2016 Park Ave UMC Freedom School Programming

SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG!

...these are the lyrics to the motivational song that is sung each morning at Freedom Schools Programs across the nation. This song teaches our scholars that no matter what circumstances they face in life they have what it takes inside of them selves to make a difference!

The Six Weekly Themes help the scholars to understand the various ways they can make a difference:

~ I Can Make a Difference in Myself

~ I Can Make a Difference in My Family

~ I Can Make a Difference in My Community

~ I Can Make a Difference in My Country

~ I Can Make a Difference in My World

~ With Hope, Education, and Action!

Harambee

Harambee brings scholars, staff, parents and community members together to celebrate themselves and each other through the Motivational Song, Cheers and Chants, a Guest Reader, Recognitions, and a Moment of Silence. Harambee empowers our scholars and gets them ready for a fun, productive day of learning!

Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC)

includes not just reading, but also various activities and projects to keep the scholars engaged and learning.

Each IRC includes books for the classroom reading library as well as the books used in class activities. The books reflect the diversity the scholars we serve and feature different cultures, physical and mental differences, and children and adults who have made a difference. Each scholar takes home 6 books at the end of the program to add to or start their own libraries at home.

Day of Social Action

Freedom Schools Programs across the country participate activities to encourage young people in civic responsibility. The scholars write letters to local and national elected leaders, and participate in activities in their communities. Past themes have included Health Care and Voter Registration.

Parent Engagement Night

Once a week, during Parent Engagement Night, parents and staff come together for dinner and workshops that promote learning about child development, skills needed to succeed, college preparedness, and other family concerns.

Why We Love the Freedom Schools program:

“Freedom School has given my child the opportunity to learn more every day. My child’s reading skills, team work, and over all attitude have increased tremendously. “ Parent of a 2nd grade scholar

Freedom School has been such a blessing to us. Because of her participation in Freedom School last summer, my daughter was able to advance to 5th grade. The biggest benefit of Freedom School for her was developing her social skills and self esteem. She no longer feels that she is ‘too dumb to learn’ and for that I am SO grateful!” Parent of a 5th grade scholar

“Freedom School has allowed my daughter the opportunity to be a part of a program that helps her learn about being a young person in today’s society. She is exhibiting better decision making and takes the time to figure out better ways to deal with situations.” Parent of a 7th grade scholar.

“ If I could change something in Freedom School it would be to make the program longer. It should last until school starts again. I learned that I can be friends with anyone and I learned that acting is fun.” 5th grade scholar

“Gym, cooking, IRC, recess, gardening, DEAR time, acting.” 3rd grade scholar’s response to the prompt Name ONE thing you like about Freedom School.

“I started Freedom School as a scholar in 2nd grade. Freedom School boosted my self esteem as an African American male and helped me learn about my culture in a positive, structured environment. Freedom School was, and still is, a safe place for children. As I became older, I was a volunteer and am now a 3rd year SLI. Helping children and watching their confidence increase is what I enjoy most and I look forward to continuing my work with the Freedom Schools program.” Servant Leader Intern

The CDF Leave No Child Behind® Mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Modeled after the intergenerational servant leadership approach used during the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964, the Freedom Schools program is completely free and welcomes all children and advocates for children regardless of their ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionality, language, religion, sexual orientation or geographic origin.