points to those
who successfully complete an accelerated or
honors course. These weighted grade points
positively affect grade point average.
Greater breadth and depth of content
Not only are students able to pursue a given
course in greater depth, they can advance
the sequencing of the content in a given
subject at an accelerated rate.
The opportunity to interact with other students
interested in that subject
Students will meet other like-minded, highly
motivated students.
Enhanced college evaluations
Several of the most competitive colleges
insist that a student pursue the most
rigorous curriculum that the high school
has to offer in order to be considered for
admission.
Opportunity for college-level coursework
Students in the accelerated/honors program
are eligible to pursue college-level work
through the Advanced Placement (AP)
Program as early as their sophomore year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Freshman Student Mentors (FMPs)
How are my student’s placements determined
in English, math and world languages?
All incoming freshmen are required to take
Benchmark exams in English and math, and have
the option of taking an exam in world languages.
Placement decisions are based on the results of
these tests and on input from eighth grade teachers.
See page 6 for more information.
What if I have questions about my student’s
placement in English, math, science, world
language, or special education?
You should contact the director of the specific
academic department.
Academic Department Directors
English
Douglas Lillydahl
847-415-4326
Math
Darshan Jain
847-415-4601
Science
Dr. Steve Wood 847-415-4401
Special Education
Jay Miller 847-415-4801
World Languages
Justin Fisk
847-415-4701
What is a normal class load?
The typical school day consists of eight 50-minute
periods. School begins at 8:05 a.m. and ends at
3:25 p.m. Freshmen may enroll in up to seven classes
(including physical education) but have the option to
enroll in a study hall as opposed to a seventh class.
Most freshmen are assigned to a lunch/advisory period.
Lunch periods are divided into two periods: 30 minutes
for lunch and 20 minutes for advisory.
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What is freshman advisory?
Freshmen are assigned to an advisory that meets
Monday through Thursday for 20 minutes during
their lunch period. Advisories are supervised by
selected Stevenson teachers and upperclassmen
who enjoy working with students in a less structured
setting. The goal of advisory is to make the transition
to Stevenson as smooth as possible for all freshmen.
Counselors visit advisories to meet with their students
on a regular basis.
Freshman orientation in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Should my student take a full-period study hall
or a seventh class?
We recommend that all students consider the
following before deciding:
A study hall provides a structured time and place to work on homework
assignments, get extra help in the learning centers, or make up missed tests
at the testing center.
For a student involved in co-curricular activities, a study hall provides time
for homework completion.
A seventh class allows students to explore elective courses.
If undecided about what to do, remember that a student
may start a semester with a seventh course but has seven
weeks in which to drop a course without suffering any
penalty. Talk to a counselor for more information.
Should my student take a world languages course
during freshman year?
If your student possesses self-discipline, strong study
skills, and a good work ethic, he/she is encouraged to
begin a world language during the freshman year. If,
however, your student’s study skills need remediation,
he/she should postpone study of a world language
until the sophomore or junior year. Study of a foreign
language is not required for graduation but some
colleges count it as an admission requirement.
Which courses does my student need to take
for college?
All information pertaining to graduation requirements
and college admissions can be found in the front pages
of the Course Book. It is suggested students check
over this information. Any questions can be directed
to your student’s counselor.
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What if my student is having difficulties in a class?
If a student is having a problem in a class, all remedies
start with the student talking to the teacher. It is advised
that a student make an appointment to meet a teacher
during free time or a study hall period to discuss the
difficulties. No level changes or drops occur without
this first step.
Should my student take summer school courses?
It is not required that a student attend summer school
but taking summer school allows a student to get
familiar with the building. It can also allow a student to
create space in his schedule during the school year for
an elective course of study.
What freshman courses are available in the
summer?
Each freshman will receive the Summer School
Pamphlet in the packet distributed at Parent Orientation
evenings. Summer school information is also available
online at: www.d125.org/academic/summer-school.
When may my student take Driver’s Education?
Enrollment in driver’s education is based on age. Cutoff
dates are printed in the Course Book. This course is
normally taken during one semester of the sophomore
or junior year. The student must have a social security
number, an instruction permit issued by the Secretary of
State’s office through the Driver Education Department,
parental consent, verification of age, and have earned
at least eight credits in the previous two semesters.
Passing the classroom phase of Driver’s Education is
required for graduation.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
How do we learn about co-curricular activities?
Each student will receive a Co-Curricular Handbook
in the Freshman Packet. You are also invited to
attend the Co-Curricular Fair (March 25) to meet
coaches, sponsors, and students involved in student
activities. Students are also invited to participate in
activities through freshman advisories. In addition, the
Daily Bulletin announces all club and sport meeting
times. More information is available at:
www.d125.org/students/clubs.
What kinds of support services are available
at Stevenson High School?
Students experiencing difficulties at Stevenson are
referred to the individual’s Student Support Team
(SST), consisting of a school psychologist/coordinator,
a counselor, a dean, and a social worker. Appropriate
intervention strategies to promote student success
are recommended at weekly SST meetings. More
information can be found at the Student Services web
page: www.d125.org/students/student-services.
First Day of School
Are there late afternoon buses for students
involved in sports and student activities?
Monday through Friday, buses leave the West Glass
Entrance off Lot B at 6:30 p.m. One bus goes east
and one goes west. On Wednesdays and Thursdays,
buses also leave the West Glass Entrance at 4:30
p.m. The route each bus will take is determined by the
destinations of the students riding.
How may my student see his/her counselor
privately?
Students should see a secretary in one of the three
Student Services offices in order to arrange a meeting
with a counselor. Students are encouraged to make an
appointment to see their counselor during a study hall
or lunch period.
Freshmen
August 19
Sophomores through Seniors
August 20
When is the first day of school for freshmen?
Freshmen begin Wednesday, August 19 one full day
prior to the regular starting day. On that day, freshmen
attend an orientation meeting in the morning and
follow an abbreviated version of their schedule in the
afternoon. Regular bus service is available on
this day.
Check out a video from last year’s
Freshman Orientation: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=7R6bpLQFU6w&feature=autoshare