Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: May 3, 2022
Along with various individuals from the community, Amy Quattrone, Principal of Westmont Jr. High School recently received notice that Westmont will be presented the 2022 Reaching Out & Building Bridges Award. This award is coordinated through the Illinois Principals Association and is presented to Principals and Assistant Principals who strive to develop partnerships between schools and their communities to provide local student service-learning opportunities.
“Through our partnerships with various agencies and organizations, our Westmont Jr. High School Student Service Learning Commitment Program has flourished by providing our students with ample opportunities to volunteer in our community,” said Quattrone. “Our local park district, library, police and fire departments, as well as local not-for-profit organizations such as Westmont Special Events and the Westmont Chamber of Commerce have all provided our students with volunteer opportunities. These real-world experiences will greatly help our students as they develop the skill sets that will make them successful in life.”
The Student Service Learning Commitment Program, which was developed almost a decade ago, requires all WJHS students to complete 36 hours of volunteer service before their graduation. The program creates natural partnerships between WJHS students and public agencies and local organizations. The concept for encouraging community volunteerism and partnership between the school district and the community was developed in 2014 when Quattrone approached the Village of Westmont and other organizations to assist with the planning for a State-wide event titled “Westmont: Illinois Reads.” The goal of the project was to unite community stakeholders to work together on a project that promotes literacy and a love for reading. The event was a tremendous success and brought over 1000 people from throughout the State of Illinois to Westmont for this program.
After this initial success, the commitment to partnership and student volunteerism continued to grow and develop over the years with programs such as the Jr. Citizens Police and assisting the Westmont Special Events Not-For-Profit Corporation with events such as the Cruisin’ Nights Car Show and the Taste of Westmont community festival.
The application for the award was created with the assistance of several individuals and community partners who have worked with the Westmont Jr. High School on several initiatives. Quattrone and the various community partners will be recognized at a special ceremony during the IPA Education Leaders Annual Conference in October 2022. Congratulations to everyone involved with this wonderful recognition.
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