Student Services
student services
The vision of CICS Northtown Academy’s Student Services department is to provide a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program that supports students in their journey towards success and achieving their goals. We do this by collaborating with all stakeholders in our school and in the community. At CICS Northtown, we appreciate each student’s unique strengths and experiences and recognize the importance of addressing each student’s academic, career, personal, and social needs. It is our goal to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young adults who will become successful contributors to a global and rapidly changing society.
The mission of CICS Northtown Academy’s Student Services department is to support all students’ academic success, social-emotional growth, and post-secondary attainment. With an appreciation for students’ diverse backgrounds, we empower students to explore their passions, build confidence, and become responsible citizens and lifelong learners.
Every year, students should review the graduation requirements and their report cards to determine which credits are completed and which are remaining. Students will meet with their counselor to plan for the upcoming school year and register for classes.
Curriculum Map
meet The TEAM
Our Student Services Team includes 4 school counselors and 2 social workers. Read more about the differences between school counselors and school social workers, and meet the team below:
School Counselors
Lisa Kane
She/Her
10-12th Grades:
Last Names: A-Da
9th Grade:
Advisories 103, 113, 119
Doris Askharia
She/Her
10-12th Grades:
Last Names: De-Khem
9th Grade:
Advisories 201, 203
Michelle Boyle
She/Her
10-12th Grades:
Last Names: Khen-Pe
9th Grade:
Advisories 106, 115
Hannah Klegon
She/Her
10-12th Grades:
Last Names: Ph-Z
9th Grade:
Advisories 208, Library
School Social Workers
Amanda Diaz
She/Her
9th and 12th Grades
10th and 11th Grades
course catalog & registration information
CICS Northtown Academy strives to ensure students take classes that meet graduation requirements, college admission guidelines, and/or career pathways.
Explore our course catalog, learn about registration timelines, and more.
dual credit and dual enrollment
The Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment program allows students to take FREE college classes for both college and high school credit while in high school. This program not only allows students to explore potential career interests, but it also helps students graduate from college faster and for less money! Dual Credit courses are college classes taught at CICS Northtown by approved staff, and Dual Enrollment courses are college classes students complete online or on college campus.
CCC Early College Website
CCC Dual Credit & Dual Enrollment Paperwork
RTW English Placement Test Preparation Information
Dual Enrollment 101 Video
How to Complete the CCC Online Application Video
How to Search the CCC Course Catalog Video
How to Pick the Right CCC Class Video
How to Complete the CCC Enrollment Card Video
CCC Star Scholarship
Post-Secondary Planning: College and Careers
We are committed to helping each student feel confident and prepared for life after graduation. Visit our Post-Secondary Planning page to explore college and career resources, internship opportunities, navigate the college application process, and learn more about options for life after high school.
testing
The ACT and Pre-ACT
Per the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the high school assessment graduation requirement has been changed from the SAT to the ACT, beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Students in grade 11, and grade 12 as required, will participate in the ACT with Writing which includes tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing. Students in grade 9 will participate in the PreACT 9 Secure and those in grade 10 will participate in the PreACT Secure, each of which includes tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. School staff will administer these assessments online.
Accommodations and EL supports are available. Scores from the administration of the ACT with Writing (if taken with ACT Standard Time or ACT-approved accommodations) can be used by students for a variety of purposes including college admission, scholarships, and NCAA eligibility.
The ACT with Writing is offered in the spring of students’ junior year at NTA during the school day, for free. If students wish to register for an additional test date, they may sign up for a Saturday test administration on ACT.org. A fee waiver may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please email your school counselor for more information.
The SAT
Although the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is no longer using the SAT to satisfy students’ assessment graduation requirement, students are welcome to take the SAT in addition to the ACT as a college admissions entrance exam. Students who wish to take the SAT may register on their own. The SAT is offered on Saturdays at a number of local high schools, but not at Northtown Academy. Visit collegeboard.org for dates and deadlines, and to register to take the SAT exam. Fee waivers are available to applicable students. Please email your school counselor for more information.
Test information from the College Board
Khan Academy SAT Test Prep
The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy
The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy program aims to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. Students must demonstrate proficiency in the four language domains — reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This award is intended to include students who speak a language other than English at home as well as those who are completing a course of study in a world language through high school. The Seal of Biliteracy test is offered at Northtown Academy, for free, during qualifying students’ senior year. Students choose to take this test, and information is provided yearly by our Multilingual Education Coordinator. For more information, please contact Ms. Rebecca Glaser at
rglaser@meridiancharterschools.org
ISBE Illinois Seal of Biliteracy
transcript requests
Current Students
Students will request official transcripts to be sent to colleges and scholarship programs through SchooLinks. Once colleges are added to SchooLinks and an application is submitted, counselors automatically complete any additional Common Application student forms and send official high school transcripts. Mid-year transcripts are sent after first semester grades are finalized in PowerSchool. If a student requires an official transcript for a summer program, employment, or specific scholarship not in SchooLinks, they may email their counselor. Please allow 2-3 business days for transcripts to be sent.
Former Students
For inquiries regarding transcripts, please email emedina@meridiancharterschools.org. In your email, please provide the student’s name, the years they attended Northtown Academy and a contact phone number. A member of the school staff will reply to you directly.
service learning
In order to graduate from Northtown Academy, students are required to complete 2 service projects during their ninth through twelfth grade years. Below is a list of organizations that students have partnered with in the past, however you may complete community service at an organization of your choosing. Ten hours of community service equals one project. Students will complete one service project as a part of Civics or AP Government class. Their second service project will need to be completed independently. Multiple opportunities exist at NTA through clubs and participation in schoolwide activities such as CultureFest and Freshman Peer Guides.
