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Save Old Town School 11/20 Newsletter  

November 20, 2018

Hello Save Old Town School Community!

It has been almost one month since the School declared that they plan to sell the historic 909 W. Armitage, an action that our community believes is a symptom of a much larger problem. 

Over the past four weeks, our community has expressed dismay and anger about the sudden announcement. We were further saddened to hear about the "voluntary separation" agreements sent last week to School staff members, and continue to not feel heard by the decision-makers at OTS.

However, we have been incredibly inspired by the continued messages of passionate support for our beloved institution. There are lots of ways you can help -- starting, this week, with a letter-writing campaign to members of the School's board of Directors.  Read on to learn more about what you can do to Save Old Town School. 


Sincerely, 
Save Old Town School

saveoldtownschool@gmail.com

P.S. Keep an eye out for our announcements about a #WhatOTSMeans video campaign and also a Save Old Town School Community Forum!
Jump to:

11/19 Letter to Bau, Kish, and the Board of Directors
Save Old Town School Calls for a Public Response to the Proposed Sale and Voluntary Severance Letters
                        

Action Item - Letters to the Board!

Hello Save Old Town School supporters!

 In the past four weeks, many of you have expressed dismay and anger about the sudden announcement of the plan to sell the historic 909 W. Armitage building. Here’s an important way you can help right now.


The directors of the Old Town School board are the ones that truly hold the future of the Armitage building— and of the entire school — in their hands. We want to ensure that each of the board members has an opportunity to hear every voice of the community on this issue.

That’s why we’re asking for your help!


How?
We want YOU to send us a copy of your letters so we can compile them and make SURE they get in front of the people who need to see them!

  • If you’ve already written a letter, we ask that you forward a copy of your letter to us at: MyLetterSOTS@gmail.com
  • If you haven’t already sent a letter to the Board, now is the time to!
    • We invite you to write a letter addressed to Mr. Graves, Mr. Khemani, and/or the Old Town School Board of Directors and e-mail it to us at MyLetterSOTS@gmail.com
    • Follow the link for a template and ideas on what to say!
Make sure to send your letter to us by Tuesday, November 27th so we can forward them before the next board meeting on November 29th. We at Save Old Town School can’t wait to start receiving your letters!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

#WhatOTSMeans Video Campaign
We're not sure the Board of Directors really understands why OTS is so special, so we want to make sure they get a chance to hear our stories!

Next week we will be launching a video campaign full of your #whatotsmeans testimonials. 
 
If you have a particularly moving story about how the school has changed your life, or if you want to help us film at the school next week, we want to talk to you! Please email us at volunteersots@gmail.com with the subject line #whatotsmeans video
Other Ways to Help

WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you have some time to spare, our Community Outreach team will guide you on specific tasks. Some items we currently need help with are listed below, but let us know if there's something else you'd rather do.

If you want to help, please email volunteersots@gmail.com
  • Helping with our #WhatOTSMeans video testimonials campaign
  • Handing out flyers at OTS locations 
  • Contacting alumni, donors, and notable artists
    • PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY CONNECTIONS!
  • Bringing flyers to local businesses
  • Connecting with Board members
    • PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY CONNECTIONS!
  • Researching details for revenue plans (to increase enrollment and improve building utilization) - these will be presented to the Board
  • Reaching out to community organizations (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society)
Thank you so much for your time and help!
Save Old Town School in the News

We've rounded up news stories and coverage about the proposed sale of 909 W. Armitage. Some recent stories:

November 20th
  • Block Club Chicago
    Old Town School Of Folk Music Says Buyout Offers Have Nothing To Do With Sale Of Armitage Avenue Building
November 16th
  • Chicago Tribune
    Commentary: The 'magic' at Old Town School's Armitage building
  • 14 East
    ‘At the Old Town School up on Armitage Street’: Remembering 50 years of music in one building
For all news stories, visit our site.
ICYMI... 11/10 rally at 909 W. Armitage

ABC 7 Eyewitness News
Sale of Old Town School of Folk Music building sparks controversy
Chicago Tribune
Students, teachers, supporters rally at Old Town School location in Lincoln Park to decry planned closure






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Save the Old Town School · 515 Elmwood Ave · Evanston, IL 60202-2813 · USA

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