Ridgewood Reporter

September 1996

Volume 12, Issue 1

By: Scott Shudy

I recently talked to Mr. Berquist, the school's Business Manager, about the building changes that were made during this past summer. Some of these changes included getting classrooms wired for a schoolwide data network. Six lines went into each classroom. Within thirty days Ridgewood will be getting a T1 line which will give Ridgewood students and faculty faster access to the internet. The school also purchased $100,000 in new computer equipment.

The boilers were also completely replaced. Many people complain about the temperature in their classrooms, so I asked Mr. Berquist why most of the school is not air conditioned. He said that nearly 25% of the school is air conditioned including the library, English classrooms, honors commons, science labs, and computer labs. For right now this will have to suffice, considering that the school does have a budget to follow, and winter is coming.

Several more building changes are the newly finished room 147 for use as an English class, the state-of-the-art multimedia language lab in room 140, and the restoration of the gymnasium lobby (across from the gymnasium) which was returned to its original design.

Finally I asked what the school’s plans for next year are. Some of the plans for next year included repair work for the tennis courts, replacing the roof in the driver ed/health rooms, resealing the track, and adding power exhausts to the second floor to help make it more bearable during hot months.

One last thing Mr. Berquist said was thanks to all the custodians and to all the other people who made the building changes successful. He also would like to thank the students for keeping Ridgewood beautiful and clean.

Thinkquest Project Is at Work

By: Sofia Frangiadakis and Anna Kritikakos

Thinkquest is a contest for students in grades 9-12 sponsored by Advanced Network Services. Teams write a proposal and then design an educational web site. Judges screen the proposals, suggest corrections, and then either accept or reject each final proposal.

Ridgewood started last April on their proposal, and it was approved. The completed project was submitted on August 22, 1996. We are now waiting for the results. There are 1,300-2,000 teams, and if Ridgewood is one of the top 36 teams, the students will fly to New York City for the final judging. Prizes are scholarships ranging from $3000-$25,000.

Members of the official team are: Mary Jo Chrabasz, Tom Stranc, and Edmond Pryor from Providence St. Mel High School, with Mr. Sennholtz the head coach and Greg Schrobeligen, a coach from Providence St. Mel High School. The consultants who helped work on the project are: Jay Shah, Chris Soszynski, Kevin Szaflik, and Phenu Zachariah.

We are starting to work on the 1996-97 contest. See Mr. Sennholtz or Mary Jo Chrabasz if you are interested.

Ridgewood Will Be Surfing the Net Soon

By: Sofia Frangiadakis and Anna Kritikakos

The anticipated Internet access which everyone has been waiting for so anxiously will soon be here!!! A dedicated high-speed telephone line was installed last summer, and all classrooms were equipped with six network connections. This will enable students to access Ridgewood’s Library resources as well as the Internet.

The Internet will be in all classrooms which have computers, in the Library, and in Labs 203 and 205. All Ridgewood students and faculty will have access to search the Internet, but they will not have their own e-mail boxes yet. That is still being worked on as a possibility for next year.

Internet access will be very helpful to many students and teachers. Ridgewood’s access will be limited by a filter to block out inappropriate sites. All students, parents, and teachers were required to read and agree to abide by the school district’s Internet policy. Classes for teachers have taught them how to use the Internet. Now the teachers have to help students learn how to find and evaluate the information on the Net.

And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, Ridgewood High school will be connected and ready to surf the Net sometime in November 1996. Enjoy the surf everyone!!!!!

The new language teacher is Mrs. DiVita-Geremia. She teaches Spanish on several levels. She attended high school and college at New York schools. Her major is in Spanish and International Studies. She has a master’s in Spanish. She is currently working on her doctorate in Spanish.

She got her degree in teaching Spanish because she loves Spanish and teenagers. She wants to excite young people with what she likes. She picked Ridgewood High School to teach at because she was moving to this area, and she knew that Ridgewood High School had a good reputation. She also was married last summer. She got married, moved, and started a new job within a three week span. That was one hectic period.

Her experiences here at Ridgewood High School have been excellent so far because everyone has been helpful and welcoming. Mrs. DiVita-Geremia is impressed with the students, their behavior, and the general climate in the school.

Band has a new director

By: Melissa Guynn

Are you wondering who the new music teacher at Ridgewood High School is? So was everyone else, until about a week before school started. His name is Mr. Klaus.

He was hired because of his previous job experience and his talent. He went to the University of Illinois for his bachelor’s degree and to the Northeastern Illinois University for his master’s degree. Mr. Klaus has loved band ever since he was in grade school. A teacher he had when he was taking private lessons inspired him to continue in music.

Mr. Klaus has been teaching for about six years. He came to us from District 45, Villa Park, junior high. He really likes to play the clarinet, the saxophone, and the piano. He thinks Ridgewood is a great school and is looking forward to the years ahead of him here.

Mr. Klaus’s hobbies include: reading science fiction books, watching science fiction movies, skiing, and playing in the Wheaton Municipal Band during the summer. He is also an assistant scoutmaster.

