Since they and their friends are a talented bunch, they came up with the idea of a variety show and pitched it to Principal Dave Palzet. With his support they went about organizing the show, which they are calling “We Are the Hope”. It will feature music and comedy acts by students and some teachers.

The show will take place on Friday, April 30 at 7:00 pm in the WJHS auditorium at 620 Locust Rd. in Wilmette . Tickets are $8.oo for adults and $5.00 for kids. There will also be a raffle for an iPod Touch ($5/ticket). Proceeds will go to the Red Cross for earthquake relief in Haiti and Chile. Please bring cash or a check made out to cash for your tickets.

I’m pretty impressed by these kids, who have taken the initiative to produce a show to raise money to help the victims of recent earthquakes. Please come out and and show your support on Friday.

The principal of Harper is Dr. Susan Kick. There are around 440 students and 31 teachers on staff, making the student teacher ratio 14.2. Test scores are consistently high and there are lots of enrichment and after-school activities like chorus, chess club, sports, drama, science and art programs to supplement the excellent curriculum.

Harper is a real gem of a neighborhood school and parents and children alike rave about it. It is walkable from anywhere in the area it serves and kids typically walk to and from school unless the weather is bad. Starting at the end of 2nd grade they are allowed to ride their bikes, after taking a bike safety class. The parents are very involved in the PTO and other programs and the kids make lifelong friends there.

You can watch a slide show of the recent Earth Week Fun Fest held after school.

686 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-3700
www.ravinianurseryschool.com

Ravinia Nursery School is a developmental preschool where children are encouraged to learn through play. Children learn at their own pace and in their own direction. Programs include a classes for 3-4 year olds (five mornings/week from 9:30-11:00) and a class for 4-5 year olds (five afternoons/week from 12:30-3:00). The younger class focuses on outdoor play, arts and crafts, music, singing and stories, while the older class adds language, literacy and math skills like counting, sorting and classifying objects.
There is also a summer camp.

Highland Park Montessori Schools

There are three Montessori schools in Highland Park. The goal of the schools is to help children become creative and competent human beings who are fully aware of themselves and the world around them.They are dedicated to creating an environment where children can feel comfortable and are able to learn in a respectful, caring community. The children work independently and in groups  in a non-competitive atmosphere and are encouraged to make decisions from an early age.

Programs include a parent-child class (2 months+), a toddler class (2-3 year olds), a primary class (3-6 year olds) and full-day kindergarten

• Highland Park Montessori
  1301 Clavey Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
  (847) 433-3383
• Montessori Connection West
  1731 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
  (847) 831-9393

• Montessori Connection East
  330 Laurel Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035
  (847) 433-5106

www.highlandparkmontessori.com

George Lutz Family Center

800 Clavey Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 433-6001
www.jcys.org/lutz/index.html

The George Lutz Center offers a variety of preschool options, including full-day programs for working parents and more traditional preschool programs that children can attend three, four or five days per week. The school provides a range of activities including art, imaginative play, music and nature, that inspire children to explore their ever-expanding world. These activities include both organized and free  play, as well as structured group time that promote social interaction and the development of close, meaningful relationships.

There is also an extended day program and a summer camp.

Bethany Early Childhood Center

1696 McGovern St., Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-5569
http://bethanyumchp.com/BECLC.html

This is a program of the Bethany United Methodist Church. It is a non-sectarian organization serving children from a variety of backgrounds. Its goal is to encourage children to learn and grow at their own pace and stimulate their natural curiosity through language arts, science, music, arts and crafts and dramatic play.

There are a variety of programs to meet the needs of parents and their children:

Morning Preschool for 2-5 year olds meets 9:00-11:30. Parents can choose two, three or five days a week.

All-day Preschool accommodates working parents and is open five days a week from 6:30 am – 6:00 pm.

Full-day kindergarten meets from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Friday.

B’nai Torah Preschool

2789 Oak St., Highland Park, IL 60035
(846) 433-7100
www.congregationbnaitorah.org/content/preschool

The B’nai Torah Preschool is a private educational center that fosters social development, intellectual exploration and the implementation of Jewish values. All of this is done within a child-centered nurturing environment. The professional staff follows a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and responsive to the child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual growth.

