Community Events

Major Schoolyard Project Update

At the October 30 Board of Education meeting, District 97 staff and their landscape architecture firm, Altamanu, presented a plan for the Irving Schoolyard Project. It was a response to the feedback our team has given District 97 and Altamanu this Fall encouraging them to include plans for not only a playground but for a field as well. One of the main goals of the Schoolyard Project has always been to remove as much of the asphalt as possible.

The plan presented by Altamanu was a very basic outline of two options of playground improvements: one to repair the existing equipment and one to replace it completely. It included two options for a synthetic turf field: one smaller and one larger. And it included options for resurfacing the existing parking lot or moving it to where the current playground is.

The purpose of the board discussion was to provide feedback on funding, planning and partnerships so Altamanu can move ahead with designing a more detailed plan for construction in the summer of 2013.

A lengthy discussion by the board resulted in the following key points:

1. The board was clear and forthcoming in its enthusiastic support for the Schoolyard Project.

2. More time is needed to have a revised plan that includes items the board is in favor of reviewing.

3. They would like more details on including a larger size, multi-purpose field, which requires moving the current parking lot.

4. They want to see a synthetic turf field of some size installed.

5. They want to see options that address adequate lighting. [Note: The type of lights was not clarified. Some lighting for safety at dusk may be sufficient, similar to what exists now around the schoolyard and the parking lot.]

6. They prefer a completely new playground, which would likely have a rubberized surface.

7. They are flexible on the placement of the field, playground and parking, as is the Schoolyard Project team.

8. They are completely committed to improving safety at Irving and it is “mandatory” that something major happen in the summer of 2013.

There will be further discussion at the November 13 Board of Education meeting. This will include more details on the cost of various options of the field, playground and parking.

There will be two opportunities for significant input from Irving families and staff. Our original public input dates of 11/7 and 11/15 had to be postponed so that the board can continue the discussion of financial commitment, which leads into a more detailed plan. We will let you know loud and clear when these next meetings are re-scheduled.

Please try to attend the November 13 Board of Education meeting. It’s at 7pm at the District 97 Admin Building, 970 W. Madison (entrance is on Madison). Your presence shows the board there is support for their financial commitment. For details on the agenda, and minutes of the October 30 meeting, check the District 97 website: http://www.op97.org/board-of-education/Meeting-Packets.cfm

If you have any questions, please contact Margaret Jeschke (margaret_jeschke@yahoo.com) or Laura Crawford (lauracrawford47@gmail.com).

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOLYARD PROJECT! WE’RE REALLY GETTING THERE!

Fun Run Final Count
The final numbers are in for the Fun Run. Our families and friends donated a whopping total of $17,307.06 for a total profit for the PTO of $13,407.06! We more than doubled our expected profit!!

The kids heard announcements in school last Friday about who won the incentives, but in case you’re curious:

Ms. Parkinson’s second grade class brought in the highest total of donations to win the Recess Pack of equipment.

First grader Lily Rooks was the top earning student and she received a Fitness Pack of games.

The top six earning students (there was tie for 5th place) will have lunch with their teachers. Congratulations to Lily Rooks, Lilian Walker, Cole Salgado, Andre Marcano, Cami Dunlop and Kaitlyn Dunlop.

The top earning student from each class gets to be gym teacher for a day. They have been notified by now.

And because we blew away our fundraising goal, every student who raised money will receive a certificate to the School Spirit Store. We’re staggering the distribution of these by grade level so we can make sure there’s enough inventory in our tiny, kid-operated storefront. Kindergartners are first since they’re so cute. 😉

It’s safe to say this was so successful that we’ll do it again next year. If you have any suggestions or comments please contact Jen Browning (browning2110@gmail.com) or Laura Crawford (lauracrawford47@gmail.com).

Please share our thanks with your friends and family who contributed!

SEOPCO Annual Meeting, Fundraiser Results, Oak Park Community Planning Meeting date/time

Dear SEOPCO Community,

As a board, we continue to be impressed by the vitality of our community and our neighbors’ commitment to maintaining a safe and thriving neighborhood.  It is this vitality that makes our work as a board so meaningful.  We have several announcements to share with you reflecting this energy so evident in South East Oak Park.  Please take the time to run through them.

