School EXPO Offers Families Opportunity

        Nearly 4,500 parents and students attended the 3rd annual New Schools Expo, sponsored by Parents for School Choice and the Chicago Public Schools, on Saturday, Jan. 30th at Soldier Field to learn about and apply to the city’s new public charter, contract and performance schools.  Community and faith-based leaders joined parents and students in a rally to call for the creation of more quality public school options in the city’s underserved communities.  Speakers at the rally included: Gov. Quinn, Mayor Daley, and CEO of Chicago Public Schools Ron Huberman, among others.  “The tremendous interest in the EXPO demonstrates there is a strong need for more quality options in Chicago,” Kim Davis-Ambrose, a parent of a junior at one of the new high schools and a member of Parents for School Choice.

Our Lady of Tepeyac High School Succeeds

        Members of Our Lady of Tepeyac High School, Class of 2009, were offered admission to forty colleges and universities.  Scholarships and grant awards topped one million dollars.  So far, students have been invited to attend 27 colleges and universities.  Colleges & universities such as: University of Illinois, Dominican, St. Francis, Marquette, Valparaiso, DePaul and Hofstra.  Tepeyac’s College Readiness Program works year round to prepare students for their next steps after graduation. Throughout high school, students are encouraged to explore options for post secondary education.
In addition to locating the best college choices, the College Readiness staff also works diligently to locate and apply for financial aid, scholarships and grants.  Our Lady of Tepeyac High School is located at 2228 S. Whipple St.  For additional information, contact Jackie Monte at 773-522-0023 ext. 206. 

Rush Medical Center Donates to Local School

       Rush University Medical Center is teaming up with the Chicago Bulls and ComEd to host a virtual book drive through Feb. 18th that aims to supply hundreds of math and science books to be donated to Hefferan Elementary School.  Located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, Hefferan Elementary School is a member of the Science and Math Excellent (SAME) Network, a large-scale community service enterprise operated by the Department of Community Affairs at Rush University Medical Center.  The program was developed in response to the low science, math, and reading test scores in Chicago schools.  To donate to the Virtual Book drive, visit www.nba.com/bulls/community.

St. Augustine College Signs Articulation Agreement With North Park University

       Continuing the tradition of expanding educational opportunities for its students, St. Augustine College’s Department of Business has signed an articulation agreement with North Park University’s School of Adult Learning. This partnership will allow students who complete an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree at St. Augustine College to transfer their completed course credits to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree through North Park University’s School of Adult Learning. North Park will also provide St. Augustine graduates a 25 percent tuition discount for the duration of their attendance in the School of Adult learning. “We are pleased to partner with North Park University to provide our students another pathway that leads to an advanced degree with a well respected institution,” stated Andrew Sund, President of St. Augustine College. The agreement includes other areas of cooperation. St. Augustine will provide space and technical support for North Park to offer bridge classes and advising to St. Augustine and North Park students. Both institutions will pursue shared faculty and staff developments opportunities where appropriate.

Boost Your Job Skill

       In this current market, the job hunt will take longer than usual, so take advantage to improve or change your career path.  Enroll in classes that will expand or sharpen your current skills.  Computer classes, such as, keyboarding, MSWord, Excel, Access (database) are no longer “optional” in the job market, it’s required.  Leadership, management, sales, and customer service trainings are helpful as well.  For more information on how you can update your skills, visit the National Latino Education Institute (NLEI), located on 2011 W. Pershing Rd., at www.nlei.org. Or call 773-247-0707, ext. 255 or 256.

How to Choose a Quality Education
By: Ashmar Mandou

        With hundreds of diverse schools implementing their own philosophy of teaching, it can prove difficult for a parent to decide which school better suits their child’s needs and personality.  “It is very easy for the parent to become overwhelmed with so many options,” said Valia Soto, principal designate of Erie Elementary Charter School.  “We make sure to give parents as much information to help them through the decision making process.”  Erie Elementary Charter School is just one of more than 85 schools participating at the 3rd Annual New Schools Expo, presented by the Chicago Public Schools and Parents for School Choice. 

