Diversity and Equity in Local Public Education are not Words. They are Actions.

I assume the following:

An experience cannot be represented if never experienced. While first-hand knowledge can be respected by another, it cannot be directly shared. For the experience to be represented, it must be represented by those with that experience.

An experience cannot be expressed if never heard. Those who stand with can only do so by listening to the direct experiences of those with whom they stand.

It is therefore an obligation, when it comes to race and institutional racism, and I have to say this directly:

The white people among us, us in the leadership of our local public education system, are demanded to participate in safe space conversations for the above assertions to be inserted directly into our going forward understanding of institutional inequities.

We must acknowledge this. It is because we lack the first hand experience. True agency can only be asserted if the agency is asserted by true experience. Respect this.

At Disney Magnet, our school is 48.2% Black, 20.6% are Latino/a/x/ (census: Hispanic) and only 15% white. Our institutional policies must proactively assert this. The same must be true across our schools who might face similarly.

We must be antagonists of looking the other way. We must stand against any reluctance to stand with. We must invite those whom have traditionally not been greeted.

Diversity and Equity in Local Public Education must not be Words. They must be Actions.

I have expressed my intent to the council to make an official motion in the new year to establish a diversity committee led by our parents of color and their children and with our teachers of color to provide for the next steps that would be appropriate in implementation of our shared goals.

I am looking forward.

CPS Waiving Safeguard and Ethical Requirements for “Stop Gap Hiring:” That’s a “Hard No” for me.

The sun-times reports Chicago Public Schools is waiving certain residency and fair pay requirements to aid in hires as schools reopen. CPS is a Chicago district of Chicago students and should be staffed by Chicagoans.

Next. $15.00 should be a minimum wage for Chicago. What kind of message does this send to our students’ futures? “Your education is actually only worth minimum wage.” …Minimum wage with no benefits. The wages of substitutes and aids should already be increased to begin with!

This is too much against our school administrators, who are now being burdened with the task of coordinating a severely disorganized and thrown together solution to a problem they were thrown into,

This is insulting to our teachers whom are facing an institutional aversion to their detailed experience and dedication to our students, whom again, instead of receiving a greater commitment, face greater detachment,

And our parents, who trust their generations to us,

And our students, for too many reasons to list.

The protocols being adjusted are not simply check boxes on a paper.

They are there for legal protections.

They are there for moral and ethical obligations.

It is us who are invested in our city and it’s education.

And certainly Enough of us are also behind on our rent.

All CPS employees and staff, permanent or temporary, should go to a Chicagoan.

They are our schools in our neighborhoods of our students.

We act like it. From us who serve on the elected school councils to the principals we hire to administer our schools, we act with responsibility.

The district should too.

Hey other LSC members, what do you think?

>>>danielstevenkleinman@gmail.com

Vote for an Elected School Board Today! That is my platform.

I am running for representation because more of us need to be represented, not fewer.

My responsibility is to bring more to the table, not to simply defend my seat. I need your vote Today, Wednesday, November 18, so we can keep this going.

All who reside in Lakeview and Lakeview East, Halsted Street, Wrigleyville, Buena Park, Uptown, and Sheridan Park: please join us.

Over my career as an advocate for equity in Chicago’s education system, I have fought for true representation in CPS with an Elected School Board. Local School Councils should be a part of this.

We can continue that progress by building upon the neighborhood partnerships we have solidified over the past two years.

I need your vote tomorrow, Wednesday, November 18, so we can keep this going.

It has been an honor and joy to serve these past two years on the Local School Council of Disney Magnet on Marine Drive.

We are advocating for community interests that support student interests, like better street parking options near our school– and better dog walking options near our school.

Polls at Disney open at 7AM and close at 7PM. There is special curbside, car-service voting procedures to allow for social distance voting.

Questions? Call me ‪here and we can social-distance meet at the poll together! : 1-224-585-8663‬.

They require two (2) IDs, one that contains your address within our school boundaries (For example, a piece of mail and a photo ID).

Our School Boundaries are LakeFront to Damen Avenue, and between Foster Avenue and Diversey Parkway.

Your support is so appreciated!

I am looking forward.

Update! 7 Nights before Chicago Public Schools LSC Election

Chicago Public Schools hosts votes across Chicago next week, Wednesday, November 18 for Local School Council.

CPS is implementing Curbside Voting for its Local School Council elections: an election judge can bring a ballot to you outside of the school.  You will need to show two forms of ID at the drop off: such as a state ID, utility bill, or bank issued credit or debit card.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me (dan.kleinman1@gmail.com or ‪(224) 585-8663‬).

