I’m Amelia, your newsletter editor, here to provide you with a weekly line to all things The North Star and news. We’ll keep you updated about what’s going on in Naperville North, the local area and break down the big stories of the week.
Here are this week's local stories:
First, the principal of Jones College Preparatory School in Chicago has been suspended
The principal of Jones College Preparatory in Chicago has been suspended after a student dressed in a German soldier's uniform during the school’s Halloween costume contest. The outrage stems from the costume being interpreted as a Nazi Party solider.
Videos and photos of the student quickly made rounds across social media platforms. A student protest was organized to address the mishandling of racial and ethnic discrimination on Nov. 7. Senior Isis Gullette notes that the student population “instantly felt disturbed by what we saw.”
In a email addressed to Jones’ staff, Principal Joseph Power writes that the student’s costume was of an 1980s East German guard and that other students claimed that the student’s costume was Nazi related.
Parents and students have been quick to criticize the handling of the incident as this isn’t the first time Powers hasn’t addressed community complaints. Earlier this year, he was not fired despite the efforts of the local school council after complaints alleged that Powers failed to foster a safe school environment for students and staff of color as well as transgender and gender non-conforming students.
According to Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Powers has been removed from his duties until the investigation into his actions is concluded. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez says, “there must be accountability when harm occurs.”
Next, the city of Naperville Launches “Embrace Naperville” Initiative
Earlier last week, Naperville City Officials announced the upcoming launch of the “Embrace Naperville” initiative. This initiative is one of several recent efforts that plan to modernize Infrastructure and account for sustainability and Public safety in Naperville.
The initiative aims to foster inclusion within the community, with plans for the first roundtable discussion to take place on Nov. 10.
The discussion will include national and local figures, such as Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot from Chicago and the Naperville Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion manager Dr. Geneace Williams.
After meeting with residents and organizations, building relationships- without which this work would not be possible - and putting together a plan for the next year, I am excited for the work to unfold. I am grateful to all who helped us get to this place. DEI is not my work - it is our work. Together we are making Naperville an even stronger community.” Williams commented.
Weekend Update: Your one-stop guide to a great weekend
See the holiday light display “Winter Wonderland” on Water Street in Downtown Naperville this weekend. Enjoy the music and take advantage of the photo ops while you’re there.
Looking to get into the holiday spirit early? Look no further than Downtown Naperville as they will have over 300,000 lights lit up throughout the night.
Want to get your holiday shopping done? Come visit Downtown Naperville this weekend for early holiday sales and to support local businesses!
In NNHS news
Spotlight: Hot Brockets
Naperville North is home to a variety of unique clubs, classes, students and teachers. Polaris will be featuring one of the activities, individuals or events that make up North’s unique community. This week: The Hot Brockets.
The Hot Brockets is the instrumental band that plays for the Show Choirs of Naperville North: High Heeled Harmony and Entourage. The band is composed of 19 instrumentalists which include four trombones, three trumpets, six saxophones and six distinct percussion instruments. The Hot Brockets is an audition-based group that provides students with the opportunity to play other genres of music than the typical classical music in curricular band. Zachary Taylor, the Hot Brockets director and a band teacher here at North, describes the unique sound of the band.
“It’s like a rock or jazz band kind of all merged together. And then they provide the music for the show choir,” Taylor said.
The Hot Brockets play a mix of all types of music ranging from Adele to Journey. This is what makes this group special - they aren't necessarily playing the same thing every day. Senior Sarah Sanek explains why the Brockets are unique from other bands.
“You can play [anything] from Britney Spears, all the way to Journey, all the way to Michael Jackson. And just being able of have that freedom with the different types of music is really fun,” Sanek said.
The high level and versatile music style isn’t the only draw for students. The Hot Brockets provides a close-knit environment. Show choir travels for competitions in February, allowing students to do what they love while growing closer with like-minded individuals. Senior and Co-combo Captain Nate Gonzalez describes why being a part of the band is about more than just the music.
“Traveling, in my opinion, is the most fun part… two hour bus rides with one of the best people I know, playing music on the bus with a JBL speaker,” Gonzalez said.
You can catch the Hot Brockets, Entourage and High Heeled Harmony at the Winter Choral Concert in the NPAC on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Here's what's going on nationally:
On Tuesday, polls closed across America as voters elected 36 governors, 35 senators, and 435 members of the House.
Neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate have been called at this hour. Republicans made gains in the House and Democrats have flipped one Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
Democratic Governor JB Pritzker won reelection in Illinois, along with US Senator Tammy Duckworth, defeating Republican opponents Darren Bailey and Kathy Salvi, respectively.
Democrats retained their majority in the Illinois State Senate and in the State House.
Naperville area Congressman Bill Foster also won his race for reelection against Catalina Lauf. Lauren Underwood, who represents parts of DuPage County, defeated Republican Scott Gryder.
In Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, a Democrat, defeated TV star Mehmet Oz, flipping a previously Republican-held seat for the Democrats. As of 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Senate races in Nevada and Arizona are too close to call.
A close Senate contest in Georgia, between incumbent Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, and Herschel Walker, a Republican, will advance to a runoff election in December.
This week's Polaris was written by Ian, Kayla, Will, and Ryan
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