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Dear Baker families,
There are so many aspects that go into making an independent school thrive and I’ve witnessed many of them on display this week at Baker. First, you need a strong parent community that believes in the school’s mission. There is no better indication that the community supports the mission than if they are willing to invest their money and time into it. We wrapped up the first phase of our Annual Fund this week. This is the phase where we try to get all of our families to support the school at financial levels that are meaningful to them. We emphasize participation at Baker because we prize diversity in our school and we know that our families have a wide range of financial means. As you’ve seen we hit 83% family participation, which ties the participation record at Baker, which was set last year. I’m anticipating a few more families that will donate too, which means that we will break the record for family participation. Having our parent community step up in this way means a lot to our school and demonstrates a continued commitment to the work we are doing. The second phase of the Annual Fund is to go after our overall monetary goal. I will be seeking out current families in and alumni families to try and fill this gap.
I’ve also seen our community invest their time in our school to build relationships with each other. Last night, we had a fun evening at Double Clutch Brewery with about 20 parents. Conversation topics ranged from the Baker students’ transition to high school, AP classes, Baker Middle School social dynamics, winter break plans, and joint replacements! That last one was my fault. Tomorrow we’re anticipating another 15 - 20 families who are coming to Gym n’ Swim to take advantage of our amazing Pool and Gym facilities, not to mention some killer snacks that the kids love. Gym n’ Swim is a great way to play with your children, or let them go off with other Baker students while you chit chat with other parents. All of these little interactions help build bonds between each other that make our community.
Another aspect that is fundamental to a thriving independent school are the teachers and not only the work they do in the classroom, but their connection to the community and dedication to professional development. Yesterday we had our first early dismissal PD day of the year. We worked on a wide variety of topics including prepping for Progress Reports, follow-up discussion on a Newsletter workshop, Storytelling & EqAT committee meetings, and a safety training from our School Community Officer Valerie Davis. All of these topics play important roles in our school and our faculty were fully present and engaged the entire time. Our faculty don’t just check boxes when it comes to professional development work, or for that matter anything here at Baker, and it was an honor to spend the time with them hashing out and discussing a variety of issues, concerns and thoughts.
What is the result of fantastic teachers who want to further their craft, who believe in community, and are supported by parents who also lift them and the school up? Well, when you add Baker students to that mix you get the potent concoction that produces mind-blowing work. If you need some examples, take a look at a few glimpses from our Middle School Arts Core Share a few weeks ago. The quality of work and thoughtfulness on display never ceases to amaze me. We had musical, drama and artistic presentations that were each fantastic by themselves, but as a collective it really takes your breath away.
Hope to see you all tomorrow at the Gym n’ Swim!
Have a great evening,
Mason
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Mason Rocca
Interim Head of School
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We have had incredible family participation in our Annual Fund and we are thrilled and grateful for all of your support!
Goal: $250,000
Total to date: $143,612 (We will still be pushing to get to $250,000)
Board participation rate: 100%
Staff/Faculty participation rate: 80%
Family participation rate: 83% (We have tied the record, one more family to break it!)
Family participation rate goal: 80%
The chart below shows each class's participation rate up as of today. We have four classes at 100%! 4th, 1st, 6th and 2nd grade have all hit 100%! 4th graders picked the Friday carpool music last week, and 1st graders are up this week for music! Next week it will be the 6th graders and then the 2nd graders. We may have to add more carpool music days, but that's ok, we love carpool music! 5th, K and PK-B are also getting close. We'll keep this challenge open all year. No reason why all the classes can't meet it!
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1. Give through PayPal using the link. You may set up a monthly gift if you would like.
2. Give via Venmo to @BakerDem.
3. Give with a credit card through GiveSmart.
4. Give by sending a direct payment by check or Donor Advised Fund to Baker Demonstration School (Attn: Advancement Office, 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091)
All donations are tax-deductible.
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Baker Family Gym & Swim Tomorrow - Join Us! | |
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EVENT UNLOCKED!
We hit our goal of 80% family participation for the Baker Annual Fund! Come out and celebrate with this fun community event.
Baker Family Gym & Swim
Friday, December 8th
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Baker Gym & Swim welcomes families to the gym and pool for a night of fun and games! The gym will be open with an open court, play mats and bounce house (suitable for grades PreK - 3rd Grade). The pool is open in two 1-hour time slots each with a max of 25 participants at a time. Please RSVP through the link below.
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December 8
Gym & Swim - GAME ON! 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - See details above
December 14
Admissions Open House. Help us spread the word. - See details below.
December 16
Baker Business School Market. 12:00 - 2:00p.m. - See details below.