Or find out more about me at https://votefordanielchicago.com.

Thank you, and Looking Forward,

Daniel Steven Kleinman

https://votefordanielchicago.com

10 Days. Local School Council Election in Chicago only 10 days away. November 18.

Vote for 28! Daniel S. Kleinman!
Bring proof of address and your photo ID (like a piece of mail and your state ID).

Friends, the last few days have made truer than ever the principles of our democracy. I ask that you help me celebrate this amazing tradition on our most local scale: the Local School Councils of Chicago Public Schools.

Please join me. I need your vote, and I need that of your neighbors.

I am thrilled to have so much support, and I am confident we can do this.

We have a plan to pursue: Neighborhood Relations, Efforts for a Dog Park, and health, safety, and wholistic education for our students.

Please Join Us as we Contact our Neighbors to Bring Out the Vote!

Campaign Phone: (224) 585-8663‬

dan.kleinman1@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/VoteDanielStevenKleinman

The new stump.

Hello! My name is Daniel Steven Kleinman. I have been proud to serve and represent Disney Elementary as a Community Representative to our Local School Council. Over the past term, it has become clear that our whole Disney family has become emboldened to push to even further heights of excellence. I have been an education advocate since Twenty Twelve, when I first served on the Local School Council for Senn High School in Edgewater, and our success at Disney is inspiring.

Our school, Disney Magnet Elementary, now more than ever, sets a standard that I have been proud to uphold. Our student body is more racially and economically diverse than our area, and I have worked to foster safe spaces in our neighborhood with local businesses.

As a former student with a disability, I was honored to make the successful motion to hire an additional Social Worker for the campus and have been a supporter of our diverse learners from the beginning. I have put our students first by working against dog waste on our grounds. I proactively networked with our Alderman and our Block Clubs to dialogue toward a better alternative: a real dog park not at our school. I have served you, your children, and your neighbors. I publish meeting notes, such as information on our recent parking lot votes, on my blog: vote.dankleinman.org. Thank you for taking the time to read to this. I am looking forward.

Regarding Our Parking Lot

Dear Disney Elementary Community and Neighbors,

As you know, ever since our parking lot contract expired forcing CPS to idle it’s use, I have been striving for its greater utility for the community.

I have submitted to the Record my intent to work with out new contractor to provide great parking options for our neighborhood. Our area already has a lack of good parking options. A beneficial agreement only makes sense, and as an elected representative on this LSC, it is my obligation to push for it.

You remember that before, Because we could not offer it for car use, I proposed we use it for outdoor community dining and shopping space— a hopeful effort in the time of CoVID. Unfortunately, the planning and permits were not able to be directly pursued.

Now that we have a partner for our parking lot once again, we once again have the opportunity to make it the best partnership possible.

I am up for re-election on November 18, 2020. If you appreciate this advocacy, I would appreciate your vote.

Whoa! The Candidate Forum Was Just Scheduled for Monday, October 5 at 6PM!

Join me at the Virtual Forum! I love talking with voters. More than a chance to share my views, it is a chance for me to listen so I can enhance my views, growing based on our shared experiences and those that are unique. The forum is immediately following our virtual meeting that begins at 5:30PM. I am thrilled to reach out and earn your vote!

The Virtual Candidate Forum for Walt Disney Magnet Elementary Local School Council 2020 Elections Was Just Scheduled for Monday October 5 at 6PM!

I look forward to seeing you at the forum that is immediately following our virtual meeting that begins at 5:30PM. Thank you!

And Looking Forward!

Join me! Come hear from the candidates for Walt Disney Elementary Local School Council.

Monday, October 5, at 6PM.

Candidate Forum Monday, October 5, at 6PM.

Monday, October 5, at 6PM.

Since college, still saying the same things…

Accountability. No matter how big or how small an elected office is, they all are defined by their access of accountability.

Loyola University Student Campaign Material (circa 2008).

It was the most unforgettable lesson I learned during my undergraduate time at Loyola Chicago more than a decade ago. There is something special about diving into an election as a candidate. It is an experience of immense vulnerability.

As a candidate, my sole objective is to put the policies I believe to be correct into practice. It is a moment of vulnerability because your most developed and held values are out in the open for judgement. If you truly believe you are correct (and I do not believe you should run for election unless you do believe you are entirely correct– for if not, perhaps someone else should assume the role) then you have the determination to defend them. It requires confidence, but also compassion and humility.

