OPRF Students Push For Grade Lenience + Rush Honors Nurses

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest! Here's your five-minute guide to what's new in the area.

In today’s Daily, OPRF High School students push for a “no fail” grading policy after a pandemic-altered school year, the Oak Park Village Board sets goals for its new term and local museums offer a special look inside their exhibits.

First, today’s weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. Temps: High of 84, low of 68.

Patch Pick: Rush Oak Park Hospital recognized its nursing staff with a special ceremony in honor of National Nurses Week. The hospital acknowledged their dedication to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency department nurse Alison Cersley told Pioneer Press that her department continues to take on more than 125 emergencies per day, including both COVID-19 cases and issues unrelated to the virus. (Oak Leaves)

Here are the top five stories in Oak Park today:

1. Oak Park River and Forest High School students are asking the school district to implement a “no-fail policy” due to pandemic challenges. Black and Latinx students say increased violence in their communities plus remote learning has impacted their ability to perform well in classes. The school board met with the group Tuesday and is considering their request, with promises to further discussions about equitable learning. (ABC7)

2. The Village Board met this week to discuss goals for its new term. Stacey Sheridan reports that new Village President Vicki Scaman urged “reasonable expectations and an eye on the budget” at the May 17 meeting. Trustees organized their goals in five categories: sustainability, racial equity, community safety, affordability, and infrastructure. (Wednesday Journal)

3. A walk-through COVID-19 vaccine clinic is planned May 22 at the OPRF High School Field House. The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be available for individuals 12 and older; the second dose will be given at the same location June 12. Appointments can be scheduled through the Village website. (Village of Oak Park)

4. Dominican University has announced its new president. Glena Temple was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees and will take office Aug. 2. The current president of Viterbo University said the River Forest school’s mission “spoke to my heart and strengthened my desire to be a part of this amazing university.” Temple succeeds Donna M. Carroll, who has served as DU president since 1994. (Dominican University)

5. The Fenwick High School girls lacrosse team is 5-3 after back-to-back defeats by Lane Tech and St. Ignatius. But after a cancelled 2020 season, Coach Tracy Bonaccorsi said “it’s been awesome” to get back on the field. “We’ve been waiting a long time to get together and play with each other,” she said of the Friars, who next face Trinity May 23 at home. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park:

• Oak Park River Forest Museum will give a free 30-minute glimpse of its collection in the virtual event “Inside OPRF Museum.” (11 a.m.)
• Play drive-in bingo at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School to help raise funds for Bravo Performing Arts Academy. (6 p.m. or 8 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Running Club welcomes new members to its weekly Thursday fun run. (6 p.m.)
• Chef Tara Humphrey of Global Peel will cook and teach recipes from Senegalese cuisine at Cheney Mansion Kitchen as part of the park district’s Cooking Around the World series. (6:30 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library is partnering with local school districts to host a virtual discussion about the Asian-American experience. (7 p.m.)
• “Spring Into Tidy” with a Marie Kondo-inspired de-cluttering webinar presented by River Forest Library and River Forest Township. (7 p.m.)
• The Oak Park Art League and Arbor West Neighbors are moderating a free virtual discussion with local activists featured in their current exhibit. ( 7 p.m.)
• Tony Ocean will perform live music at Salerno’s. (7 p.m.)
• OPRF High School choral students host their spring concert. (7 p.m.)
• Chicago comics return to the stage in Oak Park Brewing Company’s weekly comedy club event. (8 p.m.)

It's a busy day in Oak Park and River Forest! See you right back here tomorrow for more. Feel free to email me with feedback or thoughts on the Daily at georgi.presecky@patch.com.

-Georgi