Join the staff and students of one of Chicago's oldest elementary schools,
Walter L. Newberry Academy for Math and Science, celebrate its 150th
birthday TODAY Thursday, September 18 with music, dancing and cake,
beginning at 11 am!

Founded in 1858, Newberry School was the 11th elementary school in the
young city, and was named for Walter L. Newberry, real estate investor,
banker and commission merchant, who donated the land at the corner of
Willow and Orchard Streets, the same site the school sits on today.

Newberry School has been providing quality education to young Chicagoans
since before the Civil War! When Newberry School opened Chicago was much
smaller than it is today. In 1858 Chicago's city limits were Fullerton
Avenue to the north, Western Avenue to the west, Ridgely Place (now 31st
Street) to the south, and the lake to the east. Newberry School was one of
only a few to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and was used as a
shelter and hospital for those made homeless by the fire. Notable alumni of
Newberry include Charles Wacker, namesake of Wacker Drive and Chairman of
the Chicago Plan Commission, champion of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago
of 1909.

Festivities begin Thursday, September 18 in the playground at the corner
of Willow and Burling Streets at 11am sharp with opening remarks from Arne
Duncan, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and other dignitaries. The entire
school body will be on the playground for a school-wide photo shoot,
dancing, singing, and of course, birthday cake. Other events will take
place throughout the year.

Please join us to celebrate this milestone in one of Chicago’s finest
elementary schools as we embark on our next 150 years!