PLAINFIELD SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

COUGAR NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Edition V

April, 2002

From the Desk of the Tom Hensel:

I would like to congratulate our student body for their first year at PSHS.It has been an enjoyable year opening our new school and creating our own identity.I would also like to remind all students, staff and families that the year is not over.

As the weather becomes nicer and the end of the year becomes closer, it is still important to attend school.It is important to keep your focus on your academics and continue working in each class.The material covered at the end of the year is no less important than material covered the rest of the year.The final exams during second semester are as important as they were first semester.

It is still important to follow the same expectations we have had all year as far as conduct at school.It is one of our purposes to assure a safe and orderly environment for our students and staff.Behavior that is disruptive to the education process cannot be tolerated.

It is my hope that we can end the year in the same manner that we have conducted ourselves from August through April.Thanks for your cooperation.


 
 

New District Publication : UPDATE: A new publication for the 202 Learning Community

http://www.learningcommunity202.org/Dist202/ProSrvcs/update402.htm

Student Services College Visits:

It’s never too early to start visiting colleges.This is a very important first step in college planning decisions.The parent or student should call the college admissions office and sign up for a tour.Tours are usually conducted every day of the week during specified times by college students who are typically very helpful about answering questions about the campus and campus life.Appointments with an admissions counselor or financial aide advisor are also available upon request.
Use the Department of Student Services Website:www.learningcommunity202.org/pshs
Parents and students are encouraged to begin with the PSHS Student Services website as they begin to research and plan for the future.There are several excellent links to career, college and financial aid information.Log on to www.learningcommunity202.org/pshs and click on “Departments” and then click on “Student Services”.On this same website parents and students can access a current school newsletter.

Summer School Information:

Summer school sessions will be held in the Freshman Center at Plainfield High School.Registration information brochures for summer school are now available in the Main Office, Attendance Office and Student Services Department.It is suggested that you register as soon as possible.Summer school session dates are:June 12-July 3 for the first session and July 8-July 29 for the second session.Completed registration forms along with any fee payment(s) can be sent directly to the address provided in the brochure or Plainfield South students can bring the registration form and fee payment in to Mrs. Aldis in the Student Services Department at Plainfield South.For further information on summer school, please contact your guidance counselor by calling 815/439-5540.

Course Selections for 2002-2003 School Year:

In early May, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be mailed the student course selections for the 2002-2003 school year for their review.

Summer Programs 2002:

Disney Institute at Joliet Junior College – May 1, 2002

Contact: School counselor or the institute at 407/566-2650 or on the web at www.disneyinstitute,com

The Junior Statesmen Summer School at a variety of locations such as Northwestern, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale Universities.Dates vary according to location.Contact your school counselor.

Leadership and College Camp at Eastern Illinois University from June 23-29,2002

Contact your school counselor or Claudia Lane, Camp Director at 217/345-6992.

Internet Design and You at Western Illinois University from July 14-19, 2002

Contact your school counselor or call 309/298-1911 or on the web at www.wiu.edu/users

BAND

On Thursday, March 7th, the PSHS Wind Ensemble traveled to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb to participate in the 2002 Concert Band Festival.Activities for the day included performances by the Northern Illinois University Wind Ensemble, a performance in NIU’s magnificent concert hall, and a performance clinic with Dr. Ronnie Wooten, Director of Bands for NIU.Dr. Wooten was enthusiastic about the Wind Ensemble’s performance; he spent a full hour working with the Wind Ensemble, though the clinic was only scheduled to last twenty minutes.This Festival was an extremely positive experience for the members of the Wind Ensemble and for the parents who attended the festival.Congratulations to the PSHS Wind Ensemble for an outstanding performance!
On Friday, March 22nd, Dr. James Lambrecht of Augustana College traveled from Rock Island, IL to rehearse with the PSHS Wind Ensemble.For two and a half hours the Wind Ensemble worked under Dr. Lambrecht’s tutelage, refining the interpretations of our festival works.Special thanks go to all members of the PSHS Wind Ensemble for their hard work during this clinic.

On Friday, March 22nd and Saturday, March 23rd, PSHS presented its very first musical production, Mary Rodgers’ Once Upon A Mattress.Many members of the PSHS bands were involved with this production, both on stage and off.Special thanks go to the members of the PSHS Chamber Winds, who generously gave of their time to insure that this musical would be a success.

On Saturday, April 13th, the PSHS Wind Ensemble will perform in the second of three spring concert band festivals.John Hersey High School, in Arlington Heights, will host the Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival, co-sponsored by Quinlan & Fabish Music.The festival will include performances by 17 Chicago area concert bands, as well as performances by the University of Illinois British Brass Band, (Mr. Peter Griffin, conductor) and the Northern Illinois University Wind Ensemble, (Dr. Ronnie Wooten, conductor). 

April 26th and 27thare important days for the Plainfield band community.The 2002 Plainfield Invitational Concert Band Festival is quickly approaching, and the PSHS bands are in preparation for two performances.The PSHS Chamber Winds will perform on Friday, April 26th, and the PSHS Wind Ensemble will perform on Saturday, April 27th, with performances times TBA.

