Student Success Is In The Hands Of Us All Working alongside educators, administrators, families and communities, we give them a chance to succeed. WEST40 SERVES We also provide support services as a fiscal agent to Early Choices and Philip J Rock Center and School as well as statewide legislative support. Some of our programs and services extend to North Cook County and communities outside of West Cook. DISTRICTS BELLWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 88 BERKELEY DISTRICT 87 BERWYN NORTH DISTRICT 98 BERWYN SOUTH DISTRICT 100 BROOKFIELD - LAGRANGE PARK DISTRICT 95 CICERO SCHOOL DISTRICT 99 ELMWOOD PARK DISTRICT 401 FOREST PARK DISTRICT 91 FRANKLIN PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT 84 HILLSIDE DISTRICT 93 J. S. MORTON HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 201 KOMAREK SCHOOL DISTRICT 94 LA GRANGE HIGHLANDS SCHOOLS DISTRICT 106 LA GRANGE NORTH SCHOOL DISTRICT 102 LA GRANGE SOUTH SCHOOL DISTRICT 105 LEYDEN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 212 LINDOP DISTRICT 92 LYONS SCHOOL DISTRICT 103 LYONS TOWNSHIP DISTRICT 204 West Cook County 38 districts and 3 co-ops 152 schools 90,000+ students MANNHEIM SCHOOL DISTRICT 83 MAYWOOD-MELROSE PARK-BROADVIEW DISTRICT 89 NORRIDGE DISTRICT 80 OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST DISTRICT 200 OAK PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 PENNOYER DISTRICT 79 PLEASANTDALE DISTRICT 107 PROVISO TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209 RHODES SCHOOL DISTRICT 84.5 RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 234 RIVER FOREST SCHOOL DISTRICT 90 RIVER GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT 85.5 RIVERSIDE | BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP DISTRICT 208 RIVERSIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT 96 ROSEMONT DISTRICT 78 SCHILLER PARK DISTRICT 81 UNION RIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT 86 WESTCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 92.5 WESTERN SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 101 CO-OPs: LADSE PAEC LASEC BY THE NUMBERS See the annual results of our advocacy, service, and legislative funding efforts. LEARN MORE HEAR THEIR STORIES Explore powerful stories of redemption, success, and creativity. Learn how West40 is affecting lives in our communities. LEARN MORE

Remote School A safe and diverse learning environment where students feel loved, accepted, and encouraged to reach their full potential by attaining the skills to be emotionally and academically successful individuals. HOW WE HELP Individualized wrap-around support for the students with Academic, Social-Emotional, Behavioral and Attendance needs in West Cook and surrounding regions. WHO WE SERVE Open to all 6th-12th grade students who are medically or emotionally fragile throughout 140 school districts in Cook County, Illinois. With infused advocacy programs, small class sizes, and engaging enrichment opportunities, we support our students' educational, social, and emotional needs at the comfort of their own homes. LEARN MORE ON REMOTE SCHOOL SITE Here our student has thrived and achieved goals for himself that he struggled to believe were possible. He is excelling academically, emotionally and mentally. Our gratitude for West40 and all of its staff is immeasurable. " Parent - Middle School Student BY THE NUMBERS IN 2025-26 82 Total Students Served 617+ C ourses Completed & Passed 100% Eligible Seniors Graduated (19/19) 90 Min./Day Advocate Facilitated SEL Aligned Curriculum 340 Synchronous Min./Day with Teachers and Advocates 23 Partners in West, North, and South Cook County Districts HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. KRISTEN PARSELL Director of Remote School kparsell@west40.org

Administrator Academies The following link will provide the Summary of Teacher and Principal Performance Evaluation Qualifications. Teacher and Principal Evaluator Qualifications AA LISTING CALENDAR VIEW September 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 31 1 Day (1/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 2 Day (2/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 3 Day (3/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +1 more 4 Day (4/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +1 more 5 Day (5/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 6 Day (6/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 7 Day (7/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 8 Day (8/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 9 Day (9/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 10 Day (10/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +1 more 11 Day (11/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 12 Day (12/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 13 Day (13/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 14 Day (14/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 15 Day (15/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 16 Day (16/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 17 Day (17/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +3 more 18 Day (18/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 19 Day (19/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 20 Day (20/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 21 Day (21/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 22 Day (22/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 23 Day (23/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +1 more 24 Day (24/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +1 more 25 Day (25/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success +1 more 26 Day (26/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 27 Day (27/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 28 Day (28/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 29 Day (29/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 30 Day (30/30) AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success 1 8:30 AM AA4106: Enhancing Leadership Through Brief Effective Walkthroughs and Feedback 2 3 4 5 6 7 9:00 AM NWEA Bites & Insights 8 9:00 AM AA4176: Ready, Set, Retire: A Personal & Professional Journey for School Administrators 9 10 AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success Sep 01, 2026, 8:00 AM – Sep 30, 2026, 12:00 PM Network Location will be shared via email More info REGISTER AA4114: Using Student Growth Data from Diverse Population in Teacher Performance Evaluation Sep 10, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info Details 9/17 & 9/18/2026 - AA2001: Illinois Performance Evaluation - Teacher Evaluation Training (2 Days) Sep 17, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA1801: Gathering Evidence During Observations and Conferencing Using the Danielson Model (Revised 2023) Sep 17, 2026, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4240: Leading for Multilingual Success: Ensuring Excellence for All Learners Sep 24, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4106: Enhancing Leadership Through Brief Effective Walkthroughs and Feedback Oct 01, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4176: Ready, Set, Retire: A Personal & Professional Journey for School Administrators Oct 08, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4020 MTSS: A Systems Approach Begins with Strong Leadership Oct 20, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM West40 ISC #2 (Door 8N), 415 Lexington St, Maywood, IL 60153, USA More info REGISTER AA1801: Gathering Evidence During Observations and Conferencing Using the Danielson Model (Revised 2023) Oct 22, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA3000: Illinois Performance Evaluation Retraining - New Version 2026 Oct 29, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM VirtualEvent More info REGISTER AA1451: Teacher Evaluator Competency Skill building for Pre-Qualified Teacher Evaluators, Domains 1 and 4 Nov 05, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA1452: Teacher Evaluator Competency Skill Building for Pre-Qualified Teacher Evaluators, Prof Dev Plan Nov 09, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4252: Pondering Policy: A Framework for AI Readiness Nov 09, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4174: Bridging PreK-2 Instruction: Best Practices for Early Learning Administrators Nov 13, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA1448: Teacher Evaluator Competency Skill Building for Pre-Qualified Evaluators: Danielson Domains 2 & 3 Dec 07, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4226: How You Can Use AI to Advance Your Equity Work & Manage Impact Dec 08, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4106: Enhancing Leadership Through Brief Effective Walkthroughs and Feedback Dec 10, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA4240: Leading for Multilingual Success: Ensuring Excellence for All Learners Dec 11, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER 988: Interpersonal & Team Communication Skills for School Administrators Dec 16, 2026, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER AA1801: Gathering Evidence During Observations and Conferencing Using the Danielson Model (Revised 2023) Jan 12, 2027, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Virtual Event More info REGISTER Load More Strengthen leadership through purposeful professional networking. JOIN US AA4175: Building Strategic Networks for School Leadership Success HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TEAM plteam@west40.org MEET THE TEAM

GRANTS Identify potential funding sources to support your students, teachers, and communities. Grants can provide for amazing opportunities but also require a great deal of project management to maximize their benefit. Our hope is that this site will help to shed some light into the grants abyss and make the entire process seem a bit less overwhelming. CURRENT PARTNERS GENERAL SUPPORT INVOICES Google Form When ready to submit approved Fiscal Year 2026 grant expenses, please use the link above for invoices and supporting documentation covering July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027. REQUEST FORM 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. HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. FILL OUT THIS FORM

