August 17, 2023
Dear District 19 Families,
District 19 apologizes for the technical issues that occurred with the audio during our recent board meeting. We understand the importance of clear and effective communication during our meetings, especially given the significance of the topics discussed. We are working to correct the audio problems to prevent any recurrence in the future.
Please see below for the latest Transportation update:
Dousman Transportation Company will be ready to serve our students this coming Wednesday. I would like to clarify a couple of items. Nothing has changed as it concerns the number of routes we will run. For the last 6 years we have run 4 regular routes and our tech campus route for a total of 5 routes. These same 5 routes are still being run this year with Dousman Transportation.
Our buses will be stored at Dousman Transportation, with the exception of two buses for this school year.
As for the length of bus rides and bus times: Dousman Transportation scheduled every student that qualifies for bussing. The length of the route and bus times will tighten up as they learn who does and doesn't ride a bus.
As with the beginning of every new school year times are adjusted. Thank you for your understanding. An updated list of bus stops and times will be posted on Monday, so there is time to ask questions if needed.
Summary of the statement by our Board Member Brandon Berg:
Due to the leadership retiring in our transportation department in January, the board decided to look at all of our transportation options including looking at outsourcing transportation. It was at that time we decided not to move forward with a transportation service due to the additional cost and proceeded to hire and promote a new transportation Director to maintain district-run transportation. Fast forward to the second week in July when we had three of our drivers leave for a different school district making our only option out-sourcing transportation. Nationwide one of the most challenging positions to staff for schools is bus driver so we knew that with the time we had until school began our only option was to go with a school bus service. There was no way we were going to find, hire, develop, and train three bus drivers prior to the start of the school year. Dousman immediately responded to our call and needs. To clarify we still own the buses and we’re still supplying all the fuel for the buses to go on route. In fact, we purchased a new bus for $117,000. We are under a one-year contract with Dousman and still have two drivers that will be driving for the district with our own vehicles. We currently have a job requisition open to hire additional drivers and it is still our hope that we can staff additional bus drivers to bring our busing back in-house at some point.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
With Giant Pride,
Tiffany Elswick
Superintendent
*** Fall sports pictures will be moved up one day to Wednesday August 16th starting with MS Volleyball at 3:00 followed by HS Volleyball, HS Cheer MS Football & HS Football. ***
In Loving Memory of School Board Member Steve Fritsch
Important Information from D19 Superintendent
*** 8/11 All fall sport practices and games will remain as scheduled. MS Volleyball starts on Monday 8/14 5th - 8th grade girls 3:00-5:00 in the HS Gym. HS Volleyball practice goes into their school practice time of 5:00-7:00. MS Football is from 3:00-5:00. HS Cheer is from 3:00-5:00 and HS Football is from 4:00-6:30. Green & White Games will be next Friday starting with "Benching For Bucks " at 4:30, MS Volleyball at 5:30, HS Volleyball at 6:00. MS Football at 7:00 and HS Football at 8:00. ***
*** 8/11 Time change to Aug. 26th HS Volleyball game vs. South Beloit 10:00 & 11:00. ***
D19 News: Please see this link for our current job postings, including a new posting for cafeteria staff.
