With more than 40 languages spoken by its students, Daniel Boone Elementary School in Chicago´s diverse West Ridge community serves as an example of what the future of our country will look like. Because of its diversity, Boone School chose to become a member of Changing Worlds´ Literacy and Cultural Connections (LCC) school partnership network. In the fourth year of the LCC program, all Boone teachers have participated in professional development sessions provided by Changing Worlds and over 15 teachers have been directly involved in the literacy and arts residency component of our program.
"The partnership continues to be a great fit for our school," states Boone principal Maria Pfeifer. "With such a mix of cultures it is very important for our children to be able to express themselves about their culture. We try to instill respect in our students, so they can be proud of who they are and don´t have to be ashamed of not speaking English. Changing Worlds has greatly enriched this feeling of acceptance and pride in self."
The LCC program has also helped Principal Pfeifer in reaching other goals for the school. "We are thrilled to be working with Changing Worlds in a very productive relationship. The partnership has enhanced and enriched our goal of improving student achievement in literacy and now in writing."
Principal Pfeifer is also striving to improve parent involvement through their community school program. As a result of their participation in the LCC program in past years, two Boone teachers developed separate parent/child programs that bring parents into the school to create family stories with their children through art and literacy projects. "Changing Worlds has really helped us in our efforts to reach out to parents and the community," Ms. Pfeifer says. "Changing Worlds´ staff is so supportive and encouraging. They always say, ´We are here to help you´."
