VISION STATEMENT
The vision of Shoesmith School is to actively involve all stakeholders in every aspect of the educational process focusing on: Reading, Mathematics, Science and continuous learning in a safe, child centered nurturing environment.
MISSION STATEMENT
Shoesmith School commits to involving all stakeholders members of the wider community as partners in an on-going process;up to our motto of ” Excellence Without Excuses“
Providing quality instructional programs for all students to ensure that they become responsible, independent, lifelong learners
- Infusing technology throughout the curriculum
- Increasing parental involvement
- Connecting with community organizations and educational institutions of higher learning, and engaging staff in continuous professional development
- Holding high expectations for all students
Shoesmith Elementary: Our School
Beulah Shoesmith Elementary School was designated on December 1, 1961 to honor a popular and dedicated teacher who enriched the lives of her students in the Hyde Park area. The school continues in that tradition and continues to enrich the lives of students not only within the Hyde Park and Kenwood communities, but to those who attend from many Chicago neighborhoods throughout the South Side.
Shoesmith Elementary is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural school, serving a student body of approximately 400 Kindergarten through sixth-graders. Shoesmith Elementary demonstrates a commitment to its students, embracing a population that is both economically and academically diverse.
Shoesmith is a member of the Hyde Park Cluster Initiative with an Options for Knowledge program that focuses on math and science throughout the instructional program. The school’s infrastructure was upgraded in 2000 allowing for the integration of technology through the instructional program and underwent a massive capital improvement during the 2003-2004 school year.
Shoesmith uses a constructionist model of instruction that provides for differentiation within small, flexible groups, well-equipped classroom libraries, Junior Great Books, and Accelerated Reading. Students are also enriched through the Everyday Math Program, FOSS, and Windows on Science and Museum Partners..
Because Shoesmith Elementary is located, and primarily serves, the Hyde Park/Kenwood communities, it is in close proximity to many of Chicago’s most treasured institutions, Such as The Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The DuSable Museum of African-American History, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Adler Planetarium and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. In addition, Shoesmith Elementary is footsteps away from The renown University of Chicago.
Opportunities for learning and enrichment do not end with the last bell of the day. We offer opportunities for students to engage in governance through our Student Council and community projects through the National Junior Beta Program. Our students take advantage of many programs, which include: After School Counts, Chicago Park District Recreational Program, The Girls On the Run Track Program, The Tuition Based After School Program, The Debate Club and St. Paul and the Redeemer Kids (S.P.A.R.K.). Shoesmith also provides for 2 basketball teams (girls and boys), a softball team, a Math club, the Spanish club, Cheerleader and Pom Pom Squads.
As an additional benefit of our location, the University of Chicago and Kenwood High School Brotherhood Academy Club students provide tutoring for our children. Shoesmith also enjoys substantial community support through its partners, St. Paul and the Redeemer, First Baptist Church, University of Chicago and Merit Music. Shoesmith has an active PTA and Title 1 Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Together with the Local School Council, our parents work in concert with the school, planning and providing assistance with upcoming events, school issues, and developing our school improvement plan.
Shoesmith faculty and staff, continuing to strive for excellence, are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and academically enriching environment for our students and their families.