CFC Supports John B. Wright Elementary School
John B. Wright Elementary is TUSD’s poorest school, measured by a 20-year 99% free lunch and breakfast rate. At 500+ students JBW is one of TUSD’s largest schools.
Surviving midtown Tucson, JBW is marked by grinding poverty from nearby mobile parks and section 8 apartments. Students speak 22 languages. Mobility is 55% meaning more than half the students beginning class each August have moved by the following May. 15% of students are homeless or have incarcerated parents. By any measure JBW students are struggling.
Despite the grim data points, JBW is thriving. For 5 years CFC has cradled JBW:
CFC supported amenities
Half acre organic and productive garden producing crops for 90 families, improving nutrition and aligned with STEM lessons of optics, hydrology, geology, soil chemistry. And the kids love it.
750 sf greenhouse for deeper STEM lessons.
A professional grade running track to compensate for budget cuts to PE.
Child proof kitchen for farm-to-table cooking lessons as the federal lunch kitchen is off limits to students.
Refurbished auditorium with black out shades, updated audio/visual and projection.
CFC’s focus has resulted in bringing a neglected school to the attention of business partners resulting in funding for 200 Legos sets each year and 500 STEM t-shirts. An onsite foodbank and clothing bank are maintained.
Results
Enrollment increased from 350 to 500 in three years. Low-income parents know JBW is a top choice for their children
JBW is STEM proficient. CFC amenities have created strong ties to UA professors and events. JBW students are familiar with PhDs, careers, scientific process.
Teacher turnover is extremely low measured against national or TUSD averages. 1-2 per calendar year out of 30. The teachers feel supported, acknowledged.
Test scores have risen to B rating*
Discipline problems greatly reduced. If children run one mile, they are better able to focus.
Improved nutrition, lower obesity and more outdoor time in garden.
