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HPKCC
Hyde Park Schools Committee, Schools and Education
homepage
To: About the committee-short
in pdf. Longer.
To Our Youth Programs
Databases
Return to Schools Hot
Topics and Issues. Hot
Topics home.
To
page with dates of some LSC candidate
forums, SIPAA discussions
Read about Sept 2009 HPKCC Schools Networking Dinner in S
Comm. Reports page.
Scholarships for college are available- see in Education
Resources.
To
About the Schools Committee brochure (including pdf version and
to short version).
View Report on
February 23 2010 Recognition Ceremony and Talk, in pdf
To our recent reports
and minutes.
To More on assets building
collaborative, Promises
To Youth Programs Database
Meetings
and events
HPKCC
Schools Committee meets. September 15, Wednesday, 7 pm. United
Church, 1448 E. 53rd St. Blackstone side.
VISIT
FEBRUARY 23 2010
CEREMONY AND FORUM page.
View
Report on February 23 2010 Recognition Ceremony and Talk, in pdf
Local
School Councils- go to table in the LSC
page- always check with school. Note: Kenwood has changed to 2nd
Tuesday 6:30 pm.
Board
of Education usually meets 4th Wednesdays, 10:30 am, 5th floor of
125 N. Clark.
September
7- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR MOST PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
"SHOW UP! FIRST DAY AND EVERY DAY!" It does make a difference.
(Track E schools such as Kozminski started August 9.)
September
29, 6 pm. Biennial networking dinner for LSC, PTA, PAC leaders and
school principals of greater Hyde Park-Kenwood. Canter School. Watch
for your invitation. To
kick off an initiative of community involvement and open houses for
our schools. Shoesmith School, 1330 E. 50th St. Report related
to the upcoming meeting:
Nancy
Baum writes: Please let your various LSC, PACs, and PTAs know that
there has been a change of date and place for our Annual Networking
Dinner: It will be on Wed. Sept. 29, 2010, at Shoesmith School Auditorium,
1330 E. 50th St, from 6-8PM.
The change was necessitated by the fact that Nancy Baum is teaching
classes on Tuesday and Thursday downtown this fall. Please get responses
from your groups as soon as possible so that we know how much food
to have on hand for the event. As soon as our speaker is identified
we will send out another notice.
We
met with 4 principals on Friday morning last: Bernadette Butler
(Ray), Greg Mason (Murray), Patricia Watson (Shoesmith) and Shenethe
Parks (Bret Harte) and had a frank discussion about what the Schools
Committee of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference can do to
help.
One
suggestion was that the Schools Committee members attend the PTA/PAC,
LSC meetings. In order for us to do this we need to be reminded
of when the meetings are about to occur. Kozminski sends Nancy an
e-mail notification of the time, date and place of their upcoming
PTA/PAC meeting. Perhaps the other schools could follow suit.
Another
suggestion was to have a frank community discussion about the schools
to figure out ways in which the Hyde Park and Kenwood schools could
become more integrated.
Other
ideas included open houses, fundraisers, using schools to host community
events. A lot of discussion revolved around the new Reavis Medical
Center which allows parents to drop off an ill child to be cared
for during the day. This initiative needs more publicity.
We
hope to continue this frank sort of discussion with the various
principals and community leaders. Our mutual goal is to make the
community believe in the schools and help to make our schools stronger.
We
hope to hear from you and see you on the 29th at Shoesmith!
Nancy B. Baum
5221 S. Blackstone Ave
Chicago, Il 60615
nbbaum@sbcglobal.net
Home: 773-288-5464
Mobile:773-401-8151
September
18, Saturday, 9 am-6 pm. UC Center for the Study of Race, Politics
and Culture and Chicago Freedom School present "Something is
Wrong: Exploring the Roots of Youth Violence - A Day-Long Skill-Building
and Resource Exchange."
University of Chicago, International House, 1414 East 59th Street.
Space is LIMITED. THE LOCATION IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.
Building off the
"Something is Wrong" curriculum guide released in February
2010, community-based organizations from across Chicago will model
how to engage youth in dialogue about the root causes of violence.
