GLA 2022-23 Annual Report

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL The Great Lakes Academy mission is to prepare all of our students with the fundamental academic skills, critical thinking ability, and strength of character to excel in high school, college, and a career of their choice. We empower all of our students with the education today that they will need to change the world tomorrow.

500+

SCHOLARS

91% African American/Black 7% Hispanic 2% Multiracial, Native American, White

58%

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Languages represented within our student body: Spanish, French, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese, Yoruba, and Afrikaans (Taal).

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Athletic programs offered including flag football and coed track and field.

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Scholars enrolled in the English Language Learners (ELL) program (4.9%).

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After-school enrichment programs offered including Student Government Association (SGA), National Honor Society (NHS), and Chinese Club.

CLASS OF 2023 02

The number of teachers who identify as people of color.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Great Lakes Academy Supporters, I'm thrilled to update you on the incredible progress at Great Lakes Academy over the past year, all made possible by your unwavering support.

We're proud to announce that Great Lakes Academy ranks in the top 20% of schools in Illinois for the 2022-2023 school year! This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our scholars, the commitment of our educators, and the support of our community. Preliminary data shows we're on track to surpass last year's results, shaping a future where excellence is the norm.

Launched in 2022, our School of Care initiative prioritizes not only academic outcomes but also the mental health and well-being of our community. Our successful partnerships with OpenSeat for emotional tutoring and the "Brunch and Learn" series with Reclaiming Minds Healing & Wellness emphasize holistic support for our scholars and families.

Last school year also marked the beginning of a new enrichment program in which nearly 50% of our scholars actively participated in diverse enrichment programs, providing a well-rounded education beyond the classroom and nurturing their talents and interests. Thanks to your generosity, our fully-funded 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C., was a success, enriching scholars' understanding of our nation's history and creating lasting memories for their future journeys.

As we celebrate these achievements, we're inspired to continue our journey toward excellence. Great Lakes Academy is more than a school; it's a community with a shared vision for a brighter future. Your continued support drives our success, and we invite you to join us in shaping the next chapter.

Looking ahead, we're excited about the future's possibilities. Our commitment to strategic planning, innovation, and student well-being remains steadfast. Be part of our ongoing success—thank you for being champions of education, empowerment, and community.

With gratitude,

Ebonie Durham Executive Director

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GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: ACADEMICS

English Language Arts 33.9% Proficiency

Mathematics 20.3% Proficiency

27% of 2023 GLA Graduates Attend Public Selective Enrollment & Choice High Schools.

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*Based on data released 10/30/23 on the 2023 Illinois Report Card: www.illinoisreportcard.com

GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: ACADEMICS

How do we compare?

Chicago Elementary Schools RANKED 30TH IN ELA GROWTH (TOP 7% OF SCHOOLS IN GROWTH)

TOP 6% IN ELA GROWTH FOR BLACK STUDENTS TOP 4% IN ELA GROWTH FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS TOP 25% OVERALL MATH GROWTH TOP 22% IN MATH GROWTH FOR BLACK STUDENTS TOP 18% IN MATH GROWTH FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS

Illinois Elementary Schools TOP 17% IN ELA PROFICIENCY FOR BLACK STUDENTS

Scholars completing coursework in the classroom.

TOP 22% IN ELA PROFICIENCY FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS TOP 19% IN MATH PROFICIENCY FOR BLACK STUDENTS TOP 20% IN MATH PROFICIENCY FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS

*Based on data released 10/30/23 on the 2023 Illinois Report Card: www.illinoisreportcard.com

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GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: ENRICHMENT Rebranded in the 2022-2023 school year, the GLA Enrichment Program has evolved into a student interest-driven program These programs are not only student-led but also GLA staff-led, creating a unique synergy that fosters a more inclusive and collaborative educational experience while prioritizing the well-being and growth of each individual within our school community.

Half of all GLA scholars enrolled in at least one afterschool program during the 2022-2023 school year!

Scholars perform a musical number during the 2023 Black History Month performance.

Scholars in the 2023 Binary Beacons Club learn coding after school.

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In 2023, GLA elected its inaugural class officers and representatives of SGA and first class of inductees into the National EHS

GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: ENRICHMENT As a core part of the GLA Enrichment Program, we prioritize co-curricular and exploratory learning. To ensure a well-rounded education, we guarantee that every student enjoys at least one field trip per trimester. At GLA, we firmly believe that understanding the world around you is essential to being a BEACON. These experiences connect learning to the real world, fostering a deep appreciation for our global community.

