Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy

Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy is a public secondary school which is part of the Chicago Public School system. It is a selective enrollment, university-preparatory high school in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The school, originally named Lindblom Technical High School is named for Robert Lindblom, a nineteenth century Swedish–born trader on the Chicago Board of Trade. On June 9, 2010 the Chicago City Council approved the designation of the Lindblom Building as a Chicago landmark by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.^[4]

The building

Lindblom Technical High School was completed in 1919 and was designed by architect Arthur Hussander.^[5] Lindblom was designed in a Beaux-Arts style and has a neo-classical façade with Roman columns. Within the building is a 2,000 seat auditorium (with two balconies), two gymnasiums, a large study hall/ballroom on the third floor with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and large skylights, a swimming pool, and a greenhouse.

The "Seven Pillars" The seven pillars that are prominent in the façade of the school have been assigned meanings condensed from the 144 "Rules of Conduct" written by the class of 2009 on August 30, 2009. This was established in order to remind students what is expected from them by attending Lindblom. The seven pillars represent the following seven statements:

1. We will set realistic goals and will "begin with the end in mind" (7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Sean Covey).We will keep track of our progress and seek help as soon as it is needed. We will be determined to stay focused until our goals are achieved.
2. We will come to school on time and be prepared for all class and colloquia.
3. When involved in group projects, each will do his /her part and will speak audibly and effectively to enhance peer understanding.
4. We will help others who struggle and will be respectful of their needs. We will be positive, considerate, and open-minded as we interact with staff and students.
5. We will believe in ourselves and each other.
6. We will take an initiative and responsibility for a clean campus environment.
7. We will pursue success with a positive attitude and with a willingness to help and encourage others.

In 2003, Lindblom underwent a two-year, $42 million renovation. BauerLatoza Studio was hired by Chicago Public Schools to develop the entire project, that consisted of modernized forms of architecture, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. BauerLatoza Studio had also designed brand new computer and science labs throughout the building.^[6] The grand reopening was held by the Lindblom Alumni Association and the Board of Education on October 14, 2005. The occasion featured alumna Cheryl Burton, as the mistress of ceremonies.

The school reopened in the fall of 2005 as Lindblom Math & Science Academy welcoming its first class of freshmen along with the final class of Lindblom College Prep High School graduating in spring of 2006.

In December, 2008, Lindblom received preliminary landmark status from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks ^[7]. In June 2010, the Chicago City Council's Landmarks Committee approved the designation of the school as a city landmark, citing “distinctive and exceptional example” of the Beaux Arts Style of architecture “with its monumental classical façade, light-colored masonry and symmetry.”^[8]

Partnership with Baxter International

In October, 2008 Lindblom became partners with Baxter International as part of their SCIENCE@WORK initiative.^[9]

The objective of the Baxter Initiative is twofold. First, Baxter is provided support for Lindblom's biotechnology courses. The second was the creation of the teacher professional development program, the Biotechnology Center of Excellence. Teachers from other Chicago high schools can attend professional development at Lindblom in order to create their own biotechnology programs. The initiative also provides support for Chicago's Renaissance 2010 program and the Illinois Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Instructional Development System.^[10]

Schedule

Lindblom Math & Science Academy is on a block schedule. Students have four classes per day:Three that last 100 minutes; one that lasts 50, and one 50 minute lunch period. This allows us to focus on depth over breadth. 100-minute classes meet two days a week and 50 minute classes meet four. The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, where students can earn college credit after the completion of the course and an AP exam at the end of the school year.

Student life

Activities

The Lindblom Debate Team competes in the Chicago Debate League at both the high school and middle school levels.

Athletics

Lindblom features a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, water polo, volleyball, cross country/track, swimming, golf, and bowling. In the 2008-2009 school year, LMSA started its first Girls' Swim Team, and Boys' Swim Team. That same year, Lindblom started its Water polo team.

Notable alumni

• Cheryl Burton is an Emmy Award–winning television journalist for WLS-TV in Chicago.^[11]
• Lance Crouther was one of the stars of the Chris Rock Show, he is most famous for portraying the character Pootie Tang. He was a writer on The Chris Rock Show and most recently is credited for writing on the Documentary / Comedy Good Hair.
• Erik R. Fleming - Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 72nd district
• Chet Giermak – All-American collegiate basketball player at The College of William & Mary
• Steve "Silk" Hurley is a Grammy Award–nominated house music pioneer, music producer, and DJ.^[12]
• Ali LeRoi is an actor, director, producer and Emmy Award winning writer best known for his work with Chris Rock (The Chris Rock Show, Everybody Hates Chris).^[13]
• Ethel L. Payne was an award-winning journalist known as the "First Lady of the Black Press". She was the first African–American woman to be issued White House press credentials and the first o serve as a commentator for a national television newscast.^[11]
• Gene Rayburn was a radio and television personality best remembered for being the host of the game show Match Game (1962–84).^[14]
• John W. Reagan – one of the Golden Thirteen, first African-American commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy^[15]
• Bill Roetzheim was a two–time Olympic gymnast.^[11]
• Jerry Sanders is the founder and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices.^[16]
• Henry Smidl - Coach of Lindblom gymnastics program and member of the US Gymnastics Hall of Fame.^[17]
• Eileen Jackson Southern was a professor of Renaissance and African-American music; the first African-American woman to become a tenured full professor at Harvard University.^[18]

References

External links

• Lindblom profile at Chicago Public Schools