Show me the money! Building a new science lab, rehabbing our auditorium, and funding special projects cost money. This committee reaches out to sources of funding from foundations, alumni, special events, and the greater community to augment the school’s budget and enrich our children’s surroundings and curriculum. Committee head: Ted Ganchiff at ted@spinforce.com.

While the list of contributors, volunteers, and participants in Nettelhorst’s second annual auction is too lengthy to include in this publication, every individual was instrumental in its success. Below are just a few special mentions we would like to make:

• Event Committee: Ellen Bakal, Rachel Gross, Jennifer Howell, Lisa Levens, Janet Peterson, Stephanie Schrodt, Cheryl Simon, and Tracy Wozniak

• Special Volunteer Support: Carol Collier, Deb Ganchiff, Ted Ganchiff, Tony Getsug, Melanie Glick, Lori Gordon, Claudia Jacobs, Sam Jennings, Barri Leiner, KT McCammond, Liza Morich, Patricia Newell, Ann Quinn, Andrea Swank, Brenda Trevino, Kathy Tuite, and Mia Wicklund

• Entertainment: Jeff Jacobs and his Blues Band, including Mauricio, Steve Eisen, Danny Schaffer, Greg Schultz, Jerry Porter, and Jawan

• Additional entertainment: Ray Soto, KT McCammond, and Wayne Baker Brooks

• Location: Harlan C. Powell and the firm of Webster Powell, P.C.

• Auctioneer: Robert Ganchiff

• And, of course: Nettelhorst teachers and staff, Principal Cindy Wulbert, and all those who contributed and helped to procure auction items – you made it happen!

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone for their generosity in making Blues Blast ‘08 a smashing success. The final numbers are still being tabulated, but it is clear that we were able to raise significant proceeds for the science program, auditorium renovation, and teacher funding.

We want to thank the auction committee for their unyielding dedication and all the volunteers that helped before, during and after the event. We would also like to thank everyone for securing and donating the amazing auction items, Principal Cindy Wulbert for her support, and the teachers and staff for their class projects and time. We extend our deep appreciation to Harlan Powell of Webster Powell for donating the beautiful space to hold the auction and to Jeff Jacobs and his blues band for the awesome music and entertainment. Finally, we would like to thank you and the entire Nettelhorst community for your support and help in making Nettelhorst the best school in the city.

Many, many thanks,
Ellen Bakal and Tracy Wozniak
Event Co-Chairs

The LSC is a core group of parents, community members, teachers and school principal. Together, they oversee improvement planning, budgeting and funding, and evaluate the principal.

Congratulations to the newly elected Local School Council members who begin their two-year term on July 1. This group of parents, community members and staff will work in concert with Principal Cindy Wulbert to provide oversight and planning for Nettelhorst.

• Denise Boban
• Bradley Bouxsein
• Cat Conrad-Hathaway
• Lynda Gardner
• Jennifer Howell
• Nikki Krieger
• Greg Schweickert
• Cynthia Skroska
• Andrew Slobodien
• Tracy Wozniak

Twenty-four of Nettelhorst’s staff members took time from one of their weekends in April to attend a CPR class offered by the American Heart Association. Thank you for sacrificing your time to safeguard the health of our community.

Congratulations to the Nettelhorst Drama Club for putting on a spectacular production of Once On This Island Junior! Their hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated.

The classes featured in this year’s spring dance recital graced the stage in “Nettelhorst in Motion.” This engaging “informance” showcased skills the students have been learning during their dance classes. Bravo to the students in rooms 115 and 117 on their terrific skits. Thank you for a beautiful show!

Finally, kudos to the second grade who entertained us with their performance about the solar system. Thank you to all the teachers and parents who made this production possible.

Daytime Performance: 9:30 a.m.
Evening Performance: 6:00 p.m.

International food tasting immediately follows the evening performance.

What is International Fest? This much anticipated annual event provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity at our school and experience a little bit of life around the world. Leading up to the event, each class studies a specific country, and then presents their knowledge in creative ways.