        Amid the dire statistics of only 45 percent of Chicago Public School students graduating from high school and only three of every 100 African-American and Latino males earning a college degree, the Expo brings a personalized approach on educating parents about the fundamental steps for greater success.  As a parent’s one-stop shop for researching schools, the expo provides parents with an opportunity to interact with various schools and learn about their engaging menu of after-school programs and rigorous academics that will help shape their child’s development.  “It is extremely important that parents come to this expo prepared,” said Amy Torres, principal of Chicago International Charter School at the Irving Park Campus, and another participant of the expo.  “In order for them to really narrow down their search, they should come to the expo asking specific questions.  They should come in having somewhat of an idea of where they would like to see their child succeed.”  With that in mind, Soto and Torres offered parents tips on how to break down which schools better suits their child. 

Tips for Parents

My number one recommendation for parents is to visit the school during the day so you can get a feel and a real sense of the culture and climate of the school.  It’s important to see the kids and teachers in action.  –Soto

Ask about the student to teacher ratio and classroom size. –Soto

Are you looking for schools with longer school days. –Torres

Look at programs that can differentiate between the needs of the child such as, special education programs. –Torres

Although academic learning is an important component, you may also want to look at what after-school activities are embedded within the school such as, the arts, and music programs.  You want to make sure the schools provide more than just the traditional curriculum. –Soto

Collect as much information on the schools.  Go home and compare your options and make a short list of the three top schools and visit them. –Torres

        Expo visitors will have the chance to meet the leaders of these schools, to apply for new schools on-site, and attend educational workshops on topics such as, school safety and what makes a quality school, and more.  The expo will take place this Saturday, Jan. 30th at Soldier Field, 1410 S. South Museum Campus Dr. from 9:30am to 2pm.  Admission and parking are free.  If you have questions, visit www.parentsforschoolchoice.org. 

State Board of Education Chairman to Serve on National Panel

        The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) announced that Jesse Ruiz of Chicago, IL, who is Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education, has been chosen to serve on the NASBE Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), the entity responsible for developing federal policy recommendations and communicating with Congress and federal officials about the education reform priorities of state boards of education.  In its efforts to affect national education policymaking, NASBE works to ensure that it represents the views of its members to the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as well as to associations representing governors, state legislators, school administrators, principals, local school boards, teachers, and parents.

             As a member of the 20-member panel, Mr. Ruiz will meet with other state education leaders, national policymakers, federal lawmakers, and education reform experts during a series of meetings, events and communications during the course of this year to share their state’s experiences and perspective, analyze federal education initiatives, promote state board of education priorities, and serve as a state education resource to congressional offices and staff.

USHLI Offers Discounts to Students

        Friday, Jan. 29th is the last day to qualify for USHLI’s discounted rates for conference registration.  The 28th USHLI National Conference will be held Feb. 17th through 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, located at 301E. North Water St.  The conference will feature standing-ovation quality speakers, nationally prominent presenters at workshops and forums, networking opportunities, and a Latino theatre presentation, and much more.  For rates, visit www.ushli.org.

Choosing the Right School for Your Child

        Families from across the city that are looking for a new Chicago public school are invited to attend the 3rd Annual NEW SCHOOLS EXPO, presented by Parents for School Choice and the Chicago Public Schools, on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Soldier Field (indoors & heated), Gate 6.  The free EXPO will showcase campuses of new elementary and high schools, including charter schools.  Guests to the EXPO will have the chance to meet with new school leaders and begin to apply to new schools on-site.  They will be able to attend workshops on a variety of topics, including: What Makes a Quality School, How to Choose a School, Parent Engagement Before and After Enrollment, Serving Students with Special Needs, and much more.  To get more information about the city’s new public school options or Parents for School Choice, call 1-888-7-MYCHOICE or go online to www.parentsforschoolchoice.org.

