O'Neil Middle highlights student leadership, behavior program and English‑learner supports

Principal Danielle Humphreys of O'Neil Middle School told the Downers Grove GSD 58 Board of Education on Feb. 10 that the school is emphasizing student culture and targeted instructional improvements as it completes building renovations.

The presentation combined student remarks, a summary of behavior and staff‑wellness efforts and descriptions of classroom supports for multilingual learners. Humphreys introduced student council members and athletes who described expanded opportunities under a new athletic conference and student service projects.

The principal framed the presentation around a focus on academic growth and culture, saying O'Neil is ‘‘embracing this idea of construction throughout the building’’ by upgrading classrooms and schedules and by adding common planning time and professional learning communities.

Mason Fuller, identified as student council president, summarized the council's role in school life: "O'Neil prides itself on its senator values of being safe, respectful, and responsible, and the student council upholds that." Fuller described fundraisers and drives, including a book drive that he said collected "over 2,300 books to support literacy and provide books to children in need."

Assistant Principal Mrs. Bongiorno explained elements of the school's PBSS (positive behavioral supports) approach and how it connects to anti‑bullying talks and student reflection. "I highlighted the importance of decision making and our decisions have the power to build others up and they also have the power to tear them down," she said while describing expectation talks and weekly celebrations.

Bongiorno described several concrete programs: weekly raffle rewards tied to behavior and attendance; "senator shout outs" (staff, student and parent acknowledgments sent home); and Funnapalooza, an inclusive end‑of‑trimester event that required students to meet behavioral expectations and be passing their classes in order to participate. She said case managers and teachers developed plans for students with 504 plans or IEPs to ensure equity of access.

O'Neil's multilingual (ML/EL) team described co‑teaching arrangements in seventh‑ and eighth‑grade ELA classes. Mrs. Cordova said teachers use dual‑language texts and a bilingual word wall; Mrs. Baca and colleagues said the school provides earbuds and device‑based translations to help newcomers access English‑language instruction. A presenter said the building has "about 30 identified EL kids," including "8 of those are newcomers," and several students with very limited English.

PTA leaders also spoke, and PTA president Mrs. Suva said membership and fundraising have grown; PTA vice president Mrs. Duda said the group doubled membership this year and underwrote teacher grants and grade‑level trips.

Students from cross country, wrestling, basketball, cheer and chess gave short remarks about competition, teamwork and the benefits of the new conference. Several athletes credited the conference change with more competitive opportunities, and one boys' team member noted the school won a regional championship this year.

Humphreys and Bongiorno tied the cultural work to measurable academic goals: school leaders said they are using PLCs, common learning objectives, frequent formative assessment and student data reviews to support learning. Humphreys told the board winter assessment results showed movement in reading and math and framed the instructional shifts as part of a broader school improvement plan.

The presentation concluded with thanks to staff, PTA volunteers and the students who spoke.