Educational and School Resources

A service of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Schools Committee and the Conference website, www.hydepark.org.
Join the Conference, help support our work.
Join the Schools Committee- co- chairmen Homer Ashby and Nancy Baum

To Page index. Public and private schools are in Schools Directory (Schools on left bar). Here: Preschools, tutoring, resources, higher education.
Shortcut to Search Institute Promise study of how American youth are doing and the 40 assets they need to acquire.

Pages related to this page, in addition to links from the left.

HPKCC Youth Programs Database spring 2008: http://www.hydepark.org/schools
After School, other Kids offerings expanded
Schools Directory
News of and from Schools
Test Scores and School Rankings page- including IllinoisReportCard links
 Renaissance 2010 Plan discussion
Kenwood Academy
Canter Middle School
University of Chicago schools initiatives, resources and research results
Note: Charter school discussion is in UC and Schools.
Chicago Academic Games League
Help Line-children
To hydepark.org's directory of Calendars and Directories

Chicago Public Schools website (cps.k12.il.us)

Watch for the Hyde Park Herald comprehensive back to school pull outs, spring and fall.

Here:

About education, meetings, classes, workshops, resource bases etc.

The HPKCC Schools Committee meets May 18, 7 pm at United Church, 1448 E.53rd (use Blackstone entrance). A major focus for the school year 2008-2009 is on grants and other resources for schools and developing a network between schools and program providers.
See our Youth Programs Databases.

CPS provides directories giving trends, scores over 3 years and more for each school. That for the lower grades is "CPS Elementary and Pre-K Scorecard Directory."

Visit Civic Knowledge Project for a manual on how to make a school garden, and principles for same. rschultz@uchicago.edu.

Visit the following for advice on children facing summer school or "not passing". http://pureparents.org/index.php?blog/show/Help_for_parents

_______________________

EDUCATOR AND STUDENT EVENTS

This spring University of Chicago Professor Adam Green will be
offering a course for K-12 teachers on "Teaching the History
of Black Chicago." Please see the attached course description
for more details on the course. This course is sponsored by
the Carter G.Woodson Institute--A Project of the Urban
Education Institute at the University of Chicago that provides
professional development opportunities for local teachers. CPDU's will be available for participation in the course.
The course will meet for 6 sessions, on Thursday evenings, 5-7
p.m.; starting April 30th and ending on June 11th. There will
be one rescheduled meeting, on Wednesday, May 6th, from 5 to 7
p.m, instead of Thurs. May 7th. The course will meet on the
University of Chicago campus, room TBA.
Any teachers, or others working with youth, who are interested
should complete the brief application form attached by Friday,
April 24th. Please return the application form as an email
attachment to Kafi Moragne, kafi@uchicago.edu or fax it to her
attention at 773-702-0874.
Please pass this on to others who might be interested!

Best,

Elizabeth Todd
etodd@uchicago.edu
Carter G. Woodson Institute

The University of Chicago's Civic Knowledge Project affords a number of free and highly practical opportunities for Chicago Public Schools to develop programs and resources recommended by the CPS Environmental Action Plan. The CKP opportunities include: 1. Free, hands-on workshops (for parents and teachers) on site at your school on Sustainable Savings: How Going Green Can Save Your Soul and Your Money; 2. Tree In tours to help your school learn about and appreciate the ecological role of the trees in your neighborhood; 3. School garden consultations, offering user-friendly, step by step help planning your school garden and networking connections to relevant experts at the University of Chicago; 4. Creative ideas for getting your school Green Club going and making its activities relevant to many different areas of the curriculum--e.g. by hosting an Enviro-Bike Club, or an Environmental Advocacy public speaking program. Please visit the CKP's Partnering for a Sustainable Chicago network at http://civicknowledge.uchicago.edu/sustainability.shtml for more information about our various programs and activities. We make the humanities real!

NEW: Curriculum and Resources Posted – Free for download!
Climate Change: Biological and Social Implications

Don't neglect your public library.

Materials from the 2008 Summer Teacher Institute
Download a Full Curriculum Unit (printable daily lesson plans and answer keys) based on the information presented at the June 23-25, 2008 University of Chicago Summer Teacher Institute on Climate Change. You can also view and download Climate Change Readings, Resources, and Videos of the Institute Speakers' Presentations. You are encouraged to use these materials in the classroom and for further curriculum development. http://cisoutreach.createsend1.com/t/r/l/jlrhh/blingty/n, http://cisoutreach.createsend1.com/t/r/l/jlrhh/blingty/b.

Greening Your School Workshops
Download resources presented at the September and October Greening Your School workshops. On September 26th and October 24th, 2008, more than 85 Chicago area educators and administrators attended the Greening Your School workshops organized by the University of Chicago's Program on the Global Environment and Sustainability Council . Suzanne Carlson, Environmental Program Manager in the Office of the CEO for Chicago Public Schools, and Bart Schultz, Director of the Civic Knowledge Project – Sustainability Partners Network, were just two of the presenters who addressed topics ranging from "What Defines a Model Green School" and "What the University of Chicago and CPS are Doing to be Sustainable". Participants left with a greater understanding of what it means to be a sustainable school, as well as with the tools to help promote green lifestyles more comprehensively to their students.
http://cisoutreach.createsend1.com/t/r/l/jlrhh/blingty/c
http://cisoutreach.createsend1.com/t/r/l/jlrhh/blingty/m
http://cisoutreach.createsend1.com/t/r/l/jlrhh/blingty/x

JOIN UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO GEOPHYSICIST PAMELA MARTIN FOR THE NEW 2009 UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO TEACHER’S WORKSHOPS

