District Administrative Center 157 W. Washington Street West Chicago, IL 60185 |
West Chicago Community High School 326 Joliet Street West Chicago, IL 60185 |
Community Open House October 7
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” ~Benjamin Franklin
The community is invited to see the results of the Community High School District 94 Board of Education’s investment in student-centered learning. A Community Open House will take place on Friday, October 7 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street, West Chicago. Tours will begin at Entrance H on the south side of the building. Admission is free.
In 2014, the Board of Education embarked on a three year, $11.9 million student-centered remodeling project. Phase I focused on Career and Technical Education, creating classroom and lab spaces for early childhood education, and culinary program spaces including demonstration, home and commercial kitchens. An outdoor courtyard eating area for students was created, and whole building WiFi was installed in anticipation of Chromebooks being issued to all students. The pool was repainted, new doors hung throughout the building, and security cameras and an electronic access system for exterior doors was installed. Outdoors, some roof surfaces were repaired or replaced and two staff parking lots were completely replaced down to the gravel base.
Phase II remodeled approximately 12,000 square feet of space during the summer of 2015. District office staff moved out of the Administrative Office area, making room for a new Student Services Center to house counselors, social workers, psychologists, deans, and school resource officers who were previously scattered throughout the building. Also near Entrance H, a reception area was created with a separate visitor entrance. A College and Career Center is open for students to visit during lunch or study hall to explore college and career options. A Student Activity Center was created to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities, and provides a workroom, storage, and a place to meet. The Nurse’s Office was relocated to Entrance A.
The final phase, the largest at approximately $5 million, was completed this past summer. Targeting the portion of the school that was constructed in 1965, the first noticeable change was the installation of floor to ceiling windows in the main hallways to bring in natural light. Thirty classrooms received makeovers, including heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical upgrades, as well as flooring, lighting, furniture and cabinetry updates. Science areas were color-coded to reflect disciplines, and a new group learning space dubbed “The Nucleus” was created for special project use.
With the assistance of Student Ambassadors, visitors can begin their tour on October 7 at Entrance H on the south side of the building. Admission is free and an R.S.V.P. is not required. If necessary, additional parking is available at Wood and Stimmel streets.
Afterwards, join us in Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. for varsity football as the Wildcats take on West Aurora. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.