By Tina Jenkins Bell
BAPA School Liaison
We are on a good path, so far! Most of our schools—private and public — have been in session for almost a month. Yes, COVID-19 and its evil variants are still a factor. According to the Chicago Public Schools COVID-19 data for SY21-22 report, 164 adults and 451 students have been impacted by the virus in CPS schools since the start of the school year.
Still our educators and school families are hanging in there, prioritizing safety while maintaining commitments to proffer quality education for students attending our neighborhood schools.
Good News
In a recent review by Niche.com, Morgan Park Academy was among 2.5% of schools nationwide to receive an overall grade of A+ and ranked No. 8 among Illinois K-12 private schools and No. 13 among the state’s private high schools. Congrats, MPA!
Free Fun and Math
There may still be an opportunity for interested students, grades 5 through 8, to improve their math and have fun doing it. Math Circles, which now offers online options, are still open for registration. The program is held at Morgan Park High School. Discover more at www.mathcirclesofchicago.org.
Kudos to Community Schools and Partners
Hats off to the Beverly Area Arts Alliance for collaborating with BAPA’s Teen Service Corps and area schools to enhance youth participation in the Beverly Art Walk. Sutherland School principal Margaret Burns said, “Sutherland has always had a strong commitment to the Arts and to partner with the Art Walk this year was everything we’re about – community, children, celebration and the Arts. This was our 18th annual I Madonnari, and we’re thrilled that it was one of our most successful years. We truly felt it was a beautiful way to celebrate emerging from our hiatus with a burst of creativity, color and fun.”
Led by area resident Rose Rita Walsh James, the Criu de Sheela Foundation’s recent Masquerade Ball and Scholarship Benefit for a Morgan Park High School student was a success, raising $3500 to start. According to Walsh James, the Foundation is working with MPHS senior counselor Jessica Cole to name a scholarship recipient. The group has plans to host other fundraisers, leading up to the South Side Irish Parade in 2022. “I’m really happy with what we’ve achieved so far,” said Walsh James.
The Foundation also has plans to support an upcoming fundraiser for the Edna White Garden “Day of the Dead” celebration on Nov. 2, and is collecting toiletries, winter wear (hats, gloves, and scarves), and journals as a way to support the physical and emotional well-being of MPHS students. Walsh James welcomes contributions to that effort via drop-offs at her home, 11359 Lothair Ave.
Dates to Remember
Kellogg School, 9241 S. Leavitt, welcomes neighbors and school families to join them at their Fall Clean Up and tree planting event, Sat., Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Barnard, Clissold, Kellogg, Sutherland, and Vanderpoel Schools will host a High School Fair, Tues., Oct. 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sutherland, 10015 S. Leavitt.
CPS high school admissions testing occurs on Tues., Nov. 9. For information visit gocps@cps.edu or call 773-553-2060.
