Achievement First Gives Back Again

Hartford school donates food to people in need!

HARTFORD – We just celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, where we served many individuals and families who were in need. It’s the time of the year when people are thankful for what they have are willing to help those who are less fortunate.

Generously, the children from Achievement First Hartford Academy Elementary School collected food again this year to help those in need. Last year, they collected items for victims of Superstorm Sandy. While doing so, the children discovered the joy of helping others and were more than eager to do it again.

When Achievement First’s Jeri Rivera, Office Coordinator, called the The Salvation Army and said they had a pick up... the Army put its gears in motion. Shortly thereafter, Captain Brian Thomas, North End Corps Officer, made arrangements to stop by with a van and pick up the goods. Besides food, there were some clothing donations too. Those hats and jackets will help to keep kids warm this winter. Captain Thomas commented, "The spirit of giving is always best around the holidays. To see the generosity of the children and their families is truly a blessing. We thank God every day for the support from groups like Achievement First."

Achievement First Hartford Academy Elementary School, located at 305 Greenfield Street in Hartford’s North End, opened its doors in August 2008 as part of Superintendent Steven Adamowski’s ambitious reform plan for Hartford Public Schools. At Achievement First, a tremendous focus is placed on reading, which occupies three hours of instruction per day, broken into alternating blocks of small group instruction. Teachers and students start the day with Morning Motivation, which includes recognition of exemplary REACH (Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, and Hard Work) and a school-wide song to put all students on track to have a successful day of learning.