The studio-like environment feels like a library or coffeehouse in the sense people are getting work done, and everyone is either on a laptop or completing homework. The quotes on the wall send out a supportive vibe. And the teachers are like friendly baristas, making sure everyone is taken care of and focused on the task at-hand.

The Student Resource Center, or SRC, is a class designed to help students develop strong executive skills to achieve success in their classes here at West Chicago Community High School, and in their path after high school. SRC is offered six periods each day, and class sizes range from 8-14 so that students can receive individualized attention.

In SRC, every student has to write homework in their planner to help them be organized and become better students. The staff emphasizes to students that they need to know how to use time wisely. Students, such as the one pictured above, go through their planners with staff members Beverly Kilgallen, left, and Blanca Ruiz (known as Ms. Blanca), right, each day.

Because a focus on academics is one of the aims of the program, SRC has a no-phone policy for students who are failing two or more classes. Additionally, students know that if they do not have enough self-control to keep the phone out of sight, they will have to put it in the cell phone locker to help them focus on homework.

That said, SRC is a class that understands the needs of the students who are passing their classes and do not have additional homework to complete. Students in that category do have the privilege to be on their phone after a teacher checks their grades and Google Classrooms to double check that the student can use their phone.

The teacher gives the student a laminated sign so the rest of the class and other teachers know that individual is finished with all their work and are on their phone for free time.

SRC also offers two days called W.I.N. Days which stands for Work Independently on your Needs. These two days are Tuesday and Thursday. Students know they have the whole period for just homework, projects, or to study for upcoming tests.

SRC prides itself on relying on social emotional learning to help students succeed not only in academics, but also with their personal mental health. This quarter, the teachers are using a coloring poster with the words ¨Spread Good Vibes” to encourage students to color if they need a mental break or are having a rough day.

“Good vibes attract future tribes,” Ruiz said.

Of course, though, academics are the focus, and one of the conveniences of this program is that students who miss a day of school or need to redo a test/quiz are able to do so in SRC, a fact that is especially helpful for those students who work or need to babysit their siblings and cannot stay after school to complete a test.

Teacher Malko Odishoo also spends time talking about strategies that contribute to student success.

Positive reinforcement is one of the strategies that helps students gain confidence and the skills needed to do well in their classes. Ruiz passes out reward chips to students as a way of motivating them to keep up the hard work.

Students can work with partners who have the same classes or similar subjects. For example, if a student misses a day of school and does not understand the notes, then they work with a partner so they can ready themselves for class. The collaborative environment also benefits students when they prepare for a test because they can help each other better know the unit.

In SRC, a positive attitude is a must.

“Think ‘doubt’ and fail. Think ‘victory’ and succeed,” Odishoo said.

Every Friday, Ruiz checks students’ backpacks to ensure they have an organized bag to ensure increased productivity and increase their academic performance.

Once grades have been tracked and the students are set-up for success, it is time to leave SRC. At the end of the period, the teachers always say goodbye to their students and provide them with encouraging advice.

“Ponte las pilas,” Ruiz said.

“Put on your batteries.”