About the Program:

Intensive summer credit and noncredit science courses designed especially for middle and high school educators that allow you to

Earn University of Chicago graduate credit, Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) and Lane Credit
Enhance the content of your lessons with cutting edge research not yet found in textbooks
Study on campus with leading University of Chicago faculty
Recharge your intellectual batteries
Take part in the world’s largest science celebration, Science Chicago: Life’s a Lab
Receive Tuition scholarships (available for Chicago Public School educators)
About the Instructor:

Professor Pamela Martin is a rising star in the University of Chicago Department of Geophysical Sciences and an expert on the science of reconstructing past climate change and the impact of food choices on climate change. She has recently been named an advisory board member of the Center for Biological Diversity’s newly formed Climate Law Institute. For more background on Professor Martin, see

http://experts.uchicago.edu/experts.php?id=511

http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/090402/martin.shtml

http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/060511/veggie.shtml

Note: Both of the Teacher’s Workshops described below will be designed to help secondary school science and environmental science teachers stay ahead of the textbooks and bring cutting-edge science into their classrooms. Representatives from the University of Chicago’s Laboratory Schools or Charter Schools will be on hand to help teachers turn the workshop materials into practical lesson plans and classroom activities!

SOME TUITION SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE! For more information, contact either Kari Stachura, at kstachura@uchicago.edu or Bart Schultz, at rschultz@uchicago.edu , or call 773-702-1722.

WORKSHOP 1:

The Planetary Footprint of Food Production Teacher Workshop July 27th-31st, Hinds Geophysical Sciences Building, 57-- S. Ellis Ave. 9:30 am-12:30 pm, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

Please alert all of your educator friends to this wonderful opportunity: https://grahamschool.uchicago.edu/php/teachersworkshop/ for information and how to register. Pam Martin is a terrific colleague here at the U of C, and this is a rare opportunity to study with her and earn a quarter’s worth of credit in just one week!

This hands-on science course explores climate change and sustainability by examining the environmental footprint of food production. The day will begin with a lecture in the morning, sometimes followed by an in-class activity. After a break for lunch, participants will spend afternoons performing in-class and group activities to investigate a wide range of relevant issues: for example, the energy dynamics involved in large-scale industrial production of meat, grains, fruits and vegetables; land use and diet choices; geochemical flows into and out of agricultural systems; the environmental impact of large-scale food distribution; and, urban agriculture. Because of the importance of climate change to the issues, we will devote some of our time to discussing the climate system. Activities will allow participants to focus specifically on the relationship between food production, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Looking at the Chicago area as a local case study, participants will then also compare industrial and sustainable models of agriculture using metrics of energetic efficiency and greenhouse gas impact. The class shows how science can be used to inform policy, and the course material is inter-disciplinary.

WORKSHOP 2:

Nature's Climate Archives

August 17th-21st, Hinds Geophysical Sciences Building 9:30 am-12:30 pm, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

What do we know about the Earth’s past climate variability? How do we know the Earth’s climate has changed? Paleoclimatology is the study of past climate change. Paleoclimatologists use many different sources to glean information about the Earth’s past climate. This hands-on science course explores the natural climate system and the records of past climate change naturally recorded in deep sea sediments, lake sediments, ice cores and tree rings. Teachers participating in the workshop will learn how environmental information is recorded by and extracted from these climate archives. The class will integrate lectures and activities. Lectures will cover the history of climate change since the time of the dinosaurs and the drivers of past climate change, with a particular focus on the ice ages. We will discuss how the records of past climate change are used to evaluate modern climate change. Activities will include a virtual tour through the ocean basins, preparing and sorting through microfossils from deep sea sediments, and computer related activities, such as exploring past and present climate data from on-line databases. Participants also learn how to obtain ocean sediment samples for use in their own classroom, how to prepare the samples for examination, and learn what types of information can be obtained from various components of the sediment sample. Participants will leave the course with an ocean sediment sample that can be used in their own classroom. Teachers participating in the workshop will be able to sign out materials for their own classes during the school year.

OUR CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED! PLEASE CONTACT US WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE WORKSHOP IN WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED!

________

Chicago Freedom School. 719 S. State St. 3N 60615, 312 435-1201. Learn the past and how to work and fight for what you believe in. Includds summer classes and internships for freshmen-juniors (appl. due by May 1-It can be downloaded or completed online at: http://chicagofreedomschool.org/initiatives/youth-leadership-development ). Contact hilda@chicagofreedomschool.org,

Library and school management online firms include http://www.emc2Library.com.



Area demographics (2000 census. May run from north of 47th. From Chicago Public Library)

Service Area Population: 50,084

Ethnic Grouping (1990 Census)
African American 53.3%
White 37.8%
Hispanic 2.4%
Asian American 6.1%
Native American 0.2%
Other 0.3%

Age distribution (1990 Census)
0-17 years 19.6%
18-34 years 33.8%
35-64 years 33.1%
65+ 13.5%

Average School Years Completed: 12.8
Schools Served: Elementary: 17
High School: 4
Shared with other branches: 1

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Our Resource happenings

On the 23rd of September, the HPKCC Schools Committee hosted a Networking Dinner for nearly forty neighborhood school principals and chairpersons of Local School Councils in the Canter Middle School gymnasium. This was an important occasion because neighborhood schools heard from consultant Sheila Wesonga about ways to look for and apply for grants to augment school programs and also how to craft the proposal to give it maximum weight. According to Ms. Wesonga, there are 6 steps to successful grant writing: planning, researching, organizing, writing, submitting and follow-up. Follow-up is often forgotten and can be crucial to the success of future grant writing events. She coined the phrase “Unity amongst the community!” In order to successfully educate a child, says Ms. Wesonga, the school, parent and community MUST work together. “We must unite and use all of our uniquely special skills to have a positive impact on the child.” She advised would-be grant writers to Google “Grants” and numerous opportunities would appear on the screen. To contact Sheila for further information call 312-493-1065 or e-mail her at shwesonga@yahoo.com.

