Ridgewood High School Norridge

 

Ridgewood Reporter

February 1998

Volume 13, Issue 5

Coming soon to a lobby near YOU...
A welcoming hand for a student teacher
A Very Good V-Show
Ridgewood Welcomes Ms. Carparelli
Ridgewood Welcomes Mr. St. John
A full house for the Drama Club
NHS adds new members
Ridgewood High School FBLA scores big at Area
DECA means business
Snowball is on a Roll!!!
The Class of 1999
Put U (you) in Nucleus
Class of 98 counts down the days
Freshmen and Sophomores dance
Pappone rebuts editorial
Teen Dating Violence program given at RHS
Editorial policy
10 out of 14 Regional
2 out of 10 Sectional
Dreams become reality
Horoscopes
IGAP and EDS tests are Here!!!!!

Coming soon to a lobby near YOU...

By: Debbie Barnes

By the time students come back to school in the fall, the Front Lobby (old Honors Commons) will have a new look. A Technology Center will be built in the lobby for a new program to be offered at RHS: Exploring Technology and Technological Careers. The class of Exploring Technology will explore in the new Career Plus Lab while students taking the Technological Careers class will learn new skills in the Techno Careers Lab.

Construction will begin this Friday. During construction, the lobby will be blocked from the doorway by the Bookstore until the stairway in front of the Attendance Office-try to picture it! Think of it this way, if you have a class in the Library, you'll have to use the Courtyard, go upstairs, or go all the way around the school to be able to get there because you can't walk through the lobby anymore. This project has to be ready by the next school year, so don't be surprised when you see plywood around or windows being replaced or hear construction noise.

A welcoming hand for a student teacher

By: Michelle Gulik

Ridgewood has recently acquired a P.E. student teacher. Mr. Keith Raczkowski, who graduated from Gordon Tech., will be here until May 8. He enjoys working here and said, "staff and students have been very friendly and accommodating towards me." After he graduates he would enjoy working here as a teacher. He is also able to relate to RHS students because, "students in high school go through similar things and I too experienced them."

He decided to become a teacher in his second year of college. He had enjoyed all of the aspects of high school Physical Education and looked up to his teachers, so he hopes to get the best of both worlds.

A Very Good V-Show

By: Michelle Gulik

The Variety Show sponsored by the Drama Club on February 7 was truly entertaining. Each act was filled with great skits, songs, and dances. The show kicked off with a hilarious rendition of SNL's Spartan Cheerleaders by Mr. and Mrs. Lewandowski, Mr. Klaus, and the V-show players.

That was followed by a song written and performed by Mike Dicillo and John Szymanski. Mike was no stranger in the show. He sang, played the piano many times, and played along with the RHS Jazz Band. Each time he went on stage he surprised the audience by outdoing his last appearance.

Beth Bundalo, Kristin Keglovitz, Becky Nielsen, Tina Weeks, and Marie Weeks performed a hilarious parody of the Spice Girls and later returned as Mission Impossible characters. The audience went from laughs to tears when Mrs. Lewandowski and her friend Brenda Gilmore sang a touching song entitled "Friends." Another song that captivated the audience was "Music Box" sung by Kristine Perez. The song echoed off the walls and into everyone's heart.

Overall the show was magnificent. It kept the audience always wanting to see more.

Ridgewood Welcomes Ms. Carparelli

By: Iris Giannakis

Ms. Carparelli is one of the many student teachers at Ridgewood this term. She is teaching Italian II and Italian IV students. Ms. Carparelli lives in Chicago. She attended DePaul University and is currently finishing up in Loyola.

"What I like about being a student teacher is the interacting with the students and Ms. Michelon," she said. Ms. Carparelli likes it here at R.H.S. "I think the students are easy to get along with." Her greatest challenge as a student teacher is, "the process of acquiring my own style of teaching and the learning process in general."

Ms. Carparelli was motivated to become a teacher by her "love of the people, love of education and love of the Italian language." If Ms. Carparelli weren't a teacher, "I would be working with film in education."

Her hobbies are painting and writing short stories. Her future plans are traveling, acquiring knowledge along the way, and stabilizing as a teacher.

Ridgewood Welcomes Mr. St. John

By: Diane Guth

We have the honor of welcoming yet another student teacher. This one's in the Social Studies department. Mr. St. John is working under the expertise of Mr. Hahn and Mr. Nordtvedt in American History and Western Civilization.

