Nettelhorst Community Group is revolutionizing the bake sale in Lake View. Can the same thing happen in other communities?

By Ben Myers
Editor

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

The transformation of Lake View’s Nettelhorst School from deteriorating facility to vibrant community landmark has been well-covered.

In the summer of 2002, a group of Lake View parents, who met each other as their toddlers played in neighborhood parks, approached Nettelhorst principal Susan Kurland about improving the school-the parents did not want to send their kids to magnet schools or move to the suburbs.

Kurland responded with a simple question. She asked what it would take for the parents to send their kids to Nettelhorst. The parents took it as an invitation to dream, and backed up their requests with action.

“They came back within a day and they had a really long list of all this stuff, and none of it was unrealistic,” Kurland said. “I remember saying ‘Well ladies, roll up your sleeves, you’ve got a lot of work to do.’” (more…)

Nettelhorst received a brief, but very honorable mention, in Education Reporter Stephanie Banchero’s front page story in the Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2008.

The article focused on the dilemma of Chicago area parents who are trying to get their children into “the best magnet, private and parochial schools in the city”. Nettelhorst was cited, along with Ray Elementary School in Hyde Park, as one of two regular neighborhood schools where the number of children on waiting lists outpaced openings. Read the article: Parents face cut-throat competition — for kindergarten

By FELICIA DECHTER Staff Writer, PioneerLocal.com

Have you seen all the fun artwork hanging around Nettelhorst School, 3252 N. Broadway?

The funky figurines and colorful murals are the creations of Lake View resident Shari Imbo, an artist who wanted her work to reflect the “very exciting and colorful,” school.

“When people see these artworks, I hope they will say, ‘I wanna smile,’” said Imbo, who works in a variety of mediums and has produced pieces for the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Printers Row Book Fair, and the Latino Film Festival. “Actually, as long as the work keeps people talking, I’ll be happy.” (more…)

By PATRICK BUTLER Staff Writer, PioneerLocal.com

Nikki Krieger regularly brings ladybugs, ants, tadpoles and other critters to her 5th-grade class at Nettelhorst School, 3252 N. Broadway. But everyone’s fine with it.

In fact, they’ve even given her an award.

The fifth-grade teacher with a reputation for thinking outside the box was one of 24 winners of this year’s DRIVE (Delivering Results through Innovative and Visionary Education) Awards at an “Oscar like” ceremony at the Chicago Hilton. (more…)

Mrs. Mancuso’s kindergarten class in room 207 was featured in a CBS News spot on Halloween evening. Children discussed the importance of Halloween safety with correspondent Rafael Romo, and Ms. Wulbert commented on the students’ imagination as they celebrated the holiday. Watch the video on the CBS website to see some familiar faces… both teachers and students enjoy the limelight. Go to cbs2chicago.com/video and click on the arrows down to the October 31, 2007 videos. Click the video titled “Kids Learn Importance Of Halloween Safety.” Alternatively, type the key words “Halloween Safety” in the search field.

Lois Levine’s Culinary Kids program is featured in the Chicago Tribune’s Good Eating section, Health Watch page, September 26, 2007. Read a PDF of the article.

Damon Maloney recently did a report on “Chess Wizards,” a Chicago founded program that teaches children (K-4th grade) how to play chess, featuring Nettelhorst Elementary School. Check it out:

“Any school is exactly like Nettelhorst in their own way,” according to Dr. Susan Kurland, Principal of East Lakeview’s Nettelhorst School, when CBS-2 paid a visit. View the clip of our CPS success story on Inside Chicago.

On March 8, 2007 Governor Blagojevich visited the Nettelhorst School and announced a new education plan at a press conference held in one of the classrooms. CPS Superintendent Anne Duncan and Chicago Teacher’s Union President Marilyn Stewart also took part.

Read more about this story:
Chicago Public Schools Chief Supports Governor on Budget or
Tribune Article - Read a PDF of the article.

Media Coverage:
CBS - ABC

More Photos:
Photos by Karen Hoyt

WGN-9 was at our school bright and early on Tuesday, September 5th, chatting with parents and students, Dr. Kurland and Alderman Tunney. Our kindergartners sang a welcoming song. And the World Famous Radio City Rockettes were on hand to kick down the minutes till the opening bell. To view the broadcast, click on the link below:

Around Town - Nettlehorst School First Day of Class