The latest virtual backpack has some great information regarding upcoming events and opportunities in the community. Get the whole VBP here, and be sure to check out some highlights: Teen Trivia at the Chatham Area Public Library, Nov. 8 Titan Trek 5k & 1-Mile Fun Run, 11/18 The Titan Trek is back again! Join the BCG PTO on November 18th as we take over the streets of Chatham! Runners are able to choose between a 5K and a 1 mile fun run. Click here to register and for race details. You can find guidelines for submissions to the Virtual Backpack on our homepage. Thank You!

Glenwood High School Rated Exemplary; Five BCSD Schools Commendable On Monday, October 30, 2023, the Illinois State Board of Education released its annual Report Card that highlights how well all Illinois school districts and schools have advanced toward their academic goals. Today, these designations have been made public across Illinois. Our school designations highlight the hard work of our educators and their commitment not only to the students of Ball-Chatham, but to the greater community. Strong public schools anchor our communities and help our young people find and use their voices to make positive individual and group contributions. Thanks to the efforts of our current and former teachers, staff members, and administrators, we can proudly share our 2023 designations. Glenwood High School - Exemplary Glenwood Middle School - Commendable Glenwood Intermediate School - Commendable Ball Elementary School - Commendable Chatham Elementary School - Commendable Glenwood Elementary School - Commendable “The Illinois Report Card recognizes all Ball-Chatham schools as high achieving and ahead of State standards. This is a testament to how our educators have poured time and effort into our students to help them improve academically and socially even during challenging times,” said Dr. Becca Lamon, Superintendent. At Glenwood High School, a partnership with Capital Area Career Center for technical education, dual credit opportunities for college preparation, an efficient use of class time, and other factors have led to increased proficiency scores and graduation rates. GHS outpaces state growth in both of these categories and is now recognized as a high school in the top ten percent of the state. The full details are now available online at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/

The Ball-Chatham Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the District Office in Chatham, Il on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The following is a summation of the items discussed and those that were approved, as well as links to those items in the Board packet. Additionally, here is a link to Supt. Dr. Lamon’s video recap of the meeting. The video feed of the full meeting experienced a brief technical issue. As a result, it is divided into four clips. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience. All videos are available on the BCSD5 YouTube Channel. COMMUNICATIONS -The Board recognized the 2023 GMS Boys Baseball State Championship team and CACC Students of the month. -GMS staff shared about new math resources for the school year. -Mike Dobbs of Facilities & Grounds discussed past, current, and future projects. -Dr. Lamon provided an overview of class size. CONSENT ITEMS -The Board adopted consent and personnel consent agenda items listed in the board packet. NEW BUSINESS -The Board discussed and approved submission to the ISBE School Maintenance Grant. COMMUNICATIONS -Future Meeting dates: 11/8 - 4p - Facilities and Grounds - District Office 11/20 - 5:30p - Policy - District Office 11/21 - 4:00p - Finance - District Office *11/29 - 6:30p - Regular Board Meeting - District Office (*Rescheduled from previous date) INFORMATION The following individuals addressed the Board: -Julie McAlister, BCEA Pres, voiced concern about the Payroll issue from 10/6 and also about substitutes who only received a week’s pay after a pay period was changed without advanced notice. -Jessica Ogden, CES teacher, shared about how the payroll issue from 10/6 impacted her as she did not receive her pay until the following Tuesday. -Mary Meisner, CES teacher, shared about how she witnessed several staff members experience stress when they did not receive their paychecks as expected. -Carrie Jeffries, former CES teacher and parent, expressed concern regarding transportation issues and also shared that she was unaware her student would receive a breathalyzer check at homecoming. She also expressed concern and disappointment about the payroll issue. -Tina Greene, GIS teacher, discussed being upset about increasing health insurance premiums. -Rebecca Stork, GES parent, addressed the Board about her student that is being bullied. ADJOURNMENT A link to the entire Board packet can be found here. Our YouTube channel with all videos is here.

It's time to start meal planning for November. Here is what our Food Service team will be serving to students this month.

The Glenwood High School Key Club is hosting their annual Trick-Or-Treat Drive Thru on Monday, October 30th from 4 -6:30 p.m. (or until candy runs out) in the GHS Parking Lot! Key Club will also be collecting monetary donations for UNICEF. Come to the east side of the high school (closest to the football field), wear your costume, and plan to fill a goodie bag with sweet treats. You're welcome to remain in your vehicle and sit on the right side to receive candy. If you have multiple children, our ghouls and goblins will be sure to visit them all. See you then!

