Women's groups help TPS

8/5/2003

Three professional women's groups plan to be a presence at the Stewart Academy for Girls this fall by helping with tutoring, mentoring, and providing etiquette lessons, Toledo Public Schools officials said yesterday.

The Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities plan to appear regularly at the new all-girls school, said Edna Robertson, past president of Links, which began a partnership with the school last year.

“These three organizations that work with youth really support the idea of the all-girls academy,” said Mrs. Robertson, a former TPS principal and administrator.

She expects volunteers to visit Stewart as often as twice a week to help with regular tutoring, field trips, and general academics. “We also are there to encourage the kids to do the best they can,” she said. “We'll talk about black history, we'll talk about anything that will encourage them to do a better job.”

Superintendent Eugene Sanders said the school's and district's relationships with the three organizations will be fruitful partnerships for the school. “This is one opportunity that we think is very valuable,” he said.

About 370 girls have registered to attend the school in the Libbey High School feeder pattern, said Principal William Keaton. Registration closes Friday.

While Stewart and the Lincoln Academy for Boys are a new initiative that will be followed closely, Mr. Keaton said he'll try to keep the pressure off the students.

“This is different, and they know that. The first day is going to be a different day,” he said.

School begins for most Toledo Public Schools students, including the Stewart and Lincoln pupils, Tuesday, Aug. 26.