May 2017
East Leyden High School
Franklin Park, IL 60131
3400 Rose Street
Where in the world is...Ms. Kosanovic ?
“E
Cristal Salgado-Franco
xpanding the world for our students,” stated Ms. Sonja Kosanovic, explaining the value of a weeks-long travel experience to Senegal. She hopes her experience will lead to lesson that get students to “see more than just Franklin Park and River Grove, that our world is bigger than what we see around us. But it’s actually smaller because we can do things with people in other places in the world.” That’s what Ms. Kosanovic did after being awarded with a United States fellowship, Teachers for Global Classrooms. She observed what a traditional classroom looks like in another part of the world. “I did a lot of observing and some teaching,” she said. And the experience definitely broadened her perspective as she witnessed “schools that literally have a chalkboard and that’s it, [where] the teacher has to bring in the chalk and the wet sponge to wipe the board. That’s all the supplies they have there.” She compared this to teaching here, where she’s fortunate to teach in a class of 20 to 30 students all comfortably seated in an air-conditioned classroom, technology at their fingertips and the latest of innovative classroom essentials available for teachers.
Ms. Kosanovic was stunned to see “100 students in their classrooms, literally. I counted because we kept hearing about how big their classrooms were. They’re really that big; they sit on benches three kids to a bench 7 or 8 benches deep, four rows of benches with windowless rooms.” And while the learning conditions were far behind what we know, Ms. Kosanovic was happy to see the students engaged, bringing energy to their learning. She described as “motivated. The thing there is that school isn’t a requirement, so it’s kids who want to be there and who want to learn.” “Eye opening” was the phrase she used after observing these circumstances. She also reflected on how the students don’t seem to mind the crowded rooms or discomfort “because that’s all they know.” Instead, she explained, they make the obstacle a learning experience. Over time and endless fights for equality the United States has made a formal education a fundamental right provided to everyone, but in Senegal and other places, this is not the case. Often, young girls are excluded. Ms. Kosanovic was “glad to learn that girls who hadn’t been pushed in their education, who have been held back because of early marriages or family responsibilities, are now going further and further. Now,
Arms Dealers
Chris Corr Part of Leyden High School’s mission statement is for students to find their passion. When they can do that and give back to the community, that perfects that message. Da Una Mano, which in Spanish means “Give a Hand” is a new club at Leyden Da Una Mano participants. that allows students to give back to the community by coming together to 3D print and customize fingers/hands for children without those parts. East Leyden Senior and Copresident of Da Una Mano, Homero Vazquez described that “the club is actu While Da ally a chapter connected with a company Una Mano relies that sends us recipients.” Those recipients on high tech 3D are kids who are typically missing hands printers and softor fingers and the club is able to design ware, anyone is and 3D print those parts for them. Vazquez welcome to join stated that “The club takes measurements the club and give of the kids’ hands, scale the hand with 3D back to the comsoftware, and assemble the 3D printed parts munity. Vazquez to build the hand.” The club also customizes stressed that “you the hand with different colors and assets and don’t really have to be involved in STEM to then sends them to the recipient. join the club because we can use the talents This club is unique in the sense of everyone.” Vazquez went on to use an that it is something that students don’t example “like if you are in art you can help normally have the opportunity to take part us with the customization of the hand for in. Vazquez commented that “this club can the kid or if you are in photography you can benefit students in many ways” such as help by taking pictures and posting them on “getting service hours for it,” gaining skills our twitter page.” such as teamwork, and problem-solving. If you are interested in joining, Da Students also are able to learn how to use Una Mano meets every week on Tuesdays the 3D sketch software and use 3D printers from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Fridays which are valuable, unique skills. While from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, there are skills to be gained from the club, Vazquez stated that “you are not required Vazquez said the best part is “the good feel- to stay until 5, and you can leave whenever ing of helping a kid.” you want.”
Ms. Sonja Kosanovic traveled to Senegal as part of the Teachers for Global Classrooms program.
there are as many girls as boys, and they’re usually the ones at the top in their class.” To earn the fellowship and the travel opportunity was no easy task for Ms. Kosanovic. The application process was spread out from March to June of last year. “[The program] only accepted 75 teachers across the country.” Following acceptance, Ms. Kosanovic took “an online course in the
fall. They said it was 10 weeks of really, really intense work with 6-8 hours each week, but it was more like 12-15 hours a week on top of everything else. It was very intense.” The goal of the program, according to its website, is as follows: a “professional development opportunity for US elementary, middle, and high school teachers to become leaders in global education. Global education is integral to building 21st century skills, and teachers are the greatest resource to empower students as global citizens. TGC equips teachers to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad, and global collaboration.” Ms. Kosanovic hopes to fulfill the last part of the goal by creating lessons for her students that ask them to “investigate the world, respect different perspectives, and to take action.”
Summer Service: One Idea per Month In order to get the Excellence Award, every student is required to complete 20 hours of community service. Sure, it seems like a lot, but in reality, it really isn’t. Thus, the best and quickest way to knock out 20 hours, more or less, is during the summer possibly with a friend or more. Not only does volunteering help you achieve the Excellence Award, but it’s perfect way to receive professional experience, strengthen your community, and most importantly, help make a difference. Every person counts! Here are some local and neighboring opportunities for every month during summer!
June
Leyden Lions Minor League Football
Who: The Leyden Lions Minor League Football (501c3 organization) What: Volunteers for their six home football games! Duties will include the hydration station, pre game field setup, chain crew, post game field breakdown and other duties as assigned by the Coaching Staff. Where: Babe Serpico Field - 1000 N. 25th Ave When: Saturdays; volunteers needed at 5 PM Why: Each event will garner you seven service hours. Contact Information: Mr. Hughes via email hughes@leydenlions.com (phone number: 773822-3380) stating the student’s name and school and the date(s) they would like to volunteer. Website - www.leydenlions.com and http://www.melrosepark.org/ralph-babe-serpico-memorialfield
July
Association of Horizon Summer Camp
Who: Association of Horizon Summer Camp which is a non-profit dedicated to breaking down boundaries between those with and without physical disabilities. What: At camp, volunteers ages 16+ are paired one-on-one with adult campers with physical disabilities for a week of recreation and learning from one another. Where: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center near Bloomington, IL When: July 16-22 from 11:30 PM - 3:30 PM Why: Student volunteers develop responsibility, leadership, communication and communitybuilding skills. Knockout 144 Hours of Service! Contact Information: Karlyn Gehring via karlyn.gehring@associationofhorizon.org Website - http://associationofhorizon.org/wordpress/
August
Chicago Canine Rescue
Who: Chicago Canine Rescue assists the animals that are the MOST vulnerable in our city – the dogs and cats that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. What: Walking, bathing, watering, and cleaning the dogs and facility; students must be at least 18 years or older with a photo ID and comfortable shoes; students 16 years and older must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times Where: 5272 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 When: Any day from 10am-7pm; according to your schedule Why: You can volunteer as it fits your schedule and devote as much or little time as you want. No need to commit a certain day or time every week Contact Information: via volunteer@chicagocaninerescue.com Website and Form - http://ccrf.mmaternity.com/index.asp?HTMLPAGE=YES&HTMLREF=cc_ New_Volunteer