OSSE

The Office of Student Support and Engagement (OSSE)

The vision of the Office of Student Support and Engagement is that every student is matched with the optimal blend of supports to thrive at every stage and to graduate ready for college and work. Their portfolio of supports can be categorized into five key areas: Student Support Model, Learning Supports, Enrichment and Engagement, Health and Development and Re-Engagement Pathways.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

AFTER-SCHOOL ALL-STARS (ASAS):
ASAS engages CPS students in structured academic, enrichment, and independent learning activities to create a comprehensive after school program for 8 hours each week, 20 weeks per year. Classes vary by school, but often include: intramural sports, art, drama, dance, music, technology, student government, newspaper and science clubs. ASAS is part of the National After-School All-Stars Program, based in Los Angeles, which was originally called Inner City Games, and was sponsored by now Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

KEEP KIDS LEARNING (KKL):
The Keep Kids Learning summer program offers full-day, comprehensive academic and recreational programming. Students participate in reading and math instruction, as well as cultural arts and physical fitness activities throughout the 6 week program. Schools also employ teaching fellows (college students majoring in education) to specifically support this program and keep their libraries open to enhance student learning. High school KKL students participate in the academic component in the morning, then in the afternoon work in the KKL elementary schools as mentors and assistant teachers as part of the Summer Jobs program.

TUITION-BASED AFTER SCHOOL (TBAS):
Tuition based after school programming provides a "one stop shop" for parents, offering after school care until at least 6:00 p.m. five days per week year round. Student can enroll in enriching activities such as sports, dance, music, and foreign language instruction on-site at the school instead of going elsewhere in the community for these classes. Most programs also assist children with their homework completion and provide a healthy snack.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE

CPS is home to the largest Community Schools Initiative in the nation. These public schools have been transformed into the centers of their communities, with campuses open mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and into the summer. Not only are students attending their traditional classes at these schools, but parents are receiving job training courses, families are able to access medical and dental care on site and children have the option to take music and art lessons.

The Community Schools model requires schools to partner with at least one community organization with a demonstrated track record of providing successful educational and related activities that enhance the academic performance and positive youth development of CPS students. All out-of-school time programs offered through this partnership must relate to and support the school’s academic program. Each school has a full-time resource/site coordinator that oversees programs, helps identify and engage additional resource providers, coordinates with the partnering organization and advisory group, and supervises student and/or community workers. Each school also has an advisory group that includes teachers, parents, the school principal, community members, a representative from the partnering organization and other key school and community stakeholders. The primary responsibility of the group is to oversee program planning, guidance and promotion.