The Soapbox: Help for troubled kids in Palatine, business learning in Naperville, a good cause in Hampshire and more.
Graduating on time:
St. Charles school administrators are pulling out the stops to ensure students graduate from high s®chool. Starting this fall, at-risk students can attend a pilot night-school program from 4 to 7 p.m. twice a week. It's worth a try. Educators say there's a much lower return rate among students who have to start a fifth year to graduate.
A second chance for troubled kids:
While transgender issues dominated discussions in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, an important change for students with behavioral issues flew largely under the radar. Moving students into an in-house program instead of shipping them out of the district should not only save money, but provide new opportunities to turn things around.
Playing for a good cause:
Kudos to baseball teams from Hampshire and Woodstock North high schools and Hampshire coach John Sarna. On May 14, the Whip-Purs and Blue Thunder raise money for cancer research at the Strike Out Cancer event, with proceeds going to the Jason Motte Foundation. Their wood bats represented the 20 colors of cancer research.
When greatness collides:
Should be interesting to watch former Olympian and Naperville native Candace Parker work next Tuesday against the Chicago Sky's Elena Delle Donne at Allstate Arena. Parker scored 34 points in her WNBA season opener, and Delle Donne had 28. Both have earned MVP titles in the league, but Parker did not make the U.S. Olympic roster for Rio.
Curtain call:
Great news for theater lovers: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble this fall will once again take up residence at the College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center after a two-year absence. It's a welcome return for the Equity company, which has performed many thought-provoking works over the years.
Return of the Victory garden:
In World Wars I and II, victory gardens reduced pressure on the public food supply and empowered local gardeners. Today's enemy is hunger, and Des Plaines Alderman Malcolm Chester proposes giving four bits of underused land over as public gardens for local food pantries. The details will decide how workable it is, but it's a great idea.
Water safety:
Following a Daily Herald investigation on water testing, state Rep. David McSweeney, a Barrington Hills Republican, called for state regulators to report on the safety of the state's drinking water. We found that unsafe lead levels are sometimes found but residents who could be affected aren't always aware. Why not get assurances from the state?
Nurturing moguls?:
Well, that may be a stretch. But however far their ideas take them, high school students in Naperville Unit District 203 will benefit from a program in which local entrepreneurs and businesses teach them about business plans, marketing and more.
Ever amazing:
And speaking of going far, we're always amazed at the dedication, resourcefulness and talents of the students selected for our annual All-Area Academic Team. In the midst of all the world's trouble and angst, they're a welcome reminder that our future's in good hands.