Greetings, Art In Motion family!

Fall is fully in effect and we are looking forward to a productive season for our students, families and school. There is a great deal of work happening to bolster and elevate our work as a campus. Here are some highlights:

• Construction is progressing at an exponential rate and we can’t wait to show you! 
• After our AIM CommUNITY Day on September 14, our friends from Orgain financially contributed to campus wellness and development!
• We are beginning AIM Studio: After Hours programming the week of October 24, including two external programs, The Healing Academy with Ms. Dionne Milton, and The Cedric Tate Student Ensemble, being among the 13+ offerings for students! 
• We are working to bring community health services to be housed at our campus after the first of the year!
• We have several grant applications in the pipeline for student resources and developmental opportunities!
• Our REACH Grant is in full swing; Fall Artists In Residence programs wrapped up on October 7, and we are excited about upcoming professional development for teachers as well as systematically-implemented augmented arts opportunities and connections within our AIM classrooms!   

AIM Families, I am so excited about, proud of and invested in Art In Motion! As you can see, there are many opportunities on the table to deepen our programming and double down on the commitments we have made to you, our AIM Families. We. are. Here. for. You! Let us know what you need; you are an integral part of our AIM Community, too! 

Love and Light, 

–Kara May, Director of Partnerships & Creative Development

Last month we celebrated COMMunity Day with our founding partner, Common! He was able to tour the expansion site with members of the Distinctive Schools team, and was impressed with the space and the vision for the future. Through thoughtful design, the expansion includes – a sport court, art studios, design labs, a recording studio, and much much more!

Hear from AIM students, families, and Common himself about how COMMunity Day and the Art In Motion family are vital to the community:

Greetings Families, 

In preparation for College and Career, our High School students will be taking the PSAT this month. It is very important that they are well rested on test day, and that they eat a hearty breakfast, and that they get a lot of rest. Testing takes about 4 hours! Their results will define the work that our teachers, coaches and myself will be doing this year to get our "creatives" ready for the next phase of life. Here are the dates:

• 10/19 - Freshman PSAT
• 10/25 - Sophomore PSAT
• 10/27 - Junior PSAT

Also while testing is taking place, we must create the ideal environment in our school with limited movement and distractions in the building. So, this is the perfect opportunity for us to give our students an opportunity to explore and engage the community.

While testing is taking place in the building, other grades will be on Field Trips! Here are the trips by date and grade:

• 10/19 - Middle School - Emmet Till film - Showplace Icon Theatre
• 10/25 - Juniors - Truman College Visit
• 10/27 - Sophomores - Emmet Till film - Showplace Icon Theatre



Finally, our First Quarter ends on the 25th of October. At the end of the week of the 17th you will receive Appointment Links from our SDL (Self Directed Learning) instructors inviting you to our Report Card Pick Up/Conferences. You will be able to set in person appointment times for select times November 8th and November 9th to meet with our SDL instructors for insight regarding your child's performance thus far. 

We look forward to seeing you and building strong partnerships in order for our students to thrive!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Dion Steele

Principal, Art in Motion

9th Grade Applications are Open!

Do you know a student entering high school next fall?  The GoCPS application for rising 9th graders is now open!  Students are encouraged to rank Art In Motion their #1 Choice school in GoCPS!

Prospective families are encouraged to join Art In Motion community members at one of two upcoming Open House events →

• Thursday, November 3 @ 6:00pm
• Thursday, November 17 @ 6:00pm

Participating families will meet AIM staff and students, learn more about AIM’s innovative programming, enjoy student performances, and explore high school @ AIM! For more information, visit www.aimchicago.org.

Meet Ms. Wanda! Ms. Wanda is our Parent Teacher Liaison and an active member of the Art In Motion Board of Directors. She has been a part of Art In Motion since its inception, and is an amazing advocate for students, families, and the Art In Motion community. 

A message from Ms. Wanda: 

We’re looking forward to engaging with our AIM family & community! Please complete this brief form to share your contact information with me – I’ll reach out to you soon with more information about our Parent Engagement Network (PEN), and opportunities to be more involved with the AIM community.

“The answer to every adversity lies in courageously moving forward with faith.”

- Edmond Mbiaka