In a diverse range of Chicago public schools from the Near North to the South Side, we’re partnering with principals and teachers to transform the educational experiences of young children.
John J. Audubon Elementary School
Principal: Kenneth Anthony Fitzner
Erikson facilitator: Sarah Dennis
Location: 3500 N. Hoyne Ave.
Student demographics: 56% White, 30% Latino
Website: audubonelementaryschool.org
Audubon’s staff focuses on the development of the whole child — emotionally, socially, and academically — building strong relationships among students, teachers, and families to foster a nurturing learning community and provide students with opportunities for extending their learning. With Erikson’s support, Audubon is implementing the Being a Writer curriculum and enhancing teaching and learning in reading comprehension and social studies.
Catalyst Charter Schools, Circle Rock Campus
Principal: Michael Kasang
Erikson facilitator: Professor Jane Fleming
Location: 5608 W. Washington Blvd.
Student demographics: 89% African American, 11% Other
Website: www.catalystschools.org/circle_rock
Circle Rock Charter is a K-8 college-preparatory school located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The Catalyst Schools partner with their urban communities to offer students welcoming educational settings that nurture academic, social, and emotional growth. This year, Erikson is working with the school to build strong balanced reading programs within caring, inclusive classroom communities that promote social-emotional development and a joy for learning.
Catalyst Charter Schools, Howland Campus
Principal: Gwen Burrel
Erikson facilitator: Valencia Burney
Location: 1616 S. Spaulding Ave.
Student demographics: 99% African American, 1% Latino
Website: www.catalystschools.org/howland
Howland Charter is a K-8 college-preparatory school located in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. The Catalyst Schools believe that every child possesses inherent value and potential, regardless of background, educational level, or life circumstances. This year, Erikson is working with the school to build strong balanced reading programs within caring, inclusive classroom communities that promote social-emotional development and a joy for learning.
Catalyst Charter Schools, Maria Campus
Principal: Dawn Sandoval
Erikson facilitator: Sunday Cummins
Location: 6727 S. California Ave.
Student demographics: 46% Latino, 45% African American
Website: www.catalystschools.org/maria
Oscar DePriest Elementary School
Principal: Minnie Lee Watson
Erikson facilitator: Sue Mitra
Location: 139 S. Parkside Ave.
Student demographics: 94% African American, 4% Latino
Website: depriest.cps.k12.il.us
Edward K. Ellington Elementary School
Principal: Shirley Marie Scott
Erikson facilitator: Valencia Burney
Location: 243 N. Parkside Ave.
Student demographics: 95% African American, 4% Latino
Erie Elementary Charter School
Principal: Velia Soto
Location: 1405 N. Washtenaw Ave.
Student demographics: 76% Latino, 19% African American
Website: www.eriecharterschool.org
Everyone in the Erie Elementary community works to develop children who are confident in their culture and ethnic origin, are biliterate in English and Spanish, and achieve academic excellence. Erie nurtures and empowers students to successfully engage in the local community and the broader society. Erie is implementing the Being a
Writer curriculum, the Making Meaning reading comprehension program, and the Responsive Classroom approach.
Robert Fulton Elementary School
Principal: Cherie Anne Novak
Erikson facilitator: Susan Mitra
Location: 5300 S. Hermitage Ave.
Student demographics: 61% African American, 37% Latino
Fulton Elementary School, a third-year CPS turnaround school, commits to providing its students with a safe and nurturing learning environment. Its mission is to set rigorous, yearly individual goals for students, parents, and teachers, preparing everyone to be lifelong learners. Erikson is providing professional development and coaching support for pre-k through third-grade teachers, with emphasis on curriculum alignment.
LaSalle II World Language Academy
Principal: Suzanne Velasquez
Erikson facilitator: Sarah Llanes
Location: 1148 N. Honore St.
Student demographics: 46% Latino, 27% White
Website: www.lasalle2school.com
LaSalle II is a pre-k through sixth-grade language academy which opened in 2008 and is recognized by Chicago Public Schools as an Autonomously Managed Performance School. In addition to the regular curriculum, students study Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish. With Erikson support, the academy is implementing the Being a Writer curriculum and increasing their use of data, including Northwest Evaluation Association measures, to inform teaching and learning.
William H. Prescott Elementary School
Principal: Erin Roche
Erikson facilitator: Sunday Cummins
Location: 1632 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Student demographics: 45% Hispanic, 32% White
Website: prescott.cps.k12.il.us/
Prescott is a pre-k through eighth-grade magnet cluster school with a focus on literature and writing. Winner of the 2006 Illinois School Improvement Award, Prescott has high expectations for student learning. The school is implementing the Being a Writer curriculum, the Making Meaning reading comprehension program, and the Responsive Classroom approach, as well as a new social studies curriculum framework.