Big Shoulders Fund "Bold Plans, Big Dreams" Map Assembly

Fifth grade student representatives from 76 Catholic schools in Chicago will converge at St. Barbara's Elementary School as a culmination of a yearlong project.

Each school has been assigned a distinct Chicago neighborhod, along with a set of penpal schools within that neighborhood to help research and visit. Each school's fifth grade class has been generating a final project - including a report and an mixed-media map of the historic neighborhood - that will be an inspiration to all who view it. In the process of working towards the final goal, students and families have learned much about the city and its region; have learned to envision what might be realized in their own lifetimes; and have celebrated the family of inner -city Catholic schools that contribute to the city.

On this day a large map of each neighborhood will be brought together in one location for the first time. This artistic mixed media map will form a paper tapestry of the total city, capturing not only the historical importance of Catholic education, and in particular the Big Shoulders Fund Schools, but of Catholic education in general. The tapestry map will also reflect the neighborhood changes envisioned by the students. Since it will be prepared in large but portable units, it can be showcased in various venues throughout the city.

For more photos of the evnt go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigshouldersfund/?saved=1