CPS creates ‘calm’ environment for students

A new program launched by Chicago Public Schools is aimed at students most at-risk of becoming either a victim of violence or a violent offender.

For now, 38 high schools have been identified by CPS, where 80 percent of these at-risk students attend. And more schools are expected to be added to the list as the school year progresses, said Monique Bond, director of communications for CPS.

These schools are part of a Culture of Calm program, which began in September but is now being fully implemented.

“This is a mandatory program students must take part if they attend one of the 38 schools identified for the program,” Bond told the Defender. “The program teaches students a combination of things, such as self-respect, anger management, problem solving and discipline.

Most of the 38 schools are on the South Side including Christian Fenger High School where 16 year-old Derrion Albert, an honor student, attended. In September, while waiting for a bus to go home, Albert was beaten to death when a fight broke out between students living in the Altgeld Gardens public housing complex and students living in the Roseland community on the Far South Side. The fight and beating death was videotaped and broadcast around the world which brought much unwanted attention to CPS and Chicago.

“In 2009 our public school system became the laughing stock of the world because the videotape beating showed just how unsafe our schools are and the lack of commitment by Chicago police to combat youth violence,” said Pat Hilton, 50, whose daughter attends Manley High School on the West Side.

But students who still attend Fenger said they often witness senseless violence when traveling to and from school.

“My best friend got shot in the eye and died last year when we were riding the bus home from school,” recalled 17 year-old Krystal, who ask that her last name not be used. Community groups, such as the Community Angels, a parent support group in the West Garfield community on the West Side, is reaching out to men, Black men especially, as it tries to recruit male mentors and volunteers to help develop more after school programs at high schools with violence issues.

“These kids are fighting as if they are at war. What should be a relatively short bus rid“These kids aree home commonly turns into a two hour trip for many students because of all the violent incidents that take place after school,” said Roslynn Arnold, executive director of Community Angels. “Even local business owners are afraid. Many businesses located near these so-called violent schools lock their doors after school to avoid problems with students.”

Schools designated for Culture of Calm program

 1. Bogan,
2. Bowen campus
3.Chicago Vocational
4. Michelle Clark
5. Clemente
6. Corliss
7. Crane
8. Douglass
9. Dunbar Career
Academy
10. Dyett
11. Farragut
12. Fenger
13. Foreman
14. Gage Park
15. Harlan
16. Harper
17. Hirsch
18. John Hope
19. Hubbard
20. Hyde Park
21. Julian
22. Kelly
23. Kelvyn Park
24. Little Village campus
25. Manley
26. Marshall
27. Morgan Park
28. Orr
29. Phillips
30. Richards
31. Robeson
32. Simeon
33. South Shore campus
34. Sullivan
35. TEAM Englewood
36. Tilden
37. Washington
38. Wells
*Source: Chicago Public Schools