nocadmin – Page 14

NOC Children Enjoy Chess

August 11, 2015 By nocadmin

NOC has partnered with First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island to introduce an eight week pilot chess class this summer at its Cordillo Program Center in Hilton Head. This pilot program is designed to introduce to children in low income neighborhoods an interesting hobby that has social and educational benefits. Many of us have realized the educational benefits of playing chess by actually learning the game or after seeing the movie “Searching for Bobby Fisher.” The program is coordinated by Kaci Hollingsworth (NOC’s Cordillo Program Manager) and Jerry Hallman from First Presbyterian Church. Jerry is teaching the students at Cordillo Courts the basics of chess — learning all of the pieces and basic moves. The students thoroughly enjoy working with Jerry, and are excited to learn the ins and outs of the game. NOC intends to replicate this program in its other Program Centers in HHI, Bluffton, and downtown Beaufort.

“Chess helps you to concentrate, improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve an uncertain environment.” Garry Kasparov

NOC Connects with Parents and Children

July 22, 2015 By nocadmin

An important component of the NOC model is the connection with parents and children through its presence within neighborhoods. NOC involves parents proactively in its education programs (preschool, after school, and summer learning). Recent meetings at the Oaks, Cordillo, and Beaufort Program Centers were highly successful, with more than 100 people attending the Oaks and Cordillo Parent Night events in July 2015. Volunteers and Neighborhood Liaisons translated to ensure that Hispanic participants understood key points discussed during the meetings. Following refreshments, parents were guided through the Compass Learning software to learn exactly what their kids are doing when they come to the after school and summer programs. The parents were extremely interested in learning about the program, and asked many good questions relating to homework support and the role of teachers. Program Managers stressed the importance of good attendance and personal responsibility. They explained NOC’s incentives to encourage students to excel in learning math, reading, and language arts. The Program Managers also noted the importance of parents’ role in ensuring that their children value education and place priority on meeting school standards and graduating on time. Many parents expressed their gratitude and appreciation to NOC and its field team, which is made up of teachers, volunteers, and field staff. In conclusion, we opened the floor to questions and concerns.

NOC’s Expansion North of the Broad

July 15, 2015 By nocadmin

In partnership with the BCSD and with funding from the State of South Carolina, NOC has established two Program Centers in the underserved neighborhoods of Parkview Apartments and Marsh Pointe Housing (about 120 apartments with predominantly African American population) in Beaufort. At Parkview, an apartment unit has been converted into a classroom and at Marsh Pointe, the on-site Community Center is used as classrooms. Beaufort Elementary School teachers and staff are working at these Program Centers during the summer, leading sessions in math, language arts, and literacy skills for elementary and middle school students from the neighborhoods. At the Centers, students are provided with personal laptops along with Internet access to Compass Learning, the same program used by the students in their classroom during the school year. The team works with Neighborhood Liaisons who help enroll students and maintain support in the residential area for the program. Open houses and parent meetings are planned to further the involvement of neighborhood adults and keep them engaged in the activities of the students. NOC currently has 68 students registered for the program – 43 at Parkview and 25 at Marsh Pointe. The student population ranges from Kindergarten through seventh grade and is predominately African-American. Registration and informational opportunities are held at the beginning of each session, but students can also join the program at any time.

The teachers come from Beaufort Elementary School (BES) and are prime examples of the excellent partnership that has developed between the NOC and the Beaufort County School District. The teachers bring professionalism, enthusiasm, and a keen interest in the academic success of the students to the program. Many innovative ideas have been introduced to the classroom, thanks to the creativity of the NOC teaching team. Many of the children enrolled in the program have been or will be in the BES classrooms of the NOC teachers when they return to school in the Fall. The BCSD also provides support to NOC with the Compass Learning program and consistent reporting on the progress of the students during the summer session. The Principal of BES, Melissa Holland, and members of her team have visited the two NOC sites on numerous occasions, demonstrating their interest in and support of the program.

The future of NOC in Beaufort is bright as strong relationships are being grown in the community and the value of the program is becoming established. The partnership between Beaufort Elementary School, Beaufort County School District, and Neighborhood Outreach Connection is building upon earlier successes to establish a thriving and sustainable program.

The Virtual Summer Learning Program runs through the end of July. When the Fall school term commences, the NOC Program Centers in Beaufort will continue to provide after-school programs at Parkview and Marsh Pointe. John Leadem, the Program Manager for both Beaufort sites, can be contacted at 919-302-4347 or [email protected] for additional information.

NOC Chair Receives National Honor

April 25, 2015 By nocadmin

Dr. Narendra Sharma, founder and board chair of Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC), has received national recognition with a “Daily Point of Light Award.” The Daily Point of Light Award (DPLA) is a national presidential honor given to volunteers who go above and beyond in their efforts to help others. A DPLA spokesperson said that “awarding the Daily Point of Light to Dr. Sharma allows us to share NOC’s inspiring work with others.”

The Daily Point of Light Award was created more than 20 years ago by President George H. W. Bush, who said, “By giving so generously of themselves, these remarkable individuals show us not only what is best in our heritage but what all of us are called to become.”

Dr. Sharma said that “he is honored and humbled by this national award.” He noted that “it is a testimony to NOC’s outstanding accomplishments over the past seven years, achieved with the help of NOC’s team, partners, and generous donors. NOC’s model is unique and effective in combating poverty and lowering the achievement gap experienced by children living in underserved neighborhoods in Beaufort County. The NOC model can be replicated throughout the country.”

NOC is a 501(c)3 organization that currently serves 380 children through its preschool, after school, and virtual summer learning programs in four Beaufort County NOC Program Centers, all of which are located in underserved neighborhoods. Another 100 children will soon be served in the city of Beaufort thanks to a $163,500 innovation grant award given to NOC in partnership with the Beaufort County School District.

NOC also provides health screenings in collaboration with partners including Beaufort Memorial Hospital, VIM, and DEHEC. The screenings serve families in underserved neighborhoods. Last year, over 300 people took advantage of these health screenings.

Daily Point of Light announcement: http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/recognition/dpol/awards/5460

NOC Featured in United Way Video

April 15, 2015 By nocadmin

NOC is featured in the 2015-2016 capital campaign kick-off video of the United Way of the Lowcountry. The campaign is targeting $2.5 million over the coming year. Last year, 48 agencies, including NOC, benefited from United Way contributions for basic needs and community development.

To view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g54rp-sEJ-U