Historical October 1994 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Hamilton School, located in the 5700 block of Westminster in our neighborhood, is now called the Hamilton Elementary Community Education Center.
It is one of 15 community schools in the city receiving new direction and resources in order to become a neighborhood center, providing something for everyone in its service area.
This program has the strong support of the Board of Education, Mayor Bosley, and a citizens’ group called C.HA.N.G.E.
As part of the new direction at Hamilton, a new council is being organized to give input to K-5 education and to provide direction for the after-school activities. Everyone is encouraged to attend the council’s meetings and to participate on committees. Parents of children attending city schools are particularly encouraged to join.
It is hoped that Hamilton and the other community education centers will offer a comprehensive approach to education including making available health, social, educational, and other services.
There will be evening enrichment classes for adults.
The American Youth Foundation will play a leading role in linking the schools, surrounding communities, and service providers.
They also will take part in evaluating the community education centers. Hamilton will receive two volunteers from AmeriCorps, the new national service program recently adopted by Congress.
These volunteers will receive a stipend for their work in the community and also tuition benefits so that they may continue their education. Hamilton also has a new principal, Dr. Glenda Bryant.
She is very excited to be at Hamilton and to be part of this new initiative.
She is particularly pleased that the K-5 activities at Hamilton and its evening programs are now under one roof.
She hopes that everyone will take personal ownership of Hamilton and that its programs can improve the quality of life in the area.
She looks to the new council to provide power, focus, and direction.
She feels that its committees will determine what is most needed.
These community education centers are drawing attention from across the U.S. and private funding will become available.
The Danforth Foundation has pledged $300,000 to the initiative and Fleischman-Hillard will donate $1 million in advertising. Bryant has committed herself to this new direction.
She feels she brings enthusiasm to her role.
She wants to make this dream work. Bryant has worked for the St. Louis Public Schools for 25 years.
She has taught everything from 1st to 7th grade. Prior to coming to Hamilton, Bryant was the instructional coordinator at Cupples School for 10 years.
She is also an adjunct professor at Webster University. Bryant received her Ph.D. from Brandeis University and earned 5 master’s degrees as well.
She is certified in 8 different areas, including reading. Governor Carnahan appointed Bryant to be a Human Rights Commissioner.
This Commission deals with housing, public accommodations, and employment.
She will serve in this capacity until 1999.
As part of its new direction, Hamilton held a Teen Town Dance in late August. More are planned so that young people in the neighborhood have a place to go.
If you are interested in learning more about the Hamilton Elementary Community Education Center, please call Dr. Bryant’s office at 367-0552 or Avis May, community school coordinator at 367-6996.
Original photograph caption
Glenda Bryant. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October 1994.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1994_10.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
