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St. Matthew Catholic School Open House: Wednesday, Feb. 1

From The Editors — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:26:46 +0000

Editor’s Note: St. Matthew Catholic School is a chambanamoms.com sponsor.

February means many families are evaluating options for their child’s education.

The St. Matthew School Open House is part of the week-long Catholic Schools Week celebration. Photo provided

The St. Matthew Catholic School Open House on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 9-11 a.m., presents a great opportunity to tour the facility; learn about its use of technology in the classroom (including Promethean boards and iPads); find out about its art, drama, and music programs; and view the tradition in athletic and extracurricular excellence in its trophy cases.

We asked St. Matthew School principal Petrece Klein a few questions about her school. You can ask her your questions at the St. Matthew Catholic School Open House on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Q: Why should I consider sending my child to St. Matthew Catholic School?
St. Matthew School principal Petrece Klein: We foster faith, family, and education.

Q: What are you most proud of at your school?
PK: Our students and the way they conduct themselves.

Q: How does a Catholic education benefit students?
PK: It allows them to learn in a faithful, safe, and family orientated environment.

Q: How do parents get involved at St. Matthew and how important is parental involvement?
PK: We are dependent upon parental involvement. Our Parent Club offers numerous opportunities for involvement and plays a vital role in the success of our school. Extra-curricular activities also provide opportunities for parental involvement.

Q: How does your school foster a sense of community?
PK: Our school is team orientated beginning with Christ, teachers, parents, students, and parish.

Q: What kind of student does St. Matthew seek to enroll?
PK: We welcome all families seeking an excellent educational experience in an environment that is Christ-centered.

Q: Private education is not without cost. Do you offer scholarships or tuition breaks?
PK:Yes, a Catholic education is available for all. Parents are encouraged to apply for the Spalding Scholarship. Information is available by contacting the school office at 359-4114. Deadline to apply is February 15.

St. Matthew Catholic School is located at 1307 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign. For more information, visit the school website or call 217.359.4114.

CUSF Hands Out $30,000 In Classroom Grants

From The Editors — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:50:04 +0000

Thanks in part to The I.D.E.A Store, the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation was able to distribute $30,000 in grants to area teachers on Jan. 19.

CUSF distributed the funds in just one hour through its new micro-grant program, “It’s My I.D.E.A Grants.” The winners names were drawn from a drum at the Teacher’s Appreciation Party, hosted by CUSF at the iHotel. Approximately $2,500 of the $30,000 given away was generate by sales from The I.D.E.A. Store, a chambanamoms.com sponsor.

CUSF has a mission to support excellence in CU schools through fundraising. Those funds are given to schools via an application process and direct support.

The new micro-grant program, It’s My I.D.E.A. Grants, builds on the SPLASH Grants program that has provided more than $400,000 to local schools over the last three years. CUSF continues to raise funds for this program in the hopes of providing even more financial support for our teachers, classrooms and students.

Congratulations to the following teachers:

Kris Ackerman, UMS, School District # 116
Edie Adams, District-wide, School District # 4
Pamela Alexander, Centennial, School District # 4
Shelley Altenbaumer, Edison, School District # 4
Brian Anderson, Kenwood, School District # 4
Erica Bellina, Champaign EC, School District # 4
Julie Bequette, UHS, School District # 116
Peter Breit, UHS, School District # 116
Janet Briggs, Centennial, School District # 4
Doug Butler, Jefferson, School District # 4
Kimberly Claybourne, Jefferson, School District # 4
Gwen Coffey, Dr. Howard, School District # 4
Christy Crouch, Thomas Paine, School District # 116
Sally Czapar, District-wide, School District # 116
Linda Darr, King, School District # 116
Jeff Davis, UHS, School District # 116
Susan Dilley, Garden Hills, School District # 4
Samantha Douse, UMS, School District # 116
Theresa Feller, UMS, School District # 116
Lisa Ferguson, Wiley, School District # 116
Viktoria Ford, Barkstall, School District # 4
Melissa Fragoso, Dr. Howard, School District # 4
Kay Grabow, Thomas Paine, School District # 116
Tania Greene, Central, School District # 4
Fiona Griswold, Franklin, School District # 4
Mary Hand, Thomas Paine, School District # 116
LeVette Harmon, Champaign EC, School District # 4
Stephanie Hayek, Champaign EC, School District # 4
Steven Higgins, UMS, School District # 116
David Hohman, Jefferson, School District # 4
Karen Hollett, UMS, School District # 116
Craig Huff, Leal, School District # 116
Carie Hughes, Franklin, School District # 4
Katie Hutchison, UHS, School District # 116
Crystal Jacobs, Carrie Busey, School District # 4
Mary Anne Jusko, Robeson, School District # 4
Ashley Kerestes, Edison, School District # 4
Dana Lamkin, District-wide, School District # 4
Sheri Langendorf, Adult Ed, School District # 116
Kathy Maniates, Adult Ed, School District # 116
Margaret McDermott, UHS, School District # 116
Renee McElwain, Washington EC, School District # 116
Shannon Mulvey, Thomas Paine, School District # 116
Anne Munroe, Central, School District # 4
Debra Newell, Thomas Paine, School District # 116
Theresa Niccum, Bottenfield, School District # 4

