INSPIRED? GET INVOLVED!
VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH FOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR
SEPTEMBER 2012
Our September 2012 honorees aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty, especially when it comes to planting beautiful flowers and fragrant herbs in Blaine's Organic Garden (BOG). This past spring and summer, the trio organized an entire team of gardeners to help complete the southern plot of the BOG in time for the start of school. Sharon, Nancy, Yukari and their team of BOG volunteers have really thought outside the Earth Box, too. They have encouraged classroom participation with a container chock full of tools and materials that enable teachers to integrate the BOG into their curriculum. Their next challenge? Raising the funds to complete the northern plot of the BOG. With the community's financial support, we hope to have something even more beautiful to celebrate in the spring of 2013.
Our other honoree is Lynne. She is the masterful designer behind our new mascot, the Blaine Blue Jay. She was also responsible for spearheading the new Spirit Wear Collection. So now our Blaine community can show some Blue Jay pride on everything from shirts to hats to coffee mugs. Lynne also created the colorful marketing collateral for the BOG. Go Lynne! Go Blue Jays!
Pictured from left to right: Sharon W., Troy LaRaviere (principal), Lynne N., Nancy Z. and Yukari F.
Our other honoree is Lynne. She is the masterful designer behind our new mascot, the Blaine Blue Jay. She was also responsible for spearheading the new Spirit Wear Collection. So now our Blaine community can show some Blue Jay pride on everything from shirts to hats to coffee mugs. Lynne also created the colorful marketing collateral for the BOG. Go Lynne! Go Blue Jays!
Pictured from left to right: Sharon W., Troy LaRaviere (principal), Lynne N., Nancy Z. and Yukari F.
OCTOBER 2012
Tami Sirkin, her husband Jeff and their two children Casey and Andrew wanted to make a difference in the community. The family brainstormed and researched ways that their family and our entire Blaine community could make a local impact. They identified Book Worm Angels, Chicago’s only literacy program providing in-classroom lending libraries to public elementary schools where the majority of students read below grade level. Tami and the kids managed the effort by decorating collection boxes, promoting their effort to Blaine families, and gathering approximately 40 boxes full of 2000 books! On Monday, October 8, 2012, they loaded up the Book Worm Angel's collection van. The children were so excited to be part of this important cause. And thanks to the vision of two young Blaine students, we are all able to feel a sense of pride that our donations will help many others in our city.
Pictured from left to right: Casey, Andrew, Tami Sirkin and Principal LaRaviere
Pictured from left to right: Casey, Andrew, Tami Sirkin and Principal LaRaviere
November 2012
When asked about their 6 years as Kiss & Go Volunteers, Gwyn Aubrey and David Crane happily shared many funny tales and important lessons from the morning rush at Blaine School. They have been out there nearly every day in sun, rain, snow or sleet - ensuring that Blaine students have a safe passage to school from busy city streets.
“One year, a family dressed as clowns pulls up in the Kiss & Go Lane,” recounts Gwyn, as her husband David smiles at the memory. “That’s one of the reasons I love Kiss & Go at Halloween. You see stuff like that. We opened the doors for a real clown car that day.”
“Don’t forget the hot chocolate lady!” reminds David. “She brought us hot chocolate once a week. But never coffee. I don’t drink coffee.” As Gwyn and David rushed to open car doors for students Southport Avenue, they talked about making up holidays to make the kids smile. They also love giving kids facts of the day. For instance, it was Marie Curie’s birthday on November 7.
Gwyn opened the door for a girl who grabbed up her belongings before kissing her mom on the cheek. “We get all teary when we see kids actually kiss their parents goodbye. It doesn’t happen often enough!”
Pictured from left to right: Tony Porfirio (LSC Chairperson), David Craven, Principal LaRaviere, Gwyn Aubrey
“One year, a family dressed as clowns pulls up in the Kiss & Go Lane,” recounts Gwyn, as her husband David smiles at the memory. “That’s one of the reasons I love Kiss & Go at Halloween. You see stuff like that. We opened the doors for a real clown car that day.”
“Don’t forget the hot chocolate lady!” reminds David. “She brought us hot chocolate once a week. But never coffee. I don’t drink coffee.” As Gwyn and David rushed to open car doors for students Southport Avenue, they talked about making up holidays to make the kids smile. They also love giving kids facts of the day. For instance, it was Marie Curie’s birthday on November 7.
Gwyn opened the door for a girl who grabbed up her belongings before kissing her mom on the cheek. “We get all teary when we see kids actually kiss their parents goodbye. It doesn’t happen often enough!”
Pictured from left to right: Tony Porfirio (LSC Chairperson), David Craven, Principal LaRaviere, Gwyn Aubrey
January 2013
THE WOMEN BEHIND THE WEBSITE: Remember the days when the only way to learn about what was going on at school involved lingering on the playground at drop off or pick up? Now, most of us get the 411 first-hand by visiting Blaine’s website, which has become an integral information hub for our entire community. We rely on the up-to-date and accurate content, the creative design that complements copy and the resourceful links to classroom sites, the Parent Portal, reading and math resources, extra-curricular offerings, et cetera.
It’s such a reliable resource that often we take for granted the tremendous effort that goes into maintaining it. So the spotlight this month shines on the people who were behind making Blaine's main website a reality. We honor Peggy Herrington and Donna Drapeau for everything they’ve done the past three years to re-brand Blaine’s online presence and provide an easy-to-navigate, beautiful and informative site for parents, students and faculty, day in and day out. And we must not forget Blaine parent volunteer Eric Smith, who helped our dynamic duo get settled with a new content management system and framework to run our site efficiently and effectively.
While they've thoroughly enjoyed helping out with the school's communication efforts, Donna and Peggy want to explore different volunteer opportunities and personal ambitions, as well. After a thorough search and several transitional meetings, they have successfully passed the torch! Effective today, Amy Leadstrom and Kathy McCallum Osgood will assume responsibility for BlaineCPS.com. Our gratitude and support go to Amy and Kathy in their new volunteer roles at Blaine School!
Let’s all show our sincerest thanks and heartfelt appreciation for Peggy and Donna who raised the communications bar at Blaine these past few years. You not only exemplify Blaine’s core values, you are an inspiration for all who volunteer their time and effort in support of our school community.
It’s such a reliable resource that often we take for granted the tremendous effort that goes into maintaining it. So the spotlight this month shines on the people who were behind making Blaine's main website a reality. We honor Peggy Herrington and Donna Drapeau for everything they’ve done the past three years to re-brand Blaine’s online presence and provide an easy-to-navigate, beautiful and informative site for parents, students and faculty, day in and day out. And we must not forget Blaine parent volunteer Eric Smith, who helped our dynamic duo get settled with a new content management system and framework to run our site efficiently and effectively.
While they've thoroughly enjoyed helping out with the school's communication efforts, Donna and Peggy want to explore different volunteer opportunities and personal ambitions, as well. After a thorough search and several transitional meetings, they have successfully passed the torch! Effective today, Amy Leadstrom and Kathy McCallum Osgood will assume responsibility for BlaineCPS.com. Our gratitude and support go to Amy and Kathy in their new volunteer roles at Blaine School!
Let’s all show our sincerest thanks and heartfelt appreciation for Peggy and Donna who raised the communications bar at Blaine these past few years. You not only exemplify Blaine’s core values, you are an inspiration for all who volunteer their time and effort in support of our school community.