The Ball-Chatham Board of Education will hold a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25 at the Ball-Chatham District Office - 201 W. Mulberry in Chatham. Those who wish to address the Board must do so in person from the podium. They must also state their names in order to be recorded in the meeting minutes. Guests have five minutes to address the Board. The Board is not permitted to respond or engage in a Q&A. Those who are unable to attend but who wish to communicate directly with our board members may email them at BCSDBoardofEducation@bcsd5.org. Please note, however, that email communications will not be read aloud. Though the meetings are no longer live-streamed, a video summation of the items discussed and those that were approved will be available the on the District's YouTube channel within 24-72 hours of the meeting. The full video of the meeting will also be available for viewing on the District's YouTube channel at that time. Finally, a written summation of the meeting will be available on the District's website. A link to all Board of Education meetings can be found here with the most updated information available 24-48 hours before each scheduled meeting: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/cusd5/Board.nsf/vpublic?open

Sign-up begins after 3 p.m. September 27 and closes at 3 p.m. October 6 This year, parents and guardians will have the choice to take part in Parent/Teacher Conferences either in-person, or virtually through Google Meet. Please follow the directions below to sign up through Skyward beginning on September 27 after 3 p.m. for the conference and format of your choice. The scheduler will close at 3 p.m. on October 6. Dates and times for Parent/Teacher Conferences are: Thursday, October 19 - 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 20 - 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. To schedule a conference for your child(ren): Log into Skyward and select the "Conferences" button on the left side of the screen Click "All Conferences" Choose the open time slot you would like This year you will see a new feature called Method and Location. This will allow you to select between In-Person or Virtual Conferences. Please make sure to change the default method after selecting your time slot. Once the method (virtual or in-person) is selected, you will NOT be able to change it. Repeat these steps for all of the courses/teachers for whom you would like to conference. PLEASE REMEMBER TO MAKE SURE YOU SELECT VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON CORRECTLY, as you will not be able to edit the selection. Once you have completed the scheduling process, a link and details regarding the conference(s) will be sent to you. Even though the Teacher Conference Scheduler will remain open through October 6th at 3:00 PM, it is recommended that you schedule your conference(s) soon, as time slots fill quickly. If you are unable to secure a time slot, email your teacher to set up a phone conference or electronic correspondence. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school’s main office.

