The AdoptaClass Programme William Knibb Memorial High School

The Adopt-a-Class Programme – William Knibb Memorial High School Exemplary School Partnerships Sharing Our Experience William Knibb Alumni Association Kingston Chapter

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association International Education Conference 2014 April 22 -24, 2014 Hilton Rose Hall Montego Bay, Jamaica Revolutionizing the 21 st Century Education System Through Best Practices

Presented by Ellis James Laing President William Knibb Alumni Association Kingston Chapter

Outline Genesis of the Programme Rationale Scope How Undertaken – Activities Challenges Benefits

Genesis of the Programme Rooted in Aims of Alumni To give tangible assistance to the school’s development; To seek to mentor and mould students into thoughtful well rounded leaders of the community & society; To liaise with the school’s several stakeholders, including administration, staff and students and other chapters to foster meaningful relationships; To foster and encourage a positive image of the

Genesis of the Programme The Association . . . wanted to make contributions that went beyond cash to special one-off projects or to infrastructural development . . . wanted to go beyond the routine gifts to sports, culture, special days etc. . wanted a project that would be holistic in nature, meaningful to beneficiaries and impacting a lifetime and based on that Conceptualized the Adopt-a-Class One for Five Project

Genesis of the Programme In conceptualizing the Adopt-a-Class One for Five Project the Association considered the African proverb: “It takes a Village to raise a Child” which gave rise to serious contemplation of the word ADOPT

Genesis of the Programme ADOPT Adopt, verb 1. legally take another’s child and bring it up as one’s own 2. choose to take up or follow (an idea, method, or course of action) Synonyms – embrace, take on, affect, assume

Scope Adopt-a-Class Five for One Project seeks to positively impact the lives of 45 students within one class at the WKMHS over a period of 3 -5 years, resulting in model students who will inculcate wholesome values in their academic, social, cultural, spiritual lives

Scope Adopt-a-Class Five for One Project hopes to ultimately result in all round participation in school life loyalty to the institution exceptional grades at CSEC appreciation and regard for social mores and wholesome values and attitudes

Methodology Develop Adopt-a-Class Programme proposal Associate with students over a 5 year period Work with other stakeholders – parents, home room teacher subject teachers year-group supervisor vice-principal

Methodology Contact School Administration sharing plan, indicating commitment and getting buy-in One class among the 2010 Cohort of GSAT Awardees identified by the school Welcome Letters to students issued at start of First Semester Letters to parents issued simultaneously Painting of designated Homeroom of Adopted Class Provision of texts and resource material for general use (particularly by those who may lack adequate resources)

Methodology Contribute to physical and enabling environments: Physical painting of classroom provision of suitable/comfortable furniture, provision of appropriate learning resources

Methodology Enabling – enrichment exercises teacher development incentive – awards/recognition programme, motivational presentations exposure to civic and national importance thus leading to a pride in, and commitment to self, school, community and country

Special Activities Painting of Classroom Gifts of books, material – shared resources for students Did special presentations on etiquette, hygiene, study techniques

Special Activities Special Personal Development Seminar – September 2012 (Start of Grade 9) for students and their parents Shaping Your Future Presenter – Joan Davis Williams Being the Support System – Parents Shaping Your Future The Eagle in Me Social Graces, Hygiene & Grooming, Relationships

Special Activities Awards presentation – outstanding performances in academics punctuality courtesy deportment discipline reliability and cooperation consistency in spoken English Certificates and Trophies presented annually in General Assembly

Positives Commitment to excellence from majority of students in terms of academic/ decorum YEAR ACADEMI SPECIAL C 2010 -11 10 8 2011 -12 21 14 2012 -13 29 17 Able to identify students who need special intervention

Positives Buy in from students, school and parents Enthusiasm Benefits to the students, the school, the community Greater sense of pride and self-worth; affirmation

Challenges/Limitations Limited numbers of members within the Association to effectively manage several aspects of the programme simultaneously Our physical distance from the school Physical distance from the youngsters but made easier through use of technology, social media and liaising with home room teacher and principal Limited Resources

Opportunities for Improvement Review the programme strategies Include the Guidance Counsellor as a key stakeholder Strengthen the methodology Greater analysis of challenges and successes

This is Our Reward!!! Thank you for wishing me a happy new year. Hope you and the Alumni Kingston Chapter have a wonderful n great New Year and I also thank you for what you have done for me n the 9 -2 family throughout the past years. I am very appreciative. Hope you have a prosperous year.

This is Our Reward!!! We are trying to do our best although the first term of grade 10 was very challenging because we have to step up our game to take on CXC in grade 11. Thanks for shaping us into the men and women of tomorrow and also mothers and fathers. We will continue to try to do our best or should I say

This is Our Reward!!! Presented to William Knibb Memorial High School Alumni (Kingston Chapter) Thank you for your sterling contribution to the Adopted Class of 2010

William Knibb Alumni Association Kingston Chapter williamknibbalumni_kingston@yahoo. com