How about a change of direction until Christmas

[southsidesignmaker]

The Blue board does an excellent job of identifying concerns within our district. A tougher area for human beings in general is to give credit where credit is due.

With the economy on the crapper and many looking at the world in a less than positive light, I think it is high time to get some inspirational input.

I am hoping you will join me in jotting down either an idea or a story that inspired you, and in turn could do the same for others.


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Last week our family enjoyed a Christmas concert at the middle school level. It never ceases to amaze me how talented these young students are. There was much practice involved, and the concert went on with great success.

I just want to thank all the educators, parents, and especially the aspiring music students who made this evening special indeed. The amount of hours spent by all those that volunteered their time and talent was much appreciated by this proud dad.

[Arch]

I agree.

Having been a parent of 3 in the various music programs over the past 8 years I certainly have to give big thumbs ups to the Chorus, Orchestra and Band programs starting in 5th grade, through Hill and at WVHS. Unbelievable opportunities and caliber of instruction that are open to all. The amount of dedication and enthusiasm from all involved makes for a positive life changing program not just for the students but also for the parents who witness the output. It's amazing to watch the progression from 5th through high school.

[southsidesignmaker]

There is a great inspirational story about a Welsh student on Green. See "In the News" section, WeNeed3 "Welsh Student Publishes Book"

[sashimi]

Not so much a story as a recognition of the SB's decision to introduce a full day kindergarten program to the District. Several years ago, we sent one of our children to private school in order to get the benefit of a full day program. I now have a Kindergartner at Fry and this program has been great.

[southsidesignmaker]

Sashimi,

I am happy to hear that the full day kindergarten has been a success for you and your family. For those of us that have kids that are older maybe you would like to elaborate as to the benefits you and your family have seen with this program. Of course it is your choice.

[doctorwho]

Dec 15, 2008 9:09:51 GMT -6 southsidesignmaker said:

The Blue board does an excellent job of identifying concerns within our district. A tougher area for human beings in general is to give credit where credit is due.

With the economy on the crapper and many looking at the world in a less than positive light, I think it is high time to get some inspirational input.

I am hoping you will join me in jotting down either an idea or a story that inspired you, and in turn could do the same for others.


*********************************************************

Last week our family enjoyed a Christmas concert at the middle school level. It never ceases to amaze me how talented these young students are. There was much practice involved, and the concert went on with great success.

I just want to thank all the educators, parents, and especially the aspiring music students who made this evening special indeed. The amount of hours spent by all those that volunteered their time and talent was much appreciated by this proud dad.

Sure - ( although SSSM these posts really do exist on blue also - they just rarely have anything to do with decision making by our leaders - they are more to do with things we already have)

The music and arts program is outstanding in 204 -- this is everything from chorus / band / orchesis / design & art. This has been true almost since I've been here... ( just please don't put this on a cart anywhere)

WVHS is truly a sense of community HS. I have expressed how sad I am that powers that be have chosen to screw with the makeup of the HS. It seems this HS is even better than our leaders believe - which is sad. Yes, there are some issues but kids ( and parents ) there have always been very resilient and work toward solutions.( note this is not any knock on NVHS- but I find I do not have the expertise to speak about it - I will leave that for the NV parents who I know love their school - I find too often people try and speak for others when they don't have the knowledge to do so).

All Day K seems to be popular - kudo's- but please don't make it so tough for those who do not want to participate - add a 2nd school in the north for 1/2 day.

I hear we are looking at starting language earlier - in MS. I applaud that effort. Let's work hard to offer it without any takeaways if we can.

[sashimi]

I have previously had one child go through a half day kindergarden program and another go through a full day program through private school. Our third child is currently is in the full day kindergarden program at Fry.

Obviously, at this level, the primary focus is on early reading skills, socialization and starting independent thought and growth (and not eating plydough).

Our observation was that the D204 half day kindergarten program was essentailly a third year of pre-school (there just was not enough time to fit in any developmental work or sense of independence). I agree that it would be great if a half day program was offered as well, but I have to say that for us, we have seen a great deal of growth in our child (socialization, reading and playdough eating habits).

[southsidesignmaker]

Posting this inthe non 204 news - Tim White is a teacher @ Benet who was profiled on Channel 7's, 'someone you should know' segment today - and I agree, he is someone you should know. He is celebrating his 50th year of teaching - and I have met the man - he has far more energy than me. Here is the clip from TV.

btw - Mr Paul - who teaches German and Spanish @ Benet may be next up. He just celebrated his 74th birthday and has been there 41 years and is at the school at 6 AM for the kids and likely shuts out the lights at night. My daughter has him for German and loves the class and him - and he acts like someone in his 40's.

I guess this is how one lives when they truly love their job.

abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/someone_you_should_know&id=6441796


This was first posted by Doctorwho, with his permission I am reposting it.

[southsidesignmaker]

There have been many guests along with invisible users in the last 24 hours. I would love to hear an inspirational story about our district and how it affected you. I have read many topics at all grade levels though the high school experience seems to have fewer topics discussed. Please consider writing as time permits.

