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The Schuler Quarterly Volume 3, Issue 1

Scholars Immersed in Language

In this Issue: Letter from Director…………2 College Counseling…………..3 Waukegan…………………….4 Cristo Rey St. Martin..……….6 Round Lake…………………...8 Warren Township…………...10 Highland Park……………….12 Maine East…………………..14 North Chicago………………16 Collins Academy……………18 College Connections……….20 AmeriCorps News…………..23

Immersed in Chinese and Spanish language studies, three Warren Scholars participated in the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy at Pomona College this summer. Erica Chau, WTHS Class of 2014, Gina Ciobanu, WTHS Class of 2013, and Hanan Mohamed, WTHS Class of 2014 dove headfirst into the intensive program that encourages complete immersion in foreign language the right to communicate. The and cultural studies. conversations during the first week were The program’s unconventional model very trivial, but as time went on, I found allows students to learn language through m y s e l f a b l e t o h a v e d e e p e r gratitude to the Schuler Scholar Program conversation. “One of the things I loved conversations with others,” she said. for giving them the opportunity to attend, the most was that we never learned The Scholars also took advantage of the and they hope that future Scholars will through boring conjugation worksheets program’s extracurricular offerings. Chau take advantage of the unique program. or taking tests or quizzes. Everything we e n j o y e d a C h i n e s e o p e r a w h i l e “Being 'forced' into speaking Spanish learned was through actual practice of M o h a m e d p a r t i c i p a t e d i n s a l s a , pushed me to the next level with my the language. We would learn through language skills. I strongly recommend flamenco, and baila de salon lessons. every-day activities: listening to music, this program to anyone who is looking to watching soccer, eating lunch with Chau cited the program’s Olympics improve their skills in a language in a friends,” explained Mohamed, a student tradition as her favorite part of the short amount of time,” Ciobanu said. of Spanish. Chau, who studied Chinese at experience. At the end of each session, Middlebury-Monterey, emphasized the the program hosts a sports competition intensity of the program, sharing, “Some between the French, Spanish and teachers and RAs never spoke English Chinese language students. “It brought until the very end of the program!” the whole program together, and you were able to hear all the different Studying Spanish during the program, languages, but also see the very proud Ciobanu experienced the challenge of students who represented their speaking only in a foreign language. “The languages,” Chau said. first night we signed away our right to speak English - it felt like signing away All three Scholars expressed their

Notable People A Letter from the Director In September the MDRC released another evaluation of the controversial Opportunity NYC-Family Rewards program, a comprehensive conditional cash transfer program launched in 2007 in which low-income parents and their teenage students (most of whom scored at the proficient level on baseline tests) were offered cash incentives to attend school and pass exams. It is no surprise that the program had no effect on teenagers’ sense of academic competence or their engagement in school. Yet, take a group of Schuler Scholars from the same demographic and for the same data points the results are through the roof. Why? Because the Schuler Scholar Program invests in the human resources needed to help Scholars develop the critical skills necessary for success in and outside of the classroom, skills that should be fostered throughout one’s lifetime. What’s the return on that investment? Young men and women who live by the Schuler creed: Always Personal Best. Clearly poverty affects student

performance and we should be creative in attempting to level the playing field. But we must be mindful of the ultimate goal of sustainable changes in behavior and attitudes. Those changes don’t happen because kids get a stipend for going to school. It happens when adults inspire students and students believe that Always Personal Best equals opportunity. Johnny Reed, WHS Class of 2009, Colorado College Class of 2013, writes about his senior year of college being a challenge, his excitement about a career in law, and the possibility of serving as an AmeriCorps member with Schuler. Dr. Connie Collins, Superintendent of Round Lake Area Schools District 116, speaks passionately about moving the once-failing district, which until recently was run by the state, from good to great. She and her team are making sure that college and work readiness is embedded in everything they do. Josh Bill, American History and AP Government teacher at a school where only 25% of students matriculate to four-year colleges, has a cult-like following among students. He’s demanding and sets high expectations for his students. But he’s not

paying kids to work on mock debates and National History Day projects. Johnny, Dr. Collins and Mr. Bill are inspired. They are inspiring. They remind us that the most effective way to transform a system, a school or a district in serious need of change is through investment in human resources: adults and students who accept nothing less than Always Personal Best.

Someone you should know...