Sept. 27, 2023 Board Meeting Recap The Ball-Chatham Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the District Office in Chatham, Il on Wednesday, Sept 27, 2023 The following is a summation of the items discussed and those that were approved, as well as links to those items in the Board packet. Additionally, here is a link to Supt. Dr. Lamon’s video recap of the meeting. 4. BUDGET HEARING Action, Information: 4.1 Budget Hearing on FY24 Budget Board President Saunders opened the Budget Hearing. She asked if the Board of Education or community had any questions. None were noted. Ms. Charlotte Montgomery shared that nothing has changed since she presented the budget at the August 23, 2023 regular board meeting. Board President Saunders then closed the budget hearing. Action: 4.2 Approval of FY24 Budget Hearing no objections to the FY24 Budget, the Board President called for a motion to approve the resolution and FY24 Budget as presented. Rediger moved to approve the resolution and FY24 Budget as presented. Upon said motion being seconded by Murphy, the Board President called for a vote. All present board members voted "yes." 5. FINANCE Action: 5.1 FY23 Audit Presentation 6. COMMUNICATIONS Presentation: 6.1 4th Grade Specialization - BES Ms. Tricia Burke, BES Principal, started off by introducing her 4th Grade Staff. Ms. Brandee Toliver presented on the everyday benefits of 4th Grade Specialization. She shared that it provides the students a safe and familiar environment, helps them manage organization of materials and belongings, helps manage the expectations of two core teachers and provides families with what to expect in 5th grade. Ms. Michelle Cunningham presented on the academic benefits of their specialization. She noted that both the students and teachers benefit from this. She shared that the teachers become more proficient in a specific subject and able to differentiate lessons to meet the needs of all students. Ms. Morgan Gabelmann provided the emotional benefits that the students are receiving. She shared that it feels like a large class family. Ms Gabelmann noted that the specialization provides the students with less stress about transitioning to GIS. Ms. Sarah Flott provided the board with student and parent feedback and quotes in favor of the program. Board Member Ann Strahle like the presentation and questioned if there was any feedback from the students who were a part of the specialization last year. Ms. Burke shared that she has not heard anything from GIS yet. BES 4th Grade Specialization Presentation Presentation, Information: 6.2 BCSD Student Ambassador Presentation Dr. Becca Lamon provided information about the new BCSD Student Ambassador Program. She shared the goals of the program which includes: improving communication between the Superintendent/Board Members and the student body, learn about opinions, issues, and concerns related to student experiences in the BCSD, and include student in the improvement of educational experiences at BCSD. Dr. Lamon shared that there will be responsibilities of the Student Ambassadors that include: attend all regular meetings, meet with and seek the opinions of a variety of students and student groups, attempt to represent all students, communicate student viewpoints on issues to the Superintendent and Board Members, and answer the Superintendent and Board questions and concerns from a student perspective. She noted that applications are due October 6, 2023, and all students who apply will be notified if they are chosen or not. Dr. Lamon expressed that she is excited to begin this new journey with GHS students. Student Ambassador Program Presentation, Information: 6.3 School Start Times Dr. Becca Lamon provided information regarding the District's considered utilized for school start times across all six schools. BCSD Start Time Infographic Information: 6.4 Citizens- Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning any Agenda Topic - Jo Barnard, GES Parent, shared quotes from other district parents from a petition she provided the board earlier in the week. She also voiced her dislike for the early start times. - Georgie Euler, GES Parent, asked the board to review the school times. She also shared her concern for the impact that the early start times that is having on families. - Kelly Trutter, CES and GMS Parent, shared her concern with the emotional toll that the early start times are having on kids. - Kimberly Burkwald, GIS Parent, shared that she loved the specialized program at BES. She also requested that if start times were to be changed to later for younger students, that the district look into a SCOPE program like District 186. - Sarah Clayton, CES Parent, asked what was the driving force between the change from 7:50 am to 7:30 am? - Mallory Fairless, BES Parent, shared her concern about the early start time. She also made the comment that the two options are not the only options. 7. CONSENT ITEMS Action: 7.1 Adoption of Consent Agenda Items Details available here 8. PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Action: 8.1 Adoption of Consent Personnel Agenda Items Details available here 9. NEW BUSINESS Action: 9.1 Strategic Plan Dr. Becca Lamon presented the final Strategic Plan, Portrait of an Educator, and Portrait of a Graduate to the Board of Education for their final approval. Board President Saunders asked if there were any questions by the board. None were noted. Board President Saunders then called for a motion to approve the Strategic Plan, Portrait of an Educator, and Portrait of a Graduate as presented. Rediger moved to approve the Strategic Plan, Portrait of an Educator, and Portrait of a Graduate as presented. Upon said motion being seconded by Strahle, the Board President called for a vote. All present board members voted "yes." 2023 BCSD Strategic Plan Portrait of an Educator Portrait of a Graduate Action: 9.2 2023-24 Insurance Plans Dr. Becca Lamon shared the proposed 2023/24 insurance plans. She shared that the district would be moving from United Healthcare to Health Alliance. Board President Saunders made an amendment of the recommended action to say 2023/24 insurance plans. She then called for a motion on the edited recommended action. Bryant moved to approve the 2023/24 insurance plans as presented. Upon said motion being seconded by Murphy, the Board President called for a vote. All present board members voted "yes." Information: 9.3 First Reading of Reviewed District Policies Members of the Policy Committee and the Superintendent brought these policies forward for first reading after starting the process of a five year review. These are the Policies that have changes: Information: 9.4 Enrollment Dr. Becca Lamon presented the 6th day enrollment information from the last 13 year. Enrollment Growth Chart 10. COMMUNICATIONS Information: 10.1 Future Board Meeting Dates / Dates for 2023/2024 SY Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 4:00 PM - Facilities and Grounds Meeting District Office Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 4:00 PM - Finances Committee - District Office Monday, October 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Policy Committee - District Office Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 6:30 PM (Open Session) - Regular Board of Education Meeting - District Office Information: 10.2 Citizens - Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning Any Topic - Autumn Bowers, Parent, shared her concerns of transgender individuals using certain restrooms. She also voiced her concern regarding female students the transportation of their feminine products. 11. ADJOURNMENT Action: 11.1 Adjournment of Regular Meeting Board President called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Bryant made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. All board members voted in the affirmative. A link to the entire Board packet can be found here.

It's time to start meal planning for October. Here is what our Food Service team will be serving to students this month.

Congratulations to these 7 Titans from GHS for being named Commended Students. From Left to Right: Abigail Martin, Madeline Wallman, Maya Tolentino, Amy Yang, Simrit Mander, Mia Davlantis & William Maender They join 34,000 other students nationwide who are being recognized for their academic promise. Additionally, Jodi Jin, Sieun Lee, and Vishwa Veeramaachaneni (L to R below) were named Semifinalists. These seniors are among just 16,000 students competing for one of 7,500 scholarships. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 340 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. Steps in the 2023 Competition High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. National Merit Scholarships Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2023. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit® $2500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. About 950 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 180 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 160 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,800 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2023 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join nearly 368,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

It's coming soon... Students will be showing off their school spirit all week long and are invited to participate in the following spirit dress days: Monday 10/2: Pajama Day Tuesday 10/3: Class Color Day Pre-k: purple Kindergarten: red 1st: orange 2nd: yellow 3rd: green 4th: blue Wed. 10/4: Hat Day Thursday 10/5: Sports Jersey Day Friday 10/6: Titan Gear

Community engagement is an important part of life in a public school district! We welcome the public into our buildings for many events each year, and we now have a new process to ensure and enhance student safety. All visitors and volunteers must now complete an application, which includes the background screening process. You will receive instructions on next steps. Please complete this FORM and contact the district office with any questions or concerns.