4-22-2008

UNIT 2 APPROVES CURRICULUM RECOMMENDATIONS

 

The Unit 2 Board of Education met Monday night for their April meeting. Board members approved curriculum recommendations for grades Pre-K though 8th. A few of the highlights included, having articulation meetings for the purpose of collaborating on student expectations, continued work on the writing curriculum, and initiating a curriculum mapping for Math. 

 

Public communication to the board was received from David Rensing who asked that the district policy be changed on the September 1st deadline for students entering Kindergarten. According to Rensing, the Illinois State Board of Education policy has a 30 day window for students with birthdays who fall in that range. Rensing's son falls in that 30-day window. He requested a written response from the board on their decision.

 

In other business, the Unit 2 School Board accepted a bid from Ron Absher Auto Center for a 2000 Chevy Tahoe to be used as the district's maintenance vehicle, and a proposal was accepted from Glass & Shuffet for work on the annual audit. 

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ST. LOUIS CARDINAL'S BASEBALL CARD GIVEAWAY BEGAN THIS WEEK

 

Bond County law enforcement agencies are once again participating in the 2008 St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Card Giveaway Program.  Sheriff Jeff Brown, Greenville Police Chief Lou Lorton, Pocahontas Chief Charles Peterson, Mulberry Grove Chief Robert Sutton, Chief Probation Officer Jim Romack and Investigator James Stever are making the program available to young people of Bond County.  Officers will distribute the cards throughout the season.

 

A different card will be available each week, starting this week through September.  All interested youngsters are encouraged to participate in the program.  Simply request one from any law enforcement or probation officer.  Cards will also be available at the State's Attorney's Office.

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UNSAFE LEAD LEVELS IN KEYCHAINS

 

Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced last week that unsafe levels of lead were detected in "No Boundaries Hip Charm" keychains, manufactured exclusively for Wal-Mart stores.  As a result, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Wal-Mart have issued a recall and the company has removed the product from store shelves. Call 1-800-WAL-MART for instructions on how to obtain a refund. You may also call the recall hotline at 1-888-414-7678, to check on recalled products.

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

 

In recognition of Earth Day 2008, April 22^nd, the Energy Education Council suggests you take some simple steps to save energy and reduce your electric bills.  Follow these tips for greater energy efficiency and lower costs:

When replacing appliances, look for Energy Star qualified products, which run more efficiently.

 

Install a timer or programmable thermostat to increase and decrease temperatures automatically.

 

Turn off lights televisions, and electric appliances when leaving a room.

 

Use a microwave to cook meals or grill outdoors.

 

Wash and dry clothes and cook and bake during cooler morning and evening hours.

 

Use ceiling and oscillating fans to create a "wind chill" effect to help keep cool.

 

For more tips on cutting energy costs, visit the website at www.EnergyEdCouncil.org.

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREE FOR THE RIGHT PLACE

 

Spring is often the time for planting trees and Safe Electricity reminds you of the importance of considering the mature height of trees before planting near power lines.  When trees contact power lines, there is a risk of power outages, shock and fire. 

 

To avoid future electrical hazards, remember these planting tips:

Never plant a tree that could grow to a height of 25 feet or more near a power line.

 

Do not plant near underground utility services.

 

Keep areas around electric meters, transformers, and equipment free of vegetation that could limit access.

 

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Before digging, call local underground utility locator services to mark the location of underground utilities.

 

In addition, the new "Teach Learn Care TLC" campaign urges parents and other caregivers to make sure children are aware of the dangers of climbing trees near power lines.

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ILLINOIS’ EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN APPROVED

 

Recently the U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved Illinois’ Comprehensive Emergency Communications Plan. The plan ensures that all public agencies throughout the state will be able to communicate with each other during local, regional and statewide disasters. The plan builds on existing public safety communications systems that are already used on a daily basis by local and state law enforcement, fire service and other first responders. 

 

A key to this plan is the use of STARCOM21, a statewide 700/800 MHz interoperable voice radio system designed to provide radio communications to public safety and public service agencies throughout the state to effectively and cost-efficiently operate on a common network. The state has already given more than 2,800 STARCOM21 radios to public safety agencies and more than 300 radios have been distributed to 70 college campuses around the state. Illinois’ emergency communications plan achieves the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation for interoperable communications among public safety agencies.