Community Events

The Neighborhood Giving Project

Bring your family to our first Fall workshop!

Thursday September 20, 2012

3:30 – 4:30pm

Oak Park Main Library – Children’s Storytime Room

This month our workshop will include hands-on activities and projects that will directly benefit West Suburban PADS. Families can help make a fleece scarf or blanket, play a backpack game, and learn easy ways your family can support West Suburban PADS.

PADS benefits from many donated items. Please bring a donation with you to this workshop on September 20. PADS is currently seeking donations of:

● toothbrushes and toothpaste (travel size)

● deodorant

● razors

● ponchos and umbrellas

We look forward to seeing you on September 20. We will host more workshops during the school year, giving your family a chance to get involved with additional community service projects.

Want to learn more? Visit http://www.neighborhoodgivingproject.org, “like” us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thegivingprojectoakpark or email info@neighborhoodgivingproject.org to join our mailing list.

FLYER

Sustainable Teachers Network (STN)
Seven Generations Ahead regarding the Sustainable Teachers Network (STN) that has been formed under the sustainability plan for OPRF called PlanItGreen. Currently, the STN is planning a lecture and networking series focusing on sustainability curriculum, geared toward OPRF teachers, called GreenEd (flyer attached).

In advertising GreenEd and getting the word out about the progress of the STN, we’re looking for an individual liaison at every school in Oak Park and River Forest. The sole responsibility of this person would be to distribute flyers and outreach material regarding STN events. We want to ensure that every school in OPRF receives outreach materials about STN events.

Here is what I’m asking of you: If you are interested in becoming the STN liaison for your school (or know someone the STN can reach out to ask if they’re interested), please reply to me with your name, school and grade level by Friday August 31. We need your help advertising GreenEd so the sooner you reply the better!

Also: The STN is trying to round out the STN committee with a variety of teachers from across OPRF, and are specifically looking for high school representation. The responsibility of a committee member is to attend monthly meetings discussing event planning and outreach. Responsibilities will vary due to individual availability, as well as time of year. Please reply to this email if you’re an interested high school teacher.

Thank you for your time and help. And of course, if you’re an OPRF teacher you’re invited to participate in GreenEd starting September 18 at the Marion Street Cheese Market!

—
Erin McMillan
Program Associate

Seven Generations Ahead
642 S Lombard Avenue | Oak Park, IL | 60304
office (708) 660-9909 x4

Congratulations to Mr. DiPaolo!

As you may recall, the Irving PTO nominated Mr. Frank DiPaolo last spring for the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel Awards.” Frank
recently received word that he won an Award of Meritorious Service in the Educational Support Personnel Category of these awards.

Congratulations, Frank!

Here’s an excerpt from his nomination:

While his official job title is ‘Building Engineer,’ to those of us in the Irving School community he is so much more.

All of the students know him, and he knows each of them, treating each student individually and with respect. In countless ways he shows dedication to our school above and beyond the norm. In academics, he has participated with students in extra-curricular Italian classes, played a critical role in the installation of solar panels, and mentored students who struggle with behavior. He goes out of his way to assist and develop relationships with our special needs students. In fundraising, he has offered martial arts instruction as a Silent Auction item, choreographed dance routines for many contests, and coordinated the set up of numerous special events. For school spirit, he has dressed as Elvis for an end-of-year celebration, leaving a legacy at Irving for years to come. Mr. DiPaulo is also an example to other maintenance staff, who are all so friendly and helpful to our students. He keeps our 100 year old building well maintained and welcoming.

In his 8 years at Irving (15 years in District 97), Mr. DiPaolo has become our school’s backbone. Every day he supports our building, but more importantly, he supports our students. He is a key part of why they are excited to come to school each day and why they remember Irving so fondly after they graduate.

Elvis would be proud…and we are too!

Join Governor Quinn @ Rehm Park tomorrow morning (Saturday) @ 9:30 am

Attention Irving families! We’ve just heard that Governor Quinn will be in our neighborhood tomorrow (Saturday) morning as part of his campaign to promote health and nutrition. He would love for many kids and families to join him as part of his “Walk Across Illinois.” Details on Walk Across Illinois can be found here: walkacrossillinois.org

Please come to Rehm Park at 9:30AM and wear your Irving t-shirt or Irving School colors (red and black).

You can have a short workout with Governor Quinn in Rehm Park and then walk with him to Irving School.

FLYER