Earlier today we received word that Ms. Robin Bennett, our theatre arts teacher, passed away this morning after a long struggle with cancer. She was unable to start the school year and was making plans to retire after her leave of absence.
Ms. Bennett had been a fixture of the Jones school community since we became a college prep high school more than ten years ago. During her tenure, Ms. Bennett built one of the finest high school theatre programs in the city, if not the state of Illinois. More importantly, Ms. Bennett touched the lives of thousands of young people, instilling in them a love of theatre and a belief in themselves. Many of her students have gone on to professional careers in the field; many others have benefited from her guidance and friendship.
Our school counselors and other faculty members are available should any student wish to speak with them.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time; we will keep everyone posted as we learn more. We will also be making our own plans to honor Ms. Bennett's work here at Jones.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
P. Joseph Powers, Ph.D. Principal Jones College Prep pjpowers@cps.k12.il.us
You alwasys influenced the way I worked and you also influenced my rhetorical, and social skills. One of more memorial quotes from you is the definition of insane in which you said " Do you know what insane is?, Insane is when you do the SAME thing over and expect a different result." That simple quote made me cherish a lot of things. You were a great person and a great teacher.
Please do consistently update on any public arrangements for Robin.
I considered her a significant change and a positive influence in my life. Without her hand guiding me throughout high school at Jones, I honestly do not know what I would be today. What she educated to and presented for others resonates through me everyday. My deepest condolences to her children Jaime and Jenny and family. I can only pray that her legacy will live on through her students and work, and that such quality efforts in educating the youth will continue today because of her. Rest in peace Robin Bennett.
I honestly still have the fear of your keen eye overlooking my shoulder in those late nights assisting me with my homework. Your constant badgering in my scene studies, my elephant like wading, and reminding me to crunch my toes to help me gain ground. TO SPEAK LOUDER so those on Congress avenue can hear me. The countless hours we spent toying around with the computer and multimedia equipment.
Ms. Bennett, You were a great World Studies teacher. At the time, I didn't want to admit it because you were a lot of work, but looking back on it, I can see that all you were trying to do was make me a better student. You were a great person, always willing to help anyone who needed the attention. You will never be forgotten.
You taught me that with hard work and discipline I could accomplish what seemed impossible. When I decided not to continue in theatre anymore at U of I, I was honestly embarassed to update you because of all the time and energy that you dedicated to me as an individual. I remember all the long hours of coaching spent in your classroom and in our school theatre. You coached me in acting, and above all you coached me in life. I have recently also become a teacher and your passion for your students and in theatre lives in me. I still use everything I learned as your student as a reference for how I teach the students in my drama club. You were an amazing educator and friend. Thank you for everything that you did for me and the rest of your students. We will always remember you. Rest in Peace Robin Bennett, we love you.
As a parent of a student whose life Ms. Bennett touched in a tremendous way, I am saddened at the loss of a true educator. Ms. Bennett and her theatre arts program at Jones were the two reasons why my son wanted to attend Jones. It was Ms. Bennett and all of her ways that brought out of my son his love for the Arts, a greater confidence in himself and a greater sense of what it means to commit.
Not only was she instrumental in his life, but I learned some things about myself as a parent as a result of working with her. I am thankful for the time that my son had with her. Her impact on his life was positive and everlasting, and she will always be with him and with us all.
Not everyone is likeable when you first meet them. In fact, some people start out on your "hit list" before you have even said 'hello,' Robin Bennett wasn't on this planet to make a million fans and make everyone feel peachy. She was on this planet to push. To push people into their uncomfortable zone. To push people into the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Ms. Bennett was here to make things happen for her students.
Rehearsal or class, it didn't make a difference to Robin, you had to be be present in the moment and grasp your reality with vigor and depth. "What is the subtext here?" she would always ask, "what is beneath the words?" This everlasting search for depth and meaning leaked into every facet of my education and life. Because with research and analysis came the tools necessary to grasp the world around me. If I was having trouble in math, I found solace in the fact that I could always search for the answers a little deeper than before.
