This Week in Valley View
News and Notes from Around the District
Prepared Heroes Walking in our Midst Kept a Family Whole with Quick, Decisive Actions
A long-standing tradition at Bolingbrook HS is the Friday morning staff pick-up basketball games that take place in the gym before the school day starts. On Friday, March 24, 2023 the tradition continued and could have resulted in tragedy if not for the quick and decisive actions of those in the game and in the building at the time.
Bolingbrook HS Science Teacher Mike Papes was one of players participating in the game when he suffered cardiac arrest. Fortunately for Mike and his family, several staff members playing in the game and others in the building knew exactly how to respond and the urgency of responding quickly.
Social Studies teacher Jordan Hovel immediately did the first thing that is supposed to be done in such a situation by calling 911. Kinetic Wellness teacher Frank Stelter-Hogh used the emergency response button to notify security and then began to administer CPR to Mike Papes.
Three other staff members, ESL Educator Brian Bove, Special Education Teacher Mike Boyd, and English Teacher Jim Weis assisted by checking Papes’ vital signs, monitoring his consciousness, and trying to keep him responsive. At the same time, Career and Technical Education teacher Tom Hanlon went to get the AED and get additional staff support. Driver’s Education teacher Brian Weil went to inform building security personnel of the emergency taking place. Kinetic Wellness teacher Kevin Zeng was working out in the weight room when he heard of Papes’ emergency, grabbed an AED and went to the gym where Zeng provided a life-regaining shock to Papes.
All those actions combined brought the critical response that proved to be lifesaving for Mike Papes. The Bolingbrook Fire Department paramedics then transported him to the hospital for additional medical care and miraculously Mike Papes is able to enjoy his life as he did prior to this medical emergency.
The most instructive parts of the whole story are two critically important things:
First, Frank Stelter-Hough is trained to administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and second, Kevin Zang knew where the Automated External Defibrillator was and knew how to use it. Stetler-Hough administered at least 170 compressions to Mike Papes’ chest. That is the equivalent of doing 170 push-ups to the beat of the Bee Gee’s 1970’s disco hit “Staying Alive”. In CPR training, the instruction commonly references humming “Staying Alive” while delivering compressions. Just for reference, a typical disco beat is 120 beats per minute.
Mike Papes and his wife Joan expressed their gratitude to Mike’s team of lifesavers on Friday, April 14 at Bolingbrook HS. Joan emphasized the importance of knowing CPR, and knowing where the AEDs are located in the buildings in which we work and how to use an AED.
Watch the video to hear Joan's powerful and gratefull comments.
The quick actions of those inside Bolingbrook HS on that day kept a family complete.
Links to Local AED and CPR Training Courses
Romeoville
https://www.romeoville.org/FormCenter/Fire-Academy-13/Fire-Academy-Online-Registration-CPR-Cla-104
https://cprnearme.com/cpr-first-aid-certification/romeoville/il/#modal-serp
Bolingbrook
https://illinoissafety.com/contact-us/
The fire department does occasionally offer CPR classes for the general public. For more information, please contact Fire Administration at (630) 226-8540.
Additional Resources
https://edward.enrollware.com/schedule
VVSD Staff Spotlight- Lisa Convalle, School Nurse, Brooks Middle School
The first full week in May is National Nurses Day and in particular, Wed. May 10 was National School Nurses Day. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.
In VVSD, our Health Services department and all the school nurses who meet the needs of our learners are an essential piece in removing all obstacles to student learning.
We stopped by Brooks Middle School for a Q&A chat with Brooks School Nurse Lisa Convalle, who in addition to her daily duties as a school nurse, is also part of the team at Brooks that worked with the Will County Health Department to open a clinic providing basic services to students.
Watch the Video!
VVSD Hosting Job Fair, Thu. May 18 10 am- 2 pm at Fountaindale Public Library
Valley View School Community Unit School District 365U will be hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, May 18 from 10 am- 2 pm at the Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Rd. in Bolingbrook. Immediate interviews will be offered at the Job Fair and some hiring decisions will be made on-the-spot for those who qualify.
Those attending the Job Fair should dress professionally and make certain to bring their valid driver’s license and Social Security card.
VVSD is currently making immediate hiring decisions for a variety of part-time and full-time positions for the 2023-24 school year. Current available job categories include: Lunchroom Aides, Lunchroom & Playground Aides, Nutrition Services staff, Paraprofessionals, Security personnel, Substitute Teachers and Transportation Services.
VVSD offers a competitive pay scale for all jobs, and a range of benefits depending on the position. The hours for most of the positions being presented at this job fair are within the regular school day, which makes the work hours conducive for applicants who have school age dependents.
To apply now, visit www.vvsd.org/jobs
VVSD Buildings Operations and Maintenance Offering Summer Job Opportunities
VVSD’s facilities operations has several summer temporary job opportunities currently available. These positions are for eight hours per day, five days a week, late spring through summer, actual days to be determined by the Facility Operations Department. Additional dates may include VVSD’s fall and spring breaks, as needed.
