Village of Westmont
Date Issued: February 8, 2018
CUSD 201’s Westmont Junior High School is creating a new program called “Community Talks: WJHS”. In an effort to promote leadership skills and community engagement, the Jr. High has designed a forum for students and community members to work together on actions to support a safe and connected village.
From February 15 through April 20, student volunteers will take part in an enrichment class during the school day. This class will ask them to research and identify areas of need within the village and then create a TED-style presentation about their chosen cause. TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, is a media organization that creates and posts free online presentations that are informational and inspirational.
The culminating activity for the Community Talks program will be an evening event, hosted by students, in which they will lead round table discussions with community members who will assist them in creating an action plan for making changes to improve our village. “Our ultimate goal is to help cultivate student leaders who have a vested interest in making our community a better place,” said Amy Quattrone, WJHS Assistant Principal and co-creator of the program.
The evening event cannot be accomplished without the support of the community. “WJHS is looking for 60-100 adults from around the Village to attend,” stated WJHS Principal John Jonak. “No experience is necessary. We are looking for adults who would like to spend an evening with students, listen to their ideas and calls-to-action, and then assist them in creating plans to implement their goals.”
“Community Talks: WJHS” will occur on Tuesday, April 17, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the media center of Westmont Jr. High School. A catered dinner will be provided for all guests on behalf of Westmont Junior High. Invitations will be sent out mid-March through social media and print advertising.
For more information regarding Community Talks: WJHS, please contact Amy Quattrone at
aquattrone@cusd201.org.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
