News Briefs: Children’s book drive; Caucus volunteers sought; Glencoe Under the Stars details; Superintendent honored

A book drive benefitting low-income Chicago schools is underway through May 15 at three Winnetka dropoff locations: the Winnetka Library, 768 Oak St.; Hubbard Woods School, 1110 W. Chatfield Road; and Bratschi Plumbing, 801 Oak St.

Leading the effort are residents Lowey Bundy Sichol and her son, Tucker Sichol, who are requesting gently used or new books meant for children in grades K-8 (no board books or baby books).

The donated books will support school libraries in Title I schools on Chicago’s South Side.

Glencoe Caucus looking for help

The Glencoe Caucus is seeking volunteers to help nominating candidates for the local Village and School boards.

Members of the Village and School Board nominating committees help recruit, interview and vet candidates for elected positions in the community, including the Glencoe Village Board, Glencoe Park Board, Glencoe Library Board, Glencoe District 35 Board of Education, and New Trier High School Board of Education.

Volunteers serve two- or four-year terms on the committees.

The deadline to apply to join the caucus is Monday, April 27. Interested parties can apply online. For more information, email glencoecaucusSBNC@gmail.com or glencoecaucusVNC@gmail.com.

Glencoe Under the Stars fundraiser on May 8

Local nonprofit Family Service of Glencoe will host its annual benefit, Glencoe Under the Stars, on Friday, May 8, at Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park.

Family Service of Glencoe, which provides social and mental health services, recently opened the Kiki Farley Counseling Center, which increases the organization’s capacity to provide high-quality, affordable therapy and support.

Proceeds from Glencoe Under the Stars will support counseling, crisis response, senior services, youth outreach, and expanded therapeutic programs at the Kiki Farley Counseling Center.

“Mental health and social services are often delivered quietly and behind the scenes,” said Amber Bond, executive director of Family Service of Glencoe, in a press release. “Glencoe Under the Stars shines a light on the essential work happening in our community and the generosity that makes it possible.”

The event will feature dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a program highlighting the impact of FSG’s work. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and donation information are available online.

School leader awarded for service to Latino community

Niles Township High School District 219 Superintendent Tom Moore received the 2026 Modelo de la Comunidad Award on April 14 at the College Board’s Prepárate Conference, according to a release from the district.

The award is presented annually to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy and service in advancing education and well-being for the Latino community.

Since 2022, Moore has served as superintendent of D219, which operates Niles North and West high schools and is one of the most diverse school districts in the state. In D219 schools, more than 70 languages are represented and 17% of the student population identifies as Latino, the district says.

Under Moore’s leadership, D219 has eliminated fees for Advanced Placement programs, “removing a key barrier and driving meaningful outcomes for more students to engage in rigorous coursework,” according to the release.

D219 also continues to see increases in Advanced Placement participation across all demographics. The district says the number of students graduating with college credit in 2026 will be an district record.

“Tom has been a steadfast champion for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Luis Narváez Gete, vice vhancellor of the City College of Chicago. “His leadership reflects a clear and unwavering belief that access and opportunity must be intentionally built within our educational systems.”

Moore said that he accepts the Modelo award on behalf of educators that came before him and the people he works with everyday to serve students, representing “this comunidad that has welcomed me and influenced me, and taught me.”

Moore’s belief in students has served as his motivating philosophy over the span of his career, the release says.

“If we clear paths for them and we show them how to clear that path, they’ll soon start clearing paths for themselves,” Moore said in a statement. “Everybody in this comunidad must work together for our kids. They deserve it.”

The Prepárate Conference brings together hundreds of educators and advocates focused on strengthening and increasing opportunities for Latino students. For more information, visit the College Board website.

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