11 Reasons Why Chicagoans Should Be Geniuses
September 8th, 2010 by Shorty
With all of the sources of information that surrounds us and are readily available, there is absolutely, positively no good reason why Chicagoans should not be geniuses. There are free, low cost and regular-priced classes abound in the Windy City. Some classes are even discounted depending on income level, age, and other circumstances. Allow me to share just a few of the resources available that can boost the genius status of Chicagoans.
- Chicago Public Libraries
There is one main library center, two regional libraries, and 76 neighborhood library branches in various communities, most of which are accessible by public transportation. Many of the research sources can be retrieved online, so residents do not even have to leave home to conduct research. They just have to have a valid library card to access records online. - Colleges and Universities
Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola, UIC, University of Chicago are just some of the prominent universities that grace this large city. Smaller colleges and universities like Chicago State University and St. Xavier offer excellent quality programs even though they are recognized not like the bigger institutions. - Junior Colleges
The City Colleges of Chicago offer credited and continuing education classes. These schools are stepping stones to higher learning. Administrators recognize that everyone is not made for University; therefore, many of them offer trade programs to ensure that students can walk away with a specialized skill. They all offer continuing education courses which are non-credit classes offered during the evening and on weekends to help adults learn new skills or improve upon current ones. - Nonprofit and Cultural Institutions
Many of the museums and nonprofit organizations offer low-cost classes to the public. Some topics are specific to particular institutions; others are general interest classes. - Dance Studios
Chicago is a melting pot of cultural diversity, and it seems like dancing is a favorite activity of many. Dance studios are spread throughout the city offering classes from ballet to Salsa to stepping to swing. If a class cannot be found, it is not difficult to start one. Free intro lessons are offered by various venues over the city. - Specialty Stores
Jewelry making, scrapbooking, and other classes can be learned through stores that cater to the needs of those who specialize in such treasures. Not only can skills be enhanced, there is an opportunity to turn a hobby into a business. - Professional Associations
While many associations offer classes and workshops to members, they sometimes open them up to the general public. - Chicago Park District (CPD)
The Chicago Park District has recreational activities for everyone. Unfortunately, all classes are not offered at every park. With approximately 570 parks managed by CPD, it should not be so hard finding at least one class of interest. Visit the website to find all classes offered. - Chicago Public Schools
While their main purpose is to offer education to primary, elementary and high schools students, many schools offer programs to the community during non-school hours. - Clubs, Professional Organizations and Other Meetings for Everything Imaginable
Many can be found online at Craig’s List or on MeetUp.com. Many of these clubs and organizations are started by a few individuals with shared interests. They continue to grow as more people find out about them. - Blogs
Everyone has an opinion or specialized knowledge on some topic. Most is shared for free on blogs. As long as a person has access to a computer, a blog will be found. Check blog directories to find topics that interest you.
Above are at least eleven sources available to boost the genius status of Chicagoans. Select one or two and start working on your genius status today!
First Day of School for Chicago Public Schools – September 7th
September 2nd, 2010 by Shorty
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
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
Download Digital Connectors Application here.
Reminder: August 15th is the Last for Tax Free Supplies
August 12th, 2010 by ShortyHere is a list of qualifying items.
Personal Income Tax & Census Forms Help Build Prisons
August 8th, 2010 by Shorty
I attended an education session about how to keep boys in the classroom, and learned quite a bit. The one fact that REALLY stood out was how the government and private prison corporations determine how the number of prison to build.
For the past ten years, I heard that the third grade reading scores of students, mainly minorities, are used to determine the number of prisons that will be built. And, it’s been repeated constantly by public officials, educators, and other experts of all nationalities, races, and colors. There is some truth in this finding. That’s not the whole story. What has not ever been said by any of these people is that census forms and income tax forms are also determining factors.
Apparently, the government looks at the number of single-parent households headed by mothers which is significantly greater in minority communities, and call out their production crews. And, yes, both the census and income tax forms easily give this information, especially the income tax forms. Who knew?
Ok, I just had another thought. What if the government’s production crew consists of imprisoned fathers building prisons that will house their own children? Isn’t that cruel? It’s not impossible, though.
I just had another thought. That’s why that school to prison pipeline is so effective. People have already studied the patterns, and have determined that prison is the best place for disturbed children instead of counseling, mentoring programs, and other resources that can help them stay out of prison. Why would they want to help these people when education and prison are big, booming businesses?
Anyway, I just wanted to share what I found out and give you something to think about. Please share this post with other parents, teachers, and other adults that genuinely care about the state of young people today.
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Updated 8/12: $200 Clothing Vouchers for Chicago Public School Students
August 6th, 2010 by ShortyClick here for updated information about school clothing assistance.
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
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.
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