This unique day-long skill-sharing & resource exchange will offer
participants:
1. Concrete
resources and curriculum to use with youth in their own communities.
2. Hands
on training in how to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops
with youth.
3. An ability
to ask questions directly to experts who work with youth.
Workshops will
be offered by Beyondmedia Education, Blocks Together, Build Inc.,
Family Rescue, Gender Just, Literature for All of Us, Mikva Challenge,
Project NIA, Rogers Park Young Women's Action Team, Umoja Student
Development Corporation, Young Women's Empowerment Project.
Please also
join us for a special lunchtime keynote presentation by Anisha Chablani,
Deputy Director of ROCA Inc. ROCA (http://rocainc.org/) is a performance-based
and outcomes-driven organization that helps young people to change
their behavior and shift the trajectories of their lives through
a High-Risk Youth Intervention Model. Roca's mission is to help
disengaged and disenfranchised young people move out of violence
and poverty.
The event is
being offered at NO COST to participants thanks to the generous
sponsorship of the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, &
Culture at the University of Chicago. This event was organized by
Project NIA ( http://www.project-nia.org/)
and the newly-formed Chicago Youth Worker/Adult Ally Training and
Resource Exchange (TARE).
We encourage
adult allies to apply along with a couple of youth leaders who have
already exhibited an interest or desire to facilitate popular education
workshops. This will be an invaluable professional development opportunity
for youth and adults. We expect all participants in this event to
be BOTH teachers and learners. Active listening and engaged participation
are expected throughout the event. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
Full fare CTA Passes will be available for those who need them.
YOU
MUST APPLY.
There
are two ways that you can apply to participate in this event. You
can complete an application online here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQGRDN3
Or you
can download the application as PDF file complete it by September
3rd and fax it to 773-338-7774.
NOTE: Completing an application DOES NOT guarantee that you are
registered. All confirmed registrations will be announced
by September 11th, 2010. Unfortunately not everyone who
applies will be able to attend this event. We will make every effort
to adequately document the event and will create a public record
of what happened so that those who weren't present can still participate.
HPKCC
Schools Committee Plans upcoming activities
From
the August 2010 Conference Reporter (Vol. 16, No.2 ). By Nancy Baum
The
HPKCC Schools Committee is preparing for its annual networking dinner
at Canter Middle School on Thursday September 30, 2010, from 6-9 PM.
All the principals, assistant principals, LSC, PTA adn PAC members
will be invited to this event.
In
pursuit of a way to implement the Assets Program for Hyde Park children,
the Schools Committee has contacted Abby Hymen, director of Youth
Activities at teh Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, who will begin her
research of the assets Program. Abby cites a need for more parental
participation as a problem, and it seems that parental participation
and attendance are both problems that need to addressed in some schools.
The
Schools Committee visited a very well-organized before and after school
program conducted by Ravenswood School. We hope to set up a similar
visit to Ray Schools' program.
The
Schools Committee is planning August meetings with the principals
of Shoesmith, Canter, Ray, Harte, Murray, Kozminski, and Reavis [with
Kenwood] to find out what programs are offered by the schools, if
programs can be coordinated, and to ask how the Schools Committee
can help.
Our
mission is to make our local schools the kinds of schools any parent
would be proud to send their children to.
Tasks.
One of our tasks is to promote effective Local School Councils and
encourage committed parents and residents to run.
Recent
activities include visits to community and other enriched schools,
a tour of the neighborhood for intern teachers, promotion of involvement
in SIPAA planning and LSC elections, and planning our fall networking
dinner for LSCs and principals.
Visit
also Link
to Kenwood School Improvement Plan survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/33SSMNN.
View/print
pdf of flyer about Kenwood Academy and Kenwood SIPPAA.
Find
out all about any public school including detailed scores at www.cps.edu.
Search school.
June
12 is the date for Kenwood Academy's golf outing to save the sports
programs. At Joe Louis Golf Course in Riverdale. Call C.D.
Rodgers at 773 220-0238, cdrodgers@cps.edu.
