Christopher Baikauskas, the principal of CHSD170's Jefferson School, has partnered with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's "Guide Right Program" to promote the importance of education and positive behaviors to the school's junior-high male students. "This mentoring activity is a viable and logical next step in Jefferson School's ongoing commitment to instilling in our students a greater understanding of the importance of education and increasing their dedication to putting forth their best behaviors and best efforts in school," Baikauskas said. Kappa Alpha Psi is a fraternity of predominantly African-American membership founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University. The fraternity has over 160,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state, as well as many international branches. The Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was chartered on October 23, 1965, and maintains a position of prominence within the Kappa Alpha Psi orbit. The chapter is made up of men of many diverse professional backgrounds who call the Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter home. The local Kappa Alpha Psi Chapter is active in the south suburban area and through its unyielding service to the community and dedication to the cause of achievement hosts many activities throughout the year that effect change in the community. The fraternity's affiliation with Jefferson School is but one example of the organization's sponsorship of, and partnership in, various programs that provide community service, social welfare, and academic scholarship. Dr. Eddie Sanders, Jr., Director of Kappa Alpha Psi's Guide Right Program, reaffirmed the goals of the program during the assembly introducing the activity. "The Guide Right Program will provide mentoring to young men in Jefferson School's junior-high grades focusing specifically on the areas of improving attendance, reducing tardiness, and promoting constructive, positive behaviors that will alleviate discipline issues at the school," he said.
Kappa Alpha Psi will also work with Jefferson School's administration, teachers, and staff to establish a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) program at school, participate in Reading Days and other educational, outreach and celebratory activities, and eventually introduce a similar program for the school's junior-high girls. The students in Jefferson School's inaugural Guide Right Program are eighth-graders Tony Gardet, Keonte Stubbs, Julian Velle, and Teon White, and seventh-graders Gary Carter, Selvin Cruz, Cameron Ellis, Tremaine Floyd, LaRon Moore, Rashaud Noel, Angel Ortiz, and Kashaun Scales.
Eighth-grade teacher Matthew Anderson was enthusiastic about the possibilities that the program presents.
"Guide Right has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of our students in many ways," Anderson said.
"The men who lead this program are well educated, successful, and kind, and this will show our students what they can strive for and achieve in life if they work hard!"