Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/54552
Priority Schools Campaign On Howenstine Stage, cont. from page 12 ing success because of partnerships among students, parents, educators, districts, govern- ment, community organizations, businesses and foundations. For long-term, sustainable school transformation, shared responsibility and col- laboration are essential." Morrill stresses that the NEA Priority Schools Campaign is not a contained project. "This was an opportunity created by the local associa- tion, AEA, and NEA working together and we're ready to expand for folks who want to develop and create strategies." Find out more about how you can work to improve schools in your neigh- borhood at neapriorityschools.org. The importance of partnerships and the val- ue it brings to all was a thread that ran through- out the event, one underscored by Howenstine partner, Habitat for Humanity Tucson. "Since 1995, Habitat for Humanity of Tucson has partnered with local high schools to give students the opportunity to learn and develop skills related to the construction industry," said executive director Michael McDonald. "We're all the better for it. Students get the opportunity to apply what they learn to a hands-on appren- ticeship. Educators get partners in the cause of public education. The District gets access to the only home construction technology program in the southwest for secondary school students. And Tucson gets produc- tive and engaged citi- zens, ready to assume their roles as the next generation of home builders and afford- able-housing advocates." Acknowledging it has struggled in the past, but with PSC support and recent appre- ciable gains on state assessments, Howenstine Principal Maritza Nunez pointed out the future looked promising. She urged Tucson parents to take a second look at the school. "Open enroll- ment continues until December 13th, and if you think your child could benefit from smaller class sizes, qualified, caring, committed teachers and education support professionals, and a curricu- lum that connects students to the real world – our doors are open." She continued: "Hawks don't just fly, they soar! With the support of all stakeholders – stu- dents, parents, educators, elected officials, and the community – the sky really is the limit for Howenstine." Indeed the sentiment was shared by all, with Banales proclaiming: "Now this is what collabo- ration looks like." 2 AEA Advocate x Spring 2012 33