Family Nights: A West40 Tradition

Having a trusted advocate at school to help you focus on attendance and academics can help many students achieve success and walk the stage at graduation. And sharing those relationships with family members during an evening of fun is something West40 takes pride in through its Family Nights.

West40’s ALOP teams from the Proviso, Morton, Southern Tier, and Northern Tier areas organize these end-of-year events that bring together students, families, and advocates. It’s not about grades or behaviors, however. The goal is to relax, laugh and enjoy recreational activities outside of school hours.

“Just having a really good time and connecting one on one with them is super essential and I think that’s why we’ve got such a good turnout because families are seeking that connection as well,” said Proviso Area ALOP Director Lynette Aguirre. 

Proviso West High School student Crystal described her advocate as someone whom she can go to for whatever she needs. And family night is another way to stay connected.

“Being able to hang out with a lot of my mentors and my family, it feels nice,” said Crystal.

The Proviso Area ALOP Family Night was held at a bowling alley in Berwyn on May 5.

“It’s important to show to our families how we are able to care for one another and build relationships,” said student advocate Guillermo Beltran. “It’s welcoming and heartwarming to be able to show our families that we can relate within certain things and being able to support them, it definitely goes a long way.”

Family Nights can be anything from pizza parties to fun and games at a bowling alley. But the main point is reminding students and their families that they don’t have to navigate school challenges alone.