Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Giving turkey and toys:)
Invitation to view a photo from papi's Picasa Web Album - Drop Box
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Monday, December 21, 2009
job
IMMEDIATE OPENING: Bilingual Teacher
School Name/Address: Inter-American Magnet School 851 Waveland Chicago, IL 60613
Telephone: (773)534-5490 ext. 18067
Fax: (773)534-5483 (please hand deliver or mail resumé)
Certificate Requirements: Elementary Education, ESL, Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Submit to Principal: Dr. Vernita Vallez
Other Information: All candidates must be bilingual.
Our school Inter-American Magnet School is a P-K through 8th grade dual language magnet school in Chicago Public Schools. This unique school is committed to the following principles:
* Inter-American Magnet School promotes academic excellence through bilingual/multicultural education.
* Spanish dominant, English dominant and bilingual speakers develop fluency and literacy skills in both languages.
* Students affirm the values of their own cultures.
* Students acquire an understanding, appreciation, and acceptance of other cultures.
* Students demonstrate social consciousness in a pluralistic world.
* A caring, cooperative and accepting school climate is fostered to promote the social, affective and cognitive development of the whole child.
* Parents are active partners in the formal schooling of their children.
Responsibilities The Bilingual Teacher position supports these principles through the following responsibilities:
1. Fully implement the components of dual language instruction across all academic areas.
o Thematic units for literacy, social studies, science and math are developed by grade level and guided by essential questions.
o Define enduring concepts (big ideas) and measurable outcomes (performance descriptors) for each curriculum area in each unit that are shared with students/parents at the beginning of the unit and used to guide daily lesson planning.
o Careful planning and delivery of lessons in learning environments that are clearly defined by the language of instruction (Spanish or English) and that incorporate diverse perspectives, history and literature of the “People of the Americas”.
o Actively support the evaluation plan across all academic areas including formative and summative evaluation to monitor student progress and to assure maximum student progress.
o Extend classroom learning to well designed daily homework which is actively applied to the classroom learning the following day.
o Collaboration and planning with grade level teachers to develop units and weekly/daily lesson plans that are turned in each week.
o Ensure that individual student needs (ELL, SSL, Special Education) are addressed within daily instructional planning and evaluation.
o Carry out all of the requirements of the Chicago Public Schools and Inter-American teacher expectations for teaching and evaluation.
2. Create a classroom environment of intellectual rigor and accountability
o Maximize instructional time during the day.
o Create a positive classroom environment built on success and high expectations for student achievement, risk-taking, goal-setting, actions and responsibility.
o Value the integrity of Spanish and English as tools for reasoning, problem-solving, expression and intellect.
o Maintain close communication with parents.
3. Carry out the mission and goals of the school
o Build positive relationships with adults and children in the school.
o Model a respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.
o Be positive about children in communication with students and parents.
o Support the events that build community.
4. Actively participate in ongoing dialogue about liberating education that works to change the status quo of the larger community.
o Truly believe that every single child has the ability to excel and work diligently to make that happen.
o Incorporate themes of collective action and how groups of people can work together for positive social change.
o Empower students with a strong knowledge base and language skills to think and speak critically.
5. Work collectively with grade level team and school-wide professionals
o Plan grade level curriculum units and weekly lesson plan for uniform instruction in grade level and across grade levels with grade level team.
o Actively participate in ongoing action research with grade level to inform instruction for maximizing student progress and for program improvement.
o Take leadership role in work groups and committees in the collective work to make this special school work.
o Work with school-wide professionals to meet the needs of diverse students in your classroom.
Grade or Subject Area The Bilingual Teacher will teach all academic subjects in fourth grade the dual language model of the school. The responsibilities also require working with parents and all staff members to fully serve the children.
Certificate Requirements Bilingual Teachers must have very strong language skills in Spanish and English. Certification in Elementary Education and ESL endorsement is mandatory. Certification in Bilingual/Bicultural Education is preferred
Preferred Qualifications To be a Bilingual Teacher at Inter-American Magnet School, one must have a strong value for the principles of the school. Valuing the integrity of bilingualism is essential. This person will contribute to an “intellectual community of joyful learning in two languages.” This person must take this role seriously by being reliable and acting with integrity.
Interested candidates Qualified applicants can submit a resumé and letter of interest to Inter-American Magnet School to the attention of Dr. Vallez at 851 W Waveland, Chicago, IL 60613. Please do not fax your resumé. Applicants who are new to Chicago Public Schools must also complete the online CPS application.
School Name/Address: Inter-American Magnet School 851 Waveland Chicago, IL 60613
Telephone: (773)534-5490 ext. 18067
Fax: (773)534-5483 (please hand deliver or mail resumé)
Certificate Requirements: Elementary Education, ESL, Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Submit to Principal: Dr. Vernita Vallez
Other Information: All candidates must be bilingual.
