At the Monday, February 26th meeting, Council members welcomed Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center Executive Director, Joyce Hothan to speak about their grassroots, community-driven organization that serves 196 children from about 9 countries. Programs currently run at Hadley, Lincoln, and Churchill where the first hour includes snack and active play; during the second hour, volunteers help students with homework. D41 currently provides space, snacks and bussing, with other costs being funded by private donations and foundation grants to the GECRC. Nearly 400 volunteers contribute their time, but GECRC is always looking for more contributions of time and financial investment.
Dr. Gordon emphasized that student safety is priority #1 and shared the many ways in which D41 continues to use research-based approaches and leverage Glen Ellyn Police Department expertise to prepare staff and students for any emergency. Members shared concerns about after-hours building access, the need to train parent volunteers and lunchtime supervisors, etc., and ideas for preventing students from becoming isolated. As students organize across the nation to self-advocate, Council members and Dr. Gordon shared their commitment to supporting students’ voice while maintaining security (especially at Hadley with the proposed student walk-out on March 14th).
PTA Council proposed hosting a Board of Education Candidate Information Session on Wednesday, May 2nd at 7pm in the Hadley LMC. The purpose of the event would be to invite community members to share their ideas of what characteristics they believe would make a good Board of Education member, for current and past board members to share their experiences, and for potential candidates to learn about what it takes to run for a board position. Members also discussed board members’ social media usage and interactions with the Village Board as it relates to resolving space issues.
The Council will meet again on Monday, March 19th.