Posted by Rachel on October 21, 2008
School Residencies
The Cleveland Team gathered for a marathon journal reading on Sunday night at Erick’s house. He made us some fish curry soup of his own invention, and it sustained us for the five hours it took to read the brilliant writing of 70 students. We read everything our students write, and it is a pleasure, but given our teachers’ busy schedules, finding a time when everyone can gather to read so many journals is a challenge. We have to do it all at one go
For the Cleveland residency, we had two volunteer teachers, Katie and Lupe, who have been indispensible. They used their Spanish speaking skills to help those of us who studied French in high school communicate. They volunteered their time and energy to meet for breakfast before each teaching day, to teach for six mornings when they could have been at other jobs, and most recently, to read and sign all our students’ journals. The children love them—I know because they wrote about it in their journals—and we love them too.
Here’s the intrepid Cleveland Team before our reading meeting:
See the After picture post-jump . . .
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Posted by Heidi on October 18, 2008
It’s been a day. We started pretty early (Maggie was corralling chalkboards at 7:00am) and we just wrapped up now, 18 hours later. In between there was a lot of glitter, some feathers, a few toasts, hats by the dozen, an auction, hoity-toity hors d’ouevres, a lovely buffet, some specialty cocktails, a fun show, and some inspiring speeches. I’m talking about the Fancy Schmancy benefit of course, and while I hope that others will post some photos later, I wanted to take a moment to thank the more than 150 of you who were able to attend. I hope you all got your Time Out gift bag and are even now enjoying just one more truffle while planning your outfit for next year. Or maybe you’re gloating about the items you won in the auction—we’ll be calling you if you didn’t get a chance to take your winnings home.
I haven’t run all the numbers, but so far it looks like this was a successful event for us. We couldn’t do it without your help, and we are very grateful. All of the proceeds will support our work in the Chicago Public Schools and Park District. As a nonprofit, we rely on the support of our monkey friends to continue to bring our unique and high-quality program to under-served communities. We know that the current turmoil in the financial markets and consequent economic stress makes this a difficult time to ask for your support, and we’re honored that so many of you were able to step up.
Not to appear greedy, but if you were unable to attend fancy this year and would like to make a donation to support our school programming, you may do so online.
Monkey on.
Posted by Rachel on October 14, 2008
After School Program
We recently completed week four of the Loyola Park after school program, and with three groups of students at different age levels, this year’s program includes kids a full year younger than ever before. Joe and I are teaching the youngest group, 7-9 year olds, and they are some savvy children.
I’ve always questioned the feasibility of Superman transforming into Clark Kent simply by putting on glasses. Because I’m a cruel woman who likes to confuse children, I introduced the Loyola Park kids to my own alter ego. In the first week, they met Rachel . . . in glasses.
In the second week, I wore contacts. At first, the children were fooled. “Who are you?” they asked me. “You’re not Rachel.”
“Oh, but I am,” I said. “I just left my glasses at home.” They eyed me warily for a while, and then decided to accept me in my new incarnation.
Last week, Joe wore glasses to class for the first time. Chaos ensued.
“Who is that man? That’s not Joe! What are you doing here?” the children cried.
Joe tried to tell them he was an alien, but they didn’t buy it. Bet they wouldn’t have bought it from Superman either.
Despite our best efforts to sew mistrust and mayhem, the children have adapted to our guises. They won’t be fooled again.
Posted by Heidi on October 13, 2008
That's Weird Grandma
Happy Columbus Day! I hope many of you get to take the extra long weekend day, especially in Chicago where the weather is so unseasonably pleasant. At least this second.
This week we have two brand-spanking-new stories to add to the mix. Golf Scorpions will introduce you to a villain you’d never heard of before, whereas The Hooks of the Seven Seas will teach you about why it’s helpful to have a hook for a hand, among other things. If that doesn’t quite make sense you’ll just have to come to the show tonight for the full details.
Full running order after the jump!
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Posted by Heidi on October 8, 2008
Preparations for Fancy are going well. The auction is well-rounded, the hats have been decorated, the centerpieces are nearing completion. It’s going to be a smashing evening. There’s just one thing we’re missing: you!
I know, I know, you are planning to come. You’ve put it in your calendar, talked to your friends, thought about your outfit. You just haven’t bought your ticket yet. But that’s ok! You still have time! If you don’t want to pay the convenience fee, just mail a check with your pertinent contact information written out to our office (the address is just over there to the right). You can also call 773-281-0638 between 10am and 6pm weekdays and buy a ticket right over the phone.
If we don’t raise enough money at Fancy, there will be a lot more blog posts about fund raising in the year to come…so do your part to keep the blog light. Buy a ticket to fancy!
