Dear Friends and Supporters,
The last few weeks that our schools have been back to full in-person learning have been full of excitement and joy. While there are undoubtedly challenges as we continue to navigate schooling in a pandemic, our scholars have shown us an eagerness to learn and connect, and our teachers and staff have continued to demonstrate their fortitude and commitment to our scholars and communities.
In The News
We are excited that LEARN Hunter Perkins was recently featured in a Chalkbeat article – “How a Chicago Charter School is trying to make sure the kindergarteners are OK.” This year, many scholars need more support than ever before and our teams are prepared to help them grow from wherever they are. LEARN campuses are finding creative solutions to support our youngest learners, from repetition in the classroom to providing extra professional development opportunities for teachers to increasing the number of specialists on campuses, including social workers and speech pathologists. Learn more about how our team is meeting scholars’ needs and bridging academic gaps in the classroom.
Celebrating the Opening of LEARN’s Washington, D.C. Campus
Families, students and the local community joined us to celebrate the opening of our newest LEARN campus.: LEARN D.C.!
During a ribbon cutting ceremony, LEARN leaders and community members shared their excitement of the grand opening with speeches highlighting their hopes for LEARN D.C. and the communities it will serve. As one of D.C.’s newest public charter schools, the LEARN D.C. team is proud to serve nearly 200 scholars in PK3 through 1st grade this school year and will grow to serve 550 scholars in PK3 through 8th grade. We are excited to meet the unique needs of both military and Ward 8 families by providing rigorous academic models within a compassionate and loving culture. Learn more about LEARN D.C. today!
Growing LEARN’s Team
This year, we are thrilled to welcome Jerrold Washington and Shiyi Van Gorden to our team. Jerrold Washington joins us as our newest Chief Schools Officer. An avid advocate for education, Jerrold has served students as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and leader over the last 25 years. Shiyi Van Gorden is our new Managing Director of Operations. Shiyi brings over 15 years of experience leading organizations and collaborating with school networks.
Community Events
On October 2, 2021, LEARN 6 and the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County will host their Fall Kick Off Drive-Through Supply Distribution. Students and families will be given free meal kits, reading materials, school supplies and more. We are excited to support our community partners and invite you to attend.
RBC Municipal Finance – LEARN Charter School Project
Because of our BBB investment grade rating from Standard & Poors, LEARN is proud to have closed on a Revenue Bond issuance through the Illinois Finance Authority. This funding will allow us to upgrade or expand existing buildings and purchase new ones. Most importantly, improving our facilities will enhance our staff and students’ experience. Securing this financing is the culmination of years of solid financial management and hard work by our team.
Our school year is off to a strong start and we look forward to keeping the momentum going. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and belief on our mission.
Warm Regards,
Greg White, President & CEO