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Remote School Student Describes Her Journey to Graduation
Sammi Smith is about to cross the finish line as a graduate of the West40 Remote School and a recipient of a highly coveted student...


Students Share Their ALOP Success Stories
I have more confidence. I am getting better grades. I have less stress. We often hear that type of great news from students who...


West40 Partners with Manufacturer to Open Doors for Students
West40 believes that every student deserves a chance for success in the classroom and in the future. In fact, a goal of West40’s new...


Stepping Stones: Aubrey's Graphic Design Journey
A West40 Safe School student is already leaving her mark as an artist with her creations on display for hundreds of people to see at a...


Supporting a Young Entrepreneur's Dream
Antony Sanchez arrived at West40's Heart 2 Heart pantry in Westchester with his mother and younger brother earlier this month expecting...


Opening More Doors - Sharing Truant Student Success Stories
There could be any number of reasons why a student routinely does not attend school. Truancy impacts students in different ways. But with...


Expanding West40's Food Program
Providing nutritional support is one of the many ways West40 remains committed to being what our communities need. And now our food...


THE RIGHT FIT - OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH GRANTS
How new uniforms can make a lasting impact for young athletes New and sharp-looking uniforms can make sports teams feel a sense of pride....


RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN LIFE
In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional school discipline, like detention and suspension, toward restorative...


DEANDRE MCLAURIN
Tim Stafford is joined by student advocate, DeAndre McClaurin, to discuss working with at-risk youth. DeAndre shares the strengths of...


KAREN YOUNG
Karen Young discusses the partnership between Woz Ed and West40. Karen joins the podcast to share her experience with Woz Ed and Steve...


STEVEN HUNTER
Steven Hunter from the Phoenix Suns shares his partnership with Woz Ed. For this discussion, Steven embraces his love for Proviso...


DR. JENNIFER KELSALL
Superintendent for Ridgewood Community High School #234, Jennifer Kelsall, shares her expertise in Education. Dr. Kelsall casts a vision...


DION FLOWERS
West40 Regional Safe School alumni, Dion Flowers, revisits his time at the RSSP since graduating. Dion’s interview is uplifting,...


Remote School Student Describes Her Journey to Graduation
Sammi Smith is about to cross the finish line as a graduate of the West40 Remote School and a recipient of a highly coveted student...


Students Share Their ALOP Success Stories
I have more confidence. I am getting better grades. I have less stress. We often hear that type of great news from students who...


West40 Partners with Manufacturer to Open Doors for Students
West40 believes that every student deserves a chance for success in the classroom and in the future. In fact, a goal of West40’s new...


Stepping Stones: Aubrey's Graphic Design Journey
A West40 Safe School student is already leaving her mark as an artist with her creations on display for hundreds of people to see at a...


Expanding West40's Food Program
Providing nutritional support is one of the many ways West40 remains committed to being what our communities need. And now our food...


THE RIGHT FIT - OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH GRANTS
How new uniforms can make a lasting impact for young athletes New and sharp-looking uniforms can make sports teams feel a sense of pride....


RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN LIFE
In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional school discipline, like detention and suspension, toward restorative...


PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLIES: A WEST40 SPRING TRADITION
It’s an annual West40 tradition that transforms and flies away to the delight of students across West Cook County. Each year, West40...


GETTING CREATIVE TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN A REMOTE SETTING
In the Words of Vicki Dimitrakakos, Remote School Lead Advocate As the Lead Advocate in the Remote School, it is important to ensure that...


SUPPORTING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL GROWTH THROUGH ARTS AND ACTIVITIES
Advocating for students means supporting them at school and providing a listening ear. It’s also about organizing activities to keep...


A NEW KIND OF CELEBRATION
As told by Emily Molson and Pedro Peralta, West40 Seniors Plus Advocates “In the West40 Seniors Plus program, we work with high school...


THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS
West40’s goals are audacious. We don’t just want to help students graduate, or just get them back on track. We want to turn each and...


CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS DURING COVID-19
Summer wasn’t quite the same in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country and disrupted almost everything about our...


THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
What if West40’s approach to teaching at-risk kids could influence the way we teach every student in the state of Illinois? That was the...


GIVING THE GIFT OF HOPE: WEST40 CHRISTMAS BINGO
For most kids, the holiday season is filled with magic and wonder. They write wish lists. They daydream about what presents they might...


A WEST40 THANKSGIVING
School is a place to learn. To improve your knowledge and prepare for a bright future. But it can also be a place where families...


THE CHANGING FACE OF COMPLIANCE
For many administrators, the word “compliance” fills them with a sense of dread. They imagine regulators coming into their schools to...
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