When Nichole was in grade 9, she had severe back problems. She missed more school then she was allowed to but received doctor’s notes for justification. In some US states, students need to receive up to 4 “credits” between grades 7 and 9 to be granted entry into high school and begin grade 10. Nichole received 3.5 credits…
After a few months in grade 10, Nichole was called into the high school counsellor’s office. This counsellor informed Nichole that she was revoking her 3.5 credits since she had missed too many school days in grade 9. Nichole argued that the doctor’s notes were provided. The doctor’s notes were not on file and Nichole’s mother hadn’t kept them in a safe place. According to the counsellor, if Nichole wanted to stay in school, she had to prove the reason behind the absences.
Nichole was faced with peer pressures and influences. Some days, she wouldn’t go to school because there were no clean clothes. Some days, she went to school to be picked on because of tattered clothing or out-of-style clothes. Nichole was too embarrassed to bring any friends home for fear of finding her mother drunk. Food was scarce, and certainly wasn’t healthy.
When she realized that there was no way to recover the missing doctor’s notes; Nichole dropped out of high school… With what surrounded her, and the challenges she faced just to be in school, she didn't see a good ending to staying (or trying to stay) in school.
There are days now, when Nichole’s nephews are given permission to stay home because their mother (Penny) is too tired to get up and get them ready. What will happen to them when it is time for them to go to high school?
I'd like to introduce you to Sandra McBrayer . In 1987, Ms. McBrayer founded and developed the first successful school in the United States for homeless and unattended youth, serving as head teacher for the Homeless Outreach School (now known as Monarch High School) in San Diego until 1996.
You need to check out the Monarch School; the evolution of the school Sandra McBrayer founded. Please go through this Website and get to know the school. Monarch School provides the basics, the education and the programs. Their program recognizes all the issues that people who are homeless or living in poverty face, including abuse, hunger, and no place to take a simple shower. Their program provides equal education to their students; many of whom graduate and get scholarships to continue their studies. Their programs also provide assistance after graduation, and provide additional "normal events" such as birthday parties or graduation ceremonies. Kids are allowed to be kids...
After a few months in grade 10, Nichole was called into the high school counsellor’s office. This counsellor informed Nichole that she was revoking her 3.5 credits since she had missed too many school days in grade 9. Nichole argued that the doctor’s notes were provided. The doctor’s notes were not on file and Nichole’s mother hadn’t kept them in a safe place. According to the counsellor, if Nichole wanted to stay in school, she had to prove the reason behind the absences.
Nichole was faced with peer pressures and influences. Some days, she wouldn’t go to school because there were no clean clothes. Some days, she went to school to be picked on because of tattered clothing or out-of-style clothes. Nichole was too embarrassed to bring any friends home for fear of finding her mother drunk. Food was scarce, and certainly wasn’t healthy.
When she realized that there was no way to recover the missing doctor’s notes; Nichole dropped out of high school… With what surrounded her, and the challenges she faced just to be in school, she didn't see a good ending to staying (or trying to stay) in school.
There are days now, when Nichole’s nephews are given permission to stay home because their mother (Penny) is too tired to get up and get them ready. What will happen to them when it is time for them to go to high school?
I'd like to introduce you to Sandra McBrayer . In 1987, Ms. McBrayer founded and developed the first successful school in the United States for homeless and unattended youth, serving as head teacher for the Homeless Outreach School (now known as Monarch High School) in San Diego until 1996.
You need to check out the Monarch School; the evolution of the school Sandra McBrayer founded. Please go through this Website and get to know the school. Monarch School provides the basics, the education and the programs. Their program recognizes all the issues that people who are homeless or living in poverty face, including abuse, hunger, and no place to take a simple shower. Their program provides equal education to their students; many of whom graduate and get scholarships to continue their studies. Their programs also provide assistance after graduation, and provide additional "normal events" such as birthday parties or graduation ceremonies. Kids are allowed to be kids...
Monarch School is the only one of its kind in North America… Their mantra: to restore hope and unleash dreams. This is one idea I would love to see expanded more broadly throughout. Imagine the impact of such a school in the Bronx, or in the “Jane and Finch” neighbourhood of Toronto.
I say it’s time to create a new version of “Butterfly Gardens”…
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment