EAST COAST FINISHERS INC work with my mom because they are so during vacations and little.” breaks,” Lydia said. Lydia says a lot “I always really felt at of things are chang- home and very invit- ing now as DPS has ed. I felt comfortable. become the Detroit When I decided to Public Schools be a teacher, I always Community District. wanted to work in an “There are new poli- urban setting. Once cies and teachers are I did my interview struggling; but within at DPS at Coleman my school, we have a Young, I instantly felt passionate principal, at home like when I and we all decided we went with my mom would stick together to work.” Lydia just for the kids.” started her third year Flo Paterni likes to visit her But the job hasn’t daughter Lydia Paterni’s at the school. come without some kindergarten class. Flo taught “It was a valuable hassles. in Detroit for more than 35 experience when “I have been pushed years. my mom’s students by parents,” Lydia said. would come out to “I usually can de-esca- our house,” she said. late things quickly, but “It was interesting to see the different it is scary. There are times when par- cultures on a more informal, personal ents have not been dealing with disci- level. We went to their homes and pline in a good way. I’ve talked to the birthday parties and different functions principal in tears, but there’s only so and they to ours. It was very cool to see. much you can do. But it feels reward- “I think it’s easier for my generation, ing, especially when I can help parents but in reverse — people in Detroit learn ways to discipline. Parents 100 accept us as teachers. Black history is percent want the best for their kids. a very big deal in February, and there This is a different culture, and it’s built are times when I’ll have my black on respect. They will respect you if teacher’s aide step in and talk. It’s cool you respect them.” to have it from both sides. Lydia says she believes she’s giv- “In kindergarten, we have to talk ing her students a good foundation. a lot about race,” she said. “The kids “I incorporate art and music in the mention it all the time. My hair, my classroom. I have little instruments skin. I’ve also had a couple little girls — xylophones and maracas. My mom say, ‘I wish I was white like you.’ I tell comes in and teaches songs and tells them ‘I’m not white, but more peach stories. They call her Mama Paterni. like a beach. You’re more like pea- “I think I’ll stay in Detroit for a nut butter.’ It’s cool to talk about this while,” she said. “I love my school.” * sports are shared, but academics are mainly separate. Saar was originally with Teach for America and taught for seven years in Philadelphia before returning in 2011 to Detroit, where he has held a number of educational administra- tive positions. “I always wanted my own school to get to know the kids and families over generations,” he says. At Mumford, he was given the opportunity to serve as principal of Mumford Academy, the ninth grade with 100 students. He was able to hire teachers at a higher salary and set up a special curriculum. “Most of our students are three years behind in math and reading, but we have raised standards and expectations for the kids,” he says. Each class has 20-25 students and each student spends time with the same adviser daily during all four years of high school. Results after one year were encouraging. Students in Saar’s pro- gram posted the highest test scores in the EAA and scored above average on a national test measuring stu- dent growth. In addition, Mumford exceeded its enrollment targets for the 2016-17 school year. This year, 10th graders were added to the program. * All work done by professional craftsmen t Painting t Plaster t Rough Carpentry t Finish Carpentry t Drywall Hanging t Specializing in Historical Homes If you are thinking of remodeling, adding an addition, even painting your home, you have come to the right place! At East Coast Finishers, all work is done by professionals who specialize in their trade – all members of our crew and never sub-contractors. We back every warranty 100% !!! All exterior painting has a 5 YEAR WARRANTY CALL NOW!! FREE ESTIMATES!! 248-773-6671 OR 844-366-9966 or email us estimates@eastcoastfi nishers.com We will return your call at your convenience Been in Business over 40 years 30300 Northwestern HWY, Suite 147, Farmington Hills MI 48334 Visit us at: www.eastcoastfi nishers.com 000000 October 13 • 2016 19