Best Kept Secret: Center for Children’s Books

From The Editors — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:12:57 +0000

Did someone say free children’s books? Well, we just did.

This week marks the Center for Children’s Books winter “Galley Giveaway.” This giveaway includes pre-publication children’s, middle grade, and young adults books. They will be given out first come, first serve starting Wednesday, Jan. 18 between 3-7 p.m. You can find the Center for Children’s Books within The Graduate School of Library and Information Science building at the University of Illinois, 501 E. Daniel Street, Champaign.

Kids always have their noses stuck in a book? Expand your home's collection at the galley giveaway in January and the Center for Children's Books Sale in February. Photo by GoodnCrazy on flickr

Galleys are “generally produced after a manuscript has been typeset but before proofreading, and are used by publicists to send to book reviewers, distributors and book clubs that like to see a copy of the book three or four months before its official publication date,” according to this “galley FAQ.”

If there are any galleys left after Wednesday, the Center will send out an email to let patrons know how many remain for the giveaway Thursday (scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and will repeat that for Friday as well. Here’s the link to get on the listserv, so you’ll get notifications.

Another date to write down on your calendar is the Center’s 11th annual Children’s Book Sale, which goes from Monday, Feb. 20, through Wednesday, Feb. 22. Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. Entry is free. The Book Sale is a great opportunity to stock up on new books at very reduced prices, and the sale benefits the Center itself.

There is also a pre-sale on Feb. 19, which costs $20 to attend. Tickets must be reserved by phone (217.244.9331) or email (ccb@illinois.edu); reservations will be taken between Jan. 30 and Feb. 13.

According to the Center, the sale contains thousands of new children’s books for youth ages birth through high school. The titles include fiction and nonfiction; board books, picture books, easy and transitional readers; chapter books, series fiction, novels, activity books and kits; nonfiction series, mass-market paperbacks, and more.

Paperback books are $1 or $2 each, hardcover books are $5 each, and some individual items are priced as marked. All proceeds support the Center for Children’s Books and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.

The Center is a unit of the University of Illinois Graduate School for Library and Information Science. It houses a non-circulating collection of recent and historically significant trade books for youth, birth through high school. The CCB also collects reference books on the history and criticism of literature for youth, literature-based library and classroom programming, and storytelling. Although the collection is non-circulating, it is available for examination by scholars, teachers, librarians, students, and the public.

Cardinals Caravan Stops in Champaign Jan. 13

From The Editors — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:56:03 +0000

Like they do every January, members of the St. Louis Cardinals will visit their fans in Champaign-Urbana.

This year, they do so as World Series Champions.

Celebrate the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Series victory -- and look ahead to 2012 -- at the Cardinals Caravan Jan. 13 in Champaign. photo by brianandjaclyn on flickr

Get autographs and pictures with a few select members of the Cardinals on Friday, Jan. 13 (yes, Friday the 13th!) at Round Barn Banquet Center in Champaign. Doors open at 11:00 a.m for the noon event, which is FREE. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Cardinals players scheduled to appear include: outfielder Jon Jay, infielder Daniel Descalso; pitcher Brandon Dickson; and minor leaguer Matt Adams. Former Cardinal players Chris Duncan and Tom Lawless as well as Cardinals radio voice John Rooney will be on hand to reminisce about the 2011 championship season as well as to look ahead toward 2012.

