i
adersh
e
L
s
’
n
W o me
ol
Young
r Scho
Charte
p
Volume 1, Issue 3
December 7, 2009
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
Para leer este boletín en español, visite a www.ywlcs.org.
A Message from the Co-Directors
by Michelle Russell & Chandra Sledge
Seasons Greetings to the YWLCS families!
December is upon us and is packed with exciting events!
The holiday season is a time for celebration, for giving, and
for spending time with loved ones. This season is also a
season of reflection and preparation for the year ahead.
We welcome you to celebrate the holidays with us at the
Family Holiday Potluck, December 17th, 6:00pm. Come out
and fellowship with other families, experience a delicious
meal, and
hear songs
of the
season performed by our students. Contact
Ms. Sylvia Durham in the main office for more
details. Just in case the weather keeps us
away the alternate date for the Potluck is
January 7th.
In the spirit of giving, support our students as
they engage in service learning and
community service projects. During the next
two weeks our students will be giving to
Students listen to “life suggestions” from
others in a number of ways: toy, clothing,
Girlfriends actress, Tracee Ellis Ross
and food drives, work with the elderly, and
reading to youngsters. See Ms. Whitehead
for details.
Let’s also remember to continue to support our girls academically and socially. Trimester 1
has ended and Trimester 2 is well under way. Our girls are our most precious gifts, and we
cherish them. Let’s all band together to help the girls develop into young women who will
be transformative leaders and change agents, capable of giving back to their communities
and beyond.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 1—Beginning of
Trimester 1
Dec. 2—Board Executive
Committee Meeting, 8am
Dec. 3—Family Advisory
Council Meeting, 6pm
Dec. 4—YWLCS Student
Fashion Show
Dec.16—Board Meeting,
7:30am-9:30am
Dec. 17—Family Holiday
Potluck, 5:30-8:00pm
Dec. 18—Professional
Development
(No School for Students)
Dec. 21-Jan.1—Winter
Vacation
IN THIS ISSUE…
Co-Director Letter (pg. 1)
November Highlights
(pg. 2-3)
December News (pg. 4)
Reminders (pg. 5)
Holiday Potluck Invite (pg.
5)
Honor Roll (pg. 6)
May each of you have joyful, peaceful, love-filled holidays!
V{tÇwÜt fÄxwzx
Michelle Russell
Chandra Sledge
Michelle Russell
YWLCS Students Take the Stage
By Csilla Kosa and Jody Weinmann, Art/Tech Teachers
November
Highlights
History of the
Arts Coffeehouse
By Rana Tuggle, Class of 2010
On November 5th, Young Women's
Leadership Charter School held its
first Arts Coffeehouse (Performing
Arts Night) of the year. Performing
Arts Nights has been a continuous
event each year. The Performing
Arts Night was a night of joyous
entertainment where students in
the school came together and
Rana Tuggle emcees the
performed artistic acts. Most of
show on Nov. 5, 2009
the acts consisted of poetry. The
whole point of this night was for Y-DUB to come together and
showcase our talent, support our friends while enjoying
ourselves and promote school pride.
The idea for the Performing Arts Night came about when I, a
17 year old senior pitched the idea to Ms. Wienmann, a
technology teacher who is very familiar with the arts during
my junior year. Both of us worked together to allocate jobs to
five students who became the committed Performing Arts
Committee. For four months the preparation for this special
night consisted of buying supplies, selling tickets holding
auditions and contacting special guests. Our first year’s special
guest was Brenda Matthews who goes by the name of Mama
Brenda. Mama Brenda is a very talented and popular spoken
word performer. She made the night more amazing with her
poetry. The money raised for the Performing Arts Night went
to our art room due to the fact that we were promoting the
arts and the art room allows us to define our individuality on a
daily basis.
The Performing Arts Committee would like to thank all YWLCS
students for showing interests in this night and for their
participation. Young Women’s strongly encourages other
students and teachers to get involved in the next Performing
Arts Night that will be coming soon.
Page 2
On November 5th,
Y-Dub students, staff,
and families came
together for the Arts
Coffeehouse.
Participants and
audience members
included students from
all grade levels.
Students performed
Crowd of performers and audience
dance, poetry, and
song. There was also a members celebrate student art
beautiful art show of
11th and 12th grade work, curated by Gabrielle Morrison.
Committee members Rana Tuggle, Aleta Holman, Ashley
Kyles, Jasmin Helm, Geeleeyaw Moore, Angelique Boyd, and
Jamila Ector all worked to make this an inspiring evening.
