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! 

 

The Catalyst Board of Directors' Executive Committee will hold a meeting on October 22, 2021 at 9:00 am. This meeting will be held by video 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 login information. The agenda for this meeting is establishing process for Board chair succession.

Catalyst Maria needs your help!  Every charter school in Chicago must go through a renewal process and this year is Catalyst Maria’s turn- thanks to the work of you and so many, Catalyst Maria meets or exceeds expectations in all established categories, including academics, finances and operations. For Catalyst, there is no more important voice for the Chicago Board of Education to hear in this matter than the voice of Catalyst Maria parents, staff and community members.

Please join us for an important meeting next Tuesday 10/19 at 6:00 pm, during which Catalyst Maria and CPS will host a meeting during which we will present on the accomplishments of our school. This meeting will have an on-site option with refreshments served as well as an online option so that all families can participate! We will discuss what makes Catalyst Maria a great school as well as offer community members an opportunity to ask questions about renewal and MAKE PUBLIC STATEMENTS ABOUT how we are impacting the Chicago Lawn community! The topics for the meeting will include:

• Metrics of the school’s academic, financial, and operational performance
• CPS will explain metrics used to determine renewal as well as the process
• Families are invited to ask questions about renewal, metrics used, and how a school’s performance impacts their neighborhood.

You don’t need to be an expert on these matters to join.  What does matter is that you join and voice your positive opinion about Catalyst Maria.  Please join us on-site or join via the link here: https://meet.google.com/kbk-jtbs-aoz