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payton community monthly meeting
wed. 11/07
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The monthly Payton Community Meeting is a brief and informative opportunity to hear what is going on at school directly from our principal. The meetings start at 6PM and usually end by 7PM. The meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of every month, but always check the monthly calendar (at right) in case the schedule has changed. All meetings are held in the Library (also known as the Literacy Center).
 The FOP Fundraising Team meeting will be held on Nov. 7 at 7PM after the Payton Community Meeting. Everyone is welcome!
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you've got mail:
the fop/ppie
fall 2012 campaign
is on!
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Families recently received a letter from Friends of Payton (FOP) and Payton Parents Initiative for Education (PPIE). Please respond as generously as you can to this Fall Appeal. You can donate in the following ways: 1. Mail a check payable to FOP or PPIE at 1034 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610.
2. Drop a check into the FOP box in the school office. Make it payable to FOP or PPIE.
3. Contribute online via credit card by clicking the donate button on Payton's homepage or just click here.
All contributions are tax deductible, and all amounts are equally appreciated. |
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lsc meetings are open, next is 11/05
| Parents, guardians, and the public are welcome at Local School Council (LSC) meetings, which are held monthly in the Payton Library at 6PM.
The LSC is an elected body that has three main responsibilities: 1) School improvement planning (CIWP), 2) School budget, and 3) Principal evaluation, retention and selection.
All are welcome to attend and to comment during the "Public Comments" portion of the meeting.
For more on the LSC, including a schedule of coming meetings, minutes of previous meetings, and a roster of members, please visit the LSC page of the Payton website.
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two more ways to
to stay current
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Check the school website periodically (some people set a reminder on their calendars to do this once or twice a week) at www.wpcp.org.
Another way to keep up on what's happening at school is to go to: http://www.wpcp.org/
NewsAnnouncements/
AdvisoryAnnouncements.aspx
You can also subscribe to receive the announcements via email or RSS.
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check grades + attendance online
| ParentConnection is a secure online portal for sharing classroom attendance and grades between teachers, students, and parents and guardians.
To activate a student on your ParentConnection account you must obtain the student personal identification number (PIN), which you can do on this web page on the Payton site.
Once you have obtained the PIN you will be able to complete the application process. If you experience any problems while looking up a PIN, please email parentconnection@wpcp.org.
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when your student is sick or absent for another reason
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You must call the Attendance Hotline early in the morning of your student's absence:
773-534-0042.
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gallery 34: pictures from payton
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Find great photos of Payton happenings at Gallery 34. It is continually updated.
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connect with alumni from payton + other cps schools
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Did you know that there are more than three million living CPS alumni? Click on this link to register and find old friends: CPS Alumni (including Payton).
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share stories and ideas for this newsletter
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Please send us current Payton news to share with other Payton families. Here are the submission guidelines:
Less is more -- 200 words or less works best in an e-newsletter. If that's not enough room to tell the whole story, include a phone number, email address, or web link for more details. Send text as a Word attachment or type it into the body of your email.
Include a picture or two if you have them; send pictures as .jpg attachments, not embedded in a Word document.
All submissions are due the 15th of the preceding month. Send them to
fopnewseditor@gmail.com.
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the newsletter volunteer team
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Casey Hoogstraten
President, Friends of Payton
Katie Merrell
Chair, Communications
Jeanne Lamar
Editor
fopnewseditor@gmail.com
Deb Hass
Associate Editor
Susan McColgan
Associate Editor
Cathy Nardi
Karen Lothan
Kathy Monk
Karen Muller
Jennifer Palmert
Debbie Shepard
Lisa Turner
Judith Weinstein
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newsletter
brought to you by
friends of payton
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Friends of Payton (FOP) is a volunteer-run organization of parents, guardians, community leaders, and others who raise funds and provide volunteer assistance to support Walter Payton College Prep.
Our mission is to enrich educational and extracurricular activities with outside resources to supplement the limited funding allotted to Payton through the public school system.