Kip Gasper Math Program Manager

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I am excited to be entering my second year with the Schuler Scholars Program. My plans for retirement from a 35 year career teaching math, 31 years at

D e e r fi e l d H i g h S c h o o l , t o o k a n unexpected turn two years ago when Janell Cleland, School Director at Warren High School and a former colleague at Deerfield, called and asked if I would meet her for coffee to talk about the Schuler Program. I am happy I said yes! I have enjoyed getting to know the staff members, the Scholars and the Scholar Coaches at the schools. Their talent and dedication is contagious. Since I still get to work with math, I am having fun designing programs helping students strengthen past learning, becoming better students in their current classes and helping them develop their problem solving skills. A highlight of my week is meeting with our phenomenally

talented Scholar Coaches to work on our math programming. The experience is also broadening my understanding of math education in many schools. I am still active coaching track and cross country at Deerfield High School. My wife Christina and I enjoy traveling, especially to visit our daughter in Houston and son in Los Angeles. I am studying in the Basic Program in the classics at the University of Chicago. I enjoy doing puzzles, photography, working in my yard and cooking, especially barbecuing.

College Counseling Corner What's Your Story?

College Visits

by Demisha Lee, Director of College can often be more painful. Scholars are Counseling impatient with themselves and doubtful that anyone could find small details of Early Decision, Regular Decision, EFC, their young lives interesting or unique. personal statement, and Common Application: all are terms that haunt the Yet somehow, over the course of the fall, dreams of high school seniors at this time layers of their personalities are revealed, of year. It is the height of college walls are broken down, and each Scholar application season and Schuler Scholars cultivates a distinctive personal narrative. are diligently at work. Their stories are as varied as they are diverse. They tell stories of triumph, pain, The most time consuming part of the resilience and self-discovery. Scholars early application process is tackling the begin to ask questions of themselves that personal statement or college essay. This truly reveal why they are a Schuler task is the bane of first semester senior Scholar. year for most Scholars. Since Schuler College Boot Camp in early August, I’ve had the pleasure of reading Schuler college counselors have guided seniors Scholar college essays for the past several College representatives from Middlebury through the process of “telling their years, most recently as the former College (above) and Williams College story.” We asked them to eloquently Associate Director of Admission for (below) visit Schuler offices. convey to a college admission office, in Smith College. As a college admission 500 words or less, who they are and why officer for the last sixteen year at they would be the perfect student at Amherst, Bates and Lafayette I have read Ideal College. To high school seniors, almost a million essays. As the new this is asking them to be vulnerable, Director of College Counseling at smart, unique and succinct all in one Schuler, I now have the pleasure of piece of writing. It is a challenge for validating that each of our Scholars is as them all. For some, finding a topic to smart, fascinating and exciting to read write about is excruciating. For others, about on paper as they are dynamic in drafting, editing and soliciting feedback person.

Meet Demisha Lee I have 18 years of experience in secondary and higher education. After I graduated from Williams College, I began a career as an Admission officer and have served five small, liberal arts colleges: Lafayette, Bates, WPI , Amherst and Smith. In the middle of my career, I spent four years as Associated Director of College Counseling at Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC. I hold an M.Ed. in Higher Education Policy, Research and Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I was invited to join the Schuler Scholar Program in late July to continue the strong legacy of college counseling programming. Having grown up in the Carolinas and spent most of my career in New England, I am enjoying the new experiences the Chicagoland area has to offer. Aside from the Scholars, the most exciting part of my job is connecting my professional network of admission officers with amazing students for their campuses.

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Waukegan High School Miss Representation Raises Awareness by Alyssa Canda, WHS Class of 2014 Scholars from Waukegan High School, Cristo Rey St. Martin, and Highland Park High School came together for a screening of Miss Representation, a documentary about how the media sexualizes and objectifies women, which in turn leads to their disempowerment. The film begins with Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the director, writer, and producer of the film, sharing her personal connection to the topic. She divulges her history as an actress and victim of discrimination, as well as her experience with sexual assault and an eating disorder. Additionally, Newsom worries for her daughter who has to grow up with media’s harmful influence and wants to dispel these concerns by raising awareness through education. Newsom blames the false portrayal of women in TV shows, music videos, movies, news, and advertising, for pressuring young girls to strive for

unattainable ideals of femininity. The documentary provides solid evidence for this claim. Many voices, from influential and famous women to passionate high school students, chime in on media’s impossible standards and their negative psychological impact. Along with these strong female supporters, the documentary includes shocking statistics indicating the drastic differences between women’s and men’s power in society. For example, the number of cosmetic WHS Scholars await the screening of Miss surgeries performed on youth 18 or Representation. younger more than tripled from 1997 and 2007. benefit thriving media companies and their economic endeavors. Raising In order to make a difference, this awareness is a productive starting point; documentary contends that women have the fi rst step towards change is to start supporting one another and stop education. A positive next step would conceding to false portrayals of women in be teaching children media literacy and the media. To do so, women should not letting them know that their life is not purchase magazines and consume other limited to what they see on TV. They forms of media with degrading or can be successful in whatever career disempowering images of women. they choose and they can feel beautiful as they are. Miss Representation raises awareness that unreachable ideals of female beauty

Scholars Out and About (Left): WHS Scholars take part in a college trip to Carleton College. College Schuler Scholars were able to meet the group and share their experiences. (Right): WHS Scholars help weed, plant, and beautify the parking area of the Dunning Read Conservation area in Chicago. This event was part of Social Awareness & Action (SAA), SSP's service-based learning initiative.

