Press Releases School Year 2007-08

April 16, 2008
District 97 is saddened to report that former Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Jerry Malatesta has been charged by the State's Attorney's Office with financial crimes against District 97 in excess of $750,000. We have been cooperating with the State's Attorney's office since last April, when, while looking for ways to save money in the district, irregular spending patterns were noted in building maintenance. We immediately contacted our attorneys and law enforcement officials. Mr. Malatesta was placed on Administrative leave in April, 2007, pending a formal investigation, and terminated in September, 2007, based on evidence gathered.

We were directed by the State's Attorney's office not to publicize anything related to this issue so as not to jeopardize the state's investigation. Just this morning, we received word that Mr. Malatesta had turned himself in to authorities and that we could now inform our stakeholders.

Please know that we take this very seriously, and have directed our attorneys to file a civil suit to recoup our losses. We will continue to cooperate with the state's criminal prosecutors and will keep you informed as details become public.

April 9, 2008
D97 AWARDED BRIGHT RED APPLE Placing us among the top ten percent of school districts in Illinois, District 97 is one of only 91 Illinois school districts (out of 871) to be honored with the 2008 Bright Red Apple award by SchoolSearch, an educational and consulting firm that works with major companies by providing their relocating families school information. The award is based on five key factors: Academic Performance, Pupil/Teacher Ratio, Expenditure Per Pupil, Educational Level of Teachers, and Average Teacher Salary. District 97 ranked strong in all five family-favored areas. All school districts in Illinois are considered for the award and award criteria are based on objective factors found in the 2007 Illinois report card data. The award, typically given in the fall, is given now in springtime to better reflect the latest school report card data. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT GAIL CRANTZ, 524-3000

Sandy Noel honored by National Association for Sport & Physical Fitness

March 13, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Brooks-Julian Speech Teams won top honors at West 40's Speech and Drama Festival last month, bringing home ten first place ribbons and the grand prize trophy. The team was coordinated by Diane Pingle, retired District 97 teacher, and students were coached by District 97 teachers Julian coaches were Bill McGlynn, Malachy Boyle, and Bessie Kovouras. Brooks coaches were Laura LaBarbara, Antoinette Cofiel, and Pat Kowalczyk.

STUDENT NAME EVENT TITLE PLACE

Alexandra F. Humorous Monologue Getting my First Bra 1st
Kevin O. Oratorical Declamation The Composite Nation 1st
Andrew K. Humorous Presentation The No Fault Driving School 1st
Anne P. Serious Monologue Tell Tale-Heart 1st
Danielle Z. (Alexandra Frisch) Serious Poetry Stories I Ain't Told Nobody Yet 1st
Jonah Z. (Elizabeth Baca) Humorous Poetry Silverstein & Prelutsky Poetry 1st
Jack C, Alicia H Humorous Duet Out of Towners 1st

Anthony M, Elliott S, Readers' Theatre The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street 1st
Zach B, Sarah F,
Logan O, Breanne T,
Sarah F, Mariam S.

Dylan S, Assem B, Trio Presentation Arsenic and Old Lace 1st
Mahala M.

Emily L.D., Sam W., Dramatic Presentation Philadelphia Story 1st
Caroline C., Caroline P.

January 31, 2008
For Immediate Release

DISTRICT 97 ANNNOUNCES NEW KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION PROCESS

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 has modified its Kindergarten registration process this year to expedite the process for parents/guardians.  Registration for children who will be five years old by September 1, 2008 will take place at the Central Office, 970 Madison according to the following schedule

Please check the District 97 website at www.op97.org or call 524-3000 for a complete list of documents that will be accepted as proof of residency.

The Kindergarten program at Hatch, Holmes, Lincoln, and Mann will be offered in a morning or afternoon half day session for this year.  The Board of Education is hoping to approve a full day Kindergarten option, along with a half day option, at Beye, Irving, and Longfellow for this year and a full day option at Hatch, Holmes, Lincoln, and Mann for next year.  Whittier currently has a full day multiple age program for K-1 and K, 1,2. 

For more information about the registration process,
visit our website at www.op97.org or call the
registrar at 524-3000.

January 14, 2008
For Immediate Release
All Day Kindergarten Community Forum Set

The District 97 Board of Education will hold a community forum on All Day Kindergarten January 23, 7:30 - 9:30 PM at Julian Middle School. Following a presentation by guest panelists from other districts with all day K programs and District 97 staff, questions submitted by participants will be explored.

Providing an all day kindergarten option was identified as a priority in the district's recent strategic planning process. Irving, Longfellow, and Beye have been identified as sites for a first phase rollout in the fall of 2008 because they have the highest populations that qualify for free/reduced lunch, a federal guideline for determining need. Expansion to our other elementary schools would follow as soon as possible.

