The principal at Omaha South High Magnet School is trying to inspire educators, children, and parents alike with a new book that explores the challenges urban students face.
Cara Churchich-Riggs spent two years compiling almost thirty years of experiences into “Hope in the Urban Schools: Love Stories”. In it she shares surprising stories of real-life students.
“I think that the American public has a misconception of really what are kids are challenged with,” says Churchich-Riggs. “I think they have no idea the depths of some of their challenges.”
Churchich-Riggs is hoping her book shows what works in urban public education, even while facing obstacles like poverty, immigration, and racism.
“Really the foundation is about building good relationships with them and helping them to believe in themselves even when they might not,” says Churchich-Riggs.
She says students at urban schools have to battle to stay on the right track, but those negative outside influences can be overcome with the help of committed educators.
“Sometimes with our urban kids the bigger society has a fear of the unknown. But we have wonderful students who want to do well and looking for ways to make it happen and they need strong passionate adults around to help them get there.”
Churchich-Riggs did get permission from all the students mentioned in the book.
You can find the book, “Hope in the Urban Schools: Love Stories on Amazon.com.
You’ll find the link to the site below.