Waukegan High School Staff 4

Beth Kainic, School Director: [email protected] Lisa Dufault, College Counselor: [email protected] Tina Hahn, Scholar Coach: [email protected]

Alicia Johnston, Scholar Coach: [email protected] Minnie Nguyen, Scholar Coach: [email protected] Najma Osman, Scholar Coach: [email protected]

Waukegan High School Quartet Brings Excitement, Inspiration by Dondro Martinez and Kelly Campos, around. It came to be known as one WHS Class of 2013 of the greatest exposures of all time. On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. The place was Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was the “Father of Rock-n-Roll,” Sam Phillips, who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording session that embodied the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time. On August 16, 2012, an incredible trip brought Cristo Rey St. Martin and Waukegan Scholars together to view this fateful meeting in Million Dollar Quartet. The place was the Apollo Theatre in Chicago. This night of music was an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended, and smiles were all

One did not have to be born or raised in the 50's to love the music of that time. Most of the songs played were well-known hits that Scholars' feet started tapping to. On this night, we weren't just the audience; we were a part of the entire experience. From singing along to “Blue Suede Scholars pose with actor Lance Lipinsky after Shoes” or dancing to “Hound Dog,” seeing Million Dollar Quartet. the show left many of the Scholars speechless and wanting more. The actors Lee caught Lipinsky’s jacket. After the were superb in almost every aspect - they performance, Scholars reveled in a convinced the audience that they were question-and-answer session with the their characters, and brought down the actors. The actors answered questions about the audition process and how house. they are able to put the amount of In addition to taking part in the musical energy they do into the show. Above all, extravaganza, Scholars were treated to the performers stressed never giving up three standout moments during the on one’s dreams. The importance of exposure. Lance Lipinsky, who played holding strongly to one's aspirations was Jerry Lee Lewis, gave two Scholars the the overall theme of the show, and opportunity to sing into the microphone to ultimately, of the night. “See You Later Alligator.” Scholar Bianca

A Warm Welcome R e c e n t l y , S c h u l e r welcomed a new college counselor, Lisa Dufault, to Waukegan High School’s staff. Lisa joins the Schuler staff with fascinating experiences that have equipped her with a wealth of knowledge. In high school, Lisa led her American Government class in a boycott of their text book because of its singular focus on dominant white culture. Because her teacher believed the class should be run as a democracy, she supported the effort

and the class began taking a project-based learning approach. After undergrad, a year of AmeriCorps service in Denver spurred Lisa’s interest in counseling, leading her to seek and earn a Masters degree in both clinical and school counseling. Her work experience ranges from interning at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School to working in Chicago Public Schools, the North Shore Special Education District, and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. With much of her career centered on schools and youth, Lisa has experienced many proud moments. Most memorably, while serving as a college counselor, one of Lisa’s students with moderate learning disabilities received an award from his college bridge program for earning the highest grades of all the students in his summer courses.

As a new member of the Schuler family, Lisa is looking forward to getting to know all of the WHS Scholars and their families. Already, she has had the opportunity to impart advice, especially on the importance of savings - “It’s never too early or too late to save money for college," she has said. “You’ll thank yourself for being thoughtful in your personal spending during high school when there’s money in the bank for you to take a weekend skiing trip during college or buy some new clothes to fit the local climate. Additionally, parents are often more comfortable providing you with financial support during college if you’ve demonstrated responsible spending and saving in the past.” WHS is excited to have someone with Lisa's experience and perspective working with their Scholars.

