ECLCS Building photo

East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School

At Lighthouse Academies, we prepare our scholars through rigorous programs that provide them with a foundation that will allow them to succeed in and graduate from college. Our unique arts-infused curriculum, emphasis on social development and integration of diverse cultural opportunities augments learning and broadens horizons.

About

Quick Facts

Number of Scholars: 456
Grades: K-8
Date Opened:
Principal: Krysten Ivy Wendell (K-6), Michael Herring (7-8)

Features

  • Visual Arts and Drama teacher
  • AIM high Mentorship Program
  • ISTEP Achievement Academy
  • Upper Academy Friday Electives: Improv, Dodgeball, School Beautification, Chess, yoga, and more

Annual Events

  • Winter Talent Show
  • Spring Arts Auction and Showcase
  • Fourth Grade Trip to Camp Tecumseh
  • Sixth Grade Trip to Indianapolis
  • End of Year Academic Achievement Celebration Breakfast
  • Back to School Picnic

Extracurricular Activities

  • Afterschool Clubs: Sports and Arts
  • National Spelling Bee Participation

Partnerships

  • Southshore Arts
  • Boys and Girls Club

Announcements

Re-Enrollment

Reminder:  Open Enrollment has started for the school year 2012-2013, you can fill your application online.

Recordatorio:  Inscripcion abierta ya comenso para el año escolar 2012-2013, puede llenar su applicacion en linea.

Calendar

May

  • May 1-9 ISTEP Testing
  • May 11 Jeans and College Shirt Day
  • May 10-11 4th Grade Field Trip Camp Tecumseh
  • May 18 Art Auction @ 5:00 pm
  • May 22 Science Fair @ 4:00 pm
  • May 28 No School Memorial Day
  • May 29 Parent Advisory Board Meeting at ECLCS @ 5:00 pm
  • May 30 4th Quarter Ends

June

  • June 1 Jeans and College Shirt Day
  • June 5 IStep Award Breakfast 3-4 @ 8:30
  • June 6 IStep Award Breakfast 5-6 @ 8:30
  • June 12  2pm Dismissal
  • June 13  Last Day of School - 2pm Dismissal
EC CNaranjo IMG_2359 cropped
"ECLCS is a good school where kids work hard, care about each other and are respectful. Teachers make sure we get our education and make sure our ISTEP scores improve." --5th Grade Student

Documents & Links

Latest Documents

Student Family Handbooks

Weekly Newsletters

Document Archive

Menus

No Child Left Behind

School Calendars

Student Applications

Student Family Handbooks

Weekly Newsletters

School Leaders

Principal K-6

Krysten Ivy Wendell

Krysten Ivy Wendall
Ms. Ivy Wendell taught in New Orleans for two years before joining the staff at ECLCS as a founding teacher. She taught third and fourth grade for two years before becoming Director of Instruction in 2008. Ms. Ivy Wendell enjoys working with both students and teachers, which is why she loves being Principal. Before moving to Chicago, Ms. Ivy Wendell was a Teach For America corps member in New Orleans and received her BA from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. She holds her Masters in Public School Leadership from Teachers College Summer Principals Academy.
Principal 7-8

Michael Herring

Michael Herring
Mr. Herring began his career in education as a Teach For America corps member. He taught English at James Lick High School in San Jose, CA, for eight years. Mr. Herring served as department chair for six years and co-created The Senior Project, a student-directed, semester-long project for 12th graders. He served as principal of East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School for two years before signing on as the founding principal of the College Prep Academy. Mr. Herring is passionate about student success and looks forward to building a school of strong writers and critical thinkers. He earned his BA in English and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, in 2000. Mr. Herring earned an Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University in 2009.
Director of Instruction K-2

Lisa Rusen

Ms. Rusen previously served as the Lead Teacher for the Lower Academy as well as Kindergarten teacher. In her role as Lead Teacher, Ms. Rusen led the Student Ambassador program which trains students to be leaders and peer mediators throughout the school. Prior to joining Lighthouse, she was a Teach for America 2005 corps member in the Mississippi Delta. Ms. Rusen holds a degree from Denison University.
Director of Instruction 3-6

Mary Grezlik

Before joining ECLCS, Ms. Grezlik was an Elementary Turnaround Coach for the Academy for Urban School Leadership in Chicago. She has also worked with beginning teachers as a mentor on the Lehman New Teachers Project through the University of Illinois at Chicago and with pre-service teachers through Purdue University. Her experience includes 10 years as a primary and intermediate teacher in Chicago, Raleigh, NC, and Cincinnati, OH. Ms. Grezlik received a B.A. from Michigan State University and a Masters degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Apply

Become a Lighthouse Academy Student

Discover, achieve and prepare for success in college and beyond. We will prepare your student academically, socially and culturally to succeed in and graduate from college.  We will develop your student’s critical decision-making skills to prepare him/her for success in life.  Lighthouse Academies offers small schools, small class sizes, longer school year, and longer school day so we can provide students with a high quality education. Don’t wait – apply now to transform your child’s future!

Join Our Team

Are you fearless, driven and forward-thinking? We need people who want to teach, lead and transform the lives of our students. We need people who share our passion for creativity and innovation. We are committed to developing the capacity of our staff with 20 professional days each year, individual coaching and collaboration. Join us in transforming children’s futures.

Apply for a position »

Contact

East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School

3916 Pulaski Street East Chicago IN 46312 USA

41.6418152 -87.4441299
Tel: 219-378-7450
Fax: 219-378-7460

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