Our school Inter-American Magnet School is a P-K through 8th grade dual language magnet school in Chicago Public Schools. This unique school is committed to the following principles:
* Inter-American Magnet School promotes academic excellence through bilingual/multicultural education.
* Spanish dominant, English dominant and bilingual speakers develop fluency and literacy skills in both languages.
* Students affirm the values of their own cultures.
* Students acquire an understanding, appreciation, and acceptance of other cultures.
* Students demonstrate social consciousness in a pluralistic world.
* A caring, cooperative and accepting school climate is fostered to promote the social, affective and cognitive development of the whole child.
* Parents are active partners in the formal schooling of their children.
Responsibilities The Bilingual Teacher position supports these principles through the following responsibilities:
1. Fully implement the components of dual language instruction across all academic areas.
o Thematic units for literacy, social studies, science and math are developed by grade level and guided by essential questions.
o Define enduring concepts (big ideas) and measurable outcomes (performance descriptors) for each curriculum area in each unit that are shared with students/parents at the beginning of the unit and used to guide daily lesson planning.
o Careful planning and delivery of lessons in learning environments that are clearly defined by the language of instruction (Spanish or English) and that incorporate diverse perspectives, history and literature of the “People of the Americas”.
o Actively support the evaluation plan across all academic areas including formative and summative evaluation to monitor student progress and to assure maximum student progress.
o Extend classroom learning to well designed daily homework which is actively applied to the classroom learning the following day.
o Collaboration and planning with grade level teachers to develop units and weekly/daily lesson plans that are turned in each week.
o Ensure that individual student needs (ELL, SSL, Special Education) are addressed within daily instructional planning and evaluation.
o Carry out all of the requirements of the Chicago Public Schools and Inter-American teacher expectations for teaching and evaluation.
2. Create a classroom environment of intellectual rigor and accountability
o Maximize instructional time during the day.
o Create a positive classroom environment built on success and high expectations for student achievement, risk-taking, goal-setting, actions and responsibility.
o Value the integrity of Spanish and English as tools for reasoning, problem-solving, expression and intellect.
o Maintain close communication with parents.
3. Carry out the mission and goals of the school
o Build positive relationships with adults and children in the school.
o Model a respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.
o Be positive about children in communication with students and parents.
o Support the events that build community.
4. Actively participate in ongoing dialogue about liberating education that works to change the status quo of the larger community.
o Truly believe that every single child has the ability to excel and work diligently to make that happen.
o Incorporate themes of collective action and how groups of people can work together for positive social change.
o Empower students with a strong knowledge base and language skills to think and speak critically.
5. Work collectively with grade level team and school-wide professionals
o Plan grade level curriculum units and weekly lesson plan for uniform instruction in grade level and across grade levels with grade level team.
o Actively participate in ongoing action research with grade level to inform instruction for maximizing student progress and for program improvement.
o Take leadership role in work groups and committees in the collective work to make this special school work.
o Work with school-wide professionals to meet the needs of diverse students in your classroom.
Grade or Subject Area The Bilingual Teacher will teach all academic subjects in fourth grade the dual language model of the school. The responsibilities also require working with parents and all staff members to fully serve the children.
Certificate Requirements Bilingual Teachers must have very strong language skills in Spanish and English. Certification in Elementary Education and ESL endorsement is mandatory. Certification in Bilingual/Bicultural Education is preferred
Preferred Qualifications To be a Bilingual Teacher at Inter-American Magnet School, one must have a strong value for the principles of the school. Valuing the integrity of bilingualism is essential. This person will contribute to an “intellectual community of joyful learning in two languages.” This person must take this role seriously by being reliable and acting with integrity.
Interested candidates Qualified applicants can submit a resumé and letter of interest to Inter-American Magnet School to the attention of Dr. Vallez at 851 W Waveland, Chicago, IL 60613. Please do not fax your resumé. Applicants who are new to Chicago Public Schools must also complete the online CPS application.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Keep the dream going, listen to the people:)
See more of Deidre's supporters as the Supporters list keeps growing!
How Can You Help?
To learn how you can get involved in Deidre's campaign, please Contact Papi Perez for campaign volunteers. We also need donations to keep the campaign running. 312-532-2396 or papiperez1@gmail.com
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Our present & future (Children)
Click to view this email in a browser
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Inter-American Family and Friends,
In 1975, two young mothers imagined a world where children from varied backgrounds would be taught in English and Spanish in an atmosphere of cultural pride.
