The city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools have celebrated the efforts of Maureen Delgado, principal of Clinton Elementary School, as part of Principal Appreciation Month. Delgado's work has been recognized on Twitter, and she was also featured on Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains according to Chalkbeat Chicago.
A good principal can see a student's potential and give them the motivation they need to reach it.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) October 20, 2023
This Principal Appreciation Day, let's honor Maureen Delgado and administrators like her who help create opportunities and support for our students. https://t.co/jqAQ8XtNJU
Delgado's background as an immigrant child significantly influences her leadership at Clinton Elementary. The West Ridge neighborhood school serves over 1,000 students, 90% from low-income households and 62% English learners, per Chalkbeat Chicago. She is committed to aiding her students and their families, adapting the school's approach to the neighborhood's growing number of migrants.
Delgado states that Chicago's West Ridge and Rogers Park areas, known for their diversity, have historically welcomed different immigrants and refugees. This school year, Clinton Elementary enrolled more 115 newcomer students since the school start. These students represent over 45 languages. The school expanded its English as a Second Language (ESL) program, and 95% of its teachers have received ESL endorsements as part of their efforts to assist these students.
Aside from language support, the school is making concerted efforts to ensure the holistic well-being of its students. It has partnered with Trellus (formerly Asian Human Services) to provide counseling services during the school day. This arrangement makes these resources more accessible to families, who might otherwise be hesitant to seek help. Clinton Elementary also runs various support groups that focus on loss, self-esteem, and general wellness, as reported by Chalkbeat Chicago.
Delgado, leveraging her personal experiences with language barriers, places emphasis on language accessibility. She aims to uncomplicate school-related processes for non-English speaking families, a unique approach that sets her apart, furthers Chalkbeat Chicago.
She also received recognition and praisefrom Chicago Public Schools on twitter.
Thank you!, Principal Maureen Delgado, for your leadership and vision in creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for migrant students at @cpsclinton. Click the photo to learn more. https://t.co/juotXK8oc1
— CPS - Chicago Public Schools (@ChiPubSchools) October 19, 2023
