In the latest sign that our Proviso Township public high schools are decisively reorienting from the distractions of petty political drama and self-dealings to focusing on our students, the district is expanding two important partnerships with Triton College.

The District 209 school board, at its most recent meeting, unanimously approved staff recommendations that more funding be allocated to grow the dual degree program and the dual enrollment program. Dual degree funding will grow in the next school year to cover 42 students, up from 28. This program actually allows Proviso students to work toward their associate degrees at the community college during their junior and senior years of high school. They attend classes at the River Grove campus.

Also being boosted is the dual enrollment program, which has grown to 99 students this school year. These are Proviso students who are studying for careers at Triton while attending a Proviso school. The solid, decently paying careers where training is offered include nursing, HVAC, physical therapy, criminal justice and welding.

Thanks to Supt. Krish Mohip for his leadership and his staff building these opportunities for Proviso Township students to advance their careers.

Things we like

As America approaches a holiday season infused with tension and division in this small town, we are always looking for actions that reaffirm virtues of generosity and kindness. In Forest Park, you don’t need to look far.

Today’s Review covers two simple wonders of community.

A month ago, the shelves of the food pantry at the Community Center were literally bare. President Donald Trump’s choice to not pay out SNAP food benefits, rising food costs, and what some call “food insecurity” and we call hunger, was showing up in high demand at the community center.

The word went out, and the small-but-mighty Forest Park Kiwanis Club got to work. It scheduled a food drive for Nov. 15 with volunteers picking up food off of front porches across town and a batch of local businesses setting up donation locations.

Last Saturday, the food rolled into the food pantry. The pictures tell the story of a community embracing its neighbors. The shelves are packed, the mood is elevated, and people will eat.

Also, we have a story about Forest Park’s third year of leading the state’s veterans affairs department effort to turn out personal letters to Illinois vets. Operation Rising Spirits is depending on Forest Park, as last year our 795 letters made up more than half of all the letters from across the state.

The Historical Society, District 91 elementary schools, Scout Troop 107, seniors at the library, and Little Teeth Big Smiles on Harlem are all joining in the effort. Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin leads the effort.

Do you want to join in? There is a letter-writing party on Dec. 4 at Jimmy’s Place on Madison. 4 to 6 p.m.