At Southwark Elementary/Middle School, opportunities and resources are brought directly to the students, families and local neighbors through strong partnerships, embodying the essence of a true Community School. On December 20th, Mayor Kenney visited Southwark to celebrate and acknowledge the school’s strong partners and to learn more about some of the school’s unique programs.

Mayor Kenney was greeted by Southwark Principal Andrew Lukov, along with students and Southwark’s dragon mascot. As the group entered the auditorium, Southwark’s student orchestra performed for the audience of parents, students, staff, service providers, and partners.

To kick off the awards ceremony, Mayor Kenney presented Principal Lukov with Southwark’s new banner, to commemorate its official designation as a Community School. He explained that Southwark’s ability to forge mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen the school and neighborhood was part of the reason it was selected as one of the first nine Community Schools.

“We hope to build on the great work that you all have already been doing here at Southwark,” said Mayor Kenney. “You have a wonderfully diverse community and we will work with you to improve access to resources and expand opportunities at this school.”

The event also recognized some of the school’s partners that help transform the school into a community hub by providing vital resources and enriching programming to the Southwark community. The first Southwark Community Partner Awards were presented by Principal Lukov and Community School Coordinator, Beth Dougherty, to the out-of-school-time providers Sunrise of Philadelphia, Puentes de Salud, United Communities, and Migrant Education, for their exemplary service providing high-quality after-school experiences to Southwark students.

Following the assembly, the Mayor visited a STEM/CTE classroom. One example of Southwark’s alignment of resources and innovation can be seen in their Career and Technical Education program designed to introduce middle school students to STEM-based careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Through community partnerships, classroom visits, manufacturing and STEM job site field trips, and project-based learning at the student-led, fully functional school store, students learn career-based skills.

Unique to most middle schools, students are exposed to the 16 different strands of CTE which include many career fields including Finance, Health Science, and Manufacturing. The early CTE exposure has another benefit for Southwark students; after working all year on their aptitude and skills, and exploring interests in the CTE fields, students develop an exit portfolio to help them determine what high school will be a good fit and what careers they might like to pursue. This type of early exposure can allow students to take full advantage of the 120+ CTE programs offered in high schools across the District.

The next stop on the tour was a visit to a new music room to observe the impressive student musicians. The Southwark music program is the recipient of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation “Keys of Inspiration” (KOI) Program Grant, which provides a Roland Piano Lab, curriculum materials, supplementary supplies, and funding to support a music teacher and the KOI program for three years.

Through the Keys of Inspiration program, students of all levels improve their musical skills while building self-confidence and a sense of achievement in a safe, creative space. Music, arts, and other extracurricular subjects vital to student success and the development of the whole child. Through the commitment of staff and Principal Lukov, Southwark students continue to receive these enriching experiences.

Read more highlights from this event via WHYY/Newsworks.