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It's that time of year again, school search time! Schools are welcoming prospective families for in-person tours and open houses. What type of questions are appropriate to ask during a tour or open house? Do you have questions about discipline, diversity, inclusion and bullying? Are any subjects off limits? Whether you are looking for a preschool, an elementary school, looking to transfer to a new school or searching for a high school, this session is for you. In this session, our panelists will discuss why it is important to ask all questions, how to ask sensitive questions, and what are good follow up questions. They will also give examples of comprehensive answers. Our esteemed panelists are: Erin Woodhams, Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Communications, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park Tami Doig, Head of School, Daystar Academy Laura Maheshwary, Director of Enrollment (PreK - 2nd), Bennett Day School Sarah Cudnik, Owner, Kids Work Chicago Riverview Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Free for NPN members $5 for non-members. Not a NPN member? Join NPN for $30 using promocode NPNschool22 and attend all sessions for free! Join here Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our media partner:

Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School and The Ancona School present the Hyde Park Early Childhood and Grade School Fair to be held at Akiba-Schechter, 5235 S. Cornell Avenue, on Wednesday, December 7th from 5:30-7:30pm. The fair, open and free to the public, connects parents and caregivers with daycares, preschools, elementary schools and community-wide organizations. There will be free childcare and free parking. For questions, please contact Ronit at 774-493-8880 or rbezalel@asjds.org. Event Address: Akiba-Schechter 5235 S. Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL 60615 Registration URL: https://bit.ly/HydeParkFair Date Time: 12/7/2022 5:30 PM - 12/7/2022 7:30 PM This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Ronit at 774-493-8880 or rbezalel@asjds.org

You’ve successfully navigated the nursery years, tolerated the toddler years and are pondering the preschool years when you realize, "OMG! Preschool means 'pre-SCHOOL,' and I need to find an elementary school!" A parent’s school search typically starts by sitting down at the computer and typing in “Best Elementary Schools." The results are populated with hits from sources such as GreatSchools, Niche, Schooldigger or School Sparrow. But what do these results mean, and should parents just add the #1 school to their list while ignoring other schools that are closer or more familiar to them? How reliable are the ratings, and how should a parent use them? [Related: How to apply to CPS selective enrollment elementary schools and magnet schools] The fact of the matter is that school ratings and rankings are a very messy, very inexact method to quantify schools. Because they are summarized by a “number” or “grade” or listed in a “ranking order," parents tend to put undue emphasis on ratings/rankings yet aren’t aware of what is being measured. While test scores are typically the largest component to rankings, “school fit” (literally, how good of a fit a given school is for your child) is much more than test performance and is ultimately a very personal matter that can even vary within a family from child to child. What truly qualifies as “best” for one family may not be well suited to another. While it is understandable that parents need some metric to start with, the metrics used can be skewed, out of date, or not reflective of the cohort your family will be entering the school with. Following are some common misunderstandings about school rankings: Ratings typically put the greatest emphasis on test scores, so better resourced families often have higher test scores and those family resources continue to benefit their children throughout their education Ratings/rankings are not set in stone and can change as demographics in a school changes Ratings typically reflect 3rd to 8th grade, so younger families should be wary of looking at metrics that may include a very different demographic than the one their family will be in school with Ratings often lump in all programs within a school. So, those with a higher population of students with learning needs may still be a great (or even better) option for your student, but the “rankings” may not reflect the level of supports. Schools can and do change, and schools in gentrifying areas may have more resources added to the school by the time your family will be attending [Related: 9 questions parents should be asking schools] Test scores don't tell the whole story It is somewhat pre-ordaining to use rankings to choose a school. Think about it: If test scores are a big factor in ratings/rankings, then children who have advantages and resources from birth are certainly going to test better overall and the schools near them will reap the benefits of well-resourced students and parents. While new parents may be more swayed by rankings, eventually we come to realize that academics alone are not a single trait to look for in a school. Social-emotional factors — as well as culture, climate and community — are just as impactful yet are hard to capture in objective metrics because they are inherently more subjective. School visits can be invaluable to dispel pre-conceptions or help a family picture themselves in a school, but people gravitate toward or crave the easier route of following rankings. School rankings don't measure lifestyle impact Parents who blindly follow blanket rankings/ratings may overlook a great "fitting" school in favor of one that a third-party metric says is 10 spots “above” the other school, yet requires a drive across town to attend. In the end, there may not be any marked difference in outcome for their child attending one or the other. But the lifestyle impact could be more negative for the school that's further away. One school’s overall scores may be lower because it serves a broader range of backgrounds or has more special needs students, but that doesn't mean your child’s success is reliant on only one school and not another. What your child can achieve and what they score on an exam does NOT have to be the “average” number. What to look for instead of rankings Using rankings and ratings to be the first or only metric in choosing a school can also serve to negatively suppress positive changes at a school. Instead, families should tour their local school or those near them. Another great indicator of a school fit? Talk to families with children their age who may have older siblings at the school. Reaching out to a school’s parent group or attending local school council (LSC) meetings is also a great way to get an honest scoop on a school. Ultimately, the greatest arbiter of student success is parent involvement in their children's lives — way beyond one school over another school, public or private, city or suburbs.

