May 2021 We've made it to May! And with every May comes a familiar feeling - summer is right around the corner, school is wrapping up, and we are getting ready to celebrate our newest group of Alumni, the Class of 2021. While the school year is coming to a close, we have a lot of fun and new experiences brewing for our Alumni!
As always, if you are doing something great this summer, let us know! We would love to feature you on our social media or in future newsletters.
We hope you have an amazing summer! Jessica Majors 8th Grade Humanities Teacher
How many years have you been teaching at Catherine Cook? 16 years!
Are you a coach or facilitator? I have been involved in We Act and Global Issues Network.
Do you have a favorite assembly? I love any assemblies that are student-created and student-led.
What is your favorite Catherine Cook tradition? I think the Dr. King Assembly is my favorite; it is meaningful, beautiful, an important service to the community, and is a turning point for 8th Graders to take ownership of their roles as leaders in the school.
What is your best Catherine Cook memory? I have so many joyful memories with my teacher-friends and students. Recess times relaxing in my room with students playing RPGs; soft start time on the bean bags getting organized for the day; work time with GIN problem solving groups; the little group that would huddle on the floor of the Middle School Office during recess; Darst Center experiences with 8th Graders; groups solving "World Peace" in 6th Grade.
What is your favorite room/space in the building? My old classroom on the 3rd Floor with all the bean bags and natural light.
Words of advice/encouragement for Alumni? Stay true to yourself and embrace your capacity for change and growth. Also, it's never too late to reach out to an old teacher or professor to say hi. Kennedy Fuller '20 Kennedy is a freshman at Latin School of Chicago. She has been dancing for 12 years and is on the Senior Competition III Team at All About Dance. She has won first place twice this year for her solo and the Honored Dancer nominee scholarship.
Daniel Levy '18 Daniel is a junior at Lane Tech and has been asked to lead the photography club at Lane Tech next year! Daniel is an avid photographer, having taken apprenticeships through After School Matters and recently completed a course on astrophotography through the Rocky Mountain School of Photography.
On top of being an avid photographer, he has grown a passion for sports analytics, having completed programs at University of Chicago and Syracuse University. He was even featured on the Sox Machine podcast
Dear Alumni and Families,
As we look to the end of a unique school year, I am grateful to be able to add my congratulations to our soon-to-be newest Cook Alumni, the Class of 2021!
Keep in mind that your story, wherever it leads to next, is always a Cook story, too. Whatever this summer and next fall brings your way, your experiences and learnings are important to me. I want to hear about how you further explore diversity, equity, and inclusion in your communities and life. Should you want a conversation to share either about your ongoing efforts or to reflect upon your Cook experiences, you can reach me at mmaegawa@ccookschool.org. Likewise, we hope to continue making sure you are updated and included in all of our DEI efforts here at school. I hope to be a part of the Cook family that helps keep you connected as well as supports your ongoing growth.
Motoko L. Maegawa Teacher Chat with Mike Kruse On Tuesday, May 11, the Catherine Cook Alumni Association held it's first Teacher Chat with Mike Kruse. Our alumni came together for an informal Zoom to talk about life after Cook, what's on their horizons, and to have an intimate conversation with Mr. Kruse. The Alumni Association is hoping to hold more of these in the future. Please save the date for our next Teacher Chat with Coach Kris Haines on Tuesday, June 8, at 4:00 p.m. RSVP Here! History Fair Update This year, Catherine Cook had 11 students advance from Chicago Metro History Fair to Illinois History Day. Please join us in congratulating the following students who advanced to the final round during the Illinois History Day competition: Jack Lyons, Caspian Pirtle, Lillian Pollack, Robyn Tantleff, Stella Wise, and Maddy Young. We would also like to congratulate Caspian Pirtle for advancing to National History Day to represent Team Illinois in June. Class of 2021 Graduation Video If you have any words of wisdom or greetings you would like to share with Class of 2021, we would love to hear them for a video we are putting together to be shown on Graduation Day, June 4. Please submit all videos and photos to Laura Pollack by Monday, May 17. |