Mr. T Address 7th & 8th Grade

Today representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Police Department and Mr. T stopped into the auditorium to speak with the 7th and 8th grade student's about making the right decisions in life.

Mr. T, who is a Chicago native, spoke about how he overcame the same obstacles many in the audience face and went on to have a successful acting career. Mr. T reflected on his childhood and how he overcame the pressure to join a gang and  how he did not want to disappoint his mother. Mr. T explained that while the gang life appears fun and easy at first, it leads to a life in jail with no friends.

The session lasted over an hour with each student receiving a key chain with famous lines from Mr. T's career such as, "I pity the fool." Mr. T took pictures, recited old rap lyrics, signed autographs and enjoyed a question and answer session from the students. At the end of the session a member of the FBI asked the audience what they learned from the speech, the audience responded enthusiastically, "stay away from gangs."

     

Spelling Bee Honors Achievement

The past two days  two representatives from each classroom have been participating in the First Annual James Hedges Spelling Bee. Today, the middle school is completing their portion of the process with challenge words such as contrivance, provincial and caricature. The event is following the format of the Scripps National Spelling Bee with a grade level teacher as proctor and guest judges from the faculty. A big round of applause is needed for the grade level winners and participants who have showed exceptional achievement in the classroom. Also,  a big thanks to the Literacy Committee for putting this new event together.

Student Council Pushing Snacks

With no lunch in the cafeteria because of report card pick up, the student council is offering snacks today at a bargain price. The money collected from soda, chips, and candy bars will help alleviate some of the cost of the upcoming Washington trip. We hope the parents are not as shy as the seller hiding behind the big chip bag.

Report Card Pick Up Day

Report card pick up is taking place in all Chicago Public Schools today. Parents are encouraged to meet with their students teachers and discuss their child's first quarter progress. As you can see, the 3rd floor of James Hedges has a strong early turnout.

School Book Fair Underway

The school book fair has begun in the library. The book fair lasts until November 19, 2013. The library will be open after school everyday until 3:30 if any parent would like to purchase new novels for their children.  

Flag Football Gets Ready For The Season

The poor weather this week has not stopped the middle school boys flag football team from getting in practice. The team has been practicing twice a week under Coach Vega in order to get ready for the upcoming season at McKinely Park. We expect big things from this bunch after a successful playoff run last season.

Food Drive To Help Feed Those In Need

The return of the Thanksgiving Food Drive is an effort to provide families in the immediate vicinity of James Hedges Fine & Performing Arts with needed food items. Throughout November, the Student Council asks each student to bring in canned food items that will be collected each Friday by a classroom representative. Prizes will be awarded to the homeroom with the most food donated. The student council is working with the school Case Manager Mr. Knight on this endeavor and hopes that its return can make an impact on needy families in the community.

Students Help Raise Over $500

The James Hedges Student Council successfully completed two fundraisers this past week.

On October 30, 2013 the members hosted a haunted house for the primary grade students and charged a $1 admission fee. The event raised $100 dollars for the 8^th grade trip to Washington D.C. planned for later this school year.

On he following day, the annual Halloween dance for the middle grade students was held. The dance raised close to $400 and was attended by over 100 students

Both events show that this year’s Council group is working hard to assist in sending everyone off to Washington D.C. at a minimal cost. 

Student Council To Host A Haunted House

James Hedges Student Council Haunted House

When: October 30, 2013

3:00 – 4:00

Where: School Auditorium

Who: Grades K-4

Cost: $1 for entry

All proceeds will be used to help send the 8^th grade to Washington D.C.

Soccer Team Off To Great Start

The James Hedges Soccer team has started the year off to a solid 3-1 start under coaches Mr. Airey and Mr. Vega. This photo was taken last week after a 6-3 comeback win against Phillip Armour School. The 7th and 8th grade team will begin the playoffs in the coming weeks and hope to bring home a championship.

Student Council Welcomes You

Welcome to the James Hedges Student Council page. This blog will be used to update and educate parents, students and teachers about what exciting activities will be taking place in the school.