Divine
Intervention: Chancellor Honors Church Involvement
by
Kahdeidra Martin
On
the eve of Summer School 2001, NYC Schools Chancellor Harold O.
Levy spent the day addressing two Brooklyn churches and helping
to make over 200,000 phone calls to families of summer school-bound
students to “reaffirm the message that public education is the
way to strengthen the next generation.” In order to bolster summer
school attendance this year, the Board of Education (BoE) has
been strengthening partnerships with faith-based organizations
such as Berean Missionary Baptist church, located in northern
Crown Heights.
During Berean’s welcome session, Levy sat in the front pew, greeting
and shaking the hands of nearby children. After a Scripture reading
and offering, the congregation delighted in the praises of the
Son-shine Choir compromised of Berean’s youngest members. Strong,
sweet and beautiful, their voices filled the space between member
and visitor; photographer and parishioner; Christian and Jew as
they listened, proud believers in the promise of education.
Of
the children enrolled in summer school this year, Levy reminded
congregates that “their future[s] depend not only on us as educators,
but on you as a community.” In this case, he literally was ‘preaching
to the choir,’ for Berean and other churches like it have been
active in community schools for decades. “[They] have traditionally
been the backbone for rallying support for public education,”
said the Chancellor after the service, explaining the role of
churches in public education.
Among community-based organizations, churches in particular have
led efforts in sponsoring ‘wraparound’ programming, which provides
students with free or inexpensive educational and recreational
activities after summer school classes. Since working families
strain to find affordable childcare after summer school days,
the BoE instituted the programming to help eradicate sporadic
or non-attendance.
Churches “have helped with efforts to gain access to communities
when we otherwise could not,” Levy beamed. “Particularly Black
churches have been fabulous; they have really rallied to the cause.”
As a member of the Chancellor’s Interfaith Advisory Council, a
multi-faith consortium, Berean has direct influence on the BoE’s
policy decisions and proposals. “The Church has always been there,
playing a role in education; but nothing was ever documented,”
said Vivian Bright, Berean’s Business Administrator and Educational
Liaison. “For years, we have provided tutoring services, worked
to strengthen the PTA and allowed local schools to use our facilities.”
Berean adopted the neighboring PS 335 and has maintained a “very
close involvement” with the school since 1985. Bright explained
that most of the children are familiar with the church and respect
its authority. “Sometimes when children misbehaved, the principal
would call our pastor, and he would speak to the kids instead
of [having them be sent] straight to special education,” said
Bright. “This method was effective in alleviating some of the
disciplinary problems.” As a member of the Interfaith Council,
“we now receive the same, first-hand material as the superintendent’s
and principal’s office; we are better informed.”
Bright and others on the Interfaith Council are especially concerned
with safety in schools and vocational training. At a time when
computer-literate and multi-talented workers are in demand, every
parent wants her child to be prepared. “To be honest, every child
will not attend college,” said Bright. Her words echo those of
the Chancellor who received the most applause from congregates
when he mentioned the importance of cultivating the artistic,
athletic and service interests of students in addition to academics.
Bright continued, “our children come to school with a multitude
of problems from parent unemployment and lack of health care to
inadequate housing.”
Every third Sunday is Youth Sunday at Berean. Children who have
received a good report card for the month are marched to the front
of the church where the entire congregation shares in their accomplishment.
“It’s very important that we encourage our kids,” said Bright.
“We provide scholarships for all college bound students. [Students]
receive $1,000 in two $500 installments.” All programs are fostered
through the church’s own funding.
Berean is one of several groups moved by divine conviction. Bright
best revealed this conviction when she assured, “This is what
the Lord would want us to do, and this is our mandate.” Levy,
his presence a show of solidarity and gratitude, said, “In part,
this [visit] is my way of saying ‘Thanks.’”
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