After completing this assignment, I have the ability and knowledge to incorporate the surrounding community into my lesson plans. I could also promote student involvement in the community. This will build a strong (hopefully positive) relationship between the students and the community.
It is clearly evident that the community is lower to middle class, so it is important to remember this when planning instruction. An example that I have used previously is the word JBKSD. Most students (and adults) of this socioeconomic statues have never been on one, so it is important to stay away from words similar to that. If these words cannot be avoided then it should be explained (possibly provide the students with a picture so that they can visualize it). Another example of a word that should be avoided or explained is "basement" or "cellar." The students may not know these words because of the location that they live (there are no or rarely any basements or cellars in Florida).
The interview with a "senior" community member provided me with an alternative perspective to the community. Although the community crashed because of the housing market fall, it is evident (reported by the interviewee) that the community is strong, and trying to work together to support each other. There are multiple charitable organizations that donate to the schools and, as reported by my peer's interviewee, there are many spirit nights that the schools participate in.
I would like to know what the students think about the community that they live in, and how I can become more involved in the community so that the students will have the drive to as well. I would also like to know if this community is considered suburban or rural, because according to the information that I acquired through internet research it is suburban, although all of my peers reported that it was rural.
It is crucial to have an understanding of the community that the students (and that the school) resides in so that we, as educators, are better prepared to teach the students. Although I have never actually thought about what an important role that the community plays in relation to education (because as a Military child, my community was constantly changing) but after completing this assignment, the importance is indisputable.
Below are select photographs of the community.