Teacher Mourned At Proviso Math and Science Academy...

In twos and threes, some crying, some talking, students at the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy spent their lunch hours Friday remembering their teacher, coach, mentor and friend, Tom Dix.

After a long, hard battle with cancer, Dix, 39, founder of the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy robotics club, died early morning Sept. 17.

"This is an unfortunate loss for the Proviso family. Our hearts go out to him and his family. He will be sorely missed," School Board President Chris Welch said. "He left an impression on PMSA that will live on for a long time. Our robotics program was extremely successful and the kids loved him."

Dix started teaching at PMSA in the 2006-2007 school year. School officials said the innovation lab where the robotics club worked will be dedicated to Dix.

"He took an empty shell and made it into a vibrant lab and used it in the way it was intended," PMSA Principal Ed Moyer said.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology program participant Jackie Moore, team manager for the Chicago Knights robotics team, said Dix was an honored FIRST knight.

"We met in May of 2006 when he was looking to start a (FIRST Lego League)," Moore said. "His passion for teaching and the value of FIRST was so great that he changed schools twice before he started the team."

Moore said of the many people she had helped form robotics teams, Dix was the most persistent and consistently committed.

"Shortly after aggressive (cancer) treatment, he managed to sit in the stands and cheer his team on last year," she said. "That is a memory of him that I will hold dear."

Parent and robotics club volunteer Jocelyn Gougisha said Dix was more like one of the students in the club than a teacher.

"His enthusiasm was like that of the teenagers," she said. "He put his heart and soul into it when he brought the robotics team to PMSA."

Gougisha said Moyer saw that enthusiasm and gave him support.

"You have no idea what it means to this area to introduce the kids to the world of robotics and engineering," she said. "He's inspired friends, parents and other teachers to come in and help. That's his legacy."

Moyer said Dix helped rebuild the physics program and spent countless hours working on the robotics program.

"The first year was entirely his own," Moyer said. "He was incredibly committed to kids and I deeply value that in a teacher. He was an amazing person."

The news of Dix's death spread through the building like wildfire, Moyer said, and many students knew about it before the staff.

"It impacted the robotics students the hardest, but he had made an impact on so many kids," he said. "Kids organized a gathering in his classroom during the lunch periods. It was the opportunity for students to say anything they wanted to. Or to not say anything. Some were crying. Some were drawing. They started signing the first robot they had made."

Moyer said staff wanted to make sure they were there to support students.

"This is our first loss as a community," he said. "It was hard. Today was better. Monday will get a little better still. He would have wanted the kids to go on."

The challenge now is to keep the work alive. The team is solid with students and parents and community volunteers, but Moyer said he has to find someone with the background in science and engineering.

"We will miss (Dix's) leadership. All the things he took care of, we have to make sure those don't fall through the cracks," Moyer said. "We will see who we can recruit. But the kids have put in too much time and effort - this season is going to be for Mr. Dix."

There will be a memorial service honoring Dix at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. RSVP to Judy Erickson, jemessage1@yahoo.com or call (708) 386-4330. Donations are welcome to PMSA's robotics club and can be sent to Janet Redmond at PMSA.

(This story was written by Mario Bartoletti of the Proviso Herald Newspaper.)

Proviso School Board President Being Courted for U.S. Congress

With 7th District U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis exploring a run for Cook County Board President, party leaders are looking for a possible placement of Davis in Congress. One name being bantered about is Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch. Other names being strongly considered are State Representative Karen A. Yarbrough and Broadview Mayor Sherman A. Jones. Party officials like Welch because he's young, and his future is bright in the Democratic Party.

Welch Wins Big In Proviso SD209 Race...

Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch, who endured the most negative campaign in school board history, won re-election on Tuesday by a landslide. Here's a break down of the votes:

HS Member Bd. Of Ed. Proviso Township 209 - 4yr.
9 Candidates - Vote for 4
Precincts Counted: 120 of 120 (100.00%)
Candidates Votes %
Emanuel ''Chris'' Welch (NP) 7,568 13.56%
Reatha ''Sue'' Henry (NP) 5,724 10.25%
Daniel J. Adams (NP) 7,023 12.58%
Brian M. Cross (NP) 6,999 12.54%
Maria Desena (NP) 4,689 8.40%
Kevin McDermott (NP) 6,842 12.26%
Carlos Anderson (NP) 4,880 8.74%
Rebecca M. Smith (NP) 6,490 11.62%
Arbdella ''Della'' Patterson (NP) 5,614 10.06%


A closer look at the numbers reveal that Welch placed first out of all candidates in Bellwood, Broadview, Northlake and Stone Park. He placed second in Maywood, Melrose Park, and Hillside. Fourth in Berkeley and Westchester, and sixth in Forest Park. Congratulations to Welch and his slate mates Dan Adams and Brian Cross.

Hillside Police Chief Applauds Proviso Bus Program!!!

The Proviso Insider web log received an email at provisoinsider@hotmail.com from Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch sharing some positive words from Hillside Police Chief Joe Lukaszek about the new Proviso Bus program. Here's parts of the email:

On Behalf of the Hillside Police department I would like to extend our thanks to your efforts in establishing a transportation system at Proviso West High School. This service has reduced the traffic both in the morning and afternoon hours alleviating congestion in the surrounding streets of Proviso West High School. We here in Hillside have seen a dramatic decrease in after school activity involving rowdy youths which unfortunately is only representative of their age. We have also seen a dramatic drop in truant students walking around in the morning hours around the streets of Hillside. It is my understanding that this effort had been an ongoing project by both the administration of the schools and the school board itself. We here in Hillside applaud your efforts in making the school day that much safer for both your students and our residents alike.


Sincerely,

Chief Lukaszek

Joseph M Lukaszek
Chief of Police
Hillside Police Department
425 Hillside Ave
Hillside, Il 60162

Early Voting Starts Today!!!

Early voting starts today and ends April 2 for the April 7 consolidated elections. Voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Polling places in Proviso Township are:

Bellwood Village Hall, 3200 Washington Blvd.
Melrose Park Village Hall, 1000 N. 25th Ave.
Whitcomb Building (near Maywood Courthouse), 1311 Maybrook Square, Room 109
Here's information from the Cook County Clerk's Office:

The April 7 election is both a consolidated general election -- with more than 3,000 village, school and township candidates on the ballot -- and a special general election to fill the 5th Congressional District seat left vacant by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Those choosing to vote early do not need to provide a reason or excuse. Early voters are required to display valid identification before voting, such as a current driver's license, state-issued ID card or another government-issued photo ID.

Once a voter has participated in Early Voting, they cannot change their ballot or vote on Election Day. For more information about Early Voting or to confirm your voter registration, visit www.voterinfonet.com.

Recommendations for Bellwood SD88, Proviso High School District 209 and Township are as follows:

For Bellwood SD88:
Ronald C. Anderson 186
Patricia Crawford 187
Beverly Graham 188
LeKeya Sherrill 189

For Proviso High School District 209:
Emanuel "Chris" Welch 201
Reatha "Sue" Henry 202
Daniel J. Adams 203
Brian M. Cross 204

For Proviso Township:

Township Supervisor Proviso
Vote for

Michael A. Corrigan 81

Township Clerk Proviso
Vote for

Readith Ester 83

Township Assessor Proviso
Vote for

Steven J. Zawaski 85

Proviso Township Collector

Vote for

Eric R. Sawchuk 87

Township Trustee 4-Yr Proviso
Vote for 4

Don Sloan 89
Timothy Gillian 90
Anthony "Tony" Williams 91
Mari Herrell 92

Chris Welch Keynotes Maywood Rotary Club Luncheon!!!

The Proviso Insider weblog has learned that Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch was the keynote speaker at the Maywood Rotary Club Luncheon on Thursday, March 12, 2009. Welch spoke to the organization and fielded numerous questions. Among those in attendance were Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough, Trustees Gary Woll and Audrey Jaycox, and Deputy Police Chief Brian Black. Trustee Jaycox also spoke to the group. Reports from those in attendance say Welch and his message were received quite well.