Ms. Kosa and Ms. Weinmann thank all the staff and family
members who came out to support our amazing girls! We
look forward to another great Coffeehouse in the spring.
Y-Dub Junior Takes on
Capitol Hill
By Patty Lawson
Of all the students in the Chicago area who recently entered
the essay contest sponsored by the National Federation of
Families, Young Women’s 11th grader Amirr Beathea won
first place. Amirr most aptly wrote on how she would
improve her community and, as a result, will spend the
weekend of December 4-6 sharing her ideas with
congressmen and women on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Accompanied by her mentor and the Chairperson of the
Board of the National Federation of Families, Ms. Ralphelle
Richardson, Amirr will attend this annual, federationsponsored youth conference with other teens from around
the country to discuss such issues as violence in their
communities and what they can do to improve conditions.
Other topics to be approached will be the need for tutoring
and the importance of learning technology in today’s world.
These high school students will discuss their views on
today’s politics and policies and how their voice in Congress
could, in fact, positively influence the state of their nation.
All work and no play, however, is not the agenda Amirr has
planned. During her first visit to our nation’s capitol, this
Bronzeville native has plans to visit Georgetown University
and Howard University, where she hopes to matriculate.
The Lincoln Memorial is also on her “must see” list.
Dream Team Knows Their Heritage
By Payton Harris, Class of 2012
and Patty Lawson, SPED Paraprofessional
consists of: 8th grader K’Maja Bell, 10th
graders Breona McCormick (team
captain), Payton Harris, Angelica
Rodriguez, and Ashley Delaney, and 11th
grader Nia McKinney.
The “Dream Team”
What started as a gathering of fine young
minds bent on winning YWLCS’s annual
African American History Month Bowl in
February, evolved into our own “Dream
Team” in competition with some of
Chicago’s brightest students on WCIU-TV’s
“Know Your Heritage” game show.
This “Dream Team” stood in fierce
competition against Thornton Fractional
North High School on November 17, in
the preliminary rounds. Although they
were defeated, our young women did
qualify to return on December 2 for a
chance to take on Thornwood High
School in a pre-recorded taping of
“Know Your Heritage”.
After two grueling rounds of competition, the more seasoned Thornwood
High School team won. However, it
was a “gentle” defeat for the Phoenix
team. Only in their first year of competition, they showed extreme poise
and confidence, and look forward to
next year’s challenge.
When you see them in class, the hallway, or in the neighborhood, remember to congratulate and encourage YDub’s own “Dream Team”: Breona,
K’Maja, Nia, Payton, Angelica, and
Ashley.
The day of the taping, their nerves were The broadcast date for YWLCS’s apon edge, as stage make-up was applied
pearance on “Know Your Heritage”
backstage between last-minute rounds
will be announced in the near future.
of studying almost-impossible-toremember facts. Played with almost the
The team will only grow stronger as they
same fervor and intensity of “Jeopardy”,
continue to meet and discuss facts about
CHICAGO YOUT
H CENTER
the questions came fast and hard. Amid
their African American and
NEWS ALERT!
harsh stage lights, multiple cameras,
Hispanic cultures. Led by their coaches,
and an audience of cheering high school 57 girls ha
Erika Whitehead (Humanities Instructor
ve registered fo
r CYC After
School Program
and Middle School Co-Facilitator) and Patty fans from throughout the city, our
s,
bu
t
th
er
e is still
team rose to the task like the brilliance
Lawson (Special Education
space for more
students!!!
of the phoenix that represents our
Department Paraprofessional), the team
school.
Contact Caitlin
Figurski, MSW
Site Coordinato
What’s a Healthy Community?
r for Young Wom
en's
Leadership Ch
arter School at
9th Grade Community Walk in Back-of-the-Yards,
(312) 326-2282
Bridgeport and Woodlawn
if you are
interested.
By Cecily Langford, 9th Grade Humanities
The 9th graders ventured out on an
early fall day to explore and document
3 Chicago neighborhoods with a goal of
assessing community health. By
gathering street-level data, they were
able to analyze each area.
Bridgeport and Christiana
Powell, a long-term Woodlawn resident.
The groups then concluded their
experience eating lunch at a local
restaurant.
From there,
students created
Student teams investigated
excellent
“I enjoyed the trip because I
learned
how
other
community business &
community maps
communities develop, and
economy, recreation, leisure
and Powerpoint
how they differ from mine.”
& natural resources, places of
presentations in
-Aare Jefferson
worship, transportation and
which they
public services. Some
evaluated
highlights included meeting
whether each of
Father Bruce in the Back-of-the-Yards
these areas could be considered healthy
neighborhood, Alderman Balcer in
or not.
