Sept. 3 was the first official day of classes at Epiphany School in Dorchester. But unlike many school-age kids, students at Epiphany haven’t spent the summer anticipating their return to school—in fact, these hardworking students never really left.
Epiphany students spent their summer at an intensive program held at the Groton School. Rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders attended this month-long intensive, while incoming fifth graders were at Epiphany School participating in the B-SAFE program. Students at Groton complete a rigorous academic program, paired with a dose of fun summer camp-like activities.
Epiphany students at the Groton School Summer Intensive.
The goal of the summer intensive is to help students maintain and improve upon the skills and knowledge gained during the school year. “One of our main goals is closing the achievement gap,” said Lorena Lopera, development associate at Epiphany. “Statistically, low-income students lose two months of reading ability between June and September. That’s part of the reason we’re always moving forward in the summer. It’s not just about getting students to stay where they are, but to help them improve.”
The closing assembly of fifth grade orientation.
The Epiphany School was founded in 1998 by the Rev. John Finley, Head of School, and the Rev. Jennifer Grumhaus Daly. Epiphany opened its permanent home in Dorchester in 2001. Rooted in Episcopal identity, the school is a diverse and inclusive community. Worship services are powered by students, who do the readings, give the homilies, lead the music and offer the prayers. Members of the Epiphany community strive to act as models of God's grace and love, and to teach students honor, compassion and morality.
Epiphany students attend school nearly year round, for 12 hours a day, and they maintain a strong bond with the school even after they have graduated. The class of 2013 was well supported throughout the summer. These rising high school freshmen met with teachers and counselors from Epiphany, and over the summer attended an all-day Saturday Freshman Academy that helped them prepare for the challenges of high school.
“The Freshman Academy helps students start thinking about what high school will be like, what goals they want to pursue, what their need to accomplish,” said Lopera. “We sometimes see kids go in not really taking it seriously, saying ‘oh it’s just freshman year,’ which can end up haunting them when it’s time to apply to college. The Freshman Academy ensures that they start [high school] out on the right foot.”
Over the coming weeks, faculty from Epiphany will continue to meet with the new freshmen and their high school guidance counselors. Past students are always welcome to return to the school to work on homework, receive support or simply check in with the Epiphany community.
Epiphany’s lifelong dedication to its students has come full circle in the past few years. The first graduates of Epiphany are 25 and 26 years old now, and remain in touch with the school. One graduate is a trustee of the school, and several former Epiphany students have joined the teaching fellows program and given a year or more of service back to the school.
The teaching fellows program is an important area of focus in Epiphany’s ongoing investment in inner-city education. The past few years have brought an increased emphasis on teacher training. Fellows are paired with an experienced teacher, and they are able to work and learn in a supported yet hands-on environment.
The Epiphany School always needs tutors for homework sessions, and welcomes volunteers. “You don’t need to know calculus or biology to be a tutor,” said Lopera. “Most students mainly need help with focus and reading comprehension.” Tutors typically commit one session a week, in either the afternoon or evening homework period. Volunteer opportunities for serving dinners and for special projects will also become available throughout the year. Visit EpiphanySchool.com to learn more.
--Ellen Stuart