February 2013
Pictured: Mrs. Jeanne Hartrich, Julie Swift, Terry Culver, Paige Skouse, Pamela Newmark, Layhao Diep, Leah Thenstedt, Terry Leblebijian
Well over 1,000 audience members -- of proud and adoring family and friends -- sit in the round to take in the spectacle and beauty of Blaine's annual TEA DANCE
With Mrs. Hartrich at the helm, there are a few special parents who really went ABOVE & BEYOND to make sure this year’s event was a joyful, colorful and beautifully orchestrated affair. In the spirit of the academy awards, get out your virtual golden statues for the following outstanding Blaine parent volunteers:
BEST TAILORING: Sue O’Donnell is the chief costume coordinator. She purchases and organizes the accessories. She does all the students’ measurements to make sure that the school has enough of the correct sizes. And she is the force behind keeping Mrs. Hartrich feeling organized and sane throughout all the preparation and planning.
And if you loved those tropical skirts and colorful sashes worn by the 8th graders, then you’ve seen some of the genius work of Julie Swift. She spent nearly 30 hours at her sewing machine! Her dedication stands out to us, especially since her son is only in 4th grade. Julie was joined by Sue Sell and Layhao Diep in laundering all the costumes.
Thanks also to Linda Braden and Terry Culver who contributed tailoring skills to ensure that students had just the right fit.
BEST LIGHTING: The lights shone on the dancers, perfectly illuminating their every step. And we have Steve Sell to thank for that.
BEST SOUND: Even though his sons graduated Blaine, Perry Lubliner returned to the Tea Dance to support Mr. McGeehan with sound and music. His oldest son Sam, accompanied by a couple of his friends, provided the live lobby music before the main doors opened.
BEST SEATING FORMATION: When you first walk into the Aragon, you are struck by the ornate interior, twinkling ceiling, and the 1200 chairs that are arranged in perfect formation. This doesn’t happen without the effort of a team of parents who spend a good portion of their Wednesday morning before the dance in a non-heated ballroom. Our utmost thanks and appreciation go to Sue Sell and her crew of parents who helped with the chair set up including Jim Bauman, Kathy McLeod, Layhao Diep, Terry Lebleblijian, Leah Thenstedt, Jose Bravo, Joe Patrick, Deb Gordils, Sandra Hamilton, Stacy Boyle, Pamela Newmark, Catherine Francis, Jose Velgara and Lori Lee.
BEST GIFTS: Sandra Hamilton and Paige Skouse put a lot of thought into the flowers and tea gifts for our teachers who supported the students in this effort. And we thank THEM for thinking of the final touches that round out the evening in such a lovely way.
It's an extraordinary effort and we are so fortunate to have such loving and dedicated parents in our community. Thank you now and in advance for your continued support of this and other unique programs we have at Blaine School. If we failed to recognize your name in this post, email us and we'll make sure to add you!
Well over 1,000 audience members -- of proud and adoring family and friends -- sit in the round to take in the spectacle and beauty of Blaine's annual TEA DANCE
With Mrs. Hartrich at the helm, there are a few special parents who really went ABOVE & BEYOND to make sure this year’s event was a joyful, colorful and beautifully orchestrated affair. In the spirit of the academy awards, get out your virtual golden statues for the following outstanding Blaine parent volunteers:
BEST TAILORING: Sue O’Donnell is the chief costume coordinator. She purchases and organizes the accessories. She does all the students’ measurements to make sure that the school has enough of the correct sizes. And she is the force behind keeping Mrs. Hartrich feeling organized and sane throughout all the preparation and planning.
And if you loved those tropical skirts and colorful sashes worn by the 8th graders, then you’ve seen some of the genius work of Julie Swift. She spent nearly 30 hours at her sewing machine! Her dedication stands out to us, especially since her son is only in 4th grade. Julie was joined by Sue Sell and Layhao Diep in laundering all the costumes.
Thanks also to Linda Braden and Terry Culver who contributed tailoring skills to ensure that students had just the right fit.
BEST LIGHTING: The lights shone on the dancers, perfectly illuminating their every step. And we have Steve Sell to thank for that.
BEST SOUND: Even though his sons graduated Blaine, Perry Lubliner returned to the Tea Dance to support Mr. McGeehan with sound and music. His oldest son Sam, accompanied by a couple of his friends, provided the live lobby music before the main doors opened.
