Charleston Promise Neighborhood

CPN students engaged in a 1900’s classroom setting

The Literacy Outreach Initiative at the College of Charleston hosted a field trip for 3^rd and 4^th graders from Charleston Promise Neighborhood schools: Chicora School of Communications, Mary Ford Elementary, James Simons and Sanders-Clyde Creative Arts School.  Students enjoyed an admissions presentation, tour of campus and the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, before breaking up into groups to focus more the unique historical and cultural heritage of African Americans in Charleston and the Lowcountry.  Specifically, students learned of the story of escaped slave couple Ellen and William Craft.  The students’ trip culminated with a scavenger hunt that engaged them in the Gullah Culture and the importance of preserving history in our communities.

This month we launched our Teach For America (TFA) Mentoring Program, by hosting a celebration welcoming our TFA teachers and introducing them to their mentors. The TFA Mentoring Program is designed to provide the framework for relationship-building between CPN donors and TFA teachers through exchanges of professional experiences, networking opportunities, socializing, and the creation of opportunities for information-sharing. These efforts will support TFA’s mission of leadership and bring increased enthusiasm to Charleston Promise Neighborhood schools.

Passion and spirit filled the room with committed teachers and lifelong friends, who share the same focus of closing the achievement gap in the four CPN schools. TFA teachers and CPN donors gathered and shared stories and experiences on a personal level. This will be the first of many gatherings between mentors and mentees where they will grow personally and professionally!

Sanders-Clyde students and parents gathered before sunrise to promote safety in the community

Sanders- Clyde’s PTA participated in the international “Walk to School” day on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.  It was a great opportunity to meet parents, students, teachers, community members and community partners to share with them how healthy it is to walk to school, and to educate the children on how to walk to school safely.  This would benefit our children because day light savings time will be happening soon, and they will be walking while it is still dark.  “What impressed me the most was the fathers walking their daughters to school.  What a beautiful site to see.  Although, we were small in number, we were big with spirit,” said Nakisha Scott, Program Assistant, Charleston Promise Neighborhood.

CPN would like to thank the PTA team, teachers, parents, kids, community members and community partners for making this event a success. Special thanks to Mrs. Gail Blair, and Ratrina Johnson for chairing the event, and Mrs. Curnell from the Gator Café for supplying us with delicious healthy fruits.

Great Job PTA Team keep up the good work.