PresidentCasey Hoogstraten Executive Vice President Marla Kushner VP, Communications Katie Merrell VP, Fundraising Cathy Nardi Treasurer Brian Moore Assistant Treasurer Tracey Lowenthal Secretary Laurie Flom
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walter payton college prep high school
| 1034 North Wells Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 773-534-0034 www.wpcp.org
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CALENDAR
Some details were not available at the time of this issue's publication. Contact the Payton administration with questions: 312-534-0034
NOVEMBER
11/02 Fall Ball, 6PM-11PM, First Floor Atrium
11/05 Local School Council Meeting, 6PM-7:30PM, Library
1107 Seminar Day
11/07 Payton Community Meeting, 6PM-7:30PM, Library
11/08 Fall Play, The Odyssey, 6PM-8PM, Recital Hall
(Opening Night)
11/08 U.N. Night, 5PM-7PM, First Floor Atrium
11/09 The Odyssey, 6PM-8PM, Recital Hall
11/10 Payton's Annual Open House, 9AM-1PM
11/12 No School, Veteran's Day
11/13 No School, Report Card Pick Up, 12PM-7PM
11/14-16 The Odyssey, 6PM-8PM, Recital Hall
11/16 Parents Night Out, 6:30PM-9PM (see article below)
11/17 The Odyssey, 6PM-8PM, Recital Hall (Closing Night)
11/21 Seminar Day
11/22-23 No School, Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
12/01 Model U.N. AP Conference, 9AM-3PM, 3rd Floor
12/05 Seminar Day
12/05 Payton Community Meeting, 6PM-7:30PM, Library
12/07 Instrumental Music Winter Concert, 7PM-9:30PM,
Recital Hall
12/10 Local School Council Meeting, 6PM-8PM, Library
12/14 Choir Winter Concert, 7PM-9:30PM, Recital Hall
12/21 Seminar Day
12/24-01/02 No School, Winter break
*PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the year, the Payton calendar may differ from the online Chicago Public Schools calendar. For the Payton calendar, please click
here.
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A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Come Be a Part of Payton!
Payton Parents and Guardians,
This is an invitation...an invitation to put your fingerprints on Payton. One of the seminal characteristics of the Payton experience is the immense involvement that our parents have had in the development of so many of our robust programs. A few ways in which parents have been/can be involved in Payton (this is by no means an exhaustive list): - running the scoreboard at athletic games;
- being the 'reporter' for your child's athletic team or academic club whereby you send a few sentence recap of weekly activities to our webmaster so we can publish them on our webpage;
- chaperoning a dance or field trip;
- aiding with the American Constitutional Law Program (more will be forthcoming on this in next week);
- participating in development of Wellness Fair;
- connecting your company, a family member or associate with a teacher or class;
- creating a paid or unpaid internship for a Payton student at your company;
- using your talents to offer a one-time or ongoing Enrichment or a one-time or ongoing Seminar.
How do you do this? Reach out to a teacher (e-mail addresses are posted on our website). Zap an e-mail to PJ Karafiol if interested in participating in the Enrichment program. Zap an e-mail to David Adamji to participate in Seminars. Coaches' e-mails are listed on our athletics page or contact our athletic Director, Arlene Bertoni. Visit FOP's volunteer page on our website (here). If you have an idea but don't know how to germinate it on campus, call (773.534.0039) or e-mail me. Let's figure out a way to enlist your talents in Payton's mission. Your time and talents are critical to our students' growth. By participating in the Payton experience, you will be satiating yourself (there are a lot of really dynamic people-students, faculty, and parents-who are exciting people with whom develop a small, medium, or large program), and underscoring for your child(ren) the value of selflessness, volunteerism, and commitment to family. You are welcome to join us. Go Grizzlies, Tim Devine, Principal
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Payton Community News
PARTICIPATE.
Payton Community Meeting: Nov. 7 (Meeting at 6PM; Fundraising Team meets at 7PM) The monthly meeting is a chance for the Principal to let us know what's going on around school and for us to ask questions. Report Card Pickup: Nov. 13, 12PM-7PM. Teachers will meet briefly with parents/guardians when they come to school to pick up student report cards. Parents Night Out (PNO): Nov. 16, 6:30PM-9PM, at the home of Laura Matalon & Spencer Waller, 442 W. Wellington. An informal, parent-only potluck event, PNO gives us a chance to meet and talk about school, teenagers, etc. All parents/guardians are welcome, and should bring a dish to share. VOLUNTEER.