I owe Bennett for so much more. She is the reason I was able to attend Jones. She saw something in my youthful enthusiasm for theatre and film ... and she gave me a chance. She nurtured my passion for film and supported my goals and dreams. When my parents separated she was on the only teacher who sat me down and told me: "You have to push through this with something you love ... film." And I did.
While I could easily thank Ms. Bennett for her constant flow of recommendation letters for university, I would much rather mention the dedication of her ENTIRE life to her students. She breathed art and a passion for life into us all, and never made us forget that this was our world to grasp. And with a push from Robin the entire world was truly at our fingertips.
On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. I found a quiet spot at Jones to record my tribute to Robin, which I wanted to submit to the tribute being made at Jones. I was using a voice recorder she encouraged me to apply for through the Oppenheimer Foundation. I finished. But a few minutes later I learned the sad news.
Robin, I am grateful for having had you as a friend and colleague. Your intellect, artistry, boldness, and benevolence will remain constant reminders of why I must remain committed to our profession. Our conversations about teaching and learning helped me find solutions. On challenging days, I knew I could always go to you and you would say, “Wouldn’t it be cool if . . .” And you know what? It WAS a cool idea. Always.
Thank you for forcing me to apply for an Oppenheimer Grant and passing on your expertise about Podcasts and audio essays and project-based learning. Our afternoon conversations last year helped transform my teaching.
When you told me about your health in August, my heart broke. You know you remained in my prayers these months. And you remain in my memory as valuable friend and educator.
As I was walking in the JCP parking lot, I saw you tying your shoe. As I approached, you turned around and jumped in shock. In contrast to how tough and strict people said you were in class, I was not expecting you to laugh and joke about the whole situation.
This memory comes to mind when I think of you, and has reminded me to always show kindness toward others.
Your service to JCP is commended, and your kind acts will be remembered.
Robin's first year as a teacher, 1976, was my freshman year at Fayette County High School. I was involved in every show produced while a student there. In 1980, my senior year, we won (Robin despised the term) the Georgia State One Act Competition with a 30 minute version of "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris."
I remember that we, her students, were instructed not to refer to her as "Mrs." or "Miss", but as "Ms. Bennett". "Robin" was acceptable as well, as long as no other adults were around.
Robin would settle for nothing less than 110% from her students and was gifted at drawing the best out of others. While her methods often felt harsh in the moment, they usually proved effective. She was not as concerned with being liked as she was with helping others realize their full potential.
For this, she is loved.
Robin was a uniquely complicated individual, a talented theatre artist, and a passionate, gifted teacher. She will be missed.
"The show must go on." If Robin has anything to do with it, what a show it will be!
We will always remember Robin Bennett’s tireless and passionate dedication to the theater. She was a great teacher, mentor, and friend to many, and her spirit will live on inside every one of us. “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - - Thomas Campbell.
Words fail to capture how much Robin changed who I would become as an adult.
"Solve that problem" is what she told me over and over again. At the time it was aggravating - "Why won't you just tell me the answer?" I thought. But what she taught me about creativity, and creative problem-solving, I have used my entire life. If this was the only thing she taught me, she would have had a major influence on me. But she taught me so much more, it's difficult to put into words.
The best memory I have with Ms. Bennett, and one that I've been thinking about for the past few days, came this spring after the last performance of twelfth night. I went up to the top of the house where she sat for every show and helped her take all the video and other equipment she had up there back down to the room. And she didn't say anything, but she just smiled and slowly walked down the stairs with me. I felt in those seemingly insignificant moments that my relationship with Ms. Bennett became one of friendship as well as one of a teacher and student. We had been through so much together just in the work, and that feeling of connection between us radiated in her smile. Her lessons I use everyday and are impossible to forget, but just Robin Bennett herself, smiling and walking down those stairs at Jones, that is what I will miss the most.
