March 10, 2010

• The Talent Show Committee is reminded to come to the music room at morning recess today.
• Mr. Gizman is not here today- No Sign Language Classes today.
• Last night Bell hosted area semifinal games for three of its four basketball teams. The 5/6 boys took to the court in the opener and showed no signs of backing down from a confrontation with Disney. The boys came back again and again, but came up short in the end, falling, 23-20.The 5/6 girls were up next and made the team from Inter-American look distraught and dejected early and often. Catching their opponents by surprise, the girls stunned them by a score of 24-2. The 7/8 girls found themselves looking for a closer at the end of their game against Inter-American. Twice the team relinquished seven point  leads and simply could not get off a shot that would have won it for them, resulting in a heartbreaking 20-19 loss. Tonight the 7/8 boys tip off against Uplift  3:45 at Clarendon Park in area semifinal action.

Dear Bell Families,

During the course of the past seventeen years as the principal of Bell, I have written many letters, some of which have been very challenging. Yet today’s letter is one of the most difficult for me to write. While I’m excited about my upcoming retirement, I’m sad that I won’t be here on September 7th to greet the students, parents, and faculty for the 2010-2011 school year.

Some might believe that you shouldn’t let accuracy get in the way of a good rumor, but I need to address the “next steps” since I’ve already heard some interesting rumors. The current LSC, which consists of six parents, two teachers, and two community members, will handle the principal selection process. They will meet with Deborah Esparza, the Chief Area Officer, on February 18th, at which time they will learn the timeline and process. They will then advertise the vacancy within CPS, and possibly outside. The candidates’ resumes will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted. I am confident that the LSC will be transparent in the process and will do an excellent job.

I have worked for CPS for thirty-six years, twenty-four as a principal. I consider the past seventeen years serving Bell as a privilege and an honor. During my first year, the LSC asked me to write a statement of my vision for Bell. I talked about the divisiveness and inequities I saw between the three departments and the need to work collaboratively, specifically amongst the teachers. I spoke of the need to establish a safe, respectful environment where all children were valued so that they loved coming to school. We needed to look at how students were taught, addressing individual learning styles. When I recently reviewed the document I realized that it all came to fruition. I recognize that this is due to the efforts of so many teachers, staff, parents, and students who shared my vision and put forth tremendous effort.

I thank all of you for allowing me to serve as your principal and I will always speak of Bell with overwhelming pride and affection.

Sincerely,

Bob Guercio