What are Freedom Schools' operating hours?

Time of operation is 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, Mondays thru Fridays.

 

What is my drop-off time in the morning? Pick-up time in the afternoon?

Drop-off starts at 7:45 AM

Pick-up is at 3 PM

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What time is breakfast and/or lunch?

Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is from 12-1pm. Both breakfast and lunch will be served at Gershwin Junior High School. The scholars walk 5 minutes from the Church to the school. 

 

Who/what is a SLI?

Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) in the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® program are college students or recent graduates who serve as summer classroom teachers, mentors, and role models for K-12 students. They lead a literacy-based curriculum, manage classrooms with a 1:10 ratio, and foster a joyful, culturally affirming learning environment.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Delivery: Facilitate the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) to boost student reading motivation and prevent summer learning loss.

• Harambee! Leadership: Lead high-energy morning gatherings designed to celebrate and affirm student value before learning begins.

• Mentorship: Act as relatable role models, helping scholars envision themselves as future college students and community advocates.

Activities & Outreach:

Lead afternoon enrichment activities, coordinate parent workshops, and chaperone field trips.

Training and Impact:

Before the summer begins, interns attend comprehensive training to learn effective classroom management, social-emotional learning techniques, and conflict resolution. This role allows college students to gain paid professional development, acquire hands-on experience in youth advocacy, and actively fight for educational equity within their communities.​

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What is the curriculum?

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) is a research-based, culturally relevant literacy program designed to inspire K-12 students to fall in love with reading. Built around the core theme, "I Can Make A Difference In My...", it uses inclusive books and project-based activities to foster critical thinking, social action, and community engagement.

​Core Theme & Weekly Structure:

The curriculum is organized into six weekly thematic units that encourage scholars to connect reading to real-life social action:

• Week 1: I Can Make a Difference in Myself

• Week 2: I Can Make a Difference in My Family

• Week 3: I Can Make a Difference in My Community

• Week 4: I Can Make a Difference in My Country

• Week 5: I Can Make a Difference in My World

• Week 6: With Hope, Education, and Action​

 

Is there a uniform?

There is no standard uniform other than comfortable clothing and shoes/sneakers. Official camp t-shirts will be worn on trip days and other special camp events.

 

Is there a trip day?

Trips are usually scheduled on a Friday.

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How do I register my child?

You can register either by clicking the buttons below to access the required forms and instructions, or you can register in-person at the church during weekdays or Sundays after 8am & 11am services.

 

In case of emergencies what phone number should we call?

In the case of emergencies please contact:

Ms. Shelly Ann Nesbitt (Executive Director) 917-426-1052

Ms. Imani Jenkins (Site Coordinator) 347-302-0694

Ms. Donna Walker 929-234-0307

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How do I register?

Click the buttons below to access and download the required forms need for registration. There are a total of four (4) forms needed:

 

1. SPCBC Freedom School Registration Form

2. CDF Child Registration Form

3. NYC Child Health & Examination Form

4. CDF Consent and Media Release Form

 

Once you have downloaded and completed the forms, please return to Donna Walker at the church any time during the week or after Sunday Services. If you have any questions regarding the filling out of forms, please contact Ms. Donna Walker at the phone number above.