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Equity + Education

Equitable education means giving every student access to the resources and educational rigor they need regardless of race, gender, language, disability, family background, or family income. The goal is for all children to achieve their highest potential as individuals and to become productive members of society.

The Equity and Education subcommittee has chosen three main focus areas:

  1. WESTERLY HILLS ACADEMY + CORE CHURCH – Expand support for students and families in zip code 28208 many of whom are negatively impacted by poverty, hunger, lack of affordable housing stability, (over)working parents, and lack of transportation. Explore opportunities for partnering with Core Church to support these families
  2. COVID-19 TRAUMA – Ensure training for partners (teachers, administrators, tutors) to understand the added layer of trauma created by the pandemic and the mental/emotional health consequences.
  3. LITERACY – Encourage best practices for reading mastery (a bellwether predictor for success in school) from the earliest possible age and engage more FPC members in proven effective literacy programs.
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Upcoming Events

Family Movie & Pizza Night

Family Movie & Pizza Night

Date July 26, 2024Time 5:30 pm - 7:00 pmVenue Wood Fellowship HallPrice $5
Join us for a fun-filled evening for children and families of all ages. We will be showing "Encanto" in the Fellowship Hall. Pizza dinner will be provided. Registration is required. Dinner is $5 per person (max of $20 per family).

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Featured Resources

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Article

Skipping School: America’s Hidden Education Crisis

Equity in Education

Absenteeism has nearly doubled since the pandemic. With state and federal governments largely abdicating any role in getting kids back into classrooms, some schools have turned to private companies for a reimagined version of the truant officer.

10-30 minutes

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Article

Chatham County offers new mental health service to students

Equity in Education

Chatham County students now have more options for their mental health needs at no cost.

Less than 5 minutes

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Article

Students Are Making a ‘Surprising’ Rebound From Pandemic Closures. But Some May Never Catch Up.

Equity in Education

An analysis of nationwide data on schools’ recovery led by Professor Sean Reardon shows that achievement gaps have widened, with the poorest students the furthest behind.

5-10 minutes

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Take Action

Bellxcel and Above and Beyond Summer Program

First Presbyterian Church partners with Bellxcel and Above and Beyond Students to provide a full-week, six-week long summer camp program for Pre-K–fifth graders from Westerly Hills Academy. Campers spend their mornings learning but spend afternoons and Fridays enjoying fun enrichment activities and field trips. Church members are able to engage with this program by assisting in the Pre-K classroom and chaperoning Friday field trips.

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Books on Break

First Presbyterian Church is sponsoring the Books on Break program at Westerly Hills Academy this year! $10 provides one student with 5 new books to read over the summer, which not only provides entertainment but also prevents backsliding in reading levels during the summer months. Students will choose books from a free book fair held in May. There are approximately 440 students at Westerly Hills Academy, so our goal is to raise $4,400 to fund the program for every student!

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