Families, society and school Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Families, society and school - Research Paper Example The city covers an area of approximately 71 square miles, where population is considered quite dense, as 34,919.6 individuals cover every square mile (â€Å"Brookly (Borough), New York,† 2009). The general household figures in Brooklyn reaches to 21,544, with typical incomes average at 56,293$ (â€Å"Brooklyn: City Profile,† 2011). Considering the demographic background, the combination of lower median incomes and densely populated area appeared to converge on one critical issue, family homelessness. Brooklyn City had been recorded to have one of the highest percentages of family homelessness in the state of New York, with a result of 2.86 families, in overall result of 2.90, utilizing shelter programs (â€Å"Brooklyn, n.d.†). While families in such category struggle to meet the basic needs of food, water and safe shelter, and basic education of the children (among other child needs) appeared to be neglected in the process. Children, unlike the adult groups, requ ire consistent guidance and protection, as they are not yet equipped with developmental maturity to hold stable jobs. At most, they are at high risk for failure, as their homeless status makes them more liable to experience â€Å"economic deprivation, family loss or separation (and) social and emotional instability† (Mickelson, 2000, p. 66). As they cannot afford to enroll in exclusive middle schools, most go to public middle schools, such as the Seth Low School. Situated in Brooklyn’s Bensohurst area, Seth Low School is classified as a middle school catering to students from grades six to eight. The said school is considered a vital educational institution in Brooklyn communities, as it has provided quality service for over 80 years (â€Å"Seth Low,† 2010, p. 5). On average, students enrolled in the school frequently reach to more than a thousand, while the teaching staff in-charge in classroom lessons totaled to 74 instructors. Majority of the students are Asi ans, closely followed by White Americans, and some small percentages of Black Americans and Hispanic children (â€Å"I.S 96 Seth Low,† 2011). Committed to achieve the ultimate goal of the school for academic excellence, a variety of programs had been offered to support students in their studies, such as â€Å"special education students.† In line with this, other academic improvements also aimed at involving the families of the school’s students in learning, including the two-year project on integrated computer education, providing computer sets to selected families as part of the â€Å"Computers for the Youth Initiative.† More importantly, community involvement had been considered for the development of its students, partnering with â€Å"FIAO (Italian-American Organizations)† for the sponsorship of student programs that takes place at the end of the day and during weekends. Significantly, collaboration in community settings does not end here, as f ormal links had been forged to promote initiatives on â€Å"Counseling in Schools, Creative Connections, and the Leadership† (â€Å"Seth Low,† 2010, p. 5). Such activities demonstrated the multi-dimensional approach that the school had employed, focusing on the environment factors, such as the family and community that shape their students’