Current Partners Forms & Documents Invoicing Funding Request General Guidelines INVOICING If you are a current partner receiving funding from a West40 grant, please use the following form to submit your monthly invoicing documentation covering July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027. Google Form FUNDING REQUEST Google Form Need support bringing your vision to life? West40 is here to help! If you are seeking grant funding to expand programs, services, or opportunities across your school district or organization, submit your request above to explore how we may be able to partner with you for FY27. GENERAL GUIDELINES ISBE Fiscal Policies and Procedures Handbook Uniform Guidance - Code of Federal Regulations Grants Glossary HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. FILL OUT THIS FORM

The West40 ALOP (Alternative Learning Opportunities Program) is designed to increase school completion rates/graduation rates for students who are struggling by removing barriers and giving them the support they need. Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) West40 advocates are the support system to help students stay on track toward success. HOW WE HELP The West40 ALOP (Alternative Learning Opportunities Program) is designed to increase school completion rates/graduation rates for students who are struggling by removing barriers and giving them the support they need. Along with academic and attendance support, our advocates build relationships with our students by infusing social-emotional learning and behavioral support into their days and fostering positive engagement. Advocating for Elementary Students: Scott School Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied WHO WE SERVE ALOP programs are designed to serve students in grades K-12+ who may be struggling in academics, attendance, behavior, or who are otherwise considered “at-risk”. This includes students who may have just returned from hospitalization, are credit deficient, homeless, chronically absent, needing social emotional mentorship or excessive behavioral referrals. Link to Map Our staff has seen the direct benefits of this program and how it serves as a bridge for students working through various social and emotional matters that can interfere with their education. The Tapestry program is a great resource that allows students to stay connected to school while receiving the support they need to achieve their high school diploma. " Dr. Kevin Skinkis, Superintendent, Township District 208 51 3,869 Participating Schools Total Students Served 78 Successfully Transitioned Back to Home School 599 Graduates 6,167 Credits Earned HEAR THEIR STORIES LEARN MORE Explore powerful stories of redemption, success, and creativity. Learn how West40 is affecting lives in our communities. HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. JOE GAGE Senior Director of Student Programs jgage@west40.org RENEE MAKRIS Senior Director of Student Programs rmakris@west40.org YESSENIA OLIVAS Director of ALOP Operations yolivas@west40.org

School Improvement Coordinator DR. LAVERNE COKE WRIGHT DR. LAVERNE COKE WRIGHT < Back DR. LAVERNE COKE WRIGHT More about LaVerne School Improvement Coordinator Dr. LaVerne Coke Wright is an accomplished educator who has served as a teacher, leader, and administrator across both public and charter school settings. She currently leads a team at West40 in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), collaborating with Learning Partner Schools to design and refine effective school improvement processes and aligned supports. Her work ensures coherence with CPS and ISBE priorities while advancing high impact continuous improvement through disciplined implementation, team feedback, and ongoing learning. Dr. Coke Wright is committed to fostering psychological safety and leveraging collective expertise to strengthen team effectiveness, model strong adult learning practices, and support sustainable school improvement. In addition, she serves as a Research Associate for the UIC/CPS SPARKLE research initiative, contributing to the study of schools demonstrating strong and equitable outcomes and helping to develop models that inform and strengthen practice across diverse school communities. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active through swimming, biking, and running, as well as watching sports and traveling. laverne.cokewright@west40.org Previous Next

Data Scientist DR. BEN DITKOWSKY DR. BEN DITKOWSKY < Back DR. BEN DITKOWSKY More about Ben Data Scientist Ben specializes in using data to improve teaching and learning. He believes proper use and analysis of data can equip educators with better and well-informed decisions that affect student learning. bditkowsky@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Specialist COLLEEN ROSS COLLEEN ROSS < Back COLLEEN ROSS More about Colleen Professional Learning Specialist For Colleen, STEM, AI, and science education aren't just hot topics — they are keys to unlocking opportunities for students. As a Professional Learning Specialist at West40, she partners with educators to explore how inquiry-based practices can support meaningful teaching and learning. Knowing firsthand that education is a heart-led profession, Colleen strives to create collaborative spaces where educators feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. She facilitates learning by asking thoughtful questions that honor educators' expertise and spark curiosity. Colleen holds an MEd from DePaul University, along with LBS1 and ESL endorsements. After teaching for several years, she transitioned her focus to supporting educators through professional learning, scaling career-connected STEM initiatives, and engaging with education stakeholders throughout Illinois. Today, these experiences fuel her mission to make STEM pathways accessible to all students. In recent years, running has become one of Colleen's greatest teachers, reminding her that growth comes from embracing challenges and taking one step at a time. She brings that same growth mindset to her work, helping educators build the confidence to try something new. cross@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Specialist RITO MARTINEZ RITO MARTINEZ < Back RITO MARTINEZ More about Rito Professional Learning Specialist Rito Martinez, M.Ed., is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to transforming school culture and advancing equity. A former Golden Apple Award-winning teacher and the founding principal of Social Justice High School, Rito has deep roots in public education and a proven track record of strengthening leadership capacity within Chicago Public Schools and districts nationwide. As a professional learning specialist with West40, Rito provides executive coaching to high-level education leaders, helping them implement high-impact initiatives and systemic change. His expertise in leadership development is further highlighted by his previous roles overseeing principal induction programs and supervising large cadres of executive coaches to accelerate school improvement and student success. Rito’s career is defined by his commitment to equipping leaders with the transformative coaching and racial healing tools necessary to foster inclusive, equitable environments. rmartinez@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Specialist ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY < Back ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY More about Anna Mae Professional Learning Specialist Anna Mae Grams-Pullappally is a Professional Learning Specialist at West40, where she partners with schools and districts on continuous improvement and trains leaders to effectively implement teacher evaluation systems. She specializes in coaching, mentoring, and equipping leaders to design professional learning that is engaging, outcomes-driven, and reflective. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, school leader, and leadership specialist, Anna Mae brings deep expertise in facilitation, adult learning, and the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Her commitment to education is underscored by a strong belief in the power of collaboration to foster environments where leaders, teachers, and students can thrive together, driving continuous improvement across schools. agramspullapally@west40.org Previous Next