The D 97 administration has been researching all of the components of all day kindergarten, and preliminary discussions have taken place internally and with the District 97 Board of Education. At the forum, District 97 staff will share all of the factors that have been considered and the opportunities and challenges to address. Community input will be essential to assuring that the district is hearing the perspectives of all stakeholders and has all the information necessary to ensure a successful rollout. Parent and community comments, staffing and curriculum factors, onsite visits with other schools who have all day programs, and additional administrative research will all be considered. The administration is expected to solidify its recommendation early February.

Following an administrative recommendation, the proposal is tentatively scheduled be reviewed at the Feb 13 and 27 meetings of the District 97 Board of Education. Please note that no decision on an all day kindergarten option will be made until the board votes on an administrative proposal at its February 27 meeting.

If you cannot attend the forum but have thoughts to share or questions about all-day kindergarten, please send them to gcrantz@op97.org by January 22, 2008 at noon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT GAIL CRANTZ, 524-3004, gcrantz@op97.org

October 19, 2007
Healthier Kids the Focus of National School Lunch Week at Hatch School.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Regional Administrator Ollice Holden joined Hatch School Principal Sheila Carter, physical education teacher Sandy Noel and students for a National School Lunch Week celebration on October 15. Holden presented certificates of appreciation to Carter and Noel for their outstanding efforts to improve student nutrition and fitness. Hatch School has adopted a whole school wellness model where students hear consistent messages about nutrition and fitness throughout the day. They sample healthy foods in classroom tastings, grow vegetables in the school garden, visit local farms and restaurants, and learn about foods in world cultures. As District 97 Wellness Council Co-chair, Golden Apple-winner Noel is taking her ideas beyond Hatch and helping other Oak Park schools adopt a wellness-centered curriculum. Holden also commended District 97 for improving the nutritional quality of its school lunches. Through a new partnership with Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Foodservice Department, District 97 schools get satellited lunches with more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.

Joining in the event was Shana Hazan, coordinator of Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn’s Walk across Illinois fitness initiative. Hazan recognized Noel’s achievement in creating the new Walk across Illinois school fitness curriculum. Seven Generations Ahead executive director Gary Cuneen was also on hand to show his support for student wellness. (Seven Generations Ahead, an Oak Park-based environmental and health advocacy organization, helped Hatch start its own garden. They also sponsor healthy food tastings and other farm-to-school initiatives.) Following the presentations, Hatch students and teachers performed original raps about school lunch and nutrition, and Power Panther (USDA’s nutrition mascot) delighted the kids.

August 22, 2007
STATE GRANT DOLLARS TO PROVIDE D97 SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES TO PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OAK PARK

The District 97 Board of Education is pleased to announce that, through the efforts of State Senator Don Harmon, the district has received a one-time grant specifically earmarked for providing special education services to students attending private schools in Oak Park. 

For several years, the number of privately placed students with special needs has exceeded District 97’s proportionate share money, resulting in wait-lists for students with special needs.  This year, the additional funds will allow most of those students to receive services from District 97.

The board stresses that this is a one-time influx of grant money, and once expended, District 97 will be required to operate within the proportionate share dollars as outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education, which may cause a discontinuation of services to some students.  District 97 will continue to work cooperatively to secure additional long-term proportionate share funding and will prioritize services based on availability of funds and identified needs.

FOR MORE INOFRMATION CONTACT STEVEN CASTLE, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES, 524-3029

The District 97 Board of Education will be discussing its proposed Strategic Plan at its August 15 meeting in the Board Room at 970 Madison beginning at 8:00 PM.

The plan was developed with input from all Oak Park stakeholders and represents the highest hopes and aspirations for our schools. Once adopted, the blueprints will guide the work of the district and assure that the allocation of resources is focused on achieving our mission.

The board welcomes comments regarding the Strategic Plan. Please join us at 8:00 PM for an overview of the process and a discussion about the various components of the plan. If you are unable to attend but have thoughts to share, please email them to gcrantz@op97.org. A tentative adoption date is scheduled for August 22, with first phase implementation beginning in September. A kick-off celebration is scheduled for October, date to be announced. The plan can be accessed at www.op97.org under the Strategic Planning button.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT GAIL CRANTZ, 524-3006, gcrantz@op97.org

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO partners with Oak Park Schools on Comprehensive Dance Education Program
Contact: Jill Chukerman 773-525-3974/jchuk@rcn.com
Alison Breitman 312-850-9744, ext. 146

