we are the change we want to see - the catalyst schools...trustworthiness, respect, responsibility,...
TRANSCRIPT
Catalyst sCHOOls CHiCagOannual repOrt 2008
to seewe want
theWe are
change
At Catalyst Schools, our mission is to awaken young minds and hearts to
life, love and knowledge. Our goal is to expand the horizons of our students
in underserved areas, beyond the borders of their neighborhoods and
communities, to encompass the vast possibilities opened up through
achievement of educational goals. Our methodology is an educational
model rooted in the Lasallian tradition, a tradition whose core values are:
Faith, Dignity, Excellence, Community and Service.
In addition to a rigorous academic program which focuses heavily on
math and reading, at Catalyst Schools we are building committed citizens
of character. The Character Counts curriculum, a critical component of
student life at Catalyst Schools, is a multi-level filter through which
students learn core ethics and important character traits. The Six Pillars
of Character are: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness,
Caring and Citizenship.
Catalyst Schools Chicago seeks to become an anchor as well as a change
agent in the neighborhood. Family and community partners are active
at each school as volunteers, tutors and mentors. By participating in the
programming of Catalyst Schools, our family and community partners serve
as important role models, demonstrating the significance of giving back.
Catalyst Schools Chicago prides itself on offering building blocks for
success to all its students. Catalyst Schools Chicago exists to transform
inner-city communities by populating them with highly educated change
agents. At Catalyst Schools Chicago, we are the change we want to see!
charactercitizens of
We are building
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Those of you with children have talked about the experience of the “terrible
twos.” Tremendous growth takes place physically and in the complex
activity of the developing mind. Walking turns into running and cabinet
doors are opened in a spirit of adventure and exploration.
A school is much the same. The 2007-2008 academic year, was our second
year and developmentally the schools behaved very much like human
beings. We grew rapidly and began to assume an identity. The common
identity being formed in each of our schools is rooted in the Lasallian
essential virtues of Faith, Dignity, Excellence, Community and Service.
A common vocabulary started to develop around our six core values of
Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness and Citizenship.
The emerging culture of Catalyst Schools Chicago is one of respect for and acknowledgement of every
person. While we are all both teachers and learners, the children are sometimes the best teachers in the
buildings. They show us how to help them achieve the wonderful things they are capable of attaining. We
have accepted and met the challenge of keeping pace with their advances.
Our first eighth graders moved on to some of the best high schools in the
city. As we support them in the next chapter of their journey, we will learn
more about our own successes and challenges.
As you watch a child grow, it is possible to see within him or her the
concert violinist, the wise jurist, the gentle healer, the compassionate
parent, the brilliant teacher or coach, the skilled technician or the
successful athlete. At Catalyst, our first and primary concern is the
growing, emerging person within each learning child. We know that
we have been given the greatest gift of all, time with the children and
families of the North Lawndale and Austin communities.
We thank you for your support. Please accept our gratitude.
Bro. Ed Siderewicz, FSC
Co-Founder
friendsdear
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Michael Fehrenbach
President
While we are all both
teachers and learners,
the children are some-
times the best teachers
in the buildings.
3
Today, I’m looking to
the horizon and all the
amazing possibilities
that lie ahead.
4
Today I am looking to the horizon and all the amazing possibilities that lie
ahead for Catalyst Schools Chicago. It is Bro. Ed Siderewicz’s dream and
vision that has become reality! I feel education is a critical element for
success. Education will have a long term impact on each person’s ability to maximize their full potential.
Because of this, I am honored to take on my new role as the Chairman of the Board. We’re concentrating
on building a strong and diverse Board of Directors, an excellent executive management team, led by Mike
Fehrenbach, and outstanding teachers in our schools, led by our principals, Sala Sims and Willie Cole – all
focused on building our culture to enable Catalyst to achieve the goals of our Mission Statement
Catalyst Schools Chicago serve as a catalyst for transforming inner-city communities by developing highly educated, concerned, committed, citizens of character who understand their role as agents for change within their communities.
