Klein & Mulgrew tour exemplary ‘hub’ of learning in Kingsbridge
Bronx, NY — State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Community Learning Schools administrators, teachers and students, announced $1.5 million in funding for the successful school model on Thursday.
Klein and Mulgrew visited the International School for Liberal Arts in Kingsbridge, where learning, extracurricular activities, health, nutritional and social services needs are met under one roof. Senator Klein has contributed $3.7 million to Community Learning Schools since 2013.
“We’re not only celebrating the wonderful back-to-school time, but the wonderful things that happen in the hallways of this school, like so many other Community Learning Schools throughout our city. It is amazing to see the difference it makes when a school revolves around a community and a community revolves around a school. Here, in addition to hitting the books, students participate in clubs not offered in many of our public schools, receive medical care and volunteer in a variety of activities. Parents can get help with food needs or with their taxes. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.
“Community schools let us put the services where they can do the most good — in our public schools. Here at the International School School for Liberal Arts in the Bronx, our students can get medical services at the school-based health clinic, they can enroll in clubs from science and dance to self-defense and leadership, and if their families are in need, get food and supplies from the school’s food bank. We are getting rid of the obstacles that stand in the way of children succeeding in the classroom. Sen. Jeff Klein has been an early and committed supporter of community schools and has made a huge difference in the lives of the children and families of the Bronx,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers.
ISLA Principal Francine Cruz led a tour of the campus, highlighting a school-based food pantry where parents can stock up on groceries during the week. Students volunteer to staff the aisles. It’s become so successful the program expanded to two public schools sharing their campus.
An example of corporate and nonprofit partnerships, the food pantry is sponsored by the Food Bank of New York, Dunkin Donuts and J.P. Morgan Chase.
Also on display were various clubs funded by Senator Klein: drama, dance, cooking, soccer, a girl’s club, a magazine, a newspaper, a self-defense class and a leadership training course, all extracurriculars typical of suburban private schools.
Trinity Church, another supporter of Community Learning Schools, sends a vocal instructor to the school. Students perform at open mic nights every two weeks.
With the school serving as a center of activity, even tax prep and medical services are available onsite.
Parents can bring their tax forms to school and trained student volunteers help pair them with professionals.
The Montefiore School Health Program provides medical, mental and community health services to students on the Walton campus.
Community Learning Schools first launched in 2012 by the UFT, which hopes to have 26 Community Learning Schools running this school year.
Photo: State Senator Jeff Klein, with UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Community Learning Schools Initiatives Director Karen Alford (from left to right), announces $1.5 million for Community Learning Schools at the International School of Liberal Arts in Kingsbridge.
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