CHICAGO-Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC), the internationally acclaimed contemporary dance company, will partner with Oak Park District 97 to provide dance programs to five elementary schools for the 2007-08 academic year. This partnership, an expansion of the programs HSDC has been offering in the Chicago Public Schools for nearly 10 years, is supported by a $55,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
HSDC teaching artists will work with teachers and administrators at Beye, Longfellow, Mann, Irving and Whittier elementary schools in Oak Park to develop long-term, comprehensive dance education curriculum. Under the banner Movement As Partnership, HSDC will partner with the schools to establish an integrated dance program, beginning with all classrooms at one grade level.
Teachers will attend HSDC's Move Right Into Reading program, a professional development summer institute, August 20-22 at the Oak Park Public Library. Designed to strengthen the connections between arts and academics in classrooms, Move Right Into Reading will instruct the teachers in the elements of dance and the creative process; the content skills and strategies the arts teach and their relevance in the classroom; inspiring students to create, perform and reflect on works of art; and developing an understanding of how to present, structure and facilitate arts-integrated activities in the classroom. The teachers will leave the institute with several lesson plans to use in the classroom.
The Oak Park program also will provide teachers from all five schools with professional development workshops throughout the year, as well as provide each school with a 10-week in-class residency and performances by Hubbard Street 2, HSDC's second company, both in the schools and at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.
"These partnerships are dedicated to creating a deep knowledge base for dance education in each school, with committed teachers and an administrative team that understands the power of real, integrated dance instruction," said HSDC Education Director Kathryn Humphreys. "Movement As Partnership provides teaching artists and educators the opportunity to plan, teach and learn together to create exciting and meaningful integrated curriculum, which challenges students and takes learning to new levels."
Each school's dance program will serve three to four classrooms in grades 2-5, reaching approximately 80 students per school and six to eight teachers, arts specialists and administrators per school. To assist schools in meeting federal and state standards, HSDC provides arts instruction that is standards-based, sequential and sustainable as part of the core curriculum and is directly connected to state and national fine arts standards.
HSDC Professional Development Workshop by Todd Rosenburg

"HSDC's integrated approach to dance education brings students into the world of dance through a variety of explorations that actively engage them in perception, research, reflection and discussion," Humphreys explained. "Our process-based curriculum, developed in partnership with the classroom teachers involved in our programs, assists students in discerning and strengthening basic proficiencies that readily apply across the curriculum and throughout life, developing skills of analysis, abstract thinking, interpretation and problem-solving that are as relevant to studying a dance work as to analyzing a work of literature or exploring physics."

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC), under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Jim Vincent, is celebrating 30 years as one of the most original forces in contemporary dance. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire, HSDC presents performances that inspire, challenge and engage audiences worldwide. The company's ensemble of dancers displays unparalleled versatility and virtuosity, allowing HSDC to expand its eclectic repertoire continually with works by master American and international choreographers. HSDC also contributes to dance's evolution by developing new choreographic talent and collaborating with artists in music, visual art and theatre. Since Lou Conte founded the company in 1977, HSDC has expanded beyond its main company to include Hubbard Street 2, which cultivates young professional dancers and choreographers, serves as the foundation of HSDC's education initiatives and performs nationally and internationally with a diverse and engaging repertoire; extensive Education & Community Programs, under the direction of Kathryn Humphreys, which offer city- and state-accredited professional development for teachers to incorporate movement into curriculums and expose young people to dance; and the Lou Conte Dance Studio, under the direction of Lou Conte and original HSDC dancer Claire Bataille, which offers a wide variety of classes weekly in jazz, ballet, modern, tap and hip-hop at levels from basic to professional, as well as workshops and master classes.

James A. Gates Oak Park District 97 Teacher Scholarship

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation and the James A. Gates Scholarship selection committee are pleased to announce that Criselda Barrera has been selected as the recipient of the 2007 James A. Gates Oak Park District 97 Teacher Scholarship. Ms. Barrera, a teacher at Lincoln School, was selected from a field of many fine applicants who responded to the question:

How will you positively affect the futures of your students, embody a worthy role model for your colleagues, and enhance the quality and the reputation of Oak Park Elementary School District 97?

The James A. Gates Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 award directed toward offsetting an educational student loan. Eligible applicants must be a current, full-time employee of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 in his/her first or second year of teaching. The scholarship will be available again during the 2007-2008 school year.

From 1973-2006 James A. Gates was an employee of District 97. During his term of service, he was a language arts and social studies teacher and department chair, student council sponsor, boys' basketball coach, academic team leader, and served the Oak Park Teachers' Association in a number of roles including multiple terms as President. He retired in June of 2006 and established this scholarship in February of 2007.