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Behind Closed Doors
On September 29, 2011, Executive Director Dan Valliere along with members of the West Humboldt Park Community Action Council (CAC) met with the CEO of Chicago Public Schools Jean-Claude Brizard  and members of his executive staff. This meeting was the first of five presentations from Community Action Councils across Chicago to present the Strategic Educational Plans for West Humboldt Park, Greater Humdoldt Park, Englewood, Pilsen and Bronzeville communites.
During the presentation, CAC members expressed their desire to build upon the success that is currently taking place in West Humboldt Park. In order to accomplish this, an assessment of neighborhood schools was conducted. Within this assessment, CAC members performed a walk-through of local schools, held meetings with school administration and compiled an analysis of strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
As these plans were presented to CEO Brizard and his leadership team, we found that the Community Action Council goals aligned with those of the Board of Education. Among both groups there is a sense of urgency to see significant change within their schools while making early childhood learning a top priority. Click here to view the West Humboldt Park Strategic Educational Plan.
Community Action Councils were formed to allow community members in some of Chicago's most challenged neighborhoods more interface with Chicago's Board of Education. The Chicago Board of Education understands that in order to produce quality schools, community involvement is a necessity. The West Humboldt Park CAC meets every fouth Thursday at 5:30PM at Chicago Commons' Nia Family Center located at 744 N. Monticello Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
For more information on the West Humboldt Park Community Action Council, contact Erin Cross at (773) 826 - 3771 or email crosse@chicagocommons.org. |
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Early Childhood Educator Summit
Chicago Commons held it's first Early Childhood Educator Summit on Thursday, September 29th. This summit was sponsored by the Department of Family and Support Services and took place at the Richard M. Daley Branch of the Chicago Public Library in West Humboldt Park.
The purpose of the educator summit is to bring together pre-school and kindergarten teachers as well as daycare center instructors to discuss school readiness. Guest speakers included Isabel Baker, Owner of The Book Vine for Children in McHenry, Illinois and literary illustrator and author Tom Lichtenheld.
Each speaker conducted activities to show how to deepen a childs understanding when doing simple exercises such as reading a book. Every participant was given their choice of an autographed copy of Tom Lichtenheld's "Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site" or "Duck! Rabbit!".
We would like to thank the Department of Family and Support Services Children Services Division, without their sponsorship, this event would not have been possible. The next Early Childhood Educator Summit is scheduled for January 26th, the location is to be determined.
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Neighborhood Educational Services
 Chicago Commons Youth Services has transitioned from a center based model to a community in schools model. We have partnered with select elementary schools and high schools in West Humboldt Park, New City (Back of the Yards) and Englewood communities to provide onsite support services to students and their families.
All programs and staff are housed at the schools where services are being provided. The West Humboldt Park site is housed in Piccolo Elementary. Richards Career Academy allows us to serve the New City (Back of the Yards), while Perkins Bass Elementary and Sherman School of Excellence is the worksite for the Englewood community.
All programs operate under a Neighborhood Education Initiative (NEI) framework composed of five core components:
· Mentoring
· Academic Enrichment
· Parent University
· Life skills/Leadership development
· Behavioral Health Services
While the programs at each site have been structured to follow the NEI framework, each community school program is designed to cater to the individual needs of the schools and communities being served. |
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Click here to check out this year's event photos! | |
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Pour Out Your Heart
 | | Click image to view photos |
Thanks for joining us at
Mercedes-Benz
of Chicago
for Pour Out Your Heart
for Commons! |
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Charity of the Month: Chicago Commons | |
Chicago Commons has been chosen as Panache Boutique's charity of the month for December 2011.
We would like to invite you to an evening of food, fashion and fun for on December 14 from 5:00pm-8:30pm. Appetizers and cocktails will be served, as well as 15% of the profit from the evening will be donated back to the Chicago Commons.
Click here to view the flyer. | |
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Fast Facts
 Did you know that 93% of every dollar we
receive goes directly
to our programs?
It's true! Every donation,
no matter how small,
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Quiz Question | |
What was the name of the public debate forum organized by Chicago Commons in 1898?
The first person
to email us with
the name of the public debate will
win a tote bag
full of goodies. |
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Humboldt Park Portal 
This new website is filled with news about events and activities in Humboldt Park, including stories by the residents themselves! The portal uses modern technology to build connections and a sense of community |
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