Tag: Belmont Cragin

Celebrating the Heart of Education: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at Christopher House

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in Family of Schools, Insights & News. Leave a Comment

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week offers us a special moment to pause and reflect on the immeasurable impact you have on our scholars, our families, and our entire community. While the dedication of our teachers and staff is evident every day, Teacher’s Appreciation Week gives us the chance to shine an even brighter light on their work and express our heartfelt gratitude.

From our early childhood to our elementary classrooms, the magic that happens within our walls is possible because of them—our incredible educators, paraprofessionals, family support staff, administrators, operations, food service teams, front office staff, and so many others who give their time, their energy, and their hearts to our mission.

Our staff are the mentors, the nurturers, the steady hands, and the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our schools running and our scholars thriving. Whether they’re guiding instruction, preparing meals, maintaining welcoming spaces, or supporting systems and operations—they are making a difference every single day.

They bring our mission to life. Their passion fuels curiosity. Their compassion nurtures confidence. Their commitment to excellence sets the tone for our entire organization. Together, they form the heartbeat of Christopher House, and it is their collective effort that makes our community so strong and so special.

To the teachers and staff who make our growing community possible, thank you for all that you do, for who you are, and for the lasting impact you make at Christopher House and beyond!

 

Creating Brave Spaces at Christopher House: A Conversation with our School Counselor

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in DBEI, Insights & News. Leave a Comment

Christopher House works to create warm, welcoming, and safe learning environments that encourage our scholars, teachers, families, and staff to show up each and every day as their authentic selves. Each member of our community is vital in creating and maintaining these brave spaces, and Jose Valencia, Elementary School Counselor, is no exception.

Joining the Christopher House community at the start of the 20230-2024 school year, Jose dove in with two feet, assisting scholars in academic improvement plans, consulting 8th graders on which high schools might best fit their life interests, and offering counsel on obstacles faced by Elementary School-aged students today. Through his ongoing work, his passion for helping children and his dedication to our local community has shown through every step of the way.

In honor of PRIDE month, we sat down with Jose to discuss the importance of identity, love, and acceptance for Elementary School scholars, and how he works to support this in his unique role. He had these words to share:

Q. In your own words, can you explain the significance of PRIDE month?

“PRIDE month is important for us to know and celebrate because of the important gains and hardships that people in the LGBTQIA+ community have been through historically and are still experiencing. PRIDE month also gives individuals a time and place to come together and connect through a shared identity and move forward together.”

Q. Why is PRIDE month, and by extension, the celebration of diverse forms of love and identity, important for Elementary and Middle School scholars?

“PRIDE month is important for scholars because the elementary and middle school years are so formative in their creation of their identities. Schools have a responsibility to provide awareness, knowledge, and resources to community members so youth and their families know that their thoughts and feelings are universal. At Christopher House, our goal is for everyone to feel welcome, accepted, and celebrated as important members of the Christopher House community.”

Q. What impact can educators, social workers, and leaders have on students and the community when it comes to PRIDE?

“We can impact the community in meaningful ways. During the middle school years, youth are going through significant physical, cognitive, and social changes so it makes sense that they and their families would have all sorts of questions about their identities. It is important for adults to provide students with healthy environments where they feel safe and included. If someone does not feel welcome, they most likely won’t feel safe or valued either. They won’t be able to maximize their learning and they might adopt maladaptive social/emotional coping strategies. One way to ensure scholars feel seen and welcome is by posting visuals such as a PRIDE flag or pictures and facts about historical figures in the LGBTQIA+ Movement.”

Q. In your role, how do you work to spread love and acceptance within the Christopher House community?

“As a school counselor, I aim to be a positive force at Christopher House by being available to students, families and colleagues. I do my best to spread wellbeing by providing educational resources on potential options for the future, recognizing student/staff accomplishments, and helping others who might not be feeling like their best, authentic selves. My hope for educational institutions is that they continue to be pillars of the community and places that innovate learning. We need to continue to keep pace with shifting societal trends and student/family needs, while staying true to our mission of educating the whole child/family.”

Celebrating Our Community: Hispanic Heritage Month at Christopher House

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in DBEI, Insights & News. Leave a Comment

This past month, Christopher House was thrilled to honor and recognize our Hispanic and Latinx scholars, families, staff, and community during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). Our month-long celebrations – featuring tasty tamales, insightful learning circles, guided scholar activities, and classroom readings – highlighted the histories of Hispanic cultures from around the world and celebrated traditions that are passed on from generation to generation.

“My culture is centered around family, and in my family, a gathering would not be complete without food! We cook and bring food that’s based on recipes that my grandparents got from their parents, and on and on it goes,” Diana Villalba, Christopher House Family Advocate shared. “It’s always really special when we can all come together to eat, listen to music, dance, and just enjoy being a family.”

Between decorating classroom doors and coloring flags from over 20 countries, Christopher House staff gathered weekly to hear personal stories from prominent members of our community, including Ricardo Villalobos, Christophr House Director of Family and Community Engagement, Frank Velez, Deputy Chief/Special Events for the Chicago Fire Department, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, First Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Mayor, and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Alderman for Chicago’s 35th ward. Reflecting on their own past experiences and their current roles, the speakers shared how their cultures and identities have influenced who they are today and the greater impact they hope to have within our shared community.

“It’s so important for children to see people who look like them in these roles – firefighters, police officers, paramedics, doctors – for them to see the same brown skin and to be able to relate and understand that there are pathways for them,” Frank Velez shared.

Christopher House is committed to creating a culture of belonging and nurturing a positive sense of identity, both within our classroom and the surrounding community, and this begins with celebrating the diversity of our scholars, families, staff members, and neighbors.

“At Christopher House, we are working to integrate celebration and recognition of identity into our daily practice,” CEO Libby neighbors said. “These months are a special time to be intentional about learning, educating, and celebrating!”

To learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage in the US and how it was celebrated throughout Chicago, check out the resources below:

 

Christopher House Elementary School Family Advocates: Our Role and Our Heritage

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in DBEI, Insights & News. Leave a Comment

Christopher House is built on a two-generation model that meets the needs of our scholars and families, both in and outside of the classroom. This vital work extends across all three of our campuses – Belmont Cragin, Uptown, and Logan Square – and at Christopher House Elementary School (CHES), it would not be possible without the dedication, compassion, and expertise of Family Advocates Diana Villalba and Lesly Lopez.

Joining Christopher House at the height of the pandemic in 2021, both Diana and Lesly were immediately drawn to the empathetic and holistic support offered to the families of our scholars. With Diana’s degree in Psychology and Child Advocacy Studies, and Leslie’s in Human Services and Psychology, both were eager to find the right opportunity that would allow them to have an impact on the lives of their community members. Both Family Advocates have a deep and personal feelings that pulled them toward Christopher House and t they knew that they had found a place they were excited to call home.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Diana and Lesly to learn more about their roles as Family Advocates at Christopher House Elementary School and how their culture, language, and traditions are essential to their work.

What is a CHES Family Advocate?

Lesly Lopez: As Family Advocates, we help families feel safe and comfortable so that they can be open with us and trust us to help get whatever assistance they need. We build relationships with the parents and caregivers of our scholars and help connect them with any additional resources that they might need – we help with everything from obtaining financial assistance and applying for SNAP, to acquiring Ventra cards and accessing immigration-related resources.

Diana Villalba: Our goal is to create and maintain stability within the home. Many of our families have experienced racial trauma and encounter barriers daily. We do whatever we can to respond to their needs and find resources that will help, whether that is inside our walls or within the surrounding community. We also act as a bridge between families and our teaching staff. If parents need assistance communicating with their child’s teacher, or if a teacher notices a student in need of additional support, they reach out to us, and we help facilitate connections and conversations.

Why is our two-generation model important for our scholars and their families?

Diana: My family is from Mexico, and we lived in Los Angeles before moving to Chicago. As a child, I watched my family struggle. My dad worked a lot and when my mom wasn’t working part-time, she was with us. She spoke Spanish, and she had a really hard time communicating with teachers or administration when she came to the school. Seeing and experiencing this for myself has helped me understand what our families are experiencing.

Lesly: I can relate to that a lot… I’m also Mexican and Latina, and my family struggled financially when I was young. We didn’t have any additional support outside of the family, and my mom also only spoke Spanish. She would do her best to advocate for me and my siblings, but because of the language barrier, she often felt unheard. Being in the role that I am now, I am very passionate about what I do because I get to offer the help and support that I wish my family had when I was growing up.

How does your identity and culture support you in this role?

Diana: We can’t support families unless they feel comfortable to be open and honest about their needs. Whatever we can do to facilitate trust between us and the parents and caregivers, we do! We primarily serve Hispanic and Latinx families here at CHES, and when families hear me speak Spanish, it automatically removes one more barrier for them. It makes it easier for them to trust me and open up without any added pressure. I just let families know that a safe space for communication exists whenever they want or need to use it.

Lesly: I agree! When parents come in and see that you are able to speak their language, it creates a sort of immediate natural connection. We can understand their lived experiences on a personal level and can relate to what they are going through. During the pandemic, some families feared that their concerns and needs were not going to be heard. But when we joined the team, we were able to quickly form strong connections and alleviate their stress by letting them know that we see them, we hear them, and we are here to help them – always.

Why is it important to celebrate the identities of our staff, scholars, families, and community members?

Lesly: In my culture, family values are deeply ingrained in everything we do. If someone is hurting, we all are, and if someone is celebrating a win, we all celebrate with them. You don’t want to lose the values of where you come from, no matter what they may be. For our students and families, it’s important they see that when they walk in the school, their traditions and identities don’t stop at the door. We do our best to bring that part of home into the classroom and celebrate it for its importance and beauty. 

Diana: For my family of five, we try to get together at least once a month and reconnect over good food, music, and dancing, but honestly, no matter how much time has passed, it’s like we were never apart. I’m also a first-generation college graduate and a proud Mexican. The two are connected! My background has helped me connect with and support families in my current role, and I think it’s really important for my nieces and nephews – and our scholars and families – to see that and to know that there are educational and career pathways for them too. Truly anything is possible.

Christopher House Celebrates its Third Graduating Class

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in Elementary School. Leave a Comment

On Friday, June 2, Christopher House graduated its third graduating class, the Class of 2023!

This talented class was one of the first to return to a full year of in-person learning. As we continue to navigate the post-COVID climate and address both the short and long-term effects of the pandemic, the Christopher House community could not be prouder of the adaptability and commitment of our dedicated staff and scholars, which is evident in all that they have accomplished over the past year.

“This graduation day is a day of celebration – but it is also a realization that the journey continues,” Dr. Abrego, Elementary School Principal, said. “Your next adventure awaits – high school will be an opportunity for each of you to grow – to expand your friendships, enhance your learning, to grow into young adults.”

We are pleased to share that, among the graduating class, three of our scholars were awarded the Daniel Murphy Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship awarded to 150 Chicago students across the city, to attend college preparatory schools.

Additionally, 12 of our graduating 8th grade scholars have been accepted to CPS selective enrollment schools, including Lane Tech College Preparatory High School, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Jones College Prep, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, Northside College Preparatory High School. This 33% year-over-year increase demonstrates the profound adaptability, resiliency, and determination of our scholars, staff, teachers, and families in today’s post-pandemic landscape.

“Today is an opportunity for you to celebrate with your teachers and friends. I want to take the opportunity to thank all your teachers – not only our middle school staff but all the teachers that have supported you on this amazing adventure. However, your constant companion on this journey has been your family. Your caregivers have sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice because they believe in you and are determined for you to accomplish your goals,” Dr. Abrego said. “Their hope and faith in you are unending!”

Christopher House is exceedingly proud of the accomplishments of our scholars, and we want to remind them that no matter how far they travel and how much they grow, our doors will always be open – Christopher House will always be a safe and loving space that they can call home away from home.

“The Importance of PRIDE” from Christopher House RIDE Committee

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in DBEI, Thought Leadership. Leave a Comment

The Christopher House RIDE (Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) committee promotes inclusion, equity, and diversity across our family of schools, which include Infant and Preschool, Elementary and Middle School, After School, and Parent School. The committee meets monthly to discuss issues related to race, inclusion, diversity, and equity in the news and at Christopher House, and is made up of three subcommittees – Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion.

