Not surprisingly, research supports the fact that family involvement in schools improves student achievement. Did you know that research also supports the importance of community involvement? When communities are involved, students have access to more learning opportunities, teachers feel more supported, and student attendance improves. Having an engaged community and supporters definitely makes a difference, but can sometimes be a challenge for our preschool, elementary school, and upper grade school. That is why we are so thankful for those who don’t forget about our young people and go out of their way to provide support to our schools and more importantly, the young people and future of our communities.
Our partners and supporters include community service providers such as the Police Departments, Fire Departments, and libraries who graciously devote their time to working closely with our schools in providing support to our staff, families, and students. We have community food, books, and clothing organizations such as Antioch Traveling Closet, Keeping Families Covered, Bernie’s Book Bank, Penny’s Purpose, and Open Arms Food Bank who provide items for our families in need. Champions provides families an option for engaged child care after school and during breaks and summer school. Our Parks Departments in Antioch, Lake Villa, and Lindenhurst offer summer activities to many of our students. We are also thankful to the many groups who help provide wraparound services to our students and their families through groups such as Community Youth Network, Crisis Response Network, and Ronald McDonald Mobile Care Unit who provide mental health and medical care services for our students. We are also thankful to our local businesses such as Jewel who donate food items to our parent Booster groups, restaurants such as Antioch Pizza who have nights for specific schools where they donate a percentage of their proceeds to our student groups, and businesses such as Raymond Chevrolet and State Bank of the Lakes, who are always willing to provide extraordinary sponsorships. And, we are thankful to our newest partner in the United Way who offered our countdown for readiness kindergarten camp this summer.
While we are thankful for our many partners, we ambitiously want to triple our partners and increase community member’s understanding of the needs of our students and families. If you’re reading this and want to know what you can do to help out or support our schools, you can start by reaching out. Contact our Administrative Services Center to find out more about ways you can support our students. If you don’t have time or services but want to help students in need, you can start by donating to our Angel Fund.
Sincerely,
Aron Borowiak
Superintendent
