Imagine a school such as Hamilton turned into a community school open in the afternoons and evenings until 9 p.m. offering free classes and activities for adults and children. A place where both mother and father can learn a skill which could land them a better job. A place where mother can learn to sew while the children are cared for in kindergarten by an adult and teen agers who are learning to babysit. A place where Dad can learn car or home repair while the older boy learns judo in the gym. A place where adults can take classes leading to a high school or elementary school diploma. A place limited only by the ability of the community to find teachers and programs.
Such is the dream of a very active group of Skinker-DeBaliviere residents who are attempting to organize a community school for the area.
At their first meeting a small group of residents listened to Mr. Paul Tremper, director of community schools for the St. Louis Board of Education, explained the possibilities and limitations of a partial community school program for Hamilton.
The Board of Education is currently operating six full community school programs in the six school districts throughout the city. If funds can be found, the Board may possibly operate two more programs on a shoestring basis. However, if funding is not available from the Board, the community school group plans to seek it elsewhere.
According to Paul Tremper, one of the criteria for establishing such a program is the interest of residents in supporting the program.
Each community school has an advisory board of citizens who determine the course and in the case of a school with a limited budget, the board attempts to find volunteer teachers or programs which provide teachers. The board will set up classes upon the request of 12 or more adults.
Prior to the next meeting, the steering committee sent out community-wide flyers asking interested people to come to the meeting. Out of the 25 residents attending, a board of nine was elected—with two seats for teenagers.
Mrs. Jane Davis, temporary chairman of the board, states, “We think we have an excellent chance of starting a community school here due to the interest and proximity of Washington University whose resources we hope to tap.
We hope also that our classes would include some course which could benefit residents economically by providing a skill which they could use in getting a job or home business, as well as courses where people learn something just because they’re interested in it. We don’t see our classes being necessarily limited to the school itself. For example, car repair could be offered at a neighborhood service station.”
She outlined four areas of interest and some possible classes the school might offer:
- Cultural: (adults and children), piano, black studies, dance, art, judo and sports, etc.
- educational: the present V.I.P. going on at Hamilton which leads to elementary or high school diplomas for adults, college credit course, a college entrance exam class, rapid reading, tutoring for children, etc.
- economic: sewing, millinery, service station training, home nursing, photo tinting, etc.
- Services and community activities: marriage counseling, gardening, income tax service (seasonal), child guidance, senior citizens club, teen town, etc.
These are only a few of the possible courses. At the May meeting, the group hopes to poll the community as to the areas of interest and possible volunteer teachers. If you can’t attend the meetings be sure and send in the box. For more information call Mrs. Jane Davis 862-4507 after 6 p. m.
On the Board of the Community School are: Doug McKee, 6110 Westminister; Prentis and Jane Davis, 5825 Pershing; Mike Magrath, 5915 Pershing; Clarice Haynes, 5745 DeGiverville; Mrs. Loretta Lewis, 5763 Waterman; Dr. Rich Bender, 6155 Kingsbury; Brad and Majorie Weir, 325 Laurel, and two teenagers yet to be appointed.
Attending the organizational meeting were: Marie McReynolds, 5930 DeGiverville; Mrs. Sanders, 5911 DeGiverville; Renni Shuter, 6240 McPherson; Mrs. Anna Busch, 5765 Pershing; Blanche Reel, 5745 Waterman; Louie Rodgers, 5746 Waterman; Mavis L. Clark, 5740 Waterman, Roy W. White, 6145 McPherson; David Terwelp, 6111 Pershing; Bradley Gregory Lewis, 5763 Waterman; Julia Tayers, 5823 Pershing.
The next community school meeting will be held May 13, at 8:00 p.m. in the basement of St. Roch’s. The purpose will be for residents to present suggested classes and activities for the school. Be sure and attend. If you can’t at least forward the application on page 5 stating your interest and preferences.
SUGGESTED COMMUNITY SCHOOL COURSE
List classes you would like to take in a community school
List activities or community programs or services you would like to see offered in a community school
Do you know anyone who might be able to teach the courses (they do not have to be certificated teachers)
If so, who?
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Mail this form to Mrs. Jane Davis, 5825 Pershing, St. Louis, Mo. 63112 or bring it to the May 13th meeting at 8:00 p. m. in St. Roch’s basement. (see article on page 3)
Originally published in The Paper, May 1970.
