Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Update
February 2021
Why?
Students at the Academy, Early College Center, Life, Newcomer Center, Vanguard, and the Young Adult Programs...that's our big WHY. We want the very best for our Specialized Schools community, so we will always figure out the HOW. There is always a solution. If a student is not attending regularly or struggling to keep up academically; there is a solution. If you are having a hard time figuring out the HOW, please reach out.
The pandemic has become a massive WHY. It's a reason to show grace towards others. It's a call to greater humanity. During a time when so many feel isolated; find a way to express kindness and compassion from beyond the masks.
A reminder, all students are welcome to come learn in-person at the Specialized Schools. Please contact the main office if you are considering in-person learning.
We've already begun planning for the next school year. Hopefully you've seen the D214 correspondence regarding schedule possibilities. I'm appreciative that Dr. Schuler allows for autonomy within the Specialized Schools. Our goal is to create an experience that is best for our students. This year we aligned our schedule congruent to the home schools. We have students who integrate, attending classes at FVEC and their home school. Some of our students transition to the home schools during the school year. The Specialized Schools also share staff among our six programs. In developing a schedule, it's important that we consider all of these components including transportation. Our teachers and staff will have keen insight on this topic, but we also encourage you to reach out if you have feedback. We'll keep you updated as we move forward. As of now, no decisions have been made.
Talk. They Hear You.
Don’t assume your child already knows how you feel about drugs and alcohol. Talking to them regularly and making your position clear can make a significant difference when it comes to preventing substance abuse. Prevention also means being involved with your child’s day to day activities. Make an effort to know your children's friends and/or acquaintances. Most drug and unhealthy alcohol use is among adults; we also do well to know the parents of our children's acquaintances. Click HERE to visit the Link Together Coalition website; they offer excellent resources for parents. Please also see the attached Link Together Newsletter.
Pack up Homelessness
Our Life program is partnering with Hersey student, Grace Listopad to help the homeless during the pandemic and bitterly cold winter. The project will provide everyday essentials that we take for granted. Please click HERE to learn how you can help. The main drop off location is 107 N. Westgate Rd. in Mt. Prospect. We are also collecting items at FVEC if you are interested. The drive runs February 15th to March 8th.
Soft Skills
We've seen some excellent examples of soft skills at the Specialized Schools this year. Academic and technical skills are important but soft skills add something special to our climate and culture. We're thankful for what our students collectively bring in this area. Thinking of some specific students....
· We see how you are managing a work/school schedule.
· We see that you've worked hard to submit every assignment on time.
· We see how you are taking care of your little siblings and family while also organizing your own school work.
· We see your "never give up" attitude even when you are feeling sick.
· We see you taking on all these extra responsibilities and maintaining a respectful demeanor even under stress.
· We see the teamwork you inspire by helping your friends and peers when they need a helping hand.
You don't have to shout and wave a flag in front of a group to be a leader. We see your leadership skills. Keep it up, we appreciate your efforts.
Black History Month and Social Justice
The Specialized Schools are unified in the area of social justice. Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity.
We support any virtuous principle and/or value of the Black Lives Matter movement committed to racial justice and the end to systemic racism. It is necessary to declare that Black Lives Matter because the foundation of American society unequivocally demonstrates the antithesis. Collectively, Black Lives have not mattered in this country for what it is worth. Municipal laws have devalued Black Lives since the birth of this nation. The underpinnings of U.S. history are riddled with barriers and sabotage for people of color; this attitude transcends the past and continues to negatively influence the black community. We peacefully express Black Lives Matter to promote respect, access, equity, and belonging for all people of color moving forward.
The pursuit of excellence is demonstrated by our collective words, actions, and decisions; it’s a prominent display of values and principles characterizing our integrity as a body of educators. We contrast our experience to the chasing of survival and gleaning of basic human respect by the global black community. Excellence wasn’t an option for most black individuals for hundreds of years; sadly the residual effects live on. We had no influence on the past origins of hate, but Black History Month is a reminder that we can be powerful agents for the future.
D214 Digital Resources
Please click HERE to explore the D214 digital library resources. We've recently added a few additional titles including some read-alongs.
Please click HERE to visit the new website platform for the D214 Specialized Schools. We would appreciate any feedback to help us create a more useful tool for parents, students, and visitors. We appreciate your patience as we add and organize content.
Medical Van
The Advocate Medical Van will be on site in the FVEC parking lot on February 17th and 23rd. Services such as physicals and immunizations are open to qualifying students.
Current Juniors need a meningitis vaccination prior to Senior year. As long as they are over the age of 16, they can get it now. Please call the nurse's office at 847-718-7814 to check appointment availability.
Career Fair
Join an interactive, virtual Career Trek to learn about meaningful careers in a variety of fields. Speak directly with Harper College faculty members who have years of professional experience in these areas:
- Supply chain management
- Entrepreneurship
- Geographic information systems / drone technology
- Programming and networking
- Fashion design
- Fashion merchandising
In addition to learning about a new career, you'll also participate in a hands-on exercise related to the field that most interests you. Harper College will be hosting two virtual career treks. Please feel free to pass this information along to any interested students. Student/Parents click HERE to register. (ASAP)
February 17, 2021 8:30-9:30am
Business/Information Technology
/Entrepreneurship
February 23, 2021 8:30-9:30am
Fashion Design and Merchandising
Registration is limited, but depending on interest and numbers, Harper may be able to run another session. These are live and interactive. Students need to register ASAP.
Mr. Keir Rogers
Email: keir.rogers@d214.org
Website: https://www.d214.org/district-departments/specialized-learning-programs/
Location: 2121 S Goebbert Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA
Phone: (847)718-7888
Twitter: @mrrogersnhood