The positions being offered will assist in a variety of functions under the direction of supervisors, including general maintenance, grounds, painting, moving, carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other duties in support of District-wide operations.
To view the job openings, full description and to apply, visit www.vvsd.org/jobs
Notice Regarding Paid Transportation for the 2023-24 School Year
The application period for paid student transportation for the 2023-24 school year will open Wed. July 5 and will close Mon. July 31. Seating is limited on a first come, first served basis and paid transportation students may be removed from routes due to changes in capacity limits. Paid student transportation application window will close for the month of August for the 2023-24 school year, and will re-open on Tue. Sept. 5, pending availability.
Upon notification of acceptance for paid student transportation Visa, MasterCard or Discover card payments for the full year or the first semester can be accepted over the phone at 815-886-6686 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Paid student transportation rates are as follows:
One student- $575 full year ($287.50 per semester - 2nd semester payment due no later than December 15, 2023.
Two or more students $1150 in full ($575 per semester - 2nd semester payment due no later than December 15, 2023.
Pro-rated Paid Transportation will not be available.
Kindergarten Enrollment for VVSD Class of 2036 Continues
nline Kindergarten enrollment for the VVSD Class of 2036 is now available. To be eligible to register, a student must be five years old on or before Sept 1, 2023 and the family must live within VVSD boundaries. Families of current VVSD students will be able to register via their Infinite Campus Parent Portal account, while families new to the District will be able to online register at https://www.vvsd.org/Page/15574
After an application for enrollment is submitted, you will be contacted for an enrollment appointment.
Registration for the 2023-24 School Year for Returning Students Begins Fri. May 12
Registration for our VVSD returning students for the new school year that begins in August opens on Fri. May 12 at www.vvsd.org Please note that registration fees are not due until July, so you can register beginning on May 12 and pay any fees later.
VVEEF Annual Nine & Dine Fundraising Event Set for Thu. June 8
The recent Free Comic Book Day at Brooks Middle School is just one of the many additional programs for VVSD students supported by funds from the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation. Free Comic Book Day is also supported by a grant from the Illinois Reading Council’s Literacy Support Grant.
What better way to welcome summer vacation and support an excellent cause than joining the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation for the annual Nine & Dine Outing and Fundraiser? Each year, in addition to supporting the teachers and students of VVSD, you’ll have a great time playing nine holes of bogey-free golf at Bolingbrook Golf Club and attend the dinner gala and auction.
Options to participate in this year’s festivities:
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Golfer Package includes nine holes golf and dinner for $110
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Dinner Only Package $50
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Donate to the Amazon Wish List – by purchasing any of these items, you will be supporting our golfer goody bags. Items will be shipped directly to VVEEF!
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There are various sponsorship opportunities available as well!
Visit vveefgolf2023.givesmart.com to buy tickets. For more information, contact Rachel Dellamorte directly at: DELLAMORRE@vvsd.org
Kudos for Noteworthy Achievements
VVSD will have three representatives at this weekend’s IHSA State Badminton Tournament that begins on Fri. May 12 at DeKalb HS. Romeoville HS 12th grade student Maya Edrada placed third in singles at the Neuqua Valley Sectional to advance. The Bolingbrook HS doubles team of 11th graders Maitri Patel and Isabella Yap qualified for state by placing third in doubles.
On Tue. May 2 and Wed. May 3, Lukancic Middle School’s entire 7th grade class (half of the seventh-grade student body each day) volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The students worked in teams with both staff and parent chaperones, assembling meals to be sent to Iraq and given to children in need. The two-day grand total of 158 boxes packed (34,128 meals) will feed 93 kids for an entire year!
Seen Around Valley View This Week
Left & Center- VVSD Supt. Rachel Kinder, Ed.S and Village of Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander Basta were among the Mystery Readers who visited Jamie McGee Elementary School on Fri. May 5 and read aloud to students. Supt. Kinder read Stick and Stone to kindergarten students and Mayor Basta read Speak Up to fourth graders.
Right- Bolingbrook HS Art Teacher (and award-winning artist in her own right!) Donna Franks-Tapley and Bolingbrook HS sophomore Sammy Yelonsky made the first brush strokes on what is rapidly becoming the Kindness Mural in the stairwell off the cafeteria at BHS. The finished mural will be unveiled in a ceremony celebrating Kindness Day on Sat. May 20 at 2:30 pm followed by a public viewing from 3-5 pm.
