ABOUT US

Lea is a diverse community made up of 25 countries and 17 + languages spoken among these various constintuincies. It is also diverse economically made up of parents who are economically challenged to middle class.

For many years a cohort of dedicated parents have collaborated to bring resources to Lea and create networks to help improve climate, physical environment, student support, and teacher appreciation at Lea.

This association is an outlet for those parents, along with the Lea community as a whole, to organize and facilitate ideas for implimentation. It is also a tool to support each other. With the challenge of budget cuts looming over the school district on a seemingly constant basis it is important that there is an outlet of support for parents.

There are many great things happening at and around the Lea community so this is a vehichle to advertise them along with being a information outlet to keep parents informed. Please join us in this work to improve Lea.

PREVIOUS PROGRAMS AND COLLABORATIONS OF THE LEA HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Aquired donations of computers from Wharton and Annenburg School for classrooms
Collaborated with Lea Visual Arts Team to beautify interior by painting and Mural Arts for the exterior
Worked with West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools to retain library svcs with WePAC after bugdet cut
Supported T.I.M.B.A. program to service needs of Francophone West African diaspora
Facilitated student participation in Bike Works "Build A Bike" program
Established Parent Resource room furnishing it with supplies, computers, and printer for parent use
Organized Lea Theatre group with middle grade teacher to exhibit performance of the WIZ
Developed "Bike or Walk to School" events with Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia
Hosted "Food 101" discussion with School District Chief of Food Services
Collaborated with Garden Court Community Association to develop gLea Choir program
Partnered with West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools on "Greening Lea" initiative
Helped organize and facilitate Kindergarten Open Houses with West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools
Hosted with WPCNS "Walk to School" event featuring Jacqueline Edelberg author of "How to Walk to School"
Partnered with "Raquets Serving Hope" to bring Quick Start Tennis program to Lea
Negotiated reduction of family membership to Penn Museum from $95 to $55 for Lea parents
Worked with WPCNS to organize and support Lea Orchestra program and collaboration with Settlement Music
Developed Lea Secret Garden program with Dr. Vivianne Nachmias and procurred grants to maintain it
Partnered with "We Can Swim" program to bring swimming instruction to Lea students at Pottruck Req. Ctr
Helped organize reading tutor program with GCCA Education Committee to help struggling early readers
Helped organize Book Choosing event with GCCA Education Comm. to help students build thier libraries at home
Worked with Middle Grade teacher to develop S.W.A.T. (Students Working with Advanced Technology) program
Helped facilitate Curio Theatre performances in Lea auditorium
Partnered with WPCNS to advocate for Penn Lea partnership which resulted in official partnership in 2013 - 2014

As you can see by the above successes we can do a lot as parents to lessen the affects of budget cuts to our students and school community. Nothing is impossible when parents, teachers, and students work together for one cause. Please join us in this effort to bring resources and maintain momentum at our hool. You are appreciated.

Lea Home and School Association Board Members :

President - Maurice D. Jones Sr

Vice President - Tonya Wildes

Vice President - Gerald Smith

Secretary - Loreen Hannah

Treasurer - Vonnetta Sparks

Supporting Organizations :

TOGETHER WE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS SEPARATELY WE COULD HARDLY CLIMB HILLS.