By: Scott Shudy

Recently I interviewed Ms. Hoffman who is a student teacher in English working with Mrs. Lewandowski and Ms. Lindenfeld.
Where are you from?
Right now I live in Park Ridge, but I was born in Germany and lived there for seven years.
What college do you attend?
I am going to Loyola University. I am studying for a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education.
What are your hobbies?
I like to run. I like to do circuit races in the city (circuit races are races that you run a certain distance- 10k, 20k, etc.). Also I like to travel.
Do you watch sports, and if so what?
Hockey is my favorite sport to watch and my favorite team is the Blackhawks. I also like football with Denver as my favorite.
What is your favorite TV show?
“Mad About You”
Your favorite actress?
Meg Ryan.
Do you like it here at Ridgewood?
Yes, it’s a very nice school.I’m enjoying working here.

Musical Notes

By: Natalie Biancalana

The music program has started off on the right note this year! With the addition of new members, we have also gained a new director, Mr. Klaus. He has brought improvement ideas with himand has lost no time in planning for the year. The band and chorus will have their first concert in the old Honors Commons in October. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Also, it has been decided that the spring trip will be to St. Louis this year. There music members will take part in Music In The Parks, competing with other bands from around the United States. They will also have the opportunity to visit places like The Gateway Arch and Six Flags Great America.

To raise money for this trip and for other activities, like the end of the year banquet, band and chorus members are holding several fundraisers. They will have a poinsettia sale, a candy sale, and are currently conducting a gift wrap sale for which your support would be appreciated.

What feet? The dancing feet belonging to the newest club at Ridgewood- the Dance Club. This club is open to anyone willing to work hard and have tons of fun. Practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. There is room for beginners as well as experienced dancers. The instructor is Ms. Pousse. So far, their only scheduled performance is next spring but more are being planned.

Students of Fourth Quarter Selected by Faculty

Last spring, Ridgewood teachers selected students who had excelled in their team’s courses. Ask your teachers what YOU have to do to be a Student of the Quarter for the 1996-97 school year!

DECA Sets Goals For 1996-97

DECA - an Association of Marketing Students - has set membership recruitment as one of their major goals for this year. Membership is open to all students who have had a business course. Meetings are held on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. in Room 122.

A leadership conference will be held on October 16, 1996 at National Lewis College in Wheaton, Illinois. All members are eligible to attend.

The fall leadership conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. State competition will be held in Springfield, Illinois and national competition will be held in Anaheim, California.

Check out DECA! It will make a difference in your future!

Ready to dance the night away? RHS’s Homecoming will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 7 p.m. in the gym. This is also Sweetest Day. So, bring your special sweetheart and join the fun. If you don’t have one, just go with your friends and have a wonderful night.

This year’s theme is “Retro” - going back to the 60-70’s. Retro is the greatest theme, mainly because the fashions are all coming back. This is from the hair do’s down to the polish colors for our toe nails.

Remember other Homecoming activities on that Saturday - the football game against Westmont, the parade, and pancake breakfast. Perhaps you will even see some grads from the retro years.

NHS is on a Roll!!!

By: Sofia Frangiadakis

The National Honors Society is presently handing out certificates for last years fourth quarter Honor roll. We are in the process of deciding on different committees for various events that will be occurring throughout the entire school year. To all the Juniors and Seniors who are not in National Honors Society just a reminder to keep those grades up and to get involved because we’ve already started evaluations.

FBLA Rocks The New Year

By: Dina Politis

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) began early this year, planning many of the year’s activities before school started. We entertained the freshmen at orientation and convinced many new people to join.

Our first meeting began with business and then we worked our way into cheers which help promote our chapter’s spirit. We have had a lot of enthusiasm from our prospective members and hope to increase membership.

Planned activities include leadership conferences in Gurnee, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. State competitions will take place in Springfield, Illinois, and national competitions will take place in Anaheim, California.

The officers for the 1996-97 school year are:

FBLA is open to all students who have had a business course. Our meetings are held on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. in Room 122.

By Scott Shudy

Ridgewood High School will be holding a mock election on Nov. 4, 1996. All the students will be allowed to vote for President /Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, State Senator. Technical difficulties will cause us to vote only for the state representative for the 13th district, though approximately 5% of the school is in the 14th district. The election is being conducted by the Social Studies team. Be sure to have your ID with you on November 4th so that you can vote.

Seniors Are Getting Ready For Homecoming and Prom

By: Sofia Frangiadakis

As the year begins to pass us up all plans for prom have been arranged or are in the process of being arranged now. Prom will be on May 24, 1997 and it will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. We are presently still discussing the colors for Prom and the theme song. As Homecoming comes closer and closer everyday we are looking for help on the Homecoming decorations and the Pancake breakfast. Especially for the Homecoming decorations we are particularly looking for anyone who has any artistic talent and is willing to help us. Also we would just like to say that if there are any Seniors who would like to be considered to become an elf you need to become involved and help out your Senior class so you can be considered.