Professional Learning Specialist DR. JULIE MORRIS DR. JULIE MORRIS < Back DR. JULIE MORRIS More about Julie Professional Learning Specialist Dr. Julie Morris brings over 38 years of distinguished service in public education across Illinois, including 15 years as Superintendent of Harlem School District #122. She now serves as an Executive Coach and Professional Learning Specialist at West40 ISC #2 in the western suburbs of Chicago. A strategic, equity-centered leader, Dr. Morris is widely recognized for her expertise in systems design, instructional leadership, and adult learning, with a proven ability to translate vision into actionable, sustainable change. Her coaching approach emphasizes whole-child and equity-centered outcomes, helping leaders align strategic planning with student success while fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement and shared ownership among families, educators, and community partners. As a process-oriented thought partner, Dr. Morris empowers district and school leaders to build capacity, embed strategic long-range goals into daily practice, and move from big-picture vision to practical, measurable implementation—making her an invaluable partner for school systems pursuing meaningful, long-term improvement. jmorris@west40.org Previous Next

40 Stories ALL PHOTOJOURNAL PODCAST WRITTEN 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 abo Jose's Journey - A West40 Student Spotlight West40 Seniors Plus student Jose Barragan is making strides in the classroom and on the field for the Proviso East High School football and soccer teams. Jose participated in West40's Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) before joining Seniors Plus. He said he is in Seniors Plus to catch up on his credits so he can graduate with his class in May. "West40 has helped me a lot. It changed me as a person. I could always have someone to talk to now. They’re always the West40 Grad Shares How Internship Program Created Opportunities West40 walks alongside students so they can succeed in the classroom and beyond. Recent graduate Melany, who participated in the West40 employability program, describes how working and being trained in an IT position has impacted her life. 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... 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... HOMEGROWN PRINCIPAL AIMS TO INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS The job listing for principal at Mannheim Middle School in District 83 immediately drew the attention of former student Tom Herion. “I... HEART 2 HEART STORE OPENS Prices for nearly all consumer goods are at record highs as the country grapples with inflation, but West40 is offering relief to its... KEEPING KIDS INSPIRED DURING THE PANDEMIC As told by Vince Harper and Angela Horton, West40 Safe Schools teachers “As the COVID-19 pandemic really set in in early March, things... SEEING 'KIDS LIKE US' As told by Karen Tiemann, Program Director of the West40 Safe Schools “In the 1990s, I was a U.S. history teacher and I was working at a... MOVING A DISTRICT IN A NEW DIRECTION As told by Dr. Mary Mycyk, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Anthony Grazzini, Director of Grants and... THE VALUE OF NEVER GIVING UP As told by Dion Flowers, former West40 Safe Schools student “The biggest lessons in my life are the ones I learned at the West40 Safe... HOW MENTORS CHANGED MY LIFE As told by Frank Giosa, Principal of the West40 Safe Schools Middle School “It’s funny that I’m in education, because where I grew up, there was not a lot of emphasis on school. But because of the mentors I’ve had throughout my life, I’ve developed a passion for service. I’m from a tight-knit, blue collar neighborhood in Philadelphia where ‘quick money’ was the expectation. People looked for quick payoffs from different jobs, trying to get by. Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE OF ILLINOIS As told by: Karen Tiemann, president of ICEARY; Dr. Mark Klaisner, former president of ICEARY; Ben Lewis, ICEARY member; John Milosovic,... A SON TRANSFORMED BY THE SAFE SCHOOLS As told by Bill Stewart, parent of a West40 Safe School student “Before my son Michael went to a West40 Safe School, he went to a middle... BUILDING A NEW BELIEF SYSTEM As told by Joshua Easter, Charles Carter and Cody K. Cotton, West40 mentors and founders of A Greater Good Foundation “Let’s say you have... MEASURING OUR IMPACT ON STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS As told by Renee Makris, Area Director of Leyden ALOP Programs “Growing up, I never thought I’d be in education. If you had told me that... FIGHTING FOR EQUITY IN ILLINOIS SCHOOLS As told by Dr. Mike Popp, Assistant Executive Director of West40 and former school superintendent “When I was a school superintendent, I... FROM STRUGGLING STUDENT TO LOCAL LEADER As told by Maria Rivera, former West40 ALOP student and current college student “I grew up in the U.S., but when I was in first grade, my... TEAMING UP TO HELP TROUBLED TEENS As told by Loreah Boyle, Karina Carbajal and Jimmy Mortillaro, West40 ALOP advocates at Proviso East High School “If a student enters our... THE POWER OF ‘ONE PERSON AT A TIME’ As told by Dr. Mark Klaisner, Executive Director of West40 and President of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of... SUPPLYING HOPE WITH BACKPACK GIVEBACK Anyone who follows the news can see headlines about the rising cost of living: whether that’s an increase in housing costs, food costs or... A FAMILY-FIRST APPROACH TO EDUCATION As told by Fran Pike, West40 ALOP advocate “A lot of organizations talk about treating people like family. But at West40, it’s true. The... A SAFETY NET FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS As told by Phil Salemi, Superintendent of Westchester School District 92.5, and Greg Leban, Principal at Westchester Middle School “When... JUAN'S JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION: PART 2 As told by Juan Silva, former Safe School and ALOP student, current student advocate Read Part 1 of Juan’s story here. “After attending... JUAN’S JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION: PART 1 As told by Juan Silva, former Safe School and ALOP student “I was fine in grade school. Just a normal kid in the neighborhood. But things... HELPING TEEN MOTHERS STAY IN SCHOOL As told by Nancy Debre, West40 Truancy and Pregnancy Services “People see statistics about truancy, but they don’t usually think about... BECOMING THE LIFELINE FOR LOCAL EDUCATORS As told by Sharon Balderas, West40 Education Licensure Specialist “When parents or the general public think about the life of an... AARON EARNS HIS STRIPES As told by Shannon Bidlo, Seniors Plus Coordinator “Aaron started with West40 as a student at our Safe Schools Middle School. He entered... TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY As told by Laura Guzman Lopez, Lead Advocate “When a student at East Leyden High School named Max was first referred to our program, he... 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 seniors who, for whatever reason, weren’t able to graduate. They’re anywhere from 18 to 22 years old and they come to us for help with finishing their education. There’s a steady flow of people that we serve. Some weeks we have two graduates, other times it’s five graduates". During a normal school year, the faculty and staff within a buildi 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 every student into a leader in their community. We realized that we could instill a sense of leadership by gathering students and their caregivers for a day of motivation and empowerment. And so in partnership with Triton College, the Community Alliance, the alliance’s member organizations, and State Representative Kathleen Willis and her staff, 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 lives, including the end of the school year. But at Morton East High School, West40’s ALOP advocates were determined to stay connected to their students and help any way they could. “Ever since schools closed in March, I’ve maintained contact with my students every single week and stayed persistent,” said Juan Silva, a student advocate. “We held 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 big question we were asking ourselves as we welcomed legislators to the West40 Safe School on a sunny August morning. This Legislative Round Table brought together a wide range of people with a vested interest in making schools better: state legislators, Safe School students, West40 leadership and the leader of the state board of education. DEANDRE MCLAURIN Tim Stafford is joined by student advocate, DeAndre McClaurin, to discuss working with at-risk youth. DeAndre shares the strengths of... Podcast 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... Podcast STEVEN HUNTER Steven Hunter from the Phoenix Suns shares his partnership with Woz Ed. For this discussion, Steven embraces his love for Proviso... Podcast DR. JENNIFER KELSALL Superintendent for Ridgewood Community High School #234, Jennifer Kelsall, shares her expertise in Education. Dr. Kelsall casts a vision... Podcast DION FLOWERS West40 Regional Safe School alumni, Dion Flowers, revisits his time at the RSSP since graduating. Dion’s interview is uplifting,... Podcast 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... WEST40 NEWS 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... 40 Stories 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... WEST40 NEWS 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... WEST40 NEWS 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... 