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Hundreds of Southwest Detroit residents turn out to see school options at DPS
Many also take the time to beautify schools and neighborhoods
Thousands of residents and community volunteers turned out at schools across the city on Saturday, March 31 for the Detroit Public Schools All-Schools Open House and Enrollment Fair event.
Particularly in Southwest Detroit, hundreds of volunteers used the occasion to not only see the great educational options offered throughout the district, but also to beautify schools and neighborhoods.
At Harms Elementary, 2400 Central St., nearly 75 parents and more than 30 community members came out to support the school for the district’s event. Community volunteers, including those from Chrysler Corp. and Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, worked together to board up and clean a vacant house and yard that is next to the school.
About 75 parents and nearly three dozen community members also turned out at Neinas Elementary, 6021 McMillan St., where the school held a clean-up day. Volunteers cleaned and boarded up properties across the street from the school. At the same time, Neinas students and parents worked to beautify the school garden.
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Students and parents beautify the school garden at Neinas Elementary.
Harms Elementary parents, community members, and Chrysler Corp. volunteers clean and board up an abandoned home near the school.
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At Bennett Elementary, 2111 Mullane St., three-fourths of the entire staff including teachers, aides, and clerical workers volunteered their time during the district’s All-Schools Open House and Enrollment Fair event.
In addition, 55 University of Michigan students volunteered to clean up the grounds, lots and parking areas. They also pulled dead bushes and prepared the outside area for spring planting.
Volunteers beautified and organized inside of the building, including cleaning out more than 750 lockers, organizing storage areas, rearranging furniture in the library and more. Twenty-five University of Michigan students participated in JumpStart games and activities with children and their parents in the gym.
Bennett staff members pitched in to help with the U of M-Ann Arbor Detroit Partnership clean-up effort and children’s activities.
“The entire school and campus of Bennett was a flurry of activity and positive energy,” said Principal Josette Buendia. “Those who visited for the Enrollment Fair commented on how vibrant the school was and were very impressed. At the end of the day, the school looked wonderful. The university students had a strong sense of accomplishment, and our staff was happy to have participated.”
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