This petition is for the students of Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center in Chicago, IL, one of three elementary schools with an accelerated learning program in the city.
I graduated eighth grade, along with 29 others, in June of 2011. Out of this 29, a large number of students had attended since Kindergarten. And frankly, I wouldn't be prepared in even the most remote sense if not for the education I received at Lenart; I currently attend, with five other individuals, Walter Payton College Prep, ranked #2 in the city. I stand true to the belief that none of us could be here without the education we received.
This past year, the school suffered resignations in some very astute positions: Principal and Asst. Principal to be specific. These two fantastic individuals had headed the school since second grade for me, and been employed at the school even longer. They were fantastic role models: intelligent, hardworking, and caring.
Before making my actual petition, it is imperative to outline some of Lenart's curriculum:
- An accelerated learning program - every grade level works an average of two years ahead (ex. 7th grade students do 9th grade work).
- High School style departmental system from 4th grade onward - a separate teacher for every class.
- Two languages - French and Latin. French taught from K - 8, Lating 3 - 8.
- A complete music program - Beginning Band, Concert Band, Jazz Combo, Chorus, and String Ensemble.
- A complete library and tech center, furnished with smart boards and a plethora of reading material
The list could go on highlighting the wonderful aspects of the system. My key point is that it worked. There was, if any, an iota of children who failed or struggled immensely. And, if so, there were opportunities to correct these issues. Overall, an amazing system.
Back to the present: this past year, the Local School Council was responsible for selection of the new Principal. Bluntly, it was a mess of confusion, and only at the end was a candidate selected. A candidate who showed signs of someone not willing to look and learn, but someone who "had the answers" and was determined in their endeavors. The changes made now before the school year are horrendous. To name a few:
- Removal of the departmental system for fourth and fifth grade.
- Replacing Latin with Spanish for grades 1-5, and French from 6-8.
- Re-organization of the teaching staff to a very high degree. The English teacher is now responsible for ALL of the fifth grade's classes, the French teacher is now responsible for history, etc. Multiple homerooms have been changed.
- A rumored attempt at removing the school's history - hiding away past pictures of graduating classes, and trophies from the multitude of achievements won by Lenart.
Some of these changes are not seen as detrmental by many, but frankly I am appaled by these changes to a system that wasn't failing and needed no changes. As a former student, I see in no way these drastic measures improving on an already nearly flawless system.
And so, I ask you to sign this to be presented at the school, so the new Administration who claimed they would learn the workings of the school and work with them, can see we are angered and wish for things to return to the way they were.