The Trenton Public School district has recently received the dubious label of "District In-Need of Improvement" by the state of New Jersey. This added to another label, "Persistently Dangerous" is the atmosphere in which the students at Grace A. Dunn Middle School receive their education. However, we all know that labels don't tell the whole story. So much of the good things that happen in our district and school go unreported. Consequently, I was pleased when some African-American Alums of Brown University informed me of this wonderful opportunity that their organization is providing for students to participate in the SPARK program. Finally, someone else recognizes the promise and potential of our students. When I first arrived at Dunn Middle School I was immediately pushed into the role of disciplinarian, which truly is not my forte. I am far better with building relationships and shaping minds by being open, honest and sharing expectations. This year we have three rules; be respectful, responsible and ready. When students sense authenticity and unconditional love, they will respond. Most times I can get them to cooperate where others have struggled. Because of this I have been able to make the shift from focusing on discipline to focusing on academic rigor and setting personal goals. The students are truly responding. When I asked for approximately 10 students to be sent to me so that I could introduce the opportunity to them 20 showed up. More asked about the program and many parents began to call me. I was delighted to find that so many students were interested in this program. Students that I had not even spoken to were knocking on my office door with inquiries. This will be a wonderful experience for our students. I truly look forward to the testimonies of these students when they return from their stay at Brown and hope this is the beginning of a burgeoning partnership between Grace A. Dunn and Brown University's SPARK program.
Lastly, on a personal note, though I know that the educational needs of our young people in the inner cities are myriad and can't be solved through one summer program at Brown University, I commend Brown University and the Ethel Tremaine Robinson Foundation for putting forth the effort to help make a difference.
Sincerely,
Jermaine E.Kamau - Vice Principal, Grace A. Dunn Middle School
Welcome to the Boldly Black page. These are challenging times for our people and wherever possible, we'd like Brown University to be a resource to and a beneficiary of our individual and collective efforts in the strengthening and empowering of our community.