EDUCATION WITH A PURPOSE
WE MAKE THE CONNECTIONS

ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOL

John Samuelian, Principal

Provides leadership and actively supports WSC.

Elaine Kallianis, ekallianis@waukgeanschools.org

Penny Franklin, pfranklin@waukeganschools.org

Renee' Lambert, rlambert@waukeganschools.org

Student Connection (847)625-5136

Abbott School (847)360-5487

1319 Washington Street

Waukegan, IL  60085

WAUKEGAN STUDENT CONNECTION - WSC

The Waukegan Student Connection, is a Board of Education approved educational program.  The purpose of this program is to provide meaningful experiences for the students and to cultivate relationships thereby connecting them to all facets of the community.  It is through these experiences that we build concrete reasons to stay in school.  This program invites active participation on the part of the business community in building a more successful educational process.

In order to meet these goals, we need to utilize the wealth of both human and financial resources in the public and private sectors.  We provide hands-on experiences through field trips and most importantly, job shadowing opportunities in the community.

Step One: is to prepare the students to be academically and socially proficient so they will blend into the community constructively.  We focus on developing a student's self-esteem and teaching a dynamic work ethic.

Step Two: is the community experience.  We provide the students with the experience in the community they can see first hand how businesses actually function.  The students are introduced to the people who work at the business and learn about what they do, and how they secured that position.  The students become familiar with various operations, associated vocabulary, and why the job is important in the community.  Through this experience, students will get an understanding of possible post secondary school opportunities.

Step Three: is the student formulated application to job shadow a person in the community that the student observed at the time of the community experience.  It is here that they will be able to expand their understanding of a particular job interest.  An evaluation of the student will be required of the job shadow provider.  This will be helpful information for the teacher and student to discuss for further improvement.

Step Four: will involve the student generating a letter of thanks to the person who provided the shadowing experience.  This provides training of social etiquette for the student as well as to be able to summarize and reflect on his/her experience.

WE hope your organization will understand the importance of this program for our students.  We are finding that to educate the total student we need to give them real goals to focus and see positive opportunities in our community.  The success of this program is truly in your hands.  WE hope you will support WSC.  Perhaps a student that will shadow today, will be an invaluable employee tomorrow.




Students will be introduced to various careers through:

• field trips in public and private sector
• speakers
• role playing/mock situations
• job shadowing
• employment knowledge
• hands-on learning simulations
• career awareness

        
      Educational Opportunities
+   Career and Employment Training
      -----------------------------------------
=   Productive Outcomes

WSC GOALS

• Develop good attitudes and work habits
• Develop maturity, respect, and responsibility
• Continue education to earn a high school diploma or beyond
• Linkage for future employment opportunities
• Expand background knowledge
• Students participate successfully in various jobs around the school and at age 14, students are encouraged to call the summer youth employment program funded by the Lake County Board.

WSC 9th GRADE

The Student Connection Program continues as the students transition to High School.  This freshman course will teach study skills and social skills with specific focus on relating to peers, adults and self-esteem.  Job exploration will be a critical component of the class.  Students will be required to create a vision for success through career exploration and work experience, update resumes and participate in the school, in the community, or join a club or activity as a way to move closer success.

WSC NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND LOCAL
RECOGNITION

• Convention Presentation:  Accelerated schools at the Midwest Regional Conference in St. Louis, MO, entitled "Empowering Middle Schools Students Through the World of Work"
• Abbott Middle School Principal, John Samuelian, publicily recognized the multiple achievements and contributions  of WSC students
• Roycelee Wood, Superintendent, Lake County Regional Office of Education requested that WSC present the program at the Rotary Club of Waukegan
• Exchange Club of America's Citizenship Award for outstanding student.

GUEST SPEAKERS

• Lake County Workforce Development
• Navy
• Matthew's Employment
• Target Team Unit
• Lake County Farm Bureau`

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

• Mayor of Waukegan
• City Hall of Waukegan
• Lincoln Center -WPS
• Dominick's
  
• Corporate Facility, Deerfield
• Jewel
• Police Department
  
• Public Works
• Animal Control
• Wallgreens
• Mariott Lincolnshire Resort
• McDonalds
• Midwest Bank
• Union Station
• Chase Chicago Bank
• Metra
• Target
• Fire Department
• Vista Hospital
  
• Matthews Employment
• Agency
• Waukegan Airport
• Welcome Center WPS #60
• Lake County Family YMCA Childcare
• Classic Chevrolet/Toyota
• Lake County Forest Preserve - Preservation Partners
• Future Quest, Lake County Technology Campus
• CLC Career Center, Grayslake
• STate of Illinois Federal Building
• Construction EXPO, Grayslake
• YMCA of Greater Lake County, Camp Jorn

• Lincoln Center
• Animal Shelter
• Police Department
• Classic Chevrolet/Toyota Dealership

VOLUNTEER WORK

• City of Waukegan
• Abbott, Cook Magnet & Whittier School
• Accelerated Schools Conference
• Phi Delta Kappan Fundraising Extravaganza
• First United Methodist Church

NEWS ARTICLES FEATURING WSC

• Time Magazine & Classic Chervrolet/Toyota
• The News Sun

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

    "I enjoyed when we played the Real-Life Career Game.
     I look forward to getting a job.  You should have this
     program, so kids can get a job in life, so they know how to
     keep a job"                                                      
                                                                    - Carlos

    "I learned how to act and what to say in an important
     interview.  I learned to look them in the eye and how to
     dress.  I learned to walk with a purpose."        
                                                                    - Danny

    "We should have the program because students learn a
     lot.  You learn how to apply for a job.  You learn how to act
    everyday.  I learned how important it is to be responsible."
                                                                    - Cardaryll

    "I learned how to keep a job and how to apply for one.
    I like that we went on different trips and learned about the
    type of jobs that are out there.  I'm glad I had the
    opportunity to be in this program and I hope it will be at the
    Freshman Center next year."
                                                                    - Arturo

    "I learned important things about a job.  I learned
    about finding a job, getting a job, and keeping a job.
    I enjoyed the field trips and seeing all the different people
    doing their jobs.  The advice I would give future students is
    to pay attention, get serious about the program, and to
    work hard so they can get jobs."
                                                                    - Kyleigh

    " I learned that you have to write a resume, that you have
    to call in if you're sick, and that you should do things
    without being told."
                                                                     - Harry

STEWARDSHIP AT GREENBELT FOREST PRESERVE

Students participated in eliminating, non native species which kill the biodiversity of our land.  In the process we are also preserving animal homes and food in our area.


                       

                       
   

LANDSCAPING AROUND ABBOTT

Students undertaking landscaping work around Robert Abbott Middle School




FUTURE QUEST: LAKE COUNTY TECH CAMPUS

Students attended a 2 hour hands-on workshop, with a desired trade.




OTHER PHOTOS