Tag: schools

Rep. Hirschauer Brings Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Local Schools

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Brings Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Local Schools

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, in partnership with state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, and state Rep. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, is inviting residents to experience the Mobile Museum of Tolerance. The museum will visit Hawk Hollow Elementary School, Sunnydale Elementary School and Kenyon Woods Middle School from Sept. 6-9.

“As we experience a rise in hate crimes nationwide, teaching our children to respect and celebrate people of different races, religions and cultures is now more important than ever,” Hirschauer said. “Education plays a key role in promoting tolerance and civility, and I am so excited to bring this outstanding educational opportunity to our community.”

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is an initiative of the Simon Wiesenthal Center aimed at empowering people to stand against racism, antisemitism and all forms of hate. The museum uses technology and interactive lessons to spread the message of tolerance and promote human dignity.

“We are all responsible for creating a community where everyone is welcomed and respected,” Hirschauer said.  “I invite everyone to visit and learn from the Mobile Museum of Tolerance so we can create a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

Members of the public can visit the museum at Hawk Hollow Elementary on Sept. 6 from 2:30-4 p.m. at 235 Jacaranda Dr. in Bartlett or at Sunnydale Elementary on Sept. 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 716 Sunnydale Blvd. in Streamwood. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s office at office@repmaura49.com or 331-465-9661.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Rep. Hirschauer Highlights Back to School Sales Tax Holiday on School Supplies

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Highlights Back to School Sales Tax Holiday on School Supplies

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting the upcoming back to school sales tax holiday on school supplies and certain school-related items that will take place August 5-14. During that period, sales tax for school supplies and qualifying clothing and footwear will be cut.

“As a parent, I know back to school shopping can be expensive, especially as families deal with the impact of inflation,” Hirschauer said. “This sales tax holiday will save families money during these challenging times so that their children are adequately prepared for the upcoming school year.”

Hirschauer passed the sales tax holiday as a part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan, which also includes savings on gas and groceries. Qualifying items include school supplies, such as notebooks, backpacks, calculators, crayons, pencils and more. Footwear and clothing items that retail for less than $125 per item qualify for the sales tax holiday as well.

“When children have the school supplies they need, they can fully focus on participating in class and get the most out of their academic experience,” said Hirschauer. “I urge families to plan ahead and take advantage of the savings during the sales tax holiday this August to support their students this school year.”

For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s office at office@repmaura49.com.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer-Backed Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure education in Illinois reflects the diversity of the state, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored a new state law that requires Asian American history to be added to the school curriculum.

“This historic measure will make Illinois the first state in the country to require Asian American history to be taught in schools,” said Hirschauer. “We are in an unfortunate time when people of Asian descent are facing discrimination solely based on their ethnicity. This bill will not only work to combat discrimination against Asian Americans, but also ensure that people of every background in Illinois are recognized for their contributions in national and world history.” 

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 376, also known as the Teaching Equitable Asian American History Act, was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker after receiving strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, all public elementary and high school students will be required to complete a unit on Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in the Midwest and Illinois.

“Asian American history is American history,” said Hirschauer. “This legislation will not only better educate our youth, but also give Asian American students the chance to see their culture represented in the classroom. I am happy to see this much-needed legislation signed into law.”

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Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer-Backed Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Bill Would Help Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Access State Services

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Would Help Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Access State Services

 

Parents of students with special needs would receive additional information about state programs for which their child may be eligible

under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.  

“Many teachers and school staff already do a wonderful job of connecting special needs families with resources to help their child inside and outside the classroom, but this should be uniform across all school districts,” said Hirschauer. “Registering with the PUNS database is the first step families can take to receive developmental disability services, so it’s important that they know it exists and how to sign up.”

Hirschauer introduced House Bill 290, which requires school districts to notify parents of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) that their child may be eligible to receive services by registering with Illinois’ PUNS database. PUNS stands for Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services and is a statewide database from which individuals are selected for services as funding becomes available. Under Hirschauer’s bill, families would receive a copy of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ ‘Understanding PUNS’ guide during their initial meeting with school officials to develop a student’s IEP and once a year after that. The guide is also available for download at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4313.pdf.
 
“While not every student with an IEP will be eligible for state services, it’s still beneficial for them to understand the PUNS enrollment process in case their needs change over time,” said Hirschauer. “I am hopeful that my legislation will help more families access critical services and supports both now and in the future.”

Hirschauer passed House Bill 290 out of the House, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

“I am hopeful that my legislation will help more families access critical services and supports both now and in the future.”

 

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Hirschauer Bill Takes Trauma-Informed Approach to School Shooter Drills

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Takes Trauma-Informed Approach to School Shooter Drills

 

Students and school personnel would receive advance notice of planned active shooter drills

under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, aimed at preventing psychological impacts from these training simulations.

“It’s scary and heartbreaking that our reality necessitates preparing teachers and young children for how to respond if an attacker barges into their classroom with a gun,” said Hirschauer. “While there’s a need for law enforcement to train for real emergencies that we all hope never occur, drills that are overly realistic can be extremely traumatizing for children. My bill keeps the well-being of students and staff at the heart of school lockdown drills by taking a trauma-informed approach to these situations.”

Hirschauer, a longtime volunteer with Moms Demand Action, is sponsoring House Bill 2400 to address how lockdown drills affect children. The measure specifies that school shooter drills must be age and developmentally appropriate, include school-based mental health professionals and be announced in advance, with an option for parents and guardians to exempt their child from participating. Under current state law, schools and law enforcement agencies are required to conduct a lockdown drill within the first 90 days of the school year.

“We must continue to do everything in our power to protect students from the physical threat of school shootings, but we can’t jeopardize their mental health in the process,” said Hirschauer. “I am committed to removing the harmful impacts of active shooter drills and making sure they’re conducted in a more effective way.”

“We must continue to do everything in our power to protect students from the physical threat of school shootings, but we can’t jeopardize their mental health in the process”

Image of HB2400 Factsheet

HB2400 – School Law Enforcement Drills FactSheet

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