Austin Weekly News Fall 2019 Education and Enrichment Guide 081419

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August 14, 2019

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

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Education Enrichment Fall 2019

and

guide

local schools | afterschool | tutoring programs

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E Special Advertising Section

Circle Rock

Apply now for K-8th Grade for 2019– 2020

Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts

80+ 80+

Scholar Scholar orchestra orchestra

August 14, 2019

New New on-campus on-campus performing

performing arts center arts center High quality High quality education rooted in love, values and education rooted family located in love, values and in the heart of family located Austin

in the heart of Austin

Proud campus partner Proud with Circle Urban campus Ministries partner with and Rock CircleChurch Urban

Ministries and Rock Church

Apply now at www.catalystschools.org 5608 W. Washington Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60644 Application deadline March 18, 2019. Lottery March 20, 2019 at 773-945-5025 Catalyst Circle Rock at 9:00 am (open to the public)

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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

August 14, 2019

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Chicago Jesuit Academy develops each student as a whole person in accord with the Jesuit mission and tradition hicago Jesuit Academy (CJA) helps students in 3rd through 8th grade develop as young men who are open to growth, religious, intellectually competent, loving and committed to doing justice in the service of others. CJA is not an academically selective school in grades 3, 4 and 5 and we are a tuition-free opportunity for students on the West Side.

Our students have earned admission to many

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of the most rigorous high schools in Chicago including Christ the King, Fenwick, Lane Tech, Loyola Academy, Noble Street Charter Schools, St. Ignatius and Walter Payton. Overall, nearly 97% of our alumni have graduated from high school.

Our commitment to our students extends well beyond 8th grade and our College-Persistence Team supports our alumni in high school, college and into their careers.

Chicago Jesuit Academy A tuition-free, faith-based private middle school for young men. Now accepting applications for rising third, fourth and fifth graders for the 2019-2020 school year.

For more information or to apply, visit cjacademy.org, call us at (773) 638-6103 or email apply@cjacademy.org

• • • • • • •

Safe, loving environment Small class sizes 11-month school year 9.5-hour school day College prep curriculum High school admissions support Sports, Music and Arts

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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

August 14, 2019

Chicago Children’s Choir impacts the lives of Austin students he Austin Neighborhood Choir of the Chicago Children’s Choir is a place where students experience the inherent joy of music making, build lasting friendships, and gain transferable skills as future leaders of our city,” says Miriam Kim, Austin Neighborhood Choir Conductor for the Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC).

Kim has been leading CCC’s Austin Neighborhood Choir since 2018. She’s seen the local choir students grow and flourish. “I find that I leave each rehearsal inspired and encouraged by the dedication and joyful spirit of each student. The Austin singers are the most creative, talented, and kind children I know.”

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Albany Park Austin Beverly Bucktown Englewood Garfield Park/ Off The Street Club Humboldt Park Hyde Park Lincoln Park/DePaul Pilsen/Little Village Rogers Park

CONFIDENCE NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD Confidence. Teamwork. Community.

Enroll your child in our after-school Austin Neighborhood Choir and we’ll teach them so much more than how to carry a tune. We’ll

Founded in Hyde Park in direct response to the Civil Rights Movement in 1956, CCC has grown from one choir into a vast network of in-school and after-school programs driven by one mission: to inspire and change lives through music.

Its neighborhood and in-school choirs have been teaching students at all skill levels proper vocal technique, music reading and sight singing skills, and the discipline of singing with musicality, movement and expression.

But students who sing with the choir learn more than how to read notes on a page. The choir aims to unite diverse youth and create global citizens.

Sign up today. ccchoir.org/join

No prior experience is necessary to join a Neighborhood Choir Program.

The audition process is quick, simple, and open to students in grades 3 and up. The Austin Neighborhood Choir is holding its auditions on Wednesday, September 4 from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, September 9 from 4:00 to 4:30pm at the Chicago Public Library Austin branch, 5615 W Race Ave. Students with an enthusiasm for singing may sign up for an audition slot at ccchoir.org/join.

Students who sing with the choir learn more than how to read notes on a page. The choir aims to unite diverse youth and create global citizens.

teach them how to carry themselves as the future leaders they are.

in CCC have a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate, becoming global ambassadors who carry on CCC’s core values in a wide array of professional fields. CCC currently serves over 5,000 students across Chicago in all 52 zip codes.