Mr. Welch Meets With Mrs. Yarbrough!!!

A historic meeting of once political rivals took place on Saturday, February 28, 2009between Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch and State Representative Karen A. Yarbrough. Yarbrough, who doubles as the Proviso Township Democratic Committeeman, invited Welch to speak to the Proviso Organization, and Welch accepted. According to those in attendance, the meeting that occurred in Broadview was well attended by those anxious to see the two Proviso leaders come together. Welch appeared with fellow Proviso Board members Brian Cross and Robin Foreman. He was also joined by Bellwood SD88 Board members Ronald Anderson and Daphene Walker. Welch, Cross and Anderson are all seeking terms for re-election and all spoke to the organization and fielded a range of questions. One source who attended the meeting say Welch and Yarbrough hugged and exchanged pleasantries. Yarbrough says the Proviso Democratic Organization will not endorse any candidates in the upcoming local elections.

Karen A. Yarbrough Invites Proviso Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch To Speak at Her Organization...

Proviso Township Democratic Committeeman Karen A. Yarbrough has reportedly invited Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch and his board colleagues running for re-election to speak at her organization meeting on February 28, 2009. Rory Hoskins, a Forest Park Commissioner and the President of Yarbrough's political organization, reportedly phoned Welch on February 24, 2009 and extended the invitation on behalf of Yarbrough. Welch reportedly accepted the Committeeman's invitation and will appear to speak about his candidacy for re-election to the Proviso School Board and answer questions. Kudos to Yarbrough and Welch for this effort.

Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch Nominated To Be A Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer...

Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch has been nominated by his colleagues in the legal profession to be one of the Top 40 Illinois Lawyers under age 40. Welch, a lawyer for the past twelve years, and a partner in the prestigious law firm of Sanchez, Daniels and Hoffman, LLP, has an impressive legal profile.

Chris Welch graduated from Northwestern University in 1993 and received his law degree from The John Marshall Law School in 1997.

Chris has served on the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education since November 7, 2001, and he has been President of the Board since April 2003.

He also serves as legal counsel for Bellwood School District 88 and Maywood School District 89.

He has also served as legal counsel in Posen-Robbins School District 143 and ½, Hoover-Schrum School District 157, Niles High School District 219 and Community High School District 218.

Chris is a member of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys, and he was the lead attorney in the case of Roxanne Brown v. Bellwood School District 88 (November 2005) in which the Illinois Appellate Court ruled that local school boards have the right to declare vacancies and fill those vacancies.

Chris has also performed legal work for the Villages of Bellwood, Hillside and Melrose Park, and he actively litigates section 1983 Civil Rights cases on behalf of the Town of Cicero.

Chris recently led the successful defense of a civil rights case involving 12 Town of Cicero police officers in which six of them were found completely not guilty.

Chris and his firm also do public finance/bond work for towns and municipalities, and Chris is a certified administrative hearing officer with experiencing serving as the hearing officer in code enforcement court.

He has received the Operation Uplift Hometown Dreamweaver Award (January 2005), the prestigious PLCCA Image Award (June 2006), and he has been recognized by the Village of Hillside (Jan. 2007) for his contributions to Human Rights issues.

After 10 years of practicing law, Chris was named a partner in the firm of Sanchez, Daniels & Hoffman, LLP in July 2007.

Free Bus Rides For Proviso West Students Started...

The Free Bus Ride Program for students at Proviso West High School began on February 18, 2009. The Bus Ride program began at Proviso East High School on January 20, 2009, and the school district has already seen tremendous impact. Since January 20th, average daily attendance has increased from 68% to 83%. Over 600 kids take advantage of the program at Proviso East and over 700 took advantage at Proviso West on February 18, 2009. Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch said, "This is one of our most successful initiatives in school history. It will save our parents and students money, increase attendance and test scores, and help keep of students safe." Prior to the Free Bus Ride program, students paid $4.50 per day to ride to and from school on PACE buses. Congrats Proviso School Board!!!!

Students First Party Candidates Off And Running For PTHS 209!!!

Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Reatha "Sue" Henry, Daniel J. Adams, and Brian M. Cross are off and running for Proviso High School District 209. Visit their website for more information at www.newstudentsfirstparty.com to learn about them and their accomplishments.

Proviso School District 209 Begins Busing Program For All Students!!!

Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch and the Proviso School Board announced that Proviso Township High Schools has launched its transportation program!

The program begins at Proviso East on Jan. 20th and at Proviso West on Feb. 17th.

Proviso East parents are encouraged to check the mail for bus route information and to contact the school if bus route information is not received by January 15th.

Students are asked to arrive at their designated bus stop locations five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick-up time in the morning. At the end of the school day (after dismissal) the buses will leave Proviso East at approximately 3:25 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Proviso East Principal Mr. Milton Patch at 708-202-1611. Proviso West parents can look for their students' bus route information to be mailed no later than Friday, January 23rd.

La Secundaria Proviso East tiene gusto en informarle que el servicio de transportación empezara el 20 de Enero. Usted recibira por correo información acerca de las rutas del bus escolar, le pedimos que este pendiente. Si usted no recibe esta información antes del 15 de Enero, por favor comuniquese con nosotros.

Proviso West Holiday Tournament Begins

PTHS District 209 Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch and the Board of Education invites everyone out to the Proviso West Holiday Basketball Tournament which begins Friday, December 26, 2008. Games will be played December 26, 27, 29 and 30. Catch some good high school basketball where basketball is best. Local favorites Proviso West, Proviso East and St. Joseph are in the tournament as well as state contenders Whitney Young and Zion Benton. It promises to be fun.

Congressman Danny K. Davis, 7th District for Senate!!!

Congressman Danny K. Davis, from the 7th District, is garnering support for the US Senate seat that has been vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. Most recently, State Representative Eddie Washington, 60th District representing Waukegan, North Chicago and Park City, and Lake County Residents announced their support and urged Governor Blagojavich to appoint Congressman Danny K. Davis to replace President-Elect Obama as U. S. Senator. A few weeks ago more than a dozen elected officials and hundreds of Illinois residents urged Gov. Blagojavich to appoint Cong. Davis.
Davis continues to build momentum around the State of Illinois. Here's to Congressman Davis and hoping he gets the nod! If Davis gets the nod for Senate, a number of people are rumored as possible successors to his Congressional seat. Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers, Jr. is a possiblity. State Representative Karen Yarbrough, and former Davis Chief of Staff Richard R. Boykin are also possibilities. If Rogers and/or Yarbrough get the nod for Congressman, it is rumored Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch could replace Rogers and/or Yarbrough. Stay tuned.

Proviso Math & Science Academy Ranks Among Illinois' Top 50

The Chicago Tribune reported on Friday, October 31, 2008 that the Proviso Math and Science Academy in Proviso Township High Schools District 209 ranks in the top 50 of Illinois High Schools. The Proviso Math and Science Academy opened in August 2005 after Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch led the Board in the development of the school. In July 2004, the Chicago Sun-Times gave the Board critical acclaim and praised Welch and the Board for their vision. Congratulations Proviso!!!!

Updated...Proviso East Classes Scheduled To Resume Wednesday At East!!!

Proviso East High School will re-open tomorrow, Wednesday (Sept. 24).

Proviso East will be following the "First Day of the Week Schedule." Teachers and staff are to report as regularly scheduled. Students are to arrive by 9:00 am.

There will be no breakfast served on Wednesday (Sept. 24).

"Today we received the certificate of occupancy that allows us to re-open our school," said PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. "I would like to thank the Proviso East administrative team for their strong leadership during this very challenging time. Our parents, students, and community have been very supportive and patient during this process, and the teamwork displayed by Proviso West and PMSA has been phenomenal. The faculty and staff are prepared, and we are excited to get our students back into the classroom."

Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch commended all of the administrators and staff who have worked tirelessly to get Proviso East back on track. "We are greatful to have such hardworking, dedicated staff on our team."

Proviso Math And Science Academy Tests Scores Exceed State Standards!!!