One of the best ways to learn more about ICSJ School is to visit us in person and experience a day in the life of a Dolphin. We invite prospective families to attend an in-person or virtual tour this fall. Additionally, a live virtual Q&A will be offered to allow prospective parents the opportunity to ask questions of current ICSJ families. Please note, that in-person tours are adult-only events. Group tours will begin at the North Park Campus (1431 N North Park Avenue) and end at the Hill Street Campus (363 W Hill Street). In addition to attending an in-person or zoom tour, we invite all prospective families to join us virtually on December 7 for a live Q&A with current ICSJ parents. Private in-person or virtual tours may also be scheduled at your convenience. To schedule a private tour, please submit the inquiry form below or contact the ICSJ Admissions Director, Corey Jacobson, at cjacobson@icsjschool.org. Please register for an in-person tour, a virtual tour, and/or the virtual parent panel using the link below: Register

One of the best ways to learn more about ICSJ School is to visit us in person and experience a day in the life of a Dolphin. We invite prospective families to attend an in-person or virtual tour this fall. Additionally, a live virtual Q&A will be offered to allow prospective parents the opportunity to ask questions of current ICSJ families. Please note, that in-person tours are adult-only events. Group tours will begin at the North Park Campus (1431 N North Park Avenue) and end at the Hill Street Campus (363 W Hill Street). In addition to attending an in-person or zoom tour, we invite all prospective families to join us virtually on December 7 for a live Q&A with current ICSJ parents. Private in-person or virtual tours may also be scheduled at your convenience. To schedule a private tour, please submit the inquiry form below or contact the ICSJ Admissions Director, Corey Jacobson, at cjacobson@icsjschool.org. Please register for an in-person tour, a virtual tour, and/or the virtual parent panel using the link below: Register

One of the best ways to learn more about ICSJ School is to visit us in person and experience a day in the life of a Dolphin. We invite prospective families to attend an in-person or virtual tour this fall. Additionally, a live virtual Q&A will be offered to allow prospective parents the opportunity to ask questions of current ICSJ families. Please note, that in-person tours are adult-only events. Group tours will begin at the North Park Campus (1431 N North Park Avenue) and end at the Hill Street Campus (363 W Hill Street). In addition to attending an in-person or zoom tour, we invite all prospective families to join us virtually on December 7 for a live Q&A with current ICSJ parents. Private in-person or virtual tours may also be scheduled at your convenience. To schedule a private tour, please submit the inquiry form below or contact the ICSJ Admissions Director, Corey Jacobson, at cjacobson@icsjschool.org. Please register for an in-person tour, a virtual tour, and/or the virtual parent panel using the link below: Register

Tuesday, November 15 9:30 a.m. – Virtual Open House RSVP Here

RSVP Here

RSVP Here

Join us for our Open House on Saturday November 5! (in person) This event will give you an opportunity to tour our school and ask key questions to our team. Registration is open! Hours: 10:00-12:00pm & 2:00-3:00pm: Pre-K (3 year old by 12/31/2022) through 5th grade 11:00am-12:00pm & 2:00-3:00pm: Middle, High school & IB program (taught in English, starting in 9th grade) Register Here

Thursday, December 1 12:00 p.m. – Virtual Open House RSVP Here

Sunday, January 8 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Family-Friendly In-Person Open House RSVP Here

