{"id":19424,"date":"2025-04-26T12:29:45","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T17:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/?p=19424"},"modified":"2025-04-26T12:29:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T17:29:45","slug":"rogers-park-elementary-school-seeks-new-sound-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/04\/26\/rogers-park-elementary-school-seeks-new-sound-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Rogers Park Elementary School Seeks New Sound System"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Problem<\/h2>\n

ROGERS PARK \u2014 A nonprofit supporting a Rogers Park elementary school is raising money to upgrade its auditorium\u2019s aging sound system.<\/p>\n

About Friends of Kilmer<\/h2>\n

Friends of Kilmer is made up of parents and community members dedicated to supporting Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, 6700 N. Greenview Ave. The group\u2019s latest fundraising campaign is to upgrade the school auditorium\u2019s outdated sound system, said Jeremy Carlsen, a parent and Friends of Kilmer member. It has raised nearly $3,500 of its $7,000 goal.<\/p>\n

The Current State of the Sound System<\/h2>\n

Carlsen said the sound quality \u201cwas so, so bad\u201d at recent school movie nights held for families in the auditorium. \u201cThe speakers kept cutting out, the sound would jump at various intervals and it was just very inconsistent,\u201d 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. \u201cThere\u2019s a cassette tape player in this system, which gives you an idea of how old it is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Planned Upgrades<\/h2>\n

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. \u201cI\u2019m really excited,\u201d he said. \u201cI think it\u2019s just going to be so much better to highlight and showcase all the stuff that these kids are working on. I mean, that\u2019s really the goal, wanting to get these kids\u2019 voices heard \u2014 literally.\u201d<\/p>\n

About Joyce Kilmer Elementary School<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Past Successes of Friends of Kilmer<\/h2>\n

Last year, Friends of Kilmer raised money for Teachers Appreciation Week, which included buying a new fridge for the teacher\u2019s lounge and serving a hot breakfast to school staff. \u201cThe response to that was overwhelmingly positive,\u201d Carlsen said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a really wonderful community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting Involved<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n