Community Schools

December 15, 2017 | ISSUE 8

By Jose Polanco

At the beginning of the year, we had to do a really big application from something named community schools. Many people wondered what was this all about? I’m here to explain what that means. The basic idea is that we are now able to access more resources that couldn’t have previously thought of.

Prior to this, our school was also partnered with the YMCA Beacon. Now that we are a community schools that partnership has grown stronger, meaning that there are are more activities for us. For example, the 11th and 12th grade has SAT Prep, and a swimming elective in the main YMCA building because of the community school. There are also many programs after school that we can join:

PROGRAMS

Journalism: Every Friday from 6:15-8:00 pm

It is a club much like the newspaper where you are tasked to write articles about an specific topic that you are interested in.

Rowe Scholars: Every Monday from 3:30-6:00 pm and Every Wednesday from 2:40-6:00pm

This club is a college and career readiness program where they pretty much tell you about the basic ins and outs of college, they help you build a resume, help you with your personal statement, and many more things. They also plan many fun trips some are related to a college visit, but others can be something like a music studio tour, ice skating, and many more fun trips.

Leaders Club: Every Friday, 6:00-8:00 pm

Teens Take The City: Every Thursday, 4:00-5:00 pm

Youth & Government: Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30 pm

I’m currently enrolled in 3 out of the 5 programs that I’ve listed, but I was at one point involved with every single one and absolutely loved it, and would recommend them in every single way possible if you’re at all interested. If it did peak your interest, you can go anytime that you are free to room 127A if you would like to know more about the programs, or ask your teacher for help to sign up. By the way, it is a good resume builder since you do many things involving your community, so go ahead give it a shot. I’m sure you won’t regret it.