Throughout its 62-year history, CCC has impacted the lives of more than 50,000 diverse youth. Since its founding, CCC has focused on building programs that reflect the racial and economic diversity of Chicago. Eighty percent of youth served are from lowmoderate income homes, with over 4,000 students annually participating completely free of charge. All singers in CCC programs receive some level of subsidy. High school seniors enrolled

The Austin Neighborhood Choir performs at several events in the Austin community. In December 2018, the ensemble performed for the Illinois House of Representatives 100th General Assembly. Select singers have also performed in Turandot and La bohème at Lyric Opera of Chicago and Bernstein’s MASS at Ravinia Festival.

Recent tours have included Detroit and Chicago.

The first rehearsal for CCC’s Austin Neighborhood Choir is Wednesday, September 11. For more information email austin@ccchoir.org or call 312-849-8300.

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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

August 14, 2019

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St. Angela students learn to be active citizens and leaders in our community and the world he boys and girls of St. Angela School, located in the northwest corner of the Austin neighborhood, begin their days with this pledge: I am a St. Angela scholar.

I am a respectful individual. I am a person for others. I am a responsible citizen. I am an independent learner.

I am a faith-filled individual. These are the goals that we have for our scholars—the goals their parents have in mind for them when they choose St. Angela. These, and the overarching goal of learning to be successful in school. Early success in school— learning to love learning—is the foundation of a rich and rewarding life.

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The St. Angela experience is designed for success, from preschool through eighth grade. Dedicated teachers at St. Angela work together closely and invite parents to collaborate with them in meeting the needs of each student.

Children who require special support for reading, or study practices, or developing fine motor skills, find that support in our staff and volunteers.

Our gym teacher and our coaches

challenge the children to do their best physically – to be competitive, but first to enjoy being active and to develop confidence in participating.

Our art teacher believes passionately that “there is no bad art!” Our early childhood staff believes that all children can learn, that mistakes are part of the process, and that each day is a new beginning. Each one of us believes that each day should include the joy and gratitude that are part of a faith-based curriculum.

proud to be in Austin!

We believe that the children of St. Angela deserve the same opportunities, the same incitement to curiosity, the same care and nurturing that children everywhere deserve. To that end, our strong old buildings have received much TLC in the past four years: a renovated gym, new classroom windows, and a wonderful new green campus which includes fields, gardens, quiet spaces for reading and prayer, trees for shade and two outdoor classrooms. We believe that “place matters” and therefore we continue to enhance the place we call home. We’re

Our Centennial Year will begin with a Mass on Sunday, September 8 at 10:00 in the Jack Jordan Gym on our campus, Msgr. Ken Velo, celebrant.

Before and after the Mass friends and alumni will be welcome to tour the school and the grounds. All our welcome to honor our past and salute the future of St. Angela.

We were founded in Austin in 1920, so this fall we will open our doors for the 100th time! A momentous event. Not many Catholic schools are marking this anniversary anymore, certainly not many that have faced the hurdles that St. Angela School has faced in the last 25 years. How fortunate we are to have faced those hurdles with friends, alumni and families who believe in our mission in the Austin neighborhood!

To learn more about St. Angela School, our people and programs—and our Centennial celebrations—please visit www.saintangela.org.

St. Angela School

Founded 1920

Scholarships are available for new families.

• generous tuition assistance programs • school-wide focus on literacy • art, music, Spanish, computer, gym classes • a safe, supportive, faith-filled environment • challenging academic programs • interscholastic athletic program • outdoor classrooms & play opportunities • before and afterschool care • counseling services School begins August 19!

Call or visit to learn more about our people and our programs. www.saintangela.org / 773.626.2655.

School Office hours: Monday - Friday 8 to 3 Sr. Maryellen Callahan, RSM, President Sr. Mary Finnegan, RSM, Principal Petrice Sanderson, Office Manager

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E Special Advertising Section

August 14, 2019

Cluster Tutoring offers free help for Austin students re you looking for academic help for your child? Consider signing up with Cluster Tutoring, a free, one-to-one tutoring program that helps students primarily from the Austin community.

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Cluster Tutoring’s mission is to help students realize their potential through the power of learning in an environment that strengthens the student, the tutor, and the community.