BEST SEATING FORMATION: When you first walk into the Aragon, you are struck by the ornate interior, twinkling ceiling, and the 1200 chairs that are arranged in perfect formation. This doesn’t happen without the effort of a team of parents who spend a good portion of their Wednesday morning before the dance in a non-heated ballroom. Our utmost thanks and appreciation go to Sue Sell and her crew of parents who helped with the chair set up including Jim Bauman, Kathy McLeod, Layhao Diep, Terry Lebleblijian, Leah Thenstedt, Jose Bravo, Joe Patrick, Deb Gordils, Sandra Hamilton, Stacy Boyle, Pamela Newmark, Catherine Francis, Jose Velgara and Lori Lee.
BEST GIFTS: Sandra Hamilton and Paige Skouse put a lot of thought into the flowers and tea gifts for our teachers who supported the students in this effort. And we thank THEM for thinking of the final touches that round out the evening in such a lovely way.
It's an extraordinary effort and we are so fortunate to have such loving and dedicated parents in our community. Thank you now and in advance for your continued support of this and other unique programs we have at Blaine School. If we failed to recognize your name in this post, email us and we'll make sure to add you!
March 2013
Pictured:
Shannon Thackray, Meredith McDermott (CPS Sustainability Manager) Abee Zeigler, Kate Lucey, Jack Thompson, Mark Thomann, Sandra Hamilton, Vanessa Grant, Yukari Finley. Absent: Eileen Ryan, Ja Senal (missing from photo: Danielle Babiarz)
There are individuals at Blaine whose commitment to environmentalism goes above and beyond, which is why this month, we honor the Blaine PTA Green Team.
Remember the video from the Waste Audit of 2012? We learned that we produced over 230 pounds of waste per day from the cafeteria alone. Since then, the team has made significant strides in educating the school community on ways to reduce the waste that goes directly into our landfill.
The Green Team volunteers have been present in the LUNCHROOM, guiding children to separate and recycle their waste. They discuss the benefits of reusable containers (and saving parents the expense of ziploc/plastic bags). They encourage students to bring home uneaten food so parents have a sense of what their child is eating in school. Sandra Hamilton, who spearheads the Green Team for Blaine PTA, said, “We discourage throwing away uneaten food. We have a new 'foodshare' box into which children put unopened shop-bought lunch items which are then donated to the Lakeview Pantry. This box has been empty of late, which is a good sign that our kids are being more mindful of what they eat or throw away.”
The Green Team has also established our RECYCLING CAPTAIN program in the classrooms. Each classroom now has 2 captains who are responsible for bringing the blue bin waste to the recycling station on each floor. The Green Team also brought in parent volunteers who visited 22 classrooms to educate children on the effects of greenhouse gases and the importance of reducing landfill waste and recycling. The “8 minutes for the Earth” presentations were very well received by students and teachers alike.
Hamilton encouraged, “Please support our efforts at home by reducing packaging and reminding children to bring home uneaten food. You can also join us in the lunchroom each Friday and join in the fun! “
The Green Team’s efforts extend beyond the lunchroom. They were instrumental in securing three GLOBALTAP fountains in our school. Blaine was the very first CPS school to install the donated GlobalTap units. The purpose of the new fountains is twofold: 1) promotes healthy hydration throughout the day and 2) encourages the use of reusable bottles.
Go ahead, everyone. Turns out it is easy bein’ green. Especially at Blaine. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED.
Shannon Thackray, Meredith McDermott (CPS Sustainability Manager) Abee Zeigler, Kate Lucey, Jack Thompson, Mark Thomann, Sandra Hamilton, Vanessa Grant, Yukari Finley. Absent: Eileen Ryan, Ja Senal (missing from photo: Danielle Babiarz)
There are individuals at Blaine whose commitment to environmentalism goes above and beyond, which is why this month, we honor the Blaine PTA Green Team.
