The “Grandparents” are back!
Today this first class of the new TCS High School met their grandparents. Well, they’re not really their biological grandparents, but any student that’s been in the school for the last several years knows who we are talking about. They are the very kind folks from the United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd Church in Hampden. They come to the school every month to show support for the students and the school in many ways. Today they dropped off bags and bags full of needed school supplies. Another month, it may be a lunch or food to stock the pantry shelves or even gifts for the students during the holidays. The group contributes to a scholarship fund for our college students and is a major force behind fundraising for our field trips. They raise all of this money a quarter or a dollar at a time through selling thrift items like clothing and appliances that is provided as a benefit to the community-at-large for a low cost. We are very thankful for them as they are true to their motto – “Love In Action”.
The first full week of class has come to an end and the students shared their feelings very openly in their journals. “This week has been very good for me! This is the first time I have ever looked forward to going to school,” one student wrote. Another described her sense of accomplishment like this, “I love this school! I’ve been getting better at math. I have actually been wanting to read out loud and I usually never read out loud when i am told to. I’m very proud of myself.” Another expressed a new found love of learning with these words, “I feel good about learning. I really do. If I don’t get something that day, i can’t wait to come back the next day to learn it.” “I have only been at this school for a week and have learned a lot of things, about the world and academically,” shared another student. One student described the way school affects her personally with these words, “I feel a lot better about myself now that I’ve been going to school everyday. I kind of feel as though I am at work.” She went on to say, “I feel like my life is finally coming together now that i am attending The Community School.” One student just summed it up with these simple words, “This school is a good fit for me.” This journey is off to a great start!
Tonight was the 1st Sponsor Meeting of the new TCS High School. Each student in the school is required to have at least 2 adult sponsors chosen from among family, neighbors, and friends. All of the students attended along with their sponsors. After introductions, Tom explained the importance of sponsors as not only supporters of their own student, but also as part of the adult network for all of the students in the school. The group reviewed the new student handbook, gave their impressions of the first few days of school, and participated in a question and answer period. The sponsors took on the responsibility for celebrating student’s birthdays, helping with the Joe Corbi fundraiser, and some agreed to help with lunch. The group will meet again on October 16th.
All of the students rated their first day of class between an 8 and a 10! The students were so engaged that it was hard to believe they were all so new. Dave Bayer, stopped in to welcome everyone and bring the best wishes of the Trustees. Even former sponsor and long time supporter of the school. Linda McCauley dropped by to introduce herself and meet the new students. New tutor Sarah Krasnik began working and old friend and tutor Noah Saganski came by for a bit. It was a terrific 1st day!
He had no idea his day was going to end on such a happy note, but when Zackary Austin opened his mail everything took a turn. Inside the envelope were the results of his GED exam and he aced the test earning a Maryland Sate High School Diploma! During his time at The Community School, Zack overcame many personal obstacles and challenges to reach this major life milestone and did it all by the age of 16! He has hopes of going to college for a career in cyber security. Way to go Zack!
The neighborhood students in the after school program at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church on Roland Avenue will have the good fortune of having Sierra Martin working with them during their new school year. After 3 years at The Community School, Sierra is well prepared to assist these students with both her academic knowledge and dedicated work habits. Sierra started out as a volunteer in the summer vacation Bible program and so impressed everyone at the church that she was offered a paid position. Her professionalism there in turn led to this new position. We are very proud of her accomplishments.