After listening to part one, Ms. Spooner asked her students to write a reflection on what they heard. When reading their work, she realized that the students were impressed by the Harper staff's dedication and the loving compassion they showed the students. Ms. Spooner decided to pull some quotes from their writing and, with their permission, she sent along the compliments about the staff and school culture to the principal of Harper High School. Ms. Spooner notes, "The principal disseminated my student's thoughts to the entire staff. A (Harper) creative writing teacher, who was also listening to the broadcast with her students, shared our writings with her students, who responded in kind. Much of what the Harper students said about the broadcast was that it failed to highlight the successes of students at Harper and the positive experiences they have. This presented a unique opportunity to talk about non-fiction and the construction of 'truth' in relation to author's purpose, which was central to our curriculum in the first place. My student teacher, Bryan Peters, and I met with the creative writing teacher, Tasha Robinson, and designed a meeting between our students." 

On Mar. 29, Ms. Robinson brought about 20 students to a panel discussion at Payton and they responded to questions prepared by Ms. Spooner's students. During the presentation, students from Harper demonstrated the reality that what was true for some was not true for all. They drove home the idea that sometimes the stories that are told are simply the most dramatic version of events. An example: one focus of the radio show was that, for Harper High School students, gang affiliation and access to guns was a universal reality. The Harper students Ms. Spooner's class met did not all share that experience, although some certainly had.

The students' dialogue was engaging and positive and they moved into breakout groups moderated by the Executive Board of Payton's African American Club. During the group discussions, many students realized that the differences they initially assumed they had were not so vast. They found that, despite the different challenges they face in their communities, their age and mutual cultural interests make them much more alike. Ms. Spooner notes, "I believe, and heard from Ms. Robinson, that her students enjoyed being able to tell their version of events, rather than being hemmed in by the broadcast. I think our students were compassionate, and also realized that if they want to know the 'truth' about something, they need to keep researching rather than relying on a single source, or even a few."

Track and Field (Girls): The team sprints off to the CPS city championships Sat. May 4, with a number of athletes defending top-level seeds. Standout Sr. (and USC recruit) Cameron Pettigrew has garnered recent press attention - read about her accomplishments in the 200 and 400 meter events by clicking here. The team's busy month ahead includes Sectionals on May 11, and then IHSA State Championships on May 16-18. Go Grizzlies, go! 

Baseball (Boys): The Varsity team is 4-4 in conference play, led by seniors Sean Dyer, Alex Hurtado, Sam Lowenthal, and Jacob Shapiro. The injury bug took a bite out of the team early, but the players are on the mend. Antonio Nelson (SR) has helped stabilize the pitching rotation along with Dyer, Daniel Friedman (SR), Ivan Chen (JR), and Christopher Huerta (soph). There are three underclassmen in the starting lineup. In addition to Chen and Huerta, Bison Carcelli (frosh) has handled second base duties. Jack Brosnan (soph) has been doing an outstanding job as a reserve catcher called up from the Sophomore team.

Mr. Eric Kuchii (Phys. Ed.) was cited recently in the local press as an "unsung hero" for his year-round, volunteer efforts coaching autistic youth for the Special Olympics. Click here to an article well worth reading that describes Coach Kuchii's wonderful work.

Friends of Payton (FOP) Board Elections

Make an impact by serving as a FOP board member for the 2013 - 2014 school year.Elections will be held for all Board positions at the June 5 Payton Community meeting.Register your interest by stating your qualifications, and why you're interested in serving, in an email to FOP Secretary LaurieFlom. Board positions are currently held by the following individuals who can provide you with additional information as to the responsibilities of the various positions:

President: Primary executive officer who supervises and controls all of the business and affairs of the Friends of Payton; primary contact for the school's administration. Email CaseyHoogstraten.  

Executive Vice President: Performs the duties of the President in his/her absence; gets involved with special projects and assists with various volunteer activities. Email MarlaKushner.

Treasurer: Manages receipt and dispersion of funds in the name of the corporation; maintains FOP's books; ensures annual audit is performed. Email BrianMoore. 

Assistant Treasurer: Works directly with Treasurer in a variety of capacities to manage the funds for the corporation. Email TraceyLowenthal.

Secretary: Keeps the minutes for FOP board meetings; sees that meeting notices are given; is the custodian of the corporate records. Email LaurieFlom,  

Vice President-Communications: Primary communications vehicle for FOP including "Payton Pass the Word" monthly newsletter, eblasts with FOP announcements, the Student Directory; organizes the Parents Nite Out gatherings. Email KatieMerrell.

Vice President-Fundraising: Responsible for organizing and managing fund raising activities, including the annual Gala/Auction and the Annual Appeal. Email CathyNardi.

Thank you Wish List Volunteers and Supporters!