Programs include:  2-day program (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for children turning 3; a 3-day or 5-day program for 4 year olds; and a 5-day program for 5 year olds.

B’nai Torah offers a lunch and enrichment program that meets from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM. You may enroll your child for up to 4 afternoons a week, Monday through Thursday.

Children’s Center of Lakeside Congregation

1221 County Line Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-7950
www.lakesidecongregation.org/study/ELEMENTARY/

The goal of the school is to provide a nurturing and secure environment that promotes healthy social, emotional, physical, intellectual and Judaic development of children 16 months – Kindergarten.

Programs:

Moms ‘n Totz  is a time when children 16 months and older can begin to socialize in a comfortable, secure setting with a parent or caregiver nearby.  Toddlers will enjoy time in the gym, art room and classroom.  Classes meet for 1-1/4 hours, once a week

Nursery School classes are designed to meet a preschooler’s developmental needs and promote independence through social interaction, motor activities, art, stories and song.  There is a special emphasis placed on Jewish holidays and heritage, as well as the weekly celebration of Shabbat.

Transitional classes promote many different facets of the growing child.  Emphasis is on nurturing a child’s independence and self-esteem;  this will help to prepare for a smooth entry into nursery school.  Class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. –11:15 a.m. and it gradually becomes a self-contained preschool class.  This class is designed for children who will be 2 yrs. old by separation in November.

Munchkidz:  For those who will be 3 yrs. Old during the school year.
Program meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from
9:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Big Shotz:  For those who will be 4 yrs. Old.
Program meets Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Shining Starz: For Pre-Kindergarteners
Program meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Related Posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

Banner Preschool

3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3955
www.bannerpreschool.org

Banner Preschool believes that children learn best by being active participants in the learning process and the program is geared to stimulate intelligence through creative learning experiences. Curriculum includes music, art, reading readiness, cooking, science and social studies. There is an indoor gym and outdoor playground.

Banner is open to children two-five. Two year olds attend two days a week; three year olds attend three days;  four and five year olds attend five days.

Baker Demonstration School

201 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 425-5800
www.bakerdemschool.org
Baker’s program is based on the premise that children construct knowledge through discovery and free play and through social interactions with peers and adults. Content areas include language and literacy, mathematical and scientific thinking, social studies and the arts.

Two year olds can enroll for 2,3 or 4 days a week. Class size is very small, with no more than 12 children. There is a master teacher plus two associates for  4:1 student:teacher ratio.

Three and four year olds attend a mixed-age program either 2, 3 or 5 days a week for two and three quarters hours. Student: teacher ratio for this age group is no higher than 7:1.

Lutheran General Children’s Day Care

3013 Illinois Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-6600

This school accepts children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. This is a true day-care option and runs from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, though you can choose to go full-time or part-time.

Ronald Knox Montessori School

2031 Elmwood Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-2922
www.ronaldknox.org

Open to children 15 months to 6 years, Ronald Knox Montessori School strives to create a nurturing, stimulating environment that is responsive to a child’s needs and tendencies at each stage of his or her development Its goals are:

• to help each and every child reach his or her full potential by attending to his or her total development – intellectual, social, physical and emotional
• to instill a lifelong love of learning in children along with a profound respect for themselves, each other and the world around them
• to foster a strong community of parents, faculty and administrators for the benefit of the children, and to promote stewardship of the school

The Toddler Program helps ease the transition from home to school and focuses on motor skills, language skills and socio-emotional development of the child.

The Early Childhood Program spans a full three years. During this time, the children experience tremendous growth in all areas of development. They are introduced to concepts in reading, writing, and math. The curriculum also includes social studies, language arts, music and movement, geography, history and science.

Rose Hall Montessori School

1140 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-2002
www.rosehallmontessori.org

Based on the educational philosophy and methods of Maria Montessori, the goal of Rose Hall is to nurture the mind and spirit of each child. In addition to cognitive development, the focus is on the development of a sense of order, concentration, coordination, independence and respect for others – traits he/she will need to become a successful student and, eventually, a citizen of an always changing world.

