Dr. David Christiansen, principal of Evans High School, is on a mission to turn it into an “A” school. But, he warns it will take time.
Speaking before the Pine Hills Community Council meeting on Tuesday, Christiansen sketches out his vision for Evans High. Already an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma authorized school, Evans will have its first graduating class this year. There are other unique strengths too–over the past three years the number of courses offered has increased from 7 to 18, leading to Advanced Placement (AP) status; increased participation in the AVID program and now recognized as a Nationally Certified School and rated in the top 100 nationwide, in Navy Junior ROTC, among others.
Although there has been an increase in the graduation rate from 50% to 75%, a fall in dropout rates from 9% to 2% and increased student activities, Christiansen’s vision to turn Evans High into a world class educational facility is relentless.
With a new facility set to be completed by November 2011, Christiansen is working closely with the University of Central Florida (UCF) that has made a long-term commitment to turn Evans High into a community school, combining the best educational practices with a wide range of vital in-house health and social services to ensure that children are physically, emotionally and socially prepared to learn.
Professor Michael Frumkin, Dean and Professor of the College of Health and Public Affairs, UCF, who addressed the meeting on Tuesday, explained that the community school concept, first undertaken in Harlem, New York City twenty years ago, is an innovative vision of the school’s role within the community.
Frumkin said the community schools strategy works as it builds on a strong body of research over the past 15- 17 years. He added that, in a community school, parents and community leaders play active roles in the school. Adults, guardians and parents are encouraged to get involved in their children’s education and children have ongoing access to good medical, health and wellness services, free of cost. Adult education, after-school classes and week-end programs are offered for parents, along with job training and a range of other activities, including advice and support. Most importantly, how Evans High evolves into a community school will be determined by the specific needs of the community and the strengths already resident in the area, Frumkin said.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), the largest and oldest statewide not-for-profit organization that cares for vulnerable children in Florida, is also playing a key role in the adoption of Evans as a community school.
The meeting was informed that Evans High would be one of only two schools in Florida where the community school concept is being adopted, with Friendship Elementary High in Deltona, Volusia County being the other. Currently, 3,500 schools nationally and internationally operate on the community schools concept, with 22 such community schools’ programs in New York City.
Based on the evaluation of community schools programs, improved student achievement; increased parental involvement; higher student and teacher attendance; improved school climate and improved mental and physical health, among others achievements, have been documented.
The Pine Hills Community Council meeting was attended by 35 participants. Among the attendees was Bill Segal, candidate in the race for Orange County Mayor, who said he welcomed the initiative to turn Evans High into a world class educational facility, while lauding the existing assets of the community. Observing that Orange County Commission did have limited resources, Segal reiterated his commitment, if elected mayor, to support the development and revitalization of the area.
