The community school project also attempts to strengthen the environment for children by providing enrichment activities for adults, such as computer training, aerobics, and a homebuyers workshop. Several parent volunteers, along with approximately 60 area organizations and companies, participated in or contributed to a recent health fair at the school. The school works with Essex County College s continuing education program to offer courses in Psychology and English held at the Camden school. Newark police officers and area high school students also meet for midnight basketball on the school s adult nights, held twice a week. The adult component emphasizes family support and child development, said Corrin.
People Too encourages parents to nurture themselves in order to better nurture their children.
And some activities, such as video editing projects and the school newsletter, bring together parents and kids to work in the same classroom. Parent and community participation in program design are also encouraged, according to Corrin and Principal Josephine McDowell. A school improvement team, made up of parents, staff, and student council members, reviews the school s community component and works to gather the ideas of parents and community residents. During one such meeting, parents requested that the school offer a GED program and computer training for parents, students, and staff, McDowell said. The school now provides these classes.