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Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep A Summer of Discovery by Sofia Hurtado, CRSM Class of 2014 This past summer, I had the great honor to attend the Johns Hopkins University Discover Hopkins program in Baltimore, Maryland. The few first days of the program were a little rough. Not having my parents and having so much independence frightened me. No one asked me if I had eaten or if I had finished my homework. At first, it was s i m p l y m e , m y s e l f , a n d I . (Above): Sofia works with the Da Vinci surgical H o w e v e r , J H U h e l p e d m e robot. (Below): Sofia poses with her new friends from the JHU program. experience the independence that I listed as one of my goals to e x p e r i e n c e w h e n I w r o t e m y the globe often share interests. application. The independence I experienced taught me the importance In the afternoons our class went on of being capable of taking care of various field trips. We had the myself. I needed to not depend on my opportunity to use Hopkins’ Da parents or anyone else because they will Vinci robot, which is a robotic not be there with me in college. tool that performs surgeries. I had heard of the robot prior to While I was adjusting to the new visiting JHU, but hearing about it environment I was also taking my was not the same experience as chosen course, “The Hospital.” It was actually seeing it and working difficult to begin with because I was not with it. It made me feel extremely used to four-hour lectures! I was also not excited knowing that I was using used to having so many people in my a machine that many top doctors class, especially people from outside the use around the country. United States. The diversity of the students and the lectures helped me to I learned so much from this understand that people from all around p r o g r a m , n o t o n l y a b o u t

medicine but about myself. It challenged my mind at the college level, but I still had time to go out with my friends and do homework. I got to practice managing my time wisely and setting priorities - even when my friends invited me to go see the new Batman movie. Though I enjoy watching movies, I had a lot of homework that day so I decided to stay at my dorm. Practicing these skills will not only help me in college but also right now, in high school. I am so grateful that I attended the JHU Discover Hopkins program. I learned to interact with people from all around the world. It was simply an unforgettable experience. I will always have JHU and the relationships I built there in my heart.

In September, SSP partner school St. Martin de Porres High School adopted a new name: Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep (CRSM). The name change is designed to better reflect in its name the high school’s status as part of the internationally recognized Cristo Rey Network, as well as the ongoing mission of the school: to provide a challenging college preparatory curriculum to students with limited educational and financial options. School president Preston Kendall said the name change will connect the school community “more directly with a well-known and growing network of schools with a combined reputation for excellence.” No matter the name, the Schuler CRSM staff is greatly looking forward to continuing its work and partnership with this caring and dedicated school community.

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep Staff 6

Beth Kainic, School Director: [email protected] Demisha Lee, College Counselor: [email protected] Ross Noecker, Scholar Coach: [email protected] Olivia Williams, Scholar Coach: [email protected]

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep Scholars Challenged by Miss Representation Scholars from Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Highland Park High School and Waukegan High School attended a viewing in early September of the movie Miss Representation, a 2011 documentary exploring the ways in which popular media both underrepresents and perpetuates derogatory portrayals of women. CRSM Scholars and staff shared their impressions of the film. “Women in our society are more than often viewed as 'things.' One major influence is the media, which make young teenagers think they have to look a certain way. Because guys are infl uenced by this too, girls are pressured to look, dress, and act in this certain manner. Long before the mass media became part of our society women had already been portrayed as the weaker sex. Men had the role of providers and women were to look “perfect.” Women have fought back to change that perception and to earn greater rights. But even though we have gained these rights we're still missing a piece: the piece that will make women equal to men.

“Miss Representation lays out many statistics that tell the daily struggles women face because of their gender. The movie also shows the depression and hardships many women face and how In Miss Representation a moment that these hardships can happen at an early really caught my attention was how age. women in our own government aren't being heard. They're at the top of our One thing that stood out to me in this film country, but still no one listens. It seems is that in our society, women are that people are too focused on a portrayed in a derogatory manner [from] a woman's physical appearance than her very young age. For example, The Little speech. It’s as if things that shouldn't Mermaid is a well-known Disney movie matter make the biggest impression on that tells a great tale of a wonderful people. It's hard to see how our society mermaid finding love. But what is not always pointed out is the fact she is has come to this.” always running around in a bra and her --Martha Ramirez, CRSM ‘16 tail, of course. In my community, if someone walked around wearing something that looks like a bra, people would make negative assumptions about that person. The mermaid was also willing to give up a part of herself - her voice just to be with a man. This could leave an impression that a woman doesn't have a voice or shouldn't be taken seriously.” --Ariel Filion, CRSM ‘15

“I would definitely recommend Miss Representation to teenagers. I am recommending this movie because I believe it will make them much more aware of what is going on in our society. It helps girls know and understand the way they are being seen and hopefully they will do something about it. It also lets them know it is not right, of course, and that they are worth more than just how they look. Knowing is the first step to creating a solution. It teaches individuals in society to not be so quick to judge women. Seeing this movie would be a great experience for young people everywhere to know the reality that we live in and to hopefully make a change in the future for the better.” --Luz Maria Alvarez, CRSM ‘16 "Through testimony, statistics, and video/photo clips, Miss Representation demonstrates the dangerous and disparaging world women in our country encounter. This film's aim is twofold: to spread awareness about the realities of mainstream media as well as to function as a call to arms to both men and women who value gender equality.” --Olivia Wilks, CRSM Scholar Coach

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