40 Stories 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.... Written 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... Written 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... Written 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... Written HOMEGROWN PRINCIPAL AIMS TO INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS The job listing for principal at Mannheim Middle School in District 83 immediately drew the attention of former student Tom Herion. “I... Written HEART 2 HEART STORE OPENS Prices for nearly all consumer goods are at record highs as the country grapples with inflation, but West40 is offering relief to its... Written KEEPING KIDS INSPIRED DURING THE PANDEMIC As told by Vince Harper and Angela Horton, West40 Safe Schools teachers “As the COVID-19 pandemic really set in in early March, things... Written SEEING 'KIDS LIKE US' As told by Karen Tiemann, Program Director of the West40 Safe Schools “In the 1990s, I was a U.S. history teacher and I was working at a... Written MOVING A DISTRICT IN A NEW DIRECTION As told by Dr. Mary Mycyk, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Anthony Grazzini, Director of Grants and... Written THE VALUE OF NEVER GIVING UP As told by Dion Flowers, former West40 Safe Schools student “The biggest lessons in my life are the ones I learned at the West40 Safe... Written HOW MENTORS CHANGED MY LIFE As told by Frank Giosa, Principal of the West40 Safe Schools Middle School “It’s funny that I’m in education, because where I grew up, there was not a lot of emphasis on school. But because of the mentors I’ve had throughout my life, I’ve developed a passion for service. I’m from a tight-knit, blue collar neighborhood in Philadelphia where ‘quick money’ was the expectation. People looked for quick payoffs from different jobs, trying to get by. Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to Written FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE OF ILLINOIS As told by: Karen Tiemann, president of ICEARY; Dr. Mark Klaisner, former president of ICEARY; Ben Lewis, ICEARY member; John Milosovic,... Written A SON TRANSFORMED BY THE SAFE SCHOOLS As told by Bill Stewart, parent of a West40 Safe School student “Before my son Michael went to a West40 Safe School, he went to a middle... Written BUILDING A NEW BELIEF SYSTEM As told by Joshua Easter, Charles Carter and Cody K. Cotton, West40 mentors and founders of A Greater Good Foundation “Let’s say you have... Written MEASURING OUR IMPACT ON STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS As told by Renee Makris, Area Director of Leyden ALOP Programs “Growing up, I never thought I’d be in education. If you had told me that... Written FIGHTING FOR EQUITY IN ILLINOIS SCHOOLS As told by Dr. Mike Popp, Assistant Executive Director of West40 and former school superintendent “When I was a school superintendent, I... Written FROM STRUGGLING STUDENT TO LOCAL LEADER As told by Maria Rivera, former West40 ALOP student and current college student “I grew up in the U.S., but when I was in first grade, my... Written TEAMING UP TO HELP TROUBLED TEENS As told by Loreah Boyle, Karina Carbajal and Jimmy Mortillaro, West40 ALOP advocates at Proviso East High School “If a student enters our... Written THE POWER OF ‘ONE PERSON AT A TIME’ As told by Dr. Mark Klaisner, Executive Director of West40 and President of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of... Written SUPPLYING HOPE WITH BACKPACK GIVEBACK Anyone who follows the news can see headlines about the rising cost of living: whether that’s an increase in housing costs, food costs or... Written A FAMILY-FIRST APPROACH TO EDUCATION As told by Fran Pike, West40 ALOP advocate “A lot of organizations talk about treating people like family. But at West40, it’s true. The... Written A SAFETY NET FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS As told by Phil Salemi, Superintendent of Westchester School District 92.5, and Greg Leban, Principal at Westchester Middle School “When... Written JUAN'S JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION: PART 2 As told by Juan Silva, former Safe School and ALOP student, current student advocate Read Part 1 of Juan’s story here. “After attending... Written JUAN’S JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION: PART 1 As told by Juan Silva, former Safe School and ALOP student “I was fine in grade school. Just a normal kid in the neighborhood. But things... Written HELPING TEEN MOTHERS STAY IN SCHOOL As told by Nancy Debre, West40 Truancy and Pregnancy Services “People see statistics about truancy, but they don’t usually think about... Written BECOMING THE LIFELINE FOR LOCAL EDUCATORS As told by Sharon Balderas, West40 Education Licensure Specialist “When parents or the general public think about the life of an... Written AARON EARNS HIS STRIPES As told by Shannon Bidlo, Seniors Plus Coordinator “Aaron started with West40 as a student at our Safe Schools Middle School. He entered... Written TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY As told by Laura Guzman Lopez, Lead Advocate “When a student at East Leyden High School named Max was first referred to our program, he... Written 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... PhotoJournals 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 seniors who, for whatever reason, weren’t able to graduate. They’re anywhere from 18 to 22 years old and they come to us for help with finishing their education. There’s a steady flow of people that we serve. Some weeks we have two graduates, other times it’s five graduates". During a normal school year, the faculty and staff within a buildi PhotoJournals 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 every student into a leader in their community. We realized that we could instill a sense of