Uncategorized Archives

SUPPORTING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL GROWTH THROUGH ARTS AND ACTIVITIES

Posted on October 31, 2023 (October 31, 2023) by jboies

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Restorative Practices: Making a Difference in the Classroom and in Life

Posted on September 26, 2023 (September 26, 2023) by Chris Coffey

In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional school discipline, like detention and suspension, toward restorative practices. This involves recognizing the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding why children may cause disruptions in classrooms. The caring and understanding approach often achieves results. Teachers and school support personnel are helping students grow and learn from their mistakes, as opposed to facing punitive consequences. West40 professional learning specialist Demian LaPointe has spent 29 years in the education field working as a teacher, administrator and consultant. He’s used restorative practices in his classroom experiences and now he helps educators change […]

Painted Lady Butterflies: A West40 Spring Tradition

Posted on April 13, 2023 (April 13, 2023) by jboies

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Painted Lady Butterflies: A West40 Spring Tradition

Posted on April 12, 2023 by jboies

It’s an annual West40 tradition that transforms and flies away to the delight of students across West Cook County. Each year, West40 distributes Painted Lady Butterfly kits to interested teachers and community members who provide a temporary home for caterpillars as they slowly turn into beautiful butterflies. More than 750 kits were ordered and will be distributed this month. The entire process is a learning experience for children as they witness the butterfly life cycle. West40 administrative assistant Mirtha Medina has kept the Painted Lady Butterfly project alive for more than twenty years. “We saw year after […]

Getting Creative to Support Students in a Remote Setting

Posted on December 8, 2022 by Chris Coffey

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HOMEGROWN PRINCIPAL AIMS TO INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS

Posted on November 21, 2022 (November 21, 2022) by jboies

The job listing for principal at Mannheim Middle School in District 83 immediately drew the attention of former student Tom Herion. “I looked at my wife. I’m like, ‘I have to apply for this job,’” Herion recalled. Herion, now in his first year as principal at Mannheim Middle School, grew up in Melrose Park and attended the school in the early 90’s. “The foundation of me being here today was built upon the foundation of amazing educators who believed in me and for the opportunity for me to come back and work in this community and serve a community again […]

Heart 2 Heart Store Opens

Posted on August 3, 2022 (August 5, 2022) by Chris Coffey

Prices for nearly all consumer goods are at record highs as the country grapples with inflation, but West40 is offering relief to its community members by providing essential household items for free at its Heart 2 Heart store. The store opened its doors in July at its new location in Maywood, where West40 is renovating the former Lexington Elementary to be its Regional Safe School and main office. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for West40 families seeking relief from high prices. “This is nice and helps people who can’t afford it. I think it’s a good […]