Getting students to attend on a regular basis is a challenge, but is it one that we are accomplishing. The CLC provides tutoring sessions for students both before and after school, as well as on Saturday mornings. Tutoring topics include math, science, history and English. The library and computer labs are also available to students to help them develop study skills. Janeen Boone, project director for the CLC, is overjoyed at the success of the tutoring program. Janeen explains, "Structured tutoring begins at 7:30 a.m., but the school is open at 6:30 a.m. We have students arriving at 6:45 a.m. for assistance. Our average daily attendance for morning tutoring is 82 youth per day."

In addition to tutoring, other activities offered include African dance, cheerleading, chess, a step team, wrestling, Yo-Gi-Oh card trading club, and Community Ambassadors. Rosalie Manor coordinates these functions in collaboration with the Supplemental Educational Services of the Milwaukee Public Schools.

We have 414 students registered for the CLC who actively participate. There are an additional 177 students who have participated in at least one activity. We are very pleased to report that we are meeting and exceeding the standards set by MPS to operate a successful CLC site. This is remarkable since Rosalie began coordinating the program this school year.

Continued parental involvement in a child's early development and throughout the school years results in positive school achievement. There are several components of the CLC which works to promote parental involvement including parent nights and computer classes for parents. Perhaps the most exciting activity is our involvement in the FAST program. FAST, which stands for Families and Schools Together, is being piloted at our CLC site. "While FAST is used in elementary schools, this is the first time they are trying it in a high school, and we are really excited about this groundbreaking opportunity," explained Janeen. The FAST team, consisting of parents, students, teachers, and community workers will provide family driven activities that strengthen parental authority and family communication. FAST began a few months ago and already there are 20 families who are registered for the FAST program. The first event, a teen/parent dance, was held on March 20, and was a huge success. "The FAST program helps promote one-on-one time between a parent and their child, which is imperative when building a strong relationship," stated Janeen.

Rosalie Manor has been a forerunner in parent, school and community partnerships. Coordinating the CLC at Washington High School is an excellent example of a strong collaborative among the three partners that provides a significant force in promoting parent involvement and student achievement. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the school's administration, students, families and community to make this program a success!