Posted on

Graduation Ceremony 2021

On May 25th, Felicity students, partners and staff were able to celebrate the recent 2020-2021 graduates for the biggest Felicity graduating class to date! We celebrated our two middle school graduates: Alicia and Nate. In addition, we celebrated our high school graduates: Marshell , Miranda, Elijah , Agnes and Mia. Our Felicity Principal, Dr. Dignam as well as one of the co-owners, Mr. Nekritz said a few words about our graduates, including positive memories associated individually with each student.

After the graduation ceremony, the Felicity school band, Edgeucation, played a cover of “Heart of Glass” by Blondie. Family members and loved ones were invited to attend a socially distanced lunch and celebration following the event.

Posted on

Felicity’s Message on Current Events

Felicity Families, 

We have been through some challenging times over the past three months, to say the least. Individually and as a community, we have been forced to re-examine ourselves and our country. Whether you have been deeply affected by current events or have noticed an increased level of stress, our thoughts are with you. We hope you have been kind to yourselves and patient with all  you interact with. Everyone is dealing with modern events in unique ways. We encourage discussions with your child or loved one about the importance of speaking openly and respectfully to others regarding race and systemic concerns visible in current events. Felicity firmly believes in the greatness of every single individual and that our institutions must share these values. As we open and develop our minds, we can elevate the spirits of individuals and as a nation. 

Felicity’s commitment to developing one’s morals and value system, giving back to the community, encouraging second chances and self-improvement is unbreakable. There is no time like the present to remind families and ourselves of this mission, as well as hold each other accountable to practice it each day. This can be a great opportunity to challenge yourself and your loved ones about having those difficult conversations and be willing to learn from each other. Please remember that Felicity will continue to be supportive and walk alongside you all during these uncertain times. 

Specifically, our school clinicians will happily answer any questions or provide access to resources to access mental health treatment or community assistance. Our school clinicians know that mental health may be affected in different ways based on individual experiences, whether it is school avoidance, increased signs of frustration or reminders of past trauma, we see you and we hear you. 

Lastly, we hope that you will take this chance to look at some important resources on how to speak with your loved ones openly about current events that may be impacting mental health, no matter what you or your loved one’s opinion may be:


Resources: 
-https://neaedjustice.org/black-lives-matter-school-resources/
-https://rogersbh.org/about-us/newsroom/blog/supporting-students-school-anxiety-during-covid-19
-https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Black-African-American 

Posted on

Online Felicity Platforms and Technology Upgrades

Felicity’s principal, Dr.Dignam, has been working closely with a few of our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic to brainstorm ideas, analyze the data management systems and adjust our electronic information systems to make for a collectively smoother experience for students, families and staff. In turn, we have launched a variety of new school-based platforms to maintain student, parent, and staff records. These will include an e-learning data management system for all Felicity School staff, a student information system to improve accessibility to learning resources, and a new parent portal for new and returning parents to electronically submit student information to the school, from releases of information for providers to registering students to start at Felicity School. For families, the system allows for online registration and document sharing. Students will not only be able to continue to access their online academic programs, but also access all other classroom work.

Currently, the system is up and running and allows for every teacher and paraprofessional to have protected access to information about their students, access to academic work, and resources that may be helpful for students. Our student information data repository simultaneously improves our IEP management. This system is going to make our work an effortless process when it comes to documentation and monitoring student progress, with our valued district partners, to match IEP goals.

Further, we provided some technology updates inside the building. Felicity administration has been able to upgrade security systems with twenty cameras throughout the building. This will ensure staff and student safety and has been a feature that Felicity has been working towards since our new building transition was complete. Additionally, we officially added additional door security with camera entry features to help assist visitors such as parents and district partners, with the sign in process. Specific to our health regulations, temperature taking stations are also utilized as students and staff enter the facility every day.

Posted on

Our Mental Health and COVID-19: A Message From Felicity’s Clinical Team

To Our Felicity Community,

Where do we even begin to know how to process this? How about some good news? You are not alone! This is an unusual time for all of us and a brand new challenge in adaptation, expecting the unexpected and restructuring time management strategies.

In order to address the impact of CO-VID19 on us as individuals, we wanted to include some perspective to keep in mind:

  • Consider the resources that you may be reading, there are many sources being shown online, specifically social media, that may not have the most updated and factual data regarding health risks.
  • Pay attention to when you may need a break from the news or if you need to set a boundary with someone in your life who is giving you a lot of information at once (i.e. “I can hear that you are very concerned, but I think it is time to focus on a new topic right now”).
  • Try new things! Use this opportunity to organize a closet, cook yourself or your family a nice meal, make a new routine, walk outside for thirty minutes a day, take a break from your phone!
  • Maintain relationships with your loved ones, consistent contact with people we care about may help ourselves and the other person in more ways than one.
  • Re-frame negative thoughts. Psychology studies show that our thoughts influence our behavior, perspective of situations and can even affect our physical health with increased stress levels. Writing down a couple of things in your life that you are grateful for each day may encourage mindfulness, otherwise known as the act of being present.

For more information, the list below includes some great resources from mental health professionals to help all that may be struggling with how to cope at this stressful time:

Last but not least, please do not hesitate to reach out to Felicity’s clinical team for support and suggestions on how to navigate strategies to adapt to the impact of CO-VID19 on the community. The staff email directory is found on the “Contact” tab of the website. Stay Healthy, Inside and Out, Felicity Community!
-Felicity’s Clinicians: Mollie Swillum, Hazel Patel and Sarah Greenawalt

Posted on

Chicago Bulls Game!


As most of you may be aware, we are currently housed in the old Berto Center in Deerfield, which means the Chicago Bulls have a special place in our hearts and minds at Felicity. On November 25 2019, twenty lucky students had the opportunity to attend a Chicago Bulls game at the United Center. The Bulls played the Portland Trailblazers this Monday night game and unfortunately took a loss, with a final score of 94-117.

However, the real win of the game was being able to take a picture on half court while the Chicago Bulls had their warm up before the game! Coach Wilhelm of the Bulls has met our kids and is excited, like us, to see additional growth in the relationship between the Chicago Bulls and Felicity School.  We are honored to pay tribute to the Chicago Bulls, past, present and future any time we are able.

Posted on

Growth Mindset

Felicity School has taken an active approach to letting students know that they can achieve more than they already know. Through a Growth Mindset self- assessment rubric, students and staff have been able to establish a dialogue about progress. “In a Growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work- brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment,” writes Dr. Carol Dweck.

Often, students have been conditioned to feel they have a Fixed Mindset, one that limits them to knowing what they know and perceiving they will not be able to move past their own status quo. Through the Growth Mindset Rubric, students rate themselves based on the following four categories: being true to self and abilities, asking for help, taking notes and using resources, and overall work ethic. Ratings are based on a 1-4 scale (4: Exceeds Expectations, 3: Satisfactory, 2: Progressing, 1: Unsatisfactory). After students rate themselves, the staff provide a rating for the same categories. Further, this leads to a discussion about individual perceptions and what the classroom teacher observes. Ultimately, this tool encourages self-reflection and gaining control over each student’s educational path.