21stCenturyLearners

Do you need assistance with child supervision during the first quarter of remote learning?

Dear Catalyst families,

We hope that you are safe and healthy.  

Chicago Public Schools, Catalyst Schools and the City of Chicago are surveying families to better understand who may need help this fall finding a safe space for their children during traditional school hours.  As we assess parental needs throughout the city, we are evaluating opportunities to provide potential support with child supervision for families who have school-age children under 14 years of age.

Families who live in high-need communities or transitional housing will be prioritized.

We are currently evaluating potential opportunities to establish sites across the city where families can register their children to attend during remote learning days. Here is what a family may expect at a potential child supervision site:

  1. Children will be assigned to spaces with children of the same age group and an adult who will be assigned to the group for the duration of the program. The number of children per room will be limited to ensure proper social distancing per City of Chicago’s Be Safe: PK-12 Education Guidelines.
  2. While the adult will ensure that your child will have a safe and suitable space to engage in remote learning, please note that they will not be qualified to teach or provide educational support.  
  3. Children will be provided with breakfast and lunch every day. 
  4. Children and staff will be required to follow all health and safety protocols including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and completing a daily symptom screener.
  5. To ensure proper social distancing, families will follow a staggered schedule and be assigned a time to pick up and drop off their children.
  6. This program will be prioritized according to need. Families with school-age children under 14 years of age who live in high-need communities or transitional housing will be prioritized. 
  7. Computing devices will not be provided although high-speed internet access will be available at the site. Families are required to bring their own computing devices or get a loaner device from their child's school. 

If you are interested in potential assistance, please complete the survey by Friday, August 28, at 5 p.m. Please be sure to provide your contact information so we can follow up in the coming weeks. 

Catalyst Maria computer and supply pick-up August 2020

Hello Catalyst Maria community,

We hope that you are safe, healthy and doing well. Please find information on computer/supplies pick-up linked here.  Please contact the Catalyst Maria school school leadership with questions or concerns at the contacts linked at Catalyst Maria. Thank you and stay safe!

Catalyst Maria Q1 SY20-21 letter to families August 2020

Hello Catalyst Maria community,

We hope that you are safe, healthy and doing well. Regarding the decision to begin the 2020-2021 school year with remote learning, please find a letter from Catalyst Maria leadership linked below. Additional information on scholar and family support during remote learning will be forthcoming. Please contact the Catalyst Maria school school leadership with questions or concerns at the contacts linked at Catalyst Maria. Thank you and stay safe!

Catalyst Maria Parent Letter August 2020

Catalyst Maria Parent Letter August 2020 (Espanol)

Catalyst Academic Committee Meeting 8.13.2020

The Catalyst Board of Directors' Academic Committee will hold a meeting August 13, 2020 from 10-11:30 am. The agenda and meeting information are below. If you have questions, 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..

Catalyst Board Academic Committee Meetings:

To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/ttp-edfe-zry

Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 505-636-0084 and enter this PIN: 896 628 501#

Agenda:

  1. Principal Presentations (20 min each school)
    1. Summary of Monthly Data Analysis  and Action Plan
      1. FORMAT Strengths, Weaknesses, and Opportunities

  1. Committee Discussion (20 min)

  1. Close: next meeting (5 min)

CEO Letter to Catalyst Community and FAQs on SY20-21 Q1 Remote Learning

Hello Catalyst community,

We hope that you are safe, healthy and doing well. Regarding the decision to begin the 2020-2021 school year with remote learning, please find a letter from Catalyst CEO Gordon Hannon linked here and an FAQ regarding on-site activities linked here.  Additional information on scholar and family support during remote learning will be forthcoming. Please contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our school school leadership at the contacts linked below:

Catalyst Circle Rock

Catalyst Maria

Support Catalyst    

Please join our efforts as a champion for changing lives at The Catalyst Schools. If you would like to speak with a Catalyst staff member about your donation, please call us at 773-295-7001.