High School Helps Youth Build Positive Future

Families, staff, and friends enthusiastically applauded the 56 proud high school Regents diploma recipients at Brooklyn Democracy Academy’s second graduation, held on June 24, 2010. Thirty-eight of the graduates are going on to college. The audience cheered as a host of awards and diplomas were given out to the graduating students. Learn more about Brooklyn Democracy Academy.

Students Explore Identity in
Two Together Tutoring Summer Program

JCCA’s Two Together tutoring program is hosting an enrichment program for middle school children to help bridge the learning gap that often takes place during the summer months. The theme of the program is "Who Am I?" Students take a look at the many different cultures found in New York by exploring the ethnically diverse neighborhoods of the city from Chinatown to Little Italy. In addition, the students visit the Smithsonian Native American Museum, the Brooklyn Historical Society, the U.N., and the African Burial Grounds. There is also a presentation on Russian immigration. Students are asked to express themselves and their heritage through art workshops and a multicultural lunch. Complimenting the summer exploration program, tutors also work with students to reinforce their reading and writing.

Staying Cool with a Great Summer Reading Program at The Cottage Schools

Studies have shown that reading not only improves academic literacy such as writing skills, reading comprehension, and concentration, but also helps youth relieve trauma symptoms, learn coping skills, improve empathy, and gain new perspectives. Thanks to Sue Resnick and Liz Frankel, two Cottage School volunteers, each cottage on campus will now have its own summer reading library. Sue and Liz came up with the idea to organize a book drive on Campus and also developed a reading list that would be appropriate for each age group of residents. The Cottage School youth are encouraged to beat the heat and lazy days of summer by reading more. Facilitators of the program encourage youth to read, keep a personal log about the book, and have follow-up discussions, while librarians and authors make presentations about the books. There is also a competition between Campus peers in which the winner of the most books read will receive prizes that include a iPod Nano and gift certificates to a local bookstore. Learn more about The Cottage Schools.

Friends of JCCA Come Out to WALK

On Sunday, May 16, hundreds of Westchester area children, high school students, parents, and seniors gathered together for the third annual WALK for The Cottage Schools on JCCA’s Westchester campus. The event took place to raise funds and offer hope to hundreds of youth at The Cottage Schools. Our dedicated supporters made enthusiastic tracks around the two-mile route. The WALK was generously supported by PepsiCo and Ben & Jerry’s. “Everyone who came out and walked helped to give these kids a future filled with hope,” remarked WALK co-chair Wendi Winshall. “We’re enormously grateful to all the participants for getting involved to support the critical work done at The Cottage Schools,” added in co-chair Rachel Rader.