Gen. Powell’s Group Honors Sun View

Sun View Elementary School is the first campus in the state to be recognized as a School of Promise by the national organization led by retired Gen. Colin Powell.

America’s Promise: the Alliance for Youth chose the Ocean View School District campus as a model site for the state because it fulfills the alliance’s five promises for children through its Learning Zone after-school program. Those five promises are: foster long-term relationships with caring adults; provide safe places with structured activities during non-school hours; provide health-related services; provide opportunities to help the community and teach children marketable skills.

The Learning Zone, in partnership with the YMCA, provides free counseling, mentoring and parenting classes, snacks, drama and other activities, along with homework help, to children and parents at the school and to other community members.

Rick Riddell, director of the Learning Zone, wrote the application for the federal grant to start the program.

Riddell found out about the networking opportunities available through the national alliance a few months ago. Children, parents and other community members of alliance member schools have access to many free services and supplies, including books and eye exams provided by businesses throughout the country that have made commitments to America’s Promise.

“We’re really excited because it’s going to open a lot of opportunities that weren’t there before,” Riddell said.

About 38% of Sun View’s students come from single-parent homes, he said.

“Now we can really help our kids,” he added. “It’s like a giant networking service.”