School Partnership Program kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Omari Bernard
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Sounds of combat boots and dress shoes resounded through the halls of King Career Center of Anchorage. People in camouflage uniforms and suits eyed each other anxiously and a nervous tension blanketed the room. There was something critical at stake - the development of today's workforce and tomorrow's leaders.

Representatives from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and principals from the Anchorage School District came together to discuss the upcoming school year at the School Partnership Program Kick Off event. Although service members and educators have different career paths, they have something in common. They are both part of the SPP and came to the event in support of the program.

Ed Graff, Anchorage School District superintendent, started the event by thanking everyone for coming together and being involved with the program. He looked around the room and spoke about why this event was important and how he hopes the SPP will continue to succeed.

"For me, the relationships we have with these partnerships extend well beyond just us getting the benefits," he said.

As the ASD superintendent, he explained he had the pleasure of having a partnership with JBER leaders such as Air Force Col. Frank Batestelli, 673d Mission Support Group commander, and Army Col. Thomas Roth, U.S. Army Alaska chief of staff.

"I've had the pleasure of working with the colonel for four months," Graff said as he looked towards Batestelli. "He has children that go to the Anchorage School District and has said nothing but positive things about the district. We want you to feel that we are here to support your children and were here to support the work and effort that you make to keep us safe."

Graff then turned his comments toward Roth and continued to explain how the SPP event was about partnership.

"When I first met him, he was talking about his family and the school system and the strong connection to families that we have here in the military, feeling that this is their home," Graff said. "We want you to feel partnerships with the principals, the school districts and in the community. I'm excited that we wanted this to continue under different leadership, whether it is the colonels here, myself or the school principals."

Graff turned over the conversation to Battistelli and Roth.

"I have five kids," Roth said, looking at the SPP members. "I have been in this state for seven years. I can speak from experience, we have been thrilled as parents about the education our children have received. A sincere thank you for what you do."

Roth said although some might consider the SPP an additional duty, he does not.

"This is truly enjoyable for us," he said. "This is an opportunity for us as to spend time with our children."

The SPP program puts children and teens of all ages first. In order to further improve on the program, there must be communication between the partners, Battistelli said.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for the Anchorage community and for JBER," he said. "We're excited about this year because there are a bunch of new commanders and a lot of new principals. The SPP kick off is a fresh start for many and for others it is the continuation of a wonderful partnership that we have had over the last several years."

In 2011, JBER's SPP was recognized as the best in the Department of Defense.

As part of the SPP, Airmen and Soldiers of JBER provide mentors from their units that can teach and motivate students to learn. Sharing one-on-one time with struggling students and aiding with extra-curricular activities such as field days, physical training sessions and science fairs, are two of the ways they accomplish this.

During the brainstorming session of the event, SPP partners from Abbott Loop Elementary School and the 673d Contracting Squadron on JBER spoke about how the program helps.

"We have a great staff," said Arthur Sousa, Abbott Loop Elementary School principal. "When you add more mentors, you provide the children more opportunities to be successful. The school partnership program provides the school and students opportunities in the realms of academics, mental health and physical fitness."

Units like the 673d CONS go out to the schools and mentor students.

"Last year six or seven of us would show up for one day a week for an hour," said Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas Kovarovic, 673d CONS flight chief. "We would pull some of the students out of the class depending upon their reading skills. The teachers would give us certain books that we would either read to them or let them pick out pages and passages to read and help them sound out the words."

The SPP kick off event helped develop strategies for how service members can have a bigger impact in their local community and on the education of tomorrow's leaders. JBER and the Anchorage School District came together to build stronger workforce relationships, understand the successes and challenges of both worlds, and to discuss the specific needs and demands for a quality education.

"Obviously, it is a great volunteer opportunity," Kovarovic said. "It gets us out there helping out with the community and giving a positive image. Every time we come in, all the students raise their hands to be picked to sit down with the Air Force folks. Just helping one child improves the community as a whole. Its rewarding to go out and help these students out."