NILES TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 219

Showing the Nation that Public Schools Work

Niles Township High School District 219 serves the communities of Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove and Niles.

Niles North and Niles West High Schools are public, four-year comprehensive high schools with a combined enrollment of approximately 4,800 students.

Over 60 percent of students report that they speak a language other than English. More than 90 languages are spoken, with the most common being Urdu, Spanish, Assyrian and Arabic.

Extracurricular programs help students expand their academic and social skills, meet new friends and engage in positive experiences. There are 27 athletic teams and more than 90 clubs and activities in which students can participate.

For more information, visit www.niles219.org

Recognitions

Recognized as the No. 1 Fine and Performing Arts Education Program in the Nation in 2007 by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Niles West

• LEED-EB: O&M certified

• LEED for Schools Silver certified
(classroom addition)

• LEED for Schools registered at Gold
(Athletic Training Center)

Niles North

• LEED Gold (Aquatics Center)

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• There are 335 full time teachers, of which 86 percent hold a master’s degree or beyond. The average number of teaching years is 15. The ratio of students to teachers is 16:1.

• D219 was named to College Board’s annual AP Honor Roll for increasing access to AP exams and improving student performance in 2014 and 2015. It validates the important work the district is doing to make its schools more equitable by advancing all students into more rigorous courses and by working to eliminate disproportionate enrollment in our classes by race.

Student Accomplishments

• In 2017, D219 Robotics won the state championship. This was the fourth straight title for Niles North, which shared the championship with first-time winner Niles West.

• Niles North had the Illinois state diving champion in 2017.

•Four D219 students were selected to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. A Niles West student won a third place grand award at the fair in 2016.

• A Niles West student won the “Exceptional Genius” award at the IJAS regional fair in 2016, and qualified as a GENIUS Olympiad finalist.

• Two D219 students were honored with Bridgebuilder Awards for their efforts to promote diversity within their community in 2016.

• In 2016, a Niles North student was named a Gates Millennium Scholar.

• Niles West AP Art and Digital Art students were offered more than $3 million in scholarships on the basis of their art portfolios in 2016.

• The Niles West Boys Gymnastics Team won the state championship in 2016.

• Over the last five years, D219 Dance Marathon has raised almost $430,000 for charity. Beneficiaries include Hope Jr., Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, The Daniel Horyn Foundation, CROSO, Rustic Falls Nature Camp and the Education Foundation.

•Niles West News was named NSPA Pacemaker Finalist for the fifth time in six years (2016).

• Niles North’s Shakespeare theater troupe won the Battle of the Bard, Chicago’s ultimate high school Shakespeare Slam in 2016.

• The “Take One” vocal jazz group won Downbeat Award for High School Outstanding Performance in 2017.

• The Relay for Life team has raised more than $1million in the fight against cancer.

• A Niles West artist won the American Visions Medal in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest in 2016.

• Niles West News had a story selected for the Best in High School Journalism magazine in 2016.

• Niles West singing group Echo Effect won the Best Arrangement award at the International Championship of High School A Cappella Competition in 2016.

Faculty

• In 2017, the Niles West Counseling Department was awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program designation, by implementing comprehensive, data-driven programs aligned with the criteria in the ASCA National Model to achieve improved student outcomes.

• A Niles West teacher was named the Illinois Art Association’s Art Educator of the Year in 2017.

• A Niles North teacher was the recipient of a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016, and a Niles West teacher was named a finalist. There have been three Golden Apple Award recipients at Niles North (three winners in the last seven years.)

• A Niles West teacher was the Outstanding Chemistry teacher in Illinois in 2016.

• A Niles West teacher was named Illinois Physics Teacher of the Year in 2016.

Facilities

• State-of-the-art gymnasium at Niles West, dedicated by Olympic Gold Medalist Bart Conner (W’76)

• LEED Gold-certified Aquatic Center at Niles North

Student volunteer hours

• Students who accumulate 200 hours of community service receive a special recognition at commencement.

• In October 2017, more than 120 students and 15 adults gave 400 hours of community service to community partners in Niles Township during the first annual Wolf Pack Gives Back Community Service Day.

Pride in community partnerships

District 219 works closely with other government agencies, social services agencies, businesses and other partners in the township.