The Proviso Math & Science Academy's test scores not only meet but exceed testing standards for the state of Illinois, according to their Adequate Yearly Progress Report (AYP).

Under the accountability provisions in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, all public school campuses, school districts, and the state are evaluated for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Districts, campuses, and the state are required to meet AYP criteria on three measures: Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics.

Out of 100 percent of students who were tested in reading and math at PMSA, 77 percent meet or exceed state standards in reading, and 66 percent meet or exceed the standards in math.

"There will be those who say that this great accomplishment should be expected because we are a selective enrollment school," said PMSA Principal Ed Moyer. "But given that this is a brand new school and this is the first year that we've had our kids go through this testing process, for us this is a strong indicator of the quality of our program."

Moyer says that even though the percentages are above average PMSA will continue to strive to have 100 percent of students exceeding the state average.

"We are going to continue to make progress," said Moyer. "Higher scores in math is one of our top priorities. I am so proud of our students and faculty. This is really good--but we want to be great."

PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart said, "This is a great accomplishment for Proviso Township High Schools. I believe that we have the potential to be among the highest performing schools in the state. We are very proud of PMSA and look forward to celebrating this same success throughout the district."

Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch who led the District in the development of the new high school said, "These scores validate the decision made by the Board of Education in 2003 to move forward witha third high school. Proviso is Rising."

Proviso School Board Approves District Transportation Program

Under the leadership of Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch and the Proviso School Board, PTHS 209 is taking the next step toward providing free district wide transportation as part of the Proviso East and West School Improvement Plans.

Over the Summer, District 209 received approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation to classify certain areas around the school district as safety hazards.

This approval allows PTHS 209 to be reimbursed by the Illinois State Board of Education for transportation expenses for students who live within a 1 1/2 mile radius of their home school building.

Now, the district is taking the next step by soliciting transportation bid proposals.

"This is an effort improve the quality of life for our students, to ensure that they get to school safely and on time and ultimately improve PTHS 209's truancy rates," said Dr. Nikita Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations. "We are dedicated to improving student achievement and we understand that a big part of that is improving student attendance. With district-wide transportation we eliminate some of the hazards or obstacles that may keep students from getting to school and getting the education they need."

In March, PTHS 209 submitted a transportation hazard waiver that analyzes various hazards that Proviso students face when traveling to and from school. The Illinois Department of Transportation approved the waiver recognizing the need to overcome such obstacles.

The PTHS 209 Board of Education approved a transportation bid at the August meeting.

PTHS 209 will begin the process of establishing bus routes and notifying applicable parents of transportation options once the bids are approved.

Administrators are hopeful that this process will begin no later than the start of second semester.

Proviso Township Leaders Meet To Develop Plan To Combat Violence

Leaders from across Proviso Township and the Maywood community came together recently to discuss ways to combat recent violence in the Proviso community. Bishop Claude Porter and Rev. Reginald Saffo from the Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance led a meeting that reportedly took place at PLCCA's headquarters in Maywood. Also present at the meeting were high school officials including Proviso School Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Superintendent Nettie Collins-Hart, Director of Security Brandon Gale, Principal Milton Patch, Maywood Trustees Audrey Jaycox and Kim Johnson, and a host of area ministers and police officers. The group reportedly committed to working together across political lines for the good of the community. Let's see what happens from the this point. What do you think needs to be done to combat violence in the community?

Glenn "Doc" Rivers To Be Honored

Eugene "Gene" Moore, Grady Rivers, Jr, Emanuel "Chris" Welch, the Proviso Township High School Board of Education, and Maywood Old Timers will be honoring Proviso East Alumnus Glenn "Doc" Rivers, the head Coach of the NBA 2008 World Championship Boston Celtics, on Saturday, August 16, 2008 with a parade. The parade kicks off at 10am from Winfield Scott Park and will end at Proviso East High School where a jersey hanging ceremony will take place in the Field House. After the long over do honor takes place, residents can enjoy Eugene Moore's Annual Back to School Picnic at the Van Buren Family Center Park on 13th and Harrison or the Maywood Old Timers Picnic at 5th Avenue and Oak Street. Come on out and enjoy the excitement.