Big Day
Tomorrow, (June 2nd) our site has been chosen by the Corps to host a consultant to the superintendant. We are one of only two sites picked (the other is an elementary school) to "show off" the impact that AmeriCorps St. Louis members are having in the St. Louis public schools.
Our team found out about this last week, and the last few days we've been preparing for the visit. As a group we feel very honored to be chosen for this distinction as it is recognition for the service we've provided to L'Ouverture this year. That's not to say that other schools haven't been great in their own way, but I think the staff at the office and at our school feel we've really stood out all year in what we've given back to the school.
I'm very excited for this opportunity, because my hope (and the hope of the entire Corps) is that by having a high ranking school district official see what AmeriCorps is capable of in a short time, the district we'll continue to partner with us and perhaps even increase our contract so we can expand the program to more schools in a very troubled district. As it stands currently, there's a chance our education program may be cut significantly by the district, meaning there would be fewer schools that would reap the benefits of having Corps members present. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that the service we provide has a lasting impact not just on the school, but on the community as a whole, and it would be a tragedy if we were unable to continue to make an impact at as many schools as possible.
The other reason our team is amped for this opportunity is that we believe it may be a signal that we are one of the schools being considered as the champion site for the 11th year. While I didn't come to St. Louis for awards, receiving an award for the best team would be something I would be extremely proud. I guess I feel like the award would recognize not what we accomplished individually, but rather recognizes what can be accomplished when you have a team working hard and working together to make a significant impact. Throughout the year, our team has all been striving for excellence, and we continue to try and find ways to improve the environment in the school. Even if we don't end up winning the award, I will be able to walk away at the end of the year, knowing we didn't just make the difference in the lives of a few students, but in the entire school community.
Our team found out about this last week, and the last few days we've been preparing for the visit. As a group we feel very honored to be chosen for this distinction as it is recognition for the service we've provided to L'Ouverture this year. That's not to say that other schools haven't been great in their own way, but I think the staff at the office and at our school feel we've really stood out all year in what we've given back to the school.
I'm very excited for this opportunity, because my hope (and the hope of the entire Corps) is that by having a high ranking school district official see what AmeriCorps is capable of in a short time, the district we'll continue to partner with us and perhaps even increase our contract so we can expand the program to more schools in a very troubled district. As it stands currently, there's a chance our education program may be cut significantly by the district, meaning there would be fewer schools that would reap the benefits of having Corps members present. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that the service we provide has a lasting impact not just on the school, but on the community as a whole, and it would be a tragedy if we were unable to continue to make an impact at as many schools as possible.
The other reason our team is amped for this opportunity is that we believe it may be a signal that we are one of the schools being considered as the champion site for the 11th year. While I didn't come to St. Louis for awards, receiving an award for the best team would be something I would be extremely proud. I guess I feel like the award would recognize not what we accomplished individually, but rather recognizes what can be accomplished when you have a team working hard and working together to make a significant impact. Throughout the year, our team has all been striving for excellence, and we continue to try and find ways to improve the environment in the school. Even if we don't end up winning the award, I will be able to walk away at the end of the year, knowing we didn't just make the difference in the lives of a few students, but in the entire school community.
posted by Tim Weiss at 6:55 PM
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