LSNA's Community Learning Centers Enrich Logan Square

Our five school-based Community Learning Centers at McAuliffe, Funston, Monroe, Ames, and Mozart schools offer a variety of services and opportunities for families to become engaged. Parents are offered E.S.L. , adult literacy, and G.E.D. classes, while also leading some of the programs offered after-school to students. Students can participate in after-school programs or before school programs that include sports, art, dance, nutrition programs, and tutoring. As a part of LSNA's holistic plan, Community Learning Centers provide a space for both adults and children to unite with CPS teachers, principals, and other community members.

Community Learning Centers also benefit local schools and the Logan Square community by creating outside partnerships with other organizations.On December 6, 2007, LSNA, partnered with Voice of the City to bring a special performance by Vaudeville Underground, Chicago Ballet and Intimate Opera to Monroe Elementary. The exciting performance included a variety of acts including magic, circus arts, "The Nutcracker", and seven Spanish songs, sung by Luis Galvez of Intimate Opera and danced by the Chicago Ballet. More than two hundred people from the local community attended the free event held in Monroe School's auditorium, sponsored by LSNA and Intimate Opera.

Lissette Moreno-Kuri, Community Centers Director, was excited by the effusive response from participants, “Many people at the event did not realize we have these arts organizations right here in our community... they felt it was a very first class performance and inspired a few students to see themselves as performers."

With continued support from the community, LSNA hopes to continue to enrich both the community and CPS schools.

A student enjoying her after school program at the Ames Community Learning Center.