The event will include a question-and-answer session before fans are allowed to get in line for autographs and photos. Thanks to Connect FM 93.5/95.3, Champaign-Urbana’s radio home of the Cardinals, for this information.

Another date to write down on your calendar, Cardinals fans: the Cardinals World Series trophy will make appearances in Springfield, Decatur and Normal in February.

Springfield: 3-7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the U.S. Cellular store at 244 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Normal: 3-7 p.m. Feb. 23 at the U.S. Cellular store at 1700 Parkway Plaza

Decatur: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the U.S. Cellular store at Northgate Mall

Where To Recycle Electronics In Champaign-Urbana and Beyond

From The Editors — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:10:06 +0000

We’ve written before about the issue of electronics recycling, but as of Jan. 1, 2012, the issue isn’t just about doing the right thing for the environment – it’s about following the law. A strengthened version of the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act has gone into effect, making it illegal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash.

According to a press release by the state, “Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, electronic keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.”

As of Jan. 1, 2012, it's illegal to throw many electronic items in the trash. Recycling computers, TVs and more is easy - just follow our guide! Photo by D'Arcy Norman on flickr

There are plenty of ways to recycle electronics in Champaign-Urbana, and you don’t have to wait until the quarterly county collection drives. Most options are free, but if you aren’t sure, call ahead.

Marco Recycling in Champaign (302 S. Market St.) accepts computers, servers and network devices, monitors, printers, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, copiers, and cell phones for recycling without charge. They will not accept speakers or microwave ovens. For more information about Mervis Industries Electronics Recycling Program, call 217‐352‐3040.

Best Buy, Champaign recycles electronics, at no charge, including “nearly everything electronic, including tube TVs and monitors up to 32″, flat-panel TVs and monitors up to 60″, computers, peripherals, DVD players, home and car audio, cell phones, MP3 players, and cables. Best Buy also recycles small electrics, such as fans and vacuums; limit three items per household per day. The store also has a kiosk for customers to drop off ink and toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries, and wires, cords and cables.

Mack’s Twin City Recycling in Urbana takes many electronic items at no charge, with the exception of computer monitors and backup batteries. They do not accept TVs of any kind.

Staples, Champaign: Accepts working and non-working electronics. Depending on condition, customers may receive gifts cards. Articles recycled for free include: Any Dell® product (excluding TVs); Desktop CPUs; Laptops, netbooks and tablets; Mice, keyboards, modems and PC speakers; GPS devices; Digital cameras; MP3 players; Mobile phones and PDAs; and rechargeable batteries. Recycled for a $10 fee: Monitors (CRT and flat panel); Printers, copiers, scanners, faxes, all-in-ones; Shredders; and UPS (battery backup). No TVs are taken at all. Limit six items per customer per day.

Goodwill, Champaign: Goodwill has partnered with Dell to offer computer recycling and recycling of many other items, including Monitors; Computers; Printers – including laser & inkjet; Scanners; Hard Drives (external or internal); Keyboards; Mice; Speakers; Cords & Cables; Ink & Toner Cartridges; and Software.

The Champaign County free electronics recycling events: According to the City of Urbana, Champaign County has scheduled three recycling events in 2012. All take place on Saturday mornings from 8 am - noon: May 5; August 4 (tentative); October 13. The countywide collection events will be held at 3202 N. Apollo Drive in Champaign. For more information about the ban or recycling options, contact U-Cycle at (217) 384-2302. For information on other counties, call your local health department.

NEW LIST OF COVERED ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

Televisions
Monitors
Printers
Computers (laptop, notebook, netbook, tablet)
Electronic Keyboards
Facsimile Machines
Videocassette Recorders
Portable Digital Music Players
Digital Video Disc Players
Video Game Consoles
Small Scale Servers
Scanners
Electronic Mice
Digital Converter Boxes
Cable Receivers
Satellite Receivers
Digital Video Disc Recorders

For more on recycling in Champaign-Urbana, please view our comprehensive guide.

