WCPSS Seeks Partnerships Between Schools and Faith-based Groups
August 20, 2008 - A new partnership between Brentwood Elementary and a North Raleigh church is providing students with some extra support inside the classroom and a facelift on the outside.|
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The partnership, according to Marvin Connelly, WCPSS Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, is an example of the many ways schools and faith communities can work together.
“We are working to recruit more Wake County faith communities to take an active role in helping our children to achieve academic success,” said Connelly. “All faith communities have a common interest in helping our children feel loved and achieve success. There are many ways we can work together.”
In the partnership between Crossroads Fellowship Church and Brentwood Elementary, every student will receive supplies for the entire year. Every staff member will receive Leveled books for their classrooms. Students and staff will also receive a Brentwood T-Shirt for the school’s Spirit Day.
Outside the classroom, the school’s landscaping is getting a new look thanks to the work of church members with Brentwood’s parents, teachers and staff. Landscape architects from the church designed a makeover for the front of the school building and the courtyard. Trees, flowers, shrubs and pine straw, nearly $10,000 worth of materials, were donated by Crossroad Fellowship members.
“Schools need volunteers who can tutor and mentor children,” said Connelly. “We believe members of our faith communities can extend the instruction our teachers provide in the classroom helping students with reading and math. Our community must work together to help all our students graduate on time prepared for the future.”
Brentwood Elementary principal Pamela Johnson said the partnership with Crossroads Fellowship Church is bringing new energy to her campus.
“We’re excited about the landscape changes that will make our campus more attractive,” said Johnson. “We’re especially excited about the impact of the new reading materials and supplies for students that will directly impact learning and teaching.”
With the school system focus on student learning, there are many ways to be involved with schools: to serve as tutors, to help with reading literacy programs, or providing supplies for students or teachers. There are many ways a faith-based organization can partner with a school.
Working with schools gives faith communities the opportunity to help their neighbors.
“We believe our religious leaders and their community will see the important mission work of helping the children who live here,” said Connelly, who is an ordained pastor. “People will be able to show their concern by their work and be an example in showing respect to the many communities of faith we have in Wake County.”
The school system will provide training for faith-based organizations who want to work with WCPSS schools on August 30 at school system offices in Cary to help organizations know what partnerships with schools can look like. Connelly’s office is working to pair up faith-based groups and schools. More information is available by contacting his office at 854-4349.
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