Posts Tagged ‘Community Schools’ (Feed)

 

Bridging the Digital Divide at The Children’s Aid Society – October 23rd, 2009

Many of us remember the days when we used to write our school essays in painstakingly neat longhand….or spending the night two-finger typing on the old electric typewriter! Well, those days seem to be gone forever. In the digital era we now live in, our children can’t imagine what it would be like to function in a B.P.C. (Before Personal Computers) world!

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But Children’s Aid Society students do not typically have access to a home computer. Our community schools give these economically disadvantaged kids full exposure to technology by enabling them to not only learn how to use computers, but also to advance themselves in many computer-related skills.  Thanks to our technology centers and dedicated team of professionals, Children’s Aid is able to arm students with the computer knowledge and the skill set needed to compete and succeed in this technologically advanced world of ours.

On Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the Frederick Douglass Center is home to the innovative Intel Computer Clubhouse, a creative space where students learn all aspects of computing – from exploring the Internet to learning about 3-D modeling, multimedia, digital music recording and even animation. It’s a fabulous environment for kids to become computer literate and to be inspired to explore technology-specific careers, in fields like engineering, computer programming, architecture, and film animation. Through this exposure to the world of high tech, our students quickly learn that there are endless opportunities for them out there – all within their grasp.  Knowledge is a powerful thing!

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H1N1 Immunizations for all Youth in New York City Schools – October 16th, 2009

scopeWe have all heard about the H1N1 strain of flu, the so called Swine Flu, and its possible impact on New York City schools this fall. Preparation is key to prevention, and the New York City Department of Education reports that each of the city’s 1,500 public schools, including those Community Schools operated by Children’s Aid, started the year with an influenza-prevention campaign. This included posters and classroom instruction on “the basics”: covering your coughs with your elbow, and the ever-importance of washing of hands. Often. Parents were also to receive written reminders to keep their children home when they’re sick.

The New York City Health Department is also working with schools, parents and communities to minimize the spread of H1N1 among children and teachers. Key objectives include getting children vaccinated, and New York City, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced that the city will offer free flu vaccines to elementary school students. (scheduled to begin in October).

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New York City was the first large U.S. city to be hit hard when the H1N1 virus first surfaced last spring, when hundreds of children in the city were sickened by the disease. At the Children’s Aid Society, we know that school attendance is a predictor for future successes, and keeping children healthy is always a major challenge.

Vaccinations have been one of the most important health advances in history, reports the New York Times. The free vaccinations provided to the more than one million New York City School District students will mostly be a nasal mist, rather than a shot, according to the AP. Along with basic common sense prevention, we’ll be able to make a difference!

Correction:  Thanks to our Facebook friend Janay Bouroughs, we have changed the flu name to the correct name, H1N1.

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No Comments By David

Children’s Aid Society After School Programs Help Teach and Mentor Kids In Need – September 16th, 2009

blueshirtThe Children’s Aid Society knows it: once school is out each day, there is much more work to do in order to keep youth directed towards academic, social and cultural learning. After-School programs at The Children’s Aid Society’s Community Schools and Centers provide fantastic opportunities for kids to excel after 3:00 p.m., where our holistic approach is used to address all of the child’s needs. And it’s fun!

After-school programs run in 21 community schools and all eight Children’s Aid community centers, serving hundreds of elementary school-aged children in Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Offering a safe haven for children in some of the city’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, the kids can focus on school work as well as discover their many hidden talents.

Homework assistance is available for children who need it, and recreational activities such as basketball do more than break a sweat – they team kids up with mentors who serve as role models, providing invaluable emotional support. The Children’s Aid Society is caspiratesalso a founding member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and virtually every Children’s Aid site operates as a Boys & Girls Club.

You want more? Children can learn tactics, strategies, and problem solving while developing an appreciation for chess at the Philip Coltoff Center in Greenwich Village. And children from 9-12 years old interested in the performing arts take part in voice and articulation, dance, choreography and acting at the Rhinelander Center Stage Club.

The opportunities provided by Children’s Aid go on and on, and the skills the students develop are priceless; click here for information on volunteering opportunities!

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3 Comments By David

Through the Lens of a George Lucas video… Why Community Schools Work – September 14th, 2009

“Public education is the foundation of our democracy –
the stepping-stones for our youth to reach their full potential.”
– George Lucas

The reason why The Children’s Aid Society’s Community Schools work so well according to considerable research – and common sense – is that children flourish when the important influences in their lives, like family, teachers, coaches, and mentors, all band together to help a child.  Teaching children to be mindful of their health through education and recreational exercise like sports and dance, while also being respectful of their mind through academic studies, trade, arts and music instruction – are all part of the community school strategy. It is also how The Children’s Aid Society has operated for over 150 years.