Don’t miss the celebration! Plan ahead and avoid the long lines by purchasing your tickets in advance. Just return the attached pre-sale order form and payment to the main office by Friday, May 16. Please also complete the International Fest family survey with information on your family’s cultural heritage and volunteer opportunities. We need your help to make this year’s Fest the best yet!

For further information on the International Fest, please contact Jana Martin at jmartin4@cps.edu or 773-534-5810.

Staff Spotlight

I was born and raised on the island of Kauai, where I was actively involved in my school—serving on student council, key club, chorus, and performing in musical theatre. During my senior year of high school, I volunteered at our elementary school and taught music to fifth grade classes during the school day. I was also honored to receive Kauai’s Young Woman of the Year Award, which helped to pay for my first year of college at the University of Northern Colorado. I earned a Bachelor in Music Education with an emphasis in voice and general music.

Following college, I moved to New Jersey where I substitute taught for a year, and taught choral and general music in grades pre-K through eight for four years. During that time, I was very active in the middle-school choral scene, and brought dozens of children to perform in regional and state honor choirs. I also managed and hosted the choirs. In the summer of 2004, I completed my final level of certification at NYU in the Kodály music methodology, which greatly influences my teaching.

In 2006, I moved to Chicago and started teaching at Nettelhorst. Here, I am the Music Specialist and one of two Magnet Cluster Lead Teachers at this Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Cluster School. I wear many hats at Nettelhorst, including teaching general music to our entire population, directing extra-curricular music programs, coordinating assemblies, working on and facilitating fine arts grants, coordinating this year’s International Fest, and providing professional development to teachers. I am also continuing my own training by working toward my certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and I am looking forward to beginning my Orff methodology training with level 1 certification this summer. I love Chicago and working with the students at Nettelhorst. I look forward to their continued musical growth and the growth and strengthening of our music and other fine arts programs.

We are looking for some folks to assist with applying polyurethane to preserve some of our doors and murals. We also need assistance with hanging some mirrors in the bathrooms. If you are able to lend a hand, please drop a note in the Nettelhorst Community Group mailbox in the main office. Thanks!

Jane’s Place at Nettelhorst is a community school partnership with Jane Addams Hull House Association, The Nettelhorst School, and many community-based arts, cultural, recreational and educational organizations. Contact: Jane Cornett, 773-534-5817, nettelhorst_afterschool@yahoo.com.

While to the kids it may seem like forever, summer is actually just around the corner. Registration for Summer Camp at Jane’s Place officially closed on April 25; however, there is still limited space available—please see Jane directly to make arrangements. We are very pleased that Nettelhorst and Jane’s Place staff have once again partnered for the summer—it’s a treat to have such professionals as our camp counselors! Campers will see many familiar faces this summer: Ms. Donohue, Mr. Porth, Ms. Hondropoulos, Ms. McCoy, Ms. Krieger and Mr. O’C. Plus, Nettelhorst alumnus (2007) Sanam Cotton and upperclassman Emma Seslowsky will add to the fun as our Jr. Counselors.

Please note that the final week of Jane’s Place programming is June 2-6. We invite you to see performances from Treblemaker’s Chorus, Emerald City Drama, Fairytale Ballet, Just Dance! and Jump Rhythm Jazz. Get your hands dirty at Artreach clay class or attend the Spanish class fiesta! More information on showcases and parent interaction days will be announced soon.

Thank you to everyone who submitted the After-School Survey that was distributed in April. Your opinions and ideas count, and we look forward to establishing some new programs, based on your input, for the 2008-2009 school year. Individual course surveys will be given to after-school participants in mid-May so that we may improve and enhance our existing programs. We will share your feedback with our providers.

