Help-Your-School Toolkit
Connect with Make It Better—online, in print and in person—to help your child, your school and yourself.
Northwestern Classes for the Non-Student
Living near a top-tier university has perks—even if you’re not an enrolled student. Northwestern University offers continuing education courses on myriad topics as well as fitness facilities and classes at reasonable rates. The Alumnae Continuing Education program offers university-level noncredit courses taught by Northwestern faculty. Each year, more than 2,000 Chicagoland residents take classes such […]
Teaching Kids About Money: Modern and Practical Methods
If you have a FICO score of 800, a cushy nest egg, and live within your means—congratulations.
Globe-Trotting Before Graduation
Traveling abroad is an eye-opening, educational journey. Colleges, flush with cash in the 1980s, seized on that idea and expanded their study abroad offerings. Now, with high school students passport-ready, foreign exchange programs and area high schools are providing options to broaden cultural horizons for classroom credit. “A Life-Changing Experience” AFS is the granddaddy of […]
Promoting the Habit of Reading
We know that children who read regularly do better in school. Reading develops imagination, intelligence and questioning skills during important developmental years. Here are some ideas to encourage daily reading as we head into summer. Create the Quiet Children live in a fast-moving, stimulus-laden environment. Create regular, quiet times for reading, with no computers, no […]
Half Gap Year
By now, most high school seniors have decided what college they will attend next year. But, for some who have been offered second semester admission, the choice may not be so clear. That scenario could provide the perfect opportunity to pursue a half-gap year in the summer and fall, according to Linda Connelly, Gap […]
Why is My Intelligent and Hardworking Child Struggling in School?
Some children just don’t seem to fit the mold at school. These kids are often very bright, or even gifted, but still struggle. Many are extremely hard workers, putting hours into studying and homework every night. Often, these students do well in school before high school. In high school, however, tests, quizzes and finals become […]
Fresh: The Write Stuff
StoryStudio, a center for writing and related arts in Chicago, recently opened a second location in Winnetka. The new location supports the Chicago area’s “bursting literary scene,” says Director Jill Pollack. Courses at the Winnetka location will include daytime and youth programs. For summer, Pollack has already planned a weeklong creative writing camp and […]
District 39’s April 5 Referendum Tied to ‘Health of the District,’ Supporters Say
The future of Township High School District 39 will soon rest in voters’ hands. How will you vote? Larger class sizes. Mass teacher layoffs. Slashed foreign language, instrumental music and gifted programs. These draconian cuts could take place over the next two years in Wilmette’s District 39 unless voters approve a $6.375 million operating referendum—which […]
District 113’s Referendum Puts School Revamp and Repairs Before Voters
The future of Township High School District 113 will soon rest in voters’ hands. They’ll weigh-in at the ballot box on a multi-million dollar raft of repairs and upgrades to two area schools. Come April 5, the district’s voters must determine whether to green light a $133 million overhaul to Deerfield and Highland Park High […]
