CARES Matches Donations to Donors Choose Berwyn Challenge

Each year CARES supports projects in the classroom through Donors Choose.  As a gift to our community, from December 12-December 31, 2012 CARES will match dollar for dollar any contribution to one of our 12 projects.  Now is the time to make your donation and double the impact on Berwyn students!  If you want to support a classroom project,  Click here.  For more about our 2012 Matching Grant Rules, Click Here.  Let's show Berwyn students that Berwyn CARES!  

ISBE Announces Irving School a Recipient of National Distinguished School Award

Congratulations Irving School and principal Mary Havis on being named a 2012 National Title I Distinguished School!  Only 2 schools per state are awarded this honor.  Irving was selected for their success in narrowing the achievement gaps amongst its diverse student body.  

Congratulations to Pricipal Mary Havis, the Irving staff, the wonderful students and the parents who work hard to make Irving School in Berwyn an extraordinary place to learn!  

Jefferson PTO Feeds Families in Need

The Jefferson School Parent Teacher Organization worked to create Thanksgiving baskets for needy families.  With the help of donations from local businesses including Meijer, Turano Bakery, Taco Yo, Dave's Pets,  Double Olives, Romani Flowers, Lucky Dog, Capri and Culver's,  a group of Jefferson volunteers was able to create 33 full Thanksgiving meals for local families.  Teachers, parents and students came together after school to assemble the meals in the spirit of Thanksgiving!  What a wonderful lesson for our children and a blessing for the families who received the baskets.  Together they made a difference!

Giving Thanks!

There are many, many wonderful accomplishments to celebrate here in Berwyn when it comes to our schools.  Kids in our community are doing extraordinary things!  Teachers are working hard and witnessing small moments of victory every day in their classrooms, moments that build on each other one after the other and make that hard-to-measure difference in kids' lives.  This is what makes education a wonderful calling and what makes the job fulfilling.  Parents are struggling to provide the support necessary at home, to prioritize their family values when trying to manage the overwhelming opportunities that are presented in our modern American lives.  My child said those dreaded words a few weeks ago, words I suppose every child mutters eventually.  "I hate school"  I don't think he really meant it because he is generally happy and engaged at school (though I fear I may have had a glimpse into his adolescent years).  It happens that he said this in the same week that the little girl in Pakistan was attacked for encouraging girls to go to school.  You can imagine that the juxtaposition of his declaration and her incredible sacrifice made for a less than sympathetic response from me.  Our kids are so very very lucky to be growing up here.  And, as with all youth for so many generations, they don't know how lucky they are.

I am grateful this Thanksgiving for all of the teachers in my life for not only imparting knowledge onto my children, but for helping them to become good citizens, respectful collaborators, and encouraging them to make a difference in the lives of others.  Teachers nurture the moral character of a generation and, since that is not measurable, we rarely include such efforts in our evaluation of effectiveness.  Educators consistently instruct children in fairness, friendship, responsibility, respect, perseverance and honesty.  And yes, they teach them to read and write and do math, too!  The same child who "hates school", loves to go to the younger classroom where he is a reading buddy to a special needs first grader.  On those reading buddy days, school has meaning to him.  Teachers make that happen.  Kids are working together on projects, learning about the academic subject but also how to negotiate, divide up work, listen to each other, revise based on feedback, respect each other's opinions.  Teachers make that happen.  Students are writing their opinions about current events, making connections to their own lives and struggling to understand the world.  They ponder questions by their teachers...questions about why WWII happened?  why food that is bad for you is so cheap?  why people lost their jobs during The Great Depression?  how choices affect our environment?  why a 2 by 4 is not 2 by 4?  Their answers will change the world.  Teachers make that happen!

I am grateful this Thanksgiving for a country that provides a free and appropriate education for all children.  We spend a lot of time discussing the need for reform, how to make education more equitable, how to raise achievement scores, how to manage social issues outside of schools that directly impact the classroom.  All of those are legitimate, important questions.  But for today, I am thankful for what we take for granted:  warm classrooms in the winter, books and computers, professional teachers, social workers and support staff, music and arts education, extracurricular activities and UNIMAGINABLE opportunities for our children.

