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A weekly update of Federation news and events

 
September 10, 2012
In This Issue
5 Days to Save!
My Voice/My School Surveys
Family Focused Organizing
Fighting Childhood Obesity

Upcoming Events 

 

September 21, 2012  

High School Resource Coordinator Luncheon
12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Location TBA
Chicago, IL
More info at right
Register with Melissa Mitchell
In search of a videographer!
 
The Federation is looking for a videographer to help produce a short video in advance of the Illinois Community Schools Forum on October 19th.  This person must be able to travel to 4-5 community schools in the Chicagoland area and possess basic video editing skills.  Compensation will be based on experience and time spent on project.

Contact Havilah Darnieder if you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity.
Community Schools Job Postings

Resource Coordinator 
The Harrison Community Learning Center (Grades K-8) in Peoria, Illinois is currently looking for a community school resource coordinator.  Click here for information regarding the position.  Deadline to apply is September 14.
Lights On Afterschool

 

Each October, one million Americans and more than 7,500 communities nationwide celebrate the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.  This year's celebration will take place on October 18.  Use the Afterschool Alliance's event planning toolkit to start planning your Lights On Afterschool celebration to highlight the importance of afterschool programs at your community school.  And don't forget to tell us about your plansWe'll be sharing highlights from Lights On Afterschool events around the state at our annual Community Schools Forum the next day! 

 
Quick Links

 

 

 

5 Days to Save...and this time we're serious!

 

Time is running out for you to take advantage of our lowest registration rates for the 8th Annual Illinois Community Schools Forum: Creating a Community Vision for Our Children's Success.  Be sure to register before midnight on Friday, September 14, so you don't miss out at rates that are up to 30% lower than our regular rates 

 

Don't forget to also register for Thursday's Pre-Forum Seminar: Scaling Up Community & School Partnerships  

Being held on Thursday, October 18 from 11:00a.m. - 5:00p.m., this seminar will offer participants the opportunity to explore the community schools approach, hear from local leaders and learn about ways to scale up community schools. The seminar will also focus on strategies for creating a collaborative leadership structure, constructing a shared vision, and planning for sustainability and implementation. This Pre-Forum Seminar is being offered in partnership with the national Coalition for Community Schools and is based on the framework presented in their interactive guide to Scaling Up School & Community Partnerships.    

   

Book your hotel by Monday, September 17

If you're traveling to Chicago for the Forum, be sure to check our our website for information about discounted hotel rates at Chicago's Essex Inn. Discounted rates are available at a first come basis through September 17.  Visit our website for more details about the hotel and our Guide to Chicago, which includes information about flying to Chicago, getting around the city and things to do once you're here.     

  

Advertise in our Program Guide

Would you like to raise awareness about your services with people responsible for connecting students and families to resources and supports?  Then consider an advertisement in the 8th annual Community Schools Forum program guide  

Prices increase September 15th

Group rates are also available

 

Contact Havilah Darnieder with any questions about the Forum. 

Launching the High School Resource Coordinator Network

 

Over the 2012-2013 school year the Federation will convene a series of Resource Coordinator (RC) luncheons exclusively for RCs working in community high schools.   

 

Our first meeting will be on Friday, September 21st from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.  We'd welcome the opportunity to have the meeting at a high school; if you're interested in hosting please contact Melissa Mitchell.  If a high school is not available,  the luncheon will be held at our offices at 20 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1740.  Lunch will be provided.

 

Please RSVP with Melissa Mitchell.  Please also let us know if you are unable to attend this meeting, but are interested in participating in the future.   

Results of "My Voice/My School Surveys" a Valuable Tool for Community School Development

The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute recently gave nearly 600 Chicago public schools customized reports produced to help schools organize, prioritize, evaluate, and achieve sustainable improvement.  Based on teacher and student responses to Chicago Public Schools' 2012 "My Voice, My School Survey," the reports show how schools stack up on the Five Essentials for school improvement.  The reports are also available to the public, making them an excellent source of information about school climate, parent engagement, and leadership that can be used by community school partners, school administrators, and advisory committees to develop plans for addressing any gaps or areas of deficit.   

Family Focused Organizing

Beginning Tuesday, October 22nd, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) will offer their Orientation to Family Focused Organizing training.  This 2-day hands-on and participatory session will introduce the model to staff and/or parent leaders from a range of organizations, including community organizing groups, advocacy organizations, schools, government, and social service agencies.

 

For those interested in actually implementing the model in your work, you can attend for the full 4 days (October 22 - 25) for the Self, Family & Team Train-the-Organizer/Trainer that incorporates the Orientation to Family Focused Organizing, and then an additional 2-day in-depth exploration of the 1st phase of COFI's leadership training and organizing model, including hands-on practice with the curriculum.  The 2nd phase of COFI's model, Community Outreach & Action will be offered in March, 2013 for those who completed the 1st phase training.   

 

Visit COFI's website for more information and to register.   

Fighting the Childhood Obesity Epidemic

The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) is a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program.  Their mission is to confront the childhood obesity epidemic by promoting healthy and active lifestyles for children throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. They offer a number of programs and resources that community organizations can take advantage of to support the students and families with whom they work.  Get to know more about CLOCC by attending an Introduction to CLOCC on Wednesday, September 19 at 11:00a.m. or by attending their quarterly meeting later that same day from 1-4pm.  Learn more and register for either event.