Wednesday, April 25, 2012

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

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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.