Wish List at Report Card Pickup: Nov. 13. The Teacher Wish List allows parents/guardians to provide direct classroom support. To volunteer for a short shift at the Wish List table during Report Card Pickup click here.Phone-a-Thon: Nov. 14-15. Volunteers will get together at school for a few evenings to call families about the 2012 Fall Appeal. Click here to volunteer your time and your vocal chords! Parents Night Out (PNO): Nov. 16, at 442 W. Wellington. Help to set up or clean up, or by bringing some necessary supplies. Contact PNO organizer Marcia May to pitch in! Gala: Mar. 2013. There's a lot involved in planning our annual Gala. We need volunteers to solicit items for the online and silent auctions, sell raffle tickets, and to help with decoration, invitation, and the many details that make the event a success. Click here to volunteer your help. If these jobs don't speak to you, click here for other opportunities! DONATE.
The Fall Appeal: Nearly 25% of the annual financial support we provide the school comes from our Fall Appeal. We encourage all Payton families to participate, at any level. You can give online by clicking DONATE. Wish List at Report Card Pickup: Nov. 13. Bring your checkbook when you come to report card pickup and stop by the Wish List table in the Atrium. It's a great way to provide direct classroom support!
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 CLUBS, TEAMS, ENRICHMENT
Payton Debate Team: Open for Deliberation
Resolved: that the United States federal government should substantially increase its transportation infrastructure investment in the United States.
The Debate Team, now in its 13th year, is part of a national network of students hard at work researching, prepping, and debating this topic. Students draw on resources including white papers, news articles, and published studies to address key issues such as job creation and economic stimulus, national security, and access to transportation.
What do debaters get out of their time and commitment to debate besides higher ACT scores, potential full-ride college scholarships, medals, and team-building skills? "After researching for debate, writing papers in high school and college is almost boring it's so easy," offers External and National Circuit Coach Avery Dale, who along with Mr. John O'Brien (Science), coaches the Payton Debate Team. "Debating is hands-down the most intellectually and academically challenging activity from both a learning and competitive standpoint" says Coach Dale, who debated from middle school through college at Northwestern University. Coach Dale is a teacher and graduate student at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.
Payton is in the top tier circuit conference of the Chicago Debate League (CDL), one of the oldest and largest urban leagues in the nation. It encompasses more than 71 high schools and middle schools throughout Chicago in partnership with local corporations and law firms. Tuition scholarships for summer institutes, college prep and professional development are part of its offerings.
Payton varsity debaters Kathleen Gui (Soph) and Meg Young (Soph) earned seats at the fall Allstate Varsity Debate Invitational based on their second place standing in CDL events so far this year. In addition to Chicago area debates, the 20-member Payton team will vie for positions in approximately ten other major invitational, regional, and national events, many of which offer college scholarships.
Payton Debate is open to all students. There are three ways to participate: the student-led Selenium enrichment program on Mon.; a Wed. seminar; and/or team practices on Thurs. Debates are held on weekends from Oct. through March. Parent volunteers are needed! For more information visit: http://www.chicagodebateleague.org.
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NEW PAYTON FACULTY
English:
Mr. Kevin Wasielewski
Mr. Kevin Wasielewski joined Payton's English Department and is teaching World Literature and Survey of Literature. He reports, "I am incredibly excited to join the Payton team this year!" He looks forward to collaborating with Payton's faculty to develop engaging and dynamic curricula. In addition to teaching, Mr. Wasielewski is thrilled to indulge in his love of theatre by working with the Payton Players. He is currently working with Ms. Catlin (English) on Payton's fall play, a production of The Odyssey.
A Chicago native, Mr. Wasliewski has a BA in Fine Arts (Theater) from the University of Illinois and an MA in Education from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). He previously worked at Bell Elementary School in Chicago and served as a company member of the Utah Shakespearean Festival. He has also worked as a Teaching Artist for Lookingglass Theatre Company.
