History Isn’t Just Something That’s Studied; It’s Made

MS: Last Thursday six students from The Catherine Cook School joined hundreds of other junior historians from around the state of Illinois to compete in the Illinois State History Expo in Springfield, Illinois. Each student submitted a Chicago-related project under the National History Day theme Innovation in History: Impact and Change.


Seventh grader Brigid Freed competed with her Individual Historical Exhibit titled Schwinn Bicycle Innovations. She explored the impact of the bicycle, specifically Schwinn and Co., on Chicago and society at large. Seventh grader Blue Stevenson completed her Individual Historical Exhibit on The Ferris Wheel: The World’s Greatest Ride. During her research, Blue made her own impact on the history of the Ferris Wheel by proposing a marker be placed at the site of the original Ferris Wheel. The Univertisty of Chicago was excited about the idea, and pointed her to the Chicago Park District, who owns and manages that space. While there are formal proceedures and costs associated with placing a marker, the Chicago Park District likes the idea and has provided information on next steps. Sometimes History Fair isn’t just about investigating history, it’s about making it!


Three of our eighth grade students also received special recognition at the State Expo, earning ribbons for superior level projects:

• Davey Keegan Barry for his Individual Documentary The History and Innovations of the Chicago Transit Authority.

• Nour Hatoum for his Individual Historical Exhibit Open Heart Surgery: A Revolution in Medicine

• Brett Jacobson for his Individual Historical Exhibit The Reversal of the Chicago River


Only two projects in each of the History Day project categories qualify to continue to the National History Day competition in June at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. In the category of individual documentary, Lane Lubell is one of only two Junior Division documentaries to advance to the National History Fair with his film: The History & Legacy of the Chicago Blue. Congratulations, Lane!


History Fair is a year-long project for all 6th through 8th graders. The success of these six students has inspired the middle school community to continue to persevere in pursuit of excellent work.

Lane advances to National History Competition

For a person that walks everywhere I go, I have to say Wednesday was a very long day and night of driving. We left Southfield, Michigan after a beautiful and touching event honoring Shirley.  By the time we got on the road, it was a Little after 3:00pm. We had planed to go home to Chicago that evening, then get back on the road to Springfield early that morning, but the more we looked at the logistics, the less that plan appeared to make sense. That left us with no real choice other than to go straight to Springfield, and a Midnight arrival.

We got up, got to the convention site (It had all the feel of a fencing tournament only without the fencing) O.K. call me a Tech Snob; but I expected them to have a smart Board, or at least spring for a 42" monitor. But no, just one 16" laptop (Windows XP).

Any of these kinds of tournaments, if nothing else teach you Patience. There is an awful amount of waiting. That said, the judges seems nice and in good spirits, as did the other kids there for the event. It was clear they had all put in the time, and all deserved to be proud of their work.

I think I might have been less bothered by the waiting if any one of the 16 Pop machines worked- no such luck.

We did finally get to go out to lunch with the other Catherine Cook families. I have said this before, but Lane is so lucky to be surrounded by these kids. They are so supportive of each other. I must admit It will be difficult not to be in the constant company of this group.

After several hours of waiting, we found that Lane was one of 4 that made it to a Run-off stage. Of that 4, two would go to represent Illinois in the national event.

The awards ceremony, while less than 45 minutes, seemed to drag on for hours. Of course the category of Individual Documentary was last. Lane was pacing like a caged tiger on crack. But the very last award, very last name was a poorly pronounced "Lane Lubell"

Lane advances to National History fair competition in Washington DC.

I was very proud of him, Ilene was excited, but I think his history teacher "David Harris" was the most excited. With that kind of support coming form his teachers, it's little wonder Lane is doing well.

Lane Lubell, spearheading Catherine Cook “Acts of Green” Phone Project.