Link: https://www.alden-hebron.org/page/employment-opportunities
*** Correction to the MS Football schedule, updated and corrected. ***
*** 8/10 Updated HS Volleyball, HS Football & MS Football schedules have been posted on the Athletics Page. Please remember all MS & HS Fall sport athletes need a current sports physical on file in the MS/HS office immediately or they will not be able to participate in practice. ***
*** HS Cheer also starts practice on Aug. 7th from 3:00-5:00 in the auditorium. If you want to be part of the cheer team or have any questions please call Coach Combs at (815)-403-8951 ***
*** Monday July 31st Official practice starts for HS Volleyball on Aug. 7th at the Park 7:30-9:00 a.m. on the 7th & 8th and then in the gym if the floor is ready on Wednesday the 9th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Call Coach Vanderstappen if you have any questions at (815)-790-0954. HS Football also starts on Aug. 7th with morning session 7:00-9:00 a.m. and evening practice 5:00-7:00 p.m. You need to be at these practices if you plan on playing this fall. Call Coach Oman (847)-217-7034 or Coach Lalor (815)-909-3705 if you have any questions. MS Football practice starts on Aug. 7th at 4:00-6:00 all MS players in 6th - 8th grade that intend to play need to be at practice. Your first game is Aug. 22nd. If you have any questions please call Coach Nelson at (815)- 219-9271. MS Volleyball will start practice on Aug. 14th 3:00-5:00 in the HS Gym all 5th - 8th grade girls are welcome to participate. Please call Coach Joe Mihevc at (815)-900-3047 with any questions. Remember you must have a current sports physical on file in the MS/HS office to participate in practice. Please get your physicals turned in or scheduled A.S.A.P. WE look forward to having a Great Fall Sports Season. ***
*** Wednesday 7/26 Another great night at Wrestling Camp last night, a couple more new faces and kids that work really hard. Come out tonight and work with new Prairie Ridge Head Coach Jeremy Gricar as he and his dad Kevin will be guest coaches for tonight!! We will be working on defensive wrestling tonight. 6:00-8:00 in the auditorium.
Also I want to remind all parents that will have fall athletes MS & HS we must have a current sports physical on file in the MS/HS office prior to your student practicing. Practice starts for HS Volleyball, HS Football & MS Football Aug. 7th. MS Volleyball will start on Aug. 14th. If you are uncertain of when your son or daughters physical expires please check with Nanci in the MS/HS office. ***
*** Tuesday 7/25 Great turnout at last night's MS/HS Wrestling Camp. The kids worked hard and had some fun with all the Coaches. Special thank you to Coach JR Moreno and Coach John Cashmore for helping out at camp. Tonight we have Coach Kevin Gricar coming up to help us out along with all the other Coaches. Coach Gricar was our Head Coach here at AH for a long time, we are looking forward to getting him back in the wrestling room!! If you couldn't make last night come up tonight and jump in. This camp is for 4th - 12th graders and we have all levels of experience so don't be afraid to come give it a try!! Call Coach Lalor if you have any questions (815)-909-3705
*** July 24th - 28th MS & HS Wrestling Camp 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the HS auditorium. We will be focusing on different moves each day. Monday = Take downs. Tuesday = escapes, stand ups & reversals. Wednesday = Ride time & defensive wrestling. Thursday = Pins & finishing moves. Friday = Fun day all out wrestling!! This camp is for 4th - 12th grade, beginners and experienced wrestlers are all welcome. No cost and we will have guest coaches each night, with a lot of one on one time with your wrestler. Call Coach Lalor (815)-909-3705 if you have any questions. Enter by the back locker room door.
*** July 17th - 21st MS Football Camp for 6th - 8th graders that are going to play football this fall. 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet at the HS and will be practicing over at the grade school practice field. Helmets, mouth guards and shoulder pads will be handed out. If you have any questions please call Coach Lalor at (815)-909-3705 or Coach Nelson at (815)-219-9271
Summer Preschool Screening-July 19th by appointment.
Summer Preschool Screening-July 19th by appointment.
*** Cheer camp for MS & HS starts next week on Monday - Friday the 17th - 21st HS 9;00-11:00 and MS 12:00-2:00. Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday the 22nd starting at 10:00a.m.. Please let Coach Combs (815)-403-8951 know if you are attending camp A.S.A.P. she is trying to order Camp T-Shirts
*** Monday 7/10 HS & MS Volleyball Camp Week starts July 10th - 14th. HS 7:00-8:30 a.m. 8th grade 8:00-9:30 a.m. & 5th-7th 8:30-9:30 a.m. There is no cost for this camp. If you have any questions please call Coach Heidi Vanderstappen (815)-790-0954 or Coach Joe Mihevc (815)-900-6047. HS Football Camp 5:00-8:00 Monday through Thursday. ***
*** Thursday 7/6 HS Football Camp 5:00-8:00, HS Girls Basketball 5:00-7:00. ***