By Jay Dewey
Special to Inside
The Day School, the Chicago pioneer of special education for students with severe behavioral and emotional issues, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of an ambitious fund-raising campaign for growth and expansion.
Founded in 1943, through a donation of the private residence of Elizabeth B. Andrews, the property at 800 W. Buena Ave. is just minutes from Lake Michigan. It underwent a landscape beautification with a planting of seedlings by students and donors at the campaign launch on June 12. The campaign will culminate tomorrow, Sept. 18, when the garden is in full bloom, at a special ceremony to honor donors, the corporate community and the civic leaders who lent their support and became involved as concerned partners.
"Due to the tremendous abuse and neglect suffered by our students, they are truly vulnerable seedlings that thrive as a result of their experience at The Day School," commented Pamela Barnet, executive director of The Day School. "The campaign's name—Growing Beautiful Lives—and the cultivation of our garden represent the patient dedication we have for our students and our efforts to give them the tools they need to make it. Our 60th anniversary is a benchmark. We celebrate the school's past and present while looking ahead to its future and the opportunity to serve students who might otherwise be lost."
The Day School serves students at the elementary through secondary levels, primary-kindergarten through 12th grades (ages 5-21) and is a year-round or continuous program with a required summer term.
The name of the school was chosen because it was the first program of its kind in the City of Chicago for youth with learning and behavior problems. "The needs of our students cannot be met in a traditional school setting," noted executive director Barnet. "The Day School provides a therapeutic environment where they can successfully address their socio-emotional and educational challenges."
In launching the 60th anniversary and fund-raising campaign, the school has identified five priority areas where project funding is needed. The areas of vocational training, fine arts, literacy, sports/physical education and technology have been identified as both necessary and critical to the success of the special education population.
In seeking financial support, The Day School is approaching past donors, reminding them of their connection to The Day School and recognizing them as the 60 honorees. New donors will be introduced to past donors in a mentoring/ownership exchange. The corporate community will be invited to celebrate the longevity of the school and its accomplishments.
The celebration of the 60th anniversary, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, takes place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at The Day School, 800 W. Buena Ave. Tickets are $60-$250. Phone (773) 327-6000, ext. 29.
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