New School Year, New Atmosphere at EEV Prep

About this time last year, the culture and climate at East English Village Preparatory Academy was at an all time low. Violence was the order of the day and “The Ville” went viral after 50 police cars responded to a full-on riot inside the school. A year later, Principal Marty Bulger and the EEVPA team have worked to dramatically improve the image and reputation of the school by putting students first and focusing on social emotional learning and restorative practices, while at the same time building in accountability among the student body.

We started the new school year on August 29th and spent the first week emphasizing the “Three A’s - Attendance, Attitude, and Achievement” and setting expectations for the students. We pledged to approach the new year with “LUV.....Listen, Understand, and Validate.” As a school team, we will allow for student input and “Listen" to their concerns and recommendations. We will seek to “Understand” their point of view and opinions, and we will “Validate" them by affirming and recognizing their successes as well as their weaknesses.

Such an approach has resulted in very few negative incidents, especially fighting. We are attempting to be proactive in resolving disputes between students before they develop into a fight. According to many of the veterans at EEVPA, the change among the student body is quite evident, and they see many of the students making good faith attempts to be better scholars and even better citizens. Consequently, our suspension rate has been extremely low, and students are spending more time in school.

We have had two pep rallies to allow the students to have some fun as we cheer on the football, cross country, and volleyball teams. Our Homecoming Day was held on September 30 and although the football team fell to Denby High School by a score of 14-6, a good time was had by all who attend the Homecoming Dance at the school.

Overall, the first month of school at The Ville has been positive, uplifting, and fun. It is our hope and expectation that this positive start of the school year will carry on and translate into increased test scores and high academic achievement at every grade level.

East English Village Preparatory Academy students enjoy September's Homecoming dance. Image courtesy of Adrian L. Green