Introduction to the Problem
ROGERS PARK — A nonprofit supporting a Rogers Park elementary school is raising money to upgrade its auditorium’s aging sound system.
About Friends of Kilmer
Friends of Kilmer is made up of parents and community members dedicated to supporting Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, 6700 N. Greenview Ave. The group’s latest fundraising campaign is to upgrade the school auditorium’s outdated sound system, said Jeremy Carlsen, a parent and Friends of Kilmer member. It has raised nearly $3,500 of its $7,000 goal.
The Current State of the Sound System
Carlsen said the sound quality “was so, so bad” at recent school movie nights held for families in the auditorium. “The speakers kept cutting out, the sound would jump at various intervals and it was just very inconsistent,” he said. The auditorium is also where all-school assemblies, plays and other performances are held. Carlsen, who said he has some knowledge about music and sound systems, discovered that the system was in rough shape with spliced wires and old speakers. “There’s a cassette tape player in this system, which gives you an idea of how old it is,” he said.
Planned Upgrades
The money raised from the fundraiser will cover the costs of new speakers, wiring, a mixer, an amp, microphones, music stands and possibly the installation of speakers on the auditorium wall if the district approves, Carlsen said. “I’m really excited,” he said. “I think it’s just going to be so much better to highlight and showcase all the stuff that these kids are working on. I mean, that’s really the goal, wanting to get these kids’ voices heard — literally.”
About Joyce Kilmer Elementary School
The school has a diverse student body of about 800 students, Carlsen said. A majority of students receive free lunch, and many of them are English Language Learners or have Individualized Education Programs, he said. Carlsen said the Friends of Kilmer group has been active for about two years after having been dormant for several years.
Past Successes of Friends of Kilmer
Last year, Friends of Kilmer raised money for Teachers Appreciation Week, which included buying a new fridge for the teacher’s lounge and serving a hot breakfast to school staff. “The response to that was overwhelmingly positive,” Carlsen said. “We’ve got a really wonderful community.”
Getting Involved
For those interested in supporting the cause, consider donating to the Friends of Kilmer fundraiser. Every contribution counts towards providing a better sound system for the students of Joyce Kilmer Elementary School.
Conclusion
The effort to replace the failing sound system at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School’s auditorium is a step towards enhancing the educational and performance experience for its students. With the support of the community, Friends of Kilmer aims to achieve its goal and provide a state-of-the-art sound system that will benefit the school for years to come.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current goal of the Friends of Kilmer fundraiser?
A: The current goal is to raise $7,000 to upgrade the school auditorium’s outdated sound system. - Q: How much has been raised so far?
A: Nearly $3,500 has been raised towards the $7,000 goal. - Q: What will the fundraiser cover?
A: The fundraiser will cover the costs of new speakers, wiring, a mixer, an amp, microphones, music stands, and possibly the installation of speakers on the auditorium wall. - Q: How can I support the cause?
A: Consider donating to the Friends of Kilmer fundraiser to support the replacement of the sound system. - Q: What is the significance of upgrading the sound system?
A: Upgrading the sound system will enhance the educational and performance experience for the students, allowing them to have better quality assemblies, plays, and other performances.