December 21
Holiday Sing / Early Dismissal / No BASE
10:30 a.m. - Concert Begins
11:15 a.m. - Dismissal for PK/K & 11:30 a.m. - Dismissal for Grades 1-8
December 22 - January 7
Winter Vacation - No School / No BASE
You can view Baker's public calendar at bakerdemschool.org/calendar
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It's the countdown to the Holiday Sing - Thursday, December 21st!
The Holiday Sing is Baker's annual tradition celebrating the season through music and dance. Each grade from PreK through Middle School will share a music project that they've been working on. In addition, we are thrilled to have a dance number included too! Students show up to school as usual, and the performances begin at 10:30 a.m. The show will run about 45 minutes to an hour. Students will return to their classes after the program and school dismissal will be at 11:15 a.m. for PK/K and 11:30 a.m. for 1st - 8th Grade.
Some classrooms may be hosting families prior to the start of the Holiday Sing event. Those details will come directly from your student's teacher. Please remember to allow time for parking and check-in.
We appreciate your support and this wonderful opportunity to share. We look forward to seeing you there!
10:30 a.m. - Concert Begins
11:15 a.m. - Dismissal for PK/K No BASE
11:30 a.m. - Dismissal for Grades 1-8 No BASE
We ask all our Baker friends and family members to let us know who from your party will be attending. In accordance with our safety policies, everyone will need to check-in at the main entrance and receive a visitor sticker.
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BASE (Baker After School Enrichment) Registration | |
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BASE Winter Enrichments - We are looking forward to announcing the new session of enrichment options for families next Thursday, December 14 here in the bulletin.
The Winter Enrichment session will run January 17 - March 22. BASE care begins Monday, January 8, 2024.
Questions? Please contact Erin at esteiner@bakerdemschool.org or at ext. 5823.
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Baker Summer Discovery Camp | |
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We had record-breaking interest in Baker Summer Discovery Camp! Some sessions have already filled and others are filling quickly. Please make sure to register now. If a session is already filled, be sure to get on the waitlist by January 5, 2024 for consideration. Join the waitlist here.
We look forward to returning this summer for another exciting year of fostering friendships, embracing the great outdoors and engaging in immersive camper-driven activities! Explore below or online for weekly session dates, pricing, and further details.
Discounted early-bird registration pricing available until January 31, 2024, but we anticipate being sold out before then. Register or add your camper to the waitlist now.
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Baker Admissions Open House | |
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Please help us spread the word with families you know who are interested in Baker.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
PreK through 8th Grade Admissions Open House for Prospective Parents – Tour the school, visit classrooms and learning spaces. Discover what makes Baker Chicago’s North Shore leader in independent, progressive education.
Share the event on Facebook or LinkedIn. Find more information at bakerdemschool.org/visit
Questions? Contact admissions@bakerdemschool.org.
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Baker Business School Market | |
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Baker Business School Market
Saturday, December 16
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Baker Cafeteria
This quarter, the 4th and 5th graders have been immersed in Baker Business School, an integrated thematic unit that allows them to experience all phases of the entrepreneurial cycle with the end goal of raising funds for a nonprofit of their choice while also learning about the labor movement.
Please invite family and friends to join us at our Baker Business School Market! Prices range from $.50 - $5.00 (cash only), and all profits will benefit the Children's Heart Foundation. Thank you for your support!
Questions? Contact Kerah Sandler at ksandler@bakerdemschool.org or Mark McLennan at mmclennan@bakerdemschool.org.
We ask all our Baker friends and family members to let us know who from your party will be attending. In accordance with our safety policies, everyone will need to check-in at the main entrance and receive a visitor sticker.
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Volunteers Needed - The Bears Are Coming! | |
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The Chicago Bears will be hosting a Mini Monsters workshop for our 2nd - 6th grade students.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with running stations Friday, January 19th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
If you are interested, please reach out to Rachael Ross at rross@bakerdemschool.org for more details.
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BPO Community Service Spotlight - ESCCA | |
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The Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association (ESCCA) provides new and gently-used warm school clothing, including coats, gym shoes and boots for all Evanston/Skokie District 65 K-8th grade school children in need at no cost to the family.
ESCCA clothing assistance services are performed efficiently and discreetly and always keep the dignity of families in mind by inviting families to shop by appointment in our clean and organized space. Each year we serve over 500 families as we strive to reach more families who need our services so we can help keep all of Evanston's children warm.
Learn more about ESCCA HERE! and HERE!
How can we help?
Please donate any new or gently used clothing items for children ages kindergarten- 8th grade in sizes child-6 through adult XXXL. You can drop donations in the ESCCA bin inside Baker's front lobby or directly to ESCCA in the 24hr drop-off bin on the west side of the JEH D65 Administrative Building at 1500 McDaniel in Evanston. See details for the Baker event below.
Questions contact Alli Hackney at allihackney@gmail.com.