That is a most fundamental principal of accountability.

If a candidate puts no treasure into their own words, their own practices, their own worth, then any notion of accountability is lost, for someone cannot be accountable for their actions if they place no value in those actions.

Words matter in leadership. A leader’s words can inspire action. As such, the leader’s words can be the leader’s actions.

This is something to reflect in this election and those elections that cary much greater importance.

I strive to continue my constant pursuit of accountability in leadership and I am glad to be joining so many of you in that effort.

Thank you.

I am looking forward,

The Report Card on Chicago Public Schools

Our principal refers to the goal as Continuous Improvement, but it must be celebrated that CPS has seen its record high graduation rates and enjoys the fact that all 10 top Illinois Schools according to US News And World Report are CPS Schools. This is an achievement only won through the shared dedication of Teachers and Parents, Administrators and, perhaps mostly, Students.

As a Community Representative who serves on a council of a city-wide elementary school, this news inspires optimism. Having full confidence that our students whom we educate with such enthusiasm, all 1,542 at Disney– from prekindergarten through eighth grade– have more opportunities to continue their stellar and well-rounded education. Yet, the discrepancy between schools that have against the schools that have not can not be ignored.

It is a hard fact to face: zip codes can determine the direction and resources provided to our students, Disney and beyond, and many of our kids at Disney are from those different zip codes.

As a stark example, 48.1% of our children at Disney are Black while our Buena Park neighborhood is only 9% Black.

These are reasons why I am involved. Because if we combine our tangible talents with our shared goals, continual improvement is possible. Zip codes do not have to be determinants of poverty.

We are proving that.

Looking forward,

School Resources I have Received

How can my child log in to their CPS account?
Students should visit cps.edu/portal to log on to their CPS accounts.If you do not remember your CPS account information, follow the steps in our password reset guide. ( Spanish Polish | Arabic Urdu Chinese)If your child does not have a CPS.edu account, click here for instructions on how to set up the account for the first time, also known as “claiming an account.”  ( Spanish Polish Arabic Urdu Chinese)

More than 100,000 CPS students are eligible for Chicago Connected, so don’t assume your family does not qualify. You can check your eligibility here. If you are not eligible for this service, other low-cost internet options are available here.

I am not able to purchase a device for my child. Who can I contact to get my child a laptop or tablet?
CPS is committed to providing any child in need with a device so that they can learn successfully at home. Please contact your principal or school technology coordinator for information and next steps. “

No creo que mi familia califique para el programa de Chicago Connected. ¿Cómo podemos obtener servicio de internet en casa?
Más de 100,000 estudiantes de las CPS califican para el Chicago Connected, por lo que le pedimos que primero compruebe su elegibilidad aquí. Si usted no es elegible para obtener este servicio, puede encontrar otras opciones de internet de bajo costo aquí.

No puedo comprarle un dispositivo digital a mi hijo. ¿A quién puedo contactar para conseguirle a mi hijo una computadora portátil o una tableta?
Las CPS se comprometen a proporcionarles un dispositivo digital a todos los niños que lo necesiten, con el fin de que puedan aprender con éxito en casa. Por favor, póngase en contacto con el director o el coordinador de tecnología de la escuela para informarse de más detalles o de los siguientes pasos. ¿Cómo puede mi hijo acceder a su cuenta de CPS?
Los estudiantes deben visitar cps.edu/portal para ingresar a sus cuentas de CPS.

Si no recuerdan la información de su cuenta de CPS, pueden seguir los pasos que se mencionan en nuestra guía para restablecer una contraseña olvidada.

Si su hijo no tiene una cuenta en CPS.edu, haga clic aquí para obtener instrucciones sobre cómo configurar (o “reclamar”) una cuenta por primera vez.
¿Por qué GoGuardian u otras extensiones continúan en uso después de que los estudiantes se hayan desconectados de sus clases virtuales?
Las extensiones estudiantiles como GoGuardian permiten el monitoreo de los maestros y el manejo del aula cuando un estudiante se haya conectado a Chrome usando sus credenciales de CPS. El rastreo de estas aplicaciones se limita al historial del navegador de la cuenta de CPS, que ya haya iniciado sesión. Pero el mismo no recoge información sobre los otros usuarios de Chrome en el dispositivo. Los únicos datos de la cuenta que se recopilan se limitan al navegador específico de Chrome, en el que el estudiante haya iniciado sesión.