 

________________________________________

Here are some South Side providers that were at a South Side Parents fair on Enrichment and Summer programs for kids in March 2007.

Donoghue Campus - University of Chicago Charter School
707 East 37th Street, Chicago, IL 60607 Some of the Participating Vendors: Ancona School
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
Cambridge School
Camp Kupugani
Chicago Park District
Enso Yoga and Martial Arts Studio
ETA Creative Arts
Gymboree – South Loop
Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
Joan's Studio for Performing Arts
Lil’ Kickers Soccer
Little Black Pearl
Looking Glass Education Camp on the Lake
Marsha's Music Together
Merit School of Music
Music Teachers of Hyde Park
Negro League Baseball Academy
One on One Basketball, Inc.
Russell Talbert Dance Studio
SCORE! Educational Centers
Sherwood Conservatory of Music
South Side YMCA

South Side Parents (SSP) is a not-for-profit organization that connects parents and their young children to other South Side families and organizations striving for access to educational and enrichment program excellence. We are a support group for our members who have an interest in, live or work on the South Side of Chicago. All activities and events are lead by our team of dedicated volunteers.

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Higher education in Hyde Park and beyond
College / University

There are also many books on apply for college and win a share of the scholarship money that goes begging.
One that walks one through the life-approach and skills needed is Anthony Moore's Scholarship Rich:
Get paid (not played) to go to college! Scholarshiprich.com. 773 636-4505.

Check also with Gear Up Chicago, related to UC CUIP program: http://www.gearupchicago.org, cuip.uchicago.edu/schools/gearup/chicago/resources (.htm?)

Office of the City Clerk of Chicago with the Tax Assistance Program offers one-on-one training on Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and College Illinois! 529 Tuition Program. Every Tuesday evening 5:30-7:30 January 29 2008- April8 (no appointment). 121 N. La Salle Room 107.312 466-0771, www.taxassistance.org.

Jobs and learning/growing opportunities outside the classroom:

HPKCC's Youth Programs Database- http://www.hydepark.org/schools
Expanded and topical HPKCC After School programs and providers database-
Project Exploration's nationwide and local opportunities in Discover Your Summer (book form or online at http://www.projectexploration.org/dys.htm
Black Excel KidSmart Summer Jobs database at http://www.blackexcel.org
CUIP Chicago University Internet Project: cuip.uchicago.edu/schools/gearup/chicago/resources (.htm?)
Gear Up Chicago- http://www.gearupchicago.org
Chicago Park District- http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Chicago Public Schools- http://www.cps.k12.il.us
City of Chicago- http://www.cityofchicago.org
Visit our Helpline and Government Services and Resources pages.

Divinity Schools (more in Religious Organizations resource directory)

Tutoring, after/'tween/summer schooling (More in Community Support Resources). Formal schools--see Schools Directory and After School and other Kids offerings.
KidStart--see in Help Line page/Children.

Most schools as well as parks with fieldhouses have afterschool and day0ff from school programs that include tutoring, some schools have mandated on-site or web tutoring under "No child left behind."

Some online tutoring providers: There are many commercial tutoring companies (may be expensive) including Education Solutions, Huntington, Kumon (which has a local school at United Church of Hyde Park), Kaplan, Princeton, Sylvan, and web based such as Brainfuse and Tutorial School http://www.tutorialschool.com .)
Academic Approach provides ACT test preparation as well as English and vocabulary building courses for freshmen, sophomores and more courses. Seems to be user friendly.
There are many online/in home programs now, such as ClubZ. www.clubztutoring.com, 708-534-3981.
Google Tutoring and Literacy Resources: Publications. Live online: http://www.GrowingStars.com and many more.

Most schools as well as parks with field houses have after school and day-0ff from school programs that include tutoring, and some schools have mandated on-site or web tutoring under "No child left behind." There are many commercial tutoring companies including Education Solutions, Huntington, Kumon, Kaplan, Princeton, Sylvan, and web based such as Brainfuse.) Tutoring is a major initiative of the Blue Gargoyle,
To Chicago Public Schools Office of Afterschool Programs, CPS Student Zone: http://zone.cps.k12.il.us/, (see below) Education Station and Homework Mastery Center,
http://www.tutormentorconnection.org. Schools post-homework, notices etc. are in CPS' School Notes. More on online tutoring a bit further down.

http://www.elitehometutoring.com Free Tutors Help, Inc. links to 14 free home tutoring websites, from subjects to ranking and admissions tests.

www.PsatTutors.com
www.SatTestTutors.com
www.GreTutorsHelp.com
www.ToeflTutors.com
www.CahseeTutors.com
www.IseeTutors.com
www.SsatTutorsHelp.com
www.GmatTutorsHelp.com
www.SatSubjectTestTutors.com
www.ChspeTutors.com
www.AsvabTutors.com
www.GedTutors.com
www.ActTutors.com
www.HsptTutors.com

Look for more private tutors or tutoring services at http://www.WyzAnt.com and similar sites on search engines.

To Chicago Public Schools Office of Afterschool Programs, CPS Student Zone: http://zone.cps.k12.il.us/,
www.tutormentorconnection.org. Schools post homework, notices etc. in CPS' School Notes.

