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In keeping with his enthusiastic responses about Springfield Gardens, Mr. Benton was pleased to discuss the school and its community relations. He cited a technology program for grandparents offered once or twice a week at the school, involvement by congressmen and elected officials -- although he did not provide details how that is manifest -- and after-school programs conducted through the auspices of the YMCA, an organization with which he himself is active. He believes there is a considerable effort underway, although there is still more to do.
Principal Gordon was much more cautious in his enthusiasm. He acknowledged that the YMCA program provided support five days a week and reported a good relationship with local elected officials. He cited student participation in an art contest, but otherwise could not provide specifics about community involvement and acknowledged "there isn't necessarily a very big connection to any community-based organization" (personal communication, January 19, 2011).
Mr. Johnson spoke of the importance of community involvement but regretted that there were not many examples at Springfield Gardens. He believes greater community involvement would help parents be more accountable and take greater interest in what was happening with their students at the school. Like his principal, Mr. Johnson is not part of any community organizations himself.
Conclusion
The three interviewees expressed their love of learning...
Benton, as an avocation. The men are eager to share their knowledge and experience with students, who they agree are not generally as motivated or disciplined as students of their day. All three seem happy with their work, but cite student behavior, parental engagement, and community involvement as areas of improvement. Mr. Benton, the volunteer, has the most optimistic view of current conditions in Springfield Gardens and the surrounding community. He could leave if he chose to but it is clear he wants to remain at the school and believes strongly in his mission. Principal Gordon and Mr. Johnson also believe in the mission, but expressed greater frustration with the problems they perceive in the school and in the community. Mr. Johnson, perhaps because he has the most daily contact with students, expressed the greatest degree of frustration and was most vocal in his plea for change. As these interviews show, there are different perspectives on the school and the community. Even inside the school, there are different vantage points.
References
I.S. 059 Springfield Gardens. (2011). Our mission. Retrieved from http://schools.nyc.gov/School
Portals/29/Q059/AboutUs/Overview/Our+Mission.htm
I.S. 059 Springfield Gardens. (2011). Statistics. Retrieved from http://schools.nyc.gov/School
Portals/29/Q059/AboutUs/Statistics/default.htm
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