Nearly 35 years later, Inter-American is still advancing the cause of multilingual, multicultural education, but it is not easy! We start each school year with fewer resources and more challenges. In the past decade, due to budgetary constraints, we have lost six staff positions alone. This and other setbacks make it increasingly difficult to maintain small class sizes, address individual student needs, promote teacher collaboration, offer recess, arts and academic enrichment, and support social and emotional services for our students in need.
For the 2009-10 school year, Inter-American is suffering from a short-fall in funding. Income from some of our primary sources are in significant decline. For example, the school has lost $13,000 per month in revenue since the parking lot closed for construction last January. This is a total revenue loss of $156,000 over the past 12 months. Therefore, as parents whose children benefit from this very unique institution, we have a personal stake and responsibility to ensure that we make every effort to meet the needs of our children.
No amount is too small! Consider what your donation could support:
⋅ $3.00 buys a journal and pencil set for a writing workshop;
⋅ $16.00 purchases a book to build a classroom library of authentic Spanish literature;
⋅ $34.00 funds an hour of after school enrichment class for a group of students;
⋅ $63.00 facilitates two staff members to supervise daily recess;
⋅ $142.00 provides a day of teacher collaboration, research and curriculum development;
⋅ $1,500.00 supports professional development training for all teaching staff.
Consider this and give. Give what you can so that our school can be a model of equitable multilingual, multicultural education. Your time and talent is a tremendous support to Inter-American. If you have not already done so, please let your teacher or the office know you would like to volunteer. And, if you know someone else who would also like to give, please pass this letter on to them. Donating is easy. Please visit the school’s website at www.iamschicago.com to make a donation or write a check to IAMS, and send it to 851 W. Waveland, Chicago, IL 60613 attn: Year-End Fund. Contributions are tax deductible. And if your employer matches funds, let us know. It is a wonderful way to double, or even triple your generosity.
Another option for this fast approaching Holiday Season is to use one of the on-line malls for your holiday shopping at either www.goodsearch.com or www.escrip.com. To use Goodsearch, list “Inter American Magnet School” as your charity on the first page of the website, then hit the “shop now” button in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. To use Escrip, register your credit card on the website (the identification code for Inter-American is 500017570), then simply hit the line “At the Online Mall” in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. With either of these websites, you can shop at national stores such as Target, Amazon, Eddie Bauer or LandsEnd and a percentage of your purchase, up to as much as 10%, will be contributed to our school. Last, but not least, if you have a Target credit card, you can register your card at www.target.com/tcoe (the school’s identification code is 45841) and Target will contribute money to our school with each of your future purchases.
We realize this is a difficult year to ask for help, but in all our history, this is the first time a year-end request for financial support has been made. Your participation and partnership are vital. Together, we can fulfill our promise to achieve academic bi-literacy in Spanish and English within a culturally rich learning environment of excellence. Support Inter-American Magnet School and allow it to become an even brighter beacon of great public education while continuing to enrich the lives of our children. Thank you.
Peace and Justice,
Dr. Vernita M. Vallez,
Principal
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Inter-American Family and Friends,
In 1975, two young mothers imagined a world where children from varied backgrounds would be taught in English and Spanish in an atmosphere of cultural pride.
Nearly 35 years later, Inter-American is still advancing the cause of multilingual, multicultural education, but it is not easy! We start each school year with fewer resources and more challenges. In the past decade, due to budgetary constraints, we have lost six staff positions alone. This and other setbacks make it increasingly difficult to maintain small class sizes, address individual student needs, promote teacher collaboration, offer recess, arts and academic enrichment, and support social and emotional services for our students in need.
For the 2009-10 school year, Inter-American is suffering from a short-fall in funding. Income from some of our primary sources are in significant decline. For example, the school has lost $13,000 per month in revenue since the parking lot closed for construction last January. This is a total revenue loss of $156,000 over the past 12 months. Therefore, as parents whose children benefit from this very unique institution, we have a personal stake and responsibility to ensure that we make every effort to meet the needs of our children.
No amount is too small! Consider what your donation could support:
⋅ $3.00 buys a journal and pencil set for a writing workshop;
⋅ $16.00 purchases a book to build a classroom library of authentic Spanish literature;
⋅ $34.00 funds an hour of after school enrichment class for a group of students;
⋅ $63.00 facilitates two staff members to supervise daily recess;
⋅ $142.00 provides a day of teacher collaboration, research and curriculum development;
⋅ $1,500.00 supports professional development training for all teaching staff.
Consider this and give. Give what you can so that our school can be a model of equitable multilingual, multicultural education. Your time and talent is a tremendous support to Inter-American. If you have not already done so, please let your teacher or the office know you would like to volunteer. And, if you know someone else who would also like to give, please pass this letter on to them. Donating is easy. Please visit the school’s website at www.iamschicago.com to make a donation or write a check to IAMS, and send it to 851 W. Waveland, Chicago, IL 60613 attn: Year-End Fund. Contributions are tax deductible. And if your employer matches funds, let us know. It is a wonderful way to double, or even triple your generosity.