In addition, The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, the Hyde Park Art Center, Blackstone Library offer classes including day-off-from-school programs. For such and general cultural classes check the Cultural Resources Page or the Cultural Calendar. Ask local churches and synagogues also. See also the Recreation and Fitness Resources Directory, Nichols Park Gym.

Don't ignore the many resources of the University of Chicago, including online such as CUIP. Details in the UC and Schools Page and the sections of the Afterschool page. All this is part of a larger panoply: South Side Scribblers targeted to Englewood and other struggling communities, American Investment Fellows (high schoolers learning to invest!), Civic Knowledge (Odyssey, Neighborhood Writing Alliance for disadvantaged adults esp. in Hyde Park area, SPLASH-CASCADE), SmARTkids, Career Pathways Initiative jobs and training for Woodlawn, Neighbors-Law School tutoring program esp. for Hyde Park high schoolers.

University of Chicago's Center for Infant Studies seeks participants (0-5 years) for research on cognitive development and language acquisition. Play games and find out what children are thinking. Older and younger siblings welcome. 773 702-2246.

SAT PSAT etc. prep courses. Such services are said by research to be a mixed bag-- the key benefit is getting practice, not necessarily content!In addition to such nationwide companies as Kaplan, or smaller web-bases such as PrepMe.com (by U of C alumni), there are small tutorial groups such as:

Alumni in Public Schools, other UC initiatives- see in U C and Schools.

Major Hyde Park and some Mid South Tutoring and similar programs. Visit also AfterSchool expanded database- tutoring and academics section. Actual schools including preschools are in Schools Directory.

