Friday, December 31, 2010

Resolution: TAKE ACTION!

As a mediocre and inconsistent blogger, I feel the obligation to write the "New Years Resolution" post. Each New Year's Eve brings with it the hope for new beginnings and the promise of better days. Like opening day at Wrigley, we can envision a turning point in education in Berwyn. This could be the year. But, where to start?? Here are some ideas for parents or community members, resolutions that will not only improve YOUR life, they may improve the quality of life in Berwyn through an impact on our education system:

1. Read to your kids. Duh? How many times is this simple task is at the very top of the list of how to help kids succeed in school. But, it bears repeating. If you are not reading enough to your kids, make it a part of your DAILY routine and be sure the whole family is held accountable. Reading before bedtime is a MUST in our house...the kids don't let me get away with trying to skip this nightly ritual (believe me, I've tried!). Of course, they use it as the stall tactic of choice because it is pretty hard to resist a 5 year old with a book in his hands. Honestly, it works in reverse, though. Kids are soothed and calm while listening and more likely to fall asleep faster once in bed if they've been read to (not scientific, just anecdotal from my house). Other tips: weekly trips to the library, a subscription to a kids magazine, turn off the electronics and have reading material accessible and varied.

2. Educate yourself. Find a way to keep up to date on the educational news of our community, state and country. Subscribing to blogs, reading newspapers with an eye for education and going to your school district websites regularly will keep you informed. One of my favorites is the SSNS where subscribers get regular e-mails covering topics that are being considered at the state legislature.

3. Attend a school board meeting. School board meetings are open to the public and attending the meeting is a great way to get first hand information about the finances, curriculum, and accomplishments of your school district. Agendas and meeting times can be easily found on the district websites linked on the CARES website www.berwyncares.org.

4. Volunteer. If you have regular time to give, call your public school and ask what opportunities there are for volunteering. I know there are several community members (with and without kids of their own!) who read 1:1 with children in a school library once a week. What a gift! For the kids and for the volunteer. This would have a huge impact on a child's life.

5. Say thanks. If something is going well, say so! There are countless people involved in educating the kids of Berwyn. Send a thank you note to a teacher, teacher's aide, principal, administrator, maintenance man, school board member, school nurse, or anyone that deserves a little recognition for the hard work it takes to make a difference.

6. Donate. Check out these great projects and make a donation today. You'll get thank yous in the mail from the very kids you helped! CARES has funded tens of thousands of dollars in classroom grants through Donors Choose impacting thousands of kids. You can be part of this easy solution!

7. Write a letter. Maybe you've never considered writing your elected officials before. Well, now is the time. Every elected official from your school board to your alderman to the mayor to the state legislators to the governor on up needs to hear that quality education is important. Encourage your state lawmakers to better fund education.

8. Buy in Berwyn. Supporting Berwyn businesses will help create a healthy business environment in Berwyn. These businesses are often called on to support schools through fundraisers and donations. Even in a tough economy, our businesses have continued to support education. They deserve our thanks for that! Tell them CARES sent you:)

9. Attend an event. CARES will be hosting events throughout the year including a spring concert for scholarships, a summer reading or writing program, a back to school picnic, Oktoberfest and our Fall kids concert. These are great opportunities to socialize with others who care deeply about education. JOIN US!! Your free membership includes regular updates/e-mails about upcoming events.

10. Back to School: Parent University. I've attended this Parent University for a few years and have never been disappointed. I am a better parent for it and my kids definitely benefit from the things I learn. This year it is Feb. 5th. If you are interested in helping to plan a similar event in Berwyn, please send a note to info@berwyncares.org.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

What Do Teachers Want for Christmas?

Inspired by this blog post, I thought I would write a similar article unique to Berwyn. Perhaps there are teachers out there that will comment and include more ideas. I asked a few and here are some of their responses:

1. Gift Cards. Give the gift of choice! Chances are they'll spend it on your kids! Office Depot in Cermak Plaza or Target (you can use your Target card and Target will give a percentage to YOUR school!) are good choices! Organizing a whole class contribution may make this affordable for everyone!

2. Gift Certificates to local shops. Buying locally will help our community! The Depot District, Ogden, Roosevelt Road and Cermak are full of small, independent businesses. Stop in today and get a few small gifts or gift certificates. Wishbone restaurant, Fly Right Gifts, Urban Mutt (for dog lovers!), and countless other shops would be great discoveries for our Berwyn teachers.

3. A heart felt note of thanks from you or your child. I don't think we can say thank you enough to teachers. If there is something you or your child LOVES about your school, tell it!

4. Classroom supplies. Ask your teacher for a supply wishlist. Short on glue sticks? Need more books? Board games/puzzles for indoor recess? Maybe there are some in your home game closet waiting for new life! Donate some gently used items to your child's class along with #3.

5. Food and drink! Make cookies, wrap up a chocolate bar, gourmet coffee in a mug (forget the mug, they have enough of those!). Have your child casually ask what the teachers favorite treat or candy bar is. Your child will be excited to give a personal gift!

6. Contribute to Donors Choose Berwyn Challenge! Perhaps your teacher has a project submitted!

Any other ideas? Post a comment to this blog post. Let's hear from some teachers!