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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.