leadership by gathering students and their caregivers for a day of motivation and empowerment. And so in partnership with Triton College, the Community Alliance, the alliance’s member organizations, and State Representative Kathleen Willis and her staff, PhotoJournals 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 lives, including the end of the school year. But at Morton East High School, West40’s ALOP advocates were determined to stay connected to their students and help any way they could. “Ever since schools closed in March, I’ve maintained contact with my students every single week and stayed persistent,” said Juan Silva, a student advocate. “We held PhotoJournals 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 big question we were asking ourselves as we welcomed legislators to the West40 Safe School on a sunny August morning. This Legislative Round Table brought together a wide range of people with a vested interest in making schools better: state legislators, Safe School students, West40 leadership and the leader of the state board of education. PhotoJournals 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 receive. They think about the gifts they’ll give to people they love the most. But what about families who can’t afford gifts? What happens to them? For the West40 Safe Schools, those were questions that led to the creation of the “Christmas Bingo” event. At this event, now a beloved annual tradition, Safe School students have the chance to ch PhotoJournals 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 connect—where they can share something greater together. The West40 ALOP program decided to create that spirit of togetherness by holding a Thanksgiving dinner that invited students, teachers, administrators and families to gather for a meal and mark another year. Parents are usually asked to come to school for routine events—like parent-teacher con PhotoJournals 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 find infractions, write up reports and threaten them with building closures. From its infancy, the West40 compliance department set out to be different. Their goal is to work with schools as a trusted partner—not an enforcer—to create the safest school environments for students, teachers and staff. It was that mindset that the West40 team carri PhotoJournals

Our Team A shared passion led us together to build relationships and help our students thrive and succeed. ALL STUDENT PROGRAMS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAIN OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS INNOVATION LEADERSHIP OUR WEST40 TEAM STUDENT PROGRAMS MEGAN MATHIS Principal of Remote School Remote School mmathis@west40.org JOE GAGE Senior Director of Student Programs Main Office jgage@west40.org YESSENIA OLIVAS Director of ALOP Operations Proviso Area, Morton Area, Northern Tier and Southern Tier yolivas@west40.org FRANK GIOSA Director of Educational Support and Advocacy Main Office fgiosa@west40.org KRISTIN PARSELL-FINDLEY Director of Remote School Remote School kparsell@west40.org KARINA CARBAJAL Dream Site Coordinator ALOP 504 - Proviso DREAM/PMSA kcarbajal@west40.org ASHLEY OLIVER Site Coordinator for D89 ALOP 504 - HOPE Program aoliver@west40.org JAMES MONACO RSSP Co-Principal Regional Safe School jmonaco@west40.org AMBER LOFTON Elementary and Middle School Coordinator ALOP 505 - Berwyn alofton@west40.org JORGE ORTEGA Site Coordinator for Morton West/ Morton Freshman Academy ALOP 505 - Morton West jortega@west40.org BRANDICE CONNOR Site Coordinator ALOP 503 - Southern Tier bconnor@west40.org EMILY ADAMS East & West Leyden Site Coordinator ALOP 502 - Leyden East/West eadams@west40.org ANGELA ROGERS Site Coordinator ALOP 502 - OPRF/Ridgewood/Elmwood Park arogers@west40.org SANDRA GUZMAN Site Coordinator ALOP 502 - Hester/Mannheim sguzman@west40.org RENEE MAKRIS Senior Director of Student Programs Main Office rmakris@west40.org LAURA GUZMAN LOPEZ Southern Tier Area Director ALOP-Southwest Area lguzmanlopez@west40.org BEN LEWIS Area Director ALOP-Northern Area blewis@west40.org JOSEPH INNOCENTE Director of Safe School Operations Regional Safe School jinnocente@west40.org MATTHEW COE Area Director ALOP-Morton Area mcoe@west40.org LYNETTE AGUIRRE Area Director Proviso Hope, Dream, Peace and Seniors Plus Programs laguirre@west40.org MICHELLE HOPPER RSSP Co-Principal Regional Safe Schools mhopper@west40.org JESICA LEON Site Coordinator Proviso Area HOPE Program jleon@west40.org MIRIAM CRUZ Coordinator for Morton East/ Morton Freshman Center Morton East/ Morton Freshman Center mcruz@west40.org LIZET FLORES Site Coordinator for D89 HOPE Program lflores@west40.org ALEXANDRA PAZARAN Site Coordinator ALOP 502 - Mannheim Middle School apazaran@west40.org ANNA DIAZ Site Coordinator B 100 & D99 Middle Schools adiaz@west40.org NATHANIEL ABAD Coordinator for Seniors Plus Leyden/Morton nabad@west40.org PEDRO PERALTA PEACE & Seniors Plus Site Coordinator for Proviso East & West ALOP 504 - Proviso PEACE pperalta@west40.org PROFESSIONAL LEARNING STACY STEWART Professional Learning Specialist sstewart@west40.org Main Office DR. TRACEY GARFIELD Professional Learning Specialist