Tell us about your role as Community School Coordinator.
I’m one of seven Coordinators in the Milwaukee area who have the opportunity to work with a Milwaukee Public School to implement the Community School model. We are tasked with the responsibility of serving as liaisons between students, staff, parents, residents, community organizations, and any other stakeholders supporting the school & its mission. It’s no overnight task, but our role is to guide the process and ensure that our work is sustained long-term.
In my first semester at Browning, I have already seen a lot of progress. We’ve started to host monthly community events such as game nights, parent empowerment workshops, and a community Thanksgiving dinner. We have also created a local leadership team that develops and drives our vision as a Community School. Our plan is to continue to build capacity and empower residents and community members alike to take ownership for their community. It’s truly an all hands on deck approach.
This is only the beginning and I’m excited for our continued growth!
Why is Silver Spring Neighborhood Center excited about serving as the lead agency for Browning Elementary School?
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center (SSNC) is excited because of the wonderful opportunity to improve relations, increase the number of students, and encourage long-term academic/social success for not only students, but also parents, guardians, families, and friends. SSNC believes that sharing a building with Browning puts us all at an advantage to connect resources and skills in order to provide new opportunities for everyone who walks through those shared doors.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My favorite book as a child was The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake.
Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?
My favorite teacher was my middle school English teacher, Mr. Baker. He always pushed me to work harder and never let me settle for less than my best. He not only supported my passion for writing, but he encouraged me to find passion even in subjects I liked least (math). Because of him, I saw myself in an even more positive light and was able to graduate as valedictorian of my class.
What did you want to be (career) when you were a child?
When I was a child, I wanted to become a fashion magazine editor for Teen Vogue or a media relations specialist in San Francisco, CA.
Learn more about the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership.
All Community Schools conducted Community Conversations in 2016 to assist in strategy-building. Read the results of the 2016 Community Conversations here (Community Schools data is on second page of report).