The Power of Perspectives: Our
Legacy. Our Promise. Our Future .
2022 Annual Report Perspectives Charter Schools
Our Legacy. Our Promise. Our Future.
We are Amari and Amaya, twin students at Perspectives Leadership Campus. We are in the class of 2025. When we think of Perspectives, we think of the word: diligence.
This was a challenging year. After adapting to two years of online learning, we fully returned to in-person instruction. Getting used to being back in the classroom was difficult for many students. However, with help from our teachers, we made it through the year. We are stronger because we were able to overcome those challenges.
Our school’s promise to guide Chicago students to career pathways and prepare them for life is so important. We are grateful for the dedication and commitment we see in our teachers and principals every day. They celebrate our achievements, and they encourage us to strive for more even when we experience downfalls – that’s what A Disciplined Life® (ADL) teaches us.
Our future as students looks bright thanks to Perspectives’ ADL curriculum. We learn how to persevere through personal obstacles. We have also become leaders in our classrooms. We were both quiet and reserved when we first arrived at Perspectives as middle school students; it is great to see how we have grown. No other school has ADL. At Perspectives, we are fortunate to get to know the benefits of having a growth mindset by studying ADL.
The three pillars of ADL – creating positive perception of oneself, building healthy relationships, and gaining tools for productivity – are giving us the knowledge and tools we need to build solid foundations as we move forward in life, toward college, careers, and families. Perspectives encourages students to ask themselves these questions: How will you set plans for yourself? How do you set rules for yourself to help you diligently overcome challenges?
That is Perspectives and what it means to live A Disciplined Life®
Over the last 25 years, we have grown from:
1 classroom to 5 schools
30 students to 1600+ students
10 programs to 50+ enrichment and athletic programs
12 staff members to 250+ staff members
We could not have done this without our tremendous supporters: people who believe in access and equity in education and believe in the social-emotional well-being of our Chicago students.
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Amari & Amaya class of ‘25
Happy 25th Anniversary, Perspectives Family!
Thank you for supporting Perspectives Charter Schools. We’re pleased to share this year’s Annual Report with you. For 25 years, our A Disciplined Life education model has had an incredible impact. In the 2021-2022 school year, we served over 1,600 Chicago students across our network of schools. We are grateful for how you, our supporters, continue to stand with Perspectives students. Thank you for standing for educational equity and for school choice.
As you will see in this report, Perspectives experienced an outstanding year:
ACADEMIC RIGOR
Our dedicated team successfully supported students as they strived to rebound from pandemic-related learning loss and credit deficiencies. For example, our sophomores increased their Fall 2021 PSAT scores by an average of 75 points. This was 1.5 times the growth suggested by the College Board’s annual benchmark progression.
Rather than let challenges define their high school experience, graduates of the class of 2022 went on to highly selective colleges and/or are boldly pursuing their career aspirations. Ninety-nine percent of our seniors graduated, and every single one of them was accepted to a college or university.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
When compared to similar schools across the nation, Perspectives students outperformed their peers on social emotional learning metrics – including learning strategies, emotional regulation, empathy, and social awareness – proving the value and demonstrating the impact of our A Disciplined Life education model.
EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Our students resumed participation in in-person experiential opportunities like athletics, afterschool, early college credit courses, and hands-on certification programs in pharmacy technician, patient care, IT, and more.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Our students’ successes from the 2021-2022 school year are inspiring, and families across Chicago have taken note! This fall, we experienced a 10% increase in our overall enrollment and welcomed our largest class of ninth graders.
Supporting, guiding, and encouraging our students is what brings staff members back year after year. Last year, Perspectives students showed a level of achievement and a commitment to excellence that sparked a substantial increase in teacher retention, thus deepening the level of expertise in the classroom.
We are extraordinarily grateful to our supporters, partners, and champions. You keep us motivated. You sustain our work. You have made 25 years of service possible. Your steadfast commitment enables our students to thrive. Your generous support has created opportunities for our students, staff, and communities to learn, grow, and succeed.
As we continue this important work, we are so thankful that you are here with us. We could not do it without you, and we need you now more than ever.