DIVERSITY

Our goal is to honor, educate on, and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the Christopher House community, including our scholars, families, teachers, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods (Belmont Cragin, Uptown, and Logan Square). 

“We are looking to support and educate our colleagues about the issues that oppressed people in our country may face, and this includes members of the LGBTQ+ community. We believe supporting education in PRIDE month is important, because PRIDE is really about identity and the right to openly express one’s identity. We need to accept people for how they identify themselves. Children, families, and staff need to understand that different people perceive themselves in different ways and that is okay. It is just as important for LGBTQ+ children to see themselves represented as it is for children of different races and ethnicities. As our children are figuring out who they are, we want Christopher House to be a place of nurturing and acceptance for them and their families. I think the same can be said for our LGBTQ+ colleagues.  There is a lot of overt oppression of the LGBTQ+ community happening around our country, and we want Christopher House to be a safe space for everyone.”

HEALTH EQUITY

Our goal is to build community and social engagement opportunities across CH schools and locations that support all facets of wellness.

“Inclusive practices are fundamental in creating supportive learning environments where each and every child feels respected, accepted, welcomed, and valued. We are working to build up a community in which all children and families ultimately have equitable opportunities, and this begins with celebrating our community members for who they are. Celebrating PRIDE month for our children, families, staff, and community is important because it is a celebration of being proud of being your authentic self. Building this confidence and feeling like you are heard and seen will ultimately positively impact the well-being and academic success of students and families.

INCLUSION

Our goal is to help foster an inclusive work culture where staff can be true to themselves, feel they belong at CH, and be celebrated and recognized for their work.

“The Christopher House Inclusion Committee was formed with the intention of creating opportunities and a platform for every member of the Christopher House community to know that not only are they a part of something, but that each individual, whether a scholar, family member, or staff member, are an integral contributor to the organization. One definition of inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized. At Christopher House, it is our mission to ensure that NOBODY feels excluded and that everyone has the opportunity for equal access – this includes ALL members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Inclusion subcommittee is continuing to work to come up with different ways to ensure that this mission is being delivered on each and every day.”

Juneteenth: A Conversation with RIDE

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in DBEI, Insights & News, Thought Leadership. Leave a Comment

Christopher House’s RIDE (Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) Committee works to promote inclusion, equity, and diversity across the organization. The committee, made up of 30+ employees across our organization, meets monthly to discuss issues related to race, inclusion, diversity, and equity in the news and at Christopher House. In honor of Juneteenth, we spoke with Dominique Willingham, an Early Childhood Teacher and member of RIDE’s Diversity subcommittee, about the holiday’s significance and how it is celebrated at Christopher House. 

Q. What is your role on RIDE, the Diversity subcommittee, and how is the Diversity committee honoring Juneteenth this year?

A. I am a Delegate for the RIDE committee and I also participate in the Diversity subcommittee. I have been a member since 2020. This year for Juneteenth, we had a RIDE meeting where we had a fun educational conversation and discussion around Juneteenth. We gave background information about what we commemorate on Juneteenth and the significance of the flag and colors. We had an activity in which we had to make a flag and explain what the words and symbols mean for their flag.

Q. What is the cultural and historical significance of Juneteenth?

A. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery, the day the state of Galveston Texas got word that slavery was over, 2 years after The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1st, 1863. It marks the day that enslaved African Americans celebrated the abolishment of slavery – though still not being treated equality or equitably.

Q. Why is it important for our scholars, families, staff, and community that Christopher House honors and celebrates Juneteenth?

A. As we are a family of schools and serve a wide variety of families, it is important to highlight the history of the different cultures and people we serve and to educate others on the experiences of the families and staff here at Christopher House. There are events in history that have shaped and impacts the families and staff we serve. Bringing that fact to light will help us have a better understanding of our families and ultimately better equip us to deliver culturally responsive care. As lifelong learners, we are dedicated to learning about, respecting, and embracing all members of our community.

