My name is Emily Peltzman. As the only site coordinator at Ferebee-Hope Elementary School in Southeast Washington, D.C. I work with 250 students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.

I joined Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital in May 2010, after working in a not-for-profit law firm representing parents and guardians of students without access to special education, health care and housing. This job relocation has allowed me to work collaboratively with D.C. Public Schools and advocate for the students at Ferebee-Hope while partnering with teachers, administrators, and community leaders to identify possible changes in the school system. 

Originally from Rockville, Maryland, I am a University of Colorado graduate, and am currently completing a Master’s degree in counseling at Johns Hopkins University. While my education supplies me with the foundation to be a successful site coordinator, I believe the one true skill you need is the ability to form a strong and healthy relationship with the students enrolled at your school. The trust that I build with students allows them to have someone they can talk to in times of need. Sitting in the classroom with them during a math block and providing 1-on-1, or extra support, to help the student understand the question and solve the problem, helps me better engage with them. I believe that having an open-door policy, and learning every students’ name, allows all students—even those outside of case management —to have an adult they can confide in.

Many of our students desire a safe place to learn and nonjudgmental attention. I believe supplying that is one of my key roles as a site coordinator. This past school year, a kindergarten student was referred to me by the school principal because he displayed behavioral issues and had hit a plateau academically. By providing him with a safe environment and trusting relationship, and with the help of art therapy and behavior charts, I was able to make him feel comfortable enough to open up about his home and family life. Even though he was only five years old, the boy had been taught to keep a family secret that had consequentially caused him to act out.

Another moment that stands out in my career as a site coordinator is the amazing experience of one of my second grade students. During the tutoring program that Communities In Schools facilitates with community volunteers, this student was practicing an academic literacy standard and wrote the president of the United States a letter about life in his community. Because one-third of D.C.’s homicides occur in Ferebee-Hope’s neighborhood, the student addressed his concerns for his six younger brothers, his mother and his future. Three weeks ago, the student ran up to the school to collect an envelope addressed to him. It was from President Obama! The boy was so excited to read the president’s encouraging letter, thanking him for sharing his experience and beliefs. It was also rewarding to see his mother smile as she gave him a proud hug.

I am confident that my experience as a site coordinator at Ferebee-Hope will stay with me throughout my life. I believe strongly in the mission of Communities In Schools and know that young people in the nation’s capital need this organization in their lives. My role  is not limited to just recruiting volunteers and community partners; to me, my role is to build strong, trusting relationships with students and parents to effectively help  kids achieve their individual goals and build a healthy and successful future.