Finally, don’t forget about Wednesday, May 15th.The PSHS Spring Band Concert will feature performances by the PSHS Wind Ensemble, the Timber Ridge 7th and 8th Grade Bands and some special surprises, so you don’t want to miss it!

Important Dates: Band
Choir

The Choir has once again been very busy throughout the past few months.After receiving eleven first place awards and fourteen second place awards at the IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest and making it through the musical, some of our students then packed their bags for sunny Orlando, Florida.The students had a very memorable experience throughout their time in Walt Disney World.The students had the opportunity to sing in the Downtown Disney shopping area with an abundant audience of both parents and tourists.The students were fortunate enough to sing with an actual Disney performer, and also to perform with Mickey Mouse himself.The experience was something these students will never forget.

The choral department will be finishing up the year with their finale concert, which will feature the new Jazz Choir.The Jazz Choir, which started their rehearsals during the week of April 15th, will be performing at their very own coffee house in late May.Check Ms. Kamberos’ web site for more information on dates for the finale concert and for the Coffee House.



Plainfield Consolidated School District #202

Proudly Presents…

The Realities of College Recruiting

with Jack Renkens

Wednesday, May 15, 2002

7:00

Plainfield High School Auditorium

*Free to all student-athletes and parents*

Dear Parent/Guardians and Student-Athletes:

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the #1 athletic educational presentation in America!This program is designed to assist every family of our student-athletes in grades 9-12 with responsibility, preparation, participation, opportunities, finances and the truths and myths about the college recruiting process.Please do not miss this informative and educational presentation that is sure to help you in your goal of being a college student-athlete.

This should be mandatory for every parent, student-athlete, and coach in our program.

Simply an event you cannot afford to miss!

 

“The Realities of College Recruiting”

Jack Renkens

Dynamic speaker, educator, author, and motivator

Throughout Jack Renkens’ twenty years as a teacher, coach, and administrator at the high school, junior and senior college levels, he dedicated his life to the development and success of youth.Having coached and taught at all levels of education, he was amazed to discover the large number of myths surrounding the athletic recruiting process.As a result, Jack Renkens founded Recruiting Realities, an organization that educated and motivates coaches, counselors, parents and student-athletes in the collegiate recruiting process.

Recruiting Realities educates and motivates through an entertaining, result-oriented

90 minute presentation that addresses all aspects of being a student-athlete and parent.

During this presentation, you will learn:

The value of academics in the recruiting process

Unheard of opportunities available to student-athletes

The importance of the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA recruiting standards

How to interpret written correspondence and phone contact

The four-year high school step-by-step reality process

The 10 golden rules for establishing rapport with your student-athlete

The role of the high school counselor and coach

Jack Renkens’ professional successes are many:

Seven “Coach of the Year” honors

Thirty plus High School, Junior and Senior College Championships

Three NCAA National Tournament Berths

NJCAA National Tournament Berths

NCAA Congressman

Four Consecutive Arizona AA Basketball Championships

Keys to the City and Proclamations of Excellence for Winslow, AZ and Worcester, MA

Two Illinois District Pride Awards

Two Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Career Achievement Awards

Recruited and signed student-athletes from 42 states

100% college graduation rate

Assumption College Presidential Citation for Excellence

1-800-242-0165


 

 What Student-Athletes and Parents Can Expect to Learn

WHOis responsible to initiate the recruiting process, research schools and market the student-athlete.

WHAT avenues are available for student-athletes who want to participate at the college levels and are not being recruited.

WHERE college programs obtain student-athlete names and addresses for their initial recruiting pool.

WHEN student-athletes need to become a member of a recruiting pool.

HOW to obtain a copy of the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA Guide for the CollegeBound Student-Athlete free of charge.

WHY there are so many opportunities to participate in a collegiate athletic program and student-athletes don’t know about them.

FIND OUT:

How to research schools that meet your academic and athletic interest and get in their recruiting pools.

Which colleges offer athletic scholarships and how to be funded by those who do not offer athletic related aid.

What written correspondence and phone contact actually mean.

How college budgets affect the strategies and techniques used by recruiters.

What questions to ask on initial phone contact to locate your position in the recruiting pool.

GET THE ANSWERS TO:

What camps and clinics to attend in your area to maximize your exposure.

What is a profile service and can it benefit the student-athlete.

How to schedule a home visit and how it can aid in your decision-making process.

What to do on a campus visit and how it can aid in your decision-making process.

Plus much, much more…

“The time to take advantage of the future is today.”


Plainfield South High School 

Cougar Athletic Department News

Spring Sports Awards Night
May 21, 2002
7:00

PSHS Auditorium

All spring athletes and their parents are invited.

Summer Sports Camps

Sign up now!

Brochures available in the athletic office 

or on the website:

www.learningcommunity202.org

Watch for Sports Physical Days

Sponsored by the PHS/PSHS Athletic Boosters

Dates in June and July – still to be determined