  • The Baby Ph.D. Childcare Network. Sarah Diwan. 5411 S. Dorchester, 60615. http://www.babyphd.com, info@babyphd.com. Director Sarah Diwan, Ph.D 773 256-0955, sarah@babyphd.com. Project Assistant William Hill, info@babyphd.com. Mentor Teacher Sara Davis, BA, c/o babyphdnetwork@gmail.com. A centrally coordinated network of Professional Home ("PhD") Daycares and nannies dedicated to serving Hyde Park families and University of Chicago faculty and staff-- now moving to serve expanded whole community. Registration required 773 256-0955. Many day-school classes are in a nearby home settings. http://www.babyphd.com. info@babyphd.com.
    Services for families include Daycare info and referrals for children 0-3, Assistance setting up and maintaining nanny-shares, Parent education., Drop-in Activities for children 0-3 in music, art , book club, Spanish, sign language. For providers: On- and off-site training and mentoring in setting up an effective, high quality, home daycare business in the Hyde Park community.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago tutors in Hyde Park (and many other) schools. To volunteer. 312 727-0637.
  • Black Star Project, Black Data Processors Association encourages schools, families, students to participate in its High School Computer Competition. Students learn html, web page design, flow charting, Java, other applications. Starts January, 2005. www.bdpa-chicago.org. Black Star Project Director Philip Jackson, contact Catherine Jackson- Catherine@blackstarproject.com. BSP sponsors many clubs and programs, including at Afrocentric Bookstore, 4655 S. King Dr., and the University of Parenting at St. Paul and the Redeemer.
  • Black Star's programs are for youth and for parents (based at St. Paul & the Redeemer): 312 842-3527, blackstar2003@ameritech.net
  • Blue Gargoyle CLOSED.
  • Calvert House. Tutoring at Calvert House Roman Catholic campus center, 5735 S. University. Laura Lecompte at 773 288-2311. For students in grades 2-12 Tu and W after school and Sat. morning or afternoon.http://calvert.uchicago.edu, calvert@uchicago.edu.
  • Centers for New Horizons After School Programs (hq. 3950 S. State), 773 667-0666. Not sure how close nearest is. http://www.cnh.org.
  • Chicago Academic Games League A committee of HPKCC, this program brings kids from several schools to the UC Lab School monthly for math game teaching. Participating schools must cosponsor and provide a teacher. There is an annual tournament. Contact University of Chicago Service Center.
  • Chicago Freedom School, 719 S. State St, 3N Chicago, IL 60605, 312.435.1201, www.chicagofreedomschool.org. Classes for youth and adults in civic responsibilities and putting freedom into action.
  • Computer Training Institute of Chicago. Paul Johnson, President/Director. 847 833-0742, 888 477-CTIC, fax 773 268-4365 http://www.ctichicago.com. Training small classes in Adobe suite, Microsoft Office suite, CompTDIA A Plus, M Computing, Cisco Networking, Medical Billing and Coding, Project Management, Six Sigma, ESL.
  • Creative Mansion Children's Academy. 4745 S. Ellis, 773 268-6066. creativemansion@sbcglobal.net.
  • Digital Youth Network. 1050 E. 47th St. Akili Lee (? alee@ueischools.org?). Digital Youth Network trains youth in schools including Kenwood Academy in media productions and arts ranging from the bits and final productions to producing their own portfolios and resumes. http://www.Iremix.org.
  • Education Station. Free in conjunction with CPS and schools. Small group. Parent Helpline 800 246-2154
  • Futureworld Learning Centers Nfp, 1744 E. 55th St. Chicago, IL 60615, 773 256-1570, details at 312 719-4907. Ms. Parham. futureworldhydepark@hotmail.com. http:/www.futureworldlearningcenters.org or http://www.futureworldhydepark.org. Links other than email do not currently work.
    Before and after school centers- partnering with computers in park fieldhouses, internet fun learning, afterschool homework help using computers and competition and teaching blitz math, speed reading, photo/graphics, website creation. Can be affordable or free.
  • God Squad Christian Summer Camp. 6-14 yrs, 12-5 M-F. 4941 S. Drexel Blvd. 773 548-0400.
  • The Homework Mastery Center. 5220 S. Blackstone? Listed in search as at 1424 E 53rd St. Chicago, IL 60615, 773 684-2555. K-12. State approved, certified teachers on staff. http://www.homeworkmastery.com.
  • Hyde Park After School Programs. 5234 S. Blackstone Ave., 773 363-5844.
  • Hyde Park Art Center. 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd. 773 324-5520. Creativity and Summer camps, - in the Cultural Calendar.
  • Hyde Park Development Center- closed.
  • Hyde Park Learning Resources Center. http://www.hplrc.org. 5114 S. Dorchester. 312 209-3852. Call and ask for Lillie Goodwin, lillie.goodwin@sbcglobal.net. Tutoring and homework, test preparation centering on academics for all grades. 2 pm earliest to 6 pm. Safe Haven.
  • Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. 5480 S. Kenwood. 773 643-4062. Year-round Before and After school and Days Off, Summer Camp 7 am-6 pm ages 6-12 Reg. opens May 2.
  • Hyde Park Parent Support Network- parents and young kids play interactive, stimulative games. 5230 S. Blackstone. 773 684-2555.
  • Hyde Park Young Life. Marlena Fleming, Director. Contact Info: Young Life Hyde Park c/o Donna Dortzbach 4524 S. Ellis Ave. Chicago, IL 60653. 773 540-8860, http://www.younglife.org (search by zip then click Hyde Park). (Also given as 5421 S. Dorchester #1 60615. Cell 312 245-3364 but this is not in their website.) Faith based tutoring and mentoring and empowerment groups in Kenwood Academy, Canter (including an after school dance class) et al, Kenwood Park fieldhouse, and more is combined with hands on ministry and service projects, training, field trips and mentoring opportunities for teens. From a national faith based organization that has lots of camps et al.
  • Ivy League Tutoring. www.ivyleaguetutoring.biz, 7134 S Jeffery Blvd. Chicago, IL 60649. (773) 752-2222
    One-to-one tutoring, elementary through adult, leading to success including at top flight universities. Targeted especially to an African-American population. Office near the University of Chicago. Carol Young or Adrian Hunter at 773 752-2222.
  • Kemit Learning Center. Professional day care in a home environment. Full curriculum lead by a certified teacher- Spanish, Music, Educational field trips, Yoga, baby sign language. After school care incl. transportation, Ages 6 weeks-to 7 years old 773 268-4454. http://www.kemitlearningcenter.com
  • Kenwood United Church of Christ, 4600-08 S. Greenwood, 773 373-2861. Tutoring, recreation, arts, crafts, Bible class for ages 6-16 Saturday noon-3 pm. http://www.kenwooducc.org.
  • Kumon Math and Reading Centers. 1525 E. 55th St. Ste 202. Use the general no. 800 937-6284. http://www.kumon.com. (look for Chicago-area-tutoring)
  • Literacy Works (773 334-8255). http://www.litworks.org.
  • Little Black Pearl Workshop. 1060 E. 47th. 773 285-1211. An extraordinary new facility- arts, computer, tutoring, restaurant. Adding music, family progs. in early 2005. http://www.blackpearl.org.
  • Music Teachers of Hyde Park. 773 643-9251. (Ties in with Hyde Park Youth Symphony and Blackstone Library 4thonday recital series. (See Cultural Resources, Cultural Calendar). http://www.mthp.org.
  • The Next Step. A program for teen mothers to transition from high school to junior college. By the Junior League and UC Pediatrics Dept., 5440 S. Drexel (Friend Center), 773 834-4504. Search in UChospitals.edu.
  • hold this space for Text and Tutor book-ordering and one-on-one web based personal tutoring. Coming late 2004.
  • Parent Cooperative for Early Learning. Monica S. Foster, mnc_foster@yahoo.com. 5300 S. Shore Dr. 883 784-6363, Fax 773 684-0142.
  • Parent Support Network- see Hyde Park PSN
  • Church of St. Paul and The Redeemer seeks volunteer tutors for 1st and 2nd graders and students. Wednesdays, 3:14-4:15 starting in January. Linda Thisted, 773 947-9243.
  • Strive. From Ellis Avenue Church, 5001 S. Ellis, 773 268-4910. Provides after school and summer tutoring for grades 1-12. http://www.ellisavenuechurch.org.
    Strive programs are also run in schools by University of Chicago tutoring programs
  • Windy City Cares mentoring. Just getting started, seeking mentors? Contact Bernard Key at bkey@beylinktechnologies.com.
  • World of Words will be in fall 2008 be teaching kids who want a writing career and helping them get published. Will serve 29th to 71st, State to the lake. Location and more info as available.
  • Youth at the Crossroads. 1300 E. 47th St. Suite 223, Chicago Il 60653, yac312@yahoo.com. Assist youth in creating and achieving goals including networking, entrepreneurship, college and scholarship searches, life skills, mentoring, counseling, tutoring.
  • Other summer camps: Ancona School, Hyde Park Art Center, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Jewish Community Center, Little Black Pearl, Parks, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Summerlab, U of C Super Summer Sports Camp, and more. (See in Afterschool page-Camps.)