Tras salir del aula virtual, asegúrese de que su hijo cierre sesión de su cuenta, y que cierre el propio navegador. 

¿Por qué los maestros graban las sesiones de clase virtual, y necesitan ellos mi consentimiento para hacerlo?
Los maestros graban las sesiones de clase para que los estudiantes puedan consultar las lecciones previas, y puedan tener dominio de los conceptos. Si bien no se requiere el consentimiento activo de los participantes del aula, los maestros deben notificarles a los estudiantes y a los padres que la clase será grabada. 

Se les exige a los educadores tener la cámara encendida durante la clases virtuales que se llevan a cabo en tiempo real. También se les alienta a los estudiantes a que la tengan encendida, con el fin de proporcionar un mejor entorno de aprendizaje en el que los maestros puedan captar las indicaciones no verbales, como las inclinaciones de cabeza, las cejas fruncidas y las sonrisas. Sin embargo, usted puede optar por apagarla, si no desea que su hijo aparezca en una grabación.

De acuerdo con la guía de Estándares de conducta entre el personal y los estudiantes, que se publicó ayer, si un docente realiza una reunión de manera individual con un estudiante, el maestro debe grabar la sesión. Además, el padre o tutor debe dar su consentimiento para que se realice dicha grabación.

¿Puedo inscribirme en los servicios de supervisión de niños durante el aprendizaje remoto?  
Si usted está interesado en obtener estos servicios, por favor complete esta encuesta. Las CPS les está dando prioridad a los estudiantes en situaciones de vivienda temporal, y a los estudiantes menores de 14 años que viven en vecindades de alta dificultad. En los próximos días, las CPS se pondrán en contacto con el siguiente grupo de estudiantes que completaron la encuesta, y que califican para los cupos disponibles.  

¿A quién puedo contactar si tengo preguntas sobre los dispositivos digitales y sobre tecnología?
Los padres que necesiten ayuda técnica para un dispositivo emitido por las CPS, o que tengan preguntas generales sobre el programa de Chicago Connected pueden llamar a la línea directa de apoyo técnico para padres (Parent Tech Support) al 773-417-1060. 

Para consultas de otros temas, como las ubicaciones de los sitios de distribución de comida, por favor llame al (773) 553-KIDS.

Si los empleados de las CPS necesitan ayuda técnica, pueden llamar al Servicio de Asistencia Técnica (IT Service Desk) al (773) 553-3925.

Parking: I had an additional conversation with the Chairperson this morning,

Thank you to all for your engagement and encouragement in addressing the community opportunities with Disney Magnet Elementary.

Last night we in the Local School Council approved line items to enhance our e-learning programs and maintain providing essential public school efforts such as supplies and food pickups.

I want to especially congratulate the Parent Teacher Association. They are doing tremendous work, such as diversity inclusion education trips, and they are doing it all with budgets that respect the times. Incredible efforts.

Parking:

This has been a mess. First, one company was closed. Then, another company closed.

I proposed we could use the outdoor space as an ad hoc community space with a pop-up out door dining areas.

We could not get clearance to practice that in a reasonable time frame.

In last night’s meeting I voiced one thing:

I have a point of inquiry on the the parking lot matter.  Are we ensuring there be neighborhood parking? If not, I have to vote against.

There was plurality agreement and it was directly addressed; the mandatory was recorded and the matter passed.

Here’s what I know:

The company that we, the Local School Council, approved is called “Premium 1.”

My own research showed satisfactory results. First, now before even getting to our table, this company had to be vetted by several central office legal team attorneys. Second, as reported and as you can google also, this company has a history of working with Chicago Public Schools around the city delivering their service in partnership and helpful ways.

The company still has procedural matters to clear now that they have received our approval.

In a following up, I conferred with the Chair about a strategy to approach this in a community-mutually beneficial way.

I will be following this closely and I will keep us up up to date.

Not many updates regarding the upcoming LSC elections are yet available.

With thanks, and Looking Forward!

Daniel

Labor Day Celebration: Chicago Public School Teachers on Front Line of Student Victories

As reported:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2020/9/4/21422909/cps-graduation-rate-public-schools-dropout-remote-learning

CPS graduation rate hits record high, dropout rate at record low for 2019-20.

As reported on September 4, 2020 describing the previous end of year graduation rates.

The victory represents the hard work of our children. They have dedicated themselves to dramatic improvement.