[twhl]

Dec 15, 2008 19:30:29 GMT -6 southsidesignmaker said:

There have been many guests along with invisible users in the last 24 hours. I would love to hear an inspirational story about our district and how it affected you. I have read many topics at all grade levels though the high school experience seems to have fewer topics discussed. Please consider writing as time permits.

SSSM - a great idea but as I sit and scratch my head searching for some good news and positive reflection it would seem a little discouraging we have to look outside D204 for that light (Benet teacher recognized is awesome - except its not D204 ! ). My wish is that the SB does nothing until after the holidays and Turner doesn't impose any more change orders. What a great present that would be for all of us.

Signing off until after Xmas - A safe and Happy Holiday greetings to all.

[southsidesignmaker]

I have no objection to where the inspirational stories come from, though I would prefer the stories include our district.

That said I would like to bring a note of gratitude to the Fry family. Some may know that Nancy Fry was a long time inspirational teacher at district 204 schools. She had a very unique style that could motivate all children in her wake. Along with her husband Alan this family has helped both the 204 district and the community at large. I feel this family leads by example and what an example they have taught many in our district. Though I have not been in the district for decades like some, this family has shown time and time again why our district shines bright.

[casey]

Dec 16, 2008 12:00:46 GMT -6 southsidesignmaker said:

I have no objection to where the inspirational stories come from, though I would prefer the stories include our district.

That said I would like to bring a note of gratitude to the Fry family. Some may know that Nancy Fry was a long time inspirational teacher at district 204 schools. She had a very unique style that could motivate all children in her wake. Along with her husband Alan this family has helped both the 204 district and the community at large. I feel this family leads by example and what an example they have taught many in our district. Though I have not been in the district for decades like some, this family has shown time and time again why our district shines bright.

My kids all had Nancy Fry as a music teacher. She was exceptional and they all learned a lot from her and loved her. She was a fantastic educator. She put in tireless hours at the school and her productions were absolutely amazing. The Fry family has done much to help our schools and they have definitely helped mold IPSD.

That being said, and I almost hate to point out this fact, Fry Properties has benefited from IPSD 204 too. They are listed on the home-page (Contracts exceeding $25,000 7/1/07-6/30/08) under a contract for Lease of Prairie Children Preschool (Frontier) in the amount of $107,924.50. Now granted I don't know the terms of the lease (how much space they rent, length of contract, etc.) but simple math shows $107,924.50 / 12 month lease = $8993.70/month. In today's real estate market - that isn't exactly "chump change". I'm not discrediting the Fry Family but am simply pointing out that FRY Properties has an existing business relationship with our School District. It sounds as if is a mutually beneficial relationship, huh?

[lorip]

SSDM,
You've inspired me to share one such story. When I moved to this district, I saw on the district website that there was a Special Needs PTA. Being that I have a child with special needs, I thought this was wonderful and I was encouraged by this revelation. When we eventually moved here, I became active in this PTA and found them to be a good resource, especially being a newcomer to the distirct. I later found out that this district is home to the only Special Needs PTA in the state of IL! That says something for this district and the parents and administration who chartered this PTA. I am now very involved in this PTA and it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever been involved in and I have a new-found passion for what this PTA is about. While this may sound like a shameless plug for the Special Needs PTA, it is my story of the good things this district has to offer and how it affected me and my family. A random google search while house hunting and subsequent interest in this PTA led me to be inspired enough to become more involved. I hope there are other stories that have inspired others to get more involved in our children's education and the education of all of the kids in this district.

[Arch]

Lorip,

You bring up a very very good point. There are plenty of opportunities for parents to roll up their sleeves and get involved at all levels in the district. Whether one is very happy with things, or believes a change in direction might be worth looking into, the opportunities and the processes are there to make a positive difference.

[doctorwho]

Dec 16, 2008 15:34:48 GMT -6 @lorip said:

SSDM,
You've inspired me to share one such story. When I moved to this district, I saw on the district website that there was a Special Needs PTA. Being that I have a child with special needs, I thought this was wonderful and I was encouraged by this revelation. When we eventually moved here, I became active in this PTA and found them to be a good resource, especially being a newcomer to the distirct. I later found out that this district is home to the only Special Needs PTA in the state of IL! That says something for this district and the parents and administration who chartered this PTA. I am now very involved in this PTA and it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever been involved in and I have a new-found passion for what this PTA is about. While this may sound like a shameless plug for the Special Needs PTA, it is my story of the good things this district has to offer and how it affected me and my family. A random google search while house hunting and subsequent interest in this PTA led me to be inspired enough to become more involved. I hope there are other stories that have inspired others to get more involved in our children's education and the education of all of the kids in this district.

I do not have the level of understanding of all the details of special education to be an expert on it, however I will admit from a former 204 parent's point of view I do believe 204 does a better job of providing a good atmosphere for special needs than any other I have read about. Kudo's to all involved.
The fact that one gets involved is key.......
That being said - there are always nay sayers who will tell someone trying to get involved to make things better/safer etc. for ALL the students in the district - that they should stop - or go with the status quo -- or 'get over it' - ( nicer version of some things said- after all it is the Christmas season) - I am glad you followed your vision and made things better ( and I truly believe you and others did) - I just hope you and others also understand why others pursue the things they do because they also believe in them - whether they be safety related - or how our tax dollars are spent for all 204.