Q. How does Christopher House commemorate this holiday within our classrooms, halls, and community?

A. In my Early Childhood classroom, we talked about how we get information to people in the past and present. We talked about how people of color have been treated differently throughout history and why. We read books like Its ok to be different by Todd Parr, and All Are Welcome by Suzanna Kaufman and Alexandra Penfold, and we even role-played scenarios to help gain a deeper understanding. The RIDE committee met to discuss the importance of Juneteenth, how we can honor the holiday in our different roles throughout the organization and were provided additional materials and resources to help our staff and community practice allyship – resources like educational links, books, and interactive songs!

Q. How can community members, staff, and teachers practice allyship when teaching and/or reflecting on Juneteenth?

A. First, be informed and educated on the issue. You can speak up and out about injustice and ways to change it. You can look within your own life and reflect on how you can be more mindful of your own biases. Be active in an organization or place that supports and helps people. Read books and educate children on the topic to make a difference in the future and so history doesn’t repeat itself, and support businesses that are geared toward it.

To learn more about the history of Juneteenth, click here.

Black History Month at Christopher House: A Recap of Events

Written by Cora Butrum on . Posted in Insights & News. Leave a Comment

“Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Christopher House is committed to creating opportunity, ensuring accessibility, and advancing equity for every child and family we serve. This past Black History Month, our community united to recognize the history, honor the contributions, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our Black culture.

Across our family of schools, a variety of events took place – everything from door decorating contests meant to highlight the significance of Black History, engaging and age-appropriate reading materials that discuss the importance of identity, and a live staff-viewing of Black Boys, a documentary revealing the realities of being a young Black male in America hosted by the RIDE (Race Inclusion Diversity & Equity) Committee – our scholars and staff reflected on the histories of Black culture and explored ways in which they can join the discussion. These interactive activities were joined by a live performance from the Muntu Dance Theatre, an artistic Company, who works to educate on and preserve African culture through dance, music, and folklore.

“Dance serves not only as a physical activity but one that provides connections among children and allows them to express joy and share in each other’s culture,” Adejumoke Akinbusuyi, Site Director for Christopher House Uptown, says. “Dance allows children to learn about traditions, values and experience diversity of the families in their classroom community. Celebrating culture through dance brings our children together and provides exposure to history and a bridge of cultures.”

Our After School scholars held a Black History Museum for their classmates and parents, in preparation for which they had the opportunity to delve deeper into Black histories from around the world. While our younger learners crafted traditional artwork and decorated handprints, our Youth Leadership scholars researched and presented on African countries, with many sharing their own families’ cultures and traditions.

“I feel like this event was important in helping our scholars learn about and celebrate Black heritage, culture, and history because it allowed them to display their knowledge of Black history in more ways than just writing a report or essay for school,” Brandon Adjei-Boateng, After School – School Age Worker, says. “They were allowed to showcase their knowledge in multiple creative ways.”

Throughout the month-long learning and celebrations, Christopher House organized a thought leadership speaker series that included Penny Smith, Director of Learning and Impact for the Early Childhood Policy and Leadership Academy at the Erikson Institute, Dr. Dwinita Mosby Tyler, Founder and Chief Catalyst of the Equity Project, Bryan Stokes, Education Portfolio Director for the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, and Cerathel Burgess-Burnett, Deputy Commissioner for the Children’s Services Division of the Department of Family and Support Services. Together, we reflected on the importance of education equity and the damaging impact of colonizing language, not only for academic and social-emotional development of our students, but for the overall growth of our community.

“The necessary work, the work that Christopher House Early Childhood and Youth Leadership is prioritizing, is to first acknowledge the harm and the power that these labels have, and second, to identify and decolonize the internal structures, policies, and language we use daily,” Sarah Collentine, Associate Director of Early Childhood, says. “Language matters.”

While the 2023 Black History Month may be over, the learning, remembrance, and celebration does not stop here. Christopher House continues to prioritize the identities, cultures, and stories of all children and families within our community. To learn more about the history and significance of Black History Month, see below:

Join Our Newsletter

Christopher House
5235 W. Belden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60639