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BPO Community Service Spotlight - Chicago 4 All | | |
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- Did you know that buses of asylum-seeking migrants began arriving in Chicago at the end of August 2022.
- As of Oct. 5, more than 17,000 have arrived in the city.
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Chicago has been slowly moving people out of temporary spaces and into shelters and, in the near future, tents.
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Some migrants stay at Chicago's O'Hare Airport for weeks, then are moved to police stations or manage to get into the few shelters available.
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This crisis is hidden in the police stations so it does not feel visible but if you go to any of the improvised shelters you immediately notice these people are living in tents, with no warm clothes and no experience of the Chicago winter.
Chicago 4 All is a grassroots organization led by an immigrant woman Paula Gean who knows the immigrant experience from up close. Chicago 4 All organizes community events such as meals, sports games, music concerts, tutoring and translation services to help immigrants feel welcome.
Another one of Chicago 4 All missions was to integrate the Wadsworth shelter residents into the Woodlawn community. Starting with bilingual church services, English classes, and weekly sports games, organized and led by Woodlawn residents in early 2023.
How can we help?
If we step up as a community, just like Paula’s community has, we can make a difference in their first winter here. Chicago 4 All are in need of winter clothing (hats, scarfs, and gloves), and items such as yoga mats. Please go to their website to find out how and where to make a donation. See details for the Baker event below.
Questions contact Esteban Arévalo at earevalo@bakerdemschool.org.
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BPO Community Service - Winter Clothing Drive | |
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The Baker Annual Winter Clothing Drive begins December 4th and go until December 20th. Please join in supporting the organizations profiled above ESCCA and Chicago 4 All.
During this time Baker will have donation bins near the front office for you to drop off new or gently used clothing. Please see the specific donation guidelines below. Your donations will help our recipients have adequate winter clothing during these cold and snowy months.
Please donate new or gently-used 100% CLEAN winter clothing and outerwear for children and adults. We are looking for sizes ranging from Kids 6 through Adult XXL.
OUTERWEAR: Warm winter jackets, spring/fall lightweight jackets, warm vests, snow pants
TOPS: Hoodies/zip ups, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, athletic shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, fleece tops
BOTTOMS: Sweatpants, fleece pants, track pants, joggers, leggings
ACCESSORIES: Winter hats, gloves, mittens, warm scarves
OTHER: Yoga mats
Please note: Only bring seasonal appropriate clothes like those listed above. For example, we can not accept professional attire, baby items, shoes, socks, or underwear.
ESCCA also is accepting monetary donations to fund the purchase of new items. Or you can buy something directly from the ESCCA Amazon Wish List.
Questions contact BPO@bakerdemschool.org.
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Take a look at these awesome t-shirts we made for our GSA! Want one? Shirts are available for $20 each and come in adult sizes S-2XL. They run a bit small and are 100% cotton. We have a limited supply so please fill out this form if you would like one for your child or for yourself! You can send cash in an envelope, drop off cash or check in the office or use Baker Venmo @BakerDem Proceeds will support Baker GSA.
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to GSA Advisors: Becky Crawford, Shane Courville, Julie Toole
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Baker Spirit Wear is back and available for purchase online! Place your order today!
Our first Baker Spirit Wear Friday kicks off on Friday, September 8th. Purchase your Baker Spirit Wear today to be ready for Baker Spirit Fridays (and everyday of the week).
How does it work?
1. Click on the link below and look through the items.
2. Please note that this spirit wear is for both kids and adults!
3. Place your order online.
4. Orders will be shipped directly to the buyer's home address listed on the order in 3-4 weeks.
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A Life in Light: Meditations on Impermanence
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
On ZOOM
MARY PIPHER, PH.D.
Psychologist, cultural anthropologist, and bestselling author
NANCY BURGOYNE, PH.D.
Chief Clinical Officer, The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Mary Pipher, Ph.D. has been seen as the “cultural therapist” of a generation, and with good reason. Her work has addressed a wide range of issues from environmental concerns to the struggles of refugees. But she is perhaps best known for her work focusing on women. From her #1 New York Times bestseller, Reviving Ophelia, which helped explain the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls, to her most recent New York Times bestseller, Women Rowing North, which explores the experiences faced by women as they grow older, Pipher has been a source of comfort and strength for women at all stages of life.
Pipher’s new memoir in essays, A Life in Light: Meditations on Impermanence offers wisdom, hope, and insight into loss and change. Drawing from her own experiences and expertise as a psychologist specializing in women, trauma, and the effect of our culture on our mental health, she looks inward in A Life in Light to what shaped her as a woman, one who has experienced darkness throughout her life but was always drawn to the light. “Resilience is the ability to find light in dark times,” offers Pipher, “We build it by our attitudes, efforts, and coping skills. All our lives we face crises that require us to grow. Struggle defines and builds us.” Read More.
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