A Fresh Start With Fresh Faces
A new school year at River Forest is officially underway and there are plenty of familiar faces and quite a few new ones. A new school year brings new ambitions and determined students eager to reach their goals.
Michael Burns, one of the new teachers in the building this year, was hired a day after his graduation from Valparaiso University to take over the freshman English teacher position. So far, he has been enjoying the new atmosphere. Originally from Munster, Burns has already come to feel at home with the community of New Chicago.
“My favorite part of River Forest so far is the community. I love being able to get to know the other teachers and students so well. There’s a nice sense of family at this school,” Burns stated.
Mark Sopko was a veteran teacher at River Forest before taking a job at Fegley Middle School last school year. Sopko has returned to River Forest this school year to refill the sophomore English teacher position. Along with the return of Sopko comes the return of Friday dance parties in the hallway before and after school.
“My first few weeks at River Forest have been very enjoyable, and getting to know everyone has been very enjoyable,” Andy Ervin, the new social studies teacher, stated.
Changes are happening that will benefit the future of the school district. There are changes in the returning teaching staff as plenty of teachers are taking on new classes. Also, Dr. Pitcock, last year’s assistant principal, has taken over as principal and has started a new beginning for River Forest making every day a great day to be an Ingot.
Let the Led Out
On September 1st River Forest had their home opener against Griffith in week 3 of high school football throughout the region. With the Ingots, with the first home game of the season came the debut of the marching band’s Led Zeppelin halftime show.
Something that the band did differently this year was bring back the pit where they have the percussion section. They are now all on the track rather than being written into the drill. Since the percussion didn't have to move on the field they were able to use instruments with more of a rock feel, like electric guitars, electric keyboard, drum set, bells, and more. In the end, Friday night was a very musically full show.
Earlier this week, the band was named “High School Band of The Week,” by the local newspaper. River Forest is the first 2A school to receive this honor as the bands featured during the first 2 weeks were both 4A schools.
Whats Coming Up: Homecoming Preparations
Homecoming week is always planned by the student council with representatives and sponsors from each class.
This year returning student council members got together and planned the details for the week including the spirit days and the second annual “Battle of the Classes”.
The student council was officially taken over by Ms. Bacon on September 1st, ten days before the first day of homecoming week. With limited time with an official sponsor, the girls are all in a crunch for time, but are working very hard to make it all work and bring a wonderful homecoming week to the school.
“It’s crazy stressful to plan and once the week starts we don't stop, but once it's all over it's totally worth it. We always do our best to bring our student body the best possible homecoming week,” student council member, Mariyana Magana stated.
Homecoming week will kick off on September 11th. Each class will start the week by decorating their hallways. On Tuesday the classes will all compete against each other in the “Battle of the Classes.” On Thursday, prior to the girls' volleyball game, there will be the homecoming parade where people can see the classes on their themed floats, the homecoming court, the marching band, and more. Friday, to wrap up the festivities, there will be a pep rally during the last hours of the day. Later that night the football team will play against South Central where the homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime. Following the game student council will put on their first homecoming dance.
Student Shoutout
Lexie Espinoza is currently a junior at River Forest and served as last year's sophomore class Vice President. Additionally, she is a varsity cheerleader, honor roll student, and FCCLA member.
Outside of school, Espinoza enjoys photography and video editing. She also enjoys singing and songwriting and is planning on releasing her own album at the beginning of next year. After graduation, Espinoza’s future plans include attending Indiana University Northwest for technology and editing. After college, she has ambitions of relocating to California and pursuing a career in photography.
Teacher Shoutout
Jack Burton has been a mathematics teacher at River Forest since early 2000. Burton is also currently a mathematics instructor at Indiana University Northwest, which he's also done since 2000. In past years at River Forest, he served as the head varsity football, track, golf, and freshman basketball coach throughout the years.
Burton graduated from River Forest High School in 1987. In 1991 he graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelors of Science in Math Education. He later earned a Masters Degree from Indiana University Northwest in 1999.
Burton is an outgoing teacher who strives to make relationships with his students and make them smile in and out of his class.
“I want my students to be empowered, independent, and confident leaders when they leave here,” Burton stated.