Weinland Park Elementary has spent generations trying to overcome devastating turnover rates and low academic ratings, but is now making a turnaround thanks to a new principal, new staff and committed students and parents.
The school officials said they are taking the necessary steps to fix the school’s many problems. Change won’t come overnight, but by taking many small steps, officials said they hope to reach one big goal – to become an elementary school Weinland Park parents and students are proud of.
The biggest problem principal Barbara Blake is tackling is the school’s turnover rate – 60 percent of students who start the school year at Weinland Park Elementary do not finish.
“One cause of the 60 percent turnover rate is economics. Parents move in and out of the neighborhood and children have no choice but to follow their parents,” Blake said.
When parents decide to move out of the community, Blake often tries to find a way to keep the child at the school. She even arranges extra bus transportation for a student to attend Weinland Park Elementary.
Columbus Public Schools received a rating of “academic emergency” from the Ohio Department of Education. The district met only five of 22 total indicators of success. Low proficiency test scores were a major factor in this rating.
Blake and Kathryn Coleman, vice principal, said they are trying to take the school to new levels while they correct the problems that have haunted the school for years. Blake and Coleman try to get involved in the children’s lives and to persuade parents to do the same.
One way Blake and her staff stay connected with the students is by dedicating time before, during and after school hours to making home visits. Blake, teachers and even the custodian talk to the students’ parents one-on-one about the school and try to motivate and encourage each child.
“I remind them this is their school and I will talk about anything they want to,” Blake said.
In contrast to most public schools, the students of Weinland Park do not pay school fees.
“There may be certain events where students may have to pay a few dollars to go on a field trip,” Coleman said. “But no child can be withheld from an event because they could not pay. If need be myself or Ms. Blake will pay for the student.”
As part of the federally subsidized lunch program, those students who are eligible based on household income receive reduced price or free lunch and breakfast. Breakfast includes, among other things, cereal, milk, orange juice and cereal bars. Coleman said while some students do pay full price for meals, most do not. The school also has a dental program come to teach the students how to take care of their teeth.
Because of the school’s low income, Weinland Park does not offer sports programs to its students. Unlike many other inner city schools, the elementary is fortunate to have a music program.
“The music program is part of Columbus Public School. We have a student choir and an instrumental program,” Coleman said.
Blake said one of the reasons the school is succeeding is because the students respect her not only as the principal but also on a personal level.
“The best teachers and the best school staff know their students and their home life,” Blake said.
