|
|
|
|
|
Dear Perspectives Family,
I have had the privilege of attending three high school and three eighth grade graduations over the past few weeks. These events mark one of the many milestones in our scholar's lives as they continue their academic journey towards obtaining bachelors and graduate school degrees! Our high school successes continue to defy the outcomes for Chicago Public Schools students:
- Perspectives reports an 85% graduation rate (over four years) vs. 56% graduation rate for Chicago Public Schools (over five years).
- 97% of our seniors have been accepted to at least one college vs. 54% college attendance rate for CPS students. Our seniors have also obtained over $4.2 million in scholarships.
The impact the Perspectives model is having on urban education is most dramatically shown in the performance of our high schools in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. From 2000 to 2006, the high school serving the neighborhood, Calumet Career Prep Academy, averaged a 34% graduation rate according to the Illinois State Board of Education's formula for assessing school performance. In 2006, Calumet Career Prep Academy was closed down and Perspectives Charter Schools took over the campus with the support of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan who was CEO of Chicago Public Schools at the time. Five years later, our two high schools housed in that same building are averaging an 84% graduation rate, with almost all continuing on to college.
This is a stark difference in educational outcomes. Like our new Chicago mayor, we are not patient about improving Chicago schools either, it's now or never for our kids. We have proven that it is possible to do so much better for them in a very short period of time. "At the heart of Perspectives is a common culture we call 'A Disciplined Life©,' which is a character education practice that teaches our students how to succeed in school and in life," according to Diana Shulla-Cose, Perspectives President and Co-Founder. "Students in our schools learn very quickly what it takes to succeed. Perspectives students embrace the ethics we are teaching and begin to understand that character, self-discipline and personal responsibility are critical for success," explains Shulla-Cose.
ABC 7, Chicago's top news station joined us at our Perspectives Leadership Academy graduation on Friday, May 27th to report on this remarkable transformation.
As we close out our school year, we wish you a terrific summer, and we will continue to be in touch as we prepare for another year of making a difference in young lives through quality education.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Perspectives Thanks our Commencement Speakers |
| | |
There's a saying, "If you want something done, ask a busy person." We did just that inviting six very successful and very busy Chicagoans to speak at our graduations. We welcomed Joe Perillo, Owner of Perillo BMW; Dr. Eric Whitaker, Executive Vice President and Associate Dean of the University of Chicago Medical Center; Lewis Jordan, President and CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority; Jim Reynolds, CEO and Chairman of Loop Capital Markets; Cynthia Young, President of Encompass Insurance a Division of Allstate; and Harold Bryant, Executive Vice President of the L'Oréal Institute for Ethnic Hair & Skin Research. These accomplished leaders offered our graduates smart advice, words of inspiration, and stories of their own experiences overcoming major obstacles at home, in school and in business. Based on the cheers of approval from our graduates, their teachers and their parents, we know these messages were heard and appreciated.
As we launch our graduates into the next phase of their young lives we are very grateful for the support of these Chicago leaders and thank them for the time they took from their own busy lives to encourage our students with their words of wisdom.
 | | Lewis Jordan and Dr. Eric Whitaker |
 | | Joe Perillo and Graduates |
|
| | |
Pharmaceutical company Lundbeck Inc. launches partnership with Perspectives/IIT Math and Science Academy to bring critical infrastructure improvements benefiting students, teachers.
Perspectives is thrilled to announce the launch of a new partnership with Deerfield-based pharmaceutical company Lundbeck Inc. The partnership includes their generous funding of critical infrastructure improvements to Perspectives' science lab, newly named the "Lundbeck Science Lab." This creates a hands-on learning experience for students that is more engaging, as well as a volunteer mentorship program where Lundbeck employees will share their real-world STEM experience to inspire students toward meaningful careers.
To celebrate, Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy scholars joined Lundbeck Inc. Head of Global Research Peter Andersen at the dedication of the Lundbeck Science Lab on May 12th. The dedication included a SKYPE session with Lundbeck lab scientists, X and X in New Jersey and a rigorous question and answer session amongst all as the students queried our guests about their choice of careers, decisions they make in their jobs and why they find their work meaningful.
Big Finish for Perspectives Student Athletes!
Perspectives Athletic Director Vinay Mullik reports.
Girls Track
Finished 10th place in the city championships in May and second place in their IHSA 3A state sectional! This is the best finish in our school's history.
Boys Track
Finished 2nd place to Lane Tech at the city championships in May! This by far is one of the biggest accomplishments in the young history of the Perspectives' athletic program. The boys outperformed multiple schools that are almost three times larger in size - a pretty amazing feat. They also finished 4th place in the IHSA 3A state sectional!
Softball
The girls are currently 9 - 5, and will finish near the top of their conference! They received a 9th seed (out of 17 teams) in their IHSA 3A sectional.
Baseball
The boys are back to back conference champions for the first time ever! The team's record is 13 - 4, and they are 12 - 0 in conference. They also received an 8th seed (out of 21 teams) in their IHSA 3A sectional.
Congratulations to all of our student athletes and coaches for a job well done this spring.
Go Warriors!
|
|
|
