Stay in School
Dora Robinson from United Way Pioneer Valley and Patricia Spradley from the Springfield School District talk about Springfield’s Stay-in-School. The city has traditionally had the highest number of drop outs or non-graduation rates in the state. The Stay-in-School campaign reaches out to students, parents and the community at large in an effort to raise awareness about the high dropout rate, highlight effective solutions, and provide resources and support to students who are in danger of dropping out. Denise Cogman, Executive Director for Springfield School Volunteers, also joins the discussion.
Springfield Public Schools
United Way of Pioneer Valley on Facebook
Springfield Parent Academy on Facebook
Follow on Twitter: @UnitedWayofPV, @SSVvolunteers, @SpfldMACityHal
Mental Health
Dr Henry East-Trou from Gandara Center talks about the high rate of mental health issues in the Springfield area. Their organization works specifically with the Hispanic community, providing residential, mental health, substance abuse and preventive services to individuals in Springfield and the Pioneer Valley. Gandara Center values cultural diversity and strive to provide culturally competent, innovative services to our community.
Gandara Center
Follow on Twitter: @GandaraCenter
School Safety
Connecting Point Contributor Carolee McGrath visits the Enfield Public School System to talk with parents and administrators about their decision to place armed guards in the schools.
Making It Here: Pierce Brothers Coffee
Darren Pierce discovered the great taste of coffee while working as a server in San Francisco. He became friends with a master roaster, who introduced him to the complexities of the coffee world. In 1994 he returned to the East Coast, and with the aid and inspiration of his brother Sean, began developing the now famous Pierce Brothers Gourmet Coffee business located in Greenfield, MA