Mr. St. John really enjoys Ridgewood and would love to work here. He is also helping out with our girls' soccer team . However, in his free time, he loves to read, play hockey, work out and exercise, or just hang out with his friends.

Mr. St. John gave me his reason for becoming a teacher. He grew up having some very good teachers and some who were not so good. He models the good traits and changes the bad traits that were presented to him. With that strategy, he hopes to become a successful teacher. He wants to be a positive role model.

A graduate of Niles North, Mr. St. John currently attends Northern Illinois University. He is planning to graduate this May with a bachelor's of arts degree in history. If he hadn't gone into teaching, his other interest was architecture. A future goal is to open his own restaurant.

He has spent time working at Lutheran General Childrens Hospital during summers and school breaks. He is a Seinfeld fan and with its demise will have more time to watch his favorite team the Chicago Cubs.

So, if you get a chance, pop your head into one of the Social Studies rooms, say hi to our teaching veterans and to their newest colleague, Mr. St. John.

A full house for the Drama Club

By: Debbie Barnes

It has been a great year for the RHS Drama Club. With the success of the fall play, Unspoken For Time, the club has another thing to add to its list of successes: The V-Show!! This 2nd annual event was held on February 7, 1998. With about 400 people watching all of its 25 acts, it looks like the club's going to have a great Banquet this coming May! The Club earned over $400 from the Variety Show.

Aside from organizing the V-Show, the Drama Club also went to see the play, Les Miserables; and they're going to see it again.

Spring is around the corner, and so is the RHS Drama Club's production of The Vindictive Will, written by RHS student, Mike Pauley. Don't miss this "comedic murder mystery for the entire family" on March 12-14, 1998.

On May 1, 1998, A Night of One-Acts is on tap. These are one-act plays directed by RHS theatre students. Finally, if you need your car washed or cleaned around April, let the Drama Club do it for you while you buy something to eat or drink at their concession stand.

Support the RHS Drama Club and go to all of their plays/productions and fund raisers. For more info on any of the things mentioned above, see Mrs. Lewandowski and/or go to the club meeting every Wednesday after school in room 147.

NHS adds new members

By Joanna Szyndlar

There will be an Open House on March 5. NHS will take the role of secretaries and tour guides.

The American Cancer Society will be hosting a cancer walk on May 15-16. It will take place at Buffalo Grove High School. This event is to aid in the prevention, education, and treatment of cancer. If you are interested, see Becky Nielsen or Mr. Mitchell for more information. There are already over fifty teams. Please come to help this worthy cause.

Induction Ceremony for new members will be held on March 24.

Ridgewood High School FBLA scores big at Area

By Dina Politis

February 7 Ridgewood FBLA members competed at Warren High School in Area Competition. Ridgewood participated in nineteen out of twenty-six events. Ridgewood placed second overall. Twenty-five members placed in their respective competitions.

First place winners included Dina Politis and Peter Stanczak in Desktop Publishing; Dina Politis in Battle of the Chapters; Jay Shah in Information Processing Systems; Chris Soszynski in Computer Concepts; Chris Soszynski and Peter Stanczak in Chapter Web Site; Colleen Thesen in Machine Transcription; and Anna Kritikakos in Job Description Manual.

Second place winners were Kim Trieu in Business Math; Beth Bundalo, Joanna Szyndlar and Marie Weeks in Entrepreneurship; Demetra Politis in Battle of the Chapters; Kathy Glodz in Intro. to Business Communications; Maggie Georgiou in Public Speaking.

Third place winners were Joanna Wieczorek in Job Description Manual; Heather Sinkovits in Information Processing Systems; and Demetra Politis in FBLA Principles and Procedures.

Other winners were Brianne Bielecki, Erin Fogarty, Andy Golebiewski, Cathy Gursky, Anna Kritikakos, Slawek Rokita, Jamie Vasilopoulos, and Joanna Wieczorek.

Thirty-four members will attend the State Conference in March. Winners there advance to the National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

In chapter fund-raising activities, Ridgewood FBLA purchased several vending machines for the student population to enjoy. These machines are maintained and stocked by our membership. We currently have snack, coffee, ice cream, Fruitopia, Evian, and Powerade machines. For Valentine's Day, FBLA members sold heart-shaped lollipops.