Coming Together

The Coming Together project started in 2010 to spotlight the cultural diversity of our community. It is supported by institutions throughout Niles Township. Each year, over an eight-week period, Coming Together studies a different culture, with an emphasis on literacy. District 219 has been involved since the beginning and prides itself on facilitating this program within the community. In 2018, Coming Together is celebrating Muslim American Cultures, to highlight Muslim contributions to science, literature, arts, education and more. The past cultures are: Asian-Indians, Filipinos, Greeks, Assyrians, Koreans, Chinese, Latinos/Hispanics and “Voices of Race.”

Skokie Public Library provides library cards to all District 219 teachers.

The Education Foundation (Supporting the Students of Niles Township) provides education-related financial support to students in need. D219 provides administrative support for the Foundation.

The Education to Careers Program partners students with businesses in the community. Students have opportunity to participate in Job Shadow days, and business partners come to school to give presentations for students on their various professions on career days.

Notable alumni:

• Martin Chalfie, (E’65), Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2008

• Bart Conner, (W’76), Olympic Gold Medalist

• Judge Merrick Garland, (W’70), President Barack Obama’s nominee for Supreme Court Justice

• Bob Horvitz, (E’64), Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine 2002

• Jewell Lloyd, (W’12), rising star of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm

• Rashard Mendenhall, (W’05), NFL running back who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, television writer

• Marc Silverman (N’89), Radio Sportscaster and Co-Host of “The Waddle & Silvy Afternoon Show” on ESPN 1000 Chicago

LINCOLNWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 74

One District • Three Schools • One Vision

Lincolnwood School District 74 encompasses three schools located on the same campus. Children are served from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

The vision of Lincolnwood School District 74 is that children become empowered for life. The mission is to build a community of learning that inspires curiosity, compassion, and actively engaged students striving for excellence. The District’s five-year strategic plan runs through 2019 with five core goals:

1. Develop and implement curriculum that leads to improved academic performance
2. Promote programs for the health and well-being of students
3. Strengthen community outreach and collaboration
4. Develop and implement plans for safe and efficient facilities
5. Provide opportunities for staff development

An elected school board composed of seven officials, a superintendent of schools, an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, and a business manager are responsible for the overall function of the district. The community of Lincolnwood is supportive of the schools, students, and parents. Members of the Lincolnwood Police Department and Fire Department are available for presentations and to help ensure a safe school zone. The district collaborates with the Village of Lincolnwood and Lincolnwood Public Library in several events throughout the year to provide Lincolnwood residents convenient opportunities to sign-up for activities, attend community events, and more.

The district’s middle school, Lincoln Hall, began extensive remodeling and upgrading during the summer of 2016. The third and final phase of the project will begin in the summer of 2018. District stakeholders developed a three-year renovation plan that will result in an entirely remodeled learning facility. The project plan incorporated the historical significance that Lincoln Hall represents in the community while providing District 74 children with an updated learning environment. A sampling of projects include newly constructed multi-grade STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) rooms; renovated science labs and library; orchestra, band, art, music, global studies and food science classrooms; main office, main entrance; new student fitness center/health classroom; gymnasium; and several other areas have been completed to date.

For more information about programs, the Lincoln Hall building project timeline and progress, visit www.sd74.org.

Todd Hall School

Todd Hall serves students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. Pre-K is a tuition-based program that serves 3- and 4-year-old children. The teaching staff works together to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for all students to perform their best. Curriculum follows Illinois Learning Standards. Developmentally appropriate instruction is differentiated to meet the learning needs of all students. Students are supported in their social and emotional development through a district-wide program, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support. Learning at Todd Hall encompasses all aspects of early childhood development and academic success.

For more information, visit todd.sd74.org.

Rutledge Hall School

Rutledge Hall serves students in grades three through five. A strong academic program exists to meet the needs of the varied learners, with reading and math as core areas of focus. Other core academic areas of instruction include writing, science and social studies. A new STEM-based curriculum, Project Lead the Way Launch, was introduced to students in kindergarten through fifth grade during the 2017-18 school year. Additionally, art, music, library and physical education are taught on a regular basis to help students explore their talents. Technology is integrated throughout the day and in a variety of ways. Fifth-grade students were introduced to individual (1:1) iPads in the 2017-18 school year.

For more information, visit rutledge.sd74.org.

Lincoln Hall Middle School

Lincoln Hall serves students in grades six through eight and offers a full spectrum of academic core courses, such as science, social studies, math, language arts, reading, foreign language, STEM and physical education. Furthermore, exploratory classes are offered at all grade levels in the areas of food science, music, chorale, art, and global perspectives.