Cluster is a nonprofit, communitybased organization that provides tutoring to more than 100 students in grades K-12. The program was founded in 1990 by a “cluster” of local churches and community groups in response to the statistic that less than half of Chicago Public School students graduate from high school. Now, all of our seniors graduate from high school and have college acceptances.

Each tutor is matched with a student, and each tutor-student pair works together from late September through mid-May. Tutoring is held from 6:30-8 p.m. on either Tuesday or Thursday.

The program has a focus on literacy

Cluster Tutoring Registration For new students in grades K-8

and employs reading specialists who provide guidance to tutors, students, and parents. Younger students spend 30-60 minutes improving reading skills such as fluency and vocabulary. The remainder of the evening is spent on homework or other enrichment activities. High school students spend most of their time on homework. Math coaches also are on hand for students who need extra help.

Cluster Tutoring provides FREE one-to-one tutoring from late September to mid-May. Priority enrollment goes to students from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Come to either session for an orientation and to register your child.

Parents who want to register new students in grades K-8 can come to one of two sessions: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Pine Avenue United Church, 5460 W. Augusta (enter through Augusta door) or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St. (enter through parking lot behind the church). Parents will learn about the program’s policies and procedures and fill out registration forms.

For more information, contact 773-3785530 or clustertutoring@clustertutoring. org, or visit clustertutoring.org.

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Thursday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Pine Avenue United Church 5460 West Augusta Blvd.

(Enter through the door on Augusta)

or

Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m.

First United Church of Oak Park 848 Lake Street

(Enter through parking lot behind the church.)

Contact us at: 773-378-5530 or clustertutoring@clustertutoring.org Visit ClusterTutoring.org to learn more.

FREE Family Programs 4 DAYS A WEEK Morning Glories Too young for school? Stop by Monday mornings with your little one! Mondays 10am - 12pm Wild Wednesdays Looking for a weeknight family activity? We’re open late for nature-based fun! Wednesdays 4 - 7pm Fiddleheads Need a weekend destination? Our nature education teachers have activities planned for the whole family! Saturdays + Sundays 12 - 4pm

Email about teen-docent led tours through our Urban Roots Program. *Valid only for visiting K - 12 field trips, Tuesday - Friday; 9am - 1pm

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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

August 14, 2019

Special Advertising Section

Academy of Scholastic Achievement (ASA): Accepting Students Just as They Are Since 1978 t all started with 8 full-time teachers and 85 students in the basement of a Catholic church in West Garfield Park. One year later, the school’s roof collapsed in the Chicago blizzard of 1979 and ASA found temporary shelter at Mars Hill Baptist Church in Austin, before relocating to the historic Hamlin House building in West Garfield Park.

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ASA operated for four years in the Louis Armstrong Elementary School in Austin, before relocating to its current site at 4651 W. Madison Street.

Under the direction of its founder and CEO, Gladys Simpson (see photo) ASA operates as a public, charter high school, serving nearly 200 students. ASA offers academic, extra-curricular and socialemotional programs in a 19,000-square foot building featuring nine classrooms, including a state-of-the-art science lab, a 24-seat computer lab, and a high-tech collaborative learning room.

ASA’s mission is to accept students where they are academically, socially and

emotionally by educating, supporting, celebrating and empowering students to achieve a higher quality of life. ASA’s educational approach is holistic, a belief that a student can succeed in life only through academic as well as socialemotional support. With a staff of case managers and certified counselors, ASA offers wraparound services focused on individuals and families; employment training for students who are wards of the state; dropout prevention; and parenting services for teen mothers at risk of dropping out of school.

This approach works. ASA graduates 80% of its students each year and they go on to college and careers and lives as productive young adults.

Because ASA students come primarily from the west side of Chicago, high unemployment and incarceration rates are part of the reality they face each day.

ASA teaches them how to navigate their present reality and prepare themselves for futures beyond their current limits.

As part of its efforts, ASA students learn anti-violence strategies in peace circles and participate fully in civic engagement projects. This past year, students worked on a project on environmental injustice that earned second prize in the competition.

Alumni come back to visit ASA to tell about their careers in the military, traveling the world and learning new skills, or in further educational pursuits at colleges and universities throughout the nation.