Saturday, November 5 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Family-Friendly In-Person Open House RSVP Here

The Lower School Open House takes place on Saturday, October 15th at 10:00 am CT and is an event for parents/guardians. Please note that due to the length and format, the Open House is intended for adults only. You will have the opportunity to explore the Lower School, learn more about our dynamic curriculum, and hear directly from Parker's Lower School students. You will receive further instructions in the registration confirmation email. Visitors to the school must attest that they are free of symptoms of COVID-19 and comply with current campus protocols. We look forward to meeting you! Register Here

Please note these events are for parents/guardians only, not students. What to Expect at our Coffee & Tour: When you register for an Admissions Coffee & Tour, you will receive an email with a recording of our Open House that you can watch ahead of time at your convenience. Then, you can join us on campus for a small-group tour and Q&A session with a member of our Admissions Team. Register Here

Please note these events are for parents/guardians only, not students. What to Expect at our Coffee & Tour: When you register for an Admissions Coffee & Tour, you will receive an email with a recording of our Open House that you can watch ahead of time at your convenience. Then, you can join us on campus for a small-group tour and Q&A session with a member of our Admissions Team. Register Here

Please note these events are for parents/guardians only, not students. What to Expect at our Coffee & Tour: When you register for an Admissions Coffee & Tour, you will receive an email with a recording of our Open House that you can watch ahead of time at your convenience. Then, you can join us on campus for a small-group tour and Q&A session with a member of our Admissions Team. Register Here

Primary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5) This event is for families considering the advantages of a premier private education in Chicago. Join us to learn about our international school, meet academic and administrative staff, and tour our facilities. 8:30–9 AM — Arrival and Sign In 9 AM – 10 AM School Tour 10 AM – 11 AM — Parent, Staff and Student Panel Register here

One of the best ways to learn more about ICSJ School is to visit us in person and experience a day in the life of a Dolphin. We invite prospective families to attend an in-person or virtual tour this fall. Additionally, a live virtual Q&A will be offered to allow prospective parents the opportunity to ask questions of current ICSJ families. Please note, that in-person tours are adult-only events. Group tours will begin at the North Park Campus (1431 N North Park Avenue) and end at the Hill Street Campus (363 W Hill Street). In addition to attending an in-person or zoom tour, we invite all prospective families to join us virtually on December 7 for a live Q&A with current ICSJ parents. Private in-person or virtual tours may also be scheduled at your convenience. To schedule a private tour, please submit the inquiry form below or contact the ICSJ Admissions Director, Corey Jacobson, at cjacobson@icsjschool.org. Please register for an in-person tour, a virtual tour, and/or the virtual parent panel using the link below: Register

One of the best ways to learn more about ICSJ School is to visit us in person and experience a day in the life of a Dolphin. We invite prospective families to attend an in-person or virtual tour this fall. Additionally, a live virtual Q&A will be offered to allow prospective parents the opportunity to ask questions of current ICSJ families. Please note, that in-person tours are adult-only events. Group tours will begin at the North Park Campus (1431 N North Park Avenue) and end at the Hill Street Campus (363 W Hill Street). In addition to attending an in-person or zoom tour, we invite all prospective families to join us virtually on December 7 for a live Q&A with current ICSJ parents. Private in-person or virtual tours may also be scheduled at your convenience. To schedule a private tour, please submit the inquiry form below or contact the ICSJ Admissions Director, Corey Jacobson, at cjacobson@icsjschool.org. Please register for an in-person tour, a virtual tour, and/or the virtual parent panel using the link below: Register

Join St. Benedict Preparatory School at our open house: Grades K-7 Open House for the 2023-2024 school year. Meet the teachers and explore the school! See how St Benedict's century-long tradition of superior education in a vibrant Catholic community can influence your child to become an inspiration to others, to learn fearlessly, to lead responsibly, and to serve joyfully. No RSVP required. Street Parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jgallagher@stbenedict.com.

