SCARY!

One of the biggest threats to academic excellence in Berwyn is Summer Learning Loss. Research tells us that ALL kids are at risk of losing months of progress over the summer, but that low-income kids are particularly vulnerable when it comes to reading skills. Consider that a 3rd grader who leaves school in June at a 3.9 level will likely return in September at a 3.8 level leaving the 4th grade teacher to spend precious weeks reviewing before even starting the grade level material in the curriculum. Also, while middle income and wealthy kids usually show some gains in reading over the summer, low-income kids LOSE an average of 2 months over the summer.

Think of it in terms of running. If a person can run a 5K in June and then takes the summer off from running, how far might they be able to run on September 1st? It is the same with reading. Without practice, kids LOSE SKILLS.

So what is Berwyn CARES doing to help? Last spring, I wrote this blog about the risk of summer learning loss for our Berwyn students. The statistics are alarming and several people contacted me to see how we could make a difference. As a result, BerwynCARES held its first Book Drive last month. We've collected hundreds of books appropriate for summer reading for kids up to 5th grade.

We have prepared 10 Summer Reading Kits for each elementary school. The kits are simply a canvas bag of books grouped by grade level. Principals, librarians or reading specialists will distribute to students at their discretion.

In the article Bridging the Summer Reading Gap, McGill-Franzen and Allington present one solution to the problem of Summer Learning Loss.

"Children need to read outside of school. Research clearly shows that the key to stemming summer reading loss is finding novel ways to get books into the hands of children during the summer break."

It is our hope that giving kids books to take home with them on the last day of school will result in continued progress over the summer. Check back on this blog next week for more information about Summer Learning Loss in Berwyn and what is being done to prevent it.

Fine Arts Showcase TONIGHT!

The Berwyn Arts Council presents the 2nd Annual Student Fine Art Showcase! The Arts Education Committee of the BAC announces its 2nd Annual Student Fine Art Showcase to be held on Wednesday, May 20th at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 W. 16th Street.

This annual event features the talent of our elementary and Jr. High School students from South Berwyn School District 100, and North Berwyn School District 98. Beginning at 6:00, come and enjoy student dramatic performances, artwork, and music!Parents, students and the community are invited to this evening featuring the artists, actors and musicians of the future!

Berwyn CARES Suggests Adopting New Policy: Keep Political Campaigns out of Schools

An Open Letter to the District 201 School Board and Local Political Leaders:

Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens Aligned to Renew Education for Students) is a 501c3 organization created to unite residents interested in renewing and sustaining an enthusiasm, interest and passion for the education system in Berwyn. Like you, our Members share a commitment to ensuring the best education for local students.

We would like to bring your attention to a recent situation in the District that raised the concern of parents and community members alike and to encourage you to consider new policies which strictly prohibit student recruitment by teachers, coaches, school staff and district officials for political campaigns.

In late February our organization was contacted by numerous parents who shared that high school teachers and coaches had recruited students to participate in what was portrayed as a ‘Community Service Project’ on Election Day in Cicero. Students were advised that they would be transported to various locations in Cicero, and would be provided lunch, dinner and $50 for their ‘work’. Concerned parents shared that their children who subsequently participated were asked to pass out campaign literature at polling places and were directed to go door-to-door on behalf of a specific candidate with ties to the District 201 School Board.

If true, this situation created unnecessary and inappropriate conflict for parents, teachers, students and coaches and has the appearance, if not reality, of intimidating those, who may fear retribution for non-participation in what was without question a political campaign.

By addressing this issue publicly, we hope to bring positive change that benefits students and removes tension from the learning environment. We encourage the District 201 School Board to evaluate whether influence was used to mislead or coerce students and faculty and to move quickly to denounce such activities. To prevent such a situation from occurring in the future, we urge you to create and adopt a policy that strictly prohibits teachers, coaches, school staff and district officials from engaging in any type of student recruitment for political campaigns. We strongly suggest that parents and community members be involved in drafting such policy and are willing to work together on such an initiative.

Thank you.

Berwyn CARES Board of Directors

Should Politicians Be Running Schools?

Mayor Richard Daley took control of the Chicago Public School system 13 years ago, creating a controversial model that would soon be duplicated in other large cities across the country. I read with interest this article about the newest appointment to the CEO position at CPS, Ron Huberman, who replaced outgoing Arne Duncan. Duncan was named Secretary of Education by President Obama.

The title question of this post is relevant in Berwyn where some feel our city leaders should take a more active role in the education systems and others feel strongly that politicians should leave our schools in the control of elected school board members and educators. Politically, it would seem risky for any mayor to become involved in an underfunded, failing school district. It seems to have worked out for Daley, though.

Spring Fundraisers

I am thrilled to report that due to the dedicated efforts of BerwynCARES and the Berwyn Jaycees and the generosity of our supporters, BerwynCARES will be able to award FOUR scholarships this year to deserving Morton West graduates headed to college!

Let's make it FIVE!! Contribute to the scholarship fund by clicking here.

Thanks to the donors of all of the great silent auction and raffle items. Top items included:

*Lunch with Mayor Lovero
*Dinner at the Firehouse
*Weekend in Lake Geneva
*Cubs/Sox tickets
*Framed sports art
*Many items/services donated locally

Thanks, also to Tiger O'Stylies, Goose Island, Tonini's, Tamale Hut and Goat Rodeo for their contributions to a successful evening! I hope everyone had a great time. Together...WE made a difference!