The Illinois Department of Transportation is altering mowing policies to help create and preserve habitats for butterflies and other pollinators.

ROCKFORD

Auburn, Guilford rated ‘most challenging’

Two Rockford high schools are among America’s Most Challenging High Schools, according to a recently released ranking from The Washington Post that measures how successfully schools academically challenge their students.

This is the second consecutive year Auburn and Guilford high schools have made the list of nationwide rankings. The distinction is compiled and announced by Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews.

The designation is determined by a ratio: The number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduate. Auburn High School is ranked 13 of 65 in Illinois; Guilford High School is ranked 53 and has increased its ranking from 2016.

“Enrolling students in rigorous coursework is a priority for the district,” said Deputy Superintendent Matt Vosberg. “We’re very pleased that Auburn and Guilford have made a national ranking, and we’re looking forward to all our schools’ continued success.”

Both the number of students taking AP courses and the number of courses each student is growing. In the 2014-15 school year, Guilford offered a total of 606 AP course seats, compared to 697 AP course seats this school year. Based on course requests, Guilford could offer more than 780 AP course seats in the 2017-18 school year. In 2015-16 at Auburn, 1,200 AP course seats were offered, and school leaders expect more than 1,320 course seats will be offered in the 2017-18 school year, based on course requests. Auburn this school year administered 952 AP exams, and students are taking an average of two AP courses.

Only about 12 percent of schools across the country made this year’s list, which includes public and private schools. Auburn and Guilford are the only Rockford-area schools to make the list. RPS 205 leaders know AP courses better prepare students for college because of their rigor. AP allows students to dig deeper into subjects and have the opportunity to earn college credit.

FREEPORT

Computer, electronics recycling this weekend

A Computer & Electronics Recycling Event will be offered on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.  The event will be offered at Highland Community College, 2998 W Pearl City Road, Freeport in Parking Lot B.  The Computer & Electronics Recycling Event is sponsored by the Stephenson County Health Department and the University of Illinois Extension. The event is open to the public.

Items that will be accepted at the collection include:  Computers, Laptops, Hard Drives, Printers, Scanners, VCR’s, DVD’s, Fax, Stereo, Radio, Typewriters, Keyboards, Mice, Circuit Boards, Cables, Cell Phones, Telephones, Cameras, Camcorders, Cordless Rechargeable hand tools, video games, small kitchen appliances, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, exercise equipment and other miscellaneous small electronics. 

Only items on the list will be accepted. There is a recycling fee of $10 per television (any size) cash only.

The Computer & Electronics Recycling Event is sponsored by the Stephenson County Health Department and the University of Illinois Extension. 

For more information about this event or other recycling opportunities, please call the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 235-4125 or visit our website at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or the Stephenson County Health Department at (815) 235-8271 or visit our website at www.stephensonhealth.com .

STATE

IDOT alters mowing to aid butterflies, pollinators

To help revive the shrinking populations of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, the Illinois Department of Transportation is adjusting its mowing routine along state highways this spring and summer.

The approach, part of IDOT’s overall effort to encourage green and sustainable practices in all its programs and projects, will help to re-establish types of plants that are food sources for bees, butterflies and other insects that are native to Illinois.

Although their numbers are on the decline, pollinators play a vital role in agriculture and the state’s ecosystem by fertilizing and aiding in reproduction of flowers, fruits, vegetables and seeds. The official state insect of Illinois since 1975, the monarch butterfly is at risk of being declared endangered, with a population that’s declined by 80 percent the last 10 years.

Starting this month, IDOT will only mow 15 feet of right of way beyond the edge of the roadway.

Exceptions will be made in certain areas to preserve sightlines for motorists and to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.

Prior to this initiative, mowing widths varied by location. By reducing the amount of land being mowed, IDOT hopes to encourage the growth of critical plant species, such as milkweed, the only food source for monarch caterpillars. In the coming months, IDOT will be monitoring roadsides to determine if the approach is working.

In recent months, IDOT has taken other measures to restore native habitat along state highways, including a prairie restoration project on U.S. 45 near Champaign.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–