What are you thankful for?  Do you know of some small victory that happened in a Berwyn classroom?  An educator that made a difference? A program that should be recognized?  Send us your story to info@berwyncares.org.  We will post some here in the next week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Boogers Rocked

The 7th Annual Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. Kids Concert was a huge success. The money we raised will be donated to Berwyn classrooms. We would like to thank the following donors for their generous raffle prizes: Dan's Bike Shop, Feedback School of Music, 16th Street Theater, The Boogers. Thank you also to Fitzgerald Nightclub for the amazing venue, the Boogers of course for rockin' the house, Over the Rainbow for the delicious treats and donation. Special thanks to volunteers Amanda Perryman, Norah Utley, Marie Kieskowski, Bridget Juister for helping me make this event come to life. Photo Credits: Miro Jedajaks To see more about the Boogers: www.meet-the-boogers.com

We Picked 3 Winners.....

....for the first Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. "If I Were a Rock Star" Art Contest The winners were announced at our 7th Annual Fall Kids concert featuring The Boogers. We challenged Berwyn Districts 98 and 100 Pre-K thru 5th grade students to create their own concert poster and was it a blast to see the results. All of the entries were displayed at the November 11th Boogers concert and the 3 winners were announced. Thanks to all of the entrants for to all of your wonderful submissions. Congratulation to: Viktor Laubis, Kindergartner at Jefferson Anthony Barragan, 4th grader at Irving Jamil West, 1st grader at Komensky Each winner will be awarded with great art supplies provided by Blick. Special thanks to Amanda Perryman and Norah Utley, the amazing volunteers who helped make this happen and to Blick for providing the prizes for this contest.

BERWYN CARES CHALLENGES DISTRICT 201 IMPROVEMENT CLAIMS

October 16, 2012 (Berwyn, Illinois) Three weeks ahead of the public release of 2012 Prairie State Achievement Examination results, the J. Sterling Morton District 201 Board of Education has released a pre-emptive statement claiming that an internal five year analysis of PSAE results shows “increased student performance in nearly all measured areas”, claiming further that “during the last five years”, reading scores have sizably increased at Cicero-based Morton East High school.

The education advocacy organization, Berwyn CARES has joined local residents in challenging whether these claims are typical of the smoke and mirror tactics from the 201 Board of Education who has lost the confidence of the community in overseeing 8000 students and a budget that exceeds $90 million dollars.

In the past year, District 201 Board Members have been publicly implicated in the Chicago Sun Times for disreputable behavior ranging from racially charged Internet posts to participating in criminal activities.

District 201 has historically had some of the lowest performing schools in the State of Illinois. Over the past decade, the vast majority of students at both Morton West and Morton East have failed to meet academic standards and the entire district has been under State Watch for more than eight years.

“A Board that repeatedly uses the word success to describe a situation where more than 70% of students are failing has lost touch with the needs of this community”, said Bob Pauly, President of Berwyn CARES.

Although Board Vice President Joe Keating, who has served two terms on the 201 Board is quoted on the District Web site as saying “The message here is clear,” local residents remain unconvinced.

“Given the current Board’s history, making claims about improvement before the public can review the scores leaves more questions than answers,” said Bob Pauly, President of Berwyn CARES. “When the scores are made public, then there can be legitimate analysis.”

Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens Aligned to Renew Education for Students) is a community-based organization created to improve the local education system by encouraging more family and community involvement. Since 2006, C.A.R.E.S. has established itself as the leading resource for up-to-date, reputable information on Berwyn's District 98, 100, & 201 schools. More information is available online at www.berwyncares.org.

