About Us

Mission Statement:

JAMES WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL provides a high quality instructional program that includes a comprehensive, standard/research-based curriculum, which challenges students, utilizes effective literacy strategies, and embraces cultural diversity. These best practices, coupled with the use of differentiated instruction, aim to increase the achievement level of all students, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELL), in order to promote continuous progress in an inclusive, least restrictive, and safe environment. We maintain our efforts to develop and address the social and emotional needs of our students through various school-wide initiatives and special opportunities for growth. We also strive to maintain a strong school-home-community relationship.

Vision Statement:

The JAMES WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL believes that all children are entitled to the best possible education. We are committed to ensuring an educationally enriched environment. As a Multicultural School, we respect and embrace diversity and cultural understanding through foreign language education. All children, including students with diverse learning needs, deserve to develop their unique interest, assume responsibility for their learning and work cooperatively to reach their fullest potential and their life goals. Ward School strives to prepare all students to actively and effectively participate in the dynamic global community of the 21st century.

Mr. Lupe Perez

Principal

Dear Ward School’s parents/guardians, staff and students,

It is a great pleasure to introduce myself as the new principal of James Ward Elementary School. I look forward to meeting all of you and working alongside the community. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such a rich legacy of success and so much to be proud of.

My educational career spans 23 years with the Chicago Public Schools. In this time, I served for 11 years as a high school world language teacher and the past 12 years as an assistant principal of an elementary school. I am proud of my accomplishments along the way including building positive
relationships, supporting students’ social-emotional needs, being the administrator directly overseeing and leading the EL program, increasing student achievement results, and ensuring continuous learning for all. I am ecstatic to enter the next phase of my career and dedicate my skills to serve the James Ward School community.

As I embark on the upcoming school year I do so with the highest level of optimism. Please know that I value all stakeholder's input and thus plan on working with parents/guardians, staff, students and the entire Ward community to ensure that our students are safe and learning to their highest
potential. Together we will continue to provide experiences that are rigorous, relevant and with relationships based on trust to prepare them for their future endeavors.

As your new principal it is important to me to greet everyone who enters the school with the utmost respect. Please know that I have an open door policy and I want you to feel free to contact me to discuss any concerns you may have or any points you would like to share. Let us always keep our
students the primary focus of our work. I look forward to our work together in the years to come and establishing a team committed to the Ward School Community.

To our students, I cannot wait to meet you all! I hope that you are as excited as I am for this coming school year and that you are out this summer playing and enjoying yourselves with your family and friends. It is going to be a fun year of learning together. Please stay safe and have a great summer.

For Chinese and Spanish click Mr. Perez Introduction.

Sincerely,
Mr. Pérez
Principal
James Ward School

Patricia Haas

Ms. Patricia
Haas
Asst. Principal

Dear James Ward Parents, Guardians, and Students,

My name is Patricia Haas, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal of James Ward Elementary School. It is an honor to join such a dedicated and vibrant school community, and I am eager to work alongside you to support our students' growth and success.

With a background in education in CPS that spans 25 years, I have had the privilege of working in various roles that have prepared me for this exciting opportunity. My experiences as a classroom teacher, diverse learner teacher, and most recently, as a lead instructional coach, have equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and joys of elementary education. I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and your children. I believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential for our students' success, and I am committed to fostering open communication and collaboration. I welcome your ideas, feedback, and involvement as we work together to make this year a positive and enriching experience for all.

Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or 773-534-9050 if you have any questions, concerns, or just to introduce yourself. I am here to support you and your child in any way I can. Together, we can create a wonderful learning environment where every student can thrive.

Thank you for welcoming me into the James Ward Elementary School family. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to meeting you soon.

Warm regards,

Patricia Haas
Assistant Principal
James Ward Elementary School