U-46 schedules public forums in search for new superintendent
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the Elgin Area District U-46 school board and PRO-ACT Search Inc., the firm hired to conduct the search for a new superintendent, will conduct public forums about the profile and qualities the community would like to see in such a person. These will be as follows:
• 7 p.m. Tuesday at Eastview Middle School, Elgin High School and Creekside Elementary School.
• 7 p.m. Wednesday at South Elgin High School, the Educational Services Center and Bartlett High School.
• 7 p.m. Thursday at the Citizen's Advisory Committee meeting at Elgin High School, at Larkin High School and at Tefft Middle School.
Nancy Noeske, president of PRO-ACT, says the meetings will have sign-in sheets and comment cards for attendees. The firm is looking for constructive concerns and traits the new superintendent should exhibit. Four consultants from the firm will conduct the meetings.
The U-46 Web site has a survey posted at www.u-46.org. The survey has been given to staff and parents and is available to all residents of the district.
All the input generated will be used as a guideline as applications come in the next few months. A tentative timeline is on the Web site, with selection of the individual slated for the end of April.
This is a good opportunity to look to the future and have a say!
Literacy Connection news
Two items from the Literacy Connection.
First, the New Year is starting out with an orientation session for volunteer tutors from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the library's community room. The tutors will work with adult students waiting to learn to read, write and speak English. More information is available at info@elginliteracy.org. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to get more involved in the community, this is a great place to start.
On Jan. 26, in the Heritage Ballroom of the Centre, Literacy Connection is hosting its first ever "Laughter for Literacy."
Green Room Productions will do an improvisational comedy show at 7 p.m. for families and again at 9 p.m. for an adult audience. Both shows are billed as LOL fun!
For details about the show and for reservations, call (847) 741-6565 or go to www.elginliteracy.org.
Dance for PADS
The 2008 Elgin Stars dance for PADS will take place at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 in the ballroom at the Stonegate Banquet Center in Hoffman Estates. Once again six volunteer couples will dance for the enjoyment of the gala attendees and for the honor of being voted the best that evening.
Couples are: Dan Roseman and Denise Habun (instructed by Pat Kassanits from Golden's School of Dance), Mark and Robin Seigle (instructed by Pamela Martinez of Two Left Feet Dance Studio), Joseph Guiliano and Stephanie Gehrig (instructed by Mary Coursey of Golden's School of Dance), Paul and Betty Harth (instructed by Celia Lopez), John and Caron Worklan (instructed by Alex Artega), and Pat and Kathy Hannell (instructed by Joyce Smith).
Gala attendees vote for their favorite, after seeing all the couples dance. Susan Angell-Case, this year's chairwoman, says there will be lots of silent auction items for your pleasure as well as a roomier new site. It's a fun way to support the now year-round shelter of PADS in the new Berkley Street location near Elgin Community College.
For details and reservations, call (847) 608-9744.
ECC Foundation's brunch
The ECC Foundation is holding its 10th annual Founder's Day Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. Funds raised support scholarships, updated classroom equipment and student participation in competitions and exchange programs.
The reception begins with champagne and continues with a breakfast and bread display, a soup and salad display, a carving station, and an entrée display. Chef Maria Terry will be working her finest that day!
After brunch, the foundation will name its four award winners for 2008: The Distinguished Friend of Education, the Exceptional Friend of the ECC Foundation, the ECC distinguished Alumnus/Alumnae, and the ECC Pacesetter Award. Entertainment follows with Leslie Hunt, who competed on American Idol, and ECC students.
For details, call (847) 214-7377.
Scholarship help
One young lady is starting 2008 off with a boost. Sylvan Learning Center on Randall Road in South Elgin has partnered to bring a scholarship to a member of the Elgin Boys and Girl's Club.
Janet Schneider of the Sylvan Learning Center says the organizations have similar values -- helping young people succeed -- and it was a natural fit.
Keavey Dixon, club representative, said the recipient of the award, Mariah Bogan, needed some assistance in math.
With her grandmother Clarissa Grissett's permission, I spoke to Mariah about her experience so far. She goes on Tuesdays and Saturdays for a one-hour session. She says the fun begins in the lobby with games and puzzles. There were vocabulary tests in the beginning. Now she in on to math, using a calculator game and math charts and every lesson is something new. She feels she knows more and she is no longer behind in class. Her teacher says she is really doing well.
Nice partnership!
Happy New Year to all of you. May 2008 be full of happy surprises!