Ridgewood Reporter

November 1997

Volume 13, Issue 2

This issue was so large, it had to be split up into two pages to fit on the website. Read the second section after this page.

The interview ended, pictures were taken, and Mrs. Clinton went on to another party. Even though we didn’t get to meet Mrs. Clinton personally, it was a very memorable night!

Recently during second block, every student had an opportunity to discuss his/her feelings about block scheduling in a survey conducted by Mr. London. Many students voiced concerns about lunch, length of class, and scheduling. People felt that lunch lines were too long, and when they finally received their food, sitting space was a concern. Almost every survey complained about the length of gym classes, and that many teachers lectured for the entire block.

Others voiced their concerns about schedules. Some people were worried that their classes were unbalanced: one term had all their "heavy" classes while the other term was very "light."

Students also voiced praise for block scheduling. Some individuals felt that less homework was given and that any questions they had about material covered were automatically answered in class.

Although the school was divided on how good an idea block scheduling is, the majority of the underclassmen liked it because, "they really don’t have anything to compare it to" as one survey stated.

Some suggestions to improve were to split up the gym block to one part gym and one part study hall; to have each passing time be ten minutes, and to go back to homerooms so students can have a constant during their four years here.

Homecoming King and Queen were George Mueller and Beth Bundalo. Juniors won first place for car decorations. Juniors also won first place for Gym decorations. Seniors won the Spirit Trophy.

Mayor Sieb has set a new record in Illinois for the longest term as mayor. He broke the old record on October 17, 1997. He was first appointed to office in 1951. The village of Norridge is looking for student volunteers to help sort, catalogue, frame, and mount the papers of Mrs. Estelle Sieb. Mayor Sieb has donated these papers to the village. If anyone is interested, see Mrs. Maniez.

Mrs. Machaj is making Ridgewood a much more colorful and artistic place as our new art teacher. Her face is not a new one to many of us here. She began as a student teacher under Mr. Gates. After graduating, she returned as a teacher aide, then as a substitute, and is now a full time art teacher. Currently, she teaches Art Start, Auto Cad, and Transitional Tutoring. She also sponsors the Art Club with Mr. Gates.

Mrs. Machaj has a bachelor’s in Fine Arts, and teaching certification from Northeastern Illinois University. Her speciality is in jewelry, small metals, and sculpture.

Here’s what she thinks of her job: "I really enjoy working with the students at Ridgewood. That’s why I’ve worked to stay in this school district!"

This year, changes have been made in the cafeteria. We have fewer lunch periods and therefore more people eating at the same time. The Ridgewood Reporter surveyed some students. Here’s what these people said about the new changes:

"The food is too expensive," one unhappy *Freshman said. "They don’t have their vending machines on during lunch periods," another unhappy *Freshman added.

"I like that they have more variety of foods, but they should add more lunch periods because the lines are too long and it’s very crowded in the cafeteria," said Elaine Thaniotis, a sophomore. "I hate it. I wait in line for 20 minutes to buy fries, and then I enjoy 5 minutes of pleasure. I don’t even buy lunch from here any more," said Joey Cavataio, another sophomore.

"I don’t buy lunch from here because it tastes terrible," one *Junior added. "The cafeteria is so crowded I can’t even breathe," another *Junior added.

"I don’t like it because the lines are too long, and it’s not enough time to eat," said Scott Shudy, a senior. "The cafeteria is okay I guess," one *Senior added.

People will be happy to know that there is a committee which includes student members evaluating the food service and recommending changes if necessary. The committee is headed by Mr. Berquist, Business Manager. Student members are Beth Bundalo, Jennene Fields, Kristen Keglovitz, Louis Mezzano, Chris Soszynski, and Jennifer Starzynski.
*Name withheld by request

Mrs. Murray teaches Language Resources, not Bilingual Resources as published in the September issue.

If you saw the Jazz Band last year, you know that we did a lot of Jazz and 60’s Rock. (Beatles, The Kinks) With a good majority of last year’s group gone because five seniors graduated, we were out two saxophonists, a bassist, and a singer. However, our previous concerts aroused some interest in other musicians.

We’ve gained two new guitarists, one on both guitar and bass, and a monster brass section. Mr. Klaus, the band director plays a mean horn, while the two ‘bones pound out the harmony. Our new saxophonist wails on the tunes while the talented keyboardist and the equally masterful drummer bang out the rhythm. We will be doing some Green Day and a funkified version of Low Rider concerts.

Rehearsals consist mostly of playing the songs with opened improv sessions. The band has great charisma and works well together. Ideas for songs are derived from the performers themselves, and we’re always looking for new ideas and performers to come in on Mondays at 7:15 a.m.

