Community Highlight

Students at Perspectives Math & Science Academy launched an interdisciplinary study to understand more deeply the systemic causes of violence in Chicago.

Their big question: “How has systemic injustice perpetuated violence throughout Chicago and our local community?

The Perspectives MSA Peace Summit concluded with a panel discussion between students and different community members, staff, law enforcement, activists, and more. After viewing, what would you say to add to this impactful conversation? Comment below the video.

Panelists

Paulette Jordan

Director of Safety and Security, Perspectives Charter Schools

Algenoy Alexander

Executive Director, WiseWorks, Inc.

Dr. Phyllis West, Ph.D., MPH, M.S.W.

Director, Social Justice Initiative, Governor State University

Mitchell Davis

Chief of Police, Village of Hazel Crest

Adrienne Irmer

AVP of External Affairs, Illinois Institute of Technology

Nichole Carter

Chief of Staff, Bright Star Community Outreach

TyNeisha Banks

Principal, Perspectives IIT/Math & Science Academy

Scan the code to watch the one-hour featured presentation.

Student Panelists

Elijah, 11th Grade Representative

Tommie, 11th Grade Representative

Martinique, 10th Grade Representative

Kari, 9th Grade Representative

Ja’Vion, 10th Grade Representative

Shaniyah, 12th Grade Representative

Recording Arts Program

The recording studio is a new program offered at our Perspectives IIT/Math & Science Academy. This program is in partnership with the Minnesota High School for Recording Arts and the Remix Project. Principal Banks initiated this program to cultivate new academic leaders, while bridging social-emotional learning (SEL) through music recording: production, lyricism, and instrumentation.

Over 30 students spend the last two hours of their school day working collaboratively on music production. There are two components to the program. The first component is in the classroom and focuses on SEL skills and their identity as an artist/individual. The second component transitions into students creating their brand, other content, and music.

Alumni have returned to Perspectives Charter Schools and given their time and music mentorship; likewise, our current students have created a collaborative mini-album, expanded their individual portfolios, and improved their overall academic performance.

Network Athletics Highlights

• Varsity Football qualified for IHSA 6A state playoffs and hosted a home 6A state playoff game, finishing with an 8-2 overall record.

• PLC Girls Volleyball won the conference championship (2nd in team history).

• MSA/Joslin Girls Volleyball won their first conference championship.

• MSA/Joslin Boys and Girls Basketball made an IHSA 3A Regional Championship game appearance.

• MSA/Joslin Boys Basketball made it to the IHSA 2A Regional Championship game.

• Perspectives Leadership Girls Basketball won their first IHSA 2A Regional Championship.

• Perspectives Leadership Boys Basketball won an IHSA 2A Regional Championship and Sectional Championship. They lost to DePaul Prep in IHSA super-sectional, one win away from a downstate appearance.

• MSA Girls Track made a 3A state finals appearance thanks to MSA’s Ashley Thomas, who finished 9th in the state in the long jump.

• Ashley Thomas received a Division I scholarship offer from Eastern Illinois for girls track & field.

• Joslin student-athlete Nasir Graham earns $1.2 million dollars in combined scholarships.