Champaign Unit 4 Schools Enters Kindergarten Lottery Season 2012

From The Editors — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:26:41 +0000

Thinking about where your child will be going to school in Champaign next year? We’ve written aplenty about the Champaign Unit 4 Schools kindergarten lottery process, formally known as ”Schools of Controlled Choice.” Not much has changed in the process from last year. Tours, forums, and the registration process will begin in January. We received this information from this downloadable .pdf document released by Unit 4.

The kindergarten lottery process starts in early January for incoming Unit 4 students.

COMMUNITY FORUM MEETINGS
Parents/guardians of incoming students are encouraged to attend one of these meetings to hear more about the registration process. The forums will include a “Showcase of Schools” where parents and guardians will have the opportunity to meet with individual school staff members and learn more about their programs.

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 6:00 p.m.
Where: Temple Baptist Church – 1100 Broadmoor Drive – Champaign
(West on Broadmoor off Prospect Avenue. Parking lot on north side of Church)

When: Thursday, January 26, 2012 6:00 p.m.
Where: Booker T. Washington STEM Academy, 606 East Grove Street, Champaign (Parking is available behind the school building).

When: Tuesday, February 16, 2012 6:00 p.m.
Where: Barkstall Elementary School, 2201 Hallbeck Drive, Champaign

Elementary School Tour Dates:
Daytime tours: Monday, January 9, 2012 and Monday, February 6, 2012. Elementary schools will offer tours at 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. on these two days.

Evening Open House and School Tours: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 from 6:00 p.m-8:00 p.m., at any of the 11 elementary schools.

Families unable to attend a scheduled Open House should visit the Family Information Center for assistance with the Schools of Choice process; call (217) 351-3701.

Middle School Tour Dates:
Jefferson: Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Edison – Thursday, April 12, 2012
Franklin – Wednesday, April 11, 2011.
All middle school open houses are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION DATES:

Registration For Kindergarten to 5th grade at Washington, Garden Hills, and Stratton Schools:
January 23 – February 17

Kindergarten Registration – kindergarten 0nly at all other elementary schools:
March 1 – 30

Sixth Grade Registration for Stratton & Washington Fifth Grade Students (*5th graders attending their
cluster school do not need to register at FIC.):
April 9 – 13

Elementary & Middle School Transfer Request, First – Eighth Grade
May 7 – 31

Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Tree Collection Info

From The Editors — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Wondering what to do with Old Tannenbaum once Christmas is over? We’ve got you covered. Depending on where you live, there are several (free) options to recycle or dispose of live Christmas trees.

It's sad when it's time to say goodbye to the holidays. Photo by sdminor81 on flickr

City of Champaign: “The Christmas Tree Collection program will run from January 2 through January 13, 2012. This collection is available to all residential properties in the City of Champaign within City limits. This program provides an opportunity for residents to recycle their natural Christmas tree at no charge. City residents may participate by simply placing their tree within four feet of the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection date.” We have linked to the map so you can find your zone.

City of Urbana: The City of Urbana will provide Christmas tree collection to all residents for two weeks this holiday season, the weeks of Jan. 2 and Jan. 9, 2012. Pickup will be done on your regular UCycle day. More info is available at the city’s website.

Champaign County at large: The Champaign County Forest Preserve District will again accept used Christmas trees to be recycled after the holiday season. Trees may be dropped off at three forest preserve locations in the county through January 20: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, inside the maintenance entrance on Route 47 (anytime); Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Penfield, at the maintenance building (anytime); Homer Lake Forest Preserve in Homer, in the maple grove area (available 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily)

Landscape Recycling Center, Urbana: Trees may be taken to the Landscape Recycling Center at 1210 E. University Ave., Urbana, for free recycling. There is no residency requirement; anyone can use this service.

No matter where you recycle your live Christmas tree, make sure to remove all decorations, lights, popcorn, tinsel, toppers, stands, plastic bags, etc. Most trees are ground up into landscape mulch.

