Friday Event Will Showcase Student Talent, Help Keep Students Enrolled in Enrichment Courses

To raise awareness of the enriching activities at York High School and help mitigate the cost of curricular and extracurricular opportunities, York Student Enrichment Team will hold a community “fun”-raiser showcasing student work from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 22, at Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect Ave.

The event will feature a performance by  and Julie Peterson.

“A perfect storm of state funding cuts, a difficult economy and rising school fees is putting student participation in our instrumental and choral music programs, our industrial technology and art classes, and our after school activities at risk,” Principal Diana Smith said. “This event is designed to make our community aware of what could be lost and shine a light on these tremendously diverse opportunities.”

The summer showcase will include artwork, photography, music and athletics, all presented by York students. Some items will be available through silent auction. Attendees will have a chance to browse, listen and view student work, as well as hear from students how important these activities are in ensuring a complete high school experience. 

“Going to school at York means I can get more than just my graduation requirements,” said Joe Kleinhans, a York senior leader.  “High school opens up your view of the world by allowing students to try new things, experiment with a career path, and unleash creative energy. Without these 'extras,' my York experience just wouldn’t be the same.”

Many Elmhurst families have been severely impacted by the recession, causing some families to make tough choices. 

“To be perfectly honest, I thought twice about enrolling in some activities this year,” said Elizabeth Dierksheide, a parent of four District 205 students. “But, while our family will find a way to account for rising fees, not everyone can. We’re lucky to have two parents working in this difficult economy."

Through a months-long process known as the Elmhurst Educational Program Review Technique (EEPRT), school and community stakeholders helped District 205 trim a net $3 million from its 2011-12 budget in order to avoid deficit spending. These cuts were on top of more than $2 million trimmed the year before. The District also implemented higher fees for athletics at the high school level (maximum family limit remains the same), as well as new fees for before- and after-school activity buses, and lab fees for classes requiring consumable supplies.

YSET will direct donations to families in need. Nancy Ruprecht, a member of the YSET Steering Committee, said the group’s fund-raising target is $250,000, with an initial goal of $100,000 by the beginning of the 2011-12 school year.  

“District 205, like so many school districts, has suffered from the economic downtown and the state’s cuts," Ruprecht said.
We’re looking to the community to step in until we can find a financial solution for ensuring that every student has the opportunity to enroll in these electives and after-school programs."    

Tickets for the event are $50 per person and are available by contacting Janet Cavanaugh at janetmcav@yahoo.com or at the door the night of the event. Tax deductible donations can also be directed to YSET via the Elmhurst District 205 Foundation, either by check or online at http://www.elmhurst205.org/foundation under Community Partnerships.

If you know of or are a family experiencing financial hardship, contact YSET by e-mailing accessyork@elmhurst205.org or call (630) 617-2404.  Any financial requests will be confidentially screened and verified by school personnel who already handle these types of situations (social workers and counselors). General reports tracking donations and overall grant dollars will be made to the District 205 Foundation in order to assure accountability.