Outstanding Partnership Award

The Outstanding Partnership Award is given out annually at the Principal for a Day luncheon. Traditionally presented by the Mayor, the Outstanding Partnership Award recognizes collaborations between businesses, community organizations, community leaders and Chicago Public Schools. The award is intended to honor the good work already being done and to inspire every CPS partnership to reach its full potential. Originating in 2005, 25 partnerships have been recognized to date.

2005 Outstanding School Principal/Partnership Awards

1.  Deborah Bricker, nominated by Principal Gail D. Ward, for sharing her leadership expertise with Walter Payton College Prep.   Her partnership began with teaching a leadership seminar and evolved into a full curriculum of activities.  As a result of her efforts, students have shadowed noted businessmen, received internships at major companies, and honed their writing and public speaking skills through presentations to Chicago leaders.  Faculty and staff have also enjoyed exposure to symposiums of world leaders and exposure to the arts through the school’s partnership with Ms. Bricker.

2.  Chase (formerly Bank One) nominated by Principal Betty Green for “successfully addressing the needs of the whole child at Herzl School.”   The eight-year partnership, managed by Vice President Joan Klaus, provides countless opportunities and experiences to students and families.  Their support of the Community School initiative provides arts and academic programs throughout the entire year.  Chase also sponsors the Building Readers program, financial literacy education, job shadowing, and the Saturday Scholars program.   The entire Herzl community, students, staff and parents benefit enormously from Chase’s generosity.

3.  Gerhard Cless of Zebra Technology, nominated by Principal Donald Feinstein, for his commitment to providing the best possible science education for Chicago Academy students.   Mr. Cless has visited the school on numerous occasions and is always looking for ways to assist the school, particularly the science program.  He has helped finance state of the art science labs in both the elementary and high school.  He has also worked with science teachers to develop and support special projects and curricula.   As a result of Mr. Cless’ efforts, Chicago Academy has a well-balanced and high quality upper grade science program with 84% of students achieving at grade level.

4. Larry Huggins of Riteway Construction, nominated by principal Diane Jackson, for being a role model to the students at Englewood High School.   An Englewood alumus, Mr. Huggins has mentored students, established job training and internship programs, donated materials to the construction program, and made a 10 year commitment to provide scholarships to students at the school.   As the principal said, “Our partnership [has] strengthened the staff, community and most importantly, the students.   [It] has given our students hope; hope for a successful future despite monumental challenges and dire circumstances. …”

5.   LaSalle Bank, nominated by Principal Leatrice Satterwhite, for their dedication to Tilton elementary school with a focus on literacy.    The bank brings the entire 3rd grade class downtown on a weekly basis for Workplace Mentoring which involves 60 employees. Additionally, another 150 employees go to Tilton on a regular basis to read with students.  These programs, organized by W.I.T.S. (Working in the Schools), have expanded over the last eight years.  Additional activities include a reading challenge with prizes and a unique culminating event, school supply drives, careers days, staff development programs, and a host of other programs throughout the year.

6. NASA, nominated by Principal Miguel Trujillo at Kilmer, and Miguel Trujillo, nominated by NASA for inspiring students to new heights. In addition to a financial commitment that enabled the school to purchase technological equipment, NASA has donated educational materials and resources, provided professional development for teachers, and provided special opportunities for students and parents including field trips, contests and visits from astronauts.  Since the partnership began in 2003, Kilmer has developed a new science lab, an after school science club, and seen increased test scores in reading and math, and an “astounding” increase in parent involvement.  “NASA has brought an excitement about learning and has encouraged our students to feel that they are an important part of our [country’s] future.”

7. Ron Sonenthal and Deloitte, nominated by Principal Saundra Jones, for their comprehensive involvement at West Park Academy.  Since Mr. Sonenthal helped bring W.I.T.S. to the students at West Park three years ago, reading scores have increased significantly.   Forty four employees currently participate in the program, and hundreds more are part of other activities such as the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon, Junior Achievement and Impact Day.   Additionally, Mr. Sonenthal has personally sponsored arts programs and an assembly at the school.   Mr. Sonenthal and Deloitte have positively affected the learning environment at West Park through impressive contributions of time and resources.

8.  Saint Anthony Hospital, nominated by Principal Carlos Azcoitia, for their commitment to John Spry Community School/Community Links High School.  This truly collaborative partnership, in existence for four years,  benefits students, teachers, and the community through activities such as health fairs and screenings, physical education programs, internships, volunteer opportunities and field trips (e.g., Columbia College).   Students are part of the hospital’s celebrations and special events.  Saint Anthony believes that well-informed and healthy kids are better students.  It is a relationship “that creates neighborhood goodwill beyond the walls of the school and the hospital.”

9.  Abejide Touré, nominated by Principal Linda D. Randolph, for his personal devotion to the students at his alma mater, Carver Primary.  The principal calls Mr. Touré a “drum major” for his work – perhaps because he is always drumming up support and resources.  Over the past 10 years, he has researched various programs that meet the needs of economically disadvantaged students, provided the needed finances, and participated as much possible.  Mr. Touré’s partnership has provided financial, cultural, and emotional support to the school.  He has a passion for giving back and is relentless in his efforts to assist Carver students.

10. University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Economic Education (UIC-CEE), nominated by Principal Mary Ann Folino, for enriching the educational opportunities available to the Schurz High School community.    For the past four years, the Center for Economic Education has impacted all aspects of the school’s Finance Academy and school staff.  They have provided money, books, and staff for student activities and taught workshops for parents, students and teachers.  Schurz students have an increased awareness of admission procedures, college activities and campus life as a result of an innovative mentoring program createdby the CEE.   The UIC-CEE partnership has opened a world of opportunities to the Finance Academy students at Schurz High School.

2006 Outstanding School Principal/Partnership Awards

1.  Mark Bernstein of Barack, Ferrazzano, Kirschbaum, Perlman and Nagelberg (BFKPN), nominated by Principal David Pino, for his partnership with McAuliffe Elementary School.   The partnership, which started two years ago, supplies with school with over $20,000 wroth of financial and in-kind donations.  BFKPN supplied the school with over 800 backpacks for the first day of schools, provides tutors for the Saturday Learning Academy and a new coast drive for the students

2.  Williams College Alumni Association nominated by Principal Roy Pletsch for “being a visible partner for their school and students.”   The four-year partnership, managed by Oren Pollock and Sheldon Ross, provides countless opportunities and experiences to students and faculty.  Their support of the VH-1 Save the Music program helped the school secure a grant worjth $30,000, they have also provided donations of various school related materials for student and teacher use.  They also grant provides arts and academic programs throughout the entire year.  Chase also sponsors the Building Readers program, financial literacy education, job shadowing, and the Saturday Scholars program.   The entire Herzl community, students, staff and parents benefit enormously from Chase’s generosity.

3.  Sonya Naar of DLA Piper Rudnick, nominated by Principal Alice Vila, for her commitment to providing the best possible legal education for Barry Elementary students.

4. Cook County Bar Association and Karen Wallace, nominated by principal Cynthia Hughes-Hannah, for being a role model to the students at Calhoun North Elementary School.  CCBA attended all the events sponsored by Calhoun and supported them whole heartedly.  They were present during the opening staff development, all assemblies, special programs, the eighth grade luncheon, graduation, and the faculty and staff appreciation ceremony.   In addition to overseeing the CCBA’s activities, and attending many school events, Ms. Wallace faithfully mentored and kept in contact with her assigned student for the entire year.
Calhoun North’s faculty and staff can definitely state, “We love our lawyers.”

5. Lifeline Theatres, nominated by Principal Miguel Trujillo at Kilmer, and Miguel Trujillo, nominated by NASA for inspiring students to new heights. In addition to a financial commitment that enabled the school to purchase technological equipment, NASA has donated educational materials and resources, provided professional development for teachers, and provided special opportunities for students and parents including field trips, contests and visits from astronauts.  Since the partnership began in 2003, Kilmer has developed a new science lab, an after school science club, and seen increased test scores in reading and math, and an “astounding” increase in parent involvement.  “NASA has brought an excitement about learning and has encouraged our students to feel that they are an important part of our [country’s] future.”

The 2007 Outstanding School Partnership Award Winners are:

1. Partner: Ernst & Young, Kelly Grier

School: Perspectives Calumet, Ms. Glennese Ray, Principal

In 2005, Ernst & Young agreed to sponsor the first new campus, Perspectives Charter Schools- Calumet High School, with a commitment of $750,000 each over five years.  In addition to financial support, Ernst & Young’s Midwest leadership and employees have dedicated an absolutely invaluable amount of time and talent to improving the lives and educational experiences of the students.

2. Partner: Rush University Medical Center, Beverly Huckman
School: King Elementary, Mr. Shelton Flowers, principal

Beverly Huckman of Rush and connections through CPS provided King elementary with a new playground.  They also provide the teachers Professional Development seminars provide a tutoring program for 35 students, contribute science equipment to the school, organized health awareness activities for the students as well as a hat and glove drive during the winter months.