District 98 Superintendent to Greet Residents Saturday

Dr. Carmen Ayala will host a Saturday morning coffee meeting at Lincoln Middle School this Saturday, September 29th at 8:30 am.  You will recall the new Superintendent's plan to meet regularly  with parents and residents of District 98 in an informal, no-agenda format.  Attendance is strongly encouraged as one of Dr. Ayala's goals is to increase community involvement.  Lincoln Middle School is located at 6432 W. 16th Street.  Berwyn Cares Board members met with Dr. Ayala earlier this year.  You can read about that meeting and Dr. Ayala's plans for District 98 here.

CARES Outfits Monkeys in D98

CARES asked and our members responded when they heard about Ms. Tiess at Lincoln Middle School!  Mrs. Tiess is working hard with students to put on a production of Wizard of Oz.  What a wonderful experience for those students!  CARES knows that the arts and theater often take a backseat to reading and math when it comes to funding, especially in the high-stakes testing environment in our country.  Those subjects that are not tested are often not prioritized even though we KNOW that the arts is often what inspires kids the most!  From Mrs. T:

"Thank you so much for your donation! We have had so many kids audition and our cast is going to be huge! I am so grateful to have the fabric to make all of the Winkie and monkey costumes. I am sure that the witch will look amazing in her costume as well!

We started out with a bare stage without any tools to help show these kids what a life changing experience the performing arts can be. You and DonorsChoose have paved a road for quality performing arts experiences for years to come!

Thank you once again for your generous gift to us.

With gratitude,
Ms. T"

So, we've got the costumes for the witch and the monkeys!  How about Dorothy?  How about lights? How about special effects?  YOU can make a difference for so many kids.  Click here to make a donation, however small or large, TODAY!!  

CARES Hosts Back to School Picnic

On August 19, Berwyn CARES cosponsored the 2nd annual Back to School Picnic in Proksa Park along with the Berwyn Park District, District 100, and the South Berwyn Education Foundation.  A good time was had by all!  Over 100 students stopped at our booth to paint a back to school creation, hoola hoop to the music or just chat about their summer and the excitement of the new school year.  Our members took the opportunity to register some new parents and talk about education in Berwyn.  Word continues to spread about our organization and our goal to unite in the name of excellence in education.  Welcome to our new members!  Together, we can make a difference.

Back to School in Berwyn!

Berwyn Districts 98 and 100 are back in session for the 2012-13 school year, and there are changes afoot in both. D98 welcomes a new superintendent this year; several D100 schools have new principals; and all Illinois schools will be impacted by the state's adoption of Common Core Standards for learning.

Komensky Elementary School in South Berwyn kicked off its school year with a special event in which teachers walked the neighborhood to introduce themselves to families before the first day. From the school's news release:

"On August 16, 2012, teachers and staff from Komensky Elementary School took to the blocks of Berwyn to welcome students and families back to school. Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, staff members traveled door to door passing out flyers to introduce their new principal, Jeremy Majeski, and stress the importance of community involvement in the Komensky vision. Komensky staff set out to encourage 100% attendance for the first day of school. The school’s 2012-2013 theme is 'Putting the Pieces Together.' Students were each given a puzzle piece that they can turn in on the first day of school for a chance to win a prize. Parents were excited to be welcomed in this fashion. This will be another great year for these Komensky Lions!"

It's great to know these teachers and staff members are so dedicated to reaching out to their students' families!

What's new at your school this year? Comment below to share what you're seeing.

So What is This About Common Core Standards?

Dear Parents,

Since the beginning of this school year,  you may have heard the term "Common Core Standards" sprinkled into conversations with teachers and school folks as if this were some universally known idea.  You may even have caught a glimpse of a headline in the newspaper you don't have time to read these days because you are too busy making lunches and sorting socks in the laundry pile.  (I'm assuming noone is reading this blog, actually.)  You have probably wondered what exactly Common Core Standards means, but  didn't have the time, attention span or confidence to ask an educator to clarify.  Well, wonder no more.

Common Core Standards refers to a set of Reading and Math standards adopted by 45 of 50 states "to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce."  Standards refers to the learning goals set for students -- what they are expected to know and be able to do as a result of their schooling.

