|
QUALITY EDUCATION COMING
TO DOWNTOWN
9/13/12
By Paula McConnell
 Students, teachers, and administrators will soon become a major part of the fabric of Vallejo’s Historic Downtown. In January of 2011 educator Marianne Kearney-Brown went before the Vallejo School Board with a proposal for a new Charter School approval. She calls her school the WIT Academy which stands for ‘Whatever It Takes’. It is also makes an interesting word: Wit, which Kearney-Brown definitely possesses. Shortly after her Vallejo School Board presentation, something miraculous happened. She withdrew her formal proposal having received a tremendous two year commitment from a magnanimous benefactor who has agreed to fully sponsor the WIT Academy for two years. “After the second year, we’ll evaluate our progress and see what our next move might be,” Marianne said.
The WIT Academy will be located at 301 Georgia St. in the space which most recently was occupied as the Banana Q restaurant. The school is due to officially open at the end of this month (September). The staff will begin with a concentration on 6th grade only for starters, and by next year the school will expand to both 6th and 7th grades. “I want to focus on 6th grade first because that is the grade when kids need the most help in order to make a smooth, directed transition into high school,” Kearney-Brown said.
Unlike many other businesses that have tried unsuccessfully to open downtown, Marianne said that she was treated “wonderfully” by everyone in Vallejo. She especially sends shouts out to Economic Development Chair Ursula Luna-Reynosa, and Bill Tuika of the Planning department. “They granted a minor use permit, and made it so easy for us to be in downtown,” she said. (Maybe things are changing for the better with the new City Manager Dan Keen running the show). Kearney-Brown also complimented her new landlord, Jim Barcewski, of whom she offered this comment, “Mr. Barcewski was so fabulous to us; he could not do enough for us. He even donated the tables and chairs which were there. He was most accommodating to us, and I am most appreciative.”
In addition to some much needed big bucks, Marianne’s friend is in the recycling business and recently helped a Las Vegas Solar Company rid unwanted computers, massive white boards, and other supplies. Voila, instant materials for the WIT Academy. “It is all falling into place so well, I am so happy,” said Kearney-Brown who will serve as the school’s Director as well as an instructor.
The WIT Academy will employ five outstanding teachers, and the school day will be longer than is offered in the public sector. Students will be in school from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. They will be taught English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Art and Choir. “We feel music and art are very important,” Marianne said.“We shall also will offer an after school curriculum to help with homework, and help to increase computer skills for students. We intend to cover anti-bullying, and will teach life skills too. Students will be given an over-arching understanding of the real world. They will be well prepared to enter college,” she said.
Kearney-Brown, who is in the process of completing her Masters Degree in Mathematics, has previously taught school in Vallejo public schools, and well knows the dynamics of our town. “There are so many wonderful kids in Vallejo. There are too many ‘at risk’ children who need a good foundation, a good start to prepare them well for high-school so that they may become college-bound. Sometimes all they need is that extra attention and individual help said. Originally from Massachusetts she has a love of Math and for teaching. “I am so excited about this project. I don’t know if you know this, but I love Vallejo. I really, really love Vallejo. And I really love downtown. I want to be there. I want the downtown kids to attend this school. I have so much to give them, so much to offer. I feel that if a child is proficient in Math, has the benefit of a small class, has a lot of one-on-one attention with some superior teachers, he/she will definitely be college bound. There are so many very smart kids in Vallejo but many just don’t get the chance to succeed because they don’t get enough personal attention. I want to be able to help them; in our school even at full capacity (60 students) we would still have only about 15 students in each classroom. And we obviously won’t be at full capacity for quite a while. We will do outreach in the churches and in the clubs,” she said. With respect to math, research states that the efficiency rate in Math is only approximately 51% overall in Solano County, and in Vallejo it is approximately 38%, with the Latino and African American population scoring well below that mark. “If we can reach just a few of these kids, it will all be worth it,” Kearney-Brown said.
Speaking with a love for teaching, and great enthusiasm, Kearney Brown further said: “People will not be turned away from the WIT Academy if they cannot afford tuition. We have several need-based scholarships, and our prime goal is to help students who want to learn, who have a need.” Marianne Kearney-Brown is seemingly a loving, caring person. She has obvious dedication, and passion for what she does. She loves Math & Science, and wants to share her enthusiasm for those subjects with others. If anyone is interested in becoming a future teacher, knows a student currently struggling in 6th grade, or just wants to find out more about the WIT Academy, Marianne openly gives her telephone number: (707) 655-6664. The WIT Academy website is currently being structured, but the new website will be (witacademy.com) In the meantime, she can also be reached at email at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Congratulations MaryAnne on your new school! Your tenacity will benefit the children. Now remember, I'm a highly qualified fully credentialed English and drama teacher 