1)  Fundraising Results for the Culver’s and the Whole Food fundraisers benefiting the Irving Schoolyard Project

Culvers graciously donated 10% of profits (when SEOPCO &/or ISP was mentioned) throughout the entire month of October to SEOPCO, who donated the proceeds to the Irving Schoolyard Project.  We raised $340!  Whole Foods Market in River Forest donated 5% of all sales from November 1, and we raised $4,590!  Our grand total donated to the Irving Schoolyard Project through your participation and the generosity of Culvers and Whole Foods Market was $4,930!!  We want to say THANK YOU to all of you who participated.  And of course we wish to say THANK YOU to Culver’s and Whole Foods Market for their kind donations and the ongoing efforts of the Irving Schoolyard Committee to help our children and community get a safe schoolyard on which to play, run, and learn.

2)  SEOPCO Annual Meeting

The SEOPCO Board will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at Barrie Center following the RBO meeting, which begins at 7:00.  Anyone is welcome to attend.  We will approve our new mission statement, vote in new board members, review our 2012 accomplishments and begin planning for 2013.  We invite input from the community to help guide us as we set our agenda for 2013 and encourage you to attend.

3)  Help create “Envision Oak Park,” a Comprehensive Plan for Oak Park 

FROM THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Help create “Envision Oak Park,” a Comprehensive Plan for Oak Park

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Irving Elementary School Auditorium, 1125 S. Cuyler Ave.

What is a Comprehensive Plan? A Comprehensive Plan serves as a Village’s official guide for land use, physical improvements, local services and development. The Comprehensive Plan provides a foundation for decision-making based on community consensus, community vision, existing conditions and future potentials. The Plan serves as a “road map” for 10 to 15 years into the future by guiding policy decisions and helping the community achieve its long-term objectives.  This is an excellent opportunity for South East Oak Park residents to voice their hopes and articulate their vision for the future of our neighborhood.

“Envision Oak Park” is the name of the planning process, and ultimately the Comprehensive Plan, that the Village is undertaking. Envision Oak Park will address many issues including, land use and development, transportation and circulation, community facilities, infrastructure, environmental features, housing and education, and parks and open space. In addition to the community-wide plans, the Envision Oak Park will also provide more detailed plans for several key areas in the community.

Visit www.envisionoakpark.com. There you can view documents and provide your own feedback.

4)  Autre Monde has re-opened

We are happy to announce that Autre Monde completed their repairs following the fire and reopened for business in October.  Autre Monde has been a strong supporter of SEOPCO, the Irving Schoolyard Project and our community and we are thrilled to welcome them back!

5)  Voting Day tomorrow, Tuesday, November 6

For information on the election and polling stations in Oak Park go to the village website @ http://www.oak-park.us/Village_Clerk/Election_Information.html
—
SEOPCO – South East Oak Park Community Organization
P.O. Box 1722
Oak Park, IL 60304-1722
www.seopco.org
seopco@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE – 13th ANNUAL COOKIE CRUMBLE

IRVING SCHOOL PRESENTS THE…

JOIN THE IRVING SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN OUR SWEET TRADITION ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8TH.

Each participating family is asked to prepare five dozen of their favorite holiday cookies or confections and deliver them to the office on Friday, December 7th during school hours, or to the mini-gym on Saturday, December 8th between 7:30 & 9:00am. (No chocolate chip, please.)

For more information contact Joyel Hall @ Joyel_hall@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your support!

FLYER

To the Irving Community and all of Oak Park/River Forest

We are pleased to announce our fundraising totals from two separate events that many of you participated in:  Culvers/Seopco and Whole Foods Market 5% Day.

Culvers donated 10% of profits (when ISP was mentioned) throughout the month of October to SEOPCO, who graciously donated the proceeds to the Irving Schoolyard Project.  We raised $340!

Whole Foods Market in River Forest donated 5% of all sales from November 1, and we raised $4,590!  Our grand total donated to the Irving Schoolyard Project through your participation and the generosity of Culvers, SEOPCO, and Whole Foods Market was $4,930!!

We want to say THANK YOU to all of you who participated.  Thank you to the District 97 Teachers and Staff who helped with the Scavenger Hunt at Whole Foods Market.  And of course we wish to say THANK YOU to Culver’s, SEOPCO, and Whole Foods Market for their kind donations to help our children get a safe schoolyard on which to play, run, and learn.