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Educational Services The West40 Services team assists with compliance, licensure, background checks, school security, and behavioral threat assessment and management, helping schools to put student safety at the forefront and minimize downtime. HOW WE HELP COMPLIANCE LEARN MORE LICENSURE LEARN MORE FINGERPRINTING LEARN MORE HEALTH/LIFE SAFETY LEARN MORE SCHOOL SAFETY AND THREAT ASSESSMENT LEARN MORE WEST40 TESTING CENTER TESTING BY THE NUMBERS 2024-2025 152 117 69 770+ School Inspections Non-Public School Recognition Visits Building Permits Compliance Items Verified at Partner Districts $133,184,145 Total Projected Cost of Building Permits Issued HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. 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

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 415 Lexington St, Maywood IL, 60153 Map Directions to Fingerprinting Here! HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. TAMMY RAFFEN Director traffen@west40.org

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. Google Form FUNDING REQUEST Have an idea that needs support? Submit your request through our Grants Request Form. This helps us understand your needs and explore how we can provide funding or resources to bring your project to life. Google Form 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

9:00 - 1:00 < Back Bounce Back 10/1, 10/2, & 10/4/2024 CLOSED 9:00 - 1:00 Bounce Back (BB) is an evidence-based group intervention developed to relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress among young students (K-5) exposed to stressful events. It includes 10 group sessions, 2 individual sessions with each student, 1 joint session with the caregiver and their student, and caregiver education sessions. Students participating in Bounce Back will learn skills such as: relaxation training, challenging upsetting thoughts, social problem solving, and processing the stressful event. By the conclusion of this 12-hour training, participating clinicians will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate the Bounce Back program. Training includes an overview of the intervention and its research support, session-by-session content training, demonstration, coaching and practice of skills and some best practices for implementation. Participants must attend all three days of training. Register Here Previous Next

Senior Director of Student Programs < Back RENEE MAKRIS Senior Director of Student Programs As a Senior Director of Student Programs at West40, I am dedicated to supporting and expanding initiatives that help students succeed. My work focuses on developing and refining our programs and ensuring our efforts align with both district needs and state requirements. With a Professional Educator License (PEL) in School Counseling and my LCPC, I bring a deep understanding of student support services. I started at West40 as a Student Advocate and have grown into leadership roles, helping to shape and expand ALOP programs across the region. One of my proudest accomplishments has been assisting in the development of a tailored data system that streamlines reporting and ensures we provide the necessary information to the state while maximizing our program’s impact. I am deeply committed to West40’s mission of meeting students where they are and providing the support they need to thrive. Every day, I am inspired by the collaborative, student-centered approach that drives our work and makes a real difference in the lives of young people. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, going to concerts, and seeking new adventures and perspectives. Main Office Previous Next

CES Specialist < Back JEFF SMITH CES Specialist jeffsmith@west40.org I have great work experiences meeting people in our districts, building professional relationships while learning together, working directly with families and I love being a part of the CES team! Some of my roles include Health, Life/Safety Inspections and reporting; Compliance visits and Non-Public School Recognition visits. In addition, I spend a lot of time collecting and approving state items for districts such as School Calendars, AFR’s, SMPG’s, Institute Day Applications, e-Learning Plans and Treasurer Bonds. I also get to do some work with McKinney-Vento, Minor Work Permits and general support for districts and families as calls and questions come in! West40 is full of positive, experienced and resourceful professionals that all contribute to making customer service a rewarding experience! Previous Next

Coordinator for Morton East/ Morton Freshman Center < Back MIRIAM CRUZ Coordinator for Morton East/ Morton Freshman Center Previous Next

< Back North Central College About Our partnership with NCC supports graduate coursework and licensure programs designed for aspiring teacher leaders and instructional coaches, including customizable cohort models. https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-studies Previous Next

< Back Brookfield Zoo About Through our partnership with Brookfield Zoo, educators engage in real-world science experiences that inform instructional planning and student inquiry. Programs emphasize conservation, ecosystems, and inquiry-based teaching. https://www.czs.org/Education Previous Next

Assistant Executive Director < Back DR. JAYME TIGHE Assistant Executive Director Dr. Jayme Tighe As the Assistant Executive Director at West40, I play a key role in supporting the organization’s mission by overseeing strategic initiatives and leadership development efforts. I work closely with the Executive Director to align West40’s goals with its strategic plan and represent the organization in key statewide education initiatives. Additionally, I support program development, ensuring that West40 continues to provide high-quality services to schools and students. A significant part of my work includes serving as a liaison to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) regarding the role of Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers in ISBE’s statewide system of support. With a background spanning teaching, administration, and school improvement, I have served as a principal, assistant principal, and instructional leader, as well as a consultant providing guidance to districts on data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. My experience includes leading district and school teams through comprehensive needs assessments, instructional coaching, and improvement planning to ensure all students receive high-quality learning experiences. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of at West40 is my role in shaping a statewide system of support that helps schools on their continuous improvement journeys. Collaborating with state and regional leaders, I work to develop structures that enhance school effectiveness and sustainability. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field during the summer. Main Office Previous Next

Coordinator for Morton West/ Morton Freshman Academy < Back JORGE ORTEGA Coordinator for Morton West/ Morton Freshman Academy Previous Next

1:00 - 2:30 PM < Back Setting the Stage for Successful Implementation of Tier II Trauma Interventions 8/28/24 CLOSED 1:00 - 2:30 PM Do you want to bring a Tier II trauma intervention to your school but don’t know much about existing interventions? Do you feel overwhelmed by potential implementation challenges? Join this training to get a brief overview* of CBITS and Bounce Back and learn about best practices for building readiness for implementation of the interventions. Register Here Previous Next