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Central Elementary Students are America's Promise
November 14, 2005 - Every student at Central Elementary School is reaping the benefits of the America’s Promise after-school mentoring program. The leadership team, comprised of twenty fourth, fifth and sixth graders, coordinates school-wide activities that encourage young people to make healthy choices for a healthy future. While all activities are centered around the five promises, Central’s students often choose the community service component as their favorite. Sixth grader, Morgan Smith states, “One of the best things about America’s Promise is that I do more in the community like cleaning up Beaver Creek and our school grounds. It makes me feel wonderful to help our ecosystem.” Fellow student, Emileigh Eggers adds, “My favorite activity was going to King Pharmaceuticals to help fold clothes that were going to be shipped to another country.”
Programs implemented within the school also include a partnership with the Bristol Tennessee Police Department in which officers participate in a variety of school activities in order to build lasting relationships with the children. Prevention Coordinator, Vonda Stevens says, “The involvement of community stakeholders exposes our children to positive adult role models who are able to teach our students effective ways of coping with peer pressure.” Teachers at Central Elementary expect to see improvement in social and academic performance as a result of the partnership with the Bristol Tennessee Police Department. Prevention coordinators note that many of the students involved in the America’s Promise mentoring program have experienced fewer discipline referrals and greater school attendance.
We need your help to make a difference in the lives of Bristol's youth by joining the "Keeping the Promise" effort. Go to the "Get Involved" section to download an volunteer application today.
Local Contact: Dave Collins, Mentor Coordinator 423-652-9417.
By: Vonda Stevens, Prevention Coordinator, Central Elementary
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