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Chippewa Blood Drive was Successful!
Members of Des Plaines’ Chippewa Middle School Organization of Parents and Educators (COPE) and LifeSource hosted a successful Blood Drive on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Chippewa, 123 N. 8th Ave. Over 27 units were collected at the drive, which was conducted from 3 – 8 PM. Students assisted at the drive; Chippewa faculty and administrative personnel, as well as the public, donated; and COPE volunteers coordinated the day’s event.
Band Students Warm Up For School Year
For one week of this past summer summer, the Chippewa Middle School Band Workshop was a mecca for musical students who find joy in making music.
The Chippewa Summer Band Workshop is for students, from grades six-eight, enrolled in band programs at Chippewa’s feeder schools. Students from Terrace, Cumberland, Central, North, and Chippewa meet with Scott Duff, Summer Band Director, to improve their music skills, and have a fun and memorable week. This year, 46 students participated with seven percussionists who also participated in a drum set class that Scott Duff teaches.
All of these opportunities add up to a wonderful experience for all students involved. The camp is constantly evolving and offers students a chance to warm up for school.
Chippewa Educator Named Teacher of the Year
A Chippewa Middle School language arts educator was supposed to be surprised when the announcement was made that she was named 2008 Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year. But, as Sam’s Club officials were making “top secret” arrangements with Interim Principal Benjamin Brand, the honoree, Catherine Sears, walked into the school office and the surprise was off.
An assembly was held this week to honor and celebrate Sears’ achievement. The gymnasium was packed with Chippewa eighth graders, their teachers, district administrators, and Sears’ family. Sears received $100 and Chippewa is the beneficiary of a $1,000 grant provided by the Wal-Mart Foundation.
Brenda Murphy, Board of Education President, presented flowers to Catherine Sears, and thanked Sears for her commitment to the students of Chippewa from the School Board. Superintendent Jane Westerhold told of Sears’ work on several district committees. Jamie Bentley, Sam’s Club Membership Assistant Manager, presented Sears with a Certificate of Recognition, a cake, a bouquet of roses, and her cash awards.
Catherine Sears was cited for servings as an influence for excellence at Chippewa Middle School and the community of Des Plaines. She has taught in the district for more than 15 years and is well respected. After progressing to high school and college, students return to share stories with Sears about how useful her teachings have been to them and how she influenced their lives. Sears makes and continues to make a difference in the lives of children by helping them realize their current potential and future potential.
As a teacher, she builds their self-esteem giving them the ability to identify the talents and strengths that they may use in positive ways. She encourages them to grow socially, academically and cognitively, thus becoming better citizens. Sears relishes witnessing a student learn something new and apply it in varying ways.
Catherine Sears works diligently to assure that each student leaves her classroom feeling good about themselves and knowing that they possess positive attributes that they can share with others. She wants her students to believe that learning is fun and is a life long trait.
As Sears emotionally accepted her honors and accolades, she paid tribute to her mother, Charlene Skelly, her sons Tim and Jim, and her students. In true “mom” fashion, Mrs. Skelly pulled a tissue out of her purse and handed it to her daughter to wipe away the tears.
"The moment I found out, I knew I wanted to buy books for my students. I love my job,” Sears said as she pointed at her students. “I teach because of you.”
Welcome to Chippewa Middle School!
Welcome to the CMS 2008-2009 School Year! We are looking forward to the upcoming school year, with many new and exciting things happening at Chippewa. First, in our office we have three new administrators: Benjamin Brand, Lillian Mosier and Denise Fernandez.
Mr. Brand and Mrs. Mosier are your new interim principals for this school year. Both of us are retired school principals from Schaumburg School District 54. Both of us have many years of experience teaching at the Junior High level. Mrs. Mosier was a J.H. Spanish teacher before becoming an administrator and Mr. Brand was a J.H. Math and Science teacher before becoming an administrator.
Mrs. Fernandez is our new assistant principal, also coming from teaching at a Junior High for many years in Hoffman Estates. All three of us are very happy to be at Chippewa and we are looking forward to working with the fine CMS students and parents.
Whenever you are in the building be sure to stop in the office and say hi to our new administrative team.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ben Brand
Mrs. Lillian Mosier
Mrs. Denise Fernandez
Plants Needed
We are looking to do some planting and flower work
around the front of our building. As you divide your perennials this year we could use some of your hostas, daylilies, etc. We will have some of our service students build a board and plant these perennials for a flowering spring spectacle. Thanks for your help.
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