In the spring Ridgewood FBLA will sponsor a bike riding/roller blading outing to the forest preserve equipped with a barbecue feast at the end of the long trail.

DECA means business

Twenty-eight Ridgewood DECA members participated in Area competition held at Oakton Community College. The following students were overall finalists: Beth Bundalo, Kristin Keglovitz, Mark Kogut, Louie Mezzano, Dina Politis, Chris Popieluszko, Slawek Rokita, Dee Dee Rey, and Joanna Wieczorek. The following students won trophies: Vicky Mraibie, Joanna Szyndlar, Jay Shah, Bogdan Szeszko, and Marie Weeks.

DECA members have also been very busy this year in several activities for a project called Civic Consciousness. One part of DECA's Civic Consciousness Project is the Norridge Village Hall Assignment. For this project, Margie Kucmierz, Joanna Szyndlar, and Joanna Wieczorek spent two hours every Monday and Friday for five months at Village Hall. Estelle Sieb, wife of Norridge Mayor Joseph Sieb, collected many thing commemorating Mayor Sieb's career. Their task was to sort, date, and identify the newspaper clippings, photographs, letters, and campaign memorabilia. This project is to be finished by August 9, 1998, the day of Norridge's 50th anniversary.

If any of you are interested in helping out for the 50th anniversary parade for Norridge, we encourage you to come to the next DECA meeting. DECA meetings take place every Wednesday after school in room 138.
--Some information provided by Joanna Szyndlar

Snowball is on a Roll!!!

By: Anna Kritikakos

The members have been planning the annual Snowflake. Snowflake is for the 7th and 8th graders of the bordering grammar schools. This year Snowflake is being held on March 7, 1998, at Ridgewood. The Anti-Drug Club members along with their advisor are planning on this Snowflake being one of the best ever.

The Class of 1999

By: Michelle Gulik

Just a reminder that the Ring Dance will be held on March 6, and in order to receive your ring you must have it paid in full by that time. Also if you have not already signed up to work the rummage sale see Stacy Mauer, and Michelle Gulik to sign up.

Put U (you) in Nucleus

This warm weather should make us think of spring. Spring also brings the Nucleus edition of the newspaper. We wish to make it a great edition for you to remember your years at Ridgewood. We need help to produce this edition. Most importantly we need people to write a class history that represents all four years and all the people in the class. We need typists and photographers and photo croppers and all round help. Sign up to help with Ms. Flinn or Ms. Sauter.

Class of 98 counts down the days

By Sebastian Abbinante

The final fundraiser for the class of 98 will be on Friday March 20th. It will be a dance for 6th to 8th grade students that will be held from 7:00 P.M to 9:00 P.M in the school cafeteria.

The prom colors chosen were midnight blue and silver. Our prom song is, "My heart will go on (Titanic)."

Prom tickets will go on sale at the end of April!!!! Mrs. Micklo said that there are rumors that prom tickets are going to cost $150 or more per couple. This is not true. Tickets will cost less than $100 per couple. The final price will be determined after the last fundraiser for the Class of '98.

Freshmen and Sophomores dance

By Anna Kritikakos

The class of 2001 hosted a dance on Friday February 20 from 7-9 p.m. in the front lobby. The dance featured a DJ and refreshments. The purpose of this dance was to have fun and to kick off the new semester. This was the last function to take place in the front lobby before construction begins for the new technology center.

Pappone rebuts editorial

To: Ridgewood Reporter
From: Coach Pappone, Coordinator Physical Education Team

In regard to the December editorial on the physical education program in the block schedule, I would like to respond to some opinions that were expressed by an apparently dissatisfied student.

Here are some statistics according to the US. Department of Health and Human Services in their March 1997 brochure:

Young people who are overweight have more than doubled in the past 30 years.
Inactivity and poor diet cause at least 300,00 deaths a year in the United States-only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths.
Teenagers and adults who are less active are at a greater risk of dying of heart disease and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.
The average American watches more than six hours of television a day. That means that by age 65, a person has spent nine years watching TV
That osteoporosis, a painful, disfiguring disease affecting 25 million people in the United States alone, 80% of whom are women, can be reduced with physical activity combined with adequate calcium intake and sufficient estrogen levels.
That regular physical activity in adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, controls weight, reduces anxiety and stress and increase self-esteem
Physical activity can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Physical activity can be fun; helps you learn and develop skills; helps you stay in shape and helps you look and feel better.