3. Partner: Dance Connection Chicago, Alejandro Aldape
School: Hamilton Elementary, Dr. Mila Strasburg, principal

Alejandro Aldape underwrites a significant portion of Hamilton’s dance program which is provided to all fourth through eighth graders.   He developed an outreach program for the students in the community by offering a dance class every Saturday morning.

4. Partner: JP Morgan Chase, Lindsay Ivory
School: Schurz High School, Mary Ann Folino, principal

J.P. Morgan Chase has provided the students at Schurz High School mentoring through the J.P. Morgan Chase Mentor program, provided scholarships of $1,000 to students who participate in the program and provide leadership workshops through the Chase Leadership Academy.

5. Partner: Chicago Cubs, Jennifer Dedes Nowak
School:  Inter-American Magnet, Dr. Anna Correa, principal

The Chicago Cubs have donated over $50,000 worth of cash and in-kind donations to Inter-American Magnet School. The Cubs have also sponsored several fundraising events at the school and supported literacy efforts.

2008 Outstanding School Partnership Award Winners

1.    Partner: EXPRESS Stores – Michael Weis, CEO
School: Bateman Elementary School – Carl Dasko, Principal

Express has worked to support Bateman students in a variety of ways. Each year during the holidays, Express has donated gifts for approximately 50 needy students and their families. Express also organizes the “Strike a Pose” after-school modeling program, which helps students develop self-esteem and life skills. The program includes a field trip to an Express store, a lesson in retail sales, and a fashion show at the school with clothes the students select themselves and keep. In addition, the company supports a reading program and has funded an etiquette luncheon for students, helping to ensure that Bateman students have the tools they need to succeed in academics and beyond.

2.    Partner: Eli’s Cheesecake Company – Marc Schulman, CEO
School: Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences – William Hook, Principal

Ambassador. Advocate. These are the words that the principal of the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences uses to describe Marc Schulman, CEO of Eli’s Cheesecake, and his relationship to the school. Since 1989, Mr. Schulman and Eli’s have fulfilled those roles by providing internships and job shadowing experiences, helping to secure funds for students to attend an entrepreneurship conference, and arranging for visits from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the Undersecretary of the United Nations, among others. From donating industry-standard culinary equipment to donating time and expertise to the school’s advisory council, Eli’s has offered valuable, multifaceted support year after year.

3.    Partner: Chicago Board Options Exchange – William Brodsky, Chairman & CEO
School: Drake Elementary School – Yvonne Jones, Principal

For the past six years, the Chicago Board Options Exchange has donated $10,000 per year to Drake Elementary to support student achievement, funding improvements in the school library and expanded access to technology for students. Many of the firm’s traders have formed sustained relationships with students through weekly after-school tutoring sessions organized by “Working in the Schools.” CBOE has also funded a field trip to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield and conducted a workshop for Drake staff on understanding trading and options. The partnership demonstrates the positive impact sustained commitment can have on a school’s culture.

4.    Partner: Alcan Packaging, Chicago Office – Nicole Harris, Communications Coordinator
School: Fuller Elementary School – Dr. Patricia Kennedy, Principal

Fuller Elementary students were well-equipped to return to school this year, thanks to a back-to-school supply drive organized by Alcan Packaging, outfitting each student with a year’s worth of supplies. Over 50 employees from Alcan also spent a day volunteering alongside students at the Chicago Food Depository, showing the importance of community service. In addition, the partnership has included job shadowing during “Take a Student to Work Day”, judges for the school’s science fair, and funds donated last year to ensure every 8th grader could pay for graduation fees and participate in the ceremony. Alcan has demonstrated to Fuller’s students, parents and staff that they have support from their community.

5.    Partner: Ensemble Español – Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director
School: Kilmer Elementary School – Miguel Trujillo, Principal

Ensemble Español has opened up a world of cultural experiences to students and staff at Kilmer Elementary. For the past 15 years the dance ensemble has performed at the school; offered free tickets for students, parents and staff to attend off-site performances; held free after-school dance classes at Kilmer; and awarded scholarships for students to study dance. In recent years, Ensemble Español has collaborated with the school to win two Illinois Arts Council Grants, funding a residency program at Kilmer that includes instruction in Spanish history, language and dance. Through all these opportunities, students have been able to appreciate and participate in the performing arts.