A film crew from the George Lucas Educational Foundation spent time at a Children’s Aid Community School, Intermediate School 218 (IS218) in Washington Heights, creating a nine-minute video illustrating the successful implementation of this powerful strategy.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4724771066004756835

The “virtual site visit” highlights the school’s comprehensive instructional program – a combination of educational, recreational and social services.

IS 218 is a public intermediate school designed, from the very beginning, to meet the needs of the entire community. Their extraordinary after-school program, for children and adults alike, is a dynamic model for other community schools to follow suit. The Children’s Aid Society’s Assistant Executive Director for Community Schools, Jane Quinn, agrees: “When I first came to this school, I noticed two things. I noticed that the children seemed happy and I noticed that there were a lot of extra adults around, and I wanted to know what was happening here and how we could make it happen in more places.”

Community schools do work, thanks to the dedication and commitment of an entire team of players and supporters – all inspired by one common goal: to help children develop and grow into productive members of the community.

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Children’s Aid NYC Goes Fresh in NYC! – September 9th, 2009

fresh1Food, glorious food!  It’s amazing how easy it really is to get children excited about healthy, organic food!   Bring them to the farmer’s market, encourage them to grow their own window sill herb garden, or teach them how to cook a meal from scratch – the bright colors, fresh smells and wonderful flavors will stimulate their senses and you’re giving junk food a run for its money!  You may be shaking fresh2your head in disbelief but, at The Children’s Aid Society in New York, we’ve seen this green mania with our own eyes!

At our community schools throughout the city, we teach children and their parents all about good nutrition.  We challenge them to try it out and, much to their surprise they learn that healthful food actually tastes good!  At a youth green market in East Harlem, Children’s Aid’s kids are even sharing tips on nutrition, food prep and recipes.  And these youth green markets are popping up all over. In July 2008, The Children’s Aid Society launched the South Bronx Youthmarket.  fresh3

We operate these markets in close collaboration with the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC) to bring fresh, delicious and healthful foods to families in low-income communities,  and showing children where their food comes from and how. The markets are run by the students themselves, at their school.  The kids are eager to learn and to taste!  Suddenly, that bag of preservative-filled potato chips seems less appetizing to them.  And, of course, that’s the idea.

And, every so often, a master chef is born. Just check out some of the culinary delights made by our very own young Next Generation Caterers. Bon Appétit!

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Children's Aid Society Community School Student has the "Right Stuff" – September 7th, 2009

NASA SpaceSome kids are destined to be doctors and lawyers but according to Global Friendship through Space (GFTSE) Henry Bonilla, a rising 8th grader at the Mirabal Sisters Campus a Children’s Aid Society Community School, is “most likely to become an astronaut.” Henry’s outstanding participation in GFTSE’s International Space Camp Program has earned him the highest honor bestowed upon a camper– The Right Stuff Award.  This award is presented to one camper during each six day International Space Camp session who has displayed the characteristics of a future space explorer. The term “right stuff” was coined during the early days of NASA’s astronaut selection program to indicate an individual having the qualities needed to become an astronaut.

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New York’s Children’s Aid Society serving Children: Our Community Partners Make it all Happen! – August 7th, 2009

The Children’s Aid Society in New York could not flourish without all the community agencies and organizations that it works with. These partnerships ensure that our services are as complete, accessible and effective as possible – helping to stretch our resources. Working with our partners allows for innovation in our programs as we benefit from the experiences of others.

One great example is our community schools.  Our leading partner is the New York City Department of Education. This year there are also over 100 partners in this effort, bringing fabulous results.  Leading examples include Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theatre, and Michael cas87Roberts restaurant. For more information about community schools, please visit us here.

We are also founding members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA) and are working more closely than ever with the Clubs’ local, state, regional and national staffs. One partnership with B&GCA is at our Dunlevy Milbank Center: the B&GCA was the recipient of the largest gift made to date by Microsoft, bringing its latest hardware and software to children using our cutting-edge facility.

There are far too many partners to name individually, but our community partners include city, county, state and federal agencies and departments; hospitals; health providers; colleges and university graduate schools of social work, nursing, medicine and education; mental health providers; community development groups; service societies; parents groups; police groups; youth-serving agencies; child and family welfare coalitions; school boards; housing alliances; food cooperatives; and scores of other agencies, businesses, church groups, professional associations, task forces and volunteers.  Lots of Volunteers!

