Education in the News

by Bob McParland

Eisenhower NHS collecting books for Washington, Greenwood schools

The Blue Island community has partnered with the National Honor Society from Eisenhower High School to collect children’s books to celebrate Read Across America Day on Tuesday, March 2.

Organizations that have joined the effort – which will conclude with the distribution of free books to children at Washington and Greenwood schools in District 130 – include the National Junior Honor Society from Kerr Middle School, National Junior Honor Society from Veterans Middle School, Girl Scouts Bridging Trails Association, and the Blue Island Police Department.

Community members may drop new and gently-used books appropriate for children in grades K-3 at any of the schools listed above and at the Blue Island Police Department.

The Eisenhower NHS will distribute the books to children at Washington Elementary School and Greenwood School as part of Read Across America, which coincides with the birthday of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss.) NHS needs books appropriate for students in kindergarten through third grade.

The National Education Association sponsors Read Across America. “For several years, Read Across America has been one of the best days of the year for our kids,” said Kelli Mason, the faculty sponsor of NHS at Eisenhower. “They love reading to younger children and watching them pick out books. It’s important for all of us to help children develop a love of reading. Events like this send a very positive message.”

Photo Credits: The National Honor Society from Eisenhower High School currently collects books for children in grades K-3 for Read Across America. Kerr Middle School, Veterans Middle School, Blue Island Girl Scouts, and the Blue Island Police Department have joined the collection effort. Community members may donate books at any of the schools or the BIPD. Read Across America coincides with the birthday of Dr. Seuss inspiring the Cat in the Hat hats.

Country House to host fund raiser for Foundation

Country House restaurant will host a fund raiser for the Friends of Community High School District 218 Education Foundation on Monday, February 22.

Between 3 and 9 p.m., the restaurant will donate 40 percent of its gross receipts to the Foundation, a licensed 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Located at 5400 W. 127th Street (just to the east of Route 83), the Country House has served the southwest suburbs since 1972. Co-owners Paul Boundas and Dave Fussell generously agreed to support the Foundation’s goals of enhancing education and assisting graduates after high school. “Although we’re only a year old, the Foundation has found a growing number of community members that recognize the significance of our goals. Paul and Dave and everyone at Country House have chosen to join us in our mission. We truly appreciate their community spirit and support,” said Susan Murphy, the president of the Board of Trustees.

The Foundation has identified three primary goals to support through its fund raising efforts: Awarding minigrants to District 218 teachers for innovative classroom projects; purchase of equipment and supplies for district schools; and, financing of college scholarships for graduates.

Later this spring, the Foundation will sponsor an arts gala on April 17 at Shepard High School and a golf outing in June.