A Peek Into Ren-10 RENAISSANCE 2010 REPORT
100 New Schools for Chicago
March 2008
Volume 4, Issue 3
Letter from the Chief
Dear Colleagues:
As we enter March, spring is nearly upon us (or at least several weeks away if we think wishfully). For elementary schools with 3rd– 8th grade students, I wish you good luck this week and next on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test. The ISAT provides a great opportunity to show the academic progress students in charter, contract and performance schools are making! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your efforts.
With a little more than three months remaining in the 2007-2008 school year, I wanted to highlight three upcoming topics/events.
1) IMPACT
We are excited about the work with ITS and INCS over the past several weeks, and we are optimistic about reaching a solution that will meet the needs of charter and contract schools whether they are going to fully use IMPACT or continue to use their own data management systems (i.e. Powerschool). Though the work to personalize IMPACT has been challenging, it has provided a great platform for us to see how powerful collaboration can be if we listen to each other, think creatively about service, and are determined to find solutions that work for all.
2) Conversations with the Budget Department and Office of Specialized Services
One of the consistent themes from the semi-annual meetings with single-campus charter/contract, multiple campus charter, and performance/professional development schools has been a desire to have a more intimate conversation with the Budget Department and Office of Specialized Services. On March 27 (Budget) and in mid-April (date TBA), we are excited that such sessions will happen. We will send out specific details about both events in the next few weeks with an opportunity for schools to share their questions/concerns in advance so presenters can tailor their comments appropriately. Members of the broader CPS team want to provide better service to “new” schools, and they are excited to hear from you, talk with you, and demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of all CPS schools whether traditional or the more autonomous members of the ONS family.
3) Semi Annual Meeting Wrap-Up – Celebration of New School Efforts
The final “semi-annual meeting” for the 2007-2008 school year will be our Inaugural Celebration of ONS schools. In mid-May, at a venue to be announced, we look forward to an evening where we fete the efforts of students and teachers who have done great work across charter, contract and performance schools. We rarely take the time to focus on the amazing work our kids are doing and recognize the tireless efforts of those fantastic teachers who give so much of themselves in and out of the classroom for their students. More details will be forthcoming in late March/early April about this event and how to nominate deserving students and teachers.
I look forward to a great last few months together!
Josh Edelman
Executive Officer, Office of New Schools
REN10 TOP TEN
Ten Tips for Helping Students & Parents be Ready for State Assessments
(adapted fromknowledgeessentials.com)
10. Eyes on the Clock. Much of life is about meeting deadlines, and so is test-taking. Both high and low learners tend to waste time on tests. It is hard for small children to answer questions in a finite time period. Help them learn how by playing games that use timers for short tasks.
9. Following Rules. Children cannot succeed on tests unless they can follow rules. Set up group game playing for your students (so the children are the taskmasters).
8. Get Organized.It is hard to teach organization to young students, but they need organized thought to do well on tests. Give your students toys (or anything) to organize or ask your students to set up their daily, weekly and monthly calendar.
7. Following Written Directions. Whether your students do well or poorly on tests often depends on their ability to read and follow directions. Try leaving notes for directions you usually give verbally.
6. It’s a Pattern. Being able to identify and follow patterns is a key component of learning and is sure to be a part of the tests. You can improve this skill by encouraging craft projects, playing with blocks, playing board games, and even video games.
5. There’s a Sequence. Half of logical thinking is knowing what comes first, what comes second, etc. Children use it when they play together. ("You cannot do this before you do that") You can improve sequencing skills when your students play alone by asking sequencing questions.
4. Which One Doesn't Belong? - Many tests say "find the best answer," which means each answer is a little bit right. Remember back to early learning and play family games that pick out the one that does not belong from a group of similar things – it is the right reinforcement for this skill.
3. Logical Thinking. The right answer is not usually about remembering facts. It is usually about thinking through the answer choices. Games and puzzles are great activities for developing logical thought without that "heavy homework" feeling.
2. Thoroughness. Middle schoolers love to take shortcuts, but they are the short route to poor test scores. Help your students develop thoroughness by asking follow-up questions to daily decisions.