Remember the video from the Waste Audit of 2012? We learned that we produced over 230 pounds of waste per day from the cafeteria alone. Since then, the team has made significant strides in educating the school community on ways to reduce the waste that goes directly into our landfill.
The Green Team volunteers have been present in the LUNCHROOM, guiding children to separate and recycle their waste. They discuss the benefits of reusable containers (and saving parents the expense of ziploc/plastic bags). They encourage students to bring home uneaten food so parents have a sense of what their child is eating in school. Sandra Hamilton, who spearheads the Green Team for Blaine PTA, said, “We discourage throwing away uneaten food. We have a new 'foodshare' box into which children put unopened shop-bought lunch items which are then donated to the Lakeview Pantry. This box has been empty of late, which is a good sign that our kids are being more mindful of what they eat or throw away.”
The Green Team has also established our RECYCLING CAPTAIN program in the classrooms. Each classroom now has 2 captains who are responsible for bringing the blue bin waste to the recycling station on each floor. The Green Team also brought in parent volunteers who visited 22 classrooms to educate children on the effects of greenhouse gases and the importance of reducing landfill waste and recycling. The “8 minutes for the Earth” presentations were very well received by students and teachers alike.
Hamilton encouraged, “Please support our efforts at home by reducing packaging and reminding children to bring home uneaten food. You can also join us in the lunchroom each Friday and join in the fun! “
The Green Team’s efforts extend beyond the lunchroom. They were instrumental in securing three GLOBALTAP fountains in our school. Blaine was the very first CPS school to install the donated GlobalTap units. The purpose of the new fountains is twofold: 1) promotes healthy hydration throughout the day and 2) encourages the use of reusable bottles.
Go ahead, everyone. Turns out it is easy bein’ green. Especially at Blaine. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED.
APRIL 2013
This was the first year for Middle School Clubs: Drama, Art, Gardening, French, Poetry Slam, Photography, Digital Arts, Math... making us all want to enroll in middle school at Blaine! We are grateful to the parents and teachers who have gone above & beyond to make these clubs a reality. We hope they will join us again next year in these important leadership roles!!
MAY 2013
“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
It seems relevant to quote Vince Lombardi on the occasion of this month’s ‘Above & Beyond’ recognition. After all, we’re recognizing the efforts of three Blaine parents who promote leadership, encourage teamwork and cultivate a strong work ethic among our young athletes. This month we show our gratitude to Sarah Godley, Mike Lohman and Albert Tsai, who are the driving force behind the Blaine Athletic Booster Club.
Let’s start with Sarah Godley. When she volunteers, she gives it her absolute all, which is even more impressive and admirable given her full-time work commitment as a nurse at Lurie Children’s. Sarah spearheads nearly every aspect of the Sports Banquet, a time-honored springtime event that honors every Blue Jay who represents Blaine on the track, field, pitch or court. She drums up creative ideas, like having food contests on the sidelines of Bend it Like Blaine, or organizing a team of volunteers to launch Blaine’s first annual Family Fun Run. Sarah’s rapport with teachers, especially Mr. Sikes, has only added to our admiration for what she’s able to accomplish. And remarkably, all with a smile.
Now on to Mike Lohman. He’s the principal reason why you have heard about the Blaine Booster Club more than ever. He sat down with the PTA leadership at the start of this year to ensure that Blaine athletics have a more prominent role and a more concerted level of support. And does it ever! With a redrafted mission statement, a new logo, complete sets of new uniforms for EVERY player, and a renewed sense of purpose, Lohman has boosted the club in the truest sense. And walks the talk, as both a cheerleader for every Blaine athlete and as the coach to the basketball team.
Finally, we hand the ball over to Albert Tsai. He also coaches, and he was the instrumental in the 2013 Blaine Dads Got Game fundraiser. For the first time, this event, along with Bend it Like Blaine, will serve to directly support the Blaine Booster Club. He plays the sports, and plays them extremely well. But what we most admire about Albert is the way he serves as a role model for our kids, and we appreciate his patience, commitment and of course his appreciation for good sportsmanship, no matter the final score.
