Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board of Education addresses winter concert content

Following a thorough review and discussion of input from school district stakeholders at its February 11 meeting, the CCSD 180 Board of Education established procedures for future planning of concerts that occur around the winter holidays. The Board acknowledged and agreed with a statement by the district's music faculty that:

(1) Music is selected for its musical and educational value. (2) The teaching of music with a sacred text focuses on musical and artistic considerations. (3) We share and respect the traditions of all people, and we are sensitive to various beliefs represented by the students and parents. (4) The role of sacred music is one of neutrality, neither promoting, nor inhibiting religious views. (5) CCSD 180 concerts have the primary effect of a celebration of music, not religion. (6) We wish to abide by all local and school policies regarding religious holidays and the use of sacred music.

Sensitive, also, to the concerns expressed by those who feel left out when some minority religions are not represented at the concert, the Board established the following guidelines, many of which were suggested by the newly formed CCSD 180 Citizens' Advisory Council: (1) Concerts will continue at the same time of year. (2) So as not to have children feeling excluded during the school day, future concerts will be held in the evening. (3) Include in future district newsletters an opportunity for any school district stakeholder to suggest a selection or selections they wish to have included in the concerts. The Board continues to welcome additional ideas about how to better celebrate and acknowledge our diversity as a strength at CCSD 180.

In other action, the Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board . . .

. . . participated in a Science Olympiad simulation presented by students Pranali Sheth and Jesse Stabley and sponsor Beth Frothingham.

. . . reviewed a financial profile report about the school district as developed by the Illinois State Board of Education.

. . . presented the Board's Award of Excellence to student Tegan Gordon for her commitment to learning and to excellence.

. . . passed a resolution of congratulations for the Burr Ridge Middle School Chess Team for its second place finish in the Conference and for its third place finish in the Conference Tournament.

. . . determined that executive session minutes from August 2002 through January 2003 are deemed no longer confidential and, subsequently, made them available for public inspection.

. . . contracted with Bark Associates Ltd. for the FY2003 audit.

. . . made its initial review of proposed policies relative to the Board Policy Handbook, Section 5 ­ Personnel.

. . . approved child care leave requests by Mrs. Holly Van Howe and Mrs. Amy Zavisin.

. . . accepted the resignation of teacher aide Mrs. Anwar Sultana.

. . . heard reports about the following from superintendent Rink: April 8, 2003 Board of Education Election/Organization Meeting, Technology Needs Assessment, Those Who Excel Banquet, Parent Teacher Conferences, January ­ February 2003 Staff Development, Six Month Asbestos Surveillance, Roofing Repair, Softball Fields, Flags from Martin Poenisch, Fast ForWord, Family Dance, Industrial Appraisal Inventory, Seniority List, Most Recent Fire Prevention and Safety Amendment.

. . . heard a report from Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Principal Charles Accardi that they are working on the School Improvement Plan; the first round of Fast ForWord is finished; second quarter report cards went home; Adventure Club went skiing in January and they will be golfing indoors in February; Student Council Candy Grams are now on sale for Valentine's Day; Mr. Fears finished the commercial for Oscar Mayer products and it has been sent; Enrichment Clusters will be presented after ISAT test in March; Officer Howlett continues to give tickets to parents; and Open House at Anne M. Jeans is March 5, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

. . . heard a report from Burr Ridge Middle School Principal Dr. Debra LeBlanc that they are also working on the School Improvement Plan; Dr. Steve Layne will be here for the February 27th teacher's institute; Meghan Radtke is onboard for the Snowflake Program; 8th grade completed schedules for the high school last week; an 8th grade overnight trip to Chicago instead of Washington D.C. is in the planning stages; 8th grade students went to the DuPage County Jail last week; the 5th/6th grade Ensemble winners were Jessica Rikhlyuk, James Pavese, Sehar Paya, Sarah Fazal; the 7th/8th grade Ensemble winners were Dayna Colbert and Samantha Pielet; and the Soloists winners were Chinna Balachandran and Adam Pala.

The Board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting