New Gum Springs Center to Open for Suspended Students

"We want to keep them occupied. We don't want an idle mind," said Queenie Cox, explaining why the Gum Springs community is opening a new Support on Suspension (SOS) Center on January 3 for youngsters suspended from school.  Organizers hope to encourage students to keep up with their studies and stay in school long-term. 

Mount Vernon High School has one of the highest suspension rates in the county, Cox contends.

"Mount Vernon's  been calling for two months.  There's definitely an interest and need," added Director of the Gum Springs Community Center Kenya Turner.

Last night, the key organizers welcomed neighbors and potential volunteers to the community center where the SOS center will be housed. 

SOS will be a supportive place for study, recreation and counseling, led by Director Tenickia Robinson, "the sparkle," as Rev. Tuck Bowerfind of St. Luke's Episcopal Church called her.

When students are out of school, they "become lax, a problem in the community," Cox said.  They may fail or drop out.  "This is not a baby-sitting job. They will have to complete work assignments," she added.

 "I want to help kids at a critical moment," echoed volunteer Richard Jones of the Hollin Hall neighborhood. 

Bowerfind said that in Fairfax County schools, the maximum suspension is ten days, but if the school board has to adjudicate a case, the suspension can drag out to six months.  

Once suspended, students and their parents are barred from going to the school to get materials, he explained.  Bowerfind hopes the center's supporters can "have a conversation with the school board on how suspensions are used and how to allow suspended students and their parents to access assignments" while the students are out of school.  The center's staff will be able to get the assignments and textbooks, Cox explained.

SOS will offer computers, after-school recreation and counseling by George Mason University graduate students.

"These youngsters need one-on-one individual attention," said Gum Springs resident Gloria Wiseman, who retired after teaching in Washington, D. C., for 35 years. 

"A suspension is an indication that there is some kind of a problem. It's a symptom something is wrong." she advised.

Founders have raised over $20,000 and need about $25,000 more. SOS seeks volunteers who before being accepted will be subject to a background check.

For information or to volunteer, visit http://www.newgumspringscivicassociation.com/sos/.