Palatine High School will be taking a district-leading step toward reshaping academic support with the launch of ‘Crew Connect.’ This new weekly academic support program aims to give students structured and targeted access to help.

“Crew Connect is really designed to kind of carve out time during the day so students and teachers can connect in a timely fashion and in a way that’s equitable across our community,” Associate Principal Kimberly Glaser said.

Starting in Feb, on Wednesdays, all class periods will be shortened by five minutes, allowing for a 33-minute block directly built into the school day. This provides convenient access to support without students having to rely on lunches or time outside of school.

Through Crew Connect, students can select guidance spaces to meet with specific teachers or attend organized workshops via a program on their iPads. 

If students do not choose a session, they will be assigned to a small-group academic support or enrichment space. 

While freshmen and sophomores will always be assigned to academic support spaces, juniors and seniors can choose between academic support, a quiet study area, or a mindfulness break. 

The core value of the program is not to introduce new content but to reinforce existing learning. Teachers contribute by solidifying key skills, clarifying concepts, and preparing students for assessments. Moreover, Student Services staff will have the ability to coordinate college application workshops, career planning sessions, and scholarship guidance.

“There’s quite a bit of research, specifically post-COVID, that targeted, intentional tutoring is the greatest intervention that students need to achieve success,” English Department Chair Elizabeth Sheehan said.

Sheehan noted that schools using similar academic support blocks reported higher GPAs, improved attendance, and success in advanced coursework. 

While comparable models exist in more than 40 schools across Illinois, Palatine High School is the first within District 211. As the program pilots in the coming months, staff and administration will closely monitor progress, make adjustments, and work to quantify its impact on students.

Parents and students are expected to receive an email this week detailing what to expect and how to maximize their Crew Connect experience