NCJ Number
119226
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 12-14
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A program developed by the Historic Neighborhoods Foundation (HNF) has helped change the attitudes of students in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury toward their school's neighborhood and to learn the value of local historic architecture, thereby raising students' self-esteem and sense of protectiveness toward their neighborhoods.
Abstract
Arson was a major problem in the area in 1981, and teachers at a middle school were concerned that their students might be setting the fires. As a result, the teachers asked HNF to develop a program to teach the students about the historic and architectural value of their community. Steps involved in developing the program included researching the neighborhood's history, preparing slides of the neighborhood's architecture and landscape, and sending students on an architectural treasure hunt in the neighborhood. Grants from public funds and from foundations and corporations have helped sustain the program. HNF has expanded its involvement in local schools, developing different programs for each grade level from first grade through high school. A recent program involves showing high school students the job opportunities generated by the city's construction boom.