D97 Updates

Incident involving D97 student and OPRF Students
Dear District 97 Families:
We want to make you aware of an incident that occurred on 700 block of Home Avenue this morning involving a student from Brooks. An individual grabbed the student from behind while she was walking to school. The student was able to escape the grasp of the individual and ran. The individual proceeded to get into a vehicle and fled the scene. The girl is safe and unharmed.
The Oak Park Police were contacted immediately, are currently investigating the incident and have a person of interest in custody. While the police do not believe there is any furtherthreat or danger for our students or the community, they will be increasing their patrols of our safe walking routes.
Incidents like this remind us all about the safety precautions children should take when they are walking around Oak Park, whether it is to/from school or on the weekends. Below are safety guidelines that have been compiled for our students with the assistance of the police department.
  • Always try to walk in groups or with at least one other person.
  • Walk on sidewalks and other open areas rather than alleys that have less visibility.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers who are nearby.
  • If you have a concern about another person near you, go to a neighbor’s house, find an adult to assist you, or go back to school.
  • Never approach a vehicle unknown to you even if the occupant speaks to you.
  • Yell loudly and run if you feel you are in danger.
  • Be sure to tell your parents if something happens. Parents should contact the police and the school.
Please take a few minutes to review and discuss these safety rules with your children. Thank you for your time, attention and support on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Chris Jasculca
Director Policy, Planning and Communications
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Below is a message that was sent out this afternoon from OPRF High School. In addition, the police are now officially calling the individual in custody a suspect in the case.

Dear OPRF High School Families:
We want to make you aware that the Oak Park Police Department has just informed us of several incidents of students being followed within the past 24 hours. Last evening a high school student was followed after leaving the high school, from Lake Street down Ridgeland Avenue to Julian Middle School. As she approached the middle school entrance, a staff person saw she was being followed and called the police. A short while ago, we were notified that an additional OPRF student as well as a Brooks Middle School student were followed this morning.
Oak Park Police are currently investigating the incidents and have a person of interest in custody. The police do not believe there is any further threat or danger for our students. However, in the interest of safety, we decided to keep all students on campus during fifth and sixth period lunch; fourth period lunch was just concluding as we learned of the incidents.
Police will be increasing their patrols of our safe walking routes. Incidents like this remind us all about the safety precautions children should take when they are walking around Oak Park, whether it is to/from school or on the weekends. Below are safety guidelines that have been compiled for students with the assistance of the police department.
  • When waiting for a ride, wait near the school building.
  • Always try to walk in groups or with at least one other person.
  • Walk on sidewalks and other open areas rather than alleys that have less visibility.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers who are nearby.
  • If you have a concern about another person near you, go to a neighbor’s house, find an adult to assist you, or go back to school.
  • Never approach a vehicle unknown to you even if the occupant speaks to you.
  • Yell loudly and run if you feel you are in danger.
  • Be sure to tell your parents if something happens. Parents should contact the police and the school.
Please take a few minutes to review and discuss these safety rules with your children. Thank you for your time, attention, and support on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Karin Sullivan
Director of Communications & Community Relations

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!

Board of Education to Discuss Funding for Irving Schoolyard Project

WE NEED YOU TO ATTEND!

This TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, the District 97 Board of Education will be discussing the Irving Schoolyard Project. The meeting starts at 7pm and the Irving Schoolyard Project will be discussed around 8pm. The meeting is held at the D97 Administrative Offices at 970 W. Madison.

The Irving Schoolyard Project team has been guiding the master plan for many years; but with construction planned for the summer of 2013, it is now time for the Board of Education to discuss their financial commitment to the project so a specific plan for construction can move forward.

District 97’s landscape architecture firm, Altamanu, along with D97 administration staff, will be presenting the latest version of the plans for the Irving schoolyard along with a preliminary cost estimate.* Our expectation is that the Board will discuss the plan and decide if additional funding from the District is available for the project. Their decision will allow Altamanu to move forward with developing more detailed site plans.

There will also be two upcoming presentations for the Irving community to give input. Please plan to attend an initial meeting on November 7 and a final presentation on November 15, both at 6:30pm at Irving School. These are Irving-specific working meetings so all our families and staff can give specific feedback to the landscape architects as they finalize a site plan. These meetings will be the last chance for the Irving community to provide input on this process, so please plan on attending.

