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Mission and Vision
Our Mission
The Little Village Lawndale High School is a reality because of the principles of social justice. Our belief in self-determination inspired a community to act on its convictions to affirm its right to a quality education. Through a system of support, guidance, and accountability our students will graduate high school, be prepared for college and implement a post secondary plan. Our students will cherish and preserve their ethnic and cultural identity, will serve and determine the future of our community, and will have a passion for peace, justice and the dignity of all people.


Our Vision
The purpose of the school of social justice is to assure that all students become critical thinkers through a curriculum that is rigorous, innovative, and implemented through meaningful school relationships.

Project based and problem based learning that addresses real world issues through the lenses of race, gender, culture, economic equity, peace, justice, and the environment will be the catalyst for developing our curriculum.

Service learning will be the center of our curriculum. Our community and the city will be our classroom. All learning will be relevant to the lives of our students.

We will increase student learning and achievement by building on what our students know and utilize their everyday experiences in order to build the excellence of basic skills and literacy.

The professional community composed of administrators, teachers, students, parents and other community members will learn together and from one another.


Core Beliefs

Truth and Transparency
We will practice honesty and authenticity in our communication and relationships with students, our community, peers, and ourselves.

Struggle and Sacrifice
Our struggle is against systems of power that have been historically used to deny, regulate, and prohibit access to the most basic human rights that should be granted freely to members of society regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We accept the reality that such struggle will require sacrifice from all involved.

Ownership and Agency
We will take responsibility as agents and catalysts of change to expose the truth about the functions of power, work (unite) to interrupt their operations, and operate as producers of power to meet the needs of the Greater Lawndale community.

Collective and Community Power
Through collective community power, we commit to a conscious effort to overcome the intended historical obstacles that have been designed to disempower and divide our communities, and thereby meet the needs of all members of Greater Lawndale for continual betterment and progress.


School Wide Expectations

Commitment to Each Student
Social Justice High School will support all students by…
  • Offering best practice numeracy and literacy instruction

  • Supporting critical thinking skills that allow students to deconstruct multiple forms of text
  • Demonstrate higher order thinking skills

  • Asking students to effectively present ideas verbally, in text, and through technology

  • Helping students identify and work on their own strengths and challenges

  • Connecting instruction to relevant material and real-world issues

  • Preparing all students to pursue their post-secondary plan

  • Developing successful organization skills

  • Providing constant and consistent socio-emotional support

  • Aiding students to develop an appreciation and understanding of differences

  • Instilling a desire for life-long learning and personal responsibility


Commitment to Our School
SJHS family will demonstrate their commitment by…
  • Developing authentic and meaningful relationships between families and community organizations

  • Assuming the role of the learner as well as the teacher

  • Practice professionalism and accountability with members of the LVLHS community


Commitment to our community
SJHS family will demonstrate their commitment to the community by…
  • Becoming involved in extracurricular and community activities

  • Staying informed on important community issues affecting the lives of SJHS students and their families

  • Creating partnerships with community institutions that support the mission and goals of the school

  • Attempting to support local businesses for supplies and catering when possible


Student Expectations
SJHS students will demonstrate their commitments to themselves by…
  • Fully participating in your education inside and outside of the classroom

  • Taking personal responsibility for your own learning

  • Work hard, complete your school work, and try your best to perform at the highest academic level possible

  • Come to school everyday and on time

  • Make sure you ask the teacher for all make-up work when absent

  • Ask for help when needed and use school resources

  • Work to peacefully solve problems and advocate for yourself

  • Take care of your personal health and safety

  • Become a role model for other students in the campus and community

  • Use service learning activities as a way to give back to your community

  • Represent the school responsibly and professionally at all times

  • Respect, honor, and celebrate the diversity of our community

  • Work with adults to make your school better


Parent expectations
SJHS parents will demonstrate their commitment to the school by…
  • Ensuring that their children attend school every day and on time

  • Keep good communication between the school, teachers, and staff

  • Stay up to date on major assignments, grades, and visiting the website

  • Come to progress report and report card pick-up nights

  • Contact the school with questions, ideas, comments, or concerns

  • Work peacefully to solve conflict between members of the SJHS family

  • Volunteer to help the school maintain its excellent academic and after-school activities

  • Encourage your students to read every night; make sure they have a free Chicago Public Library card

  • Ask for help when it’s needed


Teacher expectations
SJHS teachers will demonstrate their commitment to the school by…
  • Preparing and presenting engaging, meaningful lessons designed to improve student learning

  • Supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally through professional and compassionate conduct

  • Coming to school on time and every day

  • Participating in after school activities and events

  • Attending all parent report card pick-up times and orientations

  • Making themselves knowledgeable about the communities in which their students live

  • Continuing to work to improve their practice every year
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3120 South Kostner Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
Tel: (773) 535-4300 | Fax: (773) 254-8419 		© Social Justice High School