CCEA Newsletter September 2003, Page 7

Text Box: partners from the business and professional community who play a large role in the life of Garfield High School. They provide financial support when needed; mentors who can bring a different perspective to the students; training and job opportunities for the students; and great PR for what Garfield High School is doing for students. One of the partners had just completed the teaching of a class in music. They worked after school and published their own CD. I was lucky enough to be given one of the CDs. The students did a masterful job in the creation of their music, the recording, and the packaging. Can you imagine the self-esteem that these students have gained from this experience? I was told that one of the students, as a result of his experiences, had even received a contract offer in the music industry! Another highlight of the partners’ luncheon for me was to learn that Garfield High School has its own Foundation! I know many school districts that have foundations. I even know a few schools that have foundations. But, I believe that Garfield is the first continuation school that has its own foundation. This foundation is made up of people from the community who care about Garfield and want to make a difference. And they have done that! They are responsible for helping the school in many ways including sending staff members to conferences and providing financial assistance to students, as well as supplies and projects that need funding.

Text Box: It is no wonder that I was so impressed with what Garfield is accomplishing with its students. As I visited classrooms and talked with staff and students, I found a happy group of individuals who like what they are doing. The students take great pride in their school and say it has been what kept them in school. All are making plans for the future. Many expect to continue their education. Some will go on to City College and some will continue at 4 year colleges and universities. Others will complete their post-secondary education at trade and technical schools. The important thing is that all have come to realize that they need more than a high school education in order to succeed in today’s world. The staff has set high, but reachable standards for the students. The Senior Exit Project is a prime example. Students put together a Senior Portfolio that demonstrates the competencies they have gained while at Garfield. The Portfolio also includes a resume, letter of application and other job related skills. The final component for the students is to present their Senior Portfolio through a PowerPoint presentation to a group from the school and the community. In late May the school was visited by 22 individuals from the Washington D.C.-based American Youth Policy Forum, a non-profit organization funded by the Gates and Carnegie Grants. Their purpose in visiting Garfield was to observe exemplary high school reform efforts. They were not disappointed. In the feedback sent to the principal, Joan Zeno, was the following comment: “An amazing example of alternative education! With an

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