The federal No Child Left Behind law mandated that schools continually increase the percentage of their students who “meet or exceed standards,” but left it to the states to define those standards for themselves. The federal government also left it to the states to develop their own assessment tests (like the ISAT test in Illinois) based on their own standards. This made it difficult to compare either curriculum or test scores across states. Critics of the law say that it also created incentives for states to “dumb down” their standards in order to report a higher percentage of students as passing, as they aimed at the unrealistic goals of No Child Left Behind.

The Common Core Initiative was led by a group of state governments that recognized the usefulness of nationally aligned standards.  Proponents say that the new standards are more rigorous and more focused on critical thinking skills.  They were developed using international benchmarks, as well as the "best in our country" as guidelines in order to "prepare our children for college and the work force."   Whether you live in Alabama, Massachusetts, or Illinois, the curriculum will be based on the same set of standards for a more consistent American education that prepares our students for college or the workforce in a global economy. 

Because adoption of the Common Core Standards is voluntary, states are also free to either develop their own assessments (tests), or to use a test developed by one of two consortia associated with the Common Core Initiative. Illinois will use one of these tests, known as PARCC, beginning in the 2014-15 school year.

Will this change what your child experiences at school every day?  That depends. Standards define expected outcomes, but schools’ curriculum (what is taught) and instruction (how it is taught) will still be chosen and implemented by individual districts, principals, and teachers. 

This report gives a good picture of how your child's school might seem different because of the change.   Could it be that we are finally past the burdens of NCLB and the basic-skills-based curriculum that had a generation of kids learning to fill in bubbles instead of think critically??  

Berwyn schools have adopted the Common Core standards and your child's learning will be impacted, so it’s worth thinking about how you want your child to be engaged in the work of meeting the new standards. The next time you hear the term "Common Core Standards" when talking to your child's teacher or principal, speak with confidence about your wishes for your child's education.  Ask about critical thinking skills, rich literature, international math benchmarks and writing research papers or logical arguments.  Are these evident in your child's classroom?  They should be!  Read up on the Common Core Standards before your child's fall Parent Teacher Conferences.  
 

CARES Leaders Meet with New District 98 Superintendent

"Every communication that leaves my office will be in two languages."

This sounds like a good plan for a district that is 79% hispanic.  Research shows that parental involvement increases student achievement.

Dr. Carmen Ayala took over as Superintendent of North Berwyn School District 98 less than 2 months ago, but she has already identified community engagement as a key goal to her success.  She is the first Latina Superintendent of the District.  Members of Berwyn CARES sat down with Dr. Ayala to talk about her plans for moving North Berwyn District 98 forward.

When asked what strengths she has identified that she would like to build on, she cited the achievement growth that the district has experienced in spite of a shift in demographics and limited funding.  Indeed, District 98 students have kept pace with the state, going from only 57.3 % of students meeting or exceeding standards in 2002 to 77.9% in 2011.  No small feat considering that the low-income population has increased from 69% to 87.2 % in that same period.  Dr. Ayala points out that when you compare D98 achievement data to that of similar demographics and funding, the scores are "not bad".  She is quick to credit the talent of the teachers and staff for the consistent growth in achievement.

Dr. Ayala is working to focus all district efforts on 5 specific initiatives.

1.  Common Core Standards:  District 98 teachers will be teaching to the common core standards.  The common core initiative aims to align the curriculum across the country by identifying common standards rather than each state having its own curriculum.  45 of 50 states have adopted the Common Core Standards, including Illinois.

2.  Updated Assessments:  District 98 will be adopting assessments that are aligned with the Common Core Standards.  Discovery Education, an online assessment tool that gives benchmark data for students throughout the year, will give teachers immediate access to the student and class data, allowing them to individualize their instruction.

3.  Inclusion Education:  District 98 will be looking at how to most effectively include students with disabilities in regular classrooms with access to the common curriculum whenever possible.  

4.  SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol):  SIOP is an instructional model proven effective for English Language Learners.   21.8 % of D98 students are identified is Limited English Proficiency.

