Milwaukee Coast Guard unit, local elementary school recognized for partnering in education

News Release

Feb. 28, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Contact: Lt. j.g. Thomas Morrell Office: (414) 747-7152

 

Milwaukee Coast Guard unit, local elementary school recognized for partnering in education

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MILWAUKEE – Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee was recently recognized by the service with the “Best Unit Partnership” award for the more than 900 volunteer hours provided by members of the unit to students at Trowbridge School of Discovery and Technology in Bay View during the 2015-2016 school year.

"Trowbridge School of Discovery and Technology and Sector Lake Michigan have enjoyed a productive and mutually beneficial relationship over the years as part of the Coast Guard’s Partnership in Education program," said Capt. Amy Cocanour, commander of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan. "Coast Guard members have adopted classrooms as their own, visiting regularly throughout the year mentoring and tutoring students, and assisting teachers and staff."

Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan’s Partnership in Education (PIE) program supported 10 grade levels at Trowbridge School, as well as a multi-grade classroom that specifically supports students who experience behavioral and emotional challenges. The 33 PIE volunteers participated in weekly tutoring sessions with students identified by teachers as in need of assistance in math, reading, science, study skills or history.

The hours that the Coast Guard volunteers contributed during the 2015-2016 school year led the Milwaukee Public School District to confer Trowbridge School of Discovery and Technology, for the first time ever, with a STAR 360 award in recognition for no gap in early literacy and closing the achievement gap by more than 20% in reading and 30% in math, according to Dr. Katrice Cotton, regional superintendent of Milwaukee public schools.

Cocanour, Lt. Jesse Webster, head of Reserve Readiness Forces at the sector, and seven other Coast Guard members visited with the staff and students of Trowbridge School of Discovery and Technology, Feb. 21, to present a plaque of appreciation and to show the importance of this partnership in the years ahead.

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