As summer draws to a close, the excitement of a new school year emerges. To kickstart this chapter of learning and growth, Fuse Project and The Historic Avenue Foundation served a back-to-school breakfast to the hardworking faculty and staff at three partner schools in the Avenue community: Florence Howard Elementary School, Calloway-Smith Middle School, and Pathway K-5. This gesture not only celebrates the return to the classroom but also reinforces our collective commitment to bridge educational gaps and support students and educators in the Avenue community.

To fuel the day, our morning spread at FHES and Pathway included a hearty Breakfast Gumbo, a variety of juices, and assorted scones from Serda’s Coffee. For Calloway-Smith, we took a field trip to Cracker Barrel.

A Shared Vision: Bridging Gaps Through ABC

During these breakfast events, Fuse Project presented an overview of the Avenue Bridge Collaboration (ABC) Program. The ABC Program consists of the ABC Early Learning Program, ABC Academic Support Program, and SPARK Summer Camp. The ABC Academic Support Program, the centerpiece of the initiative, seeks to bring together various partner organizations to provide essential resources to neighborhood schools, with a primary focus on Florence Howard Elementary, Calloway-Smith Middle, and Pathway K-5 schools.

The program's core objective is to address educational disparities by fostering engagement through academic and extracurricular clubs, mentorship opportunities, student incentives, and special events for teachers. By enriching the learning experience and creating a supportive environment, the program aims to enhance student achievement and promote teacher retention, ultimately nurturing a thriving educational ecosystem.

As part of the event, faculty members were invited to share their insights on how Fuse Project and The Historic Avenue Foundation could better serve their needs and the community at large. These valuable discussions highlighted the commitment of the schools and of Fuse Project and The Historic Avenue Foundation to ensuring that every child, irrespective of background or zip code, has the chance to succeed.

Embracing the Past, Empowering the Future

Florence Howard Elementary School, with its motto "Hungry for Knowledge, Wild for Success," holds a legacy of excellence. Named after the esteemed educator Ms. Florence Howard, the school stands as a testament to her dedication to fostering a hunger for knowledge in young minds.

Calloway-Smith Middle School, guided by the motto "The School with Finesse," is a living tribute to the legacy of Dr. Samuel T. Calloway, Jr., and Bishop William Milton Smith. Their commitment to education and community upliftment resonates through the institution, serving as a reminder that academic excellence and community engagement go hand in hand.

Pathway K-5, with its inspiring Panther Positive Statement, is dedicated to nurturing a growth mindset in its students. This empowering declaration instills the belief that determination, self-control, and positivity are key ingredients for personal and academic success.

A Promise of Collaboration and Growth

These breakfasts underscored the beginning of an expanded partnership between Fuse Project, The Historic Avenue Foundation, and these three schools. With a shared vision of fostering high-quality learning experiences for every learner, we welcome the new academic year with reaffirmed commitment to the Avenue community. By collaborating with community schools on initiatives like the ABC Program, we aim to break down barriers, provide resources, and create opportunities that empower students and educators alike. As the new school year unfolds, the Avenue community can look forward to a brighter future, driven by unity, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of educational excellence.