Shrieks of laughter rang through the crowded blacktop of McCormick Elementary School in Little Village, echoing off the walls of the century-old building back to the students making the noise. Amid kids with sports equipment and staff monitoring the playground, adults stood scattered throughout the area, playing “Ring Around the Rosie” with children and helping to tie shoes.

Known as parent student advocates, these adults are members of the community — often parents or guardians — brought in to help students with social and emotional growth through Chicago Public Schools’ Sustainable Community School program. The program incorporates community voices into the structure of neighborhood schools, including education and programming.

For students transitioning into being away from parents al

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