With its dedicated, certified staff, ASA works hard to re-engage students academically, socially and intellectually, so they can earn their diplomas and gain the life-skills necessary to compete in society. It’s no mistake that the school motto is unwrap the gift, unveil the potential.

That’s because at ASA, we’re helping our students unwrap their inner gifts and unveil their true potential one child and one day at a time.

Academy of Scholastic Achievement Social and Economic Justice High School 4651 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60644 STUDENT BENEFITS: Fast Track to Graduation Competency Based Education Extended Learning Options •Dual Enrollment • Certification Programs Personalized Instruction

There is still time to Enroll We have a Diploma just for you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 773--921 773 921--1315 VIST OUR WEBSITE www.asaschool.org

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E Special Advertising Section

August 14, 2019

Legal Prep Charter Academy is an exemplar for the entire country egal Prep Charter Academy is Chicago’s only legalthemed high school. Legal Prep, located at Washington and Kildare, in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, is a completely free high school serving students on the west side of Chicago. The school provides a high quality, college prep education and uses its legal theme to engage its students and offer unique opportunities to them.

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Sam Finkelstein and Rather Stanton, two lawyers by background, opened the doors of Legal Prep in 2012 with a mission to increase diversity in the legal profession, expose students on the west side of Chicago to professional careers, and provide

students with skills that all lawyers possess: excellent written and oral communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and advocacy.

Legal Prep students participate in monthly law programs where they have the chance to engage in legal themed activities at downtown law firms. These lawyers mentor Legal Prep students and teach them invaluable professionalism and leadership skills. In addition to these unique opportunities outside of the classroom, Legal Prep students take law courses during their four years at Legal Prep. These courses allow students to think like a lawyer and gain

exposure to critical cases that have influenced United States history.

challenges aside and truly focus in the classroom.

Legal Prep is pleased to share that 83% of their most recent graduating class is off to college this upcoming fall. These students benefited from the top-notch education at Legal Prep and received the resources to persist through the challenges that they encountered outside of the classroom during their high school career. Legal Prep students receive socio-emotional support and counseling that make it possible for students to put their

Legal Prep was recently rated as a 2+ in CPS’ SQRP rating system.

This level is higher than any other high school within a 2 miles radius of Legal Prep. Legal Prep is currently inviting students to join the Legal Prep family and enroll this fall. For more information and to register, please contact Melinda Stringer at 773-922-7800 or mstringer@legalprep.org.

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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

August 14, 2019

Special Advertising Section

ATTENTION PARENTS of pre-K through 4th Graders

Your child deserves the best There’s still time to apply for your child to attend the best public school in Chicago

Apply now—spaces are limited alainlocke.org/enroll

Alain Locke Charter School

TOP 15% of

all schools in Illinois for grades K through 8

#1

among all Illinois schools serving African-American Students

3141 W. Jackson Blvd | Chicago, IL 60612 | 773.265.7230 Image credit: © Sandra Steinbrecher 2018 |  @sandysteinbrecherphotography |  @sandragoldin

Welcome TO FAMILY

Community MUSIC

REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 27TH

WWW.MAYWOODFINEARTS.ORG G7088 86550301

FRIENDS

FUN

AUSTIN

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E Special Advertising Section

August 14, 2019

HANDS-ON EXPLORATION. REAL WORLD DISCOVERY. A CPS Level 1 School

The mission of Polaris Charter Academy is to educate students to be self-motivated, creative, critical thinkers, with the ultimate goal of shaping life-long learners and citizens with a strong sense of personal and civic responsibility.

• FREE public charter school • FREE healthy breakfast, lunch and Accepting applications for grades snack everyday The mission of Polaris Charter Academy is to educate • Long school day: 7:50AM - 4PM for the 2019-2020 school year • Small class size: 25 students to be self-motivated, creative, critical thinkers, • Student/teacher ratio: 12 to 1 • Music, art, drama & technology

with the ultimate goal of shaping life-long learners and We are located at

citizens with strong sense of personal and civic 620aN. Sawyer Ave. in West Humboldt Park responsibility.

(1 block west of Kedzie, between Ohio & Huron)

Please • FREE publice-mail chartertsandifer@pcachicago.org school

call (773) for an application • Longorschool day: 534-0820 7:50AM - 4PM • Small class size: 25 • Student/teacher ratio: 12.5 to 1 • Music, art, drama & technology

K-8

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