GNV4ALL Fatherhood Initiative participants cheer for students before testing
Fathers involved with the Gainesville For All Fatherhood Initiative recently participated in the second annual “Cheer Them On Rally.” Here's what we know:
Where was the event held?
The rally was held Tuesday morning before school at Metcalfe Elementary School, 1250 NE 18th Ave.
Why was the event held?
The event is aimed at encouraging third graders to do their best on state tests that will determine Metcalf’s state rating for the next school year, said James Lawrence, executive director of GNV4ALL.
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When is the next event?
Dads will also greet test-takers at Lake Forest Elementary School on May 18, and dads from throughout the city are encouraged to participate, Lawrence said.
History of GNV4ALL
Gainesville For All was formed in 2016 to address racial and economic inequities. It is an initiative started by The Gainesville Sun in partnership with the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, according to gnv4all.org.
However, The Sun is no longer affiliated with the organization, Lawrence said.
Family Learning Center near ready to open doors
The nonprofit organization is near ready to open its Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center on the Metcalfe campus, which will provide wrap-around services to families who need help reaching their potential, Lawrence said.
Before it can open, the center needs to hire an executive director, Lawrence said.
Center needs executive director
The applicant must have a passion for using new approaches and strategies to help improve academic outcomes for children of color, primarily from low-income urban families, Lawrence said.
The center will serve families of children age six weeks to 5 years old, Lawrence said.
The applicant must also demonstrate a strong command of how to help low-income families connect to vital social and community services, Lawrence said.
Further, the applicant must have experience in strategic planning, lobbying, fundraising, budgeting and partnering with government agencies and community organizations.
For more information, email gnv4all@gmail.com or call 585-415-4340.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville kids encouraged for testing at Metcalfe Elementary School