[UPDATE: Due to conflicts, the November 7 and 15 meetings will be rescheduled.]

*Given the tight timeline, the plans and the cost estimates being presented are not yet available. Those interested in reviewing the material prior to the meeting on Tuesday evening can check the District 97 website for an updated BOE meeting packet (http://www.op97.org/board-of-education/Meeting-Packets.cfm).

Please contact Margaret Jeschke (margaret_jeschke@yahoo.com) or Laura Crawford (lauracrawford47@gmail.com) with any questions at any time. See irvingschoolyard.com for background info.

Again, that’s:
October 30, 7pm start time (8pm likely discussion time), D97 Admin Building, 970 W. Madison (entrance is on Madison).
To be rescheduled: November 7, 6:30 pm start time, Irving School auditorium.
To be rescheduled: November 15, 6:30pm start time, Irving School auditorium.

We need you to attend these meetings to demonstrate how much our families and staff support our school and to have your input heard!

THANK YOU!

The Irving Schoolyard Project Team

News from 97

Forum about Changes at the Middle Schools

Reminder – District 97 and the PTO Council are inviting parents/guardians and staff members to join us on October 10 for our ongoing dialogue about what is being done and how we can work together to help Brooks and Julian further develop into world-class middle schools. Learn More >>

Middle School Fun Run

Reminder – The Oak Park Middle School’s Magnificent Mile Fun Run will be held on Sunday, October 14. Learn More >>

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Reminder – Fall parent-teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, October 18 and Friday October 19.

No School on October 8

On Monday, October 8, District 97’s schools and administration building will be closed in observance of Columbus Day.

Mobile Application

Reminder – We have created a mobile application that smartphone owners can download and use to access important school and district-related information at any time (news, calendar, digital backpack, Web store, etc.). Click here for additional information or to download the app. Please note that this app will not work on a tablet device (e.g., iPad).

Beye’s Walk to School Day Celebration Featured on OakPark.com

Several of the photos from Beye’s Walk to School Day celebration that were taken by parents/guardians Wendy Negron and Inga Simitz were published on OakPark.com. Access the photos >>

Teacher and Students from Brooks Featured in Oak Leaves Article about Common Core

Language arts teacher Lisa Hendrix and students from Brooks Middle School were featured in an article about the Common Core State Standards that was published in this week’s edition of the Oak Leaves. Read the article >>

Comcast Internet Essentials Program  

Comcast has created a program called Internet Essentials, which offers students and their families access to affordable home Internet service.

The features of the program include:

  • Internet service for $9.95 per month (plus tax)
  • No price increases, activation fees or equipment rental fees
  • The opportunity to purchase a computer for $149.99 (plus tax) when families enroll in the program
  • Access to free Internet training (online, in print and in person)

A household is eligible to participate in the program if it meets all of the following criteria:

  • It is located where Comcast offers Internet service
  • It has at least one child receiving free or reduced price school lunches under the National School Lunch Program
  • It has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
  • It does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment

Additional information about Internet Essentials can be accessed by clicking here.

Community Flyers from the Digital Backpack

Below are links to the information from the community that is featured in this week’s edition of the digital backpack.

Information from the Village of Oak Park – Voter Registration Deadline

Tuesday, October 9, is the deadline to register to vote in the November election. The deadline applies to new residents, residents who have recently moved and individuals who will be 18 years old by Election Day on November 6. Registration is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at Village Hall (123 Madison St.), as well as from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oak Park Township (105. S. Oak Park Ave.) A few evening and weekend registration opportunities also still remain – click here for a list of dates, times and place. Two types of identification are required, at least one with the current address. A driver’s license or picture ID is preferred, along with an additional item such as a lease or utility bill. For more information, call 708-358-5670 or e-mail clerk@oak-park.us.

Message for families that qualify for free and reduced lunch

On October 1, 2012, all of the free and reduced lunch applications that were submitted by our families last year will expire. In order to ensure that your children will not be required to pay for their meals, we ask that you please complete an application for the 2012-2013 school year prior to the October 1 deadline. This application can be picked up at any of our schools or our central office building, which is located at 970 Madison Street. It can also be accessed online by visiting http://www.op97.org/hr/Forms.cfm.