Volume 1, Issue 3
Who’s Got Style?
On November 20, the Chicago Youth
Center (CYC) took YWLCS’s after school
Fashion Club to Chicago Fashion
Incubator! Students were able to watch
real live designers create pieces for
their next show!
If you want to be part of cool new
programs like the Fashion Club, contact
Caitlin Figurski, CYC Site Coordinator for
YWLCS, at (312) 326-2282.
Page 3
The Young Women’s Leadership Charter School (YWLCS) of Chicago was founded by a
What’s New
at YWLCS?
group of 23 business woman, philanthropists, and civic leaders in 1999 and received its
charter in the year 2000. Now in its 10th year, YWLCS continues to inspire and motivate
350 girls from all over Chicago each year, inspiring them to engage in rigorous college
preparatory learning in a small school focused on math, science and technology that
nurtures their self-confidence and challenges them to achieve.
Do You Want to be the
Next American Idol?
Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument or
sing in a chorus? Now is your chance! Starting on January
26, 2010, YWLCS welcomes our new music program! The
George S. May Foundation for the Arts and The Peoples
School of Music will be offering keyboard and singing
lessons for FREE! There are 20 spots available for each
group so fill out your application NOW (enclosed)!
Chicago Youth Center (CYC)
December Happenings
•
Winter Field Trip to McCormick Place Ice Skating
Rink. Stay tuned for details and dates.
•
After school program to “adopt” a family for the
Holidays: The CYC after school program will adopt a
family for the holidays. This family is struggling
financially and has 3 small children. We like to
recognize our own blessing by giving back to those
in need. More information will be sent home soon.
Program Details
Coming Soon…
Program Kick-off Party: 1/22/2009 @ 1:30pm*
*featuring the Swamphouse Band from Los Angeles!
Parent Workshop Series!
CYC After School Program has collaborated with the Social
Work team to organize parent workshops to our hard
working parents! Potential topics include:
Start date: 1/26/2009
Meeting days: Tuesday and Thursdays until May
th
th
th
Available to: 7 , 8 and 9 grade students
Student Government at
YWLCS
•
stress management and relief
•
money talk
•
how to talk to your daughter about sexuality
•
and many more!
Details will be sent home to parents soon.
By Ms. Worcester, Student Government Advisor
In order to promote more leadership at YWLCS, the high
school students have decided to start up their first Student
Government this year! The Government will be a
committee of students dedicated to bringing change to our
school and bettering the community. Many students have
already begun to campaign, making their case for why they
should represent their school. The officer positions will be
President, Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer, but there will also be
3 representatives from each of the
grade levels 9 – 12. The Middle
School’s Student Voice Committee
will also be joining the Student
Government for some of their
meetings to ensure that school-wide
initiatives include all students from
grades 7 – 12.
Pleased to Announce...
We will be adding new clubs in January! Ms. Kosa will be
instructing a “Cultural Art Exchange” club that involves
creating art projects with a partner school in Serbia. We also
hope to add swimming. Sign up to with Caitlin at
(312) 326-2282 to secure a spot in one of these new exciting
activities.
The candidates will be giving video-taped
speeches and all students will vote during the
week of December 7 – 11. The elected officers
will be announced on Friday, December 11. Stay
tuned to hear the election results!
Let’s bring LEADERSHIP to the Young Women’s
LEADERSHIP Charter School!
en’s
Young Wom
Leadership
hool
Charter Sc
ires urban girls to engage
Charter School of Chicago insp
ship
der
Lea
n's
me
Wo
ng
math, scie
The You
d on
focuse
The Young
Women’s Leadership Charter
School
ofool
Chicago
was
founded
by nce
a and
a small sch
g in (YWLCS)
rnin
lea
ry
ato
par
pre
ege
coll
.
s
rigorou
to achieve
them
ges1999
challenin
andleaders
ncecivic
groupinof 23 businesstwoman,
philanthropists,
and
and received its
ir self-confide
technology tha nurtures the
charter in the year 2000. Now in its 10th year, YWLCS continues to inspire and motivate
350 girls from all over Chicago each year, inspiring them to engage in rigorous college
2641 S. Calumet Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 949-9400 x100
(main office)
Fax:
(312) 949-9142
From
the
Office
Staff…
preparatory
learning
in a small
school focused
on math, science and technology that
nurtures their self-confidence and challenges them to achieve.
Ms. Mosley still has CTA bus cards for sale. She is selling
them for $5 in the main office, so act quickly if you would
like to buy a CTA pass! Limited supply available.