Together, we live A Disciplined Life,
Deborah Stevens Chief Executive Officer Hall Adams Board ChairmanOur A Disciplined Life Model Works
Panorama, the #1 social-emotional learning measurement tool in a 2021 report from Tyton Partners supported by CASEL and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, confirms that our A Disciplined Life Model works. When compared to similar schools nationwide, Perspectives’ students fall into the following percentiles for their ability to:
90th percentile
Use strategies to manage their learning processes and exhibit grit
90th percentile
Regulate and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in difficult situations
70th percentile
Consider, understand, and empathize with the perspectives of others
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Celebrating Accomplishments
Celebrating Perspectives Charter Schools’ 25th year has been a moment
What started out as a single-classroom has grown into a family of five schools across Chicago’s South students
100%
• of our seniors were accepted to a college or university
• of our seniors completed the FAFSA, unlocking solutions to fund their post-secondary education, if needed
99%
of our seniors graduated
1,684 Our seniors were awarded over $16,000,000 in scholarship funds, including:
• of our seniors graduated with a clear post-secondary plan
• 51% plan to attend a 4 year college or university
• 20% plan to attend a 2 year college
• 15% plan to enter the workforce
• 9% plan to pursue a trade and/or certification
• 5% plan to join the military
1 Illinois State Scholar
1 Horizon Scholarship Recipient attending Howard University (full-ride, totaling $100,000)
3 Lundbeck Scholarship Recipients attending the school of their choice (totaling $15,000)
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Perspectives’ legacy of excellence
Our graduates were accepted by highly selective universities, including:
Bradley University
DePaul University
DePauw University
Drake University
Howard University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Jackson State University
Loyola University
Marquette University
Miami University of Ohio
Michigan State University
Morehouse College
North Carolina A&T University
Purdue University
St. Xavier University
Tuskegee University
University of Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Texas
University of Wisconsin
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School Highlights
Perspectives Middle Academy (PMA), under the dynamic leadership of Principal Jasmine Morales, introduced Sankofa Circle, a new program that celebrates achievements and encourages student engagement and community unity. The program is named after an African proverb that encourages us to reflect on the past in order to create a positive and successful future.
Teachers and staff at PMA use the Sankofa Circle to help students develop positive thinking through critical consciousness. The circle offers students space to connect and grow their communication skills, helping them reach their goals and build healthy social-emotional learning practices. Sankofa Circle also serves as an opportunity to introduce our youngest students to college options. College exposure is also engrained in the program with advisory classrooms electing to represent a
PMA Sankofa Affirmation
“I feel like having this 15-minute session every [Monday and Wednesday] morning… has contributed to a lot of the success that we see here. Our students want to be a part of this unique experience that they know a lot of schools don't offer. And I'm just proud of the work that we're doing to build community and to have students feel proud of being a PMA Warrior,” said Principal Morales.
I am strong and determined. I believe in myself and love myself too. There is nothing I cannot get through. I matter.
Because I am…A PMA WARRIOR. Watch me.
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Principal Jasmine Morales
Athletic Highlights
Perspectives’ student-athletes
came
back into the school building
performing well in both their academics and in their designated conferences.
The post-pandemic return to in-person athletics was a breath of fresh air. And, so much was accomplished. Our varsity basketball programs won their respective conferences. Participation in athletics also enables our students to build self-confidence, comradery, and academic success. Our valedictorian and salutatorian were both active in athletics all four years.
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25 years: Gala celebration
Perspectives’ annual A Discipline Life® Gala celebrates our achievements and helps to raise critical funds to continue programming and resources for our students.
This year we celebrated Perspectives’ 25th year of impact! On Friday, May 6, we came together to reflect on the Power Of Perspectives. Students, alumni, staff, and supporters shared their personal success stories and achievements.
The theme for the evening was “Our Legacy. Our Promise. Our Future”. Larry Ashkin was recognized as Our Legacy honoree. Anthony Carmello received the Our Promise honor. And, we acknowledged William Heard as Our Future honoree.
A Disciplined Life Award
Each year, Perspectives Charter Schools recognizes leaders in our community who exemplify what it means to live A Disciplined Life. Our distinguished award recipients are beacons of inspiration, demonstrating how the 26 Principles of A Disciplined Life can change the world.
Our Legacy: Larry Ashkin
Since 1997, Larry Ashkin has been deeply involved in the charter school movement in Chicago. He served as a founding Board Member of Perspectives Charter Schools. Larry continues to support Perspectives in his current role as Chairman Emeritus and valued advisor.
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Our Promise: Anthony J. Carmello
Anthony J. Carmello
Anthony J. Carmello has been a dedicated volunteer and a champion of Perspectives for years. He and the amazing team at EY have shown a true commitment to our students by providing mentorship opportunities, college scholarships, conflict resolution workshops, and more.
Our Future: William Heard
William Heard is active in the philanthropic community, focusing his efforts on supporting education and youth programs. His service is an inspiration for all. In addition to Perspectives, William supports a diverse collective of local organizations creating opportunities for young people and under-resourced communities.
This year’s gala was hosted by student emcee Jeremiah and Board member DeEtta Jones.
We’re grateful for an incredible night together to celebrate a remarkable legacy of service, change, and community in the Chicagoland area.
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Community Highlights
Staff Spotlight: Paulette Jordan is the Leader of Safety and Security for Perspectives Charter Schools.
Miss Jordan joined the Perspectives family in August of 2008. However, her commitment to students and passion for youth development started well before coming to Perspectives. Early in her career, she owned and operated a daycare center – which is where she met one of our high school principals. Her journey with Perspectives began shortly thereafter.
According to Miss Jordan, the most rewarding aspects of her work are mentoring students, emphasizing the principles of A Disciplined Life, and helping students become “well-developed young adults.” She has held many roles at Perspectives. Reflecting on her time as an ADL advisor, Miss Jordan recalls a student who was seeking employment and applied ADL principles while in her interview. “The student came back, and she said to me, Miss Jordan, you told me to use those principles, and that’s how I got the job! “
Perspectives’ students and alumni view Miss Jordan as someone who always has their back and sincerely cares about their education, their safety, and their futures. Current staff member and Perspectives graduate, Clarence Boyles, shares this sentiment.