In the past year, we added our second campus at Circle Rock. The school as a whole scored in the 99th
percentile for growth, some students attaining as much as 1.7 year’s academic growth in only nine months.
Our first eighth grade graduates moved on to some of the best high schools in the city. We saw our
student population grow from 431 last year to today’s enrollment of 601. These are amazing results.
At Catalyst, we will challenge each other to never lose sight of why we are really here – to fulfill dreams --
the dreams and vision of Catalyst Schools, and the dreams of our children and their families.
During a Monday morning assembly this past year at Catalyst, a poem written by our student, Ciera Morens,
was read to the student body . . .
I Have A Dream - -That all violence stopsBlack and black get alongOur community will changeParents stop abusing their kidsFoster kids will never be in a foster homePoor people will have a homeDrug dealers stop selling and have a jobAll children will grow up not dead
Her poem validated for me the role that I will play in this young and dynamic educational organization.
And, I would ask you to pause -- take a moment with the information contained in this annual report and
consider what role you might play in Catalyst’s incredible mission?
Terry Toth, Chairman of the Board
partnersto our
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committed
character
concernedcitizens
of
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At Catalyst Schools Chicago, teachers are the
foundational building blocks for constructing the
relationships with students and parents essential
to maintaining a successful and safe learning
environment. We are proud to have a faculty
and staff of dedicated, caring and remarkable
individuals who are successfully establishing
High Expectations, High Accountability and
High Results.
Considering a career transition from retail sales,
Tina drew upon her family history; “Teaching
was part of my family culture.” She began as a
volunteer teacher and found that her gifts met the
needs of those she was serving. She came to the
realization that she had found her life’s passion.
Tina has been teaching for 10 years. She served
as the 7th Grade Teacher Chairman at Octavio Paz
Charter School. In 2001 Tina was nominated for a
Golden Apple Award. She holds a Master’s
Degree in Urban Education and is completing
a Master’s Degree in School Counseling at
Concordia University. Tina joined Catalyst Schools
Chicago as a fourth grade teacher when Howland
first opened its doors in 2006.
Teaching Moments
Tina describes herself as a visual learner. She
incorporates this learning style into her classroom
with colorful reminders covering everything from
rules to behavior management.
“I am most excited when my students are
connecting prior knowledge to the day’s reading
assignment, then my students are able to bring
their life experiences into the classroom. I believe
that no child should be denied a quality education
because of circumstances. My goal as a teacher
is to ensure that students are learning, happy
and grabbing every opportunity coming their way,
academically, socially and emotionally.”
In addition to the academic excellence that
undergirds the Catalyst Schools Chicago approach,
Tina is quick to underscore that all children
deserve a safe haven, a calm, quiet learning
atmosphere. “Parents want a good, safe learning
environment and our principals and teachers
have the same expectations. At Catalyst Schools
Chicago, teachers and staff are leading by
example, producing happy parents and creating a
system that supports a community of successful
learners. And it doesn’t hurt that we are tuition
free,” Tina adds with an infectious smile!
committedwe are
Meet Tina Corsby 4th Grade Teacher Catalyst Charter School - Howland
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matterresults
The ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test) is an assessment given to students statewide each Spring.
Students entering Catalyst from other neighborhood schools are on average two grades or below their actual
grade level in reading and math. According to 2005 scores, only 31% of North Lawndale students and
32% of Austin students met or exceeded standards in Reading, and only 35% of North Lawndale and Austin
students met or exceeded standards in Math.
Below are the ISAT results of 4th grade students after attending Catalyst for just one year.
