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"Our school is like any other school; we are about educating the whole child."
Imagine that you are a child who has experienced very frightening times at home and you have come to our shelter in a police car with your mom. Then imagine being asked to leave your mom at the shelter and go off to school, possibly your neighborhood school. Children cannot learn when they feel frightened. Those who have experienced violence at home need extra attention at school. With our on-site school, I am able to provide one-on-one academic assistance and some much needed tender, loving care.
The 2015-2016 school year is off to a great start! My students' energy for learning is so contagious and fun. It's easy to see how secure children feel by being in the same building as their mom. Additionally, our on-site children's therapist helps them cope with the insecurities of their situation. Because my students feel more comfortable and safe coming to school here, they can concentrate better on their academics. Most students enter our school a year or two behind in their grade level and the improvements they make here are positive and encouraging.
Our school is like any other school; we are about educating the whole child. During the first weeks, students focus on getting to know each other, working together in class, and learning about what makes a good friend and/or classmate. My students are very eager to participate every day and they enjoy having new backpacks and school supplies, which were donated by the community. We recently completed a lesson that involved reading and learning the story of Johnny Appleseed; my students were amazed by his life. We are all looking forward to a great school year!
Erin Wilson
Teacher, Sharon Garfield Memorial School, Newhouse
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