As many of you are aware, Jane Addams Hull House Association is a tree with many branches. Jane’s Place at Nettelhorst is just one of its many offerings. Other services Hull House provides include programs for homeless youth, employment training and child development. Every month, Jane’s Place asks you to consider donating things we can use for our program at Nettelhorst—this month, however, we want to share a list of some things that other community programs need. If you are interested in contributing one or more of the items listed below, please bring them to Jane Cornett, marked ―For Hull House Programs.‖ These are the items at the top of Hull House’s wish list:

• Diapers
• Children’s books (all languages)
• Basic toiletries
• Job-interview clothing
• Non- perishable food

Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Whether it’s helping teachers create Web sites, contributing to the newsletter, attending networking events, or keeping Nettelhorst’s accomplishments in the news, communication is critical to our school’s success. We can use the help of writers, designers, and other communicators. Committee Heads: Holly Quasny and Cheryl Simon.

The Nettelhorst French Market is now open! Drop by the front playground each Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to shop for farm fresh fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, freshly baked bread, and jams, jellies, and preserves. The market continues through November 1—a great addition to your weekly routine.

Has your e-mail address changed in the past six months? If so, please share your new e-mail address with Holly Quasny at holly.quasny@att.net (take note that this is Holly’s new address). This is important because the Communications Committee will be sending monthly e-mails throughout the summer to inform you of upcoming events and to help you prepare for the 2008-2009 school year.

Need to see the school lunch menu?
Want to contact your child’s teacher via e-mail?
Looking for a copy of the last school newsletter because yours didn’t survive the trip home in your child’s backpack?

All this and more can be found on Nettelhorst’s Web site at www.nettelhorst.org. Check it out!

Helpful tips, guidance, and resources for students and parents from Nettelhorst’s Counselors and Guidance Office. Contacts: Ms. Gardner, Ms. Ford, and Ms. Silva – Room 204, 773-534-5810, extension 115 or 502.

Tips for Parents: Helping Children Grow Up Healthy

It is easy for parents to identify a child’s physical needs—nutritious, balanced meals; adequate shelter and clothing; sufficient rest and physical activity; and a healthy living environment. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Yet, it is critical for children to have good mental health as this allows them to think clearly, develop socially, learn new skills, build self-esteem, and develop a positive mental outlook.

Below are some basic steps to help children develop good mental health:

Give your children unconditional love. They need to understand that your love does not depend on their accomplishments.

Nurture your children’s confidence and self-esteem. Praise and encourage them. Set realistic goals for your kids. Be honest about your own mistakes. Avoid sarcasm.

Encourage play. Play time is as important as food to a child’s development. Play helps children be creative, practice problem-solving skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others.

Enroll your children in an after-school activity. This is especially helpful if your children are home alone in the afternoons. After-school programs are a great way for kids to stay productive, learn something new, gain self-esteem, and have something to look forward to during the week. If this is not feasible, be sure to check in on your children after school if they are on their own. Kids need to know that even if you are not there physically, you are thinking about them. Show interest in how they spent their day and ask how they plan to spend the rest of their time until you can arrive home.

Provide a safe and secure environment. Fear can be very real for a child. Try to find out what is frightening him or her. Be loving, patient, and reassuring; do not be critical of your child’s feelings.

Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary. Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. The goal is not to control your child, but to help him or her learn self-control. Consistency and fairness is very important, as children need to know that you say what you mean and mean what you say.

Communicate. Make time each day to listen to your children and talk with them about what is happening in their lives. Share your emotions and feelings with your children.

Ask for help. If you are concerned about your child’s mental or emotional health, consult with teachers, a guidance counselor, or another adult who may have information about your child’s behavior. If you think there is a problem, seek professional help right away.

Summer is almost here! The warm weather feels wonderful and it is tempting to get outside and have fun. But do remember to finish your year on a high note—focus on the last few weeks of the school year, and work hard to earn good grades!

Also, plan for summer vacation, so you are not left being ―stuck‖ at home. Summer camps, the Chicago Park District programs, and Jane’s Place are great ways to have a fun and educational summer break. Even if you are not going to attend a camp, get outside of the four walls of your home as often as possible. Go to a park, a pool, the lake, a library, the zoo, or just take a walk, play games with friends, or ride your bike. Be active this summer!

Thank you to all the companies and individuals who have generously offered us their goods and services. Please show your appreciation!

A big thanks to these exceptionally helpful people who volunteered their time at the book fair:

• Carol Collier
• Jeannine Cordero
• Laurel Crown
• Laurie Gross
• Shreya Gupta
• Rosemary Jordan
• Thomas O’Brien
• Ann Quinn
• Lilianana Tovar
• Isabel Vazquez

We appreciate your time and energy!

New Troops Forming for Girls of All Ages

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. More than a mission statement, this is a reality here at Nettelhorst. Brownie Troop 20276 demonstrates these principles as they work at developing tomorrow’s leaders. They have learned business skills, social etiquette, arts and crafts, how to protect the environment and, of course, how to be good citizens. With the community’s help, the Brownies raised enough money from their cookie sales to send every troop member to camp for three days. Plus, they were able to donate several cases of Girl Scout cookies to the Lakeview Pantry. It has been a busy year!

Cookies, crafts, and camping – that’s what most people think about the Girl Scouts and they have certainly done that this year. However, today’s Girls Scouts are so much more. As the girls progress into Junior level and beyond, they learn advanced concepts and skills such as managing a stock portfolio (now that’s a skill we probably could all use!), designing a Web page, how to change the oil on a car, and even how to skipper a sailboat. Girls are changing and so is Scouting. Girl Scouts USA slightly revised the age/grade requirements for each level of Girl Scouting. In the fall, the levels will be as follows:

• Daisy Girl Scouts: Kindergarten and 1st grade
• Brownie Girl Scouts: 2nd and 3rd grades
• Junior Girl Scouts: 4th and 5th grades
• Cadets Girl Scouts: 6th through 8th grades

As you can see, Nettelhorst could easily have four levels of Girl Scouts, yet at this time we only have Brownies. Unfortunately, these changes mean that our first graders will be ineligible for Brownies and six of our current Brownies will be eligible for the Junior level, however, Nettelhorst does not currently have a Junior Troop.

To keep up this good work and continue the tradition of Girl Scouting at Nettelhorst, we need your help. If you have a daughter who would like to get into Girl Scouting, please come to a Troop formation meeting on May 19 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. If we have sufficient interest from girls and parents, we can form a few new Troops. Brownie Leader Victoria Russo has been in touch with community volunteers who may be available to help lead these new Nettelhorst troops. However, it would be ideal to have Nettelhorst parents, too, as leaders and assistant leaders. Leadership Training is free and can even be done online. The training is offered in both English and Spanish. Consider participating in this very rewarding experience of mentoring Nettelhorst’s girls and watching them challenge themselves to try new experiences.

If you want to learn more, have a daughter who is interested in Girl Scouting, or want to make a difference in a girl’s life, come to the Troop Formation meeting May 19, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium or contact Victoria Russo, Brownie Leader, at vrusso@luc.edu or 773-857-0146. For information in Spanish, please contact Leticia Trevino at mltg86@hotmail.com or 773-348-3302.
For additional information on Girl Scouting, visit www.girlscouts-chicago.org, or in Spanish, visit www.girlscouts.org/espanol.

Join us in congratulating the following students for their hard work this past semester. Below are students who earned a place on the Principal’s Honor Roll (all As, with no checks) and Honor Roll (As and Bs, with no checks). We’ve also recognized those students who earned an “Excellent Achievement” distinction for their mastery of a new skill and the extra effort they have exhibited. Finally, we’ve identified those who had perfect attendance—on time, every day! Congratulations to all those listed. Who will be listed here next time? (more…)

As part of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) regulations, schools are monitored to see if they are making “adequate yearly progress” (AYP). One instrument to help measure this is a two-part survey that will be administered this month. The first part of the “My Voice, My School” survey will be given to all students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. In the second part, all parents are asked to complete a survey (one per household, regardless of how many children attend Nettelhorst). All survey respondents remain anonymous. (more…)