Daily Observer (Jamaica)

Through education in Riverton

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Just one visit to the institutio­n is all it takes to realise that the management and staff of the Riverton Meadows ECC have fully dedicated themselves to excellence. Classes proceed in an orderly manner, and students are fully engaged in lessons. The school compound is spotless, health and safety protocols are fully observed, and the bright-eyed students treat everyone they encounter with respect. In addition to strong academic support, the school also boasts an impressive infirmary, covered spaces for physical education, a facility where uniforms can be created, and a fully establishe­d class monitor system to encourage youth leadership and responsibi­lity. It is, therefore, not surprising that several teachers are themselves past students who have returned to help build the community.

Further explaining the importance of the school to the community, Rowe noted, “People are always shocked when I tell them that since this school started over forty years ago, we have never had one incidence of theft or trouble from the community. That is because everyone living here benefits from its success. When a community embraces its institutio­ns, they protect it and contribute to its success, and this is what we have here.”

Riverton Meadows ECC’S efforts toward accreditat­ion could not have come at a better time. With students back in classes, Rowe noted that parents and teachers face the issue of making up for the learning loss from the last two years.

“Students have only been back to school for a couple of weeks, but it is already evident that we have our work cut out for us, and I know that is the case for schools across the country. We are using several assessment tools to gauge where our new and returning students are in their learning levels. The truth is, however, that for many returning students, they have lost so much in the two years that we will have to start from scratch to ensure that they have a solid foundation to build on,” he explained.

Rowe noted, “We appreciate the assistance from the D&G Foundation to meet some of the milestones on the road to certificat­ion. We are currently making progress in several areas that need to be addressed to become a certified institutio­n. This school is important to our community, and we must keep going.”

 ?? ?? D&G Foundation volunteer Andre Hamilton (right) and D&G Foundation accountant Dennis Beckford prepare fresh wooden panels to be installed in the Riverton Meadows Early Childhood Centre nursery.
D&G Foundation volunteer Andre Hamilton (right) and D&G Foundation accountant Dennis Beckford prepare fresh wooden panels to be installed in the Riverton Meadows Early Childhood Centre nursery.
 ?? ?? All eyes are trained on Riverton Meadows Early Childhood Centre K-1 teacher Doneva Martin as she teaches her young students the basics of counting.
All eyes are trained on Riverton Meadows Early Childhood Centre K-1 teacher Doneva Martin as she teaches her young students the basics of counting.

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