And they have been supported, encouraged, motivated, mentored, and most of all, educated, by the Teachers on the front lines in our the classrooms.

And that is a victory exemplified by Labor Day.

Teachers have won major victories for classroom resources in efforts with which I have been proud to have marched.

I know it has been a team effort.

I know the value of leadership in a vested position of school administration in Chicago Public Schools. I have met those in CPS leadership who truly uphold the greatest values that they are trusted to uphold. They put their students (I always hear, “Our children,” or “Our kids,”) above all else. The best leadership enables the best of their schools. Unfortunately, I have also met those who do not, but they tend to be found.

Labor Day is a chance to reflect on many of our most important civil workers; and to our teachers, whom I guarantee are still thinking about all the grading they have to do today.

Congrats to Chicago Labor, leading the way.

46th Ward Committeeman! Thanks for the Encouragement!

It is great to be among passionate, neighborhood focused leadership.

Here, my wife and I am honored to have Sean Tenner, Committeeman of the 46th Ward, standing with us in my bid for reelection to Disney Magnet Elementary and I am standing with him as he encourages more residents and parents to get involved at their schools also.

Elementary Schools host their election on November 18, 2020. New candidates have until October 2, 2020 to file.

There are many different approaches to education. There are many different types of students, too.

We may agree that there is no one single methodology that will be able to address all of our concerns of public education at once, but we know that doing nothing is far worse.

We need you. We need all of us.

Join us.

Thank you, and Looking forward.

My wife and I am honored to meet with 46th Ward Committeeman Sean Tenner.

New Campaign Flyer? What do you think?

I am working hard to reach voters in a needed education discussion. I am so grateful for all of your help. I have enjoyed building relationships with local businesses, like Dollop in Buena Park, and maintaining transparency with active blogging and outreach.

On Election Day, there will be one last chance to make our case. Each candidate is allowed to have their statement on display in the school at the ballot. It is the last chance a voter sees before they make-up their mind.

What do you think of this?

Send me your thoughts or comment on Facebook!

Because I was a student who struggled with disabilities, I was honored to advocate for and make the winning motion to hire an additional on-campus Social Worker.

Because I believe in proactive engagement with our community for our mutual growth I networked with local businesses and provided transparency and constituent outreach with block clubs and beyond.

Thank you, and looking forward,

Daniel

I love conversations with Neighbors and Constituents

A big thanks to constituent of the Disney community Ms. Truman for taking the time to meet with and share her thoughts and cares about our school.

It was terrific to hear candid insight.

It is great to better understand the stress that can occur while dealing with the magnet school process.

I shared that I want to work for a day when all education opportunities are equal across the city.

We also discussed our concerns for our most vulnerable students during these experimental times as we fight covid, both in the medical lab and in our society as a whole.

I shared how I grew up as a student who was not properly diagnosed with disabilities until I had already passed through much of earlier education. My greatest concern for those students is their safety.

I remember the anxiety of being in a classroom trying to learn while also trying simply, and struggling greatly, to just get by day to day.

That is why I was honored to make the motion and pass the line-item to hire an additional campus social worker for our school; this was before our shut down.

As always, I am honored to represent and serve, and I take it as a privilege to meet my neighbors and build together.

Thanks!

you too can reach out:

e: dan.kleinman1@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/DanielStevenKleinman

Looking forward!

Chicago Public Schools Board Approves Contract with Chicago Police

When I am asked why I am involved in my Local School Council and why these tiny most local elections matter, this is why.

I have strong feelings about Police Officers in schools. Mind you, I am not saying I am against security in schools. Police Officers are not security officers. Police Officers don’t help keep out non-students or help break up petty fights in the hallway, or help shuffle kids who are late to class.

Police Officers make arrests. They make arrests of certain people more than others and the schools that I represent are diverse in their demographics. I can not stomach two classes of students: one class comfortable in the building, and another class fearful of a uniform they see.

A single Police Officer is not trained to take down a deranged inhumane anyone that has their hands on a weapon and is determined to cause harm. There is a difference between a single officer with a service weapon who is accustomed to being around students all day and a hardened SWAT team specifically deployed for these of most horrific moments.

The money that goes to these officers is therefore nothing more than an expense of convenience. It plays a political point and it plays it well.

I am against that politic when our students are involved.

Street violence may need beat officers and patrol vehicles. Street violence may need armed police officers in uniform and in plain clothes.

I have read the studies. I have read the student based surveys. I have read the parent based forums. I have received honest input from constituents.