To all who celebrate, have a very Merry Christmas!

Go Illini Volleyball – Final Four-Bound!

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:36:15 +0000

It’s a particularly exciting time to be an Illini fan. But we’re not talking about the new football coach or the undefeated men’s basketball team.

Illini senior hitter Michelle Bartsch poses with a young fan after arriving back to Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 11. Chambanamoms photo

We wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate the Illini women’s volleyball on advancing to the Final Four this Thursday in San Antonio. You can watch the Illini take on USC at 8 p.m. Thursday – tune into ESPN2 or online at ESPN3.com. Locally, you can listen to it on WDWS (AM 1400) radio with Dave Loane and Mike Trame on the call. It’s too bad that the Illini drew the late match (the first semifinal starts at 6 p.m.) — my kids will be furious that they can’t watch the whole thing!

We watched the exciting match on Saturday as the Illini topped host Florida to punch their ticket to Texas. The kids were so pumped about it that we went to Huff Hall to help welcome the team home on Sunday (see pics).

Illini pep band members were on hand to help welcome home the victorious Illini on Sunday, Dec. 11. Chambanamoms photo

This is the third time the Illini have advanced to the national semifinals, but the first time in 23 years. Florida St. (28-6) takes on UCLA (28-6) in the other semifinal. The winners advance to the national championship game, to be played at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Want to send your best wishes the Illini? Leave a comment below for Coach Kevin Hambly (wife Mary is a former Chambana mom to know) and the team below, and we’ll make sure to share it as soon as possible.

Christmas Story Movie Marathon December 5

From The Editors — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:06:54 +0000

See A Christmas Story on Monday, Dec. 5 during a special movie marathon at Savoy 16 benefitting local kids. Photo by @Katie@! on flickr

You don’t have to wait until the annual cable network’s 24-hour marathon during Christmas to see one of our all-time favorite holiday movies. On Monday, it will be playing on the big screen in Savoy — and your family can see it for a small donation to a great cause.

Join WYXY Classic 99.1 and Delta Sigma Omicron (D.S.O.) at The Savoy 16 Theaters for the “A Christmas Story” Movie Marathon on Monday, December 5. Show times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5pm, 7pm with the last show starting at 9 p.m.

And all you have to do to get in is make a $5 donation or bring a New Unwrapped Toy for the (D.S.O.) Holiday Party for Children with Disabilities and their Siblings.

Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO), the disability service organization at the University of Illinois, AMBUCS, WYXY Classic 99.1, and the Optimist Club of Champaign-Urbana are hosting the DSO Annual Holiday Party. This party is for children with a disability and their families, and will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10. If interested in attending, please view the information on the DSO website.

No Turkey? No Problem! Where to Eat Thanksgiving in Champaign-Urbana

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:34:02 +0000

As we know Champaign-Urbana is a very transient community. Many of us are from other parts of the state, the nation, even the world.

Staying in C-U? There are a handful of options if you don't want to do the cooking this Thanksgiving. Photo by Dru Bloomfield - At Home in Scottsdale on flickr

For many, Thanksgiving can be an isolating time, regardless of our ability to put a feast on the table. Some have to work that day, making it impossible to travel to family; others simply can’t afford to leave.

So if you don’t have a place to go on Thanksgiving, don’t fret. There is one communal option, plus we’ve provided a short list of restaurants open Thanksgiving in Champaign-Urbana.

40th Annual Urbana High School Thanksgiving Dinner: Every year the Urbana High School Student Senate hosts a dinner with all the trimmings for those who are in need of a warm, comfortable environment to spend their Thanksgiving. All are welcome– Free! They will even provide rides. Contact the school at 384-3505.

Kennedy’s, Urbana: A lavish grand buffet will be served at Kennedy’s in Urbana from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations encouraged.

Milo’s, Urbana: From noon to 8 p.m., the meal includes a starter, entree and dessert for a fixed price ($25 adults, $12 kids). Call for reservations.

Cracker Barrel, Urbana: Starts at 11 a.m. Full turkey and dressing meal, $8.99 adults, $4.49 children. Cracker Barrel also offers to-go Thanksgiving dinners with 24 hours notice.