NTZB Parent Bulletin
February 2, 2024
Hello New Tech Families,
There is much to celebrate these days at New Tech. We began second semester with 100% of our freshman class being āon-trackā to graduate and our average daily attendance percentage for first semester was at 94%. Letās keep up the great work in second semester!
We begin the month of February with a focus on Black History and the significant contributions made by African Americans, impacting our country, community, and schools. New Tech staff and student groups are planning and developing meaningful activities and informational videos to help celebrate and champion Black History!
All parents/guardians are invited to attend our spring parent/teacher conferences happening on February 8, 2023, from 6:00-8:00pm at New Tech-Zion Benton East. This is a great opportunity to reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns regarding your childās academic progress. Finally, you may have seen the parent link to complete the 5Essentials Survey on our website or bulletin, I would ask all parents consider completing the survey as soon as possible. Parental feedback and opinions are welcomed and valued!
I have included a special letter to our school community regarding some very important changes that are taking place at the school, including a big one- the name! As of July 1, 2024, we will be Zion Benton East High School. Over the past three years school stakeholders have been engaged in a āreimaginingā process with the intent to elevate and improve our school to provide excellent options for our students. Please click the button below to read further details and see our new logos.
As always, I look forward to creating more great days for our students and staff!
In partnership,
Bonnie Felske
Contact Information
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Building a habit of positive school attendance begins at home. Here are some tips from attendanceworks.org for parents and guardians:
- Talk about the importance of showing up to school everyday.
- Help your teen maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Consider pausing devices if screen time interferes with sleep.
- Avoid scheduling dental and medical appointments during school hours whenever possible.
- If an absence is unavoidable, make sure your teen has contacted their teachers for resources and materials needed to complete missed work.
Be on the lookout for more attendance related information, tips, and strategies in future newsletters! Encourage your students to:
BEE PRESENT. BEE IN SCHOOL.
2024-2025 SY COURSE SELECTIONS
It is Course Selection time for our current Sophomore and Junior students. Course Request Forms will be handed out the week of February 5th for students to explore the courses offered and select their top choices in elective and other course offerings. Families can read about the different courses offered and make selections together before meeting with the counselor to finalize choices the following week.
Note: Course selection is NOT a guarantee of placement and course offerings are subject to change due to master schedule and availability.
Questions? Please contact our School Counselor, Mrs. Schuda at laura.schuda@zb126.org.
CLASS OF 2028
We were excited to see all the families that made it to one of our ZBE Incoming Freshmen Information Sessions in January. We look forward to seeing many of your students joining us in the fall! Remember, applications are due Friday, February 9th!
Applications and complete information can be found on our website. Questions about the application process? Please feel free to contact Mrs. Carter in the ZBE Main Office at cheri.carter@zb126.org or (847) 731-9800.
SUPPORT THE ZB ENCORE PLAYERS
This year, we will be presenting three student directed one-act plays as part of the districtās Black History Month celebration. If you would like to support our show, please consider purchasing a show shirt! Orders due by 2/8. ONLINE STORE
And wear them when you come and support our ZB Encore Players during the performances of Conversations about Race. Tickets on sale now for:
Thursday, February 22nd at 7:00 PM
Friday, February 23rd at 7:00 PM
District 126 Performing Arts Center
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
In Mr. Regnier's Career Exploration class, students are actively engaged in understanding the crucial connection between personality types and career choices. They are currently working on a unique project ā the Personality and Career Poster. As American psychologist Dr. John Holland emphasized, "the choice of a career is an expression of personality." This project aims to help students identify environments where they can thrive based on their personality types. By creating these posters, students gain valuable insights into aligning their preferences with suitable work environments, fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection between personal traits and successful career paths.
P.E. REMINDERS
Please review with your child/ren that appropriate footwear for their Physical Education classes is essential. Crocs, slippers, slides, sandals, etc. are not allowed. Your student's safety and health is our priority.
Also, if your student is absent, they are able to make up the points missed on Wednesdays during 9th period. Have them speak with Ms. Meyer or Mr. Anderson to schedule the make-up.
TECHNOLOGY TIDBIT
COLLEGE & CAREER NEWS
SAT PREPARATION CLASSES OFFERED THROUGH HUNTINGTON
These classes offer students an opportunity to prepare for the PSAT and SAT exams that will be given in the Spring. Results have shown an average of 229 point growth! Find all the details on our website (use the link above).
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COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR:
This event is open to all District 126 students (grades 8-12) and their guardians. Come to this OPEN HOUSE style fair where you can walk around and talk with representatives from various schools and programs. Fall in love with your future.
Tuesday, February 13
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
ZBTHS Field House
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FAFSA WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
All FAFSA evening help workshops will be at the ZB College/Career Center, with support from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Ayuda disponible en espaƱol! You will be filling out the 24-25 FAFSA for financial aid starting Fall, 2024.
Both Student and Parent MUST have their FSA ID log in created in order to access the FAFSA.
- Pick an evening date and time for your FAFSA help workshop! SIGN-UP HERE! Upcoming dates are Tuesday, February 20th and Monday, February 26th.
- Please bring the student's Chromebook, and other documents listed at http://tinyurl.com/ZBTHSWhatsNeededforFAFSA
- There is a limit of 15 families per time session.
-Remember the FAFSA is the financial aid request form and is NOT for admissions.
-Students MUST apply for admissions at a 4-year college, 2-year college, or a career school AND BE ADMITTED in order to receive a financial aid notice from that school.
Questions/Concerns? Email the ZBTHS District 126 College Counselor: allison.zameck@zb126.org
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR CURRENT SENIORS:
Seniors can find all the regional scholarship opportunities conveniently located in one place. Deadline dates are quickly approaching, so don't delay. VIEW HERE!
FREE COMMUNITY SERVICES
Grocery Distribution
There are multiple locations and dates in the Lake County area for anyone in need of free groceries. Details are available on the Get Groceries page of the Northern Illinois Food Bank's website.
Zion-Benton East (1634 23rd Street) is a designated Mobile Market location. Stop by the next distribution date: Saturday, February 24th from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.
Health Screenings
Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol (fasting), health education, COVID & flu vaccine (when available) and questions about medication, review lab results, connections to primary care. Learn about community resources by calling 847-578-8451 or 847-578-8670.
Offered through Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics.
Check the schedule for dates/times/locations.
MAIN OFFICE REMINDERS
PLEASE CLAIM LOST ITEMS - Preview a sampling of what is currently being held in the ZBE Main Office. Do you recognize purchasing any of these coats, hoodies, or hats for your student? Encourage your student to stop by the Main Office if they are missing any items (coats, keys, water bottles, hoodies. etc.). Periodically these items are donated or disposed of, if not claimed.
View the gallery of:
IMPORTANT DATES AT-A-GLANCE
- Thursday, 2/8/24 - Parent Conferences (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
- Friday, 2/9/24 - Early Dismissal (1:35 PM)
- Monday, 2/19/24 - Presidents' Day Holiday - No School
- Monday, 3/2/24 - Casimir Pulaski's Birthday Holiday - No School
- Friday, 3/8/24 - End of Quarter 3
- Friday, 3/22/24 - Early Dismissal 1:35 PM
- Monday, 3/25/24 through Friday, 3/29/24 - Spring Break - No School
- Monday, 4/1/24 - Classes Resume
CALENDAR & WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ABOUT US
Website: www.zb126.org/zbe
Location: 1634 23rd Street, Zion, IL, 60099
Phone: (847) 731-9800