West40 Facilities Lexington location that houses West40 ISC #2 and our Regional Safe School Program at 415 Lexington Street, Maywood, IL 60153 West40 at St. Joseph, 10900 West Cermak Road, Westchester, IL 60154 Welcome to our Facilities webpage, the heart of our district’s infrastructure management where we are committed to enhancing the learning environment through our facilities. We will meet you where you are. We will be what you need. We will walk further with you. We will stand strong with you. FACILITIES USAGE ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT FACILITY USAGE Below, you will find links directing individuals and organizations to detailed information about our facility usage. 1. West40 Facility Usage Agreement FY26-27 2. Facility Usage Paperwork FY 26-27 3. FY26-27 Blackout Dates ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT 1. Annual Notice West40 ISC #2 Asbestos Management 7.14.26 HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. JEANNE KEANE Director of Facilities jkeane@west40.org

Education Environment Specialist and Behavior Analyst HOLLY MCCARTHY HOLLY MCCARTHY < Back HOLLY MCCARTHY More about Holly Education Environment Specialist and Behavior Analyst A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Holly keeps the best interest of students at the forefront of her consultation. With 15+ years of experience in multiple special education settings, she uses behavior analytic principles, developmentally appropriate practices and a human-centered approach to support the most challenging student behaviors and guiding teams to feel successful in the least restrictive environment. hmccarthy@west40.org Previous Next

Professional Learning Empowering educators empower students AREAS OF SUPPORT MONTHLY STATS WHO WE'VE SERVED LISTEN. COLLABORATE. TRANSFORM. We start by LISTENING to a district's current reality, digging deep into their vision and identifying what we'll need to bring that vision to life. of our districts who take part in a NEED ASSESSMENT engage in a transformative Professional Learning Cycle. 62% 93% of our Professional Learning Cycle participants engage in a MULTI-YEAR TRANSFORMATION with us. LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO Next we COLLABORATE , distributing our time together between co-planning, one-on-one or team coaching and co-facilitating right alongside district we serve. Becoming an active partner to districts we serve is essential to them, which is why 72% of our time together is spent in collaboration. 218 in about days, our collaborative partnerships TRANSFORM districts' visions into a reality WHO WE'VE SERVED Interested in learning more of what resources we have that can help you? CLICK HERE! Resources ACADEMIC & BEHAVIORAL Administrator Academy Co-Teaching Danielson Training Differentiation and Inclusion Evaluative Calibration Growth Mindset Instructional Coaching Instructional Innovation BEHAVIORAL CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES SEL (SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING) HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TEAM plteam@west40.org MEET THE TEAM

School Safety and Threat Assessment We strive to enhance the overall safety of every school and proactively protect students and staff from threats and acts of violence in an effort to foster the best learning environment possible. WHAT WE DO The purpose of West40’s School Safety and Threat Assessment team (STAT) is to enhance the overall safety and security of every school. We strive to help proactively protect students and staff from threats and acts of violence to foster the best learning environment possible. We can provide coaching and training tailored to your needs in areas of safety and threat assessment, including but not limited to: Independent Physical Security Assessments Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development and Flip Charts Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Assembling an Effective Threat Assessment Team Threat Assessment Plan Assistance Behavioral Warning Signs of Violence Suicide and Violence Prevention through Social Media Awareness Training on Security Awareness, Emergency Preparedness, Crisis Response, and Security Operations Incident Command System (ICS) Training/Certification Assistance with Reunification Planning and Process Tabletop and Full-scale Exercises Where Participants Test Functional Roles They are Expected to Play in Real-time Events Security Related Procedural Needs Evaluation of Staffing Requirements Needed to Address Security Physical Security Architectural Planning Considerations SRO and Law Enforcement Partnership Support WE ARE READY TO HELP. When we say the success of kids is in all of our hands, that includes ensuring a safe environment that they feel confident coming back to every day. Reach out and connect to learn more! BY THE NUMBERS 2024-2025 186 66 Hours of STAT Training STAT + TVTP (Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant) Contracts 610 160 Attendees of Illinois School Safety Conference Participants of "I Love U Guys" Reunification Training HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. SCHOOL SAFETY & THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org WIL GAGE Director of School Safety & Threat Assessment wgage@west40.org RANDY BRAVERMAN School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist rbraverman@west40.org ALEX CAMPOS CES/STAT Specialist acampos@west40.org

Fingerprinting We conduct background checks for pre-employment screening, licensing requirements, and other authorized purposes for educators, business professionals, and community members on a Live Scan fingerprinting system. Appointments last approximately 15 minutes, and prints are submitted to the Illinois State Police and FBI. Results can take up to two weeks but are typically received within a week. SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT Wayfinding When you arrive: Ring the doorbell to the right of the door and it will be the first door on your right. 415 Lexington St, Maywood IL, 60153 Map Directions to Fingerprinting Here! HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. BILLY BALDERAS Pearson Vue/Work Keys Test Proctor West40 Fingerprinting bbalderas@west40.org