Itasca School Board sets district policy

By Michelle B. and Janice H.

The Itasca School Board is the policy making body for the school district. Seven people are on the board. For 1997-98, they are Virginia Halac, Charles Hervas, Susan Lynch (president), Katie Melton, John Pellettiere, Neal Schawel (secretary) and Dennis Torii (vice-president). The board sets policies for the three school buildings of District 10. They have meetings once a month.

The school board is elected by the local community. During an average campaign, five to seven people run for the available seats. To serve on the school board, one must be at least eighteen, a registered voter and live in the area of District 10. To become a candidate you have to get fifty signatures from registered voters and fill out alot of paper work. Candidates usually campaign by putting up signs and sending out leaflets to voters explaining their positions. The new board president, Mrs. Lynch, admitted that she did not at all enjoy campaigning this past fall. Nevertheless, she also sent out leaflets and put up signs.

The superintendent, Dr. Acksel, manages the school district along the policy lines set by the school board. When asked about his goals this year, Dr. Acksel’s named implementing the technology plan as a high priority. Both Dr. Acksel and Mrs. Lynch want to complete the technology plan by 2000.

When interviewed recently, Mrs. Lynch also explained that one of her top priorities was to finish the process of changing Peacock from a Middle to middle school format. On the other hand, she admitted that making decisions on discipline was one of her least favorite new responsibilities. Finally, Mrs. Lynch commented that she was happy to see the widespread participation of Peacock students in school activities.

What qualities would a perfect teacher need?

By Andrew S.

Garrett K.

A teacher needs to be caring.

Mike M.

A teacher needs to be helpful.

Alex R.

A teacher needs to be friendly.

Anonymous

A teacher should not give alot of homework.

Anonymous

A teacher should be fun, and like to play around.

New students bring fresh perspectives on Peacock and Itasca

By Andrew S.

Like some teachers more than others? So does Jimmy G., or Jim, the "New Kid" in sixth grade at Peacock this year. Jim used to attend Stevenson School in Melrose Park. He still misses his friends, but he has made alot of new friends at Peacock. Jim said that he was not bothered by the amount of homework given to the students in the sixth grade. On the whole, he said that he thought that Peacock was "o.k.," and he felt the same way about Itasca. His hobbies include sports and yo-yo's. Jim tried out for basketball but nothing else this year.

The last book Jim read was Help! I'm a Prisoner in the Library by Eth Clifford. His favorite band is Van Halen and his favorite singer is Motel Jordon. Jim lives with his dad and admits to enjoying a snack of cookies and milk in front of the TV every once in a while. Jim's favorite cuisine is Chinese. Jim has eight pets, six fish and two lizards.

By Christine H.

New seventh grader, Catherine C., recently described the town of Itasca as a quaint, old little town. Catherine used to attend Marquardt Middle School in Bloomingdale, Illinois. When asked, she admitted that she still missed her old friends alot. She also misses her old school, but not the teachers there. Catherine said that the students at Peacock were nice and friendly.

Catherine has made many new friends since coming to Peacock. Her favorite subject is science. She has joined band and has tried out for volleyball. Catherine did say that she thought she sometimes received too much homework. Catherine does not like old music, rather, she prefers bands like Aqua and Bush. The last book she read was Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. Outside of school, Catherine enjoys to teach new tricks to dogs and to play her flute.

By the way...

Up until the late 1980's, the current Usher Park was just a pile of old grass and weeds before the village made it a park.

- Scott P.