August 3, 2007
20 years of boosting Petersburg students
In room after room in Zion Baptist Church in July, a visitor might be forgiven for thinking that September had already come. Heads were bent over books, ears were tuned in to teachers and students were learning.
Dr. James Victory, new Superintendent of Petersburg Public Schools, followed up on an invitation to see this program in action ñ one that has benefited Petersburg students since 1988. His guide was William Cosby Jr., church administrator, and one of the founders of the program.
Zion Baptist, just off Halifax Road on Byrne Street, had the space, thanks to a new annex; and a number of qualified volunteers, such as retired teachers, to assist. The Petersburg Public Schools provided textbooks, chalk boards and other materials.
During Dr. Victoryís visit, some 60 children were busy studying everything from algebra to reading ñ but many of them paused long enough to shake his hand.
ìIím grateful to see people in our community who so clearly love children and who have worked so hard, for so long, to help educate them. Zion Baptist is an important part of our partnership network,î Dr. Victory said.
There is a Halifax Road, but Zion Baptist is on Halifax Street. Minor difference for those who know, but could send someone new to Dinwiddie.
This is a good program. They are filling the gap left by parents in doing their share to take advantage of the dedicated teaching staff in the PPS. I would guess that Zion Baptist and others like them are responsible for many of the positive SOL scores that help keep us afloat. I am not surprised that there are retired Petersburg teachers involved in this. I think we need much more of this kind of support and the Department of Social Services should be much more involved providing finances and enforcement leverage to do their part to resolve a crisis that I think that they are much to blame for.