Erie Elementary Charter School Board of Directors

Board Remarks

• What has already evolved at EECS has gone much further than I ever dreamed possible. Our guiding principle in the design of our curriculum and the teaching of our students seem to be Why can't we be the best?
• I see charter schools as the effective means of improving public education in Chicago, which is of utmost importance. Because I know of the devotion and ability of the people of Erie Neighborhood House and our own charter school staff, I am confident that we are establishing a highly successful school.
• What we owe these wonderful children is simply the best education imaginable. Experts from all over have helped us in creating this school by sharing their wisdom; we in turn hope to return the favor by creating in one institution, under one roof, a place where all of these lessons learned come together in a solid, well through-out, education program that focuses on the development and well-being of the whole child, family and community. Our hope then is that this school will not only reach excellence but will also serve as a model for others who share our commitment.
• EECS manifests an important, but delicate balance of academic excellence and a community of care. The administration, teachers, staff, students and parents all feel supported in their respective roles, and this results in a rare picture of a 'community' of talented people making every effort to create an environment of educational achievement. Many schools and communities struggle with finding this balance, particularly communities of color. While demonstrating that high educational standards can be achieved while affirming family, culture and discipline, we can help set the standard for creating similar schools and communities throughout the city of Chicago. I believe the Habits of Heart, Work, and Mind will be a model that school systems will work to duplicate.
• I was immediately impressed by the motivation and desire of the EECS principal and staff to make a large difference. It has always been a dream to start my own charter school. Each bit of information gives me additional inspiration to follow my own dream. And EECS will clearly make the difference in the community and in the lives of its students, and I am looking forward to assisting in that process.
• I believe EECS students will be well educated, well rounded and highly motivated. This charter school model is a natural place for Erie House to go - moving from its award-winning early childcare program to this new opportunity to give young people a quality of education, and to achieve successful lives.
• What I have experienced at EECS has met and exceeded my expectations as a learning institution for my youngest daughter. I can really say that she is a different little girl than the one that she was in kindergarten. Although school has been in session only a few months, I have seen tremendous growth in her. In kindergarten she was shy and did not socialize very much with other children. Now, I need to find ways to have her not be such a chatter bug! Other than her ability to socialize, I have also seen growth in academic areas. She is very animated when she comes home from school and is always telling me about the new things that they are learning in class.
• The staff at EECS has shown such dedication and a genuine love for all that they do. I am pleased to be on the Board of such an organization.
• Erie Elementary Charter School will be a model of early childhood education, one that other Chicago Schools might emulate. Because the school's mission and vision include involving parents and the community in the education of the children, the lives of all parties will be enriched.