Catalyst Charter School - Howland
District 299 - Chicago Public Schools
Catalyst School - Circle Rock
ISAT Results - Grade 4 Reading - Spring 2008
Perc
enta
ge o
f Stu
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Sco
res
Mee
ting
or E
xcee
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Sta
ndar
ds
80
70
60
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30
20
10
0
OUR GOAL: 100% of Catalyst students will meet or exceed standards in Reading and Math by 8th grade.
Catalyst Charter School - Howland
District 299 - Chicago Public Schools
Catalyst School - Circle Rock
ISAT Results - Grade 4 Math - Spring 2008
Perc
enta
ge o
f Stu
dent
Sco
res
Mee
ting
or E
xcee
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Sta
ndar
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90
80
70
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CatalystCharterSchool-Howland
• 94% annual student attendance rate
• 97% eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program
• 25% improvement in ISAT reading scores for 6th grade students who attended Catalyst in the 5th grade
• Every 6th grade student gave at least one verbal presentation on the skills they were learning in various classes
CatalystSchool-CircleRock
• 95% annual student attendance rate
• 88% eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program
• 73.1% of Catalyst 7th graders met or exceeded ISAT standards in reading, exceeding the district average of 69.5%
• Every grade level exceeded reading goals, averaging 100 books per student
Any first is historic: the first baby, the first grade,
or the first graduation. The first Catalyst Schools
Chicago 8th grade graduation was not only historic
but was also exemplified by love, honor and pride
in “The Golden Thirteen.” We invite you to join
us as we take a look . . . back to the crowning
event of the Catalyst Schools Chicago 2007-2008
academic year.
Preliminary festivities began on June 23rd with
a school-wide honors ceremony in recognition
of academic achievement and citizenship
efforts. In addition to the medals awarded for
individual accomplishments, the graduates
received the traditional ribbons in school colors.
The ribbons were a symbol of the imminence of
their separation from elementary school into the
exciting world of secondary education and the
next phase of their lives.
On July 16, 2008, the Catalyst School-Circle
Rock village observed the traditional culminating
rite of passage by awarding diplomas to thirteen
remarkable young men and women. Resplendant
in emerald green and kenté cloth as they marched
to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” the
graduates received a standing ovation from the
audience. The expectant 7th graders watched in
anticipation of their graduation twelve months away.
Minister Vivian Gaulding completed her keynote
address in a manner reminiscent of a ritual libation,
calling each student by name and identifying his
or her dream. Then, the Catalyst Schools Chicago
class of 2008 took its first steps toward high
school, prepared, confident and supported by faith
and encouragement. We know that you join us in
congratulating these remarkable and awesome
young people.
graduationthe first
Shontavious Dovon Brown, Michael Antoine Davis, Jr.. Michael C. Davis, Jr., Shiloh Dent, Robert Casey Guthrie, LaTrenica T. Huckleberry, Jafar Joiner James, Jeffrey Darrius Jamision, Tyler Bernard Lewis, Jr., Truman DeAngelo Reed, Dwan Christopher Robinson, Reagan Sinclair Tyson, William Xavier Wolfe
THE GOLDEN THIRTEEN – CATALYST SCHOOL – CIRCLE ROCK CLASS OF 2008
And the Catalyst – Circle Rock 8th graders
weren’t the only ones to mark a significant
transition this summer. Their youngest
schoolmates became the first Catalyst
Schools Kindergarten graduates. The
first-graders-to-be greeted the audience in
nine different languages: French, Spanish,
Japanese, German, Russian, Hindi, Italian,
Hebrew, Thai, and of course English.
OntoFirstGrade!!