Known for its excellent educational programs, the school offers bright, peaceful classrooms. The nurturing, professional teachers create a joyful, stimulating environment for the children and a strong sense of community for our families.

From arrival as a young toddler until graduation as a kindergarten student, each child is provided with opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. From colors and shapes to math and reading, the child follows his inner drive to learn and progresses through the unique Montessori program at his/her own pace while being guided by dedicated, highly trained teachers.

Each Rose Hall program is carefully designed to meet the specific educational and social/emotional needs of the specific age group. Development varies greatly in young children so each classroom has a wide variety of materials to help each child continue to progress at his/her own rate. Please choose the appropriate program for your child’s chronological age from the options below. Click on the program name for more detailed information.

Rose Hall is open to children 17 months to 5 years old. The youngest kids (<2) attend on Mondays from 9:00-10:30. Two year olds attend two days a week from 8:30-10:30 and 3-5 year olds attend five days a week.

St. Francis Xavier School

808 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847)256-0644
www.sfx-school.org

St. Francis Xavier is open to children 18 months to 5 years. Under 3’s attend once a week with a parent.  Three year olds attend once a week without a parent and older children attend 3,4 or 5 days. The curriculum includes activities in language arts, dramatic play, art and music as well as reading, science and math readiness. Small and large motor skills are integrated into all aspects of the curriculum.

St. Joseph’s School

1740 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-7870
www.stjosephwilmette.com

St. Joseph offers a 2 year old program and a Montessori-based preschool program for 3-5 year olds.  2 year olds attend for two hours either two or three days a week. They engage in creative play within a structured environment and are introduced to Catholic teaching and faith. Children 3-5 years old attend for two and a half hours 3,4 or 5 days a week. The program is highly individualized  and emphasizes creative thinking, self-confidence and independence. It includes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum.

Trinity Church Nursery School

1024 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-7333
www.trinitywilmette.com

Trinity Church Nursery is a non-denominational preschool dedicated to the belief that each child is a precious individual with a unique pattern of development. It encourages children to stretch their imaginations, gain a sense of independence, develop friendships and try new things.

A parent-toddler group for young two year olds is offered on Mondays from 9:30-11:00. Older twos attend twice a week from 9::15-11:15. Three year olds attend 3 times a week for two and a half hours. Four year olds attend 4 times a week.

Wilmette Community Nursery

1125 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-5888
www.wcns.org

Wilmette Community Nursery School is open to children ages 2-5. The curriculum emphasizes play, social interaction, creativity and curiosity. The rooms are set up with multiple stations for play designed to accommodate 3-4 children at a time. Activities include art projects, water/sensory table, book corner, dress up area, play kitchen and manipulatives.  Children play outside every day (weather permitting) or in a large room equipped for large motor activities (balls, scooters, music and dancing).

Wilmette Park District

Community Rec Center
3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
www.wilmettepark.org

This program is geared to 3-4 year olds and based on the philosophy that children learn through play and experience. When given the opportunity, children will naturally explore, discover, learn to cooperate with others, and develop a strong self-esteem. Through a wide variety of experiences, children develop their social, emotional and physical skills as well.

Utilizing the Creative Curriculum approach, each classroom offers an area for blocks, small and large motor activities, quiet time and dramatic play, as well as areas for music, art, literacy and science/discovery.

Related Posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools

Winnetka Community Nursery School

800 Pine St., Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-4432
www.winnetkacommunitynurseryschool.org

This is a play-based program whose goal is to foster the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of young children. Its philosophy is that young children learn primarily through play. The emphasis is on developing social skills, fostering a positive self concept and emotional well-being, encouraging thinking, reasoning, language and literacy. Key activities include: imaginative play, cooking, sensory activities, music and singing, manipulative toys, gross motor play, outdoor play, dramatic play and experiential art.

There is a two-day a week program for older 2 year olds; three and four day programs for 3 and 4 year olds; a five day program for 4 and 5 year olds. Half day and full day (8:45am -3:00pm) programs are available. There is also an extended day program and a summer camp.