It is with honor and privilege that we recognize Godley, Lohman and Tsai for their efforts. And we hope the entire Blaine community joins us in the hearty Blaine cheer, “GO BLUE JAYS!”
It seems relevant to quote Vince Lombardi on the occasion of this month’s ‘Above & Beyond’ recognition. After all, we’re recognizing the efforts of three Blaine parents who promote leadership, encourage teamwork and cultivate a strong work ethic among our young athletes. This month we show our gratitude to Sarah Godley, Mike Lohman and Albert Tsai, who are the driving force behind the Blaine Athletic Booster Club.
Let’s start with Sarah Godley. When she volunteers, she gives it her absolute all, which is even more impressive and admirable given her full-time work commitment as a nurse at Lurie Children’s. Sarah spearheads nearly every aspect of the Sports Banquet, a time-honored springtime event that honors every Blue Jay who represents Blaine on the track, field, pitch or court. She drums up creative ideas, like having food contests on the sidelines of Bend it Like Blaine, or organizing a team of volunteers to launch Blaine’s first annual Family Fun Run. Sarah’s rapport with teachers, especially Mr. Sikes, has only added to our admiration for what she’s able to accomplish. And remarkably, all with a smile.
Now on to Mike Lohman. He’s the principal reason why you have heard about the Blaine Booster Club more than ever. He sat down with the PTA leadership at the start of this year to ensure that Blaine athletics have a more prominent role and a more concerted level of support. And does it ever! With a redrafted mission statement, a new logo, complete sets of new uniforms for EVERY player, and a renewed sense of purpose, Lohman has boosted the club in the truest sense. And walks the talk, as both a cheerleader for every Blaine athlete and as the coach to the basketball team.
Finally, we hand the ball over to Albert Tsai. He also coaches, and he was the instrumental in the 2013 Blaine Dads Got Game fundraiser. For the first time, this event, along with Bend it Like Blaine, will serve to directly support the Blaine Booster Club. He plays the sports, and plays them extremely well. But what we most admire about Albert is the way he serves as a role model for our kids, and we appreciate his patience, commitment and of course his appreciation for good sportsmanship, no matter the final score.
It is with honor and privilege that we recognize Godley, Lohman and Tsai for their efforts. And we hope the entire Blaine community joins us in the hearty Blaine cheer, “GO BLUE JAYS!”
June 2013
There are 58 room parents who serve the entire Blaine community. Their role is simple and important: to serve as the liaisons between the parents and the teachers, so that everyone feels a communications connection to what is going on in their children’s classrooms.
In the pilot’s seat, we find Melissa Bullock. She’s one dynamo of a communicator, identifying what needs to be shared and when it needs to get out. It’s NOT an easy task, for she has to cull the information from various sources, verify its accuracy and get it approved by the administration. In fact, by doing all the grunt work, Bullock makes it so easy for room parents to be the informative resources that others count on them to be.
Oh but there's so much more... Room parents help pull together class rosters. They coordinate get-togethers. They plan teachers’ gifts. They find volunteers for field trips. Et cetera, et cetera...
Sometimes we might take their work for granted, but we are always grateful for their efforts.
In the pilot’s seat, we find Melissa Bullock. She’s one dynamo of a communicator, identifying what needs to be shared and when it needs to get out. It’s NOT an easy task, for she has to cull the information from various sources, verify its accuracy and get it approved by the administration. In fact, by doing all the grunt work, Bullock makes it so easy for room parents to be the informative resources that others count on them to be.
Oh but there's so much more... Room parents help pull together class rosters. They coordinate get-togethers. They plan teachers’ gifts. They find volunteers for field trips. Et cetera, et cetera...
Sometimes we might take their work for granted, but we are always grateful for their efforts.