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“My daughter was looking for something different. She wasn’t satisfied with the school my grandson was attending. And she didn’t have the resources to send him to a private school. I drop him off everyday and I can see the special care they take with the children. Schools like Catalyst provide our children with important information about their heritage; information that is essential as they grow older.” Crystle Jones – ParentMelvin Williams – GrandparentNaudain Jones – 2nd Grade Student
“It’s a better school, it’s safer. I like the way it makes the children really want to come to school.” Sam Alfred – ParentDaleid and Jaleid Alfred – Kindergarten StudentsJonathan Alfred – 3rd Grade Student
“It makes me feel my children are well taken care of. There is wonderful teacher interaction. Just a positive attitude all over.”Carolyn Gibson – ParentMarvin Gibson – Kindergarten StudentAndrew Anderson – 3rd Grade Student (nephew)
“Doing research on neighborhood schools, I was impressed with the scores here. It’s overall, more welcoming than other schools.”Shilanda Hall – ParentKayla Hall – Kindergarten Student
“My step-son went to Circle Rock before it became Catalyst. He didn’t get chosen in the lottery and so had to go to another school, where he got picked on because he was pretty smart. We were at the front door to be chosen for the next opening. His little brother will be coming here next year. If they had pre-K, he’d be here now!”LaRon Givens – ParentShamauri Brown – 5th Grade Student
perspectivesfamily
“My children have been here since last year. I just like the school. They are learning more. They get more attention, a better education and there are more activities.”Darlene Marks – ParentDarjanae Marks – 1st Grade StudentDarveone Marks – 5th Grade Student
“Learning is a process. I like that she knows her teachers and that the teachers are open. I like that they put a smile on her face in the morning.”Jequetta Vaughn – ParentNevaeh Vaughn – Kindergarten Student
“I heard about Catalyst by word of mouth, from another parent who talked about the good education her son was receiving. My son was having some problems, so I came to a parent orientation. I felt more comfortable with the hands on approach. I have seen the change in my son’s grades and in his attitude. Catalyst Schools make a difference in the educational process.”Malcolm Polk – ParentMalik Polk – Kindergarten Student Marcellus Polk – 6th Grade Student
What better testimonials to the work we do at
Catalyst Schools Chicago, than the words of the
parents of our students? We asked parents to
answer this question:
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“Why did you choose to send your children to Catalyst Schools?”
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Sparked by the vision and hard work of Class of ’57
alum Bill Engels, engraved memorial bricks were
purchased to form the Catalyst Memorial Reading
Garden. Over 35 donors contributed $6,000 to the
project, which was dedicated at a celebration in June.
perspectivesdonor
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Steans Family Foundation
Taking a personal and more active approach to
their giving, the Steans Family Foundation has
concentrated their support in the North Lawndale
neighborhood, funding community development
efforts, family strengthening initiatives, and
education. Since the inception of Catalyst
Charter School – Howland, the Steans family has
supported the school through the Renaissance
Schools Fund as well as through direct grants to fill
in funding gaps during the school’s start-up years.
In addition, in a joint gift for Catalyst and North
Lawndale College Prep Charter High School,
Harrison and Lois Steans supported the upgrade
of the auditorium that the schools share to
include a state of the art sound system for school
assemblies and performances.
Catalyst would like to thank the Steans Family
Foundation for its support of our school and for
serving as a catalyst for change in the North
Lawndale community.
Mr. Joseph Zednik
Mr. Joseph Zednik of
Highland Park became a
donor to Catalyst Schools
Chicago because of his
passionate interest in the
education of children.
“I believe that educating
children is the most
important thing we can do for
our country and our society.”
After visiting the schools at the invitation
of Mike Fehrenbach, Joseph found himself
impressed by the thoughtfulness of the
teachers and the care they lavished on
the students.
“Their day-to-day commitment is remarkable!
I am going to continue to donate!”
