Delivering Promises Blog

As a parent of a rising freshman, my “to do” list seems to be getting longer and longer.  Yes, I have already completed most of the forms needed to make sure he will be allowed to attend freshmen orientation, begun purchasing books, school supplies and new clothing and I even think my nagging has paid off and he is well on his way to finishing his summer reading! 

I had never been to New Orleans before last week, and my limited acquaintance with the city and its people came secondhand, either from the stories of friends who had been there to rebuild on service trips or from television footage and reports in the news. Like most of America (and the world), I had seen the images of destruction and heard the tales of loss and despair. But, as I quickly learned, destruction and despair do not define New Orleans.

8th grader Shalise De Pina, a three-year Citizen Schools apprentice, was the keynote speaker at Citizen Schools’ annual gala, A WOW! Affair, in Boston on May 3rd.  Her speech illustrates the many ways students learn—from homework to real-world projects.

I wanted to let everyone know that Virginia is taking action to build awareness and sign up children in the state. During Cover the Uninsured Week, activities included the following...

Joe is a bright 7th grade boy who has had chronic attendance problems, suffers from childhood obesity and earns D’s and F’s in most his classes. He comes from a very low income family and lives with his single mom who cleans houses to make ends meet. Joe is an “at risk” youngster who is flirting with drugs and gang behavior.