Girls of Toda
y,
Leaders of T
omorrow.
Also, do not forget that school fees need to be paid by the end of the year. School
fees are $150 each year with an additional $175 graduation fee for senior students.
If you have any questions about what you owe or if you would like to make a
payment, please come to the office anytime between 8am and 4pm. The office will
take cash and money orders.
Heads Up...
e Web!
We’re on th
.org
www.ywlcs
Stay
t u ne
d fo r
new
webs
a
ite n
ext
y e ar
!!
Dear Families,
I’d like to say goodbye to all
the wonderful staff, students,
and families at YWLCS. I’ve
really enjoyed working with
all of you over the years. I’ll
be retiring from University of
Illinois Neighborhood Initiatives and will not longer be at
the Y-Dub Clinic providing
health care. Most of you have
met Melissa Gray who will be
working here with Angel,
Marj, and other staff members. You are welcome to
contact me on facebook!
Have a great holiday season!
Good luck to all.
Tina Stevenson, FNP
Clinic
We’ll miss you!!!
Because of winter vacation, the next family newsletter will not be going out until
Friday, January 9. Please note that Interim Assessments will be held between
January 11 and 14. Interim Assessments are a very important way for teachers to
know what students have learned and what they still need to learn. This will not
only improve their instruction, but will make sure that your student receives the
quality education she deserves. Your students can prepare for her Interim
Assessment by doing the following:
•
Understand the importance of the assessments
•
Put on a positive attitude
•
Eat healthy, especially breakfast
•
Exercise her mind and body
•
Sleep, sleep, sleep!
You are Invited!
Family Holiday Potluck
Thursday, December 17, 2009
5:30-8:00pm
@YWLCS
Families, please join us for a joyful evening of
food and fellowship. Bring your favorite dish
and lots of holiday spirit!
If you did not sign up for a dish at Report Card Pick-Up,
please RSVP with Ms. Durham at [email protected].
YWLCS Presents…
Trimester 1 Honor Roll Students
YWLCS would like to recognize all students for working toward success during Trimester 1.
We especially want to acknowledge the students who received Honors and High Honors
status. Congratulations ladies and keep up the hard work!
High Honors
Honors
Jalisa Arnold
Ashliy Allen
Jalliyah Ingram
Niema Shepherd
Folasade Baker
Jenaun Armstrong
Marissa Jimenez
Alexa Speciale
Angelique Boyd
Candace Baker
Kera Johnson
Kali Stephens
Kayla Burnett
Keisha Barreto
Melissa Johnston
Atiya Tassin
Asia Campbell
Alexis Beard
Ashley Jones
Akilah Townsend
Vivian Carrillo
Amari Beard
Dajha Kelly
Brittany Underwood
Mia Collier
Amirr Beathea
Nyomi Kivenas
Joya Urbikas
Zahra Davenport
Karnika Bell
Ashley Kyles
Amarri White
Imani Gilchrist
K’Maja Bell
Angela Lewis
Shadia Wilcox
Temia Holmes
Emily Benavidez
Kailah Lewis
De’nye Hopkins
Asia Black
Jannela Lopez
Angela Jordan
Evelyn Castillo
Chiffon Macon
Kaylyn Kinard
Brandee Cleveland
Habibe Mamuti
Nicole Ledcke
Lynei Croom
Kira Mangum
Ryanne Leverette
Brianna Darlings-Cox
Lace McCall
Andrea Lopez
Samantha Eimontaite
Chanel McClay
Lyric Lowe
Bianca Frustaci
Breona McCormick
Emira Mamuti
Tandra Giles
Ashleigh McCrae
Desiree Mapp
Cashe’ Grady
Kathryn Meade
Yazmine Mathews
Mia Greenfield
Kayla Miles
Ashaunte Matthews
Micheala Gunn
Staci Morris
Uriah Gunn
Diamond MillerWeston
Gabrielle Morrison
Ericka Harris
Aryana Minor
Jasmine Puller
Payton Harris
Valencia Mundele
Angelica Rodriguez
Tatyana Harris
Corina Munoz
Karina Santamaria
Takeya Hasan
Kimberlyn Myers
Mercedes Sivels
Morgan Hickman
Tera Noonan
Sharita Smith
Desi Holland
Denisha Parker
Latanya Tiller
Charneka Hopkins
Cassia Perry
Adrianna Torres
Monae Hopkins
Ashley Phillips
Gabriela Torres
Victoria Horsley
Jasmine Phillips
Cymbrehona Warren
Makela Howard
Brenda Ramirez
Yasmine Washington
Raven Hunt
Jahari Robinson