State Senator Jeff Klein , together with UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Community Learning Schools administrators, teachers and students, announced $1.5 million in funding for the successful school model on Thursday.
Klein and Mulgrew visited the International School for Liberal Arts in Kingsbridge, where learning, extracurricular activities, health, nutritional and social services needs are met under one roof. Senator Klein has contributed $3.7 million to Community Learning Schools since 2013.
“We’re not only celebrating the wonderful back-to-school time, but the wonderful things that happen in the hallways of this school, like so many other Community Learning Schools throughout our city. It is amazing to see the difference it makes when a school revolves around a community and a community revolves around a school. Here, in addition to hitting the books, students participate in clubs not offered in many of our public schools, receive medical care and volunteer in a variety of activities. Parents can get help with food needs or with their taxes. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.
“Community schools let us put the services where they can do the most good — in our public schools. Here at the International School School for Liberal Arts in the Bronx, our students can get medical services at the school-based health clinic, they can enroll in clubs from science and dance to self-defense and leadership, and if their families are in need, get food and supplies from the school's food bank. We are getting rid of the obstacles that stand in the way of children succeeding in the classroom. Sen. Jeff Klein has been an early and committed supporter of community schools and has made a huge difference in the lives of the children and families of the Bronx,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers.
ISLA Principal Francine Cruz led a tour of the campus, highlighting a school-based food pantry where parents can stock up on groceries during the week. Students volunteer to staff the aisles. It’s become so successful the program expanded to two public schools sharing their campus.
Above - State Senator Jeff Klein and UFT President Michael Mulgrew talk before the event began.
Below - State Senator Jeff Klein addresses why he is 'Investing in Our Children', as UFT President Michael Mulgrew is on his left, and the International School for Liberal Arts principal Francine Cruz is on Senator Klein's right.
Above - International School for Liberal Arts principal Francine Cruz explains why this school is experiencing the success it is having.
Below - Since the school is in a high poverty area, there is a food pantry run by the Food Bank in a basement room to help the students families.
Above - This school is in the former Walton High School Campus, and as you can see the pool in the building has been restored so it can be used by the students in the building. There is also a health clinic rin by Montefiore Hospital in the school building to take care of any health related problems that students may have
Below - Senator Klein talks with students from one of the many clubs that the school has, and perhaps one of the students will be a future state senator.
