NBA ALL-STAR ISIAH THOMAS TELLS KIDS: “I WAS YOU”

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas tells young people, “I was you,” and urges them to dream, plan, and work for success.

Isiah Thomas shows 4th, 5th & 6th graders he’s still got the skills that made him successful on and off the basketball court.

IT’S SO COOL TO BE SMART PROGRAM EARNING WEST SIDE STUDENTS PLACES ON SCHOOL HONOR ROLLS

With encouragement and rewarding educational enrichment activities from the “It’s So Cool To Be Smart” program, students of Lewis Elementary School are now proud to be smart. Shown are: Crystal Lujano, parent winner Ms LaShanda Williams, Whitney Rankins, Jayla Glanton, teacher coordinator Mrs. Shontrece Wilson, Keyshun Davenport, and Principal Dr. Sharon Brown-Haynes.

Middle school students from six Chicago Public Schools, including Leslie Lewis Elementary School and Horatio May Community Academy in Austin, have earned positions on their school honor rolls through a new program called, It’s So Cool To Be Smart, a project of Teach America’s Children.
    According to implementers of the program, “For many, this achievement required overcoming name-calling and rejection from their peer group.” Studies suggest that African American and Latino honor students often cave to classmates’ taunts that they’re “acting white.” To win their peers’ acceptance, they set aside schoolwork and their grades decline. This new program, It’s So Cool To Be Smart, has transformed studiousness into coolness.
    Since its introduction, schools report that they have increased the number of honor students since the first quarter of this school year. Teach America’s Children awarded grants of up to $10,000 to each participating school.
    The honor roll students are continuing to excel and many of their classmates now want to join the Smart Club and participate in academic enhancement activities, such as the Is It Cool To Be Smart? Essay contest. Ariel Thompson, an 8th grade student at Leslie Lewis, won 3rd Place in the essay contest.
    Students in the program attend special programs at area universities, math and science camps, and compete for scholarships. A Langford Elementary School 8th grader won a $4,000 scholarship to Providence-St. Mel High School. The award can be renewed annually.
    Parents of honor roll students are also recognized for their efforts, including LaShanda Williams of Leslie Lewis and Tiffany Shell of Horatio May Academy.

In one of their Smart Club activities, students from May Academy made a presentation to executives at Old World Industries in Northbrook, explaining the T-shirt business they created. Their plan is entitled SMART – Savvy Motivated Achievers Running Things.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG NAMED 21st CENTURY SCHOOL – TEST SCORES SOAR 9 POINTS

Louis Armstrong Elementary School provides an intimate, small-school experience where all students receive the attention they require to excel, plus an array of enrichment and cultural programs. As a result, Armstrong has been designated a 21st Century School. (Photo by Brad)

Louis Armstrong Elementary School, 5345 West Congress Parkway, has long been one of the best-kept secrets on Chicago’s West Side. But now, the secret is coming out!
    The school of about 200 students in grades 3 through 6 has always offered small classes with teachers providing close attention to the educational needs of individual students. It also offers a unique array of cultural and enrichment programs to support classroom instruction and expand student horizons. Principal Demetrius Bunch announced that student scores on the most recent ISAT standardized achievement test increased by an amazing 9 points.
    Now, Louis Armstrong is recognized as a 21st Century School, a prestigious designation in partnership with Children’s Home + Aid, with a grant providing an even more extensive menu of learning and recreational opportunities for students and their family members.
    Mrs. Bunch explains that student and family wellness, plus other parent and family programs will be offered on a weekly basis, providing support for Armstrong students.
    New at Louis Armstrong this year is student Band instruction, building on the school’s popular Music Scholars Program. In addition, a Parent Resource Room is being opened with computer literacy training and Internet access to ensure that at Armstrong education is a family affair.
    Successful programs being continued and expanded include: Student Cheer Squad, F.R.E.S.H. health and nutrition program for students and parents, Gifted Classes, Big Ten-S.C.O.R.E. Program, Adult G.E.D. & Basic Skills Classes, free Parent Fitness Classes, and the popular Mother-Son and Father-Daughter Dances.
    An Open Enrollment Day with tours of the school is being held Tuesday, July 31, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM. No appointments are required. For information about curriculum, enrollment, and registration at Louis Armstrong Elementary School, call Mrs. Demetrius Bunch at 773/534-6365.

SPENCER ACADEMY SALUTES PARENT SCHOLARS AT LUNCHEON

MOTHER LEE DELLA O’NEAL CELEBRATES 75th BIRTHDAY

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church’s congregation turned out with family and friends of Mother Lee Della O’Neal recently to help her mark a milestone birthday – Three-quarters of a Century!