Located at the intersection of Locust and 47th Streets, the Henry C. Lea Elementary School is in a state of positive change with the school’s motto being “Teachers Teach — Students Study — Parents Participate.”

“I invite you to come out and visit our school,” said Principal Lisa Bell-Chiles during a recent Spruce Hill Community Association Meeting. “The best way to see why the school and students are so special is to experience it.”

It is no secret that Bell-Chiles is proud of her students, community partners and teachers, at Lea. The list is long and the commitment is real.

In September 2010 the school recruited volunteers for the Home School and Community Association to prepare fundraising events in support of students and parents.

Now, the association serves as a vehicle working with the staff, students and parents collaboratively.

Last Tuesday, community advocates and Lea HSCA members held the monthly association meeting at the school’s library.

Attendees participated in Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth’s (PCCY) parent advocacy workshop in addition to discussing upcoming events.

“Drastic decreases in education funding have impacted schools throughout Philadelphia,” said Tai Marie Adams of PCCY. “Parents have the strongest voice and there are tools to help you advocate for the kids and schools.”

Adams shared a checklist prepared by PCCY to help parents and teachers identify what every school should have.

“This checklist is starting point,” she said. “It’s a tool to help schools determine whether they have the basics required to provide children with an adequate education.”

According to recent studies, Pennsylvania has not funded its schools as well as other states. The national average that states contribute to education is about 48 percent, compared to 38 percent in Pennsylvania.

Property taxes are important. The local income of the community is another vital factor for some schools to have basic necessities such as teachers and computers when state funding proves insufficient. Children in less affluent districts end up lacking in these and other essentials. The checklist is an anonymous tool PCCY promotes in identifying the gaps.

“Our parents care and just because they have busy schedules does not mean they are unconcerned or uninvolved,” said Maurice Jones, Lea parent and HSCA president. “The HSCA is involved with the area political leaders, the school district and the community to increase awareness and develop new projects for the students.”

Lea HSCA is especially proud that one of the projected projects is to have a Lea Elementary Orchestra under the direction of Stanford Thompson, Play On Philly executive director. After visiting Lea, Thompson was so inspired by the community turnout that he pledged to bring an orchestra to the students.

Lea has numerous community partners that work hard to help sustain current enrichment activities and develop new ones. Several key partnerships include The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, Walnut Community Association, Garden Court Community Association, Lea Community Partners, Parents in Action Council and West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools.

Community support keeps the parents engaged, the children inspired and the teachers and staff energized. The Lea HSCA’s mission is to advance the conditions, safety and achievements of the students. To attend an upcoming meeting or become a member of the Lea HSCA, contact the school directly at (215) 471-2915.

The Philadelphia Tribune – December 15, 2011 – Read article online