Sophomores are hard at work

By: Anna Kritikakos

The newly-elected officers of the Sophomore class are: President Stacy Mauer, Vice President Randy Messina, Secretary Kathy Jablonski, and Treasurer Monica Knap. The representatives are Alex Novielli, Tom Jermal, Mike Favia, Louie Mezzano. The sponsor is Ms. Hansen. The Sophomore class is hosting a bake sale on Wed. October 23. They are looking forward to Homecoming Activities, selling Santa Sacks in December, and hosting a Turnabout Dance in Jan.

Varsity Volleyball Is Off to a Good Start!!

By: Sofia Frangiadakis with information provided by Kelly Dziwulski

The Varsity Volleyball Team’s first game was on September 4 against Woodlands Academy, but unfortunately they lost. Their record as of September 19 is x-x. Their coach is Ms. McGing, their Captain is Kelly Dziwulski and their Co-Captains are Loree Conway and Melissa Cortese. The girls have been working hard to develop team spirit and learning to work together. They are all very eagerly looking forward to win and take the Regionals. At the present time the conference is up for grabs as there is no dominant team. Good luck girls!!

Mrs. Brenner Sponsors Class of 2000

By: Iris Giannakis

Many students at R.H.S. have had the opportunity to be taught by Mrs. Brenner, but after 27 yrs. of teaching at R.H.S., for the very first time, Mrs. Brenner is not teaching freshman classes.

Why aren’t you teaching freshmen classes this year?

I found that I enjoy teaching geometry classes, and I had no room on my schedule to teach freshmen classes this year. I hope to make geometry into the most informative, fun, and practical math class here at Ridgewood.

But as freshman class advisor, I still get to know the freshmen. I don’t see freshmen in classes to remind them about joining in Freshman Class activities. I would like to invite all freshmen to come to class meetings on Wednesdays at 7:30 in Room 209. We need people to help for Homecoming decorations.

The results of the Freshman Class election follow: President: Soaleha Dadabhai, Vice-President Amy Thorn, Treasurer Kelly Thesen, Representatives: Jenny Broening, Jennye Fields, Brian Meuller, and Kim Trieu. There was a four-way tie for the fifth rep: Mike Dicillo, Dave Grier, Anna Kroskos, and Kevin Morris.

Football is Back in Season

By: Cathy Deregla

After the summer which most of us enjoyed in air conditioning, we have to think how hard the football players practiced in the hot weather, while we were having the time of our lives. During the middle of August, each (football) player had to go to school early in the morning and work on plays, especially for the new members who are joining this season’s team.

On Saturday, September14, RHS played against Sycamore. The game got off to a great start. Sznadjer scored two touchdowns, carried the ball 25 times on 160 yards. Rzewnicki had the ball 15 times for 82 yards on the running game. QB DeFelice completed two passes, both heading to Bujalka. Korybko also added 3 extra points with a 21 yard. field goal. The players did excellent game play on offense. Blocking really came through when the “bigger” players of Sycamore came out. The Rebels had 300 yards and two scoring plays. At half time, Rebels led with 17-7 and added a touchdown in the second half.

The next away game is against Minooka on Friday, September 20. It is the final non-conference game for the teams in the Suburban Prairie Conference’s Blue Divisions. After three weeks, Kaneland is 3-0: RHS, Evergreen Park, Herscher and Lemont are all 2-1;and Westmont 0-3.

Soccer Team Is UNDEFEATED

By: Anna Kritikakos and Sofia Frangiadakis

The boys’ soccer team is doing awesome in their season so far, starting with approximately 35 players on the varsity team. The head coach of the team is Mr. Bolanos, and the assistant coach is Mr. Luebs.

Ridgewood won their first game against Minooka with a score of 5-2. Sebastian Grosman scored all five goals. Ridgewood tied their second game against Steinmetz with a score of 3-3. Raphael Hapunik, Slawek Rokita, and Greg Stefaniak scored the three goals.

Ridgewood defeated Holy Cross with a score of 7-0. Sebastian Grosman scored 3 goals, Greg Stefaniak scored 2, Casey Kochanek scored 1, and Tom Wala scored 1. Tony Guagent assisted one goal, Tony Crudele assisted two goals, and Slawek Rokita assisted three goals.

The three goalies are Chris Popieluszko, Carlos Mietus, and Rafael Lizak. The Captains of the team are Tony Crudele and Casey Kochanek.

Their fourth game was Wednesday Sept. 12 at Ridgewood against Taft High school. They defeated Taft with a score of 5-2. They won against Herscher September 14. So far our newly created Soccer team is undefeated, with a record of 5-0-1. With a little support from everyone, they can stay undefeated to the finals.

X-Country is off to a quick start

By: Danny Swibel

Ridgewood's cross country team has gotten of to a quick start. They came in second against Kaneland Sep. 17, with Tony Raimondi, Danny Swibel, and Ryan Rodriguez leading the boys. The girls team beat Kateland. Led by Michelle Monson, they are bound to be a conference threat. Coaches Dave Borg and Greg Hauptmann inspire their team and "make sure the Rebels never let up," according to one of the upperclassmen.

Remember the three A's

Ridgewood on the Net

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Also in this issue is a photo about How Are You Feeling Today and about R.A.P.

The Ridgewood Reporter Staff

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