As a cross-city leadership team, we’re reading “Deeper Learning: How Eight Innovative Public Schools Are Transforming Education in the Twenty-First Century” and it is really priming our thinking as we look forward to STC’s 10th Annual National Forum in Los Angeles next month. From the chapter entitled “Reach: Network Beyond School Walls,” the authors describe how in these schools, “students are constantly connecting with people and resources outside of the school walls, enriching each student’s learning experiences in unique ways.” We’re seeing more and more evidence of this in STC schools, and at LMU’s School of Education we will spend time together engaging K-12 with higher ed, industry partners, and education innovators to identify solutions that help to close our nation’s persistent skills and opportunity gaps to ensure that all students are college-ready and career-prepared. Look forward to seeing you there!
WELCOME SULLIVAN HIGH SCHOOL!
STC Chicago welcomes Sullivan High School in Rogers Park as a Collaborating School! Sullivan has made tremendous strides in the past two years under a talented leadership team. They have successfully implemented a Restorative Justice program in partnership with Umoja Student Development Corporation, posted significant increases in attendance, freshman on-track and graduation rates, and have created a positive, welcoming school culture. We look forward from learning from them and soon bringing them on board as a Partner school! (Member, Partner, and Collaborating School criteria can be found here.)
STC FORUM: THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER AND NOMINATE!
We are thrilled to share our updated agenda for the 10th annual STC Forum: Connecting Education to Employment. Speakers include Dr. Vince Bertram, CEO of Project Lead The Way, Monica Martinez, author of Deeper Learning as well as engaging panel discussions, hands-on learning sessions, and opportunities to network with colleagues from all over the country. We will also present the second annual Robert F. Kennedy Urban Educator Awards to a school leader, teacher, and student from STC schools. We have extended the deadline for nominations, so please take a moment to recognize someone who inspires you!
EVENT RECAP: SCHOOL CULTURE @ POLARIS CHARTER ACADEMY
On March 13, participants from eight STC Chicagoschools, representing district, charter, and faith based, as well as elementary and high school, gathered at Polaris Charter Academy to observe their Morning Crew and then to discuss practices key to climate and culture at Polaris (such as the Points of Polaris, schoolwide crew sessions, and light leaders). We then engaged in a Consultancy Protocol examining the dilemma of “how do you maintain and sustain positive school culture over time?” Polaris school leaders found the input and suggestions from their cross-sector colleagues valuable and committed to following up with some of the schools who have faced similar issues. We thank Polaris for hosting, opening up their practice to us and sharing challenges, and we were all inspired by the collegial spirit with which attendees shared their own insights.
UPCOMING EVENTS
STC Chicago’s High School Exploration Event: Saturday April 18 from 10a-1p at Holy Family School!
We are thrilled to announce that over 20 high schools from all sectors – district (including selective enrollment schools), charter, and faith-based have all agreed to participate in this first-of-its-kind event. Now we need to make sure we get the turnout from our middle schools! The event is designed to focus on 7th grade students and their families, but all middle grade students are welcome. Here is the link for families to register: www.
NETWORK HAPPENINGS
Looking for high-quality, school embedded professional development for your team? Namaste Shares is offering a session on June 4 (with an optional extension to June 5 for one-on-one support) to share their successful model that combines health and wellness with academic rigor in a peaceful environment. For more information, click here.
WE’RE GROWING!
If you know of schools that would add to and benefit from the STC network, please refer them to our criteria and application here.