By Jay Dewey
Special to Inside
Judging from the number of children whose parents signed them up for the 2003-2004 school year, the Nettelhorst School Open House, held Jan. 11, was a huge success. Seventy-eight East Lake View pre-schoolers were registered for the upcoming school year, almost doubling the goal of 40 initial sign-ups. The long-term goal of bringing Nettelhorst School back to the community appears to be within reach.
The Open House was held to show off the Nettelhorst School renovation and introduce a host of new programs to the community. It was also a celebration of the Nettelhorst Parents’ Co-op (NPC) five month revitalization project.
About the Nettelhorst Parents’ Co-op
NPC was founded to serve the educational needs of the community and once again fill Nettelhorst School with neighborhood children. This counters the situation to date, which has seen area parents (and even those planning to have children) leaving the city or sending their children to private schools.
One hundred East Lake View families (who make up the NPC) are working closely with school principal Dr. Susan Kurland, area businesses and community members on this project. Along with overseeing major renovations to the school building, the NPC has been instrumental in enhancing the curriculum. To date, over $100,000 in goods and services has been donated by area businesses.
National, state and local politicians are supporting the NPC’s efforts. Congressman Rahm Emanuel, state Representative Sara Feigenholtz, and Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) all spoke at the Open House.
“We are very excited with the community’s response,” said Jacqueline Edelberg, NPC co-founder. “Even families who have not yet had children are calling us. For area residents with long range plans, the decision to buy in East Lake View or move out of the city may rest on the curriculum quality and availability of a community public school.”
Nettelhorst, a CPS Cluster Magnet School and International Scholars Program site, is located at 3252 N. Broadway. To reach the school, please call (773) 534-5597. |