Mr. Boyles credits his success to his willingness to seek wisdom and demonstrate perseverance, two ADL principles that Miss Jordan reinforced in him. With her guidance and support, Mr. Boyles has developed the maturity he needs to perform well in his current position. He is now supporting students as Miss Jordan once supported him. Miss Jordan says, “Once Clarence joined the security team, he took on a meaningful role as a mentor. I have watched him help students transition away from street life. And, those students became leaders, graduating high in their classes, and successfully moving on to college.”
Miss Jordan’s work and legacy at Perspectives is known throughout the network. She lives by the saying, “Talent can only take you where character can keep you.”
“I feel like I have been a positive impact on students at Perspectives. They will always remember Miss Jordan, and they will always remember the lessons I teach because I try to back up everything I say with good character.”
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— Paulette Jordan
Alumni Spotlight:
Robert Emmons, Jr. is a 2011 graduate of Perspectives High School Of Technology. He is a college graduate, husband, father, and business owner.
Emmons attended the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, majoring in political science. Emmons is a former candidate for the United States House of Representatives. He now sits on the National Board of Directors for One Goal. He was introduced to One Goal as a member of its first cohort of students at Perspectives. Emmons serves as a consultant for nonprofits across the country. He is committed to help organizations address and solve systemic poverty, racism, and social justice issues.
His favorite principle of A Disciplined Life is: resolving conflicts peacefully. Emmons says, “Life is about resolving conflict peacefully, not just in school, not just between someone that you oppose, but also within yourself. I’m someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression. As an adult, I have had feelings of loneliness.” He reflects on this principle often and it helps him move forward and find solutions to overcome personal battles.
Emmons joined the Perspectives family as a sophomore. He continues to live A Disciplined Life after graduating from Perspectives.
He says, “ADL teaches students incredibly important values, like: communicate effectively. This is key. Throughout my career, I’ve had to communicate effectively in order to push policy, organize people, and mobilize them around various issues. This work requires strong communication skills, skills that I learned as a student at Perspectives.”
“LIFE IS ABOUT RESOLVING CONFLICT PEACEFULLY, NOT JUST IN SCHOOL, NOT JUST BETWEEN SOMEONE THAT YOU OPPOSE, BUT ALSO WITHIN YOURSELF.”
— ROBERT EMMONS, JR.Perspectives provides a solid foundation...guiding to future success
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Social Emotional Learning
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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
Ralph Quintana
Samuel Cutrara
Verena Esteve
^ = CURRENT BOARD MEMBER
^^ = FORMER BOARD MEMBER
* = MULTI-YEAR GIFT
Financials
Fiscal Year 2022
We pour investments into our school community for services and programs that help develop successful learners.
Year after year, we invest approximately $5M to provide wrap-around services for our students throughout the day. Because of these programs, students leave Perspectives feeling empowered and ready to lead.
investing in our future
85% City & State
10% Federal
4% Philanthropy
1% Other
93% Direct Student Expenses
5% General Administration
2% Fundraising
Expenses Revenue
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At Perspectives, our A Disciplined Life® education model teaches the whole child.
We combine academic rigor, social emotional learning, and experiential opportunities. This establishes a culture of trust, curiosity and achievement.
Board of Directors
Hall Adams Chairman
Law Offices of Hall Adams
Loren Weil Secretary
Holland & Knight
Andrew Killion
Akuna Capital, LLC
Sheree T. Speakman
Talent First, PBC
Deborah Stevens
Perspectives Charter Schools
ACADEMIC RIGOR
Our college prep curriculum leverages instruction and personalized learning. Students can take advantage of certification programs, career development, and early college credit.
Rick Fezell Treasurer
Dr. Angela Brooks
ABR Consulting
Holly Copeland
Horizon Therapeutics
Ikram Goldman
ikram
LaMarr C. Taylor
Goldman Sachs
Valencia Turner
PCS Parent Representative
Kim Waller
Willis Towers Watson
Andrew Ward
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
A Disciplined Life® is our social emotional learning curriculum and set of 26 principles. This is the foundation of Perspectives. Our 26 principles teaches students to have positive self-perception, healthy relationships, and the tools for productivity.
EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
We use the city as a classroom. Students at Perspectives gain skills, confidence and insight from field studies, community action initiatives, and career shadowing.
26 Principles of A Disciplined Life
At Perspectives, we study the 26 principles of A Disciplined Life®, which help all of us develop:
Positive Self Perception
Accept only quality work from yourself
Take responsibility for your actions
Seek wisdom
Be open-minded
Think critically and be inquisitive
Love who you are
Demonstrate honesty and integrity
Be generous
Be a lifelong learner
Live a healthy lifestyle
Healthy Relationships
Communicate effectively
Challenge each other intellectually
Show gratitude
Solve conflicts peacefully
Respect differences
Be positive and supportive
Show compassion
Tools for Productivity
Demonstrate a strong work ethic
Use your time wisely
Listen actively
Be punctual and prepared
Be organized
Be reflective
Be reliable
Take initiative
Demonstrate perseverance