Say no to grade-level centers in Dist. 26

I am fortunate to live on a block where the families are all very close. Our children span all ages. Under the collective watchful eye of all the neighbors we have seen these children grown up together. Neighbors are more like extended families.

The first day of school is always an exciting one. We live 3 blocks from school so we have a tradition of walking as a group to school that first day. All the kids run from door to door to get the group assembled. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, even dogs are included.

If you have ever tried to get a slow moving kid out the door you know my pain. Let me tell you there was no better way to get my son moving then to say "your friends are at the door ready to walk to school."

Throughout the years as these children walked to school a lot was happening. The bonds between the children (and the parents) was getting stronger. This was an opportunity to reinforce safety issues. It was a chance to show kindness by helping carry that heavy backpack for the younger one in the group who was struggling. Older children teaching and keeping younger ones safe. Setting a good example. Seeing the older fifth graders standing at the corner as crossing guard. Proudly wear their orange vest, arm extended to signal to the children to wait to cross. What a joy to see this child I walked to school with for years, now the crossing guard.

All these priceless memories would not have been possible if my child attended a school divided by Grade Level Centers. Please rally together to show the school board that this is NOT what we want in our community. It is NOT a "done deal" as board president Jeff Bradley would have everyone believe. Save Our Neighborhood Schools!

Gail Dieterich

Mount Prospect