Students and Staff Caught Green-Handed

ALL: As shared previously, Director of Facilities Bob Riccardino and Learning Support Teacher Anne Russell championed “Acts of Green” and “Get Caught Green-Handed” efforts in conjunction with Earth Day, which was last Thursday.

Efforts were embraced throughout the school, which made an immediate impact and we continue to “Get Caught Green-Handed” doing “Acts of Green” in our classroom, in our school and in our homes.

Mr. Beights reported in the school assembly today that the school has collectively completed over 800 “Acts of Green” in conjunction with Earth Day. He explained that if we continue at this level, we could reach over 20,000 in one year.

One way to get us to that number is to participate in a project 8th grader Lane Lubell is spearheading. In our assembly today, Lane explained that there are precious metals like gold, silver, and even platinum inside cell phones. Through proper recycling, these precious metals can be harvested, and even more importantly, the mercury in cell phones can be disposed of properly.


While this project won’t officially launch for another week, we’re encouraged to set-aside old cell phones for future collection, as we have the opportunity through this project to compete for $5,000.

More details will be provided as the project nears its launch date.
Thank you, Lane!
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Lane Moving on to State History Fair Competition

Why do I not remember History Fair Competitions when I was in 8th grade? I do remember science Fair, if I recall correctly I entered that most years, but History fair does not ring a bell.
Of course even entering the Science Fair, I had no concept of "Citywide" or "Statewide" events. I had no clue that there was anything beyond the event at my own school. I'm not sure if that was because this is a "New" Concept, or that the school I went to just did not chose participate. Of course there is another explanation; maybe the quality of my work did not warrant further steps, and my school was being kind to keep me in the dark.

Well these competitions do exist and Lane's documentry was selected first by school to move on to the citywide event, where a team of judges decided that it should move forward yet again this time to an event in Springfield.
His documentry was on the history of the Chicago blues. ( I would post it on YouTube but Google's new software now catches any Copy written music.) Even though "Common -Use" laws I believe do allow for children to use recorded music in their school projects. (I will happily give 100% of all of the non-existing earnings to the artists)
It is hard to get a sense in this shot, but there were a large amount of people it this event.

Lane is being joined by Nour, Davey, Brett, Brigid and Blu; other 7th and 8th Graders from Catherine Cook School.
The competition is on May 6th.
http://www.chicagohistoryfair.org/
Click on congratulations winners and then junior metro Chicago then documentaries.
http://www.catherinecookschool.org/page.cfm?p=12&newsid=250
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While taking the 911 out for the first time this year, Lane and I found a new Korean market.

Look at the fear in Lane's eyes. It is clear he's not eating that

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place when the weather is nice. Ours has been all over the place. Warm one day, 30 degrees colder the next.

Visited Teddy Kirsch at Univ. of Michigan.

Back in Michigan for the Jewish Holiday, unfortunately Shirley was not yet out of the hospital. I am glad to say she is now back home.

Looks Like it's Latin

Monday morning we went for a tour of Northside College Prep.
We arrived to find two police cars and a "Paddy wagon" double parked by the entrance of school, all the same we parked our car and walked through the door and to the front desk.

The truth is the the director of admissions could not have been nicer. There were two other children, each with a parent, also on our tour. He walked us through the school, which was bright, clean and open. While they did not have much of the technology that is present at Lane's current school; they seemed to have all the basics. At separate times, we bumped into the two girls we knew attended Northside, they both ran up and gave us hugs.

We spent time speaking with the principle, who seemed quite competent and who answered questions openly. Among the questions were ones concerning the One Billion dollar short fall facing the CPS, and the resulting cut-backs. She was clearly unhappy that they were being forced to cut out all second year sports, particularly considering that she understood it was just the first of many shoes to drop.

The bottom line was Ilene and I both felt that this was a viable choice for Lane. Neither of us had any question that the school was a safe place, filled with smart kids. We did say that we were going to let Lane pick.... and I know as soon as Lane heard that the average class size was between 28 - 31 kids, his decision was made.

