Do you think it's going to have a lasting impact on the way DPS structures it's system? Do you think it will have an impact on the neighborhoods? Are they being overly ambitious? Is this a case of schools overstepping their boundaries or is it necessary for the school to be involved in the student's lives outside of school to improve their behavior and performance in school? Why don't schools in more affluent areas operate in this manner? Should they?

That's a lot of questions. LOL

daytonfoundation.com/012505pr.html

"

Thanks to start-up funding largely from local foundations, corporations and hospitals, Edison, Fairview, Ruskin, Patterson-Kennedy and either Allen or Webster have been identified as some of the neighborhood school centers where children and adults can come after school and on weekends for programs ranging from homework clubs to community gardening and family wellness classes. Approximately one-third to a half of the children who attend these and other Dayton Public Schools live in poverty, according to 2000 U.S. Census data.

Nationally, the effort is part of a growing trend to establish public schools as centers for after-school academics, social services and even medical care. Neighborhoods benefit through improved safety and stronger community pride and engagement, according to a national study by the Coalition for Community Schools (CSS). Students who attend these types of schools tend to have improved grades and proficiency test scores, better attendance and reduced behavior and discipline problems, according to the CSS."

daytonfoundation.com/011005dd.html  (A DDN article about the subject)