Our honoree is Elizabeth Lippitt, Executive Director of the Children’s Clinic, chosen for her humanitarian spirit, devotion and service to the children of Oak Park and beyond. The evening’s emcee will be actress, teacher and improve comedienne Lynda Shadrake. The Staszak Benefit includes silent and live auctions, cash bar and sit-down dinner, an energetic crowd of new and old friends, and a few surprises.

Make your reservation online or call us for more information or a paper invitation at (708) 524-3023. Hope to see you there!

At Brooks on Tuesday March 6^th, a remarkable event occurred.  Over 110 parents, teachers and D97 staff discussed two questions:  What is working well to support a positive social/emotional climate in our middle schools?  What can we do better?  The forum was sponsored by the PTO Council and organized by a group of Julian and Brooks PTO members.  The planners of the forum first shared the results of the recent middle school parent survey, highlighting both the positive and negative behavior occurring at the schools.  Next, a panel of community professionals discussed various perspectives on working with this age group and creating a positive school climate.  The evening closed with the participants discussing how to positively move forward.

NEXT STEPS:  The planning committee is working to summarize and share those results, and will be working with D97 administration to develop how to keep the conversation going and implement positive change.  If you were unable to attend, you will be able to get involved through your PTO.   The Brooks PTO is meeting next week, Wednesday at 7pm in the Commons, where this forum will be discussed further.  Stay tuned to how you can engage also via the PTO websites! If you have questions, suggestions or want to get involved, please email PTO Council Co-Presidents, Libbey Paul (libbey_paul@comcast.net) or Maggie Testore (m.testore@comcast.net).

Related PDF’s:

• Detailed write-up of the evening
• Positive climate/anti-bullying resource guide
• One-page summary of the climate survey (taken by 273 middle school families)
• Detailed breakdown of the survey results

Should you have concerns about your middle schooler, a Middle School Resource Road Map has been created to help parents know whom to contact:

 click to enlarge

Effective, January 12, 2011, no sales taxes will be reimbursed when check requests are submitted.  Copies of all receipts are to be included with all reimbursement requests, as noted on the check request form.  Copies of the form as well as a current tax exempt certificate are in the PTO drawer in the school office.  In addition,  copies can be requested of the treasurer via email or US mail.

Approved January 12, 2011