Mr. Wasielewski has served as Director/Drama Coach for school-based productions of: Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Wizard of Oz & Alice in Wonderland. Alice included an ensemble of hearing and deaf students in a production integrating American Sign Language. Outside of Payton, he enjoys spending time outdoors around his Lincoln Park home, reading a good book, watching a good movie, and cooking good food.
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Fundraising News
Fall Appeal - Please donate by Nov. 1: Thanks to all who have donated to the FOP/PPIE Fall Appeal. To date, FOP has raised $36,483 with participation from approximately 60 families. That is a great beginning. Build the momentum with your donation!
Fall Appeal Phone-a-Thon: We need volunteers to help us reach out by phone to Payton families for the Fall Appeal. We will hold a phone- a- thon at school from 6PM - 8PM on Wed. Nov. 14 and Thurs. Nov. 15. Volunteer to help by emailing us. All you need is your cell phone, we'll provide the script. We are in special need of dual language speakers.
Spring Gala: Planning for the Spring Gala is well under way. We are looking for volunteers to begin soliciting for the online and silent auctions. We also need people to sell raffle tickets, help with decorations, invitations, and a myriad of other things that will go into our Spring Gala! Please volunteer by clicking here .
Curriculum Night Teacher Wish List Project a Big Success: Thanks to all parents and guardians who purchased items from the Teacher Wish List on Curriculum Night. Together, 25 families donated a total of $5700 towards the items our teachers need to make their classrooms and curriculum truly great. Special thanks to parents who organized the Wish List table and to parents who worked at the table.
Report Card Day Wish List Project: The next Teacher Wish List event will be Fall Report Card Pick Up on Nov. 7. To volunteer for a short shift at the table click here. (Don't worry - you will still have plenty of time to meet with your child's teachers.)
Next Fundraising Meeting - Please come!: Our next meeting is on Nov. 7 at 7PM after the Payton Community Meeting. We need a lot of parents to make this year's Gala a success - join us at the meeting to learn more about how you can help.
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 COMMUNICATION NEWS
Directory Beats
Halloween Publishing Target
The 2012-13 Directories were distributed in advisories last week, again beating our Halloween deadline. Students who didn't receive directories should ask their advisors for one. Special thanks to Payton parents Jane Barclay and Steve Gallancy for producing the directory.
If you notice any errors in your family's entry, please take a minute to correct your child's data in the school database. Other questions or concerns? Email us at Friendsof Payton@gmail.com. Also, we're looking for a freshman parent who would like to help with the directory next year. Drop us an email if you're interested!
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COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Naviance: A Valuable College Planning Tool Naviance is an online tool that allows students, families, and counselors to coordinate the college search process. Naviance is a source for data about previous Payton seniors' college applications and choices. Payton's Naviance Administrator, Mr. Lance Paulsen (Counseling), uploads data from Payton seniors each year, including names of schools applied to and the outcome of those applications. The data is presented in charts showing student GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and corresponding admission outcomes. Students can use this data to gauge their standing among peers with similar educational backgrounds. Naviance also offers direct links to college websites for information on admissions policies, academics, and financial aid opportunities. Students can investigate colleges by majors offered or career paths served, and identify characteristics they want in a college (e.g. location, size, cost). Students log information about colleges they are considering and use their Naviance accounts when meeting with counselors to discuss college options. Naviance is useful for upper classmen actively involved in the college process, and for sophomores/freshmen interested in exploring the college application process. On Naviance, students can compile information about their extracurricular activities and accomplishments, and create a high school "resume" that is useful in completing college applications, essays, and for interview preparation. Naviance is also a tool for teachers and counselors who use it to send college recommendations electronically. Students are registered for Naviance during Freshman Orientation. Parents/guardians get their access codes at Sophomore Night. Have questions? Contact Mr. Paulsen at LRPaulsen@cps.edu. |
NEW PAYTON FACULTY
Science:
Mr. John O'Brien
Mr. John O'Brien joins Payton's Science Department and will teach Chemistry and Biology. Mr. O'Brien also serves as the faculty advisor to Payton's debate team. (see Debate article above)
Mr. O'Brien aspires to "energetically guide students through these building blocks of insight, keeping the discoveries these skills articulate always part of the conversation. The sciences are -- like math and language skills -- a kind of literacy, through which we get a rich understanding of the physical world that no speculation, fantasy, history or formula can adequately convey in itself. A strong science education enriches your life experience, makes you a better consumer of goods and information, is useful -- tremendously so -- and you'll have more interesting conversations. This literacy acquisition requires the adolescent mind to engage in thinking which is often new and interdisciplinary. I endeavor to compel students to anticipate, even relish that experience."