tgarfield@west40.org Main Office RITO MARTINEZ Professional Learning Specialist rmartinez@west40.org Main Office ANNE PAONESSA Professional Learning Specialist apaonessa@west40.org Main Office DR. KENNEDI STRICKLAND-DIXON Professional Learning Specialist kstricklanddixon@west40.org Main Office TERRI WILCOX West40 Project Manager for CPS/Professional Learning Specialist twilcox@west40.org Main Office MALLORY LAWLER Professional Learning Specialist mlawler@west40.org Main Office DR. ERIKA LUKASIK Professional Learning Specialist elukasik@west40.org Main Office DR. BEN DITKOWSKY Data Science Specialist bditkowsky@west40.org Main Office MIKE CZERNIAWSKI Continuous Improvement Coordinator mczerniawski@west40.org Main Office MICHAEL CAMPBELL Professional Learning Specialist mcampbell@west40.org Main Office DR. LAVERNE COKE WRIGHT School Improvement Coordinator laverne.cokewright@west40.org Main Office DAWN DOLBY Professional Learning Specialist ddolby@west40.org Main Office DR. SONYA SPAULDING Director of Professional Learning sspaulding@west40.org Main Office DR. JULIE MORRIS Professional Learning Specialist jmorris@west40.org Main Office DR. DIANE WOLF Professional Learning Specialist dwolf@west40.org Main Office DR. NIMISHA BHATT Professional Learning Specialist nbhatt@west40.org Main Office DIANE SCHOENHEIDER Professional Learning Specialist dschoenheider@west40.org Main Office KARLA CHAVEZ Coordinator of Professional Learning kchavez@west40.org Main Office EDUCATION SERVICES STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org Main Office WIL GAGE Director of School Safety and Threat Assessment wgage@west40.org Main Office JEFF SMITH CES Specialist jeffsmith@west40.org Main Office ANA MOJARRO Licensure Specialist amojarro@west40.org Main Office SHARON BALDERAS Educator Licensure Specialist sbalderas@west40.org Main Office PHIL ABRAHAM Director Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org Main Office GINA SIERRA Evaluation Training & Licensure Coordinator gsierra@west40.org Main Office ERIC ARNOLD School Safety and Threat Assessment Specialist earnold@west40.org Main Office RANDY BRAVERMAN School Safety and Threat Assessment Specialist rbraverman@west40.org Main Office ALEX CAMPOS CES/STAT Specialist acampos@west40.org Main Office COMMUNITY SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS MARIANNA DELINCK MANLEY Director of Communications mdelinckmanley@west40.org Main Office MONICA MEDINA Videography Lead monicamedina@west40.org Main Office RYAN STAGE Videographer rstage@west40.org Main Office EVY MAKRIS Brand Experience Designer emakris@west40.org Main Office HEIDI BELLM Principal Champion of Experiences hbellm@west40.org Main Office CHRIS COFFEY Communications and Media Relations Manager ccoffey@west40.org Main Office NATALIE JOHNSON Experiences Assistant & Graphic Designer njohnson@west40.org Main Office MAIN OFFICE ADENIKE MUTAYOBA Grant Specialist amutayoba@west40.org Main Office ANA MOJARRO Licensure Specialist amojarro@west40.org Main Office ANGELA GONZALES Director of Innovation agonzales@west40.org Main Office ANNE PAONESSA Professional Learning Specialist apaonessa@west40.org Main Office BILLY BALDERAS Lead Proctor bbalderas@west40.org Main Office CARA WILEY Director of Grants cwiley@west40.org Main Office CHRIS RAFFEN Building Engineer craffen@west40.org Regional Safe Schools CHRISTOPHER COOK Custodian ccook@west40.org Main Office DAWN DOLBY Professional Learning Specialist ddolby@west40.org Main Office DERRECK W. LANGWITH Director dlangwith@west40.org Main Office DIANE SCHOENHEIDER Professional Learning Specialist dschoenheider@west40.org Main Office DR. DIANE WOLF Professional Learning Specialist dwolf@west40.org Main Office DR. JAYME TIGHE Assistant Executive Director jtighe@west40.org Main Office DR. KENNEDI STRICKLAND-DIXON Professional Learning Specialist kstricklanddixon@west40.org Main Office DR. MIKE POPP Senior Director of Executive Support mpopp@west40.org Main Office DR. SONYA SPAULDING Director of Professional Learning sspaulding@west40.org Main Office EDUARDO HERNANDEZ Custodian ehernandez@west40.org Main Office ERIC ARNOLD School Safety and Threat Assessment Specialist earnold@west40.org Main Office EVY MAKRIS Brand Experience Designer emakris@west40.org Main Office GINA SIERRA Evaluation Training & Licensure Coordinator gsierra@west40.org Main Office GRACE HAYES Truncy Outreach Coordinator ghayes@west40.org Truancy Outreach HOLLY MCCARTHY Educational Environment Specialist & Behavior Analyst hmccarthy@west40.org Main Office JEFF SMITH CES Specialist jeffsmith@west40.org Main Office JOHN DAVIS Building Engineer johndavis@west40.org Main Office JOSH BOIES Chief Technology Officer jboies@west40.org Main Office KARLA CHAVEZ Coordinator of Professional Learning kchavez@west40.org Main Office KATIE ELVIDGE Associate Director of Grants kelvidge@west40.org Main Office KEMP PILE AV Specialist kpile@west40.org Main Office LEZLIE FUHR Director of Programming for West40 at St. Joseph lfuhr@west40.org Main Office MARGIE DOVE Facilities Operations Specialist mdove@west40.org Main Office MARIA-ELENA AGRELA Director of Community Relations meagrela@west40.org Main Office