Winnetka Public School Nursery

1155 Oak St., Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-5153
www.wpsn.org

Founded in 1926, Winnetka Public School Nursery is a play-based program where children learn to think critically, express themselves creatively and relate constructively to the world.  It is a Reggio-Emilia inspired school that believes that the child’s environment is the “3rd teacher” that inspires exploration, collaboration and joy. The program balances blocks of child-initiated activity with group experiences led by the teacher. Its name (Winnetka Public School Nursery) is misleading as this is a private, non-profit school, not a public school.

For 2 year olds and younger 3’s the program is thee days/week from 9:00-11:15 am 3 and 4 year olds can attend either 4 or 5 days/week from 9:00-11:15 am or 12:45-3:00 pm.

Willow Wood Preschool

684 Oak St, Winnetka, IL 60093
(847)-441-6393
www.willowwood-preschool.org

Willow Wood is a play-based program for children 3 – 5 years old that encourages children to learn through exploration, creativity and problem solving.

Three year olds have a choice of 2 days/week or 3 days from 9:00-11:15. Four year olds go 4 days and 5 year olds go 5 days/week, either mornings or afternoons. Willow Wood also runs a summer camp.

Harkness House for Children

630 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2549
www.harknesshouse.org

Harkness House is located in the Winnetka Community House and accepts children as young as six weeks. It is the only true “day-care” program here in that it runs year round and operates from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm with full day or part day options available.

Activities include art, music, sensory table, manipulative toys, socialization, gross motor and out door play.

Sacred Heart School

1095 Gage St, Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-0005
www.shwschool.org

Sacred Heart School in Hubbard Woods runs a preschool program for 4 year olds concentrating on four main areas of development: cognitive, emotional, social and physical. It is a child-centered curriculum allowing for flexibility and creativity. The main activities are language arts, dramatic play, cooking, music and art.

Children attend mornings from 9:00-11:30 am or afternoons from 12:40-3:10 pm. Parishioners have first priority and others are welcome when space is available.

Related Posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

All Things Bright and Beautiful Preschool

222 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL 60043
(847) 251-6120, ext. 16
All Things Bright and Beautiful website

Run by the Church of the Holy Comforter, this preschool program is open to children 2-4 years old. There is also a “Mommy and Me ” program for younger children. It offers a play-based program focused on the social, emotional and spiritual growth of its children.

A Joyful Noise Preschool

211 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, Il 60043
(847) 853-1738
Joyful Noise website

A Joyful Noise is a program of Kenilworth Union Church for children 2 -4 years old. Its purpose is to provide a school based on principles of child development and values of the Christian faith.  The focus is on activities that enhance the whole child, helping them grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. It is a structured, yet flexible curriculum that balances group experiences with individual discovery. In addition to regular preschool activities, Joyful Noise teaches Bible stories, Christian songs and lessons in forgiveness, caring, and inclusion.

Children attend two days a week from 9:00-11:00 (Tuesdays and Thursdays or Wednesdays and Fridays). There is also a summer program.

Joseph Sears School

542 Abbotsford Rd., Kenilworth, IL 60043
(847) 256-5006
website

Joseph Sears School is the public school in Kenilworth for grades JK-8. The Junior Kindergarten provides a warm and nurturing environment in which children can learn through interactive play and problem-solving.  Activities include art, music, dramatic play, outdoor play, math, science, reading and pre-writing. Different levels of ability, development and learning styles are expected, accepted and used to design appropriate activities.

Related posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

Children’s Circle Day Care Center

999 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-3035

Children’s Circle is a program of the Glencoe Park District that serves children 15 months to 6 years old, offering a full day preschool program, as well as before and after kindergarten care. It operates year round and children may attend 2,3,4 or 5 days a week.

The focus is on helping children learn to navigate their world by supporting healthy social and emotional development and an enthusiasm for learning.

St. Elisabeth’s Nursery School

556 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-0609
www.sensglencoe.org

St. Elisabeth’s Church runs a non-religious morning preschool program (9:00-11:15 am) for 3 and 4 year olds. The program is designed to give young children a positive social experience, laying the foundation for them to become enthusiastic lifelong learners.
It also offers an extended day enrichment program from 11:15-12:45, with music, art, math, science and language activities.

