Hello Catalyst families!

We hope that you are safe, healthy and are doing well!

All individuals 5 and older are eligible to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage scholars to become vaccinated as soon as possible.  Scholars that are fully vaccinated will not need to quarantine if they are exposed to a positive/potential COVID-19 case and do not develop symptoms.

The vaccine is FREE, and no proof of health insurance or citizenship is needed. A parent or guardian is required to be present during COVID-19 vaccination for anyone under 18. Catalyst will offer vaccinations on-site in the coming weeks, but we have included resources in obtaining a vaccine below as well: 

• You can contact your health care provider- the clinic, health center, or hospital where you receive health services
• More information on receiving a vaccination in Chicago can be accessed through this link.
• CPS is offering vaccinations in several locations that Catalyst students may receive their vaccine at- more information is linked here.
• CDC Vaccine Finder: vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you
• Several stores are currently offering COVID-19 vaccines, and each has its own registration link:
  • Walgreens appointments can be made through this link.  
  • Jewel-Osco appointments can be made through this link.
  • Walmart appointments can be made through this link.
  • Mariano’s appointments can be made through this link
  • CVS appointments can be made through this link.

The Catalyst Board of Directors' Finance Committee will hold a meetings to review and approve the FY21 audit on October 29, 2021 at 10:00 am.

This meeting will be held by viceo conference- please contact Catalyst's Director of Administration Michael Kasang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 773-295-7001 for conference call information. 

Last Saturday, the Kehrein Center for the Arts at Catalyst Circle Rock hosted and live-streamed a symposium focusing on the issue of housing in the Austin community.  The symposium examined the history of housing in Austin (including contract buying and redlining), the present situation, and looking toward the future with potential action steps.

Amber S. Hendley (pictured below at the KCA), presented her research that quantified the amount unjustly extracted from the Black community in Chicago through predatory residential contract selling and how this contributed to the current housing market today on the West Side. Included in this symposium was a discussion panel (pictured below) on the current impact of the housing market and building Black wealth through housing.  Check out an article on the event linked here.

Catalyst Maria High School Juniors Kaleb, Mildred and Jazmin have been accepted into Northrop Grumman’s High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) Mentoring Program! This is a 2-year program during which they will participate in monthly seminars on Northrop Grumman’s core capabilities, technology and business priorities, and help develop and enhance their critical workforce skills. At the conclusion of successful participation junior year, scholars will have the opportunity to apply for an internship for their senior year that will allow them to work on a specific project. This is a tremendous opportunity for Catalyst Maria scholars and we grateful to Catalyst Board member Steven D’Souza for his connection of Northrop Grumman and CMHS to this program!

 

Last Friday, the Catalyst Maria Wolves soccer team defeated the Universal School 7-0 for the regional championship! This week, they competed with grit and tenacity but were defeated by the Grant Park Dragons 3-0.    Congratulations to our scholars, Coaches Burgos and Moreno, and all of the CMHS Wolves supporters on this achievement!