DECEMBER 2019
VOL. 1
Alumni Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE
Project North Park
PROJECT NORTH PARK:
North Park Elementary School’s first graduating class had just three students. Since the school's founding in a church basement in 1980, we have grown significantly. We now welcome 235 students each day to a building where community still matters. We are committed to nurturing our students’ curiosity and fostering their intellectual confidence.
BUILDING RENOVATION UPDATES
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: NIKKI LAWRENCE
CATCHING UP: LYNN LAWRENCE
UPDATES AND INVITES
Our small, strong community is built upon a caring, professional teaching staff and the active involvement of our parents. We are dedicated to helping our students develop self-discipline and self-confidence, while instilling a lifelong love of learning - which we hope you benefitted from! In addition to aesthetic and façade enhancements, the project will create a safer, more comfortable space for the students of North Park to learn and grow. The above image shows the vision for our new K-2nd grade classrooms, in what is currently the garage! If you'd like to see more or have questions about the project, contact Laura McCammack, Director of Development at mccammack@npeschool.org.
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Your associate teacher, Daniel Swanson-Nystrom, is one of your former students! What's it like working with Daniel? It is really fun. Not only is Daniel a former student, but he was also a student in my first grade class back in 2000. A teacher always has a special bond with their first class. Daniel was a very sweet first grader. He was quiet
Faculty Spotlight: Nikki Lawrence How long have you been teaching at NPES? This is my 20th year. I started in August of 2000. I got the job one week before school started. I thought I would stay here for a year or two, and then move to a public school in the suburbs. It turns out I fell in love with the school and here I am. What’s your family like? I have two daughters - Lily (9) in 4th grade and Lexi (7) in 2nd grade. We live in Morton Grove. Most of you know that I married Principal Lawrence's son after teaching here for 8 years. My husband, Scott, attended NPES from kindergarten through 3rd grade. His family moved to Skokie when he started 4th grade. I grew up in Lincolnwood, so we grew up five minutes from each other and even had some mutual friends. It is interesting to be both a teacher and a parent. Scott usually does homework with my kids. I am active on their school's PTA and try to attend at least one of their class parties or be a mystery reader. My kids love hearing about my students. They like to study our NPES yearbooks, and can name any child in my class by their photos.
and inquisitive. I would still use those words to describe him. Daniel and I often find ourselves reminiscing about former students and teachers. We talk about how the school has grown and changed over the past 20 years. Anything you would like to say to alumni? One thing that makes NPES so special is the close relationships that are built over the years. North Park is a part of who you are and where you come from. Make sure you always take some time to keep in touch or visit the school when you are around.
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Catching Up: Lynn Lawrence
In preparation for my retirement, I sold my house and downsized to a condo. After so many years of a full schedule, I knew I couldn’t just sit home to watch tv and knit all day. I began to get bored after everyone was back at school so I registered to substitute in a nearby district. I enjoyed being around young children again. A few months after I retired I was diagnosed with lung cancer so I had to stop substituting. Now, I take a daily chemo pill and it’s keeping me healthy. Because I couldn’t be in a school setting, I decided to become active in my condo building. I am currently taking an inspired yoga/exercise class, which I enjoy very much. I play mahjong and canasta which keep me busy during the days. I am the Chairperson of the Birthday Club and the Social Committee in the building. I help plan quarterly birthday parties and monthly activities, such as brunches, dinners, speakers, author talks, and movies. I Co-Chair a Socratic Seminar group where we read and discuss short stories and topics. Once a teacher, always a teacher! One of my grandsons asked me what if I watch TV all day. I don’t watch daytime TV and watch very little prime time TV. I love to read, bake, play a few games, like Woody Puzzle. Most of all, I enjoy being with my family as much as I can. We love to do arts/crafts, bake together and I’m still called upon to help with school projects, which is a joy. I do miss NPES very much; it’s a very special place. I read the weekly Shark Bites and enjoy hearing the upcoming plans and changes at school. I try to attend the NPES events when I’m available. I can’t believe how much the students have grown. Their poise doesn’t surprise me, but still impresses all. Randy and I continue meeting a few times a year, for which I’m grateful. I want to stay connected. You’re in good hands! I wish NPES the best of everything.
DECEMBER 2019
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Updates and Invites
Clockwise from left: Ginny Landt, '02 married Brandon Pyle on September 14, 2018. Mr. and Mrs. Past got married in England last spring break - April 19, 2019. Mrs. Wells and her husband welcomed Louisiana Mae Wells, born May 19, 2019.
DECEMBER 2019
VOL. 1
Updates and Invites
We're proud of Bob Windy and Jeff Yosowitz, NPES alumni parents and dedicated Sharks. The are making a name for themselves with their amazing distillery, Star Union Spirits. Read more about their work here.
We want to keep in touch with you! Please update your contact information by filling out this form. To help us stay in touch with your classmates, please forward this email to them as well!
We want to see you! Please join us at the following NPES events: March 7, 2020 - NPES Auction - Project Runway Architectural Artifacts, 21+ only, tickets on sale January 13th March 20 & 21, 2020 - Theater Showcase Ravenswood Baptist Church, 6:30 pm Friday/12:30 pm Saturday
North Park Elementary School | 2017 W. Montrose Ave | Chicago, IL | 60618 www.npeschool.org