State-of-the-Art High School Brings Hope for Low Income Families

        Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School (CtK), the first Catholic school to be built on Chicago’s West Side in 85 years, welcomed 160 freshmen and sophomores back from winter Break with a belated Christmas present--a 100,000 square foot, $28 million state-of-the-art school building.  More than 800 individuals and special guests participated in a special Building Dedication and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration.  Construction on the new school building, located at 5088 W. Jackson Boulevard in the Austin neighborhood, began in June 2008.  As Cristo Rey model Jesuit high school, CtK provides an affordable, private school alternative through an innovative work-study program.  Students earn 75 percent of their tuition through jobs at Chicago-area companies such as hospitals, banks and law firms.  CtK is open to students from all backgrounds:  90 percent of the students are not Catholic and 75 percent qualify for reduced and free school lunch.  For more information about CtK, visit www.ctkjesuit.org. 

College Illinois Program to Host Open House

        The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state agency whose mission is to make college accessible and affordable for all Illinois students, will host a College Illinois!® 529 Prepaid Tuition Program Open House from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, at 1755 Lake Cook Road in Deerfield, Illinois.  During the open house, parents can get general information about the program or meet one-on-one with a representative to learn how the College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program can help them avoid tuition inflation and achieve their financial goals related to ensuring their children’s college education.  Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.  However, space is limited for the one-on-one sessions.  To schedule a one-on-one appointment, email 529info@isac.org.  For more information, call 877-877-9724.

New Opportunity for Art Students

       The Illinois Arts Council is pleased to announce the new Individual Artist Support (IAS) initiative. Funds will help Illinois artists realize career goals, take advantage of professional opportunities, and/or produce projects or bodies of work for public viewing.  Due to a steep reduction in the Illinois Arts Council budget for fiscal year 2010, several grant programs have been suspended temporarily.  The Individual Artist Support (IAS) initiative was developed to bridge the gap, and represents the Arts Council’s commitment to continuing to support the work of individual artists.  The deadline for applications is Monday, February 1, 2010.  For more information, visit http://www.state.il.us/agency/iac/Guidelines/IASI/includes/grant.htm.  Please email Encarnacion Teruel at encarnacion.teruel@illinois.gov with any questions. 

Online Degree Completion Program Helps Dropouts

       An online program developed by The University of Texas at El Paso will help people who have dropped out of college complete their degrees without having to attend class on campus.  The new online bachelor of multidisciplinary studies (BMS), created through UTEP’s University College, is a customized degree plan for students who have accumulated college credits but do not fit into a particular curriculum.  UTEP’s online BMS degree launches spring 2010. Registration is now open.  It provides flexibility, but it will not be self-paced. Officials also stressed that the online curriculum will be as academically challenging as the face-to-face courses.  For more information, call Julio Rogers, (915) 747-5742.

Cómo Escoger una Educación de Calidad
Por: Ashmar Mandou

        Con cientos de escuelas diversas implementando su propia filosofía de enseñanza, puede ser difícil para un padre decidir cual escuela se ajusta mejor a las necesidades y a la personalidad de su hijo. “Es muy fácil para un padre sentirse abrumado con tantas opciones”, dijo Valia Soto, directora designada de la Escuela Incorporada Erie Elementary. “Nos aseguramos de dar a los padres la mayor información posible, para ayudarles a tomar una decisión”, dijo. La Escuela Incorporada Erie Elementary es solo una de más de 85 escuelas que participan en la 3a. Exposición Anual de Nuevas Escuelas, presentada por las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago y Parents for School Choice.

       De acuerdo a las estadísticas, solo el 45 por ciento de estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago se gradúan de secundaria y solo tres de cada 100 estudiantes varones afroamericanos y latinos logran un diploma de colegio. La exposición presenta a cada padre, un enlace personalizado sobre los pasos fundamentales para un mayor éxito. La exposición ofrece a los padres la oportunidad de interactuar con varias escuelas y conocer su menú de programas para después de la escuela y un riguroso plan académico que ayudará a delinear el desarrollo de su hijo. “Es sumamente importante que los padres vengan preparados a la exposición”, dijo Amy Torres, directora de la Escuela Incorporada Chicago International en el Campo de Irving Park y participante también, de la exposición. “Para que puedan realmente sacar provecho de su investigación deben venir a la exposición y hacer preguntas específicas. Deben tener una idea de en donde les gustaría que su hijo triunfe”. Con eso en mente, Soto y Torres ofrecieron a los padres algunos consejos sobre como seleccionar una mejor escuela para sus hijos.

