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.

It was delightful to see some of the children in Cordillo having fun on the tennis courts owned by the Town of Hilton Head Island. The children were making good use of a sunny day that was perfect for being outdoors. They had three used rackets and a few tennis balls that had seen better days. They were playing round robin and coaching each other as if they had mastered all the basic skills. They were indeed having fun. The tennis court is the only facility these children have for sports and physical activities.

What if these tennis courts, which are dilapidated and worn out, were modernized? What if these kids had proper equipment and a coach to teach them how to play tennis? The potential is quite clear.

Five students at NOC’s Cordillo Program Center, realizing that they were about to be out of school for the four-day MLK weekend, decided to take the initiative to ask Program Manager Kaci Hollingsworth if they could have extra math worksheets to take home so they would not fall behind in their studies. Lucy Morales (left) said, “My teacher did not give me any homework this weekend, and I would like to have something to work on so that I am not just sitting around with nothing to do.” These students were so dedicated to their studies, they each took home three math worksheets to complete over the long weekend. They told their Program Manager that they were excited to bring the worksheets back to NOC on the following Tuesday to show that they had worked hard and completed the worksheets.

Congratulations to these students who clearly want to excel!

Red Cedar Elementary School awarded NOC Simmons Cay students special certificates for respect. NOC focuses on core value of honesty, respect, and integrity, and its learning culture calls for students to place high priority on education and continuous learning.

NOC Program Manager Shirley Kinlaw-Falcon said she is extremely proud of her students. Recipients of the award and their parents were recognized at NOC’s Simmons Cay Program Center, and each student was given a Centurion Pin.