|
Dear Baker families,
One of the great aspects of working in education is interacting with colleagues who themselves are students at heart, and care deeply about children. Here at Baker, I’m happy to say that all of our faculty and staff fall into that category. Nobody at Baker is working here because it is just a job. They are here because they love schools, they love children and they know about the amazing impact a teacher and schools can have on children’s lives. This Baker characteristic is instrumental in fostering a school culture and climate that sends your children home happy after school, and entering the building with a smile every morning. But what does it mean when teachers are considered students, or lifelong learners? What does that look like? Does that mean that our teachers don’t know what they are teaching? No, absolutely not, it means that they are striving to improve their craft all the time. I’ve worked in public and private schools and not all teachers are given the support and space to improve their craft. How many stories have we read about teacher burnout? Teachers get burnt out when they don’t have time to reflect, improve their practices, or connect with their colleagues. It also occurs when they aren’t able to connect with their students, and when they aren’t able to meet the needs of their students.
We are blessed to have several generous donors that recognize the importance of providing our teachers with opportunities to learn and grow. One donor has funded a Small Grants Program at Baker that allows teachers to apply for grants to enhance their classroom experiences for their students. Our teachers have jumped at this opportunity and a list of some of the Baker unique experiences that have arisen from this program include: Print Shop, Heritage Spanish class, Baker Business School, Instruments for Music, BASH (Baker Arts Share), Tap Dancing, Roller Skating, Aquaponics, and much more. Teachers are encouraged to follow their passion and bring their personalities to the classroom experience.
Another generous donor, new this year, has provided a grant to help advance our Diversity Equity and Inclusion efforts. This mission-guided grant has been used to help further our work in Restorative Justice and some of the professional development that our teachers engaged in during our faculty work week at the beginning of the school year, as well as future Institute days.
| |
|
In other Baker news, we had another successful Friday community time last week. We celebrated International Dot Day with a wonderful reading of the book, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, and then our Baker buddies broke up into groups and put together a wonderful collage of dot art together. I hope that you have time to read the book and make some dot art as well with your children!
Have a great day,
| |
Mason Rocca
Interim Head of School
| |
Head of School Search Candidate Visits | |
|
Thank you for your engagement with Head of School finalists Seth Hanford and Randy Needlman this week! Not only are our candidates for Head of School interviewing for the position, Baker is being auditioned for these candidates. Family participation is critical for Baker’s future success, and we thank you in advance for being part of a warm welcome for our remaining candidates. This is a busy but exciting time for us as a school community, as candidates meet and talk with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and trustees.
Remaining this week: Link to register for finalist #2 sessions
Thursday 9/28 5PM Library
Open Community session with finalist #2 Randy Needlman
Friday 9/29 9:30AM Zoom
Open Community session with finalist #2 Randy Needlman
Next week: Link to register for sessions with finalists #3 and #4
Monday 10/2 5PM Library
Open Community session with finalist #3
Tuesday 10/3 9:30AM Zoom
Open Community session with finalist #3
Wednesday 10/4 5PM Library
Open Community session with finalist #4
Thursday 10/5 9:30AM Zoom
Open Community session with finalist #4
We will also continue to send direct email reminders about opportunities to meet the candidates. You will receive the name and bio for remaining candidates 2 days before their visit. If you have had the opportunity to meet a candidate, please complete the survey for that candidate as soon as possible. Surveys open just before the candidates arrive and close at 8AM the day following the end of each candidate’s visit. Randy Needlman’s survey is still open until 8AM Saturday morning.
Sincerely,
Hilde Kaiser and Ken Powers,
co-chairs, Baker Head of School Search Committee
Questions? Contact the Search Committee at hos_search@bakerdemschool.org
| |
Board of Trustees Community Meet ups | |
|
Please join members of the Board of Trustees for a series of informal community meet ups. Feel free to drop in for conversation, to learn more about us and what Trustees do, and share thoughts about Baker. We hope to see you at one or more of the following days and places! Questions? email Shana Bernstein
Sunday October 22 - 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St, Evanston
Friday November 3 - 8:45 a.m - 10:00 a.m.
Central Station Coffee and Tea, 1150 Central Ave, Wilmette
*The September 28 event at Temperance is cancelled due to the HOS finalist visit that evening.
| |
|
September 28
HOS Finalist #2 PM meeting - See details above
September 29
HOS Finalist #2 AM ZOOM meeting - See details above
September 30
Green Team Garden Day - See details below
October 1
Bike the Ridge 9:00 a.m. See details below
October 5
FAN Event 7:00 p.m. - See details below
October 6
Baker Bonfire 5:00 p.m. - See details below
You can view Baker's public calendar at bakerdemschool.org/calendar
| |
|
As we build community, relationships and connect with each other, showing gratitude is one of our most powerful tools. It fosters a sense of belonging and shares not only valuable feedback, but also appreciation. We all live busy lives, but taking a moment to thank someone at the school will go a long way. This form will be up all year, and we hope you visit frequently! The notes will all be passed onto the recipients.
