Honorary Resolution for Karen A. Bryar
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that the members of this chamber learned of the honorable retirement of Karen A. Bryar on January 19, 2018; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been notified of her admirable career by the Honorable Michael Zalewski, Alderman of the 23rd, Ward; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar is retiring from more than forty-one years of service and leadership with Chicago Public Schools. The last eleven years were spent as Principal of Blair Early Childhood Center, a school that celebrates the differences in special education; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Chicago State University, a Master's Degree from both Illinois State University and St. Xavier University and completed Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Executive Education Program; and
WHEREAS, She is licensed as a director of special education, a speech language pathologist, an educator of elementary and early childhood educations, and more; and
WHEREAS, In a blended classroom, all special education students are encouraged to embrace their differences, whether those differences stem from autism, blindness, or hearing impairment; and
WHEREAS, To enhance professional and educational development, Ms. Bryar created and implemented an in-school "new teacher" mentor program. The program paired new teachers with seasoned professionals in order to maximize best learning environment practices as well as teaching skills; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar implemented an Instructional Leadership Team meant to lead grade level meetings to analyze student data and research professional and student development for the entire school; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar enhanced the Blair community bond through the organization and hosting of annual Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas programs, and field days. Each of the events included fundraising opportunities to support the families attending the Blair School; and
WHEREAS, To further develop well-rounded students, Ms. Bryar ensured the presence of music, dance, and gardening instruction in the Arts Program; and
WHEREAS, The Blair School grew more involved in the surrounding Chicago community due to Ms. Bryar's hard work. She coordinated events to raise money for the police, the homeless, and Lurie's Children's Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar raised over $1,000,000 in funds and goods to expand technology, create and build playgrounds, design a student mural and improve the educational quality of the Blair School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar's accomplishments reflect her dedication to education. According to Ms. Bryar, her mission is "to serve, educate and transform the lives of all of our students empowering them to become life-long learners and productive members of society;" and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar's forty-one years of service will not go unnoticed or unappreciated, as her light is felt in all of her students; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar will enjoy her well-deserved retirement by visiting her son, Chris and her granddaughter, Sierra, in Seattle, Washington; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Public Schools are blessed and honored to have Ms. Bryar as a valued member of the community; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-eighth day of February, 2018, do hereby express our pride and gratitude for the career of Karen A. Bryar and extend to her our sincere congratulations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Karen A. Bryar as a token of our respect.
MICHAEL ZALEWSKI Alderman, 23rd Ward
U3~I0 All.
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