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Community Builders summer program planned for rising seventh- and eighth-graders to reduce violence risk
Summary
District staff outlined a Community Builders summer program intended to reduce risky behaviors among rising seventh- and eighth-graders through STEM, workforce exposure, arts and social-emotional learning.
Dr. Brandy Lee, coordinator of family engagement, presented the Community Builders summer program May 21 and described a four-day experience for rising seventh- and eighth-graders that pairs field trips, workforce exposure, arts and social-emotional learning activities to build resilience and reduce behaviors that can lead to gun violence.
Dr. Brandy Lee said the program's purpose is "to reduce behaviors that lead to gun violence through the exposure to various educational experiences," and outlined learning outcomes tied to the district's goals. Students were selected based on interest among current program participants, with slots also available for rising eighth-graders; the presenter noted the grant specifically targets seventh- and eighth-grade cohorts and that the summer component aligns with Roanoke's similar programming.
Planned activities include a STEM/AI experience and information about free college courses at Richard Bland College; a visit to Fort Gregg-Adams to learn about military career options; a Brightpoint Community College visit to learn about G3 workforce programs ("get skilled, get a job, give back"); and an arts- and entrepreneurship-focused session at the House on Market that will include emotional-charades and conflict-resolution exercises.
Staffing will be provided by the family engagement team and collaborators, and the proposed budget covers transportation, food and one-time materials. Dr. Lee said the program is intended to create resilience factors, mentoring opportunities and family engagement events, and she invited community partners to contact the family engagement office to volunteer or collaborate.
Board members asked whether the House on Market is still open and how external partners can participate; Dr. Lee said partners should contact her by email or phone to coordinate participation.
There was no formal vote on the program at the meeting; staff said they would continue recruitment and finalize logistics for the summer sessions.
