Susan Solis, development and volunteer coordinator with Gordon Parks Elementary School, will share information and answer questions about the needs of the school’s students at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, in Luther Hall. Please plan to be there!
Susan’s visit is in response to a common concern about factors that diminish the well-being of children in local elementary schools (see story above.) Based on information we learn from Susan, the goal will be to identify how we can work together to improve the well-being of Gordon Parks students.
Acting on the conviction that every child has promise, Gordon Parks Elementary provides an enriched individualized academic program, particularly for at-risk urban students. Serving more than 200 children in grades K-5, the public charter school was named after the groundbreaking African-American photographer who proudly endorsed the school’s mission.
About 95 percent of Gordon Parks students live at or below the poverty level, about 17 percent qualify for special education classes, and far too many are pained by broken families or exposure to violence in their homes or neighborhoods. Despite these challenges, Gordon Parks students inspire with their intelligence, creativity and determination to learn.
As a charter school, Gordon Parks receives public funding. But to maintain small classes, holistic curriculum and intensive support services, it also depends on the generosity and dedication of donors and volunteers.
-- Linda Fewell, Immanuel Organizing Committee