MATTHEW KANE HR Coordinator mkane@west40.org Main Office MICHELL MARTINEZ Youth-in-Care Coordinator at St. Joseph mmartinez@west40.org Main Office MIKE HOLLAND Heart 2 Heart Receptionist mholland@west40.org Main Office MONICA MEDINA Videography Lead monicamedina@west40.org Main Office NATALIE JOHNSON Experiences Assistant & Graphic Designer njohnson@west40.org Main Office PHIL ABRAHAM Director Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org Main Office RENEE MAKRIS Senior Director of Student Programs rmakris@west40.org Main Office SHARON BALDERAS Educator Licensure Specialist sbalderas@west40.org Main Office STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org Main Office TAMMY RAFFEN Student Activity Coordinator / West40 Test Center traffen@west40.org Main Office TORIE NICHOLSON Accounts Receivable Clerk tnicholson@west40.org Main Office YADIRA PENA Event Concierge ypena@west40.org Main Office ALEX CAMPOS CES/STAT Specialist acampos@west40.org Main Office ANGEL HERNANDEZ Lexington Custodian ahernandez@west40.org Main Office ANNA MAE GRAMS-PULLAPALLY Professional Learning Specialist agramspullapally@west40.org Main Office ANTONY SANCHEZ Delivery & Community Specialist antonysanchez@west40.org Main Office CADEN SIERRA Delivery & Community Specialist csierra@west40.org Main Office CHRIS COFFEY Communications and Media Relations Manager ccoffey@west40.org Main Office CHRISTI TYLER Chief School Business Official ctyler@west40.org Main Office DAVID WALKER JR Delivery & Community Specialist dwalkerjr@west40.org Main Office DEMIAN LAPOINTE Professional Learning Specialist dlapointe@west40.org Main Office DHANESH NARVEKAR Developer dnarvekar@west40.org Main Office DR. BEN DITKOWSKY Data Science Specialist bditkowsky@west40.org Main Office DR. ERIKA LUKASIK Professional Learning Specialist elukasik@west40.org Main Office DR. JULIE MORRIS Professional Learning Specialist jmorris@west40.org Main Office DR. MARK KLAISNER Executive Director mklaisner@west40.org Main Office DR. NIMISHA BHATT Professional Learning Specialist nbhatt@west40.org Main Office DR. TRACEY GARFIELD Professional Learning Specialist tgarfield@west40.org Main Office ELLIOT ALLAHVERDY Technology Services Specialist eallahverdy@west40.org Main Office EVAN NEW Developer enew@west40.org Main Office FRANK GIOSA Director of Educational Support and Advocacy fgiosa@west40.org Main Office GLENN WILCOX Information Technology Manager gwilcox@west40.org Main Office HEIDI BELLM Principal Champion of Experiences hbellm@west40.org Main Office JEANNE KEANE Director of Facilities jkeane@west40.org Main Office JOE GAGE Senior Director of Student Programs jgage@west40.org Main Office JOHN MILOSOVIC Director of Support Services jmilosovic@west40.org Main Office JUSTIN GONZALEZ Director of Innovation jgonzalez@west40.org Main Office KATHLEEN O'HARA Career Pathway - Partnerships & Engagement kohara@west40.org Main Office KATIE WHITE Grant Specialist kwhite@west40.org Main Office LEFVIA MARRERO Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director lmarrero@west40.org Main Office MALLORY LAWLER Professional Learning Specialist mlawler@west40.org Main Office MARIA CREEVY Financial Generalist mcreevy@west40.org Main Office MARIANNA DELINCK MANLEY Director of Communications mdelinckmanley@west40.org Main Office MICHAEL CAMPBELL Professional Learning Specialist mcampbell@west40.org Main Office MIKE CZERNIAWSKI Continuous Improvement Coordinator mczerniawski@west40.org Main Office MIRTHA MEDINA Administrative Assistant mmedina@west40.org Main Office NANCY DELGADO HR Assistant ndelgado@west40.org Main Office NIA PAPPAS Evaluation and Impact Specialist apappas@west40.org Main Office RANDY BRAVERMAN School Safety and Threat Assessment Specialist rbraverman@west40.org Main Office RYAN STAGE Videographer rstage@west40.org Main Office STACY STEWART Professional Learning Specialist sstewart@west40.org Main Office STUART BROWN Coordinator of Global Connections stuartbrown@west40.org Main Office TERRI WILCOX West40 Project Manager for CPS/Professional Learning Specialist twilcox@west40.org Main Office WIL GAGE Director of School Safety and Threat Assessment wgage@west40.org Main Office BMV Led by our Executive Director, Dr. Mark Klaisner, the BMV ensures the Beliefs, Mission, and Vision of West40 to drive all operations and programming. DR. MARK KLAISNER Executive Director mklaisner@west40.org Main Office DR. MIKE POPP Senior Director of Executive Support mpopp@west40.org Main Office STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org Main Office CHRISTI TYLER Chief School Business Official ctyler@west40.org Main Office DR. JAYME TIGHE Assistant Executive Director jtighe@west40.org Main Office RENEE MAKRIS Senior Director of Student Programs rmakris@west40.org Main Office JOE GAGE Senior Director of Student Programs jgage@west40.org Main Office INNOVATION

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Pottery Workshop Price $200 Duration 2 Weeks Enroll < Back About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Brian Chung This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left.

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