Gratitude Notes
| |
|
Join Julie Toole and her students for Inktober!
Inktober is a month-long drawing challenge created by artist Jake Parker that is focused on improving skill, creativity and developing positive drawing habits. Every day for the month of October anyone participating in the Inktober challenge creates a drawing based off a word prompt.
You will be committing to drawing at least 5 minutes a day. It does not have to be elaborate but is a great way to get in the habit of drawing everyday and strengthening your creativity. There is a calendar that has a word prompt for each day of the month to inspire you. Click here to see the calendar and directions!
This is a choice for her students so many will be joining her on this challenge. Ms. Toole will be creating a display with Baker Inktober work on it across from the library, so if you join us, please bring in your drawings (or a copy) to share with the school and let's inspire each other!
Here is a list of FAQs to learn more. Let Julie know if you or your family are joining in! jtoole@bakerdemschool.org
| |
BASE (Baker After School Enrichment) Registration | |
|
NEW CLASS STARTING SOON!
It’s a Small World - Miniature Building
(Grades 3rd - 7th)
Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm from Nov 6 to Dec 11 - 6 classes
In this class we will be using natural and recycled materials and our imagination to create a miniature world. Ms. Toole will be there to guide you and teach you tips and tricks for creating your tiny sculptures.
Register Here - Found under Private/Semi-Private Lessons Tab
Running late? Unexpected meeting? BASE is here to help!
Whether it’s a last minute change of plans or pre-planned, Drop-In Care will also be available for all Baker families. Drop-In Care is prorated based on the amount of care needed. Please email and/or call Erin with as much advance notice of your child’s participation in a drop-in day as possible. Previous BASE registrants may alter their day of care once a month to accommodate an unexpected need for care.
Register Here - Select your desired pickup time under the Drop-In Option Tab
For all BASE related questions, please reach out to Erin Fentanes Steiner at esteiner@bakerdemschool.org
| |
Baker at Bike the Ridge Evanston | |
|
Sunday, October 1 - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ridge Ave. between Howard & Church St. - Evanston
Baker is a sponsor for Evanston's Bike the Ridge. Put on your Baker spirit wear, grab your helmets and non-motorized wheels, and head to Ridge Avenue between Howard Street and Church Street. There will be vendors, bike repairs, live music, activities, and food trucks at Ridgeville Park located at 908 Seward St, Evanston. Sign up to be a Baker ambassador at our booth! Staff, students, and families are all welcome to sign-up. We will have swag, face paint, and tattoos.
This is a fun-filled way to get involved with the Baker community. Sign up here.
Email Stacie Erck if you have any questions - stacerck@hotmail.com.
| |
BPO - Baker Bonfire & Volunteers Needed | |
|
Friday, October 6, 2023 - 5:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Evanston Lighthouse Beach (Sheridan & Central)
The BPO invites all Baker families to attend the Baker Bonfire. Gather with Baker families to enjoy s'mores at the fire circle, play at the playground, and be in good company listening to the waves. Drop in after dinner, before dinner, or bring your dinner (nut free please). S'mores fixings will be provided.
Parking is limited, so you may need to use street parking and walk over. We look forward to seeing you and your family. We'll have composting on-site for this event. Thanks to the BPO Sustainability Green Team we aim for this to be a low-waste event. Read more about what you can do here.
Please sign-up to help volunteer at the event. This event is parent run: Bonfire Sign-up Sheet
Email bpo@bakerdemschool.org with questions.
| |
|
Thank you to all the families who turned out to help with last weekend’s garden work day! We had a great time cleaning and harvesting.
Lots of lemon balm
We harvested lemon balm from the garden and it needs a drying space for future use. Parents have proposed that Baker Business School participants can utilize the herbs from the garden to create fragrant items like potpourri, soaps, candles, lotions, or more for a project. We could use some help with this effort. Please let us know if you can assist.
Would you like to help in the garden?
Our next garden workday is Saturday, September 30th from 10 to noon. We need help clearing parts of the garden, transplanting perennials, and harvesting more herbs. If you can’t make this date but would like to participate in future workdays, please click here to let us know your availability. We are working on garden workday calendar for October and would love to know your interest and availability to get involved.
Have you tried chard from the garden?
