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Dear Baker families,
I am so excited to share about our recent 4th and 5th grade trip to Springfield. During this hallmark INT tradition, which alternates with our Outdoor Ed trip, we visit our state capital to complement our thematic unit on the origins and outcomes of the Civil War. In the words of one of our students, this year’s trip was “the ultimate bonding experience!”
5th graders began their unit at the dawn of human history, learning that all human beings share a common African ancestor, and then researched several ancient African kingdoms in order to contextualize the unthinkable act of enslavement. Students analyzed primary source documents and read multiple non-fiction “resist-ories,” identifying the many methods of resistance and emancipation used by enslaved and free abolitionists. In preparation for our Springfield trip, they critically examined several quotes and policies of Abraham Lincoln through the lens of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, who reminds us that “there is no neutrality in the racism struggle.” As they learned about the events leading up to and during the Civil War, students concurrently explored Kingian nonviolence principles and Beloved Community to emphasize alternatives to militarism. Moving forward, students will explore Reconstruction, reparations, and a Labor Acknowledgement for our school.
Our first stop in Springfield was the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, where students saw depictions of important moments in Lincoln’s early life, his road to the White House, and his political career. These exhibits were enhanced by two multimedia shows. The first used holograms to explain the importance of the Lincoln Presidential Library and the magic of artifacts in telling stories of the past. The second used special effects to share contrasting perspectives about Lincoln and his legacy, attempting to distinguish the myth from the real man.
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After lunch in the park, we visited the state capitol. We sat in the galleries of the State Senate and old Supreme Court and explored the rotunda and its artwork. Interestingly, we also learned that the Poor People's Campaign, a recently revived movement started by Dr. King, would be hosting a march on the capitol the following day. Next, we toured Lincoln’s Springfield neighborhood and visited his home, guided by National Park rangers. A brand new exhibit at this site highlighted Lincoln’s lesser-known Springfield neighbors, including Underground Railroad conductors, Jameson Jenkins and William Donnegan. Our final stop was a visit to Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Students were intrigued to see where all the action from our current read-aloud, Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin, actually occurred.
Following a fun pizza dinner, we received wonderful feedback from our guide, who was impressed not only by Baker students’ prior knowledge and thought-provoking questions, but also with their engaged and respectful behavior. We are so proud of the 4th and 5th graders!
At this time when so many teachers in our country are barred from teaching accurate, inclusive, antibias history, I am so grateful to teach in a community that puts this practice at the heart of our mission and offers students amazing opportunities, such as the Springfield trip, to bring history to life and encourage our young activists!
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With gratitude,
Kerah Sandler
She/Her
Fifth Grade Teacher
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March 8
Baker Benefit - See details below
March 14
Parent Teacher Conferences Early Dismissal / BASE Available
March 15
Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. / No School - BASE Available
March 22
Baker Talent Show 8:30 a.m. - See details below
March 25 - 29
Spring Break—No School / No BASE
Now Available: The 2024-2025 major dates calendar is here.
Baker's public calendar at bakerdemschool.org/calendar
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Conference Sign Up for March 14-15 | |
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Parent-Teacher Spring Conferences Sign Up
Information about Spring Conferences was sent out on Monday 3/4 in this email. Sign up here.
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BASE Bonus Days this Winter | |
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BASE Bonus Days this Winter
BASE is offering half day/full day care, plus coverage for your scheduled conferences only.
Where do I sign up? Click HERE to access the registration page. All winter BASE days are open for registration.
Winter Bonus Day Specials
March 14, 2024 - Conferences
- Half Day Care (11:30-3:15 pm)
- Fun Swim (Kinder - 8th)
March 15, 2024 - Conferences
Conference Care! Register your child for a 30min duration while you attend conferences. Students will have choice time with their grade level during this time. Please note, conference care is not available Thurs., March 14 from 5:00-7:00pm. BASE Bonus Day Registration Page
Questions? Please contact Erin at esteiner@bakerdemschool.org or at ext. 5823.
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We are looking forward to announcing the new session of enrichment options for families next Thursday, March 14 here in the bulletin.
The Spring Enrichment session will run April 1 - May 31. BASE care will run until June 6.
Questions? Please contact Erin at esteiner@bakerdemschool.org or at ext. 5823.