Chicago Child Care Society
5467 S. University Avenue. 773 643-0452. http://www.cccsociety.org
Nancy Johnstone
Since 1849, Chicago's and Hyde Park's oldest child welfare agency. To safeguard vulnerable children and reinforce their families first.
Child and Family Development Center serves 2-5s in Community Day Care for working parents. There is also Homeless Day Care and Protective Day Care. Takes both community and DCFS kids including pick up to and from shelters. "
Clinical family services such as foster care and adoptions. Licensed therapists. Next Step program prepares teenage mothers with one child for college

Additional providers of programs and resources in schools and parks

  • Futureworld Learning Centers, 1744 E. 55th St. Chicago, IL 60615, 773 256-1570, details at 312 719-4907. futureworldhydepark@hotmail.com
    Before and after school centers- partnering with computers in park fieldhouses, internet fun learning, afterschool homework help using computers and competition and teaching blitz math, speed reading, photo/graphics, website creation. Can be affordable or free
  • Hyde Park Young Life. Marlena Fleming, Director. Contact Info: Young Life Hyde Park c/o Donna Dortzbach 4524 S. Ellis Ave. Chicago, IL 60653. 773 540-8860, http://www.younglife.org (search by zip then click Hyde Park). Faith based tutoring and mentoring and empowerment groups in Kenwood Academy, Canter (including an after school dance class) et al, Kenwood Park fieldhouse, and more is combined with hands on ministry and service projects, training, field trips and mentoring opportunities for teens. From a national faith based organization that has lots of camps et al.
  • Urban Gateways Center for Arts Education. All kinds of programs in schools, including instrument donation (x252). 312 922-0440.
  • http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com,

Adult continuing education, GED (limited listings) (see also Cultural Resources directory)

Parent Information & Resource Links (the list is far from exhaustive; a few of these are to alternative approaches to education, many are for profit. Note, we cannot vouch for every site or its safety.) More complete contacts and descriptions in the Helpline child or mentoring sections or in Schools Directory as appropriate.

  • Catalyst-Organization for Chicago School Reform (Community Renewal Society)
  • Center for Urban Pedagogy (Philadelphia based alternative approaches to learning and change, based on exploring the world around us)
  • Chicago Community Trust including Chicago Matters
  • Chicago Public Education Foundation
  • Community Media Workshop (posts information, papers for and about communities and their orgs.)
  • Designs for Change
  • IFF (formerly identified as Illinois Facilities Fund; furnishes research results on performing and non performing schools and neighborhoods)
  • Metropolitan Planning Council
  • Mid South Education Association, an advocacy and lsc/teacher/parent support and training provider, offshoot of KOCO. Jitu Brown, jitubrown@yahoo.com.
  • Neighborhood Capital Budget Group (closed?)
  • Ounce of Prevention Fund
  • Parenting 4 Academic Success. Small organization led by Pricilla Dixon that gives info and advice to parents on understanding and navigating the system and making best choices for their children.
  • Pedagogical Factory (Stockyard Institute?)
  • Pure (Parents United for Responsible Education)- advocacy, information, lsc training. pure@pureparents.org
  • Relocation Guide-Hyde Park
  • SEPA updates
  • Working In the Schools-connected to South Side Volunteers
    Working in the Schools (WITS) is a literacy organization that increases
    the reading proficiency and learning capacity of low-income and minority
    students in Chicago Public Schools. WITS recruits and supports dedicated
    business, government, and community volunteers who deliver measurable
    and consistent tutoring and mentoring services. Founded in 1991 by
    Chicagoans Joanne Alter and Marion Stone, WITS began at one urban school
    in the Cabrini Green housing development. Today, WITS hosts more than
    1,300 volunteers consisting of corporate and government employees,
    retirees and community volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Through
    the programs at WITS not only do the students benefit but the schools,
    teachers, volunteers and business partners benefit from the experience
    as well.

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

    WITS provides volunteer opportunities for businesses,
    organizations and individuals. The Power Lunch and Workplace Mentoring
    programs are sponsored by businesses and organizations as volunteer
    opportunities for their employees. Individual volunteers participate as
    Early Childhood Volunteers, Classroom Assistants or in the Saturday
    Program.

    Programs for Individuals:

    Early Childhood - Once or twice a week volunteers travel by school bus
    to an elementary school and work with three and four year old students
    using dialogic reading. (All volunteers are trained prior to first
    session).

    Classroom Assistants- Volunteers are assigned to one classroom and work
    either one on one, in small groups or with the whole classroom.
    Assistants volunteer for 3-4 hours a week, once a week.

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CPS, Chicago Public Schools Department of External Resources and Partnerships/CPS Partnerships Office, interim dire. Lisa Wiersma (llwiersma@). In www.helpCPS.org or go to www.cps.k12.il.us.
773 553-1540, Fax 773 553-1541.

CPS is the nation's third-largest school system- 600+ schools, 45,000 employees, 425,000 students (85% low income). In 2006, 62.5% met or exceeded state standards (up 15%)

Chicago Public Schools Department of External Resources and Partnerships

Goals: Garner resources in the form of money, materials and volunteers in order to promote student achievement and improve education.

Free Things for Schools. Businesses and individuals contact the Department. If accepted, the gifts (tax deductible) are posted on the CPS Free Things website. First come, first served. http://www.cps.k12.il.us/Community/Resources_and_Partnerships_Group/Free_Things/free_things.html. Telephone: 773 553-1540.

Futures Exchange- companies, organizations and individuals are paired with Chicago public schools. To request a partner, visit http://www.cps.k12.il.us/Community and click Futures Exchange, or email Futures-Exchange@cps.k12.il.us.

Principal for a Day. Site (in CPS Partnerships Office) and signup: http://www.pfad.cps.k12.il.us

Volunteers- directory of opportunities. http://www.volunteers.cps.k12.il.us

CPS Dept. of Child and Youth Services: Daisy Lezama, 313 743-0258, Patrick Milton after school programs school applications.

