Chalk to School 2018-08-23 036_web
Local News

Parade, art work will welcome students back to school

The “Chalk the Walk” tradition might take on more meaning this year as students begin an unusual and unusually stressful fall semester. Chalked messages of encouragement will be part of a larger project by District 153 volunteers to help students get the semester started on the right foot. (Chronicle file photo)

The “Chalk the Walk” tradition might take on more meaning this year as students begin an unusual and unusually stressful fall semester. Chalked messages of encouragement will be part of a larger project by District 153 volunteers to help students get the semester started on the right foot. (Chronicle file photo)

Homewood District 153 has several special events on its calendar to bring enthusiasm for and excitement to the start of the school year on Monday, Aug. 24.

“There are so many people in the community who want to make the school year a success,” said School Board President Shelly Marks who is chairing the Community Engagement Committee, sponsor of the events.

School Supplies Drive
The committee’s immediate project is collecting school supplies for District 153 students.  After several days, Marks said the drive has already generated support.

The supplies drive includes the traditional pens and pencils, washable markers, yellow highlighters, Elmer’s glue sticks, spiral notebooks and three-ring binders. While Kleenex and Chlorox wipes have been a staple, this year there is a greater need for them, as well as for hand sanitizer and paper towels.

“With all of the new safety guidelines that we need to follow this year, the teachers and kids will need more support and supplies since sharing will not be an option,” Marks said.

Supplies can be dropped off at:

  • Nail Savvy, 18104 Martin Ave.
  • Art4Soul, 18135 Harwood Ave.
  • Thomas Photographic Services, 18705 Dixie Highway.
  • Anjel’s Boutique, 18050 Dixie Highway.
  • Lassen’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2131 183rd St.
  • Jonathan Kane Salon & Spa, 18065 Harwood Ave.
  • Art Corner, 18703 Dixie Highway.
  • Redbird Café, 2057 Ridge Road.
  • Grant Orthodontics, 18243 Harwood Ave.
  • The Villager, 2007 Ridge Road.
  • Homewood Florist, 18064 Martin Ave.
  • Suzie’s Hallmark, 18065 Harwood Ave.

Marks said gift cards to stores that carry school supplies are also welcome and can be left at these businesses.

Organizers also have created an Amazon.com wish list.

Here comes the parade!
Before students return to the classroom — either in person or remotely — the committee will host a parade on Friday, Aug. 21.  Starting at 9:30 a.m., vehicles from the Homewood fire and police departments, a representative of Prairie State College and school administrators will drive through Homewood neighborhoods. The route is being planned now. Details will follow.

Chalk the Walk’
At the same time, the Homewood PTA is inviting residents to participate in the “Chalk the Walk” program by sharing sidewalk messages for the start of school. The PTA will provide chalk.

Artful message
The morning of Saturday, Aug. 22, Anna Celander, a professional artist who graduated from District 153 and Homewood-Flossmoor High School, will do a special “Chalk the Walk” design on Martin Square in downtown Homewood. 

“It will be a great place to bring families for the first day of school photos and back-to-school photos,” Marks said.

In case of inclement weather, Marks said the artist will create a board that will be located in different spots in Homewood so families still have the opportunity to get the photos to mark the 2020-21 school year

Making masks
Everyone at Homewood schools will be wearing a mask. To make certain schools have an extra supply of face coverings, community members are making masks for all students and staff. The Village of Homewood will provide lanyards for Churchill and James Hart School students to keep masks close when they’re removed for lunch and outdoor activities.

Who’s that?
Who’s behind the masks? Great teachers! For personal safety, everyone in District 153 schools will be wearing masks. To let kids know what their teacher looks like, the Homewood PTA is having campaign style pins with teachers’ pictures on them.

Helper Bees
As the opening of schools fast approaches, some teachers are scrambling to get all the school supplies and materials.  Shannon Ford and her “Homewood 153 Helper Bees” are there to work with teachers.

“Our goal is to pair together willing community helpers who either want to help with projects or donate, and teachers who realize they need something. We can easily pair those two together to get something done,” Ford said.

She had four volunteers help a Willow School teacher who had 3,600 mini-erasers that needed to be packaged 20 to a baggie. The Homewood Rotary Club gave financial support for yoga mats for primary grades so the children can safely sit on the floor — with proper social distancing. Girl Scout Troop 60540 is making special cushions for children.

“Multiple teachers have said they just don’t even know what we need yet,” Ford said. “I just wanted (the Helper Bees) to be there when they discover the day before school or after school starts” that something is missing, she added.

Go Fund Me 
GoFundMe account is accepting donations that will be distributed to District 153 teachers through gift cards. Marks said it’s meant to be a gesture to show teachers how much the community appreciates their efforts. As of Saturday morning, the account had received $850 in donations. The goal is set at $5,000.

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