NPN's Annual Preschool and Elementary School Fair is back and in person! Mark your calendars for September 24, 2022. Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! Parents can chat with reps from dozens of public and private Chicago preschools and elementary schools, including those that support diverse learners. Parents will also have the opportunity to attend informative breakout sessions about Chicago schools. Walk-ins are welcome! Children are welcome! Check in by 10:30 to be entered into the free raffle to win one of 10 raffle prizes with a total value of over $1,000! ➤ List of participating schools Sessions 9:00 - 9:45am CPS Universal Free Pre-K, What you Need to Know Chicago's Universal Pre-K initiative (free preschool for 4-year-olds) is now being offered to all Chicago families this fall 2022. Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a presentation that walks you through the Pre-K application and admissions process. 11:30 - 12:00pm Early Childhood Educational Philosophies and Mental Health Bennett Day School, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park and Lycée Français de Chicago discuss the importance of a strong mental health foundation in early childhood. Our panelists will discuss how early childhood programs build foundational skills that help young children navigate challenges and manage their feelings. 12:15 - 1:15pm CPS 101 What is a magnet school? What is your tier and why does it matter? Come to the school fair to get all of these questions answered and more! In this CPS 101 information session, Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a presentation that walks you through the elementary school application and admissions process. MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, September 24, 9am--1pm Where: UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago Who: FREE for NPN members ($20 donation recommended) > $20 non-members >> Or join NPN now for $35 using promo code school22 and access the school fair, and everything NPN has to offer, for free! << For new members only. Does not apply to membership reactivation. Registration required for entry Interested in exhibiting or advertising opportunities? Find out more HERE. Questions? Email Events Manager Elizabeth Gourio at egourio@npnparents.org. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. NPN is a 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on the support of our members, partners, supporters, and sponsors to bring exceptional programming like this to parents. We would like to thank our Preschool & Elementary School sponsors for their support. Thank you to our sponsors

Have you noticed a regression in your child—behaviorally, developmentally or socially—since the start of the pandemic? You're far from alone. Join NPN for a webinar on how to detect and manage COVID regression, whether you have a child with special needs or a typically developing child in the crucial development years of 2–5. In this discussion, you will hear from behavioral specialists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists about the typical signs that your child may be experiencing developmental regression due to the pandemic. You will also learn about the strategies professionals are using, services that are available, and what activities you can do in the home to combat COVID-19 regression. Our esteemed panel consists of: Dr. Shay McManus, Neuropsychologist, Eyas Landing, Dr. Chrisna M. Perry, PhD, Founder & Director, Comprehensive Learning Services, Lorell Marin, Founder, CEO & Therapist, LEEP Forward, Nicole Cissell, Clinical Director, BGF Children's Therapy, and Jason Wetherbee, Director of Clinical Services & Program Development, EB Pediatric Resources We appreciate our Supporting sponsors, Comprehensive Learning Services and LEEP Forward A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Eyas Landing

Have you noticed a regression in your child—behaviorally, developmentally or socially—since the start of the pandemic? You're far from alone. Join NPN for a webinar on how to detect and manage COVID regression, whether you have a child with special needs or a typically developing child in the crucial development years of 2–5. In this discussion, you will hear from behavioral specialists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists about the typical signs that your child may be experiencing developmental regression due to the pandemic. You will also learn about the strategies professionals are using, services that are available, and what activities you can do in the home to combat COVID-19 regression. Our esteemed panel consists of: Dr. Shay McManus, Neuropsychologist, Eyas Landing Dr. Chrisna M. Perry, PhD, Founder & Director, Comprehensive Learning Services Lorell Marin, Founder, CEO & Therapist, LEEP Forward Nicole Cissell, Clinical Director, BGF Children's Therapy Jason Wetherbee, Director of Clinical Services & Program Development, EB Pediatric Resources Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Eyas Landing Thank you to our Supporting Sponsors, Comprehensive Learning Services and LEEP Forward By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsors.

Getting through elementary school is not always easy, but when families, teachers, administration, and staff work together, the educational experience can be amazing for everyone. In this session we explore the benefits of sticking with your school even when the experience isn't perfect, and how to positively impact your child’s school and school experience. We will also discuss typical school challenges that arise during the elementary years and give you tips on how to manage them. In this discussion we learn: -The benefits of sticking with your school -How to positively impact your child's school and school experience -Typical challenges that arise in elementary school and how to find resolutions Thank you to our panelists, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, Bennett Day School, Lake Forest Country Day School, and St. Josaphat School. A special thank you to our presenting sponsor: British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park