I respect the votes of each of the councils and I know I voiced what I could to my colleagues on the matter against the officers for all the reasons I named above.

That was my duty as holder of this tiny tiny elected seat.

And that is why I say those tiny tiny elections matter.

The Chicago Public Schools Board of Education Wednesday voted to approve renewing its one-year contract with the Chicago Police Department to keep officers in schools whose parents and faculty vote to keep them.

CPS Survey on Child Supervision during Remote Learning

I received the following from Chicago Public School central office. If you are a family impacted, please participate.

Here’s the link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeClUC8ZD-cbvkxmgKzT6X09qFd_X2uLhCaU2QzLgx_jMHZfw/viewform

Dear CPS Families and Staff, 


CPS and the City of Chicago are surveying families to better understand who may need help this fall finding a safe space for their children during traditional school hours.  As we assess parental needs throughout the city, we are evaluating opportunities to provide potential support with child supervision for families who have school-age children under 14 years of age.


Families who live in high-need communities or transitional housing will be prioritized.


We are currently evaluating potential opportunities to establish sites across the city where families can register their children to attend during remote learning days. Here is what a family may expect at a potential child supervision site:

  1. Children will be assigned to spaces with children of the same age group and an adult who will be assigned to the group for the duration of the program. The number of children per room will be limited to ensure proper social distancing per City of Chicago’s Be Safe: PK-12 Education Guidelines.
  2. While the adult will ensure that your child will have a safe and suitable space to engage in remote learning, please note that they will not be qualified to teach or provide educational support.  
  3. Children will be provided with breakfast and lunch every day. 
  4. Children and staff will be required to follow all health and safety protocols including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and completing a daily symptom screener.
  5. To ensure proper social distancing, families will follow a staggered schedule and be assigned a time to pick up and drop off their children.
  6. This program will be prioritized according to need. Families with school-age children under 14 years of age who live in high-need communities or transitional housing will be prioritized. 
  7. Computing devices will not be provided although high-speed internet access will be available at the site. Families are required to bring their own computing devices or get a loaner device from their child’s school. 

If you are interested in potential assistance, please complete the survey by Friday, August 28, at 5 p.m. Please be sure to provide your contact information so we can follow up in the coming weeks. 

Sincerely, LaTanya D. McDade
Chief Education Officer
Chicago Public Schools

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeClUC8ZD-cbvkxmgKzT6X09qFd_X2uLhCaU2QzLgx_jMHZfw/viewform

Thank You for Your Support on Social Media! Look at this one!

Wow! What an endorsement! Thanks so much for the shout out from a long time neighbor, Killian!

This is bigger than one tiny local seat. We need to lead a coalition to win the education equity that our students and our city already deserve.

Subscribe

* indicates required

CPS’ Final Reopening Framework: Successfully Learning at Home this Fall

CPS is issuing the following guidance to the families and communities of our schools.

My greatest concerns lie with students who are made stronger by IEPs, as my own childhood school experience was served by special attention.

To me, this guidance should only be the beginning on this very complex road forward.

I urge us all to approach these new problems with a mindset to find new answers.

From CPS:

Mirroring a Normal School Day at Home

When students start school on September 8, their day-to-day experience will look very different than it did during remote learning last spring. We are using the insight we gained last year to provide our educators with new resources, tools, and expectations to ensure students continue to receive a high-quality education.

… Teachers will take attendance daily, use Google Suite tools to post work and host live instruction, and be available during school hours to provide students with feedback, support, and host parent conferences as needed. This will help teachers better understand individual student learning and provide support in a timely manner...

Implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans

CPS will continue to ensure that our diverse learners make progress on their IEP goals and the general education curriculum. IEP teams will determine how to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities from home in a safe, supportive manner.

Providing Real-time Instruction for English Learners

Bilingual education teachers will continue collaborating with classroom teachers to deliver instruction that meets the language needs of our English learners (ELs).

Educating the Whole Child

Expanding Equitable Access to Technology and High-Speed Internet

To ensure every CPS student will have a high-quality digital experience learning at home this fall, CPS will provide 36,000 computing devices to children who still need one––in addition to the 128,000 devices distributed last spring. And through Chicago Connected, more than 100,000 families from limited-income backgrounds will be able to get high-speed internet at no cost.

