NTZB Parent Bulletin

Hello ZB East Families,

Spring is coming soon which means we are closing in on the end of 3rd quarter already! March 8, 2023, marks the end of the grading period so this is a great time to check the grades of your student to ensure they are remaining on-track and staying focused. Planning for the 2024-25 school year is in progress. Eighth grade families should have received acceptance letters and ZB East students completed course selection on their applications. Students had the choice to replace PE with NJROTC and take band or choir as an overload in place of a study hall. If interested, we are still accepting applications for the class of 2028, please contact Mrs. Carter in the main office for more information.

The continual support of our New Tech (ZBE) parents is always appreciated. Parent feedback and opinions are so important and valued, so I ask parents of current students to please consider completing the 5Essentials Parent Survey found in this bulletin. The survey will ask you to identify as a New Tech parent, therefore providing direct input for our school and planning. It is essential we reach at least 20% parent participation to get a meaningful report. I know we can reach our goal and thank you in advance for taking the survey!

We are currently three weeks out from Spring Break and as the weather will eventually be getting warmer, students may catch a little “spring fever!” We encourage you to continue supporting your students to ATTEND school every day, complete assignments on time, and remain focused on their future. As we are now getting closer to the end of the school year, be sure to monitor your email and the website for information and details regarding end of the year events. As always, I look forward to creating more great days for our students and staff!

In partnership,

Bonnie Felske

Contact Information

Poor school attendance is a strong predictor of school dropout. Children can’t learn if they aren’t present in school, so attendance is a must. Parents are best positioned to ensure children attend school and to build an expectation around attendance.

• Help your child get into the habit and learn the value of regular routines.
• Teach your child that attending school is non-negotiable unless they are truly sick.
• Build relationships with other families and discuss how you can help each other out (e.g., drop off or pick up children, babysit, translation assistance) in times of need or emergencies.
• Identify non-academic activities (drama, art, music, etc.) that can help motivate your child’s interest in school and learning and seek out schools that can offer those experiences.

https://www.adlit.org/topics/families-schools/engaging-parents-support-good-school-attendance

BEE PRESENT. BEE IN SCHOOL.

Please go to Herff Jones IL, log into the account you created when you placed your order, and pay online for your graduating senior's cap and gown. You may also call them directly at (815) 756-4150.

Cap and gown pick-up is Monday, March 18th during 9th!

ZBE Interact students are making a meaningful impact in the Zion and Beach Park communities! Partnering with Rotary, our dedicated students are rolling up their sleeves to prep, cook, and package nutritious meals for over 200 community members in need. With teamwork and compassion, we're not just feeding bodies, but nourishing spirits. ZBE Interact students continue to serve and uplift our neighbors, one meal at a time.

Interact student are taking center stage in fostering vital conversations about race at the ZB play 'Conversations About Race.' As ushers for this thought-provoking production, our dedicated students are not just guiding audiences to their seats; they're paving the way for dialogue, understanding, and empathy.

Mr. DiCaprio's Health students showed off their understanding of how healthy diets lead to healthy lifestyles by "opening" concept restaurants and offering a select menu. Their culinary skills were as classes filtered in and out during the event. The 'Taste of Zion' began in 2017 and takes place each semester. It is a highlight for all our students and staff -- especially when tasty food is involved!

What’s all the hype behind video camera doorbells?

By now, you have heard of a Ring doorbell. But what you may not have realized is there are several video camera doorbells on the market. A few doorbell cameras this year have caught our eye and are worth looking at as alternatives. Check out The Best Smart Doorbell Camera article. If you are still considering if a video camera doorbell is right for your home, check out this pro-con list.

Dr. Cheri Bridge

Director of Technology

Congratulations to the Sophomore team (some pictured below) that worked hard on their entry to our BHM Grade-Level Door Decorating Contest. They each received a certificate, a $10 Dunkin Donuts gift card, a journal, a laminated copy of the original photo, a small tech case for wired headphones, a chocolate chip cookie, and some other treats in their bags.

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, March 23rd from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.

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.

• Monday, 3/4/24 - 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

• Weekly announcements from each campus
• 2023-2024 Official School Calendar

Only 400 students large, Zion-Benton East provides a highly focused educational environment within Zion-Benton Township. A part of District 126, ZBE is a companion campus to the larger central campus located across town. Zion-Benton East emphasizes 21st century learning skills in addition to its college preparatory curriculum. Qualifying students have access to tuition-free dual credit college courses, the Lake County Tech Campus, and all students can participate in band, choir, and athletics as District 126 Zee-Bees!

Website: www.zb126.org/zbe
Location: 1634 23rd Street, Zion, IL, 60099
Phone: (847) 731-9800