COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS
In our Palenque…
We impact youth by being the example we would want to see. • We create change and liberation through understanding our own identities. • We value relationships with one another over transactions. • We build relationships and shatter hierarchies among teachers, parents, staff, administration, and students. •We provide a safe environment for youth to take care of each other. • We create opportunities for students to learn about their communities and become advocates for change. • We bring youth into our Palenque. • We center peace and joy.
palenque LSNA’S COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS PROVIDE ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO 350 SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND THEIR FAMILIES AT MCAULIFFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and kelvyn park high school.
after-school programming
At the heart of our work is a network of collaborative relationships among Logan Square educators, parents, and community, which is almost entirely low-income and predominantly immigrant Latinx. Throughout the school year, Palenque LSNA works with parents, teachers, and administrators at McAuliffe elementary and Kelvyn Park High school, during day and evening hours. Our work in the schools is predicated upon a belief in building strong and respectful collaborations among parents, schools, and communities upon which to engage students.
Our Community Learning Centers provide after-school programming to students at two school-based sites in the Hermosa and Logan Square neighborhoods (McAuliffe Elementary School at 1841 N. Springfield Avenue and Kelvyn Park High School at 4343 W Wrightwood Ave). Many local children, youth, and families deal with complex challenges in their homes, schools, and communities, from economic and educational challenges to violence and crime. For working families, these challenges can be even greater as parents need safe places for their children between the hours of 3 pm-6 pm, during school holidays, and vacations. Our Community Learning Centers offer safe spaces for students, providing out of school time academic support services to assist pre-K to grade 12 students in basic essential math, reading, and science skills; arts and cultural enrichment activities that encourage family involvement and enhance students’ physical and socio-emotional skills; digital media and other experiential learning projects; and nutrition and health activities.
Program Goals
Improve academic achievement in reading and language arts with high interest material.
Improve academic achievement in math and science with a variety of hands-on experiences and activities.
Provide a variety of enrichment activities for students.
Enrich the students’ “whole person” growth and development through a variety of physical education and recreation based activities.
Provide services to families for their holistic development, this could include English as Second Language, Health and Fitness offerings, Financial Literacy, or a variety of other activities.