Reference Links for Resources: (Only some of these actually provide funds, but they have extensive lists. Sorry, you will have to Google these at present to get the addresses.)

After School Matters

DonorsChoose. Teachers submit proposals for materials, experiences for their projects.

Donors Forum. A host of links and descriptions, on line or on site, for foundation and other giving.

Fundsnet Online Services. Hundreds of links to funding sources and tips on grant-writing and fund-raising.

Illinois State Board of Education. Formula and competitive grant programs.

Mickey's Place in the Sun Grants and Grant writing Resources.

The National Center for Education Statistics announces the availability of QuickStats, a new data tool, at http://nces.ed.gov/datalab. QuickStats allows public access for data consumers -- such as policy makers, legislative staff, journalists, students, and others -- to answer questions using data collected by NCES.

Research Grant Guides, Inc. Publishes directories for grant-seekers. By state, profiles with verified areas of support, restrictions, etc. Google the names to find lots others- and a scam-identifier site.

The Foundation Center (Online)

U.S. Department of Education. Notices from the Federal Register.

Welcome to School Grants Googling here gives lots of leads including grants FOR schools and for paying for school and college. Incl. http://www.schoolgrants.org.

Women's Sports foundation

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Programs and resources of Kenwood Oakland Community Organization and its
Mid South Education Association

A response to massive school closures and transformations and the 2004 Mid South Plan and an outgrowth of KOCO ongoing education initiatives, MSEA was formed. It meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at Kennicott Park fieldhouse, 4434 S. Lake Park. Contact is Jitu Brown, 773 748-7500 or jitubrown@yahoo.com.

  • With ACORN and Target Area Development Corporation administers $1.5 million in Grow Your Own Teachers Act funds: to place 1000 new teachers by 2016;
  • LSC Facilitator Institute preparing parents and community members to become certified LSC facilitators;
  • Working with others on legislation to strengthen the LSC legislation;
  • Advice and counsel to LSC's on how to work effectively;
  • Teacher Recruitment, Training, and Development (Teacher Training Institute at Lane Professional Development;
  • Education Forums and Local School Support, assists area schools to plan and implement parent involvement strategies. Works for revision of school closing policies to ensure the process is respectful of parents and community.

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Search-Institute's American- National Promises Study of how American youth are faring in getting the needed life-skill sets, "Every Child, Every Promise"

Below to the "Building Assets" 40 assets/skills for adulthood.
Web link to the Study: http://www.search-institute.org/system/files/IE-Dec06-APStudy.pdf.

A survey based on research findings including by Dr. John Heckman of the University of Chicago was formulated and run by The Gallop Organization as a 15 minute survey, and the results were parsed by age and demographics (with corrections for undercounts).

The 5 "Promises" or global conditions and prerequisites for success are:

  • having caring adults around
  • having safe places and constructive use of time
  • general health and healthy development
  • effective use of marketable skills and engaging in lifelong learning
  • tries to make a difference by helping others

These in turn are evaluated for translations or further realizations in, for example good grades, avoidance of substance abuse and unsafe sex, volunteering experience, sense they are thriving and have control (See the "assets", below.)

Basic findings are that only a minority give evidence that most or all the promises to them are fulfilled (but these give clues to what works). Experience is often very uneven--strong in one promise or skill but weak in others. A slight majority have overall positive outcomes. There is a strong problem of equality. A child's best "chance" is to be a 6-7 year old girl who is white and from an affluent, well-educated family.

"Building Assets": 40 assets children need to master to become successful adults

The Search Institute encourages a one-on-one approach with youth and has identified and categorized 40 needed assets. These were assigned to 8 developmental areas, and each was surveyed, revealing a very wide disparity between acquisition of related assets, strong correlation between the number of assets acquired and positive behaviors and attitudes (specifically exhibiting leadership, maintaining good health, valuing diversity, and succeeding in school--the weakest correlation, though) and avoidance of high-risk behavior (alcohol, violence, drugs, sexual activity). Only 8 percent have the benchmark 31 of 40, more than half have 20 or fewer. The lack of assets is spread quite evenly over gender, grade, and geography. The need for communication and real dialogue comes out clearly, as it does in Dawoud Bey's new book of teen photos and views, Class Pictures-- a parent of teens must reading.

Categories. The first 4 are external, dealing with structures, relationships, and activities that create a positive environment:

  • Support: Young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate and accept them.
  • Empowerment: ...need to feel valued and valuable, safe and respected.
  • Boundaries and expectations: ..need clear rules, consistent consequences, and encouragement to do best.
  • Constructive use of time: ...need opportunities in and out of school to learn and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults.

The next four categories reflect internal values, skills, and beliefs to function in the world.

  • Commitment to learning. A sense of the lasting importance of learning, belief in own abilities.
  • Positive values. Strong guiding values, principles for healthy life choices.
  • Social competencies. Skills to interact effectively with others, make difficult decisions, cope with the new.
  • Positive identity. .. believe in their own self-worth and feel they have control over what happens to them.