While I would have loved not to have the pressure of having to write those large checks; I do believe Latin will be the right spot for him.

To his credit, Lane was very concerned about the cost, and said he totally understands if we don't want to spend the money. We said it's OK, but understand there will be times when some of the kids in your class might be planning to fly off to Zurich for Spring skiing, and your going to have to tell them "Sorry, but my dad's Gulf Stream is in the shop." "Maybe Next Year."

Well, at least the process is complete.

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High School Letters

I would Love to tell you about the calm, C'est La Vie attitude with which I approached this whole High School application process. About how I always knew it would all work out, that Lane would have a choice of fine options. The only problem is, for me to sate that would be a complete lie.
Forget about discussions over whether I viewed the glass as half empty or half full, I got to the point I was worried, what if the glass is poisoned. My Mom and Dad both had a hard time understanding my panic, especially since Lane was still in Kindergarten at the time.
"Don't you think your a bit premature in your worry," he said ,comforting me while reminding me that Lane was only starting his second week of SK.

Ilene managed to remain a bit more up-beat. To put this into "Homeland Security terms" she was a code YELLOW to my code RED.

As the years went by my pending sense of "DOOM" would range in volume from a constant dull hum, to the roar of a Harley "Fully-opened" on an otherwise quite night.

Time was on our side, but only in-so-much as the fact that I could tell myself that we have years before we have to face it head on; not that time was reducing the inevitable battle. To put it another way, we had years before Lane had to face the Dragon, but battle it he must, and the dragon was not getting any weaker while waiting.

Seventh grade was spent with me constantly apologising to Lane that we had put him in a situation where near perfection was the required minimum. I never had that pressure when I was in school; I did feel bad that he had that demand placed on his middle school years.

In addition to a school year that "REQUIRED" all "A"s , Lane had his Bar Mitzvah, and Fencing five days per week. One day he came home and told me he wanted to teach an elective class at school. I told him "I didn't know kids were allowed to teach classes to other Middle-school students." He said "Well not yet, but I made up a lesson plan and then I'm going to present it to the head of Middle School and the head of school, and see if I can persuade them to let me be the first. I can't remember the exact words of support I uttered but it went something like " Have you lost your Fu@k!#g Mind'? "This is 7th grade, don't you have enough on your plate already?

But, to his credit, he ignored me, and added teaching to schedule.

Somehow he pulled it off.......

He managed to jump-through the very center of each and every flaming hoop in his path. As a result, 7th grade concluded with Lane having a "Point-Total" that kept even the most competitive schools on the list of possibilities. At the same time it focused the need to continue down the path that could not entertain the idea of a single flaw. Like a person walking a Tight-Rope 100 feet off the ground - it doesn't help to make it "Almost across."

The first 3 months of eighth grade was basically one unending set of tests.

The Catholic School test, The Selective Enrollment test, The International Baccalaureate (IB) test, The Independent schools test (ISSE) and the National Merit Scholarship Test. The idea was to cast the largest possible net, so as to achieve at least one acceptance.

When he was not taking one of these tests, he was either "Shadowing" at some school, or we were all touring some open house, attending some event. Each of which required carefully crafted letters thanking "_______" for the opportunity to visit their school. I can state with absolute certainty, that I devoted more time writing the some total of these letters; than I spent on all the writing assignments I completed in all four year of high school.

If you have not gone through this process with your child, it is difficult to grasp the emotional marathon. The simple truth is that the lion's-share of Chicago public schools fall far below the threshold of "Possible choices." That results in somewhere around 20,000 + students competing for approximately 200 spots at Payton and 250 Spots at Northside, and I think somewhere in the vicinity of 400 at Young.

While the numbers are frightening, at least you understand the process, and have a numerical guide - a target.

The private schools have all the transparency of joining the Skull and Bones Society. As a result it is only natural to make some effort to fit into what you perceive to be that school's ideal candidate. This left me second-guessing each wardrobe choice, and, yes, actually standing in front of a mirror asking the burning question- " Should I tuck my shirt in, or leave it out."