Robin gave me a great gift a few years back. She asked me if I would consider performing as the Major General in the JCP production of the Pirates of Penzance. Not only was it fun to act again (hadn't done that in a while) but I got the chance to work with students and other staff members as equals in a project that we all cared about. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow as an actor along with some of my students.
She was also a very supportive colleague and I am grateful for her guidance and press to help me become a better teacher. She encouraged me to participate in the CAPE program at Jones in which I worked with a resident theatre artist to integrate the arts into my chemistry curriculum. Robin was also a great cheerleader on the Instructional Leadership Team and helped us all to become better critical thinkers with her spirit for learning and motivating comments.
I admired and truly appreciated her passion for living and learning.
Ms. Bennett was a great teacher who cared deeply about her students and the quality of education that she delievered. I greatly admired her. Carol Utsunomiya
I remember when working in the Central Office how Robin came to meet with me and brought along a funder who assisted with our developing the first CPS Theatre Directors Association (TADA). It was a great beginning to a wonderful friendship. Her passionate commitment to her students and colleagues was always evident.
Robin, I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet and work with you - You will truly be missed!
This school will never be the same. Mrs. Bennet was a true soldier both in and out of this building. A no nonsense teacher who believed in her students. She has sent many students from the Theatre here at Jones to many movie industries of the world. I could not help but shed tears of her passing but also joy for knowing such a great women and educator. She will and is always going to be remembered by me. Love you and God Bless you as you take a journey we all must take one day. You can now teach the angels that "the show must go on."
I haven't nearly the history of so many of you posting here. I have a simple memory, of Robin taking me in one holiday, my sophmore year of college. There was much going on in both our lives at that time, and we worked through some of these challenges by simply making bread together. By the end of the evening we were really laughing together at those things we couldn't change. We also had a kitchen stocked full of cinnamon rolls and bread.
You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and was there to coach and guide me, not only in theatrical things but in life. When I least expected it and when I was really down you gave me words of encouragement that carried me through life. Teaching me to be strong in myslef and know and love myself. Because of your influence over my life I am studying to be a teacher so that I can hopefully have that same influence. I loved the crazy looks you would give me when I thought I wasn't good enough and the ways you pushed me to know my full potential.
You are dearly loved. You will never be forgotten and I aspire to be like you. The way you defended me and cared so much about me as an individual, the way you carried your students and taught them to walk on their own two feet. You were some sort of angel... and I know you have come into your full glory now.
We will host a Memorial Celebration in honor of Robin Bennett on Monday, December 14, 5:00 PM, in the auditorium at Jones College Prep. More details to follow.
While unfortunately, I will not be able to join the memorial to Ms. Bennet today, I would like to join her many fans & friends and salute her as a wonderful teacher and person. I knew her on a professional basis when I was an Area English Coach. She was unique in her proactive manner to include teachers of other disciplines and from other schools in her unending quest to further theater education and appreciation or all CPS students. Across the city many of us stayed informed about various professional and local high school theater events thanks to Ms. Bennet. Her creative spirit always reached out to others who were interested in furthering the cause. We were all fortunate to know her and recognize the lasting effect her teaching will have on hundreds of students. My sincere condolences to her school community & to her family. Sincerely, Maureen Cleary, Librarian, Rickover Naval Academy
Dear Jones College Prep Parents and Guardians,
ReplyDeleteEarlier today we received word that Ms. Robin Bennett, our theatre arts teacher, passed away this morning after a long struggle with cancer. She was unable to start the school year and was making plans to retire after her leave of absence.
Ms. Bennett had been a fixture of the Jones school community since we became a college prep high school more than ten years ago. During her tenure, Ms. Bennett built one of the finest high school theatre programs in the city, if not the state of Illinois. More importantly, Ms. Bennett touched the lives of thousands of young people, instilling in them a love of theatre and a belief in themselves. Many of her students have gone on to professional careers in the field; many others have benefited from her guidance and friendship.
