THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 27, 1995 TAG: 9508250186
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Neighborhoods have responded enthusiastically to the opening of community schools in Portsmouth this year. That support is an important factor in the success of the city schools.
Although a few citizens say the end of busing to integrate schools is a backward step, most people seem to feel that losses are offset by keeping young children closer to home and getting their families involved with their education.
More and more, studies have indicated that people connected with a community are healthier and happier than those who are not in touch with others. Traditionally, schools have been excellent rallying points for neighborhoods, places where people meet and become involved with their children and each other.
It could be that the creation of community schools will work wonders on test scores which are unacceptably low - not only here but in other cities. When families and neighbors become involved with the schools, they generally are a positive influence on the young children.
If their parents take pride in the schools, perhaps children will take pride in learning and in being the best they can be.
For very young children, going to a school on the other side of town from home has got to be a traumatic experience. Certainly, it is difficult to connect all the parts of one's life if there is little physical connection.
But if kids go to school near home, see their own families and neighbors volunteering at school and know that everybody is working to make their education better, perhaps they will respond with more enthusiasm for learning.
We certainly have to do something to produce more high school graduates who can read and write at an acceptable level and who want to continue their education in order to acquire better jobs.
The tremendous wave of community support is a good sign. It can make the difference in the success or failure of the new schools.
In addition, success at the schools and increased involvement could make a difference in the lives of everybody in the community.
The new schools may be the answer to a lot of Portsmouth's problems. At the very least, we must try them. by CNB