OAK LAWN, IL – The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn has taken the steps to formalize an Educational Advisory Board that will help to guide families through the educational benefits of each Museum exhibit.
 
Every Museum exhibit has been designed with the state’s educational standards at their core. However, this Board will take that educational aspect a step further – the members will inspect each of CMOL’s exhibits, identify which standards are met and create supplementary materials for guests.
 
This new Educational Advisory Board is comprised of 7 volunteers – all educators from Dorn Elementary School in Hickory Hills, Il. Eileen McCaffrey, Dorn Elementary principal, is spearheading this project.
 
“We want to create handouts that list the activities for parents to do with their children to supplement those learning standards,” McCaffrey explains. Educational standards will also be posted at each exhibit.
 
“The volunteer Educational Advisory Board is an essential component of the Museum’s mission to positively impact a child’s potential in life through play-based education,” explains Adam Woodworth, executive director of the Museum. “This team will play an integral role in creating a bridge to learning that actively involves the parents in the play-based learning process.”
 
The Board expects to have this project completed by mid-June. 

Marge Joy, one of this year’s Soaring Spirit honorees, has been with the Museum since its inception. She joined the first board of directors and thus began an unforgettable relationship with CMOL.

Not only does Marge still sit on the Museum’s board, but she also helps out with special events such as the Princess Ball and Casino Night. When she’s not volunteering her efforts to the Museum, she’s playing! Marge often brings her own grandchildren to the Museum for a day of play.

Because Marge is one of the few people that has been with the Museum since its beginning, the organization holds a dear place in her heart.

“It’s a dream come true,” Marge explains. “It’s amazing to be a part of something that started from nothing. [The Museum] has gone above and beyond what may of us expected.”

To Marge, one of the most rewarding parts of her position at the Museum is seeing the happiness of the community’s children. She also believes the people she’s met along the way have truly benefitted her life.

“The people who run the Museum day by day teach me things every time I see them,” Marge says. “I’ve learned so much! Learning is a lifetime experience. It just doesn’t end when we’re done with school.”

On Wednesday night, Marge will be honored at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner with the Museum’s prestigious Soaring Spirit award.  

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Marge and thank her for everything she has done for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn!