The Gulf Coast Voice • September 21 - September 27 , 2017 Education pg . 3
Editor ’ s note : While talking with a friend , we began discussing the importance of education among African American children and the lack of . So , in an effort to provide some imparting wisdom and knowledge , we have interviewed educational alternatives for children . In the next coming issues , we will bring you a number of schools that are in the trenches for our future generation
Iron Sharping Iron School for Boys
It broke my heart and I began to pray about what to do . So , God put it on my heart and said-why not a school ? I began to do my research , gather
Iron Sharpening Iron Boys Academy “ As Iron Sharpens Iron , so a friend a friend sharpens a friend .” Proverbs 27:17 This is the foundation of Iron Sharpens Iron Christian Boys Academy , located at 1580B W Cervantes Street , Pensacola . Iron Sharpening Iron Christian Boys Academy has begun its open enrollment for young boys 1st through the information and it led to a boy ’ s school .” He said . “ Women don ’ t have husbands not because they are bad women , it ’ s because we don ’ t have any men . We just wanted to start touching our boys in a positive way while they were young ,” said Pastor Evans . As they continued our research , they found that the State of Florida had scholarship programs such as McKay and Step Up scholarships and ( the
role model for our boys . The requirements are that he must have a Bachelor ’ s degree . “ We use the BECCA system-the same system that Pensacola Christian use for their students . Although the school is a private school , it is tuition free . Because of the Step Up Program and McKay Scholarship , we are able to offer quality education and a mentor for each student . “ A grade will be added every year to 12th grade ,” said Powell .
7th grade . The school is reaching out to young boys that are considered ‘ at risk ’ mainly because there is no male presence in the home . “ I ’ ve been working in Attucks Court for eighteen years ,” began Founder / Pastor Clarence Evans . “ There were a lot of the boys we weren ’ t able to touch that needed to be touched . By that I mean , young boys that were going to jail and getting a 50 year sentence .
parents ) could qualify for . “ We went through the steps to get approved and last year we opened our doors .” Currently the school has 12 students enabling the teachers to have a strong one on one communications with each student . “ Our boys are not trouble makers . They are boys who have had some issues and also boys that come from normal surroundings ,” said Administrator , Pastor Lawrence Powell . “ Although we don ’ t have a 7th grade , our intent is to grow with the children as they grow . “ he stated .
If you are looking for a school with sound doctrine , quality education , and an individual relationship with the student , contact Clarence V Edwards , Director at 850-501-3137 or Lawrence Powell , Administrator , 850-454-7143 .
The school has a concern about our children being tagged and labeled . “ We want to get to them before they are tagged or labeled ,” said Rev . Powell . “ We are looking for more students that can understand that we are here to give love and yet discipline . We want to get to our boys while they are still young and can be reached ,” said Powell . Iron Sharpens Iron is looking for male teachers . “ We want male teachers so that they can be a
Remaining Spencer Bibbs after Elmer Jenkins
Tuesday September 19 , 2017 the Escambia county school board gathered for their weekly meeting to discuss the different agendas and business . On the agenda was the renaming of Spencer Bibbs Elementary school to Dr . Elmer Jenkins a legendary educator of Escambia County . The superintendent requested to rename the training facility Spencer Bibbs in honor of Dr . Elmer Jenkins . There will be a ceremony at a later date where the signage will be on display at the building itself . Dr . Jenkins received his master ’ s degree from Florida A & M University as well as volunteered for the United States Air Force . He served four years as a medical lavatorial officer was honorably discharged after receiving two airmen metals .
In 1986 he became a school board member in a position he held for 16 years and serving as the chairmen of the board twice . He began his career in education by teaching in Escambia County at Booker T . Washington Junior College . He then went on to become one of two of the first African American professors at Pensacola State ( formerly Junior ) College which he served as a professor for 26 years . It was Dr .’ s Jenkins passion for helping his community and selfless service that help lead to what is now the Spencer Bibbs Training center to be renamed to Dr . Elmer Jenkins Training Center . Among those in attendance to receive the good news were family and friends all close to Dr . Jenkins . His daughter , Cassandra D . Jenkins , gave a heartfelt speech to thank the school board for the honor . “ Thank you first of all for allowing us to be here . Our father had a passion for teaching , for learning , for children , and for community service that deeply reflects the mission of the Escambia county School Board . He truly believed in the school system whole heartedly and supported it throughout his entire professional life . “ Jenkins goes on to say her father showed that excellence can be achieved by those who chose to dedicate themselves to its pursuit . Several educators and subject area specialist were also in attendance to support this historic event
Mr . Spivey a well-known and respected subject area specialist for the Escambia county school board shared his professional opinion about the renaming of the building and this historic event saying “ I think its serving a different purpose , now it houses our Title 1 offices . It also houses the professional development offices as well as supporting a well-respected name in this school district . I think it ’ s good that the building can still be used for learning purposes .” This event proved to be very pleasant and memorable .