State Superintendent Education Tony Sanders speaks to Elgin Golden K
On Aug. 7, Tony Sanders, Illinois Superintendent of Education, spoke to Elgin Golden K Kiwanis Club.
Sanders, who formerly served as Elgin Area School District U-46 superintendent, described recent efforts to integrate education categories with a new emphasis on literacy of various kinds. He reported that assessment of school districts needs improvement because test scores alone cannot fairly serve as a basis of comparison among Illinois school districts.
He explained that school districts are facing a serious shortage of teachers. He has initiated a "fireside chat" system with administrators -- recently featuring a visit by Goldie Hawn.
Elgin’s Golden K Kiwanis Club invites everyone to attend the weekly meetings at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., to learn about local programs or institutions. There is always time to interact with the speaker after the presentation.
On July 31, Elgin Township Highway Commissioner Jason Krabbe fielded many questions on roads in Elgin Township. A lifetime Elgin resident, he served in similar positions in St. Charles for 13 years. Their work includes mowing, snow removal, clearing roads after storms, and monitoring calls 24/7. Jason also has a long-time volunteer commitment with Elgin Heat and Little League.
July 24 was the club’s annual picnic in Wing Park. A great time (and food) was had by all.
On July 16, the club welcomed Kelley Moreland, vice president of development at the Elgin Jane Shover Easter Seals Center. She made a clear case for the importance of early intervention in helping children. The Easter Seals crew of clinical experts offers services in medical needs, autism, delayed development, speech/language disabilities and many other areas. Kelley explained that recently they are expanding services for families in mental health.
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation’s Shane McKenzie spoke July 9 on a special Urban Coyote program. This group, in association with Ohio State University and Cook County, has been tracking local coyotes for 24 years. They have tagged and checked 1,611 so far and tend to each animal’s health and eating history. Recently the foundation has begun tracking river otters. It was exciting to see his maps tracking geographical tracks of several animals in the Chicago area.
On Aug. 14, it will be Maria Cumpata, Director Elgin Parks and Recreation, followed by Elgin Senior Liaison Cherie Aschenbrenner on Aug. 21, and Clair Ryan, Kane County Recycling coordinator on Aug 28.
Everyone is welcome to visit and join them for a free half doughnut and coffee!
Elgin Golden K weekly meetings are at 9 a.m. Wednesdays in Lind Hall of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St. in downtown Elgin.
For an up-to-date list of past speakers, go to www.elgingoldenk.org or facebook.com/elgingoldenk/.
For general information on the Golden K Kiwanis, or to join, email goldenkelgin@gmail.com.