Mr. O'Brien received his MA in Chemistry Education from DePaul and received his BA with Distinction in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate at Wisconsin and completed its BIOCORE curriculum. Prior to Payton, he served as a long-term sub at several schools including Payton and worked in the information technology industry for 13 years.
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 GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Study Abroad: Reflections and Opportunities
Department of State Scholarships for Study Abroad- Applications now being accepted!
The U.S. Department of State announced scholarships for American high school students to study abroad. Deadlines are fast approaching! Click here for current information.
American Field Service AFS will visit on Tues. Nov. 13 for an information session about its study abroad and international hosting opportunities. Interested students should sign up for the enrichment. For more information, click here.
Summer International Exchange Trips
Student reflections:
Argentina exchange with Belgrano Day School
This trip definitely broadened my perspective on traveling. Being in Argentina was absolutely wonderful and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of meeting new people in new places and learning their culture. I love all kinds of different cultures and foods, so being able to immerse myself in a place that has a completely different culture and environment than I'm used to, inspired me so much. I'm planning on traveling abroad in college, so that I can have many more opportunities to make new memories and experience different things. (Click here for more about the trip.)
Teacher reflections:
Japanese Exchange with Osaka City Senior High School
It was truly wonderful to see every student diligently apply Japanese skills in every aspect of real life when we were there. One of the most memorable moments for me is on the day of our farewell party, one of our usually-reserved boys stepped up and took the mic to express his gratitude and also took the leader role in presenting our cultural performances for the sister school.(Click here for more!)
To see photos from the above exchange trips and to stay current on all things international at Payton, check the Global Connections section of the Payton website under Academics. Or just click here.
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 FALL SPORTS
Grizzlies Finishing Strong Seasons
Cross Country (Boys): Payton's tough varsity team placed 3rd at the IHSA Regional Cross-Country meet Oct. 20 to advance to Sectionals on Oct. 27. Anchored by seniors Jacob Turner (SR) (17:26) and Matt Webb (SR) (17:21), many Grizzlies peaked at the meet, finishing the 3-mile course with personal records. Augie Bello (Soph) led Payton finishers at 17:18, followed by Sam LaSota (Soph) (17:20), seniors Webb then Turner, Ryan Harrington (Soph) (17:35), Wesley Chan (Soph) (17:55) and Elliot Adams (Soph) (18:04). The team is well-coached by Coach Thaddeus Rego and Assistant Coach Abbie Cullen.
Soccer (Boys): The team defeated Elmwood Park HS 3-1 for the Regional Championship on Oct. 19. Goals by Jonathan Garcia (JR), Jose Padilla (Soph), and Alex Gasca (SR) gave the Grizzlies their 3rd Regional Championship in a row. On Oct. 24 the team finished its season with a loss to Ridgewood HS (1-0) in a hard-fought game at the Sectional Semifinals.
16" Softball (Boys): After beating Taft by slaughter rule (10-0) in City Semifinals, the Grizzlies beat Lane in the City Championship! Sam Kelly (JR) pitched a great game, striking out two in the fourth inning and giving up only two runs to take out the always-powerful Lane Tech lineup. Sean Dyer (SR) established the lead with a two-run double and Sam Lowenthal (SR) caught the last out of the game to take the Championship. Congratulations Grizzlies!
Check Payton's website for team information and schedules.
