Pulaski IB 2010 Community Meeting
Tuesday, August 4th 5:30pm
Dear XXXX,
Great news! In response to overwhelming community support CPS has officially proposed an Accelerated International Baccalaureate program for Pulaski Elementary! Program inception is targeted for fall 2010.
A community meeting has been scheduled for this Tuesday, August 4th, 5:30 pm at Pulaski Elementary School. Pulaski Elementary is located one block north of Armitage on McLean between Oakley and Leavitt.
It is extremely important that we have a large turnout to show our support for the addition of such a great program to Bucktown's largest elementary school.
CPS will give a presentation describing the proposed changes followed by a question and answer session.
PLEASE ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING- BRING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!
For any questions, please call BCO Education Chair Steve Dillinger @ 312-804-4799.
Sincerely,
The BCO Education Committee
Steve Dillinger
Amy Weisenbach
Sheila Saegh Henretta
Christina Nelson
Sarah Harris
Melissa Connell
Susan Landwer
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What happened at the meeting?
ReplyDeleteClick on the link, below, to read a story about the meeting by Wicker Park Bucktown Examiner Reporter Elaine Coorens.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.examiner.com/x-8861-Chicago-Wicker-Park--Bucktown-Examiner~y2009m8d3-Chicago-Public-Schools-holding-public-meetingphase-out-of-Pulaski-FineArts-Academy-intro-IB
And, see below to see a recap that was in the Pipeline:
Members of Pulaski IB 2010, a grassroots movement hoping to bring an accelerated International Baccalaureate Program to Pulaski Fine Arts Academy, participated in a community meeting this past Tuesday at the Bucktown school to discuss the proposed changes, slated to be implemented in fall of 2010.
According to Steve Dillinger, Chair of the Bucktown Community Organization's (BCO) Education Committee, there were approximately 300 people at the meeting, comprised of an estimated 50 teachers, and staff, along with approx. 250 parents, with the majority residents of the neighborhood. Located at 2230 West McLean, about 85% of the school's students are bussed in from outside of the neighborhood. There is a gifted English as a Second Language (ESL) Program that would continue to be offered at the school if the IB curriculum is approved, per Steve.
Representatives from CPS' Office of Academic Enhancement made an official announcement regarding the impact of the proposed changes on the school, which are as follows: Pulaski would change from a Fine Arts Academy to an IB Program. It would start with pre-k, and kindergarten in fall of 2010. In 2011, it would add first grade, and with each new year welcome a new grade level. Remaining a neighborhood school, students residing in the area are guaranteed enrollment. Extra spots will be filled through a lottery.
"We believe there is critical mass to get this going," noted Steve, adding that 95% of a survey's 400 respondents indicated a desire to implement the IB Program. The parent of a six month old, and a three year old, and a resident of Bucktown since 1993, he reinforced the impetus behind the movement, that being able to enjoy what he described in a telephone interview as "the classic 'Leave it to Beaver' kind of life, with a community centered around a school, and parents being able to walk their children to the school."
NEXT STEPS: The CPS Board of Education will vote on the proposed change next month.