North Shore Congregation Israel – Gates of Learning Preschool

1185 Sheridan Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-0724
North Shore Congregation Israel – Gates of Learning Preschool

Gates of Learning Preschool is a great place to play and learn about Judaism. The warm and nurturing environment fosters the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of its students. The program integrates Jewish customs with conventional preschool activities such as arts & crafts, music, dance, drama, science and outdoor play.

The program serves children from 15 months to 4 years old, with a parent-tot class for children under 2 years old. Older 2’s attend either two or three days a week; 3’s attend three or four days and 4’s attend five days a week.

J.C.C. Early Childhood Services at Am Shalom

840 Vernon, Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-0008
website

Children 2-4 years old have fun while learning Jewish values and practices, Hebrew vocabulary and honoring Shabbat. This unique program combines education about Jewish traditions and heritage with a best in class early childhood development program. It integrates Reggio Emila into the learning experience, which encourages learning through probrlam solving, exploration, discovery and experimentation. J.C.C.also offers a summer camp.

Related posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best preschools on the North Shore, organized by location. See the links at the bottom of the post information about preschools in each community.

How to Choose a Preschool

At the end of the day, choosing a preschool boils down to which one is the right fit for you and your child across a number of different dimensions. Here are some of the things you should take into consideration:

Days/Hours of Program
Many preschools are for a half day only (or less) and may be 2,3,4 or 5 days a week. Typically the program is more days and/or more hours as children get older. If both parents work, you will want to explore full-day programs or preschools that offer extended care options.

Credentials
Is the school accredited by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)? Are the teachers trained in early childhood education? Do they know CPR and first aid? What is the student to teacher ratio? A good rule of thumb is one teacher to seven children for 2 and 3 year olds and one teacher to ten children for 4 and 5 year olds. Make sure to ask the director about teacher turnover, too. You don’t want a school that’s a revolving door.

Philosophy
Different schools follow different philosophies of education. Some are more play-based and others are more academic.  The important thing is to choose a program that feels right to you and fits your child’s particular learning style and personality.

Secular or religious?
Some schools are totally secular and some have a religious component. However, don’t assume that all church-based schools have a religious curriculum. Usually this will be communicated on the school’s web site, but it is something you should get clarification about from the director, if this is important to you.

What to Look For When You Tour

Try to do three things when you visit a school:  tour the facility, meet with the director and observe a class in session.

When touring, this is what you should see:
The indoor environment is clean, neat and well-organized. It should feel spacious, bright and inviting. The equipment and materials should be in good condition and age-appropriate. There should be an outdoor play area that is large enough for children to run and jump. There should be a variety of climbing structures, riding toys, balls and other play equipment.

Ask the director about the school’s philosophy, curriculum and daily schedule. Does it offer a good balance of child-directed play and teacher-led group activities? Do the children get to engage in a variety of activities every day?  Is there outdoor play every day? How is discipline handled?

If you are able to observe a class, try to spend at least 20 minutes, but stay out of the way so that you don’t disrupt the class. Are the teachers’ interactions with the children positive, consistent and fair? Do they encourage critical thinking and problem solving? Are they patient with the children and sensitive to their different needs? Are the kids happy and enthusiastic about what they are doing? Is there enough variety in the curriculum to keep them actively engaged?

After you’ve done your research and spent some time at the school, you will have formed an overall impression about whether it’s a good fit for your child. Above all, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right to you, then it’s probably not the best choice. You know your child and what he or she needs better than anyone, so go with your instincts.

Read more about choosing a preschool here.

Go to links below for information on preschools in each community:

• Winnetka Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools

Small machines table

Last fall, principal Sue Kick submitted a grant proposal to District 39’s Educational Foundation for a “Science Exploratorium” for Harper School. Her goal was to provide a dedicated lab that would enrich the elementary science curriculum by facilitating more hands-on learning. At the elementary level, science is typically taught in the individual classrooms.

The Exploratorium was recently completed and, as the first dedicated science lab in our district’s elementary schools, it is serving as a pilot program.

So far, the new Exploratorium is getting two thumbs up from teachers and students.

Teachers love it because they have access to equipment that is too big or too costly to have in each individual classroom. Plus, it’s much more efficient for them to set up an experiment in a separate space where they can leave it up throughout the unit than to try and cram it into a corner of the already crowded classroom.

