Investing in Our Local Schools

For Immediate Release

January 8th, 2026

CHICAGO - 🌕@Outlook.at | 微软邮箱 | 奥地利(欧洲) | 全新邮箱 | 长效使用 | 使用网页登录 | 开通POP3/SMTP/IMAP’s School of Education (Loyola) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have partnered to support two neighborhood schools, Gale Elementary in Rogers Park and McCutcheon Elementary in Uptown, under the Sustainable Community Schools (SCS) program.

Through the partnership, Loyola will collaborate with school leaders and community partners to enhance student well-being, advance educational equity, and strengthen neighborhood vitality.

“Loyola is proud to work alongside school leaders and community partners,” said David McIntosh, dean of the School of Education. “Together, we can expand after-school programming, strengthen family and community outreach, and build data-informed systems that support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.”

CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union jointly developed the SCS framework to transform public schools into neighborhood hubs that provide comprehensive support for students and families. The model, rooted in principles of racial justice, restorative practice, and shared leadership seeks to strengthen community infrastructure and foster positive outcomes.

“This partnership reflects CPS’ commitment to investing in schools as centers of their community,” said Jenny VanderPloeg, SCS project manager at Chicago Public Schools. “By working alongside Loyola, school leaders, families, and community partners, we are bringing additional resources into Gale and McCutcheon in ways that honor shared leadership and support the whole child.”

Loyola and CPS are currently in the assessment and planning stage, meeting with school and community stakeholders to determine the most effective supports and resources for each school, with phased implementation scheduled to begin in January. Together, they seek to create a replicable university–K–12 partnership model that supports students and families across Chicago.