JFK, Capdau Students Share Thoughts on Education With BESE Member

Students and staff from both John F. Kennedy High School and Pierre A. Capdau Charter School recently got a chance to share their thoughts about the state of education with Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member Kira Orange-Jones.

Orange-Jones visited the schools as part of a tour of her district following her recent re-election.

“We loved having Mrs. Jones here, just to speak to our students and hear what they expect and what they believe are the most important issues in the city and to give us the opportunity to discuss policies to influence student outcomes,” New Beginnings Schools Foundation CEO Kevin George said. “I want to commend her for taking the time out to walk the halls and to speak with our students and our staff to hear how she can better serve our communities.”

Orange-Jones asked students what they were most proud of at their schools, as well as what they would like to see improved if money was no object.

Asiannae’ Jones, a senior at JFK, said she appreciates the stability and discipline the new administration at her school has provided and said she believes students across the state could benefit from more hands-on learning opportunities.

“Most students learn better when things are hands-on, rather than having someone just stand and talk to you,” she said. “If I want to be a dentist or a doctor then I need to see what that is like.”

Principal Alnita Porea said the school is working with Opportunity Now to establish a work program for students to gain more experience in the workplace, easing into it this semester by providing internships for students in the office and with the school nurse.

The biggest concern among staff members was the teacher shortage affecting all school districts in the state.

“We are in the midst of a teacher shortage. That’s no secret,” Porea said. “If we don’t, as a state and as a community, do something we won’t be able to educate children.”

Porea said the state also needs to provide resources to train teachers, especially those coming over from the business world, once they are hired.

“I am proud of the resilience of the students of JFK,” she said. “They have gone through a tremendous amount of hurt and that’s not OK. Those who show up and put the work in are exceling. I’m excited to see where we end the year.”

George said the entire team has pulled together so that when students cross the stage in May there will be no doubt that every one is qualified to receive a diploma.

“It’s been a long haul but I’m proud to say we know what every child in this building needs to graduate,” he said.

Students at Capdau said they were most proud of the family atmosphere at their school, with teachers whom they feel they can go to with any problem.

“They get me ready for the next level,” eighth-grader Ty’Jae Harris said. “I’m an entrepreneur and they help me with my cosmetology business. My teachers give me advice every day.”

When asked what one word they would use to describe what they hoped to gain from their high school experience, Capdau’s eighth-graders used words such as giving, special, memorable, amazing, cultural and hopeful.