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| News December 2000, Volume 4, No. 4 |
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Governor encounters resistance at Peacock
Reporters grill Ryan on Irving Park expansion
By Michele B., Copy Editor
Last month, Governor George Ryan visited our school in honor of the Blue Ribbon Award Peacock received.
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| Governor Ryan's helecopter waits on the north field of Peacock. |
Irving Park is being widened. The point of contention between the village and IDOT is how wide. Itascans want three lanes and IDOT wants five lanes. The argument is ongoing.
O'Hare has long been an issue, but there is not a definite topic. Most suburban residents are fighting for western access to this major airport.
The air pollution and noise problem are the most important political question on residents minds.
Since approximately 1995, air pollution and the volume of noise has increased dramatically. Itasca Mayor Gruber has led residents in protests such as signing petitions and holding town meetings.
The governor chose to remain neutral regarding the Irving Park Road controversy. It has been said that Governor Ryan, along with Senator Peter Fitzgerald, are waiting for IDOT to announce the results of both their three and five lane study plans.
The governor did bluntly admit that the five lane plan would, "certainly increase the traffic."
"There are many suggestions about what we should do at O'Hare," Governor Ryan commented. "But I am for a third airport in the South."
Governor Ryan was not very informative when speaking about Irving Park.
Nevertheless, the Peacock community clearly appreciated his visit and his willingness to take questions.
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Spirit week plans are underway
By Bryan C.
The pep rallies at Peacock have been under criticism the past couple of years. In a recent interview, class president, Jamie O., said, "for the most part, everybody really liked the last pep rally, but we're still trying to make them better."
She also commented that in the future, she hoped that there would be more decorations and more people involved in preparing for the rally.
Jamie said that she wanted more people to enjoy the pep rally, rather than just feeling it's a good way to get out of class.
Jamie also has some plans for spirit week, including but not limited to music day, pajama day, crazy hair day and candy day.
Jamie explained that "spirit week will occur as soon as Dr. Nickisch approves of it." When asked about her plans for the dance group, the Peacockets, she laughed, and said, "no comment."
She also said that she hopes that many students will get involved in sports and extra curricular activities.
According to Jamie, it was hard work to be the student body president. She added however, "it's also fun and everyone who's in student council is working very hard."
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Three or Five Lanes? Students oppose Irving Park widening
By Lara P.
Many people have been debating the widening of Irving Park Road. It is not just the village adults who have been talking. The students of Peacock Middle School have also been discussing the change.
In Itasca, Irving Park Road is located south of the railroad tracks. The town has a tough battle to fight. It is whether to widen Irving Park Road to five lanes or make the road three lanes.
A large majority of Itasca residents want the road to be three lanes. IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) wants to make Irving Park Road five lanes. IDOT is hoping to accomplish this in four to five years. The problem is who is going to get their way.
A program called Illinois First has provided the funding for the widening of the road. IDOT has been studying this situation for about a year now. They decided that widening the road would be best. They think this because they feel the road has enough traffic to accommodate five lanes.
Presently, Irving Park Road has four lanes in Wood Dale which IDOT wishes to change to five. This would continue through Itasca. Irving Park Road also goes through Medinah.
In Medinah, the road is two lanes, and it will continue that way. IDOT is stopping the widening at Rohlwing Road just before Medinah. Many people question why the road is going to be widened in Wood Dale and Itasca but not Medinah.
Students at Peacock Middle School in Itasca have their own opinions about the road. Eight out of eight students questioned commented they did not want the road to be widened for various reasons. Sixth grader, Sammie Destefano, was one of those students. She thought that the road would affect the atmosphere of Itasca. Itasca gives the impression of an old-fashioned town.
Sammie said, "with a huge highway-like road right in the center of town, it would look funny and absurd. Many kids have friends on the other side of Irving Park Road and some of these kids like to walk to their friend's houses. It is hard for those kids to cross the road now. Imagine getting across a five-lane road. It would almost be impossible."
"Kids will need a ride to get across the road," said sixth grader, Miguel C.
Sixth grader, Steven G. added "the road will bring more traffic."
Steve's classmate Britta H. mentioned that certain parts of Usher Park would be sacrificed to the road.
The students interviewed felt that their opinions as residents who used the road were important. They stressed that their opinions, and those of the community at large should be taken into account by IDOT.
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Senior Assistance Program
It's fun for students and good for the community
By Caitlyn C.
Mrs. Crown's advisory last year wanted to do something to help the Itasca community. The Itasca Senior Assistance Program was created.
According to participants, this program is especially fun when you
participate with family or friends. Senior citizens call the school when they need help in the fall and winter.
Students and their families go to a senior's house and rake leaves or shovel snow. The senior resident provides the shovels, rakes, and bags.
Any student and their family can sign up to participate. You can be called to help on any day or week during the school year.
Only seniors who live in the Itasca School District #10 may request assistance.
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Peacock teachers give more homework
By Kristen S.
Before she came to Peacock, sixth grader, Erin M. attended St. Luke's here in Itasca. Erin commented that she didn't miss her old friends, but that she did miss her old language teacher.
According to Erin, most of the teachers and students at Peacock are nice, and her favorite subject is Family and Consumer Science. She did add, however, "There is much more homework than I had before."
Erin has made many new friends because she has a lot in common with them, including enjoying boy bands such as NSYNC and playing ice hockey.
Erin, who lives with her mom, has one sister, who is married.
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