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Sunny camp days are right around the corner. Round out your campers’ summer with a week at Baker!
Rising 5th and 6th Grade spots still available! Session 3 (July 1 - 3) has openings for rising Kinder, 4th, 5th + 6th.
REGISTER HERE
If you know any qualified and enthusiastic educators, we're currently seeking individuals for roles such as Lead Instructors, Support Counselors, Music Lead, and Lifeguards/Swim Instructors.
Resumes can be sent to summer@bakerdemschool.org.
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Baker Benefit is TOMORROW! | |
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The Baker Benefit
Friday, March 8, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.
PALMHOUSE
619 Howard St, Evanston IL, 60202
We recommend cocktail attire but ultimately, just be as festive or comfortable as you wish!
Tickets & Information: bakerbenefit.givesmart.com
Tickets are $125 per person.
LAST CHANCE for tickets.
Register Now
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We're excited to see many of you on Friday, March 8th! The committee has been hard at work and we have a great night planned.
Please note: Parking may be challenging. We highly encourage the use of carpooling, rideshare, or public transit. There is limited onsite parking and metered street parking available.
The Baker Benefit is a fun adults only night out. We recommend cocktail attire but ultimately, just be as festive or comfortable as you wish. Your ticket includes an evening of food, drinks, and dancing! There will be a silent auction with fabulous items, and so much more! All proceeds from this event go directly to Baker's Tuition Assistance Program. This program makes a Baker education accessible for more students.
Reminder: Our hope is that our whole school community can participate in the event. If the ticket price is prohibitive for your family, please reach out to and we will work with you.
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Visit bakerbenefit.givesmart.com to view items and start bidding. You don't need to attend the event to participate in the auction.
Please share the auction with friends and family! There are fabulous items and experiences and it all goes to supports a great cause. The auction will remain open now through 9:00pm the evening of the event.
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New England in the Fall
9 days / 8 nights (Sat-Sun) taking in the New England autumn beauty! Enjoy your stay at this historic 4-bedroom cottage (sleeps 8) nestled in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Learn More
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Love Birds Package
This package includes:
- 1 night stay for 2 at the Evanston Hyatt hotel
- 1 pound of chocolate from Piron Belgian Chocolatier
- 1 bottle of Cava sparkling wine
- A luxurious assortment of bubble bath, body wash, hand painted bath bombs, bath & body oil, perfume, an exfoliating whipped soap & body butter from Witchy Woman World Apothecary
- Learn More
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Fire Engine Ride to School
A fire engine ride to school with the Wilmette Fire Department. Child can be picked up at the Wilmette Fire Station or any Wilmette address. Rider can bring a sibling or buddy. Learn More
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Thank You to Our Sponsors | |
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Who's Got Talent?!? The Middle School Student Leadership Team is excited to be once again hosting the Baker Talent Show on Friday, March 22nd.
Families are invited to attend.
2024 Baker Talent Show
Friday, March 22nd
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The talent show signup is for students in grades 4th-8th. Auditions will be held on March 6th & 7th during lunch/recess time.
Questions contact Mark McLennan at mmclennan@bakerdemschool.org.
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BPO Community Service Spotlight - The Night Ministry | |
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As you can imagine Connections for the Homeless isn’t the only organization dedicated to providing care to the homeless.
The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.
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With an open heart, they compassionately accept each individual as they are and work alongside them to advocate for their immediate physical, emotional, and social needs while affirming our shared humanity.
How can we help?
Visit The Night Ministry’s website and click on the Get Involved link. Here you can find many opportunities to help. You can volunteer your time and/or give a donation.
How can Baker help?
There is a need for Hygiene Kits at the Night Ministry. We are holding a Hygiene Kit Items Drive during the month of March. Please bring any of the listed items below to Baker. There is a bin in the front where you can just drop them off.
All items should be travel-sized unless otherwise noted. Items in bold are typically included as the basics and everything else is considered special.
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• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash or bar soap
• Body lotion
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush (full-sized)
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• Deodorant
• Mouthwash
• Lip balm
• Comb or brush
• Disposable razor
• Shaving cream
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• Wash cloth
• Tissue pack
• Bath wipes
• Rain poncho
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