Effort's goal: Give more peace a chance

Leaders want the 21 district facilities to be a haven for learning.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The pupils marched into East Middle School to the beat of the Ebenezer Church of God In Christ Time Keepers and thunderous applause and cheers from adults lining the hallway.
It technically wasn't the first day of school, but school officials said that's the type of greeting they want given to pupils arriving at all 21 city schools when classes begin Tuesday.
The demonstration was at the East Side school Wednesday to show how the community should do it next week, said Superintendent Dr. Wendy Webb.
It's a community collaborative effort, pulled together under the banner, "Increase the Peace," Webb said, explaining that the goal is to show students that adults want them to have a safe and secure learning environment.
Street violence in the city over the summer prompted the creation of the Increase the Peace movement less than a month ago, she said.
"The support has been phenomenal," Webb said, noting that about 60 representatives of churches, community organizations, the police department, the juvenile justice system, educational groups, local government and others turned out to participate in the demonstration.
"This is not a political ploy. This is about being proactive for the kids," she said. "We want them to look forward to coming to school."
Being there for the pupils
Webb has invited people to visit their neighborhood schools at opening time for the first two weeks of school, asking that they show support for the children as they enter the buildings.
People also can turn on their porch lights and be outside to greet children to show that someone is watching out for them as they pass on their way to school, she added.
"We're in crisis. We're in a state of emergency in Youngstown," Webb said, adding, "We have to turn it around together or we become extinct and die."
Studies have shown that children don't learn as well when they are fearful, she said.
"I think it's very important that the community has come together," said the Rev. Ernest Ellis, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Youngstown and president-elect of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
Environment for learning, not fear
People want to show their concern and provide a safe setting for education, he said.
"School should be a safe haven for education and not a battleground for fear," said Judge Theresa Dellick of Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
She pledged the support of the juvenile justice probation staff to the cause, adding that it is time for the community "to stand together to increase the peace."
All of the 21 building principals are planning their own opening-day celebrations to welcome students back.
They may not all have a band, but the idea is to create some fanfare to show support and make coming to school a pleasant and anticipated event, said M. Mike McNair, district spokesman.
People who want to participate should contact the building principal at the school in their area, McNair said.
gwin@vindy.com