Back at it! Campaign for Chicago education with Daniel Steven Kleinman

Hello, I am Daniel Steven Kleinman, a neighbor in East Lake View. My wife and I love all of our surrounding community areas. In 2018, our community elected me to serve on the official council of the Disney Magnet Elementary School.  I believe in transparency and accountability.  Excellent Public Education is critical to all of our success and all of our students deserve nothing less.  As a former student with a disability, I know it is true in schools as it is everywhere, in one and across the district: we are all stronger together.

About me: Daniel Steven Kleinman

I moved to Rogers Park in 2005 to attend Loyola University and there I grew into the elected role of Student President. From that developmental age, I was lucky to learn from my peers what leadership is. More than having followers in the team, more than having power among the team: leadership empowers the team.

My first job was an “Obama-job:” a grant from his federal program sent me and others on a mission through Rogers Park to help those who were unduly impacted by the housing crisis.

After, I joined with neighbors to organize community events in Edgewater with then newly-elected Alderman Osterman and was elected to Senn High School’s Local School Council.

My experience led to forming Block Clubs with then-Alderman Ameya Pawar in North Center and Lincoln Square.

I have been privileged to fight for legislation in Springfield and City Hall to stabilize the devastation of the housing crisis especially in communities of color, and lucky to have helped win funding for an amazing program that builds diversity in the teacher work force, called Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois.

I must recognize that all of these accomplishments were met by the hard work of dedicated stakeholders working together, not by those of a separate individual— and so I am left with one hope:

That we keep this going.

On Disney’s Local School Council, I made the successful motion to hire an additional social worker for our students. As someone with memories of growing up a student with a disability, that was very meaningful to me. Holistic education prepares the hole person, and for some young people, the support of a social worker can change a life.

I have started an unprecedented level of community outreach, to our local small businesses and to our elected officials. It is my belief that we are in this together.

In that capacity I have held a firm stance and am proud to have built this relationship with our Alderman: Dogs help improve a neighborhood, but in absolutely no way is our Disney Campus a dog park, and therefore a strategy to provide better options must be pursued. I am willing to pursue that effort.

I am honored to have had your read this,

Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what dedicated neighbors and stakeholders can accomplish.

With thanks,

Daniel Steven Kleinman

Stay Informed, Keep up, and Let’s Do This!

Sign up to receive email updates:

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

***

About me:

I moved to Rogers Park to attend Loyola University and there grew into the elected role of Student President. From that developmental age, I was lucky to learn from my peers what leadership is.

My first job was an “Obama-job:” a grant from his federal program sent me and others on a mission through Rogers Park to help those who were unduly impacted by the housing crisis.

After, I joined with neighbors to organize community events in Edgewater with then newly-elected Alderman Osterman and was elected to Senn High School’s Local School Council.

My experience led to forming Block Clubs with then-Alderman Ameya Pawar in North Center and Lincoln Square.

I have been privileged to fight for legislation in Springfield and City Hall to stabilize the devastation of the housing crisis especially in communities of color, and lucky to have helped win funding for an amazing program that builds diversity in the teacher work force, called Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois.

I must recognize that all of these accomplishments were met by the hard work of dedicated stakeholders working together, not by those of a separate individual— and so I am left with one hope:

That we keep this going.

On Disney’s Local School Council, I made the successful motion to hire an additional social worker for our students. As someone with memories of growing up a student with a disability, that was very meaningful to me. Holistic education prepares the hole person, and for some young people, the support of a social worker can change a life.

I have started an unprecedented level of community outreach, to our local small businesses and to our elected officials. It is my belief that we are in this together.

I am honored to have had your read this,

Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what dedicated neighbors and stakeholders can accomplish.

With thanks,

Daniel Steven Kleinman

***

Subscribe

* indicates required

Thank you, Alderman, for Listening. And Thank You, Community, for Speaking Up.

At yesterday evening‘s local school council meeting at Disney Elementary, a representative from the Alderman‘s office of the 46th Ward, the neighborhood where Disney’s campus is located, attended to listen to the council‘s concerns of a dog park.

We on the council made it clear once again: for legal reasons that protect students and their learning environments, dogs cannot be walked on the Disney campus.

I agree with my neighbors. A dog park in the neighborhood will promote safety and a sense of community that will benefit the elementary school. 

I agree with fellow council members.  Dog activity is inappropriate and illegal on the elementary school campus. 

A dog park is needed,  but it can not be on Disney property.  

It makes sense for the community. 

It makes sense for our students. 

I look forward to continuing this dialogue, not just with the Alderman, but with you.

