News

At least a dozen vehicles lined up near the roundabout on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus awaiting the beginning of a giveaway on Thursday, Sept. 24 that included school supplies, food items, cleaning materials and midterm progress report cards. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) handed out items to more than 100 families during its Drive-Up, Pick-Up Day, according to Gina Jeffries, EdD, CHS director. 

“We are more than happy to continue showing love, support and encouragement to the wonderful students and their families at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School,” said Jeffries. “Meeting basic food needs is important for our CHS students to better enable them to concentrate on their academics.”

Items given away during the two-hour event included:

• Pizza
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh vegetables
• Bread
• Turkey slices
• Snacks
• Sketch books and other school supplies
• Phone holders
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Bleach wipes

“We were also able to keep students updated on their academic performance by providing their midterm progress report cards. Our students are resilient and showing grit through these unprecedented times and their academic midterms are proof,” added Jeffries. “In addition, students received an encouraging letter with a bag of goodies from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) Student Support Services.”

Part of the letter read, “We hope your school year is off to a good start! We know that learning in this new format is challenging, but you are establishing a good foundation for your future in college or the job market! You are learning great skills that many grown-ups are struggling to learn. So, you will be ahead of the game in the next few years.” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Director Gina Jeffries gives out a bag full of supplies. 

CHS English teacher Bridget Nelson hands out school supplies. 

A grateful CHS student receives a box of pizza from CHS resource teacher Edith Laktzian.