Grade 3 Virtual Museum Project

Central Elementary School, Wilmette, IL

Our Town - Wilmette

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Wilmette - circa 1940 postcard :Aero Distribution Company Inc., Chicago photo by D. Duke, 2001 Wilmette... Still a small town feel after all these years.

Our class really wanted to learn about the words "community" and "neighborhood". We brainstormed many, many ideas. We also discussed our thoughts and opinions about our very own community of Wilmette and the neighborhoods where we live. We also shared the reasons we like our community and neighborhoods. Finally, we came up with some changes we would like to see in our village. Take a look!

What is a community?	What is our community like?	What do we like about Wilmette?
What is a neighborhood?	What is my neighborhood like?	How would we change Wilmette?

photo by Liz '97	photo by Rachel '99	photo by Danielle '99

What is a community? It is people that are living in one place together and they have shared values. It is an particular area that is made up of many neighborhoods. It is a suburb with public services, government, recreation, and churches. It has services such as police, sports, restaurants, and firemen. It is groups of neighbors having fun, being safe, learning and going to school. It has lots of people and is bigger than a neighborhood.

What is a neighborhood? It is the area where you live. It is people who live near one another. It is made up of people who help each other. They live close together. The streets and houses are close together. Some people are friends or family and they know your name. It is groups of families and friends that are living closely. There are warm and friendly people who recognize you. It is an area which to you is comfortable and familiar.

What is our community like? conservative and concerned little diversity affluent village government good schools near a Great Lake opportunities for recreation artistic and cultural activities small village with a beach small downtown area involved, concerned people tremendous learning opportunities safe and family-oriented good restaurants

What is my neighborhood like? beautiful place caring neighbors lots of parks nice lake near Chicago lots of trees cobblestone streets lots of families lots of pets close to the woods very nice and friendly people

What do we like about Wilmette? It has a sense of community. There are good schools here. It is very secure. It is a nice place to raise a family. There is a feeling of belonging. It is close to the lake and to Chicago. It is a great place to grow up. It has many services. There are lots of people. There is a feeling of friendliness. There are many businesses and jobs. We are a part of a bigger community of suburbs. There are many parks and beaches. Homes have many beautiful gardens. Our lakefront park is beautiful.

How would we change Wilmette (to make it even better)? more restaurants wider variety of cultures and more diversity recreational activities in our downtown more publicity about what is available in our village fewer houses that are torn down more public support for our schools retain the original architecture of the homes improve the crowded traffic on Green Bay Road more kids movies at our movie theater more boutiques and specialty shops in the downtown area a special water area with a fish pond and bridges and pretty trees

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