We welcome all Baker families to visit the Intermediate Exploration Garden and take home 2 or 3 chard leaves. Recipes are posted on Mighty Network. See what other families shared and share yours!
Email bakergreenteam100@gmail.com with questions.
| |
BPO Community Service Committee - ESCCA | |
|
ESCCA 32nd Annual Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
Saturday, October 14th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Independence Park - located in the 2000 block of Central Street
Looking for event volunteers - sign up here.
| |
|
ESCCA (the Evanston School Children's Clothing Association) Needs Volunteers
ESCCA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that makes clothing available to all K-8th grade children of Evanston/Skokie District 65 Schools, located at 1500 McDaniel in the District 65 Administrative Bldg/JEH Center. Each year it provides clothing and shoes/boots to over 500 children in need at no cost. Every child receives a full wardrobe of clothing, mostly gently-used items, and also new gym shoes, boots, underwear and jeans.
Families are scheduled to come to the center on Monday afternoons from 4pm-6:30pm, in the evening Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 6:30-9pm, or Saturday morning from 9:15am-noon. Volunteers help the children select clothing.
There is an ongoing need for volunteers to assist the children in selecting clothing (Serve). Each District 65 school and our community partners are assigned several Serve dates during the school year and we need four volunteers per shift.
During a SERVE, volunteers help students choose clothing from ESCCA's Shop at 1500 McDaniel, almost like a personal shopper. Volunteering during a SERVE is an especially fun and rewarding experience as you get to interact with a District 65 student, helping them have a warm and positive experience choosing winter clothing for this school year.
There are also opportunities to become a regular volunteer at a SORT where volunteers help sort, organize, and fold clothing donations so they are ready for our shoppers. Sorts take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings during the school year.
There is an immediate need for volunteers for Thursday, October 19th SERVE - sign up here.
Clothing Donations Needed
There is a 24-hour drop-off bin for donations outside on the west side of the 1500 McDaniel Building. Each school also has a clothing drop-off bin in the front lobby. All clothing should be appropriate for children grades K-8, no used shoes, and no underwear, please.
| |
Please watch the video to learn more about volunteering with ESCCA. | |
BPO Community Service - Connections for the Homeless | |
|
The Baker Community Service Team is planning on bringing and serving a BBQ dinner to the residents at the Margarita Inn. The Margarita Inn is an emergency homeless shelter provided by Connections for the Homeless in Evanston. This is a great opportunity for the Baker Community including our students to give back and bring a little joy to the residents of the shelter.
The event will take place on October 22nd from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
We are asking for volunteers to make or bring food, help setup, help serve the food, and help clean up. If you are interested please go to the Sign Up Genius and sign up!
If you have any questions please email Justin Travis at allowishes@gmail.com.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better
ON ZOOM
MYISHA CHERRY, PH.D. - Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside interviewed by DANTÉ STEWART - Theologian, essayist, cultural critic, and author
Myisha Cherry, Ph.D.’s investigation of forgiveness began after the mass shooting at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina, when some who had lost loved ones forgave what seemed unforgiveable. She was troubled by observers who focused on this “inspiring” response over the racial hatred that led to this tragedy. As associate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, where she also directs the Emotion and Society Lab, she was moved to pin down the potential and pitfalls of how we make amends—to provide careful, moral prescriptions.
Prof. Cherry’s new book, Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better is a reckoning with widespread, wrongheaded beliefs. She examines how forgiveness can go wrong in families, between friends, at work, in the media, and in politics. Prof. Cherry addresses forgiveness and race, cancelling versus forgiving, forgiving yourself, and more. She argues that we can forgive and still be angry; there can be good reasons not to forgive; and forgiving a wrong without tackling root causes solves nothing.
Providing new pathways to think about the ways we expect and react to wrongdoing, Prof. Cherry offers in-depth advice and takeaways, including 1) Forgiveness entails forgivers, withholders, and requestors, not just villains and victims; 2) Forgiveness is not an action or a process, but rather a set of moral practices; 3) It can end with relief, release, or reconciliation; and 4) Forgiveness will not save us but changing our relationship with it will get us closer to saving ourselves.
Prof. Cherry is the author of The Case for Rage: Why Anger Is Essential to Anti-Racist Struggle and UnMuted: Conversations on Prejudice, Oppression, and Social Justice, which draws on her popular podcast UnMute. She will be in conversation with Danté Stewart, is a theologian, essayist, cultural critic, and author of Shoutin’ In The Fire: An American Epistle. Mr. Stewart’s work has appeared in the Atlantic, New York Times, the Washington Post, TIME, ESPN’s Andscape, Oxford American, Sojourners, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, and more.
This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
For more information about this event click here
| | | | |
