Washington Coverage praised 

Dear Editor:

I can't thank you enough for the terrific job you did covering us in the Gazette. Great job!  And we especially loved it that you were able to use three color photos, including the book cover, and that wonderful shot that we love so much right on the cover -- excellent!

Your enthusiasm and support is very much appreciated.  I express thanks on the behalf of the Harold Washington Commemorative Year Steering Committee as well as myself personally.

Be assured that a copy of the January Gazette will be included in the materials we submit to the HWLC archives  when the Commemorative Year is over.

                    Mary Gerace
                    Harold Washington Commemorative Year Project

 

South Loop School continues to build bridges

 Dear Editor: 

We have seen many successes at South Loop Elementary School over the past five years.  A consistent increase in test scores and academic performance; more academic and enrichment options for our students including our regional gifted, fine, and language arts and extended day programs; and more diversity in our student population. All of these enhancements help produce well-rounded, academically prepared students who will grow to become successful adults who can compete in this global economy. As adults, that’s what we want for our children.

            Unfortunately, there are some in our community who do not want our children to experience these wonderful opportunities. Those who do not want our children to grow and be prepared to compete. These individuals successfully placed a referendum on the February 5 ballot to remove these wonderful programs from our school and to limit the ability for parents to drop off and pick up their children from school.

            We don’t quite understand why any adult, those with or without children, would not want young people to receive the highest quality education. 

            The referendum placed on the ballot is non-binding.  The decision of whether these programs remain in the school is made by the Board of Education. And the board has no plans to remove the gifted center or the fine arts programs from the school. With that said, we ask that you continue to support your South Loop School and the wonderful programs it offers.

            We understand the motivation behind the referendum. We recognize that the success of our school has led to more interest by parents and has resulted in some congestion in our neighborhood during drop off and pick up times. Currently, more than 65% of children from the neighborhood attend South Loop compared to just 5% five years ago.

            We are aware and sensitive to the congestion and are working diligently to come up with solutions. In fact, the Board of Education in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Transportation has commissioned a traffic study to look at ways to improve the traffic flow around the school.

            Removing the gifted and fine arts programs from the school is not the answer.  Because of these opportunities, South Loop graduates have gone on to some of the top high schools in the city and will ultimately become local, national, and international leaders.

            Let’s not stunt the growth of the school because there are a few more cars in the neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Tara Shelton              Patricia Adams          Mary Oakes
Principal                     Parent                         Community Resident

 

Congratulations, Carl Segvich 

Dear Editor:

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the people had their say and elected Carl Segvich new 11th Ward Republican Committeeman, ousting George Preski.

                The people will not regret voting for Carl, because he is an honest, clean-cut man that backs up his words for all people.

                    Richard Gagne
                    Bridgeport

 

'A good day in el' 

Dear Editor:

The other day I had occasion to ride the el. I saw stunning streetscapes, forlorn ruins, hidden sanctuaries, unusual perspectives, and a burnt-out factory unfolding like a baked potato. I thought, "these scenes would make great photographs."

            The Chicago Transit Authority should hold a photo contest. It would give them good publicity for a change. It could attract hundreds of people who normally don't ride the CTA. Winners could be paid in transit fare cards. The CTA could help its continually sagging bottom line by marketing photos as calendars, posters, postcards, coffee table books, and t-shirts.

            The Eagles have a song called "A Good Day in Hell." Perhaps the CTA photo contest could be called "A Good Day in El."

                    James Reyes