Did
you know there are lots of ways for councils and schools to get freebees
or funds from CPS and others. One is to get your neighbors to donate
the "points" they earn from the weight of recyclables in
their blue carts--one Hyde Park already has! Find out in http://www.recyclebank.com/greenschoolsprogram.
Donated RecycleBank Points are matched with dollar donations by RecycleBank
to environmental initiatives at schools nationwide. RecycleBank will
donate $10 for every 100 Points donated to your school and double
it thanks to Gconony Visa and Coca Cola. They
are once again accepting grant applications from schools in RecycleBank
- serviced areas for the development of programs that empower youth
ages 6–18 through a focus on environmental awareness, education,
and action. Deadlines Oct. 15 and Dec. 15.
Access
HPKCC Youth Programs Database in PDF- All are encouraged to download,
print, and share: http://www.hydepark.org/schools
(printable
pdf)
That portal also leads to the complete topical, descriptive Afterschool
database (direct link).
The
Schools Committee of HPKCC
The Committee
had a long and illustrious history and citywide reputation in the era
well before elected local school councils. Today our revitalized committee
monitors developments and progress in our neighborhood's schools, shares
information about schools and educational resources and issues (including
through the website), seeks collaborations with agencies and local groups,
and most of all seeks to foster a conversation
about the direction of our schools. We are heavily involved
with promoting, growing and helping Local School Councils.
Our goal:
"Every school in the neighborhood one that every parent would be
glad to send their children to."
“The
mission of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Schools Committee
is to provide community support for the schools and to provide a place
where Local School Council members can get together to share information.”
We propose that all schools be such as parents are proud to have their
kids attend and that all kids have available the means and programs
to build the assets and skills they will need for adulthood.
Our Committee
core members: Chair: Nancy Baum.
Members: Judy Dupont, Anika Frazier-Mohammad, Camille Hamilton-Doyle,
Irene Freelain, Zoe Mikva emerita, Julie Monberg emerita, Gary Ossewaarde,
Ismail Turay, The Reverend Larry Turpin, Julie Woestehoff emerita.
Sister
committee: Chicago Academic Games League. Chairs Judy
Dupont and _____. Visit the
CAGL homepage to learn how this math and life learning project
is being revitalized with the University of Chicago Service Center.
We
hope community members will want to choose a school and attend some
of their meetings to show community support. The Local School Councils
have many good-hearted people whose hard work deserves to be recognized
by all of us. Or join the Schools Committee.
What
we are working on summer 2010. Set up a convening of principals of the
schools that feed into Canter on and another (with a follow up with
principals of other schools then a meeting of reps with the high school)
on their extracurricular programs and how these can be shared and the
schools work together, what resources the schools severally and together
may need to ratchet the program or need of the high school, and how
we and the community can help. After this we will be assessing and meeting
with major potential providers of programs and/or resources.
Also being prepared is a school administrators-LSC/PTA/PAC networking
dinner for early fall. We are going into closer focus on assets building,
in and out of school needs, and Title I and open meetings mandates and
opportunities.
May
13 the committee played host to 20 student teachers who will practice
in several Hyde Park-Kenwood schools in fall 2010. Board member James
Withrow gave the history and character of Hyde Park and Paul Bruce conducted
an extensive bus tour through Hyde Park (CPS furnished the bus). Thanks
to Kenwood Academy and to CPS Human Development staff person Damica
Redic.
What
we were working on early 2010:
1.
A Forum /Awards Ceremony with speaker for principals, LSCs, public
encouraging participation in the coming election cycle, information
sharing, networking, an engaging speaker, and Kenwood Jazz Band.
September 30 we follow up with our annual Principal LSC Networking
Dinner
2. Promoting participation by enough and qualified candidates and
participation by voters in the Local School Council elections
3. Assets Survey progress and meetings incl. possibly with Canter
School; research on what schools need and the extra-curricular program
capacity and effectiveness in schools and out in the community. Visits
to "success story" schools.
4. School(s) with probation and issues we can help on
5.
Continued update, expansion and improvement to database for parents
and creation of an assets building collaborator (what's
this?).
7.
Aid and capacity-building help to Canter Middle School.