Our school counselors and other faculty members are available should any student wish to speak with them.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time; we will keep everyone posted as we learn more. We will also be making our own plans to honor Ms. Bennett's work here at Jones.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
P. Joseph Powers, Ph.D.
Principal
Jones College Prep
pjpowers@cps.k12.il.us
You alwasys influenced the way I worked and you also influenced my rhetorical, and social skills. One of more memorial quotes from you is the definition of insane in which you said " Do you know what insane is?, Insane is when you do the SAME thing over and expect a different result." That simple quote made me cherish a lot of things. You were a great person and a great teacher.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, L Vaughn.
Please do consistently update on any public arrangements for Robin.
ReplyDeleteI considered her a significant change and a positive influence in my life. Without her hand guiding me throughout high school at Jones, I honestly do not know what I would be today. What she educated to and presented for others resonates through me everyday. My deepest condolences to her children Jaime and Jenny and family. I can only pray that her legacy will live on through her students and work, and that such quality efforts in educating the youth will continue today because of her. Rest in peace Robin Bennett.
I honestly still have the fear of your keen eye overlooking my shoulder in those late nights assisting me with my homework. Your constant badgering in my scene studies, my elephant like wading, and reminding me to crunch my toes to help me gain ground. TO SPEAK LOUDER so those on Congress avenue can hear me. The countless hours we spent toying around with the computer and multimedia equipment.
I will miss you.
Sincerly, Cruz Cardenas.
Ms. Bennett,
ReplyDeleteYou were a great World Studies teacher. At the time, I didn't want to admit it because you were a lot of work, but looking back on it, I can see that all you were trying to do was make me a better student. You were a great person, always willing to help anyone who needed the attention.
You will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Chanell Washington
Ms. Bennett,
ReplyDeleteYou taught me that with hard work and discipline I could accomplish what seemed impossible. When I decided not to continue in theatre anymore at U of I, I was honestly embarassed to update you because of all the time and energy that you dedicated to me as an individual. I remember all the long hours of coaching spent in your classroom and in our school theatre. You coached me in acting, and above all you coached me in life. I have recently also become a teacher and your passion for your students and in theatre lives in me. I still use everything I learned as your student as a reference for how I teach the students in my drama club. You were an amazing educator and friend. Thank you for everything that you did for me and the rest of your students. We will always remember you. Rest in Peace Robin Bennett, we love you.
Sincerely,
Maritza Torres
As a parent of a student whose life Ms. Bennett touched in a tremendous way, I am saddened at the loss of a true educator. Ms. Bennett and her theatre arts program at Jones were the two reasons why my son wanted to attend Jones. It was Ms. Bennett and all of her ways that brought out of my son his love for the Arts, a greater confidence in himself and a greater sense of what it means to commit.
ReplyDeleteNot only was she instrumental in his life, but I learned some things about myself as a parent as a result of working with her. I am thankful for the time that my son had with her. Her impact on his life was positive and everlasting, and she will always be with him and with us all.
Not everyone is likeable when you first meet them. In fact, some
ReplyDeletepeople start out on your "hit list" before you have even said 'hello,'
Robin Bennett wasn't on this planet to make a million fans and make
everyone feel peachy. She was on this planet to push. To push people into their uncomfortable zone. To push people into the most
vulnerable moments of their lives. Ms. Bennett was here to make
things happen for her students.
Rehearsal or class, it didn't make a difference to Robin, you had to
be be present in the moment and grasp your reality with vigor and
depth. "What is the subtext here?" she would always ask, "what is
beneath the words?" This everlasting search for depth and meaning
leaked into every facet of my education and life. Because with
research and analysis came the tools necessary to grasp the world
around me. If I was having trouble in math, I found solace in the
fact that I could always search for the answers a little deeper than
before.
