CUSD #205’s SEL on Wheels program is poised to expand its SEL on Wheels program in memoriam of longtime district employee, Keisha Harris.
SEL on Wheels is a vital aspect of our district’s comprehensive social and emotional learning (SEL) program and represents a partnership with ROE #33’s 21st Century Streaks After Hours Program site at Galesburg High School. SEL on Wheels is a structured program that provides outreach and support to students during after school hours. SEL on Wheels assists students with a myriad of needs, including food insecurity, academic concerns, resource linkage, and social and emotional assistance. Since its inception in 2020 as a response to emerging needs during the pandemic, SEL on Wheels has served over 1,000 students! The schedule and location for services is posted on our district’s social media pages each week, and our students and their families may choose to access this valuable resource in their own neighborhood.
Keisha Harris began serving as a school secretary at Lombard Middle School in 2013. During her tenure in our district, Keisha formed many strong relationships with students. Keisha was a valued member of her school community, and began stocking a special closet for students in need of items such as clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies. Although Keisha passed in 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, her impact on Lombard Middle School remains there, as “Keisha’s Closet” has continued to grow and will continue to provide for its students.
In honor of Keisha’s contribution to our district and everyone she came in contact with, CUSD #205 will brand our new and larger SEL on Wheels vehicle with a “Keisha Cares” logo, including a graphic of a painting that student Lily McNally created in Keisha’s likeness, which is shown above.
This enhancement of SEL on Wheels and transition to the “Keisha Cares” is only possible due to the generous donations of both organizations and individuals within our community. Sincere gratitude is extended to the Lombard Booster Club, the family, fiance, and friends of Keisha Harris, Trinity Lutheran Church, The Galesburg High School Class of 2001, and Lisa Makeever and Ryan Crane, both of whom organized individual fundraisers that resulted in additional donations benefiting this project.
It has been truly inspiring to see so many members of our community come together to give in honor of Keisha’s passion to serve students in our District. Soon every student served by SEL on Wheels will also benefit from Keisha’s legacy of giving at Lombard Middle School.