For programs for parents, google The Parent Circle. They are based in Evanston and most families involved live here. They organize play groups, family outings, speakers, and babysitting swaps. Mostly for families with younger kids, babies--kindergarten.
There is a parents morning out program that is housed in the Evanston YMCA preschool building, though I don't think it is run by the Y. Everyone I've spoken to loves it.
Evanston elem (K-5). and middle schools(6-8), and the two magnet schools (K-8) are District 65. No charter schools. The Dist. 65 web site is pretty thorough and includes attendance area maps. They also have job postings there, so you can see if they are hiring. The high school is district 202.
Big issue as of the last D65 board meeting is lack of space, age of the buildings, and the role of the magnet schools in controlling attendance at the neighborhood schools--enrollment has increased lately (for some schools more than others) and several schools can't handle more students without adding rooms. The board is plannnig to hire a consultant to consider construction projects, redistricting, or some other solution.You can see minutes and summaries of past board meetings on-line. Checking out the recently completed strategic plan will also give you an idea of current issues and concerns. The Evanston Roundtable bi-weekly newspaper also does a good job of covering D65 issues.
D65 has a really bad reputation for accomodating children with special needs and most families don't get satisfactory results until they take the district to court.
Basically, on the district level, things are messy and there seems to be a real lack of long-term planning. The Board reacts without considering impact to other schools or future years.
But that said, we have had great experiences with our school (Willard)--great teachers, good class size, strong PTA, receptive principal, enrichment opportunities, welcoming community. Friends feel the same about Dewey.
Sorry, don't have any experience with the high school yet. Big current issue there has been "tracking" and trying to differentiate instruction when having regular-level and honors-level students in the same classroom.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kardomr
Hello.
I've read many helpful posts about neighborhoods in Evanston. But, only an occasional mention about schools. I would really appreciate some insights on a few topics.
* Parents Morning Out programs: Are there programs in Evanston you'd recommend? (and why?  )
Is there an organization that collects (and shares) information about parents morning out programs? Maybe an Evanston Mom's club or parenting association?
* Public schools:
I gather they aren't part of Chicago's schools but I can't get a handle on how are they organized. By district? What is their reputation? Are they currently hiring? Furloughing? What are the big issues this year? Any charter schools?
* Elementary schools:
What's the 411 on the elementary schools? Not solely from a testing perspective but also from your experiences with the faculty and staff, class size, resources, location, teaching models.
Which would you avoid and which would you praise? (As a parent and, maybe for some of you, as a teacher.)
* High schools: Same questions as for the elementary schools.
Many many thanks,
r |
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