Knowing all of these facts, the Ridgewood PE Program, through careful planning, has attempted to provide various options in the 90 minute block. These options, which are related to sports and fitness activities, hopefully will provide RHS students the opportunity to enjoy, participate and stay physically fit throughout their adult lives. Is that punishment?

Teen Dating Violence program given at RHS

Students at Ridgewood recently heard about a violence prevention program sponsored by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County in their P.E. classes. The speaker was a man whose daughter was killed by someone she used to date. She had just graduated from high school.

The students also received a pamphlet entitled "The ABC's of Teen Dating." The Ridgewood Reporter feels all students should be offered some of the information, even if they don't have PE this term.

Anyone can be a victim of dating violence. Teens who are wealthy or not, religious or not, straight or not. It makes no difference what race or ethnic background a person is.

Control. Abuse is about control. Not love. Learn the difference. Be safe.

Dating violence is a consistent pattern of verbal (or emotional) abuse, physical abuse, or sexual abuse.

Emotional abuse can be more serious than physical abuse. Does your partner call you names? Humiliate you? Isolate you from your friends? Make all the decisions? Threaten you? Make you afraid?

Help your friends who may be victims. They need you as a friend now more than ever.

Intervention and prevention begin with you. Do not accept any abuse from anyone or to anyone.

Kicking, hitting, and punching are types of physical abuse. Once is too many.

Love should be special. It is never controlling. It is never about one person telling the other person what to think, do, or how to act.

Sexual abuse can be anything from ruining your reputation, to touching you improperly, to rape.

Tell. The abuser wants you to think that no one will believe you. The abuser wants you to think that no one else cares about you. The abuser is wrong. People believe. People care. Abuse should not be a secret. Tell.

Zero tolerance is the only acceptable level of teen dating violence.

For more information about teen dating violence please call (312) 443-5030, or see Mrs. Lovero, our school social worker. Other services are: Life Span (847)824-0382, Polish American Association (773) 282-8206, and Sarah's Inn (708)386-4225.

Editorial policy

The Ridgewood Reporter welcomes editorials. Editorials will be printed if they are signed and of general interest. Names may be omitted by request. The Ridgewood Reporter reserves the right to edit material for space, legal liability, accuracy, and appropriate language.

10 out of 14 Regional

By: Louis Mezzano

At the Regional tournament the Rebels wrestling team snuck through ten medal winners to go on to wrestle in sectionals. The Regional Wrestling took place at Westmont High School. At this competition, Anthony Marti, Otto Barbanente, and Brian Floral took first place metals in their weight classes. Jay Holland and Emily Del Valle were cut short walking away with second place metals.

2 out of 10 Sectional

By: Louis Mezzano

In the Sectional tournament the Rebels' luck almost ran out. With tough competition, the wrestlers had to wrestle hard to make it downstate, and only two were strong enough to survive. In that tournament two of our wrestlers, Jay Holland and Peter Wojtow, fell short and came out with fourth place medals.

Anthony Marti, who won all of his matches, took a seat at one and walked away with another first place medal.

Brian Floral had to wrestle the number one ranked wrestler in the state, only to lose a tough or the toughest battle this year by one point. After his loss, Brian picked up his head and blasted his way through the wrestlers' backs to take a third place medal.

Overall the wrestlers finished 18-4 on the season with three all-Conference wrestlers: Jesse Holland, Peter Wojtow, and Tony Marti.

Dreams become reality

By Louie Mezzano Tony Marti became the first male and second student overall in Ridgewood's history to win first place in state competition. Marti placed first in the 130 lb. weight class in wrestling. Tony Marti and Brian Floral both competed at state for their second times Feb. 19. First to take the mat was Brian. He destroyed his first opponent in the first period but lost his next match to the number two ranked wrestler in Class A. It was a heartbreaker. Even though he was out of the tournament, Brian unselfishly stayed to cheer on his friend and teammate. Tony turned into a wolverine in his first match and quickly dispatched his first victim. Tony won his second meet and pinned his third match in 1:52. At 6:00 pm Tony made his and his coach Sam Wasserstrom's dream come true. The wrestler and the coach got their first chance ever to walk in the grand march. When Tony's match came, he was hyped and ready to go. Matt Fritz, his opponent, shot and took Tony down right off the whistle. Tony escaped, and history was made. Anthony shattered Fritz 12-7.