St. Mel’s Alumni
Individuals Gifts FY07Michael Anderer-McClelland and Karin McClelland-AndererLinda AndrewsDebra and William AnthonyBill and Kiernan AnzelcDrs. MaryAnn and Ron BaenningerTimothy and Donna L. BeechickCharles BerberichLawrence BlakleyCharles and Mary Lou BoydDoug and Claire BrinkleyRobert C. and Illuminada C. BucheriCarol BucheriDavid CampJana CaudillLes ConeyJoseph and Mary ConroyTimothy ConroyPatricia CoxAnne CressyCorey and Becky CressySteven and Jennifer DeaneAngela Deane and Noah ArmstrongPaul and Karen DellJoseph and Terry DemingRichard J. and Marianne DrogoszCorinne EdmondsonJohn and Rita EngelsBro. Michael C. Fehrenbach, FSCSara and Mario FichtnerHarold and Susan FisherJack and Stephanie FlynnMike FranksMarianne FrickeRuth Ann Gillis and Michael McGuinnisSara and Daniel GilothJoe GuliMichael and Joan GumbelGordon HannonMr. and Mrs. Robert HastingsJonathan HintonRaymond L. HollowayJohn Hunter and Karin UrsinRon and Marge IrionMelissa KayeGreg and Maria KopraIsidora LagosJohn LarryMaria LeanerJohn LeeAndrew and Patricia Mary LoboscoPattie Lupo
We would like to thank the generous donors who have made gifts
to Catalyst Schools. Recognized here are donations received from
August 1, 2007 to July 31, 2008.
Corporate, Foundation, Organization, and Government Gifts FY07AAA Painting Contractors, Inc.Alliance for the ChildrenBest Imaging SolutionsBreaker Electric, Inc.Christ Church of Oak BrookChristian Brothers Midwest Provincialate CommunityComplete Building Maintenance Co. Energy Exchange International Goodman TheatreHeitman ArchitectsHenrietta Lange Burk FundIn-Lite Electrical ConstructionKeller Williams - Realty PartnersLectro-Sweep, Inc.Master Educational Assistance Foundation AnonymousPerkins Malo Hunter FoundationPro Ten Realty GroupSebert Landscaping CompanySign Management, Inc.Soudan Family FoundationSt. Mary’s Press Lasallian Education FundSteans Family FoundationStreamline Paving, Inc.The Oppenheimer Family FoundationThe Renaissance Schools FundU.S. Department of EducationWilliam G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc.
Individuals (continued)
John J. MaherJeff and Patty MannGeorge MaragosJoe MarellaJeffrey A. MarkPaul MarkwaldBro. Alfred Marshall, FSCPatrick McAloonJerry and Birdie McElroyJohn F. McMahon AnonymousHoward E. Meinkow, Jr.Terry D. and Jeannette J. MostromMark and Karen MyersDonald J. NewmanCarol Ann NixMichele NunezBill O’KaneScott and Alison OrbinRobert and Beatrice O’ShaughnessyPeter N. PeroLena and Tom PeronaJohn R. and Amy A. PicchiottiTrish ReinertGretchen ReinertMichael RobbinsJulie D. RumbautMary RussellJane SarmientoSteven SenterDavid ShorrGery ShortTerri SimmonsCyndi SimonChristopher SolomonRobert SoraparuAmy SoudanMarybeth and Thomas SoudanMarie StangaLois and Harrison SteansDr. Joyce W. StevensJames TaylorEarl G. and Darlene P. TeteakDarlene ThomasJanie ThomasMark Willis Jim ZangrilliJoseph and Deanna ZednikVincent and Cathleen Zuppa
FY07Gifts
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at a glancenumbers
Local government $2,915,224
Federal government $237,876
State government $245,006
Individual contributions $96,525
Foundation contributions $781,347
Other Income/Student Fees $89,741
Event/Corporate contributions $309,862
Transfer from reserves $42,862
TOTAL $4,718,443
Catalyst Charter School - Howland $1,875,026
Catalyst School - Circle Rock $2,003,128
Total School Programs $ 3,878,154
Development $417,480
General and administrative $422,809
Total Support Expenses $840,289
TOTAL $4,718,443
62% Local government
5% Federal government
5% State government
2% Individuals
17% Foundations
2% Other/Student Fees
7% Event/Corporate contributions
1% Transfers from reserves
82% School Programs
9% Development
9% General and administrative
Revenues FY08
Expenses FY08
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ArneDuncan,ChiefExecutiveOfficerofChicagoPublicSchools,ispicturedwithstudentsfromCatalystCharterSchool–Howland.CatalystSchoolsChicagoisapartofChicagoPublicSchools’Renaissance2010initiativedesignedtocreatemorehighqualityeducationaloptionsacrossChicago.