1. Rest and Nutrition. Encourage parents to make sure their student gets their normal amount of sleep in the days leading up to the test. On the morning of the test be sure students eat a nutritious breakfast.
EVENTS
Semi-Annual Meetings for Charter Schools Operating Multiple Campuses | TAMS building (501 W. 35th Street) | Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This second meeting will give charter school leaders an opportunity to touch base with Josh Edelman and the ONS staff at the mid-year point. In addition to checking in about the action grid from the previous meeting, schools will have a chance to meet new ONS Director of School Support Catherine Sugrue and her team of outstanding school support coordinators.
ACT Charter School Spring Fling Cocktail Reception & Benefit | United Building Lobby (77 W. Wacker) | Thursday, March 13, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Located in West Garfield park, the Academy of Communications and Technology Charter School (ACT) opened its doors to students in 1997 as one of the pioneer charter schools in Chicago. ACT provides a college-preparatory education to historically underserved youth, empowering them to take their place in society as competent, confident, creative, and compassionate global citizens.
Please join them for their Spring Fling cocktail reception and benefit. Tickets are $100 if purchased in advance or $110 at the door. Guests will enjoy complimentary drinks, sushi from Japonais, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz, a student artwork display, and a silent auction. For more information contact Karen Croteau, kcroteau@actcharter.echalk.com.
KIPP Ascend’s College Madness | The Loft at Jefferson Tap & Grill (325 N. Jefferson) | Saturday April 26, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
KIPP Ascend is a middle school charter school serving low income students on Chicago’s West Side. Their mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary to succeed in top-quality high schools, universities, and the competitive world beyond.
Get into March Madness this year by contributing to “KIPP to College,” a high school placement and scholarship program. A $45 tax-deductible donation will get you access to 10 screens of NCAA basketball, an open bar, pizza, and the opportunity to meet other young professionals. Register at http://kippascend.org or at the door.
The ABCs of Growing Green | Polaris Charter Academy (620 N. Sawyer) | Saturday April 26, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Polaris Charter Academy is a new K-8 charter school serving the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago’s West Side. Founded by three award-winning teachers, Polaris provides an under-resourced community with a high-quality educational option for its children.
Discover and explore methods of city gardening, organic cooking, and all things “green” during hands-on workshops and a luncheon to support Polaris’s school wide gardening initiative. Learn from experts as they take organic products from ground to plate at this unique event. Adult and child-oriented workshops will be offered. Families are welcome.
Swing for CMSA Golf Outing & Fundraiser | White Pines Golf Course (Bensenville, IL) | Friday May 9, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Founded in 2004, Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA) has built a reputation of being an effective learning environment through high test scores, attendance rate, student and teacher retention rate, and parent satisfaction.
CMSA needs your support in order to reach their vision. Their goal is to add a mobile computer lab, including interactive smart boards. This technology will allow them to continue providing students with a high-caliber education, fully preparing them for college. For $125 you can enjoy a delicious lunch and a round of golf at this beautiful west suburban golf course. For more information visit http://cmsaonline.net.
NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Schools EXPO Draws Over 700 Students and Parents
Students and parents arrived in bus loads for the New Schools EXPO on February 9, 2008 which showcased more than 30 new Chicago Schools. The event, partnered by the Chicago Public Schools, Parents for School Choice, and the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, gave students and parents the opportunity to learn about the educational options available to them.
In addition to being able to find schools and start the application process, the event also offered other valuable resources including the PTA, the Chicago Housing Authority, and volunteer opportunities for students. Attendees also had the chance to attend three workshops to learn how to choose a quality school for their student. You can learn more about the EXPO by checking out the following articles.
North Lawndale Community News: http://www.nlcn.org/cms/index
Chicago Defender:
http://www.chicagodefender.com
Prologue Early College Student 1 of 8 Statewide to Receive ICEARY Award
The Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth (ICEARY) optimizes the positive growth of at-risk youth and those individuals working with at-risk youth through educational program support, training, legislative leadership, information exchange, advocacy, and other support services. Every year the organization recognizes 8 students throughout the state who have shown the tenacity to overcome serious barriers to their education and go on to graduate high school and continue to succeed.