Horoscopes

By Iris Giannakis THESE HOROSCOPES ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!!!!!! For those born this month: You'll feel stuck at times this year, but persevere. Your reward could be a better job and a better paycheck. Aries-Your focus is on group projects this month. You and your friends have been producing amazing results. Use the experience you get to make a decision that will affect everybody. (Use it wisely) Taurus-It's a month to work hard and play hard. Things are going to change over the next couple of weeks. People will be friendlier and much more compliant. Gemini-There are new assignments coming in and old ones to finish. Somebody you're working with is demanding control. (Uh Oh) Your hectic social schedule will catch up with you. Take some extra time for yourself. Cancer-This is a wonderful month for you and next month should be magnificent. If you've been thinking about someone you like, make the 1st move before they're taken. (And Hurry) Leo-A friend gets on your case this month. Don't worry. It won't last long. Virgo-Your favorite is doing cartwheels to get your attention. Take off the blinders. This month finds you a bit testy. Don't worry. Next month will be better. (Hopefully) Libra-This month is the most romantic one you've had in a while. This is a perfect time to ask your favorite for a date. Scorpio-Several of your close friends are experiencing life changes this month. So leave them alone for a while. Meanwhile, take time to relax. Next month your friends will be themselves again. (Trust me) Sagittarius-Don't panic over relationships changes this month. They are for the better. Meaningful relationships are better for you in the long run. Capricorn-You should spend more time at home-that's where the action will be this month. You'll enjoy the extra time you have with your family. Aquarius-Your hormones are runnin' wild this month. Think twice or your emotions may be making decisions for you. Pisces-Take a break from studying and throw a party. Your vivacious personality makes you the center of attention this month. Enjoy while it lasts.

IGAP and EDS tests are Here!!!!!

Students will take IGAP and STS tests March 10-13 and 17th. Testing will be in homerooms starting at 8:00 each day. Regular blocks will begin after testing. All four classes will meet for shortened periods. Make sure you bring something to read or homework with you for the test days since the tests themselves may not last the whole test period. YOU MAY USE A CALCULATOR FOR YOUR MATH TESTS. BRING ONE WITH YOU. Freshmen- Tuesday, March 10: STS-LA (60 minutes) Wednesday, March 11: STS-Math 1 (45 min.) Verbal (20 min.) Thursday, March 12: STS-Math 2 (45 min.) Non verbal (25 min.) Friday, March 13: STS-Science (55 min.) Tuesday, March 17: STS-Social Studies (65 min.) Sophomores- Tuesday, March 10: IGAP-Math (80 min.) Wednesday, March 11: IGAP-Reading (80 min.) Thursday, March 12: IGAP-Writing (40 min.) STS Science part 1 (30 min.) Friday, March 13: IGAP-Writing (40 min.) STS Science part 2 (25 min.) Tuesday, March 17: STS- Social Studies (65 min.) Juniors- Tuesday, March 10: STS-LA (60 min.) Wednesday, March 11: IGAP- Science (80 min.) Thursday, March 12: IGAP-Social Studies ( 60 min.) Friday, March 13: STS-Math 1 (45 min.) Tuesday, March 17: STS-Math 2 (45 min.) Seniors- Tuesday, March 10: STS-LA (60 min.) Wednesday, March 11: STS-Math 1 (45 min.) Listening (15 min.) Thursday, March 12: STS-Math 2 (45 min.) Friday, March 13: STS-Science (55 min.) Tuesday, March 17: STS-Social Studies (65 min.) Remember Encore! Follow the advice given in our last issue on test taking techniques.

The Ridgewood Reporter Staff

Sebastian Abbinanti
Debbie Barnes
Anne Caldarulo
Iris Giannakis
Michelle Gulik
Diane Guth
Anna Kritikakos
Louis Mezzano

Advisors

Cheryl Flinn Advisor cflinn@ridgenet.org
Edith Sauter Advisor esauter@ridgenet.org
 
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