On February 13th, 2025, the halls of Pasteur Elementary School were filled with pride, laughter, and a powerful sense of unity as Parent Mentors with the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) gathered for their Parent Mentor Spirit Week Rally. The celebration brought together Parent Mentors, Coordinators, and Organizers to honor the commitment, growth, and resilience that define their work in schools across Chicago’s southwest side.
Spirit Week holds a special place within the Parent Mentor Program. It is a dedicated time for Parent Mentors to reflect on what they have accomplished throughout the year, work toward completing important goals, and reconnect with the purpose behind their efforts. Day after day, Parent Mentors pour their energy into supporting students academically and emotionally. Spirit Week creates space to celebrate that dedication and to remind mentors of the collective impact they are making.
Over the years, Spirit Week has inspired meaningful projects that extend far beyond the classroom. Parent Mentors have built Little Free Libraries to encourage reading and book sharing among neighbors, revitalized school spaces with new furnishings to create more welcoming environments for students, and even organized block party–style celebrations that brought families and communities together. Each project reflects the creativity, care, and leadership that Parent Mentors bring to their roles.
The rally at Pasteur Elementary continued that tradition of celebration and reflection. Parent Mentors from Peck, Azuela, Monarcas, Sawyer, and Pasteur came together, representing different schools but sharing the same commitment to uplifting young people. The gathering created a space for mentors to connect, share stories, and recognize one another’s journeys.
A particularly meaningful moment came as several Parent Mentors were recognized for earning their Paraprofessional Licenses—a major milestone that represents both personal achievement and expanded opportunity to continue serving students in even greater capacities. Their accomplishment stood as a testament to the program’s role in creating pathways not only for student success, but for parent leadership and professional growth.
Throughout the rally, the energy in the room reflected what it truly means to be a Parent Mentor: resilient in the face of challenges, strong in their commitment to students, and united in their belief in the power of community.