Sandra Aguilar from Prologue Early College was 1 of 8 student recipients for 2008. She travelled to Springfield on February 28th to be honored at the annual ICEARY luncheon. Ms. Aguilar received a $150 savings bond and plaque from ICEARY. Students nominated for the award were recognized through a PowerPoint slideshow during the luncheon. Congratulations to Ms. Aguilar and Prologue Early College for not letting anything stand in the way of academic success.
12 Students from ONS Schools Named Chicago Bulls MVPs
50 African American male students were selected as the Sprite/Chicago Bulls MVPs. These students were recognized at Malcolm X College as the top African American Males in Chicago's High Schools. They were also given certificates in honor of their achievements by President Rufus Williams at the February meeting of the Chicago Board of Education.
Congratulations to the 12 young men from Chicago Academy High School (3 honorees), Chicago International Charter School – Longwood, DuSable Leadership Academy (2 honorees), Perspectives – Calumet (5 honorees), and Uplift Community School. ONS is proud of your accomplishments and looks forward to seeing how you continue to achieve in the future.
Over 70 Students from 11 ONS Schools Earn Chance to Participate in College Spring Break Tours
The Department of Postsecondary Education & Student Development at CPS offered students the chance to spend their spring break looking at colleges and universities across the US. Students had to meet several criteria and go through a rigorous application to be selected for the trips. Groups include Illinois colleges and universities, Big Ten schools, Ivy League schools, Historically Black colleges and universities, Latino schools, and Chicago area schools.
73 students from 11 ONS schools were admitted to the program for this year’s spring break, March 17-21. The following schools will have the opportunity to send students to invest in their own future this spring break: Bronzeville Scholastic, Chicago International Charter School – Longwood, DuSable Leadership, Infinity Math and Science, Noble Street Charter School – Pritzker College Prep, Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Rickover Naval Academy, Social Justice at Little Village, Uplift Community Academy, World Language at Little Village, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School. Preparing for college and expecting to attend help ensure more students will graduate and go on to post secondary education.
17 ONS Schools Named to Illinois Honor Roll
The Illinois Honor Roll
celebrates the accomplishments of Illinois
public schools that are providing high quality education for all their
students. More than 83% of these schools made adequate yearly progress, each in
unique circumstances, ensuring that all students increased their academic
knowledge and skills. Congratulations to the 16 schools for working so hard for
these awards, and a special congratulation to KIPP Ascend
Charter School
for receiving both the academic improvement award and spotlight award.
The 2007 Illinois Honor Roll acknowledged 1115 schools with two awards:
- Spotlight Schools - 508 high poverty, high performing schools are beating the “achievement gap”
- Academic Improvement Awards - 607 schools show substantial gains over three years
Academic Improvement Awards (9 schools)
· ASPIRA
· Choir Academy Charter School
· Dodge Renaissance Academy
· Harvard School of Excellence
· KIPP Ascend Charter School
· National Teachers’ Academy
· Sherman School of Excellence
· Tarkington School of Excellence
· Young Women’s Leadership Charter School
Spotlight Awards (9 Schools)
· Alain Locke Charter Academy
· Betty Shabazz International Charter School
· Chicago AcademyElementary
· KIPP Ascend Charter School
· LEARN Charter School
· Passages Charter School
· University of Chicago Charter Schools
· UNO Network of Charter Schools
· Williams Elementary
6 Teachers from 4 ONS Schools Named Golden Apple Finalists
Created in 1985 to honor outstanding Chicago-area teachers, the first Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching ceremony was presented on public television as a black-tie gala spotlighting 10 teachers and showing their inspiring work in the classroom.
There now are 230 teachers who have been celebrated as Golden Apple Award winners. This year 31 finalists were selected from a total of 850 teachers from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will counties that were nominated for the award. Ten Golden Apple Award winners, selected from the 31 finalists, will be announced in mid-April.
Congratulations to Jennifer Cho (National Teachers’ Academy), Natalie Neris-Guereca (Pershing West), Esther Ohito (Pershing West), Lisa Hinton (Sherman School of Excellence), Joanna Navarro (Sherman School of Excellence), and Claudine Randolph (University of Chicago Charter School, Donoghue). ONS is proud of these teachers and all the hard work they contribute to provide high quality education to Chicago’s children. Congratulations and best of luck.
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