Band program blooming at East Prairie

Joining the school band doesn’t always top the list of the most popular extracurricular activities, but at East Prairie School in Skokie, nearly half of the 300 fourth- through eighth-grade students play an instrument in the school’s band program, which has seen a 50 percent increase during the past decade.

Dist. 67 hires Lincolnwood native, Dist. 65 employee as superintendent

After the last two superintendents of Golf Elementary District 67 resigned, citing the long drive from their homes, the school board Thursday appointed a Lincolnwood resident to the post.

Beth Sagett-Flores will replace Jamie Reilly, the outgoing superintendent who served for the past three years. …

Skokie District 73.5 candidates speak out

Only one of the half-dozen candidates participating in last week’s District 73.5 forum will not be elected April 9. Five candidates vying for four open seats with four-year terms on the board were joined by one candidate running uncontested for a two-year term.

Meyer School kids dance to aid others in Skokie

They hit the dance floor with their parents, their brothers and sisters, their friends and even their teachers, many of them hoofing away for a few hours.

Meyer School’s third annual “mini dance marathon,” which seems to have gained the momentum of a tango dance …

Niles West picks new principal

Familiar faces will take on new roles at District 219 next school year, beginning with Jason Ness’ promotion to principal of Niles West High School. The Board of Education approved Ness’ transfer from assistant principal of student services, as well as the hire of other …

Contested races, new faces mark Skokie school elections next spring

SKOKIE For those who have grown tired of uncontested races with incumbents seeking re-election, the April 9 election may be a breath of fresh air. Not only is the village’s Caucus Party facing a rare election season with a highly contested race for trustee seats, …

Survey: Community satisfied with District 68

SKOKIE School District 68 has released results of a comprehensive survey of faculty, parents and students measuring their “perceptions” of the largest elementary school district in Skokie. Some of the topic questions were exclusive to the three stakeholder groups while others were universal and applied …

Students gain memorable lesson in going homeless

One very cold night can equal the education of a lifetime. Nearly 30 Oakton Community College students proved that point when they went homeless the night of Nov. 27, building and living in their own cardboard shanties on the Des Plaines campus.

‘Freddie the Frog’ leaps onto Niles West stage

SKOKIE — Young children wrapped up in the musical adventures of a frog and his over-sized elephant friend may not realize by listening they’re actually building life skills.

District 68 sets $24 million tax levy

SKOKIE — School District 68 has set its proposed 2012-13 tax levy at $24 million not including the bond and interest fund, a 4 percent hike over last year’s levy.