Trumpet: Steve Klaus, Bass: Mark Kogut, Saxophone: Joe Albergo, Drums: Jeremy Wendel, Trombone: Peter Ziecik, Keyboard: Mike Dicillo, Guitar: Kevin Morris.

Bring in your canned or nonperishable food to Block I classes. You can also bring cans to the Library to pay off your overdue fines. The Block I class that brings in the most cans will win a breakfast. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be eligible to win money toward Prom.

Remember these go to the Salvation Army food pantry to help people in need.

Ridgewood sophomore Saaleha Dadabhai will soon be a published author. One of her poems, "Strong and Stronger" will be included in an anthology called Diamonds and Pearls. Saaleha has been writing poems for about a year. She said she was inspired to write this poem by the thought that, "...all the hatred in the world could be prevented if we just cared a little." She felt excited and overjoyed when she learned her poem would be published.

Let’s support Mrs. Machaj and join the Art Club advised by her and Mr. Gates. It meets every Wednesday in Room 118 at 7:30 a.m. and again at 3:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join!

The Art Club was formed to involve all students in working on projects with new materials and techniques, as well as visiting museums, galleries, and studios.

The new mural is a large project of the art club. The theme is Learning For All- Whatever It Takes. Basically it will show how we all help each other learn. It will be on a library wall. Other projects include finishing the 35th anniversary mural by the gym hallway, and the McDonald’s Holiday window murals. The Art Club’s first major project was the backdrop for the Comedy/Drama Festival.

So, show your creativity...join the Art Club!!!

On October 15, twelve Deca members attended the State Executive conference at National-Louis University in Wheaton, Illinois. At the conference, they listened to keynote speakers and attended leadership workshops throughout the day. Marie Weeks was elected Deca State Vice President and was installed to serve the organization for the ’97-’98 school year.

The next conference will be the Central Region conference in Milwaukee, which the chapter officers will be attending on November 21 through November 23.

If you are an aspiring actor or actress, then get involved in RHS Drama Club. This year the club held a Comedy Contest for the humorous and talented people of Ridgewood on Oct. 18, 1997. People who did not show up that night to watch missed ten comedic acts. Mike Favia placed first, Saturday Night Live’s Spartan cheerleaders imitated by Mrs. Lewandowski and Mr. Klaus with a couple of runners played by Emily Delvalle and Danny Swibel finished second, and third place was awarded to Danny Swibel also.

The Drama Club is presenting the fall play, Unspoken For Time, a drama, on Nov. 20, 21, and 22. The performance of the play will be evaluated as part of the Illinois High School Theater Festival by a theater committee. If Ridgewood is one of the three schools in the state chosen, the cast have a chance to perform the fall play on Jan. 8 and 9 of next year at Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal. Come and watch your friends act, people! RHS students can get in FREE with an ID; $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for kids. Don’t miss it.

The Variety Show on Feb. 7, 1998 is the club’s next project. Once again, if you want to "strut your stuff" to the whole world, be part of it! Auditions are on Jan. 21, 1998. For more information, show up at the meetings, along with the club’s 60+ members. They are every Wednesday, at 3:15 in room 147.

FBLA keeps on growing. Every week, new members learn the value of joining this organization which has social as well as academic activities. One of the recent activities was participation in the homecoming parade. FBLA entered the float that was used for the Harwood Heights Anniversary parade. Marie Weeks, our secretary, dressed up as Marilyn Monroe and jumped out of the cake. Many members rode on the float and showed their school pride by dressing up as Hollywood characters.

The FBLA recruitment party was a huge success. Over fifty new and old members attended and enjoyed a fun-filled evening. There was dancing, games and food prepared by our caterer Joanna Szyndlar. She did a wonderful job with the set-up, and as a result everyone had a great time. Chris Soszynski, our treasurer, was the D.J. He played great music and made the old honors commons into a techno scene.

This past Sunday, October 19th FBLA members took part in the annual Red Ribbon Week Walk. This event is held every year at the beginning of Red Ribbon Week to promote a drug-free community. Red Ribbons are worn to show a commitment to being drug free.

FBLA also has many other activities planned for the coming weeks. We will host a few cookie sales at the end of October and at the beginning of November. Stop by and grab some of the best cookies around!!

On November 7-9 the FBLA officers will travel to St. Louis, Missouri for a leadership conference. Here they will part take in many activities that will help make our chapter even better than it already is.

Competition season has already begun. At present, FBLA members are preparing for area competition in January. There are decisions to make, and everyone is looking forward to a rewarding year of competition.

FBLA at Ridgewood could never be too big. We are always looking for new members to come join. The officers or advisors would be happy to help answer any questions you might have. Meetings are held every Tuesday in room 122. Come on by and see what we’re all about!!!

Read Part Two

This issue was so large, it had to be split up into two pages to fit on the website. Read the second section after this page.

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