5.  Equity Cultural Audit.  The District will be holding an Equity Cultural Audit as a way to collect data from the District stakeholders (parents, staff, community, etc.) and assess school culture.

Dr. Ayala plans to refer to these 5 initiatives to guide decisions in the district and to provide a focus for teachers and staff in lesson planning, professional development and budgeting.

So that is what will be happening inside District 98 schools.  But what about that parental involvement piece?  In addition to making sure all communication includes a Spanish translation, Dr. Ayala plans to hold quarterly Superintendent Community Coffees.  On Saturdays.  In Spanish AND English.  No agenda.  This very approachable and enthusiastic leader is dedicated to having a dialogue with a community that has been previously unengaged.  Berwyn CARES looks forward to working wtih Dr. Ayala and the District 98 community to achieve this worthy goal.

Berwyn CARES Buys Books for Boys.

Berwyn CARES received several Thank You notes from students after donating to the Donors Choose project Books for Boys.  It looks like the girls are enjoying the books just as much!

CARES Speaks Out Against District 201 Board of Education

Contact: communications@berwyncares.org

BERWYN CARES STATEMENT TO DISTRICT 201 BOARD OF EDUCATION

May 9, 2012 (Berwyn, IL) 

My name is Robert Pauly. I am the President of Berwyn CARES. CARES is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among students, educators, parents and community members with a goal of providing an exceptional learning environment for our children.

First, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud District 201 students, their parents and teachers for their diligence in continuing to chase the promise of a good education, in spite of glaringly clear obstacles.

I am here tonight representing our membership and our community, thousands of parents and residents who have contacted CARES over the last several weeks about the leadership shortfalls that confront our high schools. We share your outrage and stand with you in demanding higher standards.

According to the National Center for Public Education, effective school boards are accountability driven, focused on policies to improve student achievement, not continually focused on personal scandals. Reporting by the Chicago Sun Times has conclusively implicated Board Member Michael Iniquez for racially charged Internet posts and Board Member Jeffrey Pesek for “having been part of criminal activities”.

By their own actions Mr. Iniquez and Mr. Pesek have brought shameful controversy to our high schools and to our towns, controversy that makes them both categorically unfit to serve.  Moreover, by failing to publicly condemn them in this public forum tonight, and demand their resignation, the entire District 201 Board of Education is culpable for the staggering loss of confidence the community feels in your judgment and your ability to oversee a budget that exceeds $90 million dollars. 

These individuals do not reflect the values or the character of our communities and it is time for you to stand up and say so.

Additionally, with one year until municipal elections, we plan to hold our elected officials in Berwyn, Cicero, Lyons, Stickney and Forest View accountable for aiding our community in selecting and electing the best qualified candidates for school board, not the best connected.

It is time for school leaders to go beyond acknowledging bad judgment and to take responsibility for their actions. It is time for Mr. Pesek and Mr. Iniquez to resign. Only then, can we as a community move forward with the business of educating our children.

Sources:

● Racist Facebook post on Cicero school board member’s page: http://www.suntimes.com/11966877-

417/racist-facebook-post-on-cicero-school-board-members-page.html

● School board member suspended from Cicero job over racist post on Facebook: http://www.suntimes.com/12091901-417/school-board-member-suspended-from-cicero-job-over-racist- post-on-facebook.html

● Eight characteristics of effective school boards: http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main- Menu/Public-education/Eight-characteristics-of-effective-school-boards

CARES Calls for Leadership Change at 201

April 18, 2012 (Berwyn, IL) Recent reporting by the Chicago Sun Times brings ‘yet more controversy to the District 201 (Morton) School Board’ and reinforces the reasons that the current Board of Education has lost the confidence of the community, support that is critical to improving some of the lowest performing schools in the state.