And any list of partners with the Children’s Aid Society would also not be complete without acknowledging the support of thousands of donors that help finance these important programs, helping bring brighter futures to so many youth at risk! To learn more about donations, visit us here.

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No Comments By David

Teens Talk Education with Children's Aid NYC and the New York City Council, Department of Education – July 31st, 2009

On Tuesday, May 19th approximately 60 teens met with representatives of the New York City Council, Department of Education administrators and Children’s Aid Society staff at the 2009 Teen Town Hall on Education, appropriately titled “Cut the Cutting,” held at the Adam Clayton Powell Building in Harlem. They discussed issues affecting their education such as truancy, overcrowding, school closings and safety. “I don’t think adults do enough of this which is listen to young people” said Katherine Eckstein, Director of Public Policy at the Children’s Aid Society. These teen leaders from Bronx and Washington Heights community schools provided recommendations on possible solutions to issues that impact their daily school experiences.Teens-Talk-Education

One recommendation is that students be held accountable for supplies and furniture by requiring deposits on books, fundraising for new furniture and clean desks. The teens on the council also recognized the need for improvement in staff and programming. They recommended training for security officers, adding “specialty teachers” who teach career specific classes and programs that help build supportive relationships between students and staff.

As members of the Youth Council, the teens have had months of discussions and research in teen leadership groups where they are encouraged to become advocates for their communities. Their own experiences served as a platform to discuss these obstacles and develop potential solutions. Listening to these teens share their stories brings to light how critical the school environment is to the educational experience and the effects it has on education quality and dropout rates.

These recommendations have been sent to the Department of Education administrators and elected officials who were not able to attend the event. What’s next for these teens? The young people who coordinated the teen town hall will be interning this summer with elected officials in city council, state assembly and the state senate and others have jobs working with the kids in summer camps.

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1 Comment By Giany

A Holistic Approach to Keeping Bullies at Bay – July 3rd, 2009

As any student, teacher or parent knows, bullying can have a huge impact in the way students view the school environment. The news that next month the American Academy of Pediatrics will revise their policies on the pediatrician’s role in youth violence to include a section on bullying, gives weight to the idea that bullying is an issue that needs to be dealt with on all levels, including Children's Aid Societymedically.

Children’s Aid uses a holistic approach to combat bullying in schools. Each of The Children’s Aid Society’s 21 New York City Community Schools offer social work and/or mental health services, as do our 6 community centers. According to the New York Times, The American Academy of Pediatrics’ new policy statement emphasizes the importance of the watchful eye of a physician. When both the medical and mental health are integrated into schools, as they are in The Children’s Aid Society Community School model, school officials can provide immediate attention for suffering kids, the bullied or the bully.

Activating the bystanders and empowering students to speak up about bullying is the model of Norwegian professor Dan Olweus that is recommended in the revised American Academy of Pediatrics policy and exactly what The Children’s Aid Society gives support to. Events such as the recent Bronx Youth Council conference on violence allow the students themselves to discuss these issues and foster an environment of community responsibility. In February at the 5th annual Youth Speak Out on Education, described the effects of bullying and ways to combat it. Encouraging and open dialogue about bullying, allows students to guide each other on how to deal with bullies, either on the more obvious personal level or when they see it around them, making a more accountable community.

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No Comments By Caroline

Recognize President Obama's National Health Care Day of Service – June 26th, 2009

During President Barack Obama’s National Health Care Day of Service on Saturday June 27th, please keep in mind that currently, of the 2.6 million New Yorkers without insurance, 400,000 are children.

The Children’s Aid Society is working hard to decrease that number through our Health Care Access Program. This program assists New York City children and families with the complicated task of enrolling in and accessing their state provided health insurance. The Children’s Aid Society employs Facilitated Enrollers, people who are specially trained assist in this process and tirelessly help the uninsured until they have secured an adequate health plan. health-care-day-of-service-photo

Facilitated Enrollers are particularly necessary because many of the families in the communities we serve are immigrants or non-English-speaking New Yorkers; the language barrier makes the already complex application procedure even more challenging. Facilitated Enrollers, or FEs, provide culturally sensitive outreach and enrollment services in more than 40 languages.

A huge part of why HCAP is able to reach and gain the trust of many uninsured families is the integral role that The Children’s Aid Society already plays in their lives. The Children’s Aid Society provides school-based health services in Community Schools in Harlem and Washington Heights, in addition to serving the wider community with three community health centers, so that health care can be convenient as well as affordable for New York City families.

All children in New York City deserve adequate medical care and the Children’s Aid Society works toward this goal. At Children’s Aid, every day is a Health Care Day of Service.

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No Comments By Caroline
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