Streamwood High named an Illinois Democracy School

Streamwood High School recently became one of 13 schools in the state to be named to the 2016 Illinois Democracy Schools list for its efforts to develop active and engaged citizens.

The list recognizes schools that provide students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for informed, effective engagement in our democracy. Streamwood students volunteer in the community and get an up-close view of local government, which school leaders hope will expand as part of making the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition's list.

"This is a really exciting opportunity for our students and Streamwood High School," said Terri Lozier, assistant superintendent of secondary schools. instruction and equity for Elgin Area unit School District U-46. "The partnership with the Democracy Schools Network will expose our students to more opportunities and experiences, inside and outside the classroom, that engage them with their local and statewide communities."

Among the school's programs are the Student Service Learning and Leadership class and Student Government Day, when seniors job shadow employees representing more than 90 positions in the Streamwood, Hanover Township or park district governmental bodies.

Streamwood High School will receive a $3,000 stipend from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, which brings together the ICMC to invest in high-quality civic learning initiatives. The stipend will be used to support various student-led community outreach programs, in addition to classroom lessons that address controversial issues and help students better understand and discuss them.