Navigating 2020 at Legal Prep

Navigating 2020-2021 at Legal Prep

As we prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, we feel the importance and urgency of our work now more than ever. Legal Prep was founded with the belief that entrepreneurial spirit, creative thinking, innovative planning, and diligent execution can help drive systemic change in Chicago.

Together, we will lean on these founding principles to deliver an outstanding education to our students, create new ways to support our families, redouble our efforts to combat the racial injustices that plague our city, and strengthen our partnerships in West Garfield Park to provide resources to our community.

The Challenges of 2020

2020 has challenged our work but strengthened our resolve.

Covid-19 has altered the way we live and will undoubtedly affect the school year again this fall. The spotlight on the racial inequities, injustices, and systemic failures for Black Americans is overdue and highlights the issues Legal Prep is acutely aware of and works directly to remedy.

Legal Prep remains dedicated to the philosophy that an outstanding education and supporting the whole student and family can undo systemic injustices and break the cycle of poverty that are instigated by these racial inequities.

Continued Emphasis on Equity

Legal Prep Charter Academy is redoubling its efforts to combat the racial injustices that plague our nation, and are intensely prevalent on Chicago’s west side.

For our students, Legal Prep will:

Continue to concentrate on culturally relevant and empowering curriculum, civic engagement, and social emotional development that engages our students and gives them the skills necessary for success in college and their careers.
Increase our investment in Chromebooks, software, and technology training for staff and students to improve our capabilities to learn in a variety of settings.
Adjust our legal-theme, law courses, flagship programs, and mentoring opportunities to make sure our students still receive the unique exposures that shape their Legal Prep experience.

For our organization and community, we will re-commit to:

Emphasizing diverse hiring practices and talent development
Supporting black-owned and community-based businesses with our procurement decisions
Engaging diverse professionals and organizations regarding the school’s strategic direction.
Leveraging the insight and leadership of our Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
Strengthening our partnerships with fellow West Garfield Park stakeholders to assist with economic development, affordable housing, and violence prevention

The 2020-2021 School Year Plan

First and foremost, Legal Prep will follow public health data, observe federal, state, and local guidance, and quickly move to a fully remote setting should we feel that the safety of our students or staffs is at-risk by having school in-person.

With that said, We will start our school year on Tuesday, September 8th, along with the rest of Chicago Public Schools and just like CPS, we will be starting the year out with fully remote instruction for all of our students. This decision was made with safety for students, families and staff as a top priority. This version of remote learning will look dramatically different from what you experienced in the spring. Students will receive live instruction for each of their six classes on four days of the week, and will complete self-paced learning five days of the week. The grading policy will also return to normal, with students earning grades based on their mastery of the skills and content in their courses. Watch the below video for more information from our Principal, Mrs. Katie-jo Ramirez and our Assistant Principal, Ms. Taylor Brand.

Student Schedule Information

All Students will have their full schedule of classes as Remote Learning virtual and online and will not be in the school building.

Remote Learning will blend live virtual class instruction, supported practice, small group coaching, and self guided work to work closely with teachers and peers through our technology platforms and resources.

Legal Prep will monitor public health data and guidelines closely and asses the learning plans for all grade levels for 2nd Quarter as we navigate the 1st Quarter.

We are in this together

All of our students will continue to receive the outstanding instruction, individualized attention, social emotional supports, college counseling guidance, and legal themed programming that is the hallmark of the unique Legal Prep experience.

While this school year will not be traditional, we appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work through this global crisis. Please know that we are doing everything we can to make this year as but want to make sure we communicate

Please see below for KEY DATES, and be sure to attend the appropriate orientation. Please contact the main office for any general questions and Ms. Ramirez or Ms. Brand for specific questions about your student.

What You Can Do

STUDENTS

Register, pick up your school materials, engage with your Advisory, and attend the first week of school. Start strong with our early programs and take advantage of all our resources. Participating and getting information early will make a difference.

FAMILIES

Take advantage of the trainings and technology platforms that we provide so you can support your student. We look forward to communicating with you, addressing any concerns you have, and supporting your student during this unusual time.

STAKEHOLDERS

Continue to support Legal Prep with your time, treasure, and talent – We need you now more than ever. Your contributions in these challenging times go even further to help us provide the first class education our students want and deserve.

We acknowledge the profound impact that recent and occurring events have on our community, and we strive to continue to uphold values that promote equity, combat systemic racism, and uplift our students, their families, and their community through a high quality, culturally empowering, rigorous education.