The flowers have bloomed, Spring break has passed and the long Summer break for the youth is just around the corner. Although elementary schools in Chicago have decided to go all year around, the parents of children in middle and high school are searching for educational ways to keep their youth involved. As studies show that in inner cities nation wide the crime rate rises during the summer months, which could be an indication that the youth have too much free time on their hands when not involved in something positive that will keep them busy, thinking and preparing for their futures.
Richard Smith, Principal at Crane Technical high school says "It is important to keep the youth involved in something positive in order to inspire them to want to do better." Mr. Smith is involved with the youth accomplishments even during school breaks. I met Mr. Smith during "Spring into Sports," which involved the youth participating in sports challenges and activities during their spring break. The youth and staff involvement was absolutely voluntary. As many students and staff could have been doing many other things during this time, many of the youth of Victor Herbert Elementary School and Crane Technical High School found it to be more important to stay involved in something positive and motivational that will help enhance their futures and have lots of fun at the same time. Mr. Smith also finds it important for Chicago Public School staff to help keep the youth involved and finds that this type of inspiration plays a major role in the future of the youth. Mr. Smith's goal is to continue to create a safe haven for children in the community, This is why he participated in the "Spring into Sports" spring break activities. The youth participated in swim challenges, volleyball, baseball and basketball challenges, boxing challenges, archery challenges, financial workshops and awards were given to the students who accomplished a win. Doc Nicholson, 1992 Olympic heavy weight boxer champion was also there to support the kids of Victor Herbert Elementary School team up with Crane Technical High School. Doc said "I'm here to support them in any program that will help to enhance their futures. Each sport that the youth participated in are sports that the Olympics support in order to produce great champions. Doc adds "Our youth need to enhance their knowledge, talent and motivation and this is why it is important to support the youth and keep them involved. These events were put together as mentioned by Mr. Smith, "To keep the kids off of the streets."
The streets could be a very dangerous place for a child with nothing to do. The media gives us all a very good impression of the dangers that the youth are subject to. According to a survey of interviews done with Chicago Public Schools teachers and other staff, due to the major cut backs that mainly effect the youth, it sometimes gets very hard to offer such activities during school and even harder during school breaks. This is why many find it important for all to be involved--community leaders, business owners and family in order to make sure that the youth are involved in positive activities in order to stay out of trouble. Mr. Smith says "90% of all children want to do something positive, but if no one is helping to lead the way how are they to know what to do?" Mr. Smith feels that the most important thing for him as a Principal is to send 100% of Crane's students off to college, this is his goal and as the community works together in this effort this is a possible vision. And if by helping the youth to succeed even when school is out Mr. Smith doesn't mind doing so. Vincent Joseph baseball couch of Victor Herbert elementary school says "The activities that are constructed around motivation and talent helps each child academically, because it challenges them." Mr. Joseph also adds "The importance of competitive sports and educational activities inspires the youth to strive for great things--- an idle mind is the devils workshop."
Without the proper amount of funds, according to Mr. Joseph, many coaches get burned out and in many situations have to go into their own pockets to move forward in keeping the youth involved in positive activities which sometimes causes many to give up. However, Mr. Smith invites all who are able to come out to the inner city public schools and see what's needed and experience the difference when the needs are met. Jabril Burpo, student at Victor Herbert elementary school won a gold metal for coming in first place in basketball. Jabril says "Coach Joseph keeps the team inspired, I love the lessons because it will pay off in the long run." Jabril also says that playing sports keeps him busy and off the streets which is very important because he does not want to get into any trouble.
As camps and traveling vacations seem to be on the top of list for most during the summer break, many parents are considering getting their youth involved in local educational activities. While attending summer school has always been offered to a child as a type of punishment to catch-up. Summer school and school sports could help save a child's life during the summer break. As Chicagoans are fully aware of the many lives of the youth that have been lost each and every year during the summer break due to being lost in idle time. Let's change the rhythm of negative expectations by getting your child involved today while the summer is quickly arriving.
For more information about Victor Herbert Elementary School log on to:
http://http://herbert.cps.k12.il.us/ Crane Technical Prep High School is located at:
2245 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60612
Cook County
Phone: (773) 534-7066
For more information on summer activities for the youth log on to:
http://http://blog.care.com/sheila/2008/03... http://www.kidwinks.com/FamilyFun/ http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/kids/8... http://www.ticketmaster.com/kids?&brand=tm... Mayer Daley's Youth Ready Summer Employment Program:
http://www.youthreadychicago.org/ For Chicago Public Schools list of activities, log on to:
http://www.cps.edu
Posted By: Talibah Bakhit
Monday, May 17th 2010 at 11:54AM
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