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 FINE ARTS AT PAYTON
Music News & Performances
Mr. Rode (Music) held auditions for the Concert Band during the first week of Oct. Parents are reminded to make sure students get their dress attire for concerts. Parents may purchase the clothing anywhere they choose. Mr. Rode's Instrumental Music handbook and syllabus includes vendor information.
On Sat. Nov. 10. The Jazz Band will perform at the Open House while prospective students and their families walk through the halls. Sounds of Sweetness (SOS) will also perform.
On Thurs. Nov. 15 from 5PM - 6PM the Salvation Army will celebrate the Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony at Union Station's Great Hall, 210 S. Canal Street. SOS, scheduled to perform at 5:15PM, will be one of three groups, along with The Salvation Army's Brass Ensemble and the cast from the Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol. Please stop by to support them at this free event.
The band's Winter Concert will take place on Fri. Dec.7.
SOS, POP (Pieces of Perfection - Payton's girls a cappella group), and the Concert Choir will perform at an Art Institute fundraiser on Sun. Dec. 9. More details will be provided once available.
Ms. Kate Johnson (Music), Payton's new Director of Choirs, confirmed the Winter Choir Concert will be held at Payton on Fri. Dec. 14.
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PAYTON PARENTS & GUARDIANS
Fall Parents Night Out
Don't miss Friends of Payton Fall Parents Night out Fri. Nov. 16, 6:30PM-9PM at the home of Laura Matalon & Spencer Waller, 442 W. Wellington in the Lake View neighborhood.A Payton tradition, Parents Nights Out are informal potluck dinners hosted by Payton families and are for parents and guardians only - no kids! Please bring a dish to share (appetizer, entrée or dessert). BYOB. Everything else is provided.
Logistical notes: CTA bus routes 22, 36, and 151 all have stops nearby. There is street parking, or you may pay for parking in lots at: St. Joseph's Hospital, 330 W. Wellington, or The Hallmark (inner Lake Shore Drive between Wellington and Barry).
Contact Marcia May at Marcia.matalonmay@ge.com or 312-919-0020 to volunteer for set up or clean up, or if you would like bring party supplies. Hope to see you there.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT UPDATE
Student Government in Session
Reported with the help of Danielle Fregia (SR), VP of Student Government
Start your holiday shopping early and contribute to the annual Payton Toy Drive which gets started in November. Throughout the month of November student government will be collecting toys to give to needy kids during the holiday season in December.
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NEXT MEETING ON NOVEMBER 5
Local School Council Report
At the LSC on Oct. 8., Mr. Tim Devine (Principal) reported SGSA funding will be adjusted by new data from CPS based on the new teachers contract. The new calendar incorporates changes from the contract as well. The seven strike days will be rescheduled by cutting two days from Winter Break and extending the school year into an additional week in June. Next year, CPS will have five different bell schedules from which schools may choose. Track R and E distinctions will be eliminated for 2013-2014 and all schools will operate under a single calendar.
Mr. Devine highlighted student academic achievements, announcing that Payton has twelve National Merit Semi Finalists, seven national Achievement Semi Finalists, and three National Hispanic Achievement Scholars.
CPS will make no changes to SEHS admissions policies for the 2013-2014 year. CPS postponed changes to the application process as it continues to review adopting to a single application. Prospective freshmen and families will be able to visit Payton during the Open House on Nov. 11.
CPS Performance Tasks (assessments) were administered this fall and will be repeated later in the year to assess instructional growth. The assessments will be used in teacher evaluations under the new contract.
Mr. Devine and students report that the Selenium program is working well. More students are involved in clubs, activities and sports this year through enrichment offerings. Student athletes now have more access to tutoring.
Sarah Spencer (Special Ed.) has developed a program to enlist local businesses to offer Payton Special Ed. students on site work experience. The first participating business is Panera Bread. Ms. Michele Washington (Asst. Principal) and Ms. Spencer are working to expand this successful new program. Other new programs being developed include a tactile art component for the autism cluster and a radio program for visually impaired students.
Please come to the next LSC meeting on Mon. Nov. 5 at 6PM in the Library.
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