Scholars enjoy outdoor activities, petting zoo, and pumpkin picking.

Scholars enjoy a fun outing a a STEMfocused amusement park.

Scholars visit the iconic African Elephants at Chicago’s world renowned, Field Museum.

The class of 2023 poses in front of the MLK monument in Washington, D.C. on our donor-funded annual trip.

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GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: ATHLETICS At GLA, the athletic activities of our enrichment program foster collaboration, teamwork, and healthy competition. We believe it's not just about winning or losing; it's about building character and a strong sense of community that benefits our students for life.

BASKETBALL CHEERLEADING

2023 Girls Volleyball Team

SOCCER TRACK & FIELD VOLLEYBALL “Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.

Sports can create hope where there was once only despair." - LeBron James 08

2023 Boys Basketball Team Competes

2023 Boys Soccer Team Practice

SCHOOL OF CARE Launched during the 2022-2023 school year, the School of Care initiative aims to address pressing mental health issues among students, staff, and parents/families by fostering a compassionate, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. Recognizing that mental well-being is essential for academic success and overall quality of life, this initiative seeks to empower all members of the school community to develop the skills and resources necessary for emotional resilience and self-care.

First-grade students wear orange for Unity Day during National Bullying Prevention Month.

DAILY SUPPORT SERVICES

SOCIAL WORKERS ON STAFF ONSITE THERAPY PROVIDERS VIRTUAL THERAPY PROVIDER 09

GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT At GLA, we are one community, working together to ensure a better future for our scholars. So much of our work depends not only on the monetary support of our community members, but their time.

We thank each of you for unwavering support of our mission.

BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY

We kicked off the 2022-23 school year with food, fun and backyard games. The GLA community had the opportunity to meet with teachers and staff members before the school year started.

GLA’S INAUGURAL HIGH SCHOOL & COMMUNITY FAIR

GLA hosted our first ever high school and community fair. GLA scholars had the opportunity meet with admissions representatives from Chicago public, private and selective enrollment high schools.

CAREER DAY 2023

After a brief hiatus, GLA hosted Career Day in February. Professionals from a variety of different careers and companies, including the Big Ten and McDonald’s, spoke to our scholars about their occupations.

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GLA YEAR IN REVIEW: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

DELOITTE VOLUNTEER DAY

We hosted our friends from Deloitte for a spring volunteer day. Over 20 Deloitte employees came to campus and helped clean up the neighborhood, put together desks, and more. They even found some time to interact with our scholars.

MCDONALD’S FOUNDERS DAY

7th and 8th grade scholars received an invitation to attend McDonald’s Headquarters in the West Loop for their annual Founders Day Celebration!

Scholars had the chance to take a tour of the McDonald’s Headquarters and participate in a panel with McDonald’s restaurant franchise owners!

8TH ANNUAL BE GREAT BENEFIT

We hosted our 8th BE GREAT Benefit at the colorful Carnivale in the West Loop.

Our scholars enrolled in PTDYA’s afterschool program performed a fun dance set to open up the night. The event raised over $250,000 for GLA’s afterschool enrichment program.

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THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS Adeline Ogbor Ahava Silkey-Jones Akeem Cherry Alex Doyle *Alison Fragale & Alex Abell Allison Haltom McClay & David McClay Allison Margolies Amanda Anderson Amy Geister *Andy Baker & Sabina McBride Andrews Family Foundation Andy & Janell Littleton Andy McNees Angela Chaudhari Ann Persson & Keenan Turner Anne Taft Annis Sengupta *Aparupa Bhattacharya & Bradley Thobe Art Hill Ashley Fretthold Beth Heller Beth Stamos *Brad & Lisa Karsh Bradley Dehaan Brandon A. Lampkin Brian & Dayna Goldstein Brinda Shah Candice Johnson Carlene Liriano Cat & Brian Miller *Catherine McClay & Brady Dawson Cathy Alexander Cedric Williams Charlie Mills Chris Hochstetler *Christine Chen & Eric Miles Christopher Hoyes Cindy Milojevic Courtney Thayer Craftpreneur Society LLC Craig & Larissa Silberberg* Dahlia Mijarez Dan Funk Daniel McElroy Danielle Blass