Another option for this fast approaching Holiday Season is to use one of the on-line malls for your holiday shopping at either www.goodsearch.com or www.escrip.com. To use Goodsearch, list “Inter American Magnet School” as your charity on the first page of the website, then hit the “shop now” button in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. To use Escrip, register your credit card on the website (the identification code for Inter-American is 500017570), then simply hit the line “At the Online Mall” in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. With either of these websites, you can shop at national stores such as Target, Amazon, Eddie Bauer or LandsEnd and a percentage of your purchase, up to as much as 10%, will be contributed to our school. Last, but not least, if you have a Target credit card, you can register your card at www.target.com/tcoe (the school’s identification code is 45841) and Target will contribute money to our school with each of your future purchases.
We realize this is a difficult year to ask for help, but in all our history, this is the first time a year-end request for financial support has been made. Your participation and partnership are vital. Together, we can fulfill our promise to achieve academic bi-literacy in Spanish and English within a culturally rich learning environment of excellence. Support Inter-American Magnet School and allow it to become an even brighter beacon of great public education while continuing to enrich the lives of our children. Thank you.
Peace and Justice,
Dr. Vernita M. Vallez,
Principal
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The people need to be heard.......
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Burr Oak Cemetery civil suit seeks closure
by Wendell Hutson
A lawsuit filed on behalf of 400 Black plaintiffs is seeking to reopen the scandalplagued Burr Oak Cemetery.
The suit filed in July but amended Oct. 2 in Cook County Circuit Court against Perpetua Inc., parent owner of Burr Oak, also seeks to have evidence maintained and unspecified monetary damages, which will be determined by a jury. The suit names seven other Perpetua subsidiaries and two Perpetua executives, Melvin Bryant and Felix Villalba, as defendants in the suit.
Bryant, CEO of Perpetua, did not return phones calls seeking comment.
For now, class-action status for the lawsuit has been put on hold in light of Perpetua filing bankruptcy. And while the suit is moving forward, Deidre Baumann, whose law firm Baumann & Shuldiner is representing the plaintiffs, said she expects it to eventually be given class-action status.
“I am looking for others to join the suit as time goes on. What happened at Burr Oak has affected families all across America, so this incident is not restricted to Chicago,” she said. “We would like to see the cemetery reopen this year. Families are hurting and need closure and for many of them it is visiting the gravesite where loved ones are buried.”
She added that Horwitz, Richardson & Baker LLC law firm is also representing a bulk of the plaintiffs. Seven other law firms are also involved in the suit.
Individuals wanting to become part of the suit must do so through a law firm of their choice.
Kenyan Foster, 56, could be the next plaintiff to join the suit. He buried his mother at Burr Oak in 1982 and said he is now deciding whether to join the suit.
“All I know is that her body has not been found and I know it’s there,” Foster told the Defender. “I visited her gravesite each year on her birthday, Memorial Day and Mother’s Day. Maybe this lawsuit could bring closure for me.”
Recently, attorneys representing the plaintiffs were granted access to the cemetery after filing a motion in court early in the month ago. Additionally, the suit is seeking that Perpetua Inc. maintain the upkeep of the cemetery, something Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said was not done.
However, a U.S. Bankruptcy judge limited their inspection to video taping only and they were prohibited from touching or moving any objects, questioning the staff and obtaining other information.
The suit alleges that not only are headstones missing but so are caskets and bodies that were originally interred by Burr Oak employees.
Jacqueline Renee Benson, an infant, was born May 26, 1968 and died Sept. 20, 1969, according to the suit. Four days later she was buried in the Babyland section at Burr Oak. The section is called Babyland because that is where small children were buried. The body, casket or headstone for Benson is now missing and Burr Oak employees have been unable to locate her remains.
And the suit also accuses Perpetua of seven counts of misconduct including breach of contract, negligent supervision and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Perpetua filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September. By doing so legal experts said it diminishes the likelihood that plaintiffs would be able to collect a huge monetary award. It also gave Perpetua the legal authority to regain daily management at Burr Oak, which had been run by a court-appointed receiver since July.
Baumann added that she is not worried about not receiving any monetary relief because only three Perpetua corporations have filed for bankruptcy.
“We originally filed the suit before Perpetua filed for bankruptcy relief and there are company executives and other subsidiaries that could be found liable and ordered to pay damages,” she said.
The four Burr Oak employees facing criminal charges in the case are now out on bail. The final defendant, cemetery manager Carolyn Towns, was released last week after posting $25,000 cash bond.
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