This year we welcomed Ms. Willie Cole as the principal of Catalyst
Charter School – Howland. As part of the Chicago Public Schools
Office of New Schools, she coordinated the design and facilitation
of professional development workshops for principals and teachers.
The workshops focused on identifying educational resources and
understanding administrative systems. Welcome Aboard Ms. Cole!
welcome
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catalyst schools 2008-2009
chicago
Board MembersTerry Toth, ChairLawrence BlakleySteve BrownTania GiordaniHeather HeadleyRichard HurdMichael KellyGregory MooneyBro. Ed Siderewicz, FSCJoycelynn StoneDeb ZuccariniMichael Fehrenbach, Ex Officio
Management TeamKris ButlerSara FichtnerJohn FletcherMary GarciaAzeba HagosAndrew LazarLydia MagrasKarin McClelland-AndererMaggie Baenninger NassMichele NunezLena PeronaBro. Ed Siderewicz, FSCCyndi SimonTere VegaPaul Webb
Circle Rock Faculty and Staff
Anjel BrownSurella BernadelGwendolyn BurrelMelvinia CampbellDanetta CarterJonathan ChaparroJessica CoxFrank DeAngelisElizabeth J. DunnLoretta GloverRachel GreenDonnell HarrisonJudy HooverDeanna HortonEbonie HowardEric JohnsonNatalie JohnsonShaunnese JaudonMichael KasangFlorine MillerTonya LoveKarol LuveneVeronica PhippsVirgia RilesLynette RussellErin SchledewitzYoonshil ShapiroMeg SpringerRosa StansburyOlivia TibbettsEbony Wiggins
Catalyst Charter School - Howland Administration
President Michael Fehrenbach
Principal Willie Cole
Assistant Principal Moses Tighil
Dean of Students John Larry
Lead Teacher Chrischona Sodji
Director of Community Outreach Vivian Gaulding
Director of Social Work Jennifer Lloyd
Howland Faculty and Staff
Timothy AndersonWillie ChatmanTina CorsbyStephanie DaggettRuth DenHerderMegan DoughertyJeniece DrakeNealoni FisherTiteanna FunchesEdmund FurlanSareena GreenKristin GreerClara HallsAthrell Harris Floyd Harris Tumchee Howard Tracy IngramJasmine JacksonJoanna KappeleYolanda KingRoss LudwigJoel MaciasShauntae McChristian Christine MitchellVitalis NdikumShavon NowellNicole PhillipsLakesha RobinsonJeanine SealsBetty VandervestDenise VesselDemetrius WeatherallIrene WeatherallSheila Wilson
Catalyst School - Circle Rock Administration
President Michael Fehrenbach
Principal Sala Sims
Assistant Principal Deanna English
Curriculum Coordinator Katherine List
Director of Community Outreach Sharon Morgan
Social Worker Kimberly Walton
Catalyst Charter School Howland1616 S. SpauldingChicago, IL 60623ph 773-534-1753fx 773-534-1727
Catalyst School Circle Rock5608 W. WashingtonChicago, IL 60644ph 773-854-1633fx 773-854-1636
Business Office1949 W. 48th StreetChicago, IL 60609ph 773-890-0233fx 773-890-0250
Development OfficeCyndi Simon, Director of [email protected]
Sara Fichtner, Associate Director of Development, Foundation and Government [email protected]
Kris ButlerDevelopment [email protected]
Lydia MagrasCommunications [email protected]
Chicagoschools
Catalyst
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