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Darren Kapelus David Tanury Deborah Villers Debra Dobbs Dekores Wade Deloitte DeMario Rias Diana Hyde *Dr. Duane Davis & Tamara Davis Elizabeth Kirk Emily Philips Emma King Emmera Walker Erin Ohlms Evan Goldberg *Faye & Arthur Teller Fifth Third Bank Floria Butler Gerald Thomas Gillian Bourhill Haley Dorsey Hamilton & Traci Hill *Heidi Paul & Brian Paul Icess Wade Ila Lewis James & Katie Haran James Hirschhorn Jason Davis Jason Krigel Jeff & Jennifer Blumberg Jenny Motto & Michael Mesterharm Jessica Andujar-Redman Jessica Beasley Jessica Daniels John Motto & Sandy Pruessner John Sassaris *John Washington & Zoe Hughes Jon Fox Nnebedum Josh Leavitt Joshua Ackerman Joshua Miller Julie & Matt Roether Justin Oberman Kajaria Yarbrough Kara Korte *Current GLA Board of Directors Member

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS *Katherine & JB Cherry Katherine Myers-Crum Katie Colman Katy Leoni Kelly Milburn Kelly-Ann Williams Kenyatta Rogers Khylah Everage Kim Vender Moffat Kirsten & Ned Villers Kristin Zuccarelli Kristina Holz Lara Field Lauren Clark Lawrence Kearns Lee Martin Leonard McDowell Libby Cunningham Lillie J & Co Lina Wei Lu & Laura Walker Luke Beasley Luke Figora Luke Johnson Lynne Cassidy Mary & Chris Fifield Mary Jo Schuler Mary Lou Skalkos Mason & Abby Phelphs Matt & Casey Ray Matthew Sloan Maury Tognarelli Megan Kuehl Meghan Otis Melanie Harmon Melissa Loeb Melvin Johnson Mitch Hamblet Molly & Robert Griffin Mondira Bhattacharya & Jeffery Trilling Monica McElvaine Morgan A Jordan Joan & Steven Kraus Felix & Mary Mesterharm Melissa & Zach Martin

Nathan Isaacs Neha Ahuja Nell Brisard Nichole Jackson Nimit Aggarwal Oana Danciu Opeyemi Ebietomiye ORBA Pamela Bird Parker House Sausage Company Paula Paul Pedro Patlan Pete Vitale Peter DeHaan Phoebe Nitekman Phyllis Myers & Dan Greiwe Rajeev Uppalapati Ravin Gandhi Reid Bolton Renee Nims Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Roland Berger Strategy Consultants Salesforce Tower Sally Weinstein Samuel Lippman Sara Corya Sarah Eman Sarah Young Sean Kelley Seyfarth Shaw Shiyi Van Gorden Sophie Goodwille Stephan Keese Steve McLaughlin Sunny Russell Taygeanna Seals TC Russell Thomas Covert Trez V. Pugh Tyler Deaton Valerie & Steve Metcalf Vasyl Hereha Virginia Kerr Wendy & Scott Bremen William Silberberg Yanick Alexis *Current GLA Board of Directors Member

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LOOKING AHEAD: 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN HIGHLIGHTS

Our Destination in Five Years

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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Our students meet high academic standards supported by a diverse, well-supported faculty that reflects the community in which we serve.

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ENRICHMENT Our students can access highly engaging and culturally relevant enrichment opportunities supporting their diverse interests.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT Our parents are partners in our mission and are provided with both support and leadership opportunities that will help them help their children thrive.

HIGH SCHOOL

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Our students are supported in continuing their education post-GLA. They are receiving offers for admission from a diverse set of high schools and are receiving support in choosing their “best fit” option for high school.

LOOKING AHEAD: 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN HIGHLIGHTS

Our Investment Areas Over Five Years

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OUR STAFF Recruiting from the community that GLA serves.

Providing rigorous and relevant professional development to build capacity and content knowledge.

M aking GLA a joyful workplace by improving our performance management system and implementing proven staff engagement strategies.

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OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES Offering p rogramming and opportunities that cultivate student voices and build joy into the student experience.

Providing SEL and wellness support and resources to students an their families.

Delivering a curriculum focused on developing 21stcentury skills.

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Defining, communicating, and incorporating into daily practice shared definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

D elineating our organizational structures that support incorporating these shared values into our daily operations.

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