Schools
Sullivan School Lives On
The "Sullivan School Lives in You" party was a celebration of the school's spirit.
Although days may be numbered, the spirit of the school will live on in the hearts and memories of it's students, educators, and their families.
The faculty, support staff, students and parents are set to relocate to the George H. Triplett School on Broadway for the 2011-2012 school year, but there weren’t any tears among the hundreds party goers as they enjoyed the day's festivities.
“The spirit of Sullivan will live on in the students despite a lack of a physical building. We teach our students they should do their part, that they are powerful, and they can make a difference,” Principal Maria Mare Schulz said.
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Dencil Bodde, a Sullivan student, recited a daily pledge each member of the school community is asked to adhere to during the celebration.
“Sullivan School citizens will be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. We come to school on time, all day, everyday to get smarter,” he said.
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At first it may sound like a simple creed, but there are challenges that it helps transcend, Mare Schulz said.
“Sullivan School is a beautiful little school community that is nestled in the mist of a community that is comprised of five public housing developments,” she said. “We also teach character education. That is that it costs nothing to be kind and we work through our struggles to make us stronger."
Of its 301 students, for 26 percent of Sullivan students, English is not a first language, but that too is a success the school can celebrate, Mare Schulz said.
Tatiana Jimenez, 8, came to the U.S. when she was six years old with her mother Santa Diaz from Puerto Rico.
She started at Sullivan not being able to speak a word of english. Today, she speaks it fluently.
“The teachers here at Sullivan really help children from other countries. It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Diaz said.
Sherri Rodrigues McLeish attended Sullivan in the fourth and fifth grade, and now works there as a parent educator for parents and teachers.
“My favorite memory is playing sports here at the school. We’d play soccer, basketball in that little gym and softball on the field across the street. There were a lot of fun times here,” she said. “I work here so it’s sad but I’m happy for the new building. It’s about time."
