St. Joseph-Ogden aims to keep its reputation
By MIKE McKENZIE

   Editor's note: Much of the growth of communities near Champaign-Urbana has been related to the perceived quality of school districts. Mike McKenzie and Carol Stack address that issue.

   There is no question that the population in the communities served by St. Joseph-Ogden High School is increasing. New subdivisions are being planned and built throughout the district, and it seems that many of the people who are moving to these communities have school-age children.
   In 1990, we had a student population of 380. Today, 460 students are enrolled. In addition, one of the feeder grade schools, St. Joseph Grade School, has seen its numbers grow from 450 in 1990 to 700 in 1999-2000.
   Based on enrollment projections, it appears there will be continued growth at SJO in the foreseeable future. Because of community support and the dediction of the faculty and staff, we feel students at St. Joe-Ogden receive a quality educational program, both in academic and extracurricular areas.
   During the past several years, the community has shown its support in many ways. A referendum question was passed in 1996 that allowed us to upgrade our technology. We now have three computer labs, an automated media center, computers in every classroom and a total of 106 computers available for student use.
   In addition to this support, parents annually organize and coordinate our post-prom activities, which are offered to provide a safe and popular way for students to celebrate the evening.
   Most recently, the community has worked diligently to provide funding for our all-weather track.
   At SJO, parents have always given their time for our school and its students.
   Staff members are extremely dedicated. As a whole, the staff is experienced and has stayed current by working toward advanced degrees and participating in staff development opportunities.
   More than 50 percent of our staff has been at SJO for more than 10 years. They show a genuine concern for the welfare of the students and spend much time helping them to achieve their goals.
   In addition to preparing for and conducting class, many staff members work extra hours as coaches and sponsors so that we can offer not only an outstanding academic program, but also extracurricular opportunities for our students.
   Academically, our Illinois Goal Assessment Program/Illinois Standards Achievement Test scores are among the highest in the area and well above state averages.
   In addition, 75 percent of our graduates continue their education at junior colleges or four-year colleges or universities.
   Last year, seven high school seniors were valedictorians.
   We recently instituted a "Homework Club" that gives all students an opportunity to receive additional assistance either before or after school with their teachers.
   Academics are stressed at SJO, and there is a level of expectation which is constantly communicated to our students. They will work to our level of expectation and they are expected to do their best work because all understand that there are consequences for not doing what is expected. We have numerous support organizations to help those who are struggling, but we try to maintain consistency for everyone, regardless of ability.
   In extracurricular areas, both nonathletic and athletic opportunities exist.
   In 1997 and 1998, the pep band was honored by being selected to perform at the state high school basketball finals. In 1998 and 1999, plays performed by the theater department won state awards. Our student council is very active and provides leadership for the student body. Art students have placed in competitions within this region.
   In athletics, the football team has reached the state championship game three times since 1989, most recently this past fall. The boys' and girls' cross-country team annually qualifies for the state meet and placed first in 1990, 1991 and 1992.
   Similarly, our boys' and girls' track teams participate in the state meet each year with the boys capturing first place in 1993. Our boys' and girls' basketball, boys' baseball, girls' softball, wrestling and volleyball teams also offer students opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities.
   There are many reasons people choose to live in a particular community. Good schools, proximity to employment and family, the cost of housing and a personal preference for large or small communities are among these reasons.
   Quality schools are a product of community support, leadership by the board of education and administration, outstanding faculty and students who utilize the resources available to them. We're lucky to live in a geographical area where there are many options for families and many good school systems, both large and small.
   At St. Joseph-Ogden High School, our goal is to make sure we continue to be one of them.

   Mike McKenzie is principal at St. Joseph-Ogden High School

   The News-Gazette welcomes comments from readers on the issues raised in this article. Please send your comments to: Editor, The News-Gazette, 15 Main St., P.O. Box 677, Champaign, IL 61824-0677. Send comments by e-mail to news@news-gazette.com.