Berwyn CARES shares the outrage of students, teachers and residents in learning about racist posts on the Facebook page of Board Member Michael Iniquez. “These comments are offensive and call into question his ability to serve District 201. While we are encouraged to hear that Cicero President Larry Dominick has called on the town’s inspector general to investigate inappropriate behavior by leaders at Morton, we expect him to inform the community on the investigation’s outcome and to take appropriate action if the allegations are true,” said CARES President Robert Pauly.

The Sun Times additionally reported that Board President, Jeff Pesek was listed in a recently unsealed federal court document as among at least nine people intercepted by the FBI in a Cicero pawnshop as “having been part of criminal activities” with the shop’s owner.

“The National Center for Public Education guidelines on qualifications for school board members asks ‘Does the person inspire confidence in the local public schools?’ By their own actions, these individuals demonstrate they lack the qualities and qualifications that local students need,” said Mr. Pauly.

When asked, the quality of education provided by this District is the single greatest concern expressed by our membership. CARES encourages all residents to attend the next scheduled District 201 Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 9th at 5:00 PM at the Morton Freshmen Center (1801 South 55th Avenue, Cicero) and to contact the District Office at 708-222-5700 (or district201@jsmorton.org) to comment on the leadership of our schools.

Source: 
Group blasts racist post on school board member’s Facebook page
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1201 ... -page.html
Racist Facebook post on Cicero school board member’s page 
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1196 ... -page.html

Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens Aligned to Renew Education for Students) is a community based organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among students, educators, parents and community members with a goal of providing an exceptional learning environment for our children. We are united to promote stronger community involvement in Berwyn's District 98, 100, & 201 schools. More information is available online athttp://www.berwyncares.org.

The Center for Public Education (Center) is a national resource for accurate, timely, and credible information about public education and its importance to the well-being of our nation. Their publication ‘Eight characteristics of effective school boards’ offers best practices from successful districts.
http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org ... fault.aspx

Overcoming Obstacles

I frequently search the Donors Choose website for Berwyn projects.  Here is one that I thought was important to fund.  I hope you will help!

Donors Choose is one of the easiest ways to directly help kids and teachers right away.  This project will be funded within the next 17 days (with your help!) and the teacher will have the books in her hand within just a few days!  YOU will get thank-you notes from the teacher AND the students before the end of this school year.   Take the time to read the project proposal and send in a small donation to put meaningful books in the hands of students!

Here is a movie that speaks to the difference one teacher can have on a child's life.  Who knows?  Maybe our donations will help this Berwyn teacher to make a difference for many!

THANKS.

Students Thank Berwyn CARES

Here is one of the many thank you notes we have received from Berwyn students for the Donors Choose Berwyn Challenge.

Save the Date

Berwyn CARES is sponsoring a FREE screening of the highly acclaimed documentary Race to Nowhere on Monday April 16th at 7:00pm at Heritage Middle School.   Please save the date!!

Reyes vs. Hernandez

I hope we will have a good turnout of concerned citizens at the Berwyn CARES/BUNGALO Candidates' Forum on March 10th at 1:00 at the Berwyn Public Library.  Those seeking the office of state representative of the 24th district of IL may be in a position to set state education policy that directly impacts Berwyn schools.  Both Robert Reyes and Lisa Hernandez will be participating in the forum!  Click here to read an interview with Lisa Hernandez.  Click here to read an interview with Robert Reyes. Now, get your questions ready and come out and meet the candidates!

Their Eyes Lit Up

Click here to read yet another thank you note from one of the many teachers Berwyn CARES has supported through our partnership with Donors Choose.  Thank YOU, Mrs. Wagner, for all you do for your students!  We are so glad that we could help.

"When my students opened the package and pulled out a brand new digital camera, their eyes lit up.  They immediately wanted to bring their book reviews to life!...thanks to you, my second graders are on their way to becoming fluent readers and proficient writers."

What a wonderful feeling, to know that our members made something magical happen in a second grade classroom in Berwyn.

