Envision Equity - Special Edition: Reaching & Teaching Our Boys

skills and before leaving most moved up to
having a higher level of social skills. Manners
and self- discipline has built up and a sense of
respect for others has developed. I begin to
see them using their minds; I see them
develop a sense of pride, faith, and confidence
in themselves.”
Key to the longevity and success of SOI is the
emphasis placed on parental involvement.
"We host a monthly parent meeting that is
practically 100% participation says Terra
Leavell, Executive Director of CCDC. Our
parents are given tools and resources to assist
them in maintaining a healthy relationship
with the school. This helps assure the child
has a productive and successful school year.”
Over the years CCDC has relentlessly sought
ways of instilling education as a priority in the
minds of the participants while keeping them
engaged year round. According to Leavell, the
summer
break allows
Above, students in the Sons of Issacar Academy
learn to tie a necktie.
the perfect platform to do some really fun and engaging learning.
Each summer the elementary cluster hosts a six-week summer
reading camp with the focus of reading and comprehension. The
young scholars are also engaged in an extra curriculum
activity. During the summer of 2016, they were introduced to the
game of Tennis. For the middle school, summer means Tech
Time with a summer Tech Wizard Camp, sponsored in
partnership with Kentucky State University and 4H. Tech camp introduces the participants to a
new technical industry each year. This past summer the focus was photography and movie
making.
Field trips are another important aspect of SOI. "Field trips are critical,” says Leavell. “They give
participants the opportunity to get out of the neighborhood. To go and shake hands with
businessmen and women downtown, to really see what's in their future. It's also a way for year
round educational engagement. We are in a battle for their minds and we intend on winning.”
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