I owe Bennett for so much more. She is the reason I was able to
attend Jones. She saw something in my youthful enthusiasm for theatre and film ... and she gave me a chance. She nurtured my passion for film and supported my goals and dreams. When my parents separated she was on the only teacher who sat me down and told me: "You have to push through this with something you love ... film." And I did.
While I could easily thank Ms. Bennett for her constant flow of
recommendation letters for university, I would much rather mention the dedication of her ENTIRE life to her students. She breathed art and a passion for life into us all, and never made us forget that this was our world to grasp. And with a push from Robin the entire world was truly at our fingertips.
--Jacob Yanowski
Class of '07
On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. I found a quiet spot at Jones to record my tribute to Robin, which I wanted to submit to the tribute being made at Jones. I was using a voice recorder she encouraged me to apply for through the Oppenheimer Foundation. I finished. But a few minutes later I learned the sad news.
ReplyDeleteRobin, I am grateful for having had you as a friend and colleague. Your intellect, artistry, boldness, and benevolence will remain constant reminders of why I must remain committed to our profession. Our conversations about teaching and learning helped me find solutions. On challenging days, I knew I could always go to you and you would say, “Wouldn’t it be cool if . . .” And you know what? It WAS a cool idea. Always.
Thank you for forcing me to apply for an Oppenheimer Grant and passing on your expertise about Podcasts and audio essays and project-based learning. Our afternoon conversations last year helped transform my teaching.
When you told me about your health in August, my heart broke. You know you remained in my prayers these months. And you remain in my memory as valuable friend and educator.
Ray Salazar
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs I was walking in the JCP parking lot, I saw you tying your shoe. As I approached, you turned around and jumped in shock. In contrast to how tough and strict people said you were in class, I was not expecting you to laugh and joke about the whole situation.
ReplyDeleteThis memory comes to mind when I think of you, and has reminded me to always show kindness toward others.
Your service to JCP is commended, and your kind acts will be remembered.
William Goff
Robin's first year as a teacher, 1976, was my freshman year at Fayette County High School. I was involved in every show produced while a student there. In 1980, my senior year, we won (Robin despised the term) the Georgia State One Act Competition with a 30 minute version of "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris."
ReplyDeleteI remember that we, her students, were instructed not to refer to her as "Mrs." or "Miss", but as "Ms. Bennett". "Robin" was acceptable as well, as long as no other adults were around.
Robin would settle for nothing less than 110% from her students and was gifted at drawing the best out of others. While her methods often felt harsh in the moment, they usually proved effective. She was not as concerned with being liked as she was with helping others realize their full potential.
For this, she is loved.
Robin was a uniquely complicated individual, a talented theatre artist, and a passionate, gifted teacher. She will be missed.
"The show must go on." If Robin has anything to do with it, what a show it will be!
Darin S. Hyer, MDiv, MTS
We will always remember Robin Bennett’s tireless and passionate dedication to the theater. She was a great teacher, mentor, and friend to many, and her spirit will live on inside every one of us. “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - - Thomas Campbell.
ReplyDeleteWords fail to capture how much Robin changed who I would become as an adult.
ReplyDelete"Solve that problem" is what she told me over and over again. At the time it was aggravating - "Why won't you just tell me the answer?" I thought. But what she taught me about creativity, and creative problem-solving, I have used my entire life. If this was the only thing she taught me, she would have had a major influence on me. But she taught me so much more, it's difficult to put into words.
I am honored to have known her.
The best memory I have with Ms. Bennett, and one that I've been thinking about for the past few days, came this spring after the last performance of twelfth night. I went up to the top of the house where she sat for every show and helped her take all the video and other equipment she had up there back down to the room. And she didn't say anything, but she just smiled and slowly walked down the stairs with me. I felt in those seemingly insignificant moments that my relationship with Ms. Bennett became one of friendship as well as one of a teacher and student. We had been through so much together just in the work, and that feeling of connection between us radiated in her smile. Her lessons I use everyday and are impossible to forget, but just Robin Bennett herself, smiling and walking down those stairs at Jones, that is what I will miss the most.