NCLB Waivers

President Obama took action granting waivers to 10 states freeing them of the burdens of NCLB as long as there is a plan to continue to address achievement goals.  IL is applying for such a waiver and you can learn about the details of the IL plan at an informational meeting at Morton West on Thursday Feb. 16 at 7:00 pm.  The meeting is hosted by the IL PTA and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).  


The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law on January 8, 2002. It was intended to improve learning experiences for all children, set higher performance standards for schools, and increase the number of highly qualified teachers working in communities with the greatest needs.

Yet ten years after its passage, its promise has remained unfulfilled. States have lowered their academic standards in order to increase the percentage of children they can report as "proficient." The high stakes of reading and math tests have led to a narrowing of the curriculum, squeezing out time for history, science, art, music, civics and physical education. Many excellent schools have been unfairly branded as failures, while struggling schools like Morton West have not been improved, much less "turned around," by years of sanctions, threats, and unfunded mandates.

While there is wide agreement that NCLB needs to be rewritten, Congress has yet to create a plan of action that will help all schools and students succeed.

In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Education has offered to waive some of the requirements of NCLB for states that submit an alternative system of accountability for approval by the department.

Illinois will be submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Education in the second round, with a due date of February 21.

The Illinois PTA is sponsoring two informational presentations on our state's waiver application, one of which will be held in Berwyn on Thursday, February 16, at Morton West.

This is an excellent opportunity for our community to understand more about the requirements our schools will need to meet, and the resources that are available to help our students succeed in school.

Berwyn CARES invites you to join us in learning about education in Illinois and how upcoming changes may impact our community:

Thursday, February 16
7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)
Morton West High School
2400 Home Ave.

The waiver would affect all schools in our state, not only Morton West. Please forward this invitation to friends, neighbors, and fellow community members who may be able to attend.

CARES, BUNGALO Host Candidates Forum

Every child deserves a great public school. Every family wants to live in a great public school district.

What are our elected representatives doing to help Berwyn strengthen its schools?

Please join Berwyn CARES and BUNGALO for a Candidates’ Forum on March 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Berwyn Library.  We have invited our district’s candidates for seats in the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate.

The candidates will be invited to give short presentations, and then will take questions from the audience. The first part of the question-and-answer session will focus on issues in education.

If we want families to settle and stay in Berwyn, and if we want their children to grow up to be responsible and productive citizens, we must provide our public schools with the support and resources they need to meet children’s needs.

Our state legislators can help, but they need to hear a strong message from constituents about the importance of education and services for our children.

We hope you will join us in taking this message to the Berwyn CARES/BUNGALO Candidates’ Forum.

Donors Choose Berwyn Projects Expire Soon!

There are only 3 unfunded projects left on our 2011 Berwyn Challenge.  With only hours left before one expires (and days for the other 2), might you be able to help save the day by making a small (or large!) donation?  Click here to read about these wonderful proposals.  (Books for Boys, Resources for Reluctant Readers and Let's Cooperate)  Together we can make a difference!

Lessons from Hoffman Estates

Loved this video made by the Hoffman Estates CUSD 300 fighting for their fair share of tax dollars in light of a 23 year committment to tax relief for Sears.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8zXm2eal_o

Looking at District 201 and the huge amount of tax dollars that are generated by TIF districts, there are lessons to be learned from the folks in Hoffman Estates.  District 201 is severely underfunded, yet most of the  businesses in the area are in tax increment financing districts, reinvesting tax increments into the businesses and away from public education.  While our students go without textbooks, technology and opportunities, businesses get renovated.  According to the cook county clerk website, Berwyn's TIF districts generated $4.6 million dollars in 2010.  Cicero's generated $12.4 million and Lyons brought in almost $1 million.  A portion of those dollars would have gone to Morton.  Perhaps some relief from the municipalities could have prevented the massive teacher lay-offs and the cuts to academic courses (School Board voted to reduce credit hours required for graduation last year in order to deal with a budget crisis).

Of course, there is the theory that TIF districts will create revenue and attract businesses by reviving those districts.  Hopefully, that will result in a windfall for the schools SOMEDAY.  Question is:  Will it be too late?