During the pilot project, Southeastern Village engaged high school, middle school and elementary school age youth from as many as nine local public schools. Initially, SEV conducted outreach to the middle and elementary schools in the Southeastern constellation (the public school catchment area), including Nichols, Remus Robinson, Marcus Garvey Academy, Bunche, Carstens, Butzel, among other schools.
SEV's executive director and outreach coordinator surveyed school officials for their interest in collaborating with SEV on activities that included safe routes planning, special events, and community clean-ups. Over a period of several months, SEV was able to cultivate the interest of several schools to begin a local SR2S initiative using the Michigan SR2S Handbook Process developed by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. The handbook process was ulitimately implemented at Nichols Elementary/Middle School. A listing and map of Detroit Schools that have registered with the State of Michigan SR2S Initiative is provided under Maps and Project Resources.
Middle School Project
Nichols Elementary/Middle School was also the site selected for the implementation of the middle school pilot project. A sixth grade computer lab class engaged 24 students in surveying the neighborhood around Nichols school. The Nichols neighborhood is situated in the historic Indian Village neighborhood, but neighbors some of the most blighted areas of the city. Students were trained in research techniques and mapping technologies. Several class sessions were spent photographing and analyzing potential safety issues.
The data was mapped using Google Earth and specific problems were identified and prioritized for action by the students. The students prepared a class presentation to the student body, school administrators and the community, including various elected officials. The students' findings were used in the SR2S assessment process and contributed to Nichols receiving a grant from the State of Michigan SR2S initiative. The grant funds will be used to address key infrastructure, traffic safety, and health programs for students at Nichols.
High School Summer Mapping
SEV engaged high school age youth in a summer community mapping project. Thirty 11th graders completed neighborhood surveys around nine schools in the Southeastern Constellation. The student photographed problems with housing, vacant buildings, signge and infrastructure. The data was mapped and the students investigated property ownership at the most pressing problem locations. They made several presentations to city and county officials. Ultimately, their efforts led to action by the City of Detroit Building, Safety and Engineering Department (BSE). BDE investigated the complaints and initiatied action against property owners at some 40 locations located nearby the schools that were surveyed. The high schools students who participated in the summer mapping and research program also fulfilled a community service objective. Each student spent one day of the program working with a team of volunteers to clean-up the grounds and adjacent areas next to the school that they surveyed.
Elementary Age Students
Southeastern Village initiated Walk To School Day as a way to advocate for improving and preserving the community and strong public schools. On October 17, 2006, SEV organized over 400 students, parents, teachers, community stakeholders and public officials to walk designated routes to school explaining good strategies for staying safe while going to and from school. SEV has sponsored poster and essay contests with schools, Walking School Bus programs and more recent Walk-To-School Days since it began coordinating SR2S efforts in the neighborhoods it serves.
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