Looking forward,

Daniel,

from Disney

Dan@dankleinman.org

www.dankleinman.org

Looking ahead: We Deserve a Dog Park. It makes sense to me,

Our students come first. 

Dog walkers promote visible community and it has been shown that their presence at local dog parks can help decrease area crime— a good thing for a school’s campus. 

By law, written in ordinance and in straight logic, an elementary school campus can not be that dog park. 

Our students come first. 

As we establish new leadership at our school, we can be reminded of something stronger than any one administrative office:

We are a community.   These are our children. 

The fact that students share so many stories of dog waste stuck to their shoes after outdoor education, or of being frightened,  even if a friendly pet is gentle but perhaps also just a little too big, out weigh the convenience of access to unfenced and not properly maintained areas.

But we need each other.

So let’s work together.

I want all of us to have community access to dog parks and I want our Disney students to be clean and safe. 

I want space where we can spend time with our four legged friends, time with neighbors, and time providing a positive presence where it is always needed.

As your Community Representative on the Disney Elementary Local School Council,  I have already helped start conversations with our Alderman on this very subject.

I am very confident for a win for Disney as a school and as a community.   

Dog walkers are cordial eyes on the street, at all times throughout the day. They promote interaction as their dogs usually love to greet everyone else, and therefore promote a quality of life that is indirectly yet greatly improves safety on the streets, too.

The safer the streets, the even more positive environment for our school, and with a dedicated place for pet lovers in the neighborhood that is nearby and accessible to our friendly neighborhood dog walkers as they traverse on the sidewalks near our campus, our students can learn and play safer while everyone enjoys the neighborhood they love. 

Please join me in this conversation.   I can be reached at dan.kleinman1@gmail.com.

I feel this way in solidarity with every local school council. What can make our schools great is not just the amazing things that happen within its walls, but the community that is built outside, too. 

A quorum call was made and passed: our next Disney Elementary Local School Council meeting now after the strike is this Monday, November 4, at 5:30PM. Please join me, as public comment can be made, in Disney’s first floor multi purpose room. 

We have much to accomplish.   You can only help.

Thanks,

Daniel Steven Kleinman

dan.kleinman1@gmail.com

A Draft Resolution for Local School Councils to Assert Oversight of the CPS Sexual Abuse Crisis

I drafted this today after contemplation over the sexual abuse allegation crisis at Chicago Public Schools.  I hope this encourages partnerships on the issue.  I hope it encourages that which students must be guaranteed most: safety.

As a Representative to Disney Magnet Elementary Local School Council, I was pained to read the Chicago Tribune article and report(http://graphics.chicagotribune.com/chicago-public-schools-sexual-abuse/) citing more than 400 incidents of sexual abuse had occurred within CPS buildings over the last 7 years.  

This is tragic.

This can not continue.

This can not happen again.

In a detailed report, excellently summarized by Illinois Raise Your Hand, https://www.ilraiseyourhand.org/sex_abuse_report_released_statement, it was found that on behalf of CPS, there were no centralized guidelines or standards for how to handle reports of sexual abuse, including that some principals reported not knowing that there were mandatory sexual education curricula.

Soon after the report’s publication, CPS announced it was launching a new office, The Office of Student Protections.

Now a month after announcing the office, I urge CPS to continue to develop this strategy, but with the input, guidance, and oversight of the Local School Councils of the City of Chicago.  We are the elected representatives of the schools that CPS administers.

A RESOLUTION

OF

THIS LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL

 

WHEREAS, Local School Councils are comprised of representatives of constituencies, including Parents, Teachers, Staff and Administration, Community Members, and in High Schools, even students.  It is therefore their duty to speak on behalf of their interests implied in their election, and

WHEREAS, the above named Local School Council, via their vote of approval of this resolution, state that the Board of Education of Chicago Public Schools, in light of recent investigative reports involving allegations of sexual misconduct, have failed in their primary purpose of maintaining a safe learning environment, and

Whereas, do to this failure, further oversight is absolutely necessary over the correction of this egregious lack of good judgement and commitment to appointed responsibility; and

THEREFORE, this Local School Council, through this vote affirming the statements of this resolution, assert:

 

  • 1) A dually agreed upon administrative process should allow the elected representatives of the schools of CPS, namely, those elected and serving on the respective Local School Councils, to establish a means for their oversight of CPS’ response to the allegations of misconduct, and,
  • 2) Local School Councils should have oversight in the adoption and implementation of any new protocols, procedures, and curricula addressing this crisis to be implemented by their respective schools.