If your a Black male, with straight "A"s, and test scores in the top 2%, and have parents that are able to write "Large-Checks" over and above the $28,000/year tuition - I have to assume your acceptance letter is in the mail.

Other than that, it's a mystery!

On February 16th Ilene flew out to Detroit to be with her mom while she was in the hospital suffering from a reaction from a new medication. Two days later, Lane and I drove out to be there as well. ( I am so happy to report that she is feeling better).

Friday February 18th was the day that the Private school letters we all sent. That meant that when we arrived back home Sunday night results would be waiting in the mail box. Starting Saturday morning, the first of the Facebook postings started to appear. Lane was busy congratulating friends that got into schools that he new were their first or second choice. This time of year is a social minefield- your happy to see friends get into places they want to attend, you feel bad for those that you know are disappointed. Clearly there was a part of me that wanted to get home as soon as possible to check the mail; while I also must admit that the idea of getting in the car and just continuing to drive till we reached a small town in Utah where we could Begin "New Lives" with out ever looking back, and more importantly; without ever opening those envelopes.

It was about 7:30 that night when we pulled into the garage, the 30 foot walk from there to the back door felt like it took hours. The envelopes were spread-out and Lane opened them up one at a time, with a care that almost felt like how they were opened would somehow effect their content.

Yes, to my surprise Lane did get into Latin,

No, to my surprise Lane did NOT get into Northshore Country Day.

I was pretty sure it would have been the opposite.
I still think Lane is a "Perfect fit" for North Shore. But OK. I'm fine with the way it turned out. You have no idea how hard it is to get Lane up and out of the house by 8:00, the idea of him making a 6:45 train is hard to imagine.
I keep a spray bottle of water in his room- spraying him in the face is about the only way to get him up in the morning.

We first applied to Latin when Lane was 5 years old. After being "Wait-listed" for JK, again for SK, again for third grade, we had the YES we had been waiting to hear. The Contract signed, the first $1,000 check attached, just $119,000.00 more to go. Ilene ready to personally deliver the envelope.

Based on his test scores- we were not surprised that he was accepted into the I.B.

I was almost hoping that he did not get into Northside Prep. so I would feel better
about paying for Latin - but he did.

This brings us to today - Torn !

Latin is a beautiful building, at the idea location, 2 1/2 miles from home, a mile from my work.If he forgot something at home, we could "Cover" After school, he could walk to my office, the building, literally looks out at my parents building.

Class sizes range from a high of 15 to as few as 5.

We know if we email a teacher at 1:00- they will write back by 3:00 that same day. It would be impossible for Lane to fall-through-the-cracks. He will go there with some of his friends, including one of his best friends.

Their list of former students is quite impressive.

Check out Project Week Catalog 2010 I would LOVE to be able to go here!

Even though this has a reputation as a very academically challenging school;

We KNOW Lane will be successful here. Cost $28,000 +

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OR..... Northside Prep

Top 100 high schools in Illinois
In 2010 Northside was rated #37 in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report

#1 High School in Illinois

With an Average ACT Score of 28.5

http://www.usnews.com/listings/high-schools/illinois/northside_college_preparatory_high_school

The location an hour round trip. A Public school with 20+ kids per class. (20 very smart, over-achieving Kids).

The school is likely the best public school in the Midwest.

They have a Laptop program the school is about 12 years old.

Lane will only know two people, both girls, Very nice girls, but both years older.

My fear is that I'm throwing Lane into a "Pressure- Cooker).

Cost = $0

I try to tell my self I'm being "Nice" to Lane by letting him pick - Truth is I'm reluctant to make the decision.

We are going to tour Northshore this week.... It is impossible not view it as a real option.

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Lane's YouTube Channel Also The Home of "Lance Justice"
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