Join us in celebrating the oldest network of alternative high schools in Illinois!
Spend a night with us recognizing innovators in the field of alternative education.

Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Avenue) 6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

• 6:30-7:30 P.M.  Food, drinks, view student performances, talk with students that attend our member schools, network!
• 7:30-8:15 P.M.  Program recognizing innovators in the field of alternative education and ASN member schools!
• 8:15-9:00 P.M.  Musical entertainment!  More networking!

By supporting the Alternative Schools Network's 40th Anniversary you are supporting 23 alternative high schools throughout Chicago which service youth most at need.

Attire: Cocktail, Business, Semi-Formal

Amalia Pallares, director closed the evening by thanking the audience of over 100 people for their participation, as well as, The Jane Addams Hull House Museum, Roberto Clemente Community Academy Students for videotaping the interviews presented, Que Ondee Sola student newsmagazine from Northeastern Illinois University and its Editor, Alyssa Villegas for their partnership in covering the 40th in it's November issue, the Latino Cultural Center and LARES for their ongoing technical and organizational support, the professors who brought their students to this event and last but not least the UIC students who volunteered to help with this event and our planning committee members that also lent us their helping hands.

Friday, October 31, 2014--Chicago IL. "Haunted Paseo rain, snow or else....is happening". An enthusiastic crowd of community organizers, volunteers and business owners shared treats, games and fun activities with dozens of families on the 13th edition Haunted Paseo, this year dedicated to the extravagant Carnival Circus theme. Even with the wicked weather, many came out and enjoy the event to the fullest. Children all ages were able to participate of diverse activities from dance contests, face painting, a petting zoo, a haunted circus among others including healthy treats and candy in different fashions. Haunted Paseo was made possible by the extraordinary support of  Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Barreto's Union League Boys and Girls Club, Roberto Clemente High School, La Voz del Paseo Boricua, Batey Urbano, Diabetes Empowerment Center, Bacca, Affordable Care Act (ACA), El Rescate, Women for Paseo, Consuelo Lee Corretjer Day Care, Vida/SIDA, AfriCaribe, La Bruquena Restaurant, West Town Bikes, DSBDA and all the families of Humboldt Park and neighboring communities--"Por decir Presente"! 

As the date for the Marketplace's Open Enrollment Period approaches (November 15), the PRCC's Affordable Care Act staff has been hard at work. Our Navigators have been revisiting previous partners, such as Alderman Roberto Maldonado, the Burbank Unemployment Office, the Logan Square Library, and the Grito Desesperado Shelter. The ACA team has also started developing new partnerships with places such as the Diversey Unemployment Office, the Irving Park Pantry, and the Humboldt Park Library. So far, people's response has been amazing and we hope that Year 2 will be even better. 

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Program at 31st Ward's Annual Senior Citizen Health Fair

Staff members of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center's ACA program attended the 31st Ward Annual Senior Citizen Health Fair, which was held on October 17, 2014 at St. Genevieve's Church. Alderman Rey Suarez welcomed participants and encouraged everyone to get free flu vaccines and screenings (diabetes, blood pressure, osteoporosis, cholesterol, foot, glucose), as well as to visit all the different stations to get relevant information. All attendees seemed eager and receptive about what the different organizations had to offer. Many of them walked by the ACA table, asked about our services and about how we could help them, their relatives or their friends. It was a great opportunity to engage the community, spread the word about the upcoming open enrollment period (November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015), and to create partnerships with other organizations.

November Chicago Magazine "Why José López Stands Between Gentrification and Humboldt Park"

Be sure to pick up the November issue of Chicago Magazine, which features an interview by Puerto Rican Cultural Center ED José E. López conducted by Elly Fishman.

On October 23, the Mobile Journalism Unit of Dr. 

Once a week, the entire school - students and staff - all get together for "Unity." According to Juan Rodriguez, Math Teacher, "The full name is, 'Unity for Social Analysis.' It was originally started to deal with concerns students had. Now, it's a time to celebrate achievements of the students, the school, and the community." Some of the Unity programs have honored student achievements, such as perfect attendance and students who embody the Definite Dozen character qualities, Other programs include a talent show for students, staff, and guests. We've had poets, dancers, rappers, beat boxers, bongo players, and singers. At Unity, we celebrate being Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School and being in Humboldt Park.

            On October 29th,  we had a pot-luck lunch. "We were giving thanks because it was the end of our first quarter, and it is important to always be thankful for that. When you work hard, you need to celebrate the fruits of your labor," explains Diamond Montana, Science Teacher. Our principal, Matt Rodriguez, said, "Unity is a skill". He explained that when you build unity, you have to sacrifice a selfish need for the greater good. He challenged students to speak with three people they never spoke with before. He also challenged us to interact with people, instead of being on our phones. We enjoyed music and food  -- and we were all talking together, united as a community.