8.
Engagement/outreach to particular efforts such new intern teachers
coming to Hyde Park schools.
9.
Encouragement of community funding for school needs, such as from
the 53rd St. TIF.
Scuttlebutt
and Alarms
Our schools
are in deep crisis, with budget cuts threatening to undo all the efforts
of the past several years. Students and teachers have been marching
from the schools to the offices of elected officials.
Are "promise
neighborhoods" the way to go for poverty neighborhoods, and what
might be adapted here? See page
about. Schools Committee idea for our neighborhood-page
about.
BE SURE
TO SEE IMPORTANT SCHOOL RESEARCH FINDINGS FROM U OF C CONSORTIUM AND
URBAN EDUCATION INSTITUTE-
visit Organizing
Schools for Improvement, UC
Research Findings. And related Defining
Excellence.
At
the end of 2009, three local elementary schools (Shoesmith, Reavis,
Kozminski) were put on probation and middle school Canter was being
reviewed it for a combination of falling or non-advancing scores and
failure to meet on-time and attendance (95%) standards. The
scores certainly were not advancing (and many dropping for 2009),
thus not meeting the objective of the school "growing" with
real impact on student growth year to year. But, The
new practice of comparing two current years with the two before that
to get "trends" and of insisting all scores advance and being
picky on this (including meaningless statistical static), as well as
using the term"probation"-- which used to mean next step to
closing or cleaning house, were by some called a disservice (the Herald
said "staining" schools )that are trying mightily with limited
resources.
So,
what were the scores?
Shoesmith: ISAT reading: 2006 68.6%, 2007 59, 2008
73, 2009 63 (quite a see-saw)
Exceeding ISAT: 2006-07 11%, 2008 12.8, 2009 8.7 (is this a bump or
a setback?)
ISAT exceed state stand. highest grade: 2007 10.3%, 2008 9.3, 2009 8
(consistent drop)
Attendance : 94.3 vs req'd 95%
Canter:
ISAT reading: 2006 78.2, 2007 81.1, 2008 84.2, but in 2009 80.4 (does
this mean stagnant?)
ISAT Math: 2006-07 73%, 2008 77.7, but 2009 a modest drop to 75.6
Science: 2006 81.6, 2007-08 73, 2009 66.4 (looks like an ongoing slide)
Reavis:
ISAS Math 2006 43.3, 2007 51.7, 2008 57.4, 2009 53.5 (is this 1-year
slide meaningful?)
Science: 2006 46.2, 2007 44.4, 2008 41.1, 2009 35.3 (steadily from bad
to worse)
Attendance: 94.8 (nearly at the minimum).
So
what are some of the schools doing about this?
Shoesmith: evaluating,
finding ways to inform and impress on parents how important
it is to get their kids to school, and on time (the two are
related, they find), no excuses. The PAC has a "coffee and..."
program for parents who watch over kids in the morning and talk to parents
about attendance and upcoming activities and the school. The staff says
it is aggressive with chronically absent students. There is tutoring
morning and evening in math and reading.
Ismail Turay of the LSC and HPKCC Schools Committee was quoted in the
Herald that there should be a collaborative to get all schools to be
performing and that principals of the schools should confer on the probation
challenge since the schools funnel into Canter, then Kenwood. The Kenwood
Principal is seeking such meetings with the principals, suggesting on
attendance what they do--have an audit committee over attendance looking
every day and to address straying as soon as it starts.
The Canter principal has held planes on ways to increase preparedness
for Kenwood.
_____________________
It's
out, and may help us in our goal of engaging schools-programs and parents:
A
new CPS guide to integrating the arts (including social studies and
sciences) into the curriculum and creating full engagement with arts
program providers was released as of October 23. It was announced at,
inter alia, the HPKCC Schools Committee September 29 2009 Networking
Dinner for Schools and LSCs. For details contact artseducation@cps.k12.il.us.
It's called the "Chicago Guide for Teaching and Learning in the
arts."
The
committee encourages parents to sign their kids up for the school lunch
program-- each school's funding in part depends on this.
Visit
these Schools and Education pages:
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