Archive for the ‘Education’ Category

First Day of School for Chicago Public Schools – September 7th

September 2nd, 2010 by Shorty

First Day of School

Chicago Public Schools have many different types of schools with many different return-to-school dates.  Generally speaking, the first day of many schools is Tuesday, September 7, 2010.  Be sure to have your children there, on time and ready for a great school year.

Ok, please tell me when we got to the point where parents need to be reminded to take their children to school?  And how much money is spent on advertising these reminders??

Any thoughts?

Scholarship Opportunity for Minority Women Interested in Careers in Commercial Real Estate

August 28th, 2010 by Shorty

Crew Chicago

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Chicago is seeking undergraduate and graduate women interested in careers in commercial real estate.  This would include architecture, construction, design, law, engineering, property management, multi- family housing, environmental disciplines, marketing, communications, and public relations related to real estate, appraisal, banking, accounting, finance and the like.

Students may apply online at www.crewchicago.org; the deadline for application is September 30, 2010.  The scholarship recipients are announced at our annual fundraiser in November to an A-list of guests from the commercial real estate industry. The checks, made payable directly to the University of each awardee’s choice, are given at a ceremony with the awardees — and their families and guests — proudly enjoying the moment.

Digital Connectors Program for Youth Ages 14 – 21

August 18th, 2010 by Shorty

Digital Connectors Flyer

Download Digital Connectors Application here.

Shedd Explorers: Sail the Great Lakes – August 14th

August 6th, 2010 by Shorty

Sail the Great Lakes

Explore the waters of Lake Michigan!  Set sail with Shedd and observe the natural beauty of one of our Great Lakes. Light lunch and travel included. Program meets at Shedd.

Aug. 14, 9 a.m-1p.m.
$22 ($17 Shedd members)

To register, please call 312-692-3206

Updated 8/12: $200 Clothing Vouchers for Chicago Public School Students

August 6th, 2010 by Shorty

Click here for updated information about school clothing assistance.

Clothes

How To Obtain a $200 Carson Pirie Scott Clothing Voucher

This information tells you how to obtain a $200 Chicago Public School clothing voucher, not Carson Pirie Scott.

* Student must attend a CPS school (K-12)
* Contact your child’s school and ask for a CTU (Chicago Teachers Union) delegate
* The delegate will contact Connie Thorps at CPS for an application.

That was the message that was on Ms. Thorps voicemail when I called to confirm if this was true. If you know anything different, please let me know.

Please note that you can only get a voucher every other year. You will not be eligible next year.

Contact your child’s school for more details.

All School Supplies Tax Free in Illinois August 6th – 15th

August 5th, 2010 by Shorty

School Supplies

Don’t miss the opportunity to get tax free schools supplies. You know the state of Illinois has the highest tax rates of all states. So, get them while you can.

Reading is Art- RAGEOUS: August Summer Reads for Adults

July 23rd, 2010 by Shorty

adults reading

Adult readers are also encouraged to participate in a number of free, informative, thought–provoking and fun programs that will elevate their enjoyment of art. During the month of August, the Chicago Public Library invites the public to enhance their summer reading by participating in the following variety of author talks, discussions, workshops and performances that support the Reading is Art- RAGEOUS: Summer Reads for Adults program.

An Afternoon with Dr. Samella Lewis and Dr. Richard A. Long
Saturday, August 14, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Woodson Regional Library
9525 S. Halsted St., (312) 745-2080

Cosponsored by the Vivian G. Harsh Society, Dr. Samella Lewis (author of Barthé: His Life in Art) and Dr. Richard A. Long, both nationally recognized in the fields of art and history, lecture on Connecting with the Traditions of African American Art, and discuss the career of noted artist, James Richmond Barthé (1901-1989).

SMART Scholarship Application Available on August 1st

July 22nd, 2010 by Shorty

Smart ScholarshipSMART-logo

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories.  Visit their website for more details and to apply.

2010 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy – July 24

July 17th, 2010 by Shorty

2010 Dragon Boat Race

The 2010 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy will take place on Saturday, July 24th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 West 19th Street (19th.St. and Wentworth Ave.), along the south branch of the Chicago River in Chinatown.

This year’s event will feature over 30 teams competing in decorated dragon boats.  In addition to the competition, guests will experience ethnic food, crafts and corporate vendors, musical and dance performances, special appearances by members of the touring Cirque Shanghai – Bright Spirit, Ronald McDonald, and the Chicago White Sox Mascott, South Paw and a children’s area will be featured in the event.

Visit the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce for more information about the Dragon Boat Race.  To learn more about the Chamber, contact Chi Can To at the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce at 312-326-5320, chicanto@chicagochinatown.org

Students Representing at the 2010 National Charter Schools Conference

July 1st, 2010 by Shorty

There were several student groups in attendance at the conference, but I was only able to capture the scholars of Voise Academy, a charter school on the West Side of Chicago, and the technical geniuses of Phoenix Charter School in Greenville, Texas.

Voise Academy – Chicago, IL

Voise Academy - 2010 National Charter School Conference

Aaryn, Sydney, Clarencia (right) and Amber (left)

These young people came out to share their love for learning and their school, Voise Academy. According to Patrick Staley, the World Studies teacher, and the students, technology and textbooks are used to educate students. However, technology is used for enhancing education and communication. Sarah Johnson was also helping to share the love of Voise.

I had the opportunity to witness a mini class session. Mr. Staley had the students to go to CNN world news, select a story, and give a summary of what they read. They could NOT use text message lingo. I was in love…real writing!

Mr. Staley opened a chat window, and all of the students had to share their stories. It was interesting that three of the students picked the same story. But, it was a great experience for me to witness students in action. Especially using writing and technology, two of my most favorite subjects.

Phoenix Charter School – Greenville, TX

Phoenix Charter School - 2010 National Charter School Conference

Phoenix Robotics Team - Jonathan, Justin, Ben, Matt

Matthew Wineinger, the Tech instructor and assistant team coach, informed me that the above young men are members of the Phoenix Charter School Firebots.  With the help of their 13 other team members, engineers, and teachers, they designed the Phoenix Firebots 1604,  they also became Lovejoy Extreme Engineering Robotics Tournament Champions.  Their robotic creation can score four footballs consistently; pick up the bonus ball off the floor and score; and pick up ball from anywhere in the play.  They not only built the robot; they had to program it on the computer.  Check out their creation below

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FX_busOF-c

It was truly an honor to experience the promise of these young people.  I give kudos to the instructors and other adults who give their time, talents and energy to bring out the genius in these young people.