 

Here are the assets by category (weak=30% or less perceive it, strong=over 47% do)

External

Support

1. Family support (very strong)
2. Positive family communication (weak)
3. Other adult relationships-- 3 or more non parent adults
4. Caring neighborhood
5. Caring school climate (weak)
6. Parent involvement in schooling (weak)

Empowerment

7. Community values youth
8. Youth used as resources (weak)
9. Service to others (hour or more per week) (strong)
10. Safety (at home, at school, in neighborhood)

Boundaries and Expectations

11. Family boundaries- clear rules and consequences and monitors whereabouts (strong)
12. School boundaries (strong)
13. Neighborhood boundaries- neighbors monitor youth behavior (strong)
14. Adult role models (weak)
15. Positive peer influence (very strong)
16. High expectations (strong)

Constructive use of time

17. Creative activities (3 or more hours per week) (weak)
18. Youth programs (3 or more hour per week) (strong)
19. Religious community (one or more hours per week) (strong)
20. Time at home (out with friends doing nothing 2 or fewer hours) (strong)

Internal assets

Commitment to learning

21. Achievement motivation (very strong)
22. School engagement (strong)
23. Homework (at least an hour a day) (strong)
24. Bonding to school (strong)
25. Reading for pleasure (3 or more hours a week) (weak)

Positive values

26. Caring (strong)
27. Equality and social justice (strong)
28. Integrity (acts on convictions and stands up for beliefs) (very strong)
29. Honesty (even when it's not easy) (very strong)
30. Responsibility (accepts and takes) (very strong)
31. Restraint (important to be not sexually active, use alcohol or drugs)

Social competencies

32. Planning and decision making (weak)
33. Interpersonal competence (empathy, sensitivity, friendship skills)
34. Cultural competence (with people of different backgrounds)
35. Resistance skills
36. Peaceful conflict resolution

Positive identity

37. Personal power
38. Self-esteem (strong)
39. Sense of purpose (strong)
40. Positive view of personal future (very strong)

 

HPKCC Schools Committee Prospectus for an assets ("promises") building program and coalition for the Hyde Park-Kenwood area

Eye on Neighborhood Schools: Developmental Assets Program Outlined by Schools Committee

From the July 2009 Conference Reporter. By Nancy Baum

There are, according to the Minneapolis-based Search Institute, 40 different kinds of experiences, relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that children need to have in order to succeed in life. These experiences include exposure to the arts and performance of volunteer work, etc. The Schools Committee of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is proposing that a coalition of parents, teachers, community organizations and churches be built in order to help shepherd the students in our neighborhood along. Whatever experiences are not being provided will ultimately be provided. To this end, a staff person will be hired to maintain communications and to coordinate the program that would be established.

After-school programs tend to peter out after age 12. Few want to deal with children that are older. Indeed, Canter Middle School was an outgrowth of the sensed community need for a special school for this transitional age group. Schools and community might do better if they knew what types of experiences children need or are lacking. Our schools are places where parents need to feel more comfortable about sending their children. A child from Kozminski might know about the Hyde Park Art Center, but since it is on the other side of Hyde Park, might not choose to go there. The access to programs for children is uneven.

Some suggested activities are Junior Achievement, Junior Great Books, Café Society, ecology movements, city gardening, etc. Kids would be invited to participate in different organizations. How do we go about selling the idea to parents?

In search of a model for a program that might be doable in Hyde Park, four members of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Schools Committee, Gary Ossewaarde, the Rev. Larry Turpin, Ismail Turay and Nancy Baum, met with Ida Lynn Wenhold, the executive director of “Kids Matter” in Naperville on March 3, 2009. Ida Lynn explained that the program in Naperville came at the impetus of Edwards Hospital, the local hospital in Naperville. Edwards noticed that many of their adolescent patients were showing signs of abuse and neglect and wanted to do something about it. A Developmental Assets Profile Survey, an abbreviated 15-minute survey, revealed that, though there was a lot of parental support, family communication was poor and service to the community was low. The Profile Survey can be viewed online at www.search-institute.org. A three-pronged approach was conceived in order to reach the community: 1) Programming, 2) Asset Education and 3) Coalition Building.

Programs were developed in giving service to the community, through a Volunteer Fair and obtaining jobs through a Job Fair. Of course, eventually, fund raising became a major undertaking because of all the publicity and materials that were needed to get the word out to the community. Funds came from Chicago United Way, Chicago Trust, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, and from businesses. Coalition-building took place among schools, police, counseling centers, etc. A tracking system was put into place.

How were parents taught about Assets Education? Parents got information to read. A publication called “E Blast” was given to schools to put into their newsletters. Assets Tips and Assets Bingo were created. Printed material was gotten into peoples’ hands by kiosks set up at store cash registers, placing into magazines and newspapers, etc. Businesses were approached to come up with ideas to make children feel more welcome. School resource officers and social workers helped with materials distribution. Other ideas are to get college students to come to schools campuses to talk about college or even become big brothers and big sisters. A special program for girls was established called WINGS. An Equal Opportunity Award was established by the mayor’s office to honor some ordinary kid, perhaps someone who volunteered to clean the streets. Table toppers with family trivia topics were placed on tables in restaurants to get the conversation going.

Needless to say this was an exciting prospect, but decidedly a very large project. We of the Schools Committee have ideas about how to go about implementing a project like this, if needed. To establish need we would like to distribute the 15-minute survey to all students ages 12-19 in Hyde Park. We would need the participation of the principals of all the schools in the neighborhood. Then, once the data were analyzed and needs identified the idea would have to be sold to the community and initial funds would have to be found. We have huge resources available in this community: that could lend full weight to the Community Conference to move forward on this. The Conference has already pulled together a data base of programs available to our youth. It can be found on www.hydepark.org/schools. Rep. Currie and Alderman Preckwinkle’s offices put out an annual booklet listing schools and programs for children.

In addition to finding out what children’s emotional needs are vis a vis the community, the schools have material needs that must be met. But this is a question for another time.

 

 

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