Nun's Three Transfer Schools Give Bronx, Brooklyn Students A Second Chance
May 09, 2008
A nun who has created three transfer schools gave Bronx and Brooklyn students a second chance to finish high school. NY1s Josh Robin filed the following report.
For 28 years, Sister Paulette LoMonaco has overseen the Good Shepard Services' programs, and has created three transfer schools that serve 450 students between the ages of 16 to 21 in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
The students who attend these programs either dropped out of high school or were in danger of not graduating.
Darryl Davis of Morrisania, Bronx, who was getting into gang fights and had a poor record at two different schools, has now found his way at one of Sister LoMonaco's transfer schools.
"If I wasn't here I probably, I don't even know, said Davis. I'd probably be doing what I was doing before, maybe not even in a high school."
"We work with their families, we work with them, and we create an atmosphere and a culture in a small school setting where young people have a better chance of succeeding," said Sister LoMonaco.
The students are paired with an advocate counselor who monitors their grades, attendance, and keeps them on track towards graduating.
Marquise Bullock said the early wake-up calls he gets from his teachers reminds him of his commitment.
"It wakes you up early. You may say 'eh, I don't want to go to school today,' but at the end of the day you have to do it," Bullock.
Funding from the Department of Education, combined with donations from public and private organizations, has led to plans to open two more schools.
"Sister Paulette really is a leader in the area of public services and human services, said principal Matt Roberts. She's able to identify a goal and a vision and then bring together the resources to make it happen."
Sister LoMonaco's goal is to give every high school student a chance to graduate. She said the success she has seen in the transfer schools keeps her optimistic.
"I think back on our graduations and the enormous sense of satisfaction that our young people have, that their families have when they are able to graduate, said Sister LoMonaco. I realized that because of Good Shepherd's involvement in this initiative, last year 826 young people who were off-track and not going to graduate actually were able to graduate."
So, for getting students back on track and giving them a second chance at success, Sister Paulette LoMonaco is our New Yorker of the Week.
- Josh Robin
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May 09, 2008
Nun's Three Transfer Schools Give Bronx, Brooklyn Students A Second Chance
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