EDGEBROOK — Two groups designed to give Edgebrook Elementary School students a boost will merge, Principal Chad Weiden said Wednesday.
The Edgebrook Elementary School Parent Teacher Association and Edgebrook School Foundation will merge into a single organization to be known as Edgebrook School Friends, Weiden said in a letter to parents.
That group will spearhead efforts to raise money for the school at 6525 N. Hiawatha Ave. and organize special events, including the annual Spring Fling, Field Day and Walk-A-Thon, Weiden said.
Plans are in the works for a back-to-school picnic Sept. 2 to introduce the new group to parents and community members, Weiden said.
Unlike other Far Northwest Side schools forced to cut programs and lay off teachers, Edgebrook Elementary School will be largely unaffected by the budget crisis.
The school's enrollment of 510 students is projected to be unchanged from the 2013-14 school year, according to Chicago Public Schools officials.
However, the school's budget will drop by approximately $38,000, forcing the school to eliminate one of two instructional support positions, which is designed to provide "remediation and enrichment services" to students.
Weiden said the staff — assisted by a grant from the New Leaders organization — will work to bridge the "minor gap" created by the budget cut.
Starting in September, Edgebrook Elementary will partner with North Branch Arts to provide more art instruction, and re-introduce drama classes to the curriculum, because of financial contributions from parent groups, Weiden said.
Students will also be able to take Spanish and Mandarin classes after school for an additional cost, Weiden said.
Last year, the school purchased enough iPads and Chrome Books for every classroom, Weiden said.
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