ReplyDeleteRobin gave me a great gift a few years back. She asked me if I would consider performing as the Major General in the JCP production of the Pirates of Penzance. Not only was it fun to act again (hadn't done that in a while) but I got the chance to work with students and other staff members as equals in a project that we all cared about. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow as an actor along with some of my students.
ReplyDeleteShe was also a very supportive colleague and I am grateful for her guidance and press to help me become a better teacher. She encouraged me to participate in the CAPE program at Jones in which I worked with a resident theatre artist to integrate the arts into my chemistry curriculum. Robin was also a great cheerleader on the Instructional Leadership Team and helped us all to become better critical thinkers with her spirit for learning and motivating comments.
I admired and truly appreciated her passion for living and learning.
Thank you, Robin.
--Ray Lesniewski
Ms. Bennett was a great teacher who cared deeply about her students and the quality of education that she delievered. I greatly admired her.
ReplyDeleteCarol Utsunomiya
Robin Bennett:
ReplyDeleteMy goodness how much you will be missed.
I remember when working in the Central Office how Robin came to meet with me and brought along a funder who assisted with our developing the first CPS Theatre Directors Association (TADA). It was a great beginning to a wonderful friendship. Her passionate commitment to her students and colleagues was always evident.
Robin, I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet and work with you - You will truly be missed!
From Gwen Bradford
ReplyDeleteThis school will never be the same.
Mrs. Bennet was a true soldier both in and out of this building. A no nonsense teacher who believed in her students. She has sent many students from the Theatre here at Jones to many movie industries of the world. I could not help but shed tears of her passing but also joy for knowing such a great women and educator. She will and is always going to be remembered by me. Love you and God Bless you as you take a journey we all must take one day. You can now teach the angels that "the show must go on."
I haven't nearly the history of so many of you posting here. I have a simple memory, of Robin taking me in one holiday, my sophmore year of college. There was much going on in both our lives at that time, and we worked through some of these challenges by simply making bread together. By the end of the evening we were really laughing together at those things we couldn't change. We also had a kitchen stocked full of cinnamon rolls and bread.
ReplyDeleteJaime, Jenny, my thoughts are with you.
Giving thanks to your Mom.
David Weiss
To the beloved Ms. Bennett...
ReplyDeleteYou believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and was there to coach and guide me, not only in theatrical things but in life. When I least expected it and when I was really down you gave me words of encouragement that carried me through life. Teaching me to be strong in myslef and know and love myself. Because of your influence over my life I am studying to be a teacher so that I can hopefully have that same influence. I loved the crazy looks you would give me when I thought I wasn't good enough and the ways you pushed me to know my full potential.
You are dearly loved. You will never be forgotten and I aspire to be like you. The way you defended me and cared so much about me as an individual, the way you carried your students and taught them to walk on their own two feet. You were some sort of angel... and I know you have come into your full glory now.
Thanks so much,
Marqueketa Glenn
We will host a Memorial Celebration in honor of Robin Bennett on Monday, December 14, 5:00 PM, in the auditorium at Jones College Prep. More details to follow.
ReplyDeleteWhile unfortunately, I will not be able to join the memorial to Ms. Bennet today, I would like to join her many fans & friends and salute her as a wonderful teacher and person.
ReplyDeleteI knew her on a professional basis when I was an Area English Coach. She was unique in her proactive manner to include teachers of other disciplines and from other schools in her unending quest to further theater education and appreciation or all CPS students. Across the city many of us stayed informed about various professional and local high school theater events thanks to Ms. Bennet. Her creative spirit always reached out to others who were interested in furthering the cause. We were all fortunate to know her and recognize the lasting effect her teaching will have on hundreds of students. My sincere condolences to her school community & to her family.
Sincerely,
Maureen Cleary, Librarian,
Rickover Naval Academy