If you have any questions, reach out to Ms. Klegon at hklegon@cicsnorthtown.org for more information.
Service Learning Through Club Participation
Participation in select clubs at CICS Northtown may count toward the completion of your Service Learning requirements. We encourage you to review the eligible clubs to determine which opportunities align with your goals.
Chicago Food Banks
You will pack food into boxes for people who need them. If you are under 16 years of age a parent or guardian needs to go with you.
Red Cross Youth Volunteer
Options include, recruiting for a local blood drive, volunteer to assist at a blood drive, making thank you cards for blood donors, or donating blood if you are at least 16 years old.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity has a variety of youth programs that allow students to give back to their communities, learn about living conditions and housing, and build new skills to benefit themselves and others.
Humane Society
Volunteers strengthen their knowledge of animal protection issues while advancing the animal protection priorities of Humane World for Animals via phone banking. Volunteers place phone calls to supporters and voters around the country to support our legislative priorities and ballot initiatives.
PAWS Chicago
Junior Volunteers have an opportunity to help homeless pets through our Family Service Program. In this program, volunteers under 18 years of age can volunteer with a parent or legal guardian.
Chicago Cares
From hands-on projects to virtual service, Chicago Cares’ volunteer programs allow Chicagoans to challenge their assumptions about Chicago and build community with neighbors. The regularly update their website with new opportunities.
Feed My Starving Children
Turn hunger into hope with your own two hands by packing nutritious meals for hungry children around the world.
The Anti-Cruelty Society
The Anti-Cruelty Society offers a variety of programs for youth volunteers. With a mission of building a healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together, Anti-Cruelty increases access to adoptions, veterinary care, community outreach services, humane education, and serves 20,000 pets and people annually.
Share Our Space
Volunteer activities involve sorting, quality checking, and bundling brand-new and gently-used children’s essentials. This can look like sorting and wrapping loose diapers, making clothing kits for parents and babies to serve 1 individual for a week, packing diaper orders, organizing our bookshelf, nursing supplies, or whatever the need may be that day.
Bernie’s Book Bank
Help empower local children through book ownership. In addition to donating books, volunteers can help sort, sticker, and pack books for the children we serve.
Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Making cards for CFHK is a simple, yet meaningful, way to make a difference in the lives of hospitalized kids. Using our card-making guidelines, volunteers can make cards and then send them to CFHK for distribution in hospitals.
Work on a SciStarter Citizen Science Campaign
These projects allow citizens from all walks of life to advance scientific research. Find volunteer opportunities that match topics you’re curious or concerned about.
Points of Light
There are thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the world just waiting for the right volunteer to step up. Start where you are, when you can, with the passions you already possess.
school & student resources
At CICS Northtown, we want our students and families to know they are safe and supported. We’re here to support our students and families every step of the way. Below, you’ll find a variety of helpful resources. If you have any questions or need additional support, don’t hesitate to contact our Student Services team.
School Based Resources
TITLE IX Resources and Reporting Process
Sexual Misconduct CICS Student Handbook (pg 27-28)
Bullying Resources and Reporting Process
Mental Health, Community, and Immigration Resources
Community Counseling and Hotline Phone Numbers
CPS Mental Health Resources
CPS LGBTQ+ Supportive Environment Resources
CPS Immigration Resource
Guidance and Resources Regarding New Presidential Administration
ICCR Palm Card
Know Your Rights and Resources
Immigration resource that includes how to communicate with law enforcement and make an emergency family plan.
Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS)
In an effort to provide improved coordination in the delivery of mental health services to youth, Illinois developed the Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis. Learn more by clicking here.
To report someone experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the CARES line at 1-800-345-9049.
Food Banks
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Find a food pantry, apply for food and medical benefits, and explore additional support for families
Catholic Charities of Chicago
Across Cook and Lake counties, food pantries operated by Catholic Charities and parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago are open and offering food to anyone in need.
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Works with over 900 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and soup kitchens who distribute perishable and non perishable foods that you can choose from based on your dietary needs. Find one local to you.
Nourishing Hope
Get food, learn about mental wellness, and learn about social services.
Heating and Cooling Centers
Students with Disabilities (IEP and 504 Plans)
The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is an agency provided to students with IEPs and 504 plans. DRS supports students with financial assistance in college or job assistance. A referral is necessary to receive these services prior to a student’s 2nd semester of their Senior year.
UPDATED DRS Referral Packet Parent (ENG)
For Students Under the Age Of 18 or Whose Parent(s) Have Legal Guardianship
UPDATED DRS Referral Packet Parent (span)
Para Estudiantes Menores De 18 Años O Cuyos Padres Tienen La Tutela Legal De Ellos
UPDATED DRS Referral Packet adult student (ENG)
For Students 18 Years or Older and Who Are Their Own Legal Guardian
UPDATED DRS Referral Packet adult student (span)
Para Estudiantes Mayores De 18 Años Quienes Tienen Su Propia Tutela Legal
Students who receive accommodations through their 504 Plan or IEP in high school can also get services in college, but you have to follow a special process. Learn more here.
