Public Education Programs
FAQ
How did GHCC become involved in public education?
Good schools and strong, stable neighborhoods are linked! In 1996, the Greater Homewood Interfaith Alliance (GHIA) began working with public schools with a “Sock it to ‘em” campaign. Since 1998, the Public Education Programs department has worked to bring community partners and resources to underserved public schools in Greater Homewood neighborhoods. We act as a liaison, connecting school principals with needed resources to support their academic instruction.
What are Community Schools?
GHCC has been working since 1999 toward the goal of full-service community schools – schools that are open extended hours, providing wraparound services for children and connecting families and neighbors to needed resources and programs. GHCC receives funding from the Family League of Baltimore City to operate Community Schools at three sites:
- Barclay Elementary/Middle School
- Dallas F. Nicholas Elementary School, and
- Guilford Elementary/Middle School
What is Baltimore City’s Community School Initiative?
Community Schools exist in many other cities, including New York, Chicago and Portland, Oregon. Baltimore’s Community School Initiative began with a coalition of partners organizing to bring the Community School concept here. There are now 35 Community Schools in Baltimore, run by 11 partner organizations, including GHCC.
Find out more about Community Schools at http://www.baltimoreconnections.org/bcpssfact.pdf.
How can I get involved with Public Education Program’s advocacy efforts?
GHCC advocates for better public schools – for specific facility and program improvements at our partnership schools as well as on the citywide and state level. We have organized a sustained advocacy campaign to provide equity in facilities and academics at Waverly Elementary/Middle after Waverly students were rezoned from Roland Park Middle.
We also weigh in on funding and staffing equity for Baltimore public K-8 schools, funding for after-school programs and the Community Schools Initiative, and state funds for Baltimore City public schools.
For more information, e-mail Karen DeCamp at kdecamp@greaterhomewood.org.
How does GHCC select partnership schools?
GHCC works collaboratively with strong and willing principals to begin a partnership school relationship. Some of the relationships began in 1998-99. Our most recent school was added in 2005-2006.
Who is eligible to participate in the Vision Matters program?
Currently, the program operates in all six of the GHCC Partnership Schools. Contact Susan fort at sfort@greaterhomewood.org for more information.
How can I get involved with my neighborhood’s school?
GHCC works to restore the vital connection between schools and their neighborhoods. Schools are always looking for community members to serve on the School Improvement Team and/or the School Coordinating Council. Contact Karen DeCamp (kdecamp@greaterhomewood.org) or Susan Fort (sfort@greaterhomewood.org) for more information.
How can I learn more about Experience Corps?
Check out our Experience Corps program page and http://www.experiencecorps.org.
How can I become a VISTA?
GHCC offers a number of opportunities for service with AmeriCorps VISTA. To learn more about VISTA opportunities at GHCC, click here. You can also read about the VISTA program at http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp and https://recruit.cns.gov/quicksearchForm.asp.
The Community Connections Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA position is a unique opportunity to make a difference in urban public schools and operate within school and nonprofit cultures. To discuss the position, contact Susan Fort at sfort@greaterhomewood.org.
How can I get involved with Public Education Programs?
Volunteer opportunities include:
Elementary and Middle School Volunteering:
- One on One Mentor
- Classroom Assistant
- Lead an after-school club or extra-curricular activity
- Support PTO events and meetings
- Cafeteria and Recess Assistant
- Before-school Tutor
- Mid-day Tutor
- After-school Tutor
- Library Aide
- Provide IT assistance
- Mentor or support a teacher
- Organize teacher appreciation events
- Assist a community Food Bank
- Be a speaker in a classroom or at a career day
- Writing Coaches
- Office Volunteers
- Crossing Guards
- Participate in a Community Service Day at a school
- Creative Arts
- Member of the School Improvement Team or Community School Coordinating Council
Donations and In-kind Giving:
- Uniforms for students
- Computers, software, IT troubleshooting, and computer training
- School supplies
- Enrichment supplies
- Playground equipment
- Library books
- Paper
- Office supplies
- Incentives for students
- Educational games
For more information about the wide variety of supported volunteer programs please call Ethan Hunt at (410) 261-3509 or email ehunt@greaterhomewood.org.