Technology is integrated throughout the educational setting as students participate in the 1:1 iPad initiative. Students acquire the skills they need to be successful in a complex, highly technical, knowledge-based economy.

Lincoln Hall students utilize the new STEM labs every day. The STEM class utilizes nationally recognized Project Lead The Way curriculum. As STEM curriculum continues, students participate in several competitions throughout the school year. STEM experiences require students to apply concepts learned in other core areas to augment the district’s already rich curricula.

Beyond the academic day, Lincoln Hall offers a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, providing opportunities for the students to expand their talents and experiences. Students may participate in several clubs and organizations that range from competitive sports and academic contests to student government, culture clubs, and fine arts (band, orchestra, chorale and theater).

Special programs are available for students who qualify and may need additional support. Programs in special education, gifted and English learners help enhance the learning process and help students’ needs best be met. Lincolnwood School District 74 has prepared an environment that is engaging and responsive to each child at each stage of development, while celebrating diversity and mutual respect among their community of learners.

The staff recognizes the benefit of a strong home-school connection. Parents are welcomed partners and are encouraged to volunteer with school activities. It is this connection that is essential for positive behavior and student success. Partnering with parents, the District staff works to make school fun, safe and challenging.

For more information, visit lincoln.sd74.org.

Lincolnwood Library
Come to the Lincolnwood Library to revive, connect and inspire. Newly renovated in 2017, the library features a cafe, program and meeting rooms, private study rooms and a digital media lab. Additional enhancements include tables with outlets for charging electronic devices and a new Hot Picks section featuring popular movies and books reserved specifically for Lincolnwood Library card holders.

The library’s collection is more than just the 40,000 books for all ages on our shelves. Magazines, movies, audiobooks, music CDs and video games make the rest of the collection, with many titles available in a physical, digital or downloadable format.

Many of our digital resources are available 24/7 right from your home with a Lincolnwood Library card. You can download eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, music, TV shows and movies on your computer, tablet, smart phone, or connected device.

Improved lighting, comfortable furniture, dedicated staff and updated technology make visiting the library a comfortable and inviting experience. Take a moment to enjoy the new cafe, where you can enjoy snacks from vending machines, freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate, your favorite magazine and a cozy fireplace. Visit lincolnwoodlibrary.org, stop by the library or read the library newsletter to learn more about your library

Lincolnwood housing is known throughout the Chicago area for its great residential neighborhoods and strong housing values. With a mature canopy of trees setting the stage, most of the village’s housing is composed of a varied and eclectic style of single-family brick homes with private yards. Thirteen neighborhood parks add to the serenity of its neighborhoods. As testament to Lincolnwood’s excellent quality of life, about one-third of residents have lived in their Lincolnwood home for more than 20 years. It is not uncommon for children once raised in Lincolnwood to return to the community to raise their own families.

Residents from all backgrounds call Lincolnwood home, where diversity is not only respected, but is celebrated. Sponsored by the Human Relations Commission, each year a community-wide Fourth of July picnic is held, followed closely by the annual Lincolnwood Fest community celebration. The arrival of winter means residents of the Towers neighborhood in the village bring the magic of the holiday season alive with grand displays of holiday lights and decorations. It has become known for some of the best displays found anywhere in the Chicago region.

Support for the arts in Lincolnwood is strong, with its very own Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra and a continuous ongoing visual art exhibit by area artists in village hall. Led by a group of residents, a sculpture program has been initiated, bringing sculptures to various sites in the community.

Lincolnwood means great neighborhoods, great community – and it is a great place to live!

– Source: Lincolnwood Community Development Department

The bustling community of Lincolnwood is home to more than 500 businesses and is an attractive business hub with excellent access to major highways and O’Hare International Airport. Lincolnwood is where Chicago’s North Side meets the North Shore.

Lincolnwood is home to a dynamic blend of businesses from L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, one of the region’s most well-recognized restaurants, to regional draws such as the Lincolnwood Town Center Mall, which features such prominent retailers as Carson Pirie Scott and Kohl’s department stores. Lincolnwood is also the proud home of the many dealerships of Grossinger Auto and Loeber Motors.

Lincolnwood has a strong business sector, with employment in the village roughly equal to the village’s resident population. Diverse manufacturing in Lincolnwood includes auto parts, tool and die shops, plastic and printing operations and food processing.

There are many advantages to locating a business within Lincolnwood, including a prestigious company address, and access to local, regional and national markets through proximity to highways, railways and airports.

Lincolnwood encourages business visibility and active participation in the community. The Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce & Industry provides a full calendar of business networking and social opportunities and keeps member businesses up to date on the latest local business news.

Annually, the Chamber coordinates business participation in various community events, such as the Business Expo at the popular Lincolnwood Fest and Toys for Tots during the holidays.

Lincolnwood’s commitment to its business community is strong. An active community development department and economic development commission work throughout the year to maintain a strong local economy and to spearhead business area improvements. The village offers several incentive programs, including the Green Improvements for Tomorrow and the Property Enhancement Program, which provide grants to businesses to encourage certain improvements to their properties. Lincolnwood provides the “link” between businesses and community, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for business.

To learn more about how the Village of Lincolnwood can assist you, call the community development department at (847) 673-7402.

Since its founding in 1850, Niles Township Government has served community residents in Lincolnwood, Skokie, Golf, and portions of Niles, Morton Grove, and Glenview. Township government was formed to connect residents with services that improve the quality of life and help people realize their potential. Our events unite the communities we serve and provide valuable information.

The Niles Township Food Pantry provides supplemental food support to more than 1,500 families and individuals each month. The food pantry program is partially supported by generous donations to the Niles Township Food Pantry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Additionally, the township provides general financial assistance to individuals based on income eligibility.

Other township services include:

• U.S. passports
• Coast 2 Coast prescription cards
• Free notary service
• Voter registration
• Property tax records and appeals
• Senior citizen programming
• Temporary handicapped parking placards
• Childcare and camp scholarships

The Niles Township Board of Trustees meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Constituents are encouraged to visit the township offices at 5255 Main St. in Skokie or call (847) 673-9300 for more information.

Visit the township on social media:

• @NilesTownship on Twitter
• Niles Township Government on Facebook

The Lincolnwood Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the village’s streets, vehicles, parks, public buildings, trees, alleys, water system, sewer system and more. The department is organized into five divisions including administration, vehicle maintenance, parks & building maintenance, streets maintenance, and water and sewer maintenance. All divisions work together on the snow & ice control program to ensure clean and safe roadways during the winter season. In addition to maintaining the existing infrastructure, the public works department manages the construction of capital improvements. Major projects in 2018 will include:

Touhy Avenue Overpass
Construction of the Touhy Avenue overpass began in fall 2017 and is expected to be complete in summer 2018. When complete, this new bridge will provide a safe means for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Touhy Avenue while using the Valley Line Trail.

This multi-use recreation path, which opened in 2016, connects existing paths in Chicago and Skokie. The bridge is intended to be a gateway feature for the community and will include a three-span, corten steel bridge structure, decorative lighting and landscaping. Additionally, the bridge will include a sign that reads “Village of Lincolnwood” on the center span.

Street Light Installation
New street lighting is planned to be installed along Devon Avenue between Lincoln and Longmeadow Avenues. The new lights will match existing poles that have been installed throughout the village’s arterial routes since 2010.

Additionally, lights along Cicero Avenue and McCormick Boulevard will be retrofitted with LED fixtures. LED fixtures consume less electricity and last longer than the existing metal halide bulbs. When the street lights that will be retrofitted were installed in 2010, LED fixtures were not allowed on routes controlled by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Since then, the village has installed LED fixtures on Pratt, Touhy, Lincoln and Crawford Avenues as well as on McCormick Boulevard south of North Shore Avenue.

With the completion of this project, new street lights will have been installed on all of the arterial streets throughout the village. Construction of the lighting is expected to be complete in the autumn.

Public Works Yard Expansion
Northeast Parkway was constructed in the early part of the last decade, which connected Lawndale Avenue to McCormick Boulevard, providing another means of access to the Northeast Industrial District across the, now former, Union Pacific right-of-way. In 2007, the village built out the existing public works yard with the intention of expanding onto the Union Pacific right-of-way after the land was purchased in 2015 for the construction of a multi-use recreation path.

This year the village will complete the project, which will include extending the existing brick wall, constructing permanent material storage bin and constructing a wall and fence around the water tower across the street from the back of the public works yard on Central Park Avenue.

For more information

If you have questions regarding the services provided by the Lincolnwood Public Works Department or the projects described above, call (847) 675-0888 or visit the village’s website at www.lincolnwoodil.org. The public works department at 7001 N. Lawndale Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.