Consejo a los Padres

Mi primera recomendación a los padres es que visiten la escuela durante el día para poder darse cuenta del ambiente y la cultura de la escuela. Es importante ver a los niños y a los maestros en acción . –Soto.

Pregunte sobre la proporción de estudiante a maestro y el tamaño del salón de clases. –Soto

¿Busca escuelas con días escolares más largos? –Torres

Mire programas que puedan hacer una diferencia entre las necesidades del niño, como programas de educación especial. –Torres

Aunque el aprendizaje académico es un coomponente importante, tal vez deba también considerar que las actividades para después de la escuela estén incluídas dentro de la escuela, como los programas de música y arte. Debe asegurarse que las escuelas ofrezcan más que el currículo tradicional. –Soto.

Reúna toda la información que pueda sobre las escuelas. Vaya a casa y compare sus opciones y haga una lista corta de las tres mejores escuelas y visítelas. –Torres

       Los visitantes a la exposición tendrán la oportunidad de conocer a los líderes de estas escuelas, hacer una solicitud para las nuevas escuelas y asistir a un taller educativo sobre temas como seguridad escolar y que hace de una escuela una escuela de calidad y más. La exposición tendrá lugar el sábado, 30 de enero, en el Soldier Field, 1410 S. South Museum Campus Dr., de 9:30 a.m. a 2 p.m. La admisión y el estacionamiento son gratis. Si tiene alguna pregunta, visite www.parentsforschoolchoice.org.

Presidente de la Junta de Educación Estatal en un Panel Nacional

        La Asociación Nacional de Juntas de Educación del Estado (NASBE) anunció que Jesse Ruíz, de Chicago, Il., Director de la Junta de Educación Estatal de Illinois, ha sido seleccionado para servir en el Comité de Asuntos Gubernamentales (GAC) de NASBE, entidad responsible de desarrollar recomendaciones de regulacioines federales y comunicarse con oficiales federales y del Congreso sobre las prioridades de reforma educativa de las juntas de educación estatales. En sus esfuerzos por afectar las regulaciones educativas, NASBE lucha por garantizar que representa los puntos de vista de sus miembros en las ramas ejecutiva y legislativas del gobierno federal, así como a asociaciones que representan gobernadores, legisladores del estado, administradores escolares, directores, juntas escolares locales, maestros y padres.

USHLI Ofrece Descuentos a los Estudiantes

        El viernes, 29 de enero, es el último día para calificar para las tarifas de descuento de USHLI para la inscripción a la conferencia. La Conferencia Nacional No. 28 de USHLI será del 17 al 20 de febrero en el Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, localizado en el 301 E. North Water St. La conferencia ofrecerá una ovación en pie a los oradores calificados, presentadores conocidos a nivel nacional en talleres y foros, oportunidades de relaciones y la presentación de un teatro latino y mucho más. Para precios, visitar www.ushli.org.

Cómo Escoger la Escuela Apropiada para su Hijo

        Las familias de la ciudad, que están buscando una nueva escuela pública de Chicago, están invitadas a asistir a la tercera exposición NEW SCHOOLS EXPO, presentada por Parents for School Choice y las ecuelas Públicas de Chicago, el sábado, 30 de enero del 2010, en el Soldier Field (interior & con calefacción), Puerta 6. La EXPO gratis presentará los campos de nuestas escuelas elementales y secundarias, incluyendo escuelas incorporadas (charter). Los asistentes a la exposición tendrán la oportunidad de conocer nuevos líderes escolares y comenzar su proceso de solicitud ahí mismo. Podrán asistir a talleres sobre una gran variedad de temas, incluyendo: Que Hace a una Escuela de Calidad, Como Seleccionar una Escuela, Compromiso de los padres Antes y Después de la Inscripción, Servicio a Estudiantes con Necesidades Especiales y mucho más. Para más información sobre las nuevas opciones de las escuelas públicas de la ciudad o Parents for School Choice, llamar al 1-888-7-MYCHOICE o visitar www.parentsforschoolchoice.org.

