Dyett High Global Leadership and Green Technology High School Town Hall on March 24

Come participate in the continued development of the community's plan for the future of Dyett High School as an open-enrollment, CPS-operated school: The Dyett Global Leadership and Green Technology High School Plan.

Where: Kennicott Park, 4434 S. Lake Park Avenue
When: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 6pm-8pm

Click here for the flyer with more information.

Sponsored by the Coalition to Revitalize Dyett High School. Call (773) 548-7500 for more information or to RSVP.

The Campaign for Equitable Policing Presents An Open Forum on the Obama Presidential Library on March 18

The Campaign for Equitable Policing presents an open forum on the Obama Presidential Library and South Side Policing on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 6:30-8:00pm at the McCormick Tribune Lounge in the Reynolds Club (5706 S. University Avenue).

The focus of the forum is how the Obama Presidential Library would impact the behavior of the University of Chicago Police Department, a full-power force with jurisdiction over 6 square miles of the South Side, yet which falls short of typical standards of accountability. Come to learn more about the UCPD's history of jurisdiction expansion, the recent legislative work at the state level to bring it under public standards of transparency, and to discuss the ramifications of all this for the South Side. Light refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions, including accessibility questions and concerns, please contact Sofia Butnaru, at 786-216-2200 or sbutnaru@uchicago.edu 

Diversity Symposium at The Ancona School on Saturday, April 18

The Ancona School is thrilled to partner with the Center on Halsted and Gerber Hart Library for its 3rd annual Diversity Symposium on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 8am - 3pm. This year's program will explore gender fluidity within the context of parenting and teaching. Workshops will challenge misconceptions, provide interpretations and offer practical context for participants surrounding work with gender conforming and non-conforming students.  

After a welcome coffee reception, the day will include a keynote, breakout sessions and lunch followed by a theatrical performance by About Face Theatre with a Q&A. Breakout sessions will include: 

• An Ally in the Classroom
• (Re)Claiming Our Gender Narrative
• Using Reader's Workshop to Explore Gender Construct
• Custom You, Custom Gender Identity
• Honest Conversation, a Parent Conversation Roundtable

Tickets may be purchased for $30 (general admission) or for $20 (students and educators) through the school's website, http://anconaschool.org/diversity-symposium/.

Please feel free to contact humanities teacher and Diversity Symposium Coordinator, Bill Singerman, at bsingerman@anconaschool.org with any questions. 

Last-minute call for volunteers at Kozminski today -- Friday, March 13

Chicago Cares will be building bookcases and painting, among other things, at Kozminski Community Academy (936 E. 54th Street) TODAY, March 13 from 9am - 2pm.

If you have some time today, please come on out!

Oppportunity to Present at UChicago Summer Teaching Institute

The 2015 UChicago Summer Teaching Institute (June 29 - July 3) requests submissions for curriculum presentations from K-12 educators. The topic is Inequality: Conditions, Consequences, Solutions, and possible presentation topics include (but are not limited to) hunger and food security, racism and other forms of discrimination, and the global economy. To apply, fill out the application form and send to oi-education@uchicago.edu by April 15. 

Free Arts Classes for Local Teens and Young Adults

The University of Chicago's Arts Program, Arts + Public Life, is offering free arts courses for local teens and young adults. The Urban Arts courses are committed to cultivating and sustaining social practices with particular historical significance to Chicago’s urban landscape. The first slate of courses, offered Spring 2015, will feature graffiti, DJing, and photography.

To be eligible, students must be between the ages of 14-25 and live within Chicago city limits. 

For more information, including a link to the application, see: https://arts.uchicago.edu/arts-public-life/arts-education/youth-programs/urban-arts-courses

The deadline for applications in March 15, 2015.

Class and Contest in Nature Photography

Jackson Park Advisory Council will offer a class and contest in nature photography in April. Details are still in process but will include registration, submission of entries using any format from phone to professional camera, with 1st and 2nd place prizes, display in the Nancy Hays Gallery in the Jackson Park fieldhouse, and by the Hyde Park Herald, both print and online editions.

The program will start with an outdoor class, the first class taught by professional nature photographer Spencer Bibbs, who teaches photography and has worked on contract with the Herald.

The first class will be on April 4, 9 am at the Clarence Darrow Bridge, south of the Museum of Science and Industry. Children ages 10 and up are especially welcome to participate.

For more information, contact Louise McCurry at commissioner751@comcast.net.