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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING CHICAGO’S COOL CLASSICS! AT HORACE GREELEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR RECEIVING THE 2017 NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES YOUTH PROGRAM AWARD
WHEREAS, On November 9, 2017, Cool Classics! which has been at Horace Greeley Elementary School since 2008, received the 2017 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in cooperation with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA); and,
WHEREAS, Cool Classics! is a book-based after-school program that uses arts-integrated curricula to improve literacy and reading comprehension while developing critical thinking skills and introducing its students to a wide range of arts, humanities and cultures; and,
WHEREAS, By focusing on close reading, rigorous discussion and deep analysis, Cool Classics! creates a rich learning experience for children that develops core competencies and enriches their understanding of literature, humanities, arts and culture while expanding their vocabulary in an engaging program; and,
WHEREAS, Its goal is to help each child to become an avid reader, analytic thinker and thoughtful citizen. Cool Classics! builds lasting communities of students, families, teachers and school administrators; and,
WHEREAS, Cool Classics! was recognized for its effectiveness in promoting learning and life skills in young people by engaging them through creative youth development programs; and,
WHEREAS, The award recognizes and supports outstanding programs that lay new pathways to creativity, expression, and achievement outside of the regular school day; and,
WHEREAS, The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award recognizes the country’s best creative youth development programs for using engagement in the arts and the humanities to generate a wide range of positive outcomes, such as increases in academic achievement, graduation rates, and college enrollment; and,
WHEREAS, Cool Classics! has offered programs at Horace Greeley Elementary School for over 10 years, in addition to ones at Walt Disney Magnet School, Jane’s Place at Nettelhorst and six South-side schools - CICS Loomis Primary Academy; William C. Reavis Math and Science Specialty Elementary School; Jackie Robinson Literature and Writing Elementary School, Beulah Shoesmith Elementary School; Emmett Louis Till Math and Science Academy and The University of Chicago Charter School, Donoghue Elementary Campus.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Cook County Board of Commissioners honors Cool Classics! at Horace Greeley Elementary School and commends the program for winning the nation’s highest honor for after-school arts and humanities programs.
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