Quick Notes-
The next meeting of the Valley View Board of Education will be held Monday, May 15 at John J. Lukancic Middle School, 725 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville IL. This meeting will begin at 6:30 pm, at which time the Board will vote to move to Closed Executive Session. The Public Session of the meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Agenda for the meeting will be posted no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting. Click here to view the Agenda The Meeting is available via live stream on the VVSD YouTube Channel, VVSD365U
The Romeoville HS Percussion Students are hosting their award-winning Drum Theater Fri. & Sat. May 12 & 13 with an added attraction for future musicians of all ages. At 6 pm on Fri. May 12 and Noon on Sat. May 13, the RHS Percussionists are hosting an Instrument “Petting Zoo” with the opportunity to try percussion instruments. (Maybe your child is the next Neil Peart simply waiting for a chance to give percussion a try!) The “Petting Zoo” will be followed by performances by the renowned Romeoville percussion students. Performance times are 7 pm Fri. May 12 and 1 pm on Sat. May 13 in the Romeoville HS David Carlson Auditorium.
Irene King Elementary School is hosting the Color Your World with Kindness 5K Color Run on Wed. May 17 beginning at 5:30 pm. The cost to participate is $5 per person (cash only on the day of the event.)
Upcoming Important School Calendar Dates
Wed. May 17 Early Release (Elem 2:15, MS 1:20, HS 12:43)
Fri. May 26 Tentative Last Day of School Early Release (Elem 2:15, MS 1:20, HS 12:43)
Mon. June 19 Juneteenth (Schools Closed)
Events for the Coming Week
Thu. May 11 RC Hill Elementary STEM Night 5 pm
VVSD Staff Retirement Dinner at Bolingbrook GC 6 pm
Jane Addams Middle School Beginning Band Spring Concert 7 pm
Fri. May 12 Wood View Elementary College & Career Day 9 am
STEP Students vs. Staff Basketball Game 10 am
Romeoville HS Drum Theater “Petting Zoo” and Performance 6 pm
Sat. May 13 Romeoville HS Drum Theater “Petting Zoo” and Performance Noon
Tue. May 16 Salk Elementary Spring Concerts K-5
Wed. May 17 Wood View Elementary Walk & Bike to School Day 8 am
King Elementary Walk & Bike to School Day 8:30 am
Hermansen Elementary Walk & Bike to School Day 8:45 am
Oak View Elementary End of Year Celebration 5 pm
King Elementary Color Your World with Kindness 5K Color Run 5:30 pm
Thu. May 18 VVSD Career Fair at Fountaindale Public Library 10 am- 2 pm
Fri. May 19 Pioneer Elementary Spring Concerts
Mitchem Early Childhood Family Fun In the Sun 9:30 am
Fountaindale Public Library
Fountaindale Library has a new look. Inspired by their patrons' love for their building, they designed a new logo that visually represents their space and instantly connects visitors to the library. To celebrate, enter their all-ages bookmark design contest through Monday, May 15. Entries will be separated into three age groups: 12 and under, 13–17 and 18 and older. The winning bookmark design in each age group will be printed and distributed throughout the library. Pick up an entry form from a library service desk or the Bookmobile, or submit your artwork digitally at fountaindale.org/newbrand.
Bolingbrook Park District
Bolingbrook Park District residents and Valley View School District students are now able to register for the REACH All-Day Care program. All the information and how to register is located at the following: http://www.bolingbrookparks.org/en/programs/reach-extended-school-care/
West Suburban Community Pantry
West Suburban Community Pantry provides emergency food services to people in DuPage and Will Counties through both our in-person and virtual food pantries. We also connect families with other vital resources so they can pursue a brighter future. We are breaking down barriers that prevent our neighbors from getting the nourishment they need to succeed by offering a variety of services. Find out more at WSCPantry.org, or shop for groceries online at VirtualFoodPantry.net
Romeoville Community Pantry
The Romeoville Community Pantry has updated their procedures and days of operation due to social distancing regulations. Instead of being a “choice pantry,” food is distributed in boxes in a drive-thru style. Clients remain in their cars and check in through the window glass as workers place food into their trunks. The pantry WILL be open the first four Saturdays of the month 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Please check the Romeoville Community Facebook page for any further updates http://www.facebook.co/romeovilleconnunitypantry/
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Northern Illinois Food Bank is conducting mobile food banks and micro pantries in the vicinity in the near future. Please bring bags or boxes. Micro Pantries are designed to allow anonymous food pick-up for those in need and a drop-off point for those who wish to help. Micro pantries are accessible 24 hours a day. To find a Micro Pantry near you visit: http://arcg.is/04LijC
Will County MAPP Food Micro Pantries
Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships conducts micro and mobile food pantries throughout Will County. Click here for more details and a map of locations.
Catholic Charities of Joliet
Catholic Charities of Joliet is hosting a Back to School Fair for students from economically challenged homes on Mon. July 24 from 2-6 pm at St. Mary Immaculate Parish 15629 S. Route 59 in Plainfield. For more information and to register, visit www.catholiccharitiesjoliet.org
That’s All for This Week!