The kids love it because going to class in a special science room makes science itself more special and more fun. All the equipment and models and collections are out and available to use and explore. The study of science is a lot more hands-on and experiential, so the kids are encouraged to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking skills. They are encouraged to become scientists, rather than just  sitting in class passively absorbing the lesson like so many little sponges.

Scientist in Residence Judy McKee teaches unit on matter

Yesterday when I visited, a group of first graders were engrossed in a unit about matter, taught by Scientist in Residence, Judy McKee. She was showing the kids how heat or cold changes matter. Things melt or evaporate or solidify. She talked about volcanoes and lava, and then asked the students what they thought would happen to different types of materials when subjected to heat. The kids were bouncing out of their seats trying to share their ideas and hypotheses. Then came the hands-on work where they were able to test their hypotheses by heating up various substances to see what would happen.

It was fun to see how engaged and excited the kids were about science. A lot of it had to do with Judy McKee’s passion and enthusiasm, but the Exploratorium allowed her to make the science lesson come alive.

Having said that, I do think that it is our responsibility as citizens to be informed voters. So, before you cast your vote this coming Tuesday, please make sure you have the facts. There is a lot of false and misleading information circulating. Here are some examples:

1. There will be a big balloon payment at the end of the project, at the taxpayers’ expense.
FALSE.
FACT: There is no balloon payment.That financing option was rejected. The increase to tax bills will be approximately $299 per $10,000 tax bill over the life of the project.

2. This is the largest school referendum in Illinois history.
FALSE.
FACT: This is NOT the largest school referendum in Illinois history. In 2006 alone, 4 larger capital referenda passed, approving bond issues of $185 million in Dundee, $225 million in Lincoln Way, $252 million in Plainfield and $450 million in Oswego. Also, it’s important to understand that new construction is cheaper than renovation because there is not demolition involved, nor the need to provide for continuation of classes and student activities while construction is going on.

3.At $300/sq ft. the cost of the renovation is more than the Trump Tower!
FALSE
FACT: When you compare apples to apples construction costs (not including furniture, temporary classrooms, demolition costs etc.), the cost of the New Trier renovation is $239/sq ft, which, needless to say, is significantly less than the Trump Tower.

4. This is just the first in a series of referenda that will increase our taxes.
FALSE.
FACT: The changes and upgrades being proposed are anticipated to see us through the next 20+ years without another capital referendum. In fact,  this is the first “bricks and mortar” referendum for the Winnetka campus since 1953. If the last one was 57 years ago, why do we think there are more planned in the foreseeable future?

5. The project is completely focused on athletic facilities and has nothing to do with improving the academic curriculum.
FALSE.
FACT: A new field house is one piece of the project…why? Because New Trier does not have adequate space for its athletic programs. It is virtually the only high school in the area that does not have a field house.

However, there will also be more and bigger classrooms that can use technology and are better suited to modern teaching methods,  a new cafeteria that can accommodate all students, a bigger library with more quiet study space, new science labs and new music, visual and tech arts classrooms.

It should also be noted that the renovation will correct a long-standing problem of inaccessibility: 30% of the campus is not ADA compliant.

5. The cost of the project will result in lower property values. (I got this one as a broadcast voice mail the other day)
FALSE.
FACT: One of the biggest draws for people to move to our township is the schools, particularly New Trier High School. As our high school gets more outdated and further behind the curve of what is the standard for excellence for high school education and facilities, New Trier township will become less attractive to prospective buyers, and THAT will cause home values to go down.

6. The renovation features excessive and frivolous things like heated indoor parking spaces.
FALSE
FACT: There are no heated underground parking spaces.  The new plan includes underground parking to replace current staff lots lost in the construction project and to preserve green space on the land-locked campus

To learn more about the proposed renovation, take the tour of the Winnetka campus. There are tours Saturday, January 30 at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 1:00 and 1:45. Visit the New Trier facilities web site for a virtual tour and more details about the project. Read the top ten reasons to vote “yes” on February 2nd.

Then make your decision. If you still think the proposed renovation is wrong-headed, we can agree to disagree. That’s the beauty of democracy.