District 113 Tours Assist Study Groups

Tours of and Deerfield high Schools were held last Saturday morning for all members of the  that were organized to research several aspects of the facility and technology plan for Township High School District 113.

"We really want them all to come if they have yet to tour both buildings,"  said at a recent school board meeting.

At last Monday's meeting, Fornero noted the buildings erected in 1914 and other aging structures such as the and in the district would be part of the tours as the study groups surveyed the properties. 

"We're finding what is demanded," said Fornero, who . "We're looking at any kind of investment over the next 10-15 years in terms of infrastructure."

He added that modernization of the infrastructure would lend itself to the district's eventual plans for technological improvements, such as better wireless communications. A to fund such upgrades was defeated at the ballot in April, leading the school system of about 3,500 students to consider alternative ideas. 

The board voted to approve a calendar that set the dates for the submission and publication of the study groups' findings.

Other District 113 news

In other matters at last Monday's board meeting, Highland Park Principal Brad Swanson gave a report about the school's Sept. 11 commemorative assembly held earlier this month. He thanked the social studies department for organizing it and expressed the effect it had on students.

"It was meaningful, powerful and stunning for some of our students, who were very young in 2001. Some admitted the video they saw was the first time they really examined the footage and felt the impact of 9/11,” Swanson added.

Reflections were shared by students and staff about what they and their families experienced after a flag lowering ceremony at the school that morning, he said of the memorial observance for those killed in the terrorist attacks.

The Highland Park principal also announced the Sept. 24 homecoming dance would be free of charge to freshmen in an effort to make sure the new students felt welcomed. He said students would require a form to leave before 9:30 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. for freshmen.

"We're doing this to improve communication between parents and school about what students are doing after dance," Swanson said.

The board also voted to move their Oct. 11 meeting to Oct. 17 because the earlier date conflicted with a scheduled retreat.

The board went into closed session to discuss probable or imminent litigation and personnel matter, but members said no action would be taken.