Entry #28: Promising community
practices in "a railroad town."
Pine Bluff, Arkansas -- Remember the old saying, "Don't
judge a book by its cover"? Well, let me tell you about Pine Bluff,
Arkansas.
To be honest, this city of over 57,000 was not on our original itinerary.
But, after driving as much as we have, my family rejected the idea of traveling
from Texas to Maryland.
So, I got on the web and found what sounded like an interesting after-school
program at a junior high in Pine Bluff School District called "Lights
on after dark." This, coupled with finding out that Dollarway, another
district in town is following the collaborative action team model, clinched
our decision. Plans were made, a campground found and the route was plotted.
Then we found out the rest of the story. Even before leaving Texas, we heard
"it's nothing but a railroad town," and "why do you want
to go there?" Upon arrival in Pine Bluff, everyone from a mechanic
to a teacher in Little Rock told us about the problems in the schools here.
The largest district in the area had been labeled by the state as academically
and financially distressed.
Dollarway Junior High was our first educational contact, a place for our
boys to attend part-time. This is another school with a majority of kids
on free and reduced lunch. In addition, the school looks a bit run down
and both boys left that first day with a pretty negative impression.
I figured I would just take the time we spent here filing materials and
transcribing notes from Johns Hopkins and Corpus Christi -- catching up.
After all, it's not unusual to find a place with little collaboration and
no parent involvement. It's a reality in many places.
Well, I learned another important lesson last week. Don't make quick judgments
based on initial perceptions. It may well be that EVERY community has something
positive going on in with partnership practices.
Promising practices in Pine Bluff
First, the Collaborative Action Team for Dollarway Schools is meeting each
month with some parents, students and business folk working on district
improvements and decisions such as uniforms (they will begin districtwide
next year). The Team met at the Family Community Development Center, a hub
of the neighborhood. I learned that because of this center's efforts, the
most undesirable part of the city now has the lowest crime, new sidewalks,
better roads and cleaned up parks. The School District partners with 13
other groups in this network.
But I also stumbled on to "Youth Partners of Pine Bluff / Jefferson
County" which was formed two years ago after a contingent attended
the influential Youth Summit in Philadelphia. This group returned, held
their own summit later that year attended by 700 people, and now has an
organization with a mission to "deliver the Five
Fundamental Resources (as developed by America's
Promise) and provide the essential elements for a positive and successful
life to the children and youth in this area."
Admittedly, this group is still implementing their plan to become a clearinghouse
and referral source for youth but I did see the names of about 50 volunteers
that will be matched with the more than 15 schools and agencies requesting
help. Mentoring is the most needed service but the most difficult for which
to recruit. At least they have a start.
I was also told by the Superintendent of the Pine Bluff District that due
to tremendous efforts and assistance by the business community, they are
no longer on the state's distressed list.
Next week, I will be meeting with a local business that hosted parent-teacher
conferences on site for their employees who couldn't get time off from work.
More visits to the after-school programs and a parent resource meeting will
insure that I won't get the "time off" I expected.
That's o.k. I like having my initial impressions changed.
Our boys also reported a positive experience with the school band and students
at Dollarway Junior High. In fact, they haven't been this well received
since Minnesota. We all have a better understanding of the phrase "Don't
judge a book by its cover." Here in Pine Bluff, the book is worth reading.
More next week.
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