Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

334 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 The Suffolk Public School (SPS) curriculum is heavily inspired by the proverbial “it takes a village” mentality. The curriculum is supported by a strong network of partnerships that collectively provide students with opportunities to not only strengthen their knowledge but also to learn the history behind the lessons they’re being taught. The SPS partnership with 21stCentEd produced a book titled “It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate: The Suffolk (VA) Edition.” The book was part of the district’s initiative to educate students about workforce development and STEM subjects and to develop innovative methods to improve student achievement in Science. It was wildly successful upon publication, becoming a four- time #1 best-seller on Amazon in the science, education, STEM education, professional learning, and Science for Kids categories. Students are also encouraged through a community leadership program formed in partnership with local businesses such as Amazon, Kroger, United Way of South Hampton Roads, and TowneBank. All of these businesses have donated money not only to aid in the STEM education project but also to pay for tours and field trips to the African American History and Heritage Museum in Washington, D.C. Townebank and United Way of South Hampton Roads have both donated $25,000 and $92,000, respectively, to these efforts, and Amazon has even opened its new warehouse facility to students with the prospect of future internships being a possibility. “Everybody is working towards the same goal of not only educating our children… but making sure that we have a tight-knit community that Dr. John B. Gordon III