District 65 to See Close to $1M in Cost Savings

The cost of medical insurance for Evanston-Skokie School District 65 employees is going down by three percent next year.

  Evanston-Skokie School District 65 is expected to see “almost a million dollars” in cost savings because the cost of medical insurance for district employees is going down by three percent next year, according to Chief Financial Officer Mary Brown, Evanston Now reported.  The district also expects to end the year close to its budgeted operating surplus of $400,000. The school board is expected to review a draft budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year in August, with final approval slated for September, Evanston Now reported. Related Coverage

• Photos (1)

District 65 Announces 2013 'Justin Wynners'

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 honored the winners of the annual Justin Wynn Award at a banquet May 5. The award recognizes two fourth graders from each elementary school.

District 65 honored this year's Justin Wynn award winners at a banquet May 6. Two fourth-graders from each school received the award, which recognizes students who display exemplary sportsmanship, citizenship and leadership. The Justin Wynn Fund was created 25 years ago in memory of Justin Wynn, who died in an accident at age 9. "Wynners" of the ward are encouraged to develop leadership and a sense of responsiblity for the community. This year's winners are:

•  6 Comments
• Photos (1)

Evanston School Wins Design Award

Lincoln Elementary School’s renovation was named 2013 Outstanding Project by Learning By Design magazine.

  Lincoln Elementary School has received an outstanding project award for its renovation from Learning By Design magazine.  The magazine says the design by TMP Architecture Inc. resulted in a brighter and friendlier school while showcasing the building’s history. For example, the lobby was renovated into a two-story entry that incorporates the stone entry arch from the original structure.  The $8.2 million project included converting the auditorium into a multipurpose room and adding new elements such as six new learning studios; occupational therapy rooms; and a vegetable garden run by students and parents, according to the magazine.  Related Coverage

• Photos (1)

District 65 Approves $117K Improvements at Orrington Elementary School

The Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board unanimously approved the project during Monday’s meeting.

  Orrington Elementary School will get $117,500 for site improvements after the Evanston-Skokie District 65 School Board unanimously approved the project during Monday’s meeting, Evanston Now reported.  The north side of the school will get new concrete ramps and a curb cut while the northeast side of the school will get a sidewalk to accommodate garbage and food delivery trucks that currently use the playground while students are present, Evanston Now reported.  Related Coverage

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

New Farm-to-School Program Making Lunches More Nutritious

Evanston-Skokie School District 65 schools and Evanston Township High School are piloting a program to use local produce at school cafeterias.

  While a Michelin-rated restaurant is bringing farm-to-tavern eats to Evanston, Evanston-Skokie School District 65 schools and Evanston Township High School are bringing ingredients from regional farms to school cafeterias, the Daily Northwestern reported.  The schools are piloting a farm-to-school program where fresh fruit, vegetable, cheese, wheat and other produce locally-sourced from a food hub in Wisconsin and delivered to school cafeterias; students are also farming in school gardens and harvesting produce, the Daily Northwestern reported.  Related Coverage

• Photos (1)

Pepsi with Brigid

Perhaps, Penelope: Why Inclusion Matters

This video tells the story of second-grader Penelope, and what it means for her as a student with disabilities to be fully included at Willard Elementary School.

This is a story about a 2nd grade student with disabilities, Penelope, who is fully included into her home school of Willard Elementary School in Evanston, Illinois.   In this piece, Matt and Megan Lassman discuss what they went through as parents to get to this place.  Including Penelope full time with her classmates shows that the benefits are two way.  Integrating her with her peers allows for improved understanding, tolerance, patience and the possibility for friendship beyond what some might have thought possible.   Please watch, comment and share.   www.pepsiwithbrigid.com

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

District 65 Students Not Taking Full Advantage of Cheap Internet Access

Only 6 percent of eligible students at Evanston-Skokie School District 65 participate in a Comcast program that offers cheap Internet access to low-income families.

  Cook County has more families taking part in a Comcast program that offers cheap Internet access to low-income families than any other county in the country, but the program is underutilized at by eligible students at Evanston-Skokie School District 65, the Daily Northwestern reported.  At District 65 about 41 percent of students qualify for the program, but only about 6 percent of eligible students participate, according District 65 Communications Director Pat Markham, the Daily Northwestern reported.  Comcast’s Internet Essentials program provides low-income families with Internet access at a reduced rate, according to the company’s website. 

• Photos (1)

Voter's Guide to Evanston Elections April 9, 2013

See who's on the ballot and read about the issues facing voters in city council races, school board races and the contest for township supervisor.

Despite the fact that every spot on the city council, as well as the mayor's seat, is up for election in 2013, there are just a few contested races in Evanston.  Voters in the first ward and sixth ward have a choice between two candidates on the ballot, while fifth ward voters have the opportunity to choose a write-in candidate. The position of township supervisor is also up for grabs. When it comes to local school districts, eight candidates are running for four seats on the Evanston Township High School District 202 School Board. The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 race is uncontested, however. First Ward Candidates: Judy Fiske, Edward Tivador Local business owner and incumbent Ald. Judy Fiske is running against newcomer Edward …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

District 65 HR Director Named Superintendent In Golf School District 67

Evanston/Skokie District 65 HR Director Beth Sagett-Flores will take over as superintendent in Golf School District 67 as of July 1.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Human Resources Director Beth Sagett-Flores will take over as superintendent in Golf School District 67 this summer. Sagett-Flores, who holds a doctorate of education in school administration, began her career as a teacher and principal in the Chicago Public Schools, then served seven years as principal of Lincolnwood School in Evanston-Skokie District 65. A mentor suggested she try moving to Human Resources in order to get more administrative experience to prepare to be a superintendent. She followed through, and currently serves as HR Director in District 65, which has 17 schools and about 1,250 employees in multiple bargaining units. When Saggett-Flores officially starts in District 67 on July 1, she'…

• Photos (1)

Evanston-Skokie School District 65 to Work with Park District

The school district will work with Ridgeville Park District to expand programming.

  Evanston-Skokie School District 65 and Ridgeville Park District have entered into a verbal agreement to work together on expanding programming at the 74-year-old Park District, which spans about 14 acres in south Evanston, Evanston Review reported.  The park district, which serves about 6,000 residents living between Greenleaf and Howard streets, is exploring ways to create new opportunities for adults and children to use the district in helpful and legal ways, Evanston Review reported.  For the full story, visit: Evanston.Suntimes.com.  Related Coverage

• Photos (1)