Recently I heard about a really great school here in Chicago, through Melissa Giovagnoli of Networlding and
 Eileen Messier of  The Social Network. "Networlding is all about strategic growth and sustainability-the greatest good for the greatest number." said Ms. Giovagnoli. "I have been working with Eileen's Social Network Group, and through conversations, I recommended something Oprah also recommended recently. Do something for someone and have them "Pay it Forward" to someone else. Because Eileen  has a large professional client base, I thought it was a good match to bring her together with the Namaste School and adopt them for one year, helping them with everything from providing financial support to helping coordinate volunteers. A 12 month emphasis and focus has so much more impact obviously than a one-time event or fundraiser.  Then, in turn, Namaste School will pay it forward to two other schools next year."

Namaste (pronounced na-ma-STAY) Charter School  in Chicago, is committed to the physical, social and academic well being of students, staff and parents. "We believe that to achieve in school, students must be healthy, active and engaged in physical activity regularly. We also believe that adults must model the healthy lifestyle and positive attitude that we wish the students to embrace. The school will incorporate health, nutrition and athletics into its rigorous curriculum, created to ensure literacy, numeracy and a lifelong love of reading." - This is a school giving children the tools to create a life by design!

Charter schools are independent public schools that are operated by outside organizations. They are monitored by the school district in which they are chartered and are subject to the same safety, civil rights, special education and bilingual regulations as traditional public schools.

                                                                        

The Namaste Way

The school sets itself apart from other schools by taking a holistic approach to education. The philosophy at Namaste is to help students achieve optimal academic performance by nourishing and stimulating the mind and the body of each child. Because research shows students who are healthy and active perform better in the classroom, Namaste integrates physical fitness and nutrition as core components of its rigorous academic curriculum to provide a learning environment that is often difficult to attain, especially in inner city schools. By breaking down the barriers to good health and improving opportunities for high academic achievement, Namaste can help each and every student know and reach his or her true potential.



Namaste School Model

The school was created in an effort to fill the void for more high quality education for students within the Chicago Public School System. The innovative approach to maximize the learning experience includes implementing a "year round" schedule in which students attend school for three consecutive months and then have a one-month break. The daily class schedule is also unique in that it includes breakfast and lunch to ensure the students are well-nourished, as well as a Family Breakfast each week. The school day is also extended to 7 1/2 hours (with early release on Fridays) to allow ample time for regular physical activity. The Namaste model is designed to promote advanced, focused learning and long-term health and exercise habits.

                                     


About the Principal: Allison Slade / Co-Founder

Over the past decade, Allison Slade has served as a teacher, professional developer, mentor and curriculum designer in urban and suburban settings. She is certified in bilingual education and has worked as a literacy specialist who has provided professional development workshops and intense, in-classroom coaching and mentoring for Chicago Public School teachers. "Anything is possible," Slade said. "If you are completely dedicated to something, you can make it work and you will find amazing support.

Namaste is located in the McKinley Park neighborhood and is one of 27 charter schools in Chicago. It currently serves  190 students in grades K-3, as of fall 2006.  One grade will be added per year in subsequent years. - Donations can be structured a variety of ways. Visit their website for more information.