Moderna Secundaria Lleva Esperanza a Familias de Bajos Ingresos

        La Escuela Jesuita Preparatoria de Colegio Cristo Rey (CtK), primera iglesia católica construida en el Sector Oeste de Chicago en 85 años, recibió a 160 estudiantes de 9º y 10º año de secundaria al regreso de sus vacaciones de invierno, con un regalo tardío de navidad – un moderno edificio escolar de 100,000 pies cuadrados y $28 millones de costo. Más de 800 personas e invitados especiales participaron en la Dedicación especial del Edificio y la Celebración del Día de Martin Luther King, Jr. La construcción del nuevo edificio escolar, localizado en 5088 W. Jackson Boulevard en el barrio de Austin, comenzó en junio del 2008. A ejemplo de Cristo Rey, la secundaria Jesuita, CtK ofrece una alternativa económica a la escuela privada, por medio de un novedoso programa de estudio-trabajo. Los estudiantes ganan el 75 por ciento de su colegiatura por medio de empleos en compañías del área de Chicago, como hospitales, bancos y firmas legales. CtK está abierto a estudiantes de toda procedencia: 90 por ciento de los estudiantes no son católicos y el 75 por ciento califican para almuerzo escolar gratis o a precio reducido. Para más información sobre CtK, visitar www.ctkjesuit.org. 

Casa Abierta del Programa College Illinois

        La Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de Illinois, agencia cuya misión es poner el colegio accesible y pagable a todos los estudiantes de Illinois, ofrecerá una Casa Abierta para el Programa de Colegiatura Prepagada College Illinois!® 529, de 5 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. el martes, 19 de enero, en el 1755 Lake Cook Road en Deerfield, Illinois. Durante la casa abierta, los padres pueden recibir información general sobre el programa o conocer, uno a uno a los representantes, para saber como el Programa de Colegiatura Prepagada College Illinois!® puede ayudarles a evitar la inflación de la colegiatura y lograr sus metas financieras relacionadas con la educación de colegio de sus hijos. Se aconseja la inscripción, pero puede llegar sin ella. Sin embargo, el espacio es limitado para las sesiones de uno en uno. Para hacer una cita de uno en uno, comunicarse vía e-mail a 529info@isac.org. Para más información, llamar al 877-877-9724.

Nueva Oportunidad para Estudiantes de Arte

       El Concilio de Arte de Illinois se complace en anunciar la nueva iniciativa Apoyo al Artista Particular (Individual Artist Support) (IAS). Los fondos ayudarán a los artistas de Illinois a realizar sus metas de carreras, aprovechar las oportunidades profesionales y/o producir proyectos o cuerpos de trabajo para el público. Debido a una fuerte reducción en el presupuesto del Concilio de Artes de Illinois para el año fiscal 2010, varios programas de subsidio han sido suspendidos temporalmente. La iniciativa Apoyo al Artista Particular fue desarrollada para cerrar la brecha y representar el compromiso del Concilio de Arte de continuar apoyando el trabajo de los artistas particulares. La fecha límite para hacer su solicitud es el lunes, 1º de febrero del 2010. Para más información, visitar http://www.state.il.us/agency/iac/Guidelines/IASI/includes/grant.htm. Escribir a Encarnación Teruel a encarnacion.teruesl@illinois.gov si tiene alguna pregunta.

Programa de Grados en Línea Ayuda a la Deserción

       El programa en línea desarrollado por la Universidad de Texas en El Paso, ayudará a las personas que han desertado del colegio, a completar sus grados sin tener que asistir a clase en el campo escolar. Los nuevos estudios de bachillerato de estudios multidisciplinarios en línea (BMS), creados a través del Colegio de la Universidad UTEP, es un plan de grados hecho a la medida para estudiantes que tienen créditos de colegio acumulados, pero que no encajan en ningún plan de estudios en particular. El programa en línea de UTEP para grados BMS empieza en la primavera del 2010. La inscripción está abierta ahora. Ofrece flexibilidad, pero el estudiante debe ajustarse a los estudios. Los oficiales enfatizaron también que el plan de estudios en línea será tan elaborado como los cursos frente a frente. Para más información, llamar a Julio Rogers al (915) 747-5742.