Transforming South Rocky Mount through the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Update for July 30, 2020
Friends of Peacemakers,

Tomorrow marks the end of another incredible FREEDOM SCHOOL SUMMER! Of course, this one has been anything but typical. The biggest change was that we had to move to 2 half-day sessions (instead of having the same scholars all day, as we normally do) because of COVID-19 limitations. We also washed and sanitized all day, every day. But in the end, it has all been more than worth it!

Despite being in the program for only a half-day, our scholars still improved their average reading scores by one full grade level over seven weeks - what an incredible job they did! They worked really hard (82 homework challenges completed, 593 total individual tutoring sessions) and it paid off for them - congratulations to all of our great scholars and their parents!
Here are some feedback comments we received from Freedom School parents:

"I want to thank everyone involved in Peacemakers due to the fact that the first year of my son in Freedom School was amazing. His self-esteem grew as well as his knowledge of what to do in social situations. Being so busy as a provider/parent, we never get to explore social situations such as racism, bullying, treating people with differences with respect. And the Freedom School staff has addressed more than I can ask for, so thank you very much!"

"My son was shy, quiet and a little nervous regarding new people. This year, my son talks like a bird (non-stop), he sings, dances all the time and reads everything. He's at the table every morning for reading and math assignments. I really appreciate my Freedom School family. "

"I honestly just want to say thank you for continuing the program this year even though it was different. Very different. Our community really needed the support and lessons that were shared. Peacemakers continued to reinforce the community - that meant a lot."

"I wish they could go there year round. My children really got the chance to learn a lot and they were happier when they came home from Freedom School. We would talk more about what they learned and enjoyed doing. Keep up the great work!"

"We are very thankful for Freedom School. Our children are more confident and active readers. They are also more socially aware of what is going on in our community."


And so, we end the summer with hearts full of gratitude: to God, for providing what we needed and seeing us safely through the summer; to our incredible young staff, who tirelessly poured their lives into our scholars; to our community partners, who provided technical assistance, food, and other resources; and to you, our partners and friends, who pray for us, volunteer, and financially invest in the work and mission of Peacemakers. We are truly blessed, and God has done great things for us!!
NOW WHAT? Announcing Peacemakers' Day Program and After School Program


The current COVID-19 pandemic has made learning challenging for all students, but the challenges have generally been felt more acutely in low-income and single-parent households. Lack of computers and internet access, food insecurities, and lack of adequate childcare are just several of many serious issues to be faced.  

Nash County Public Schools and Edgecombe County Public Schools have both announced that they will begin the 2020-2021 school year with all “virtual” instruction. Peacemakers believes these decisions will only widen the learning opportunity gap for low-income students.

Peacemakers Day Program
To address this critical need, Peacemakers will offer a Day Program for elementary school students from 11:00am – 3:00pm, Mondays – Thursdays, beginning August 31, 2020 and operating until both school districts return students to in-person classes full-time. The program will feature a 6/1 or less student to tutor ratio, tutoring/homework assistance, computer and internet access, supplemental instruction, and physical exercise. A lunch and snack will be offered each day as well.

This program is offered at no cost to families. Transportation will be provided as necessary for students living within a two-mile radius of Peacemakers.

The program is limited to 48 students, and follows an extensive COVID-19 Health Protocol.

Peacemakers After School Program
Peacemakers will operate an After School Program for the 2020-2021 academic year for elementary school students. The program is offered 3:30pm – 5:30pm, Mondays – Thursdays at no cost to families. Transportation can be provided as necessary for students living within a two-mile radius of Peacemakers.

The After School Program features a 6/1 or less student/tutor ratio, homework assistance, supplemental instruction for students needing more remedial help, computer and internet access, and an afternoon snack.

The After School Program is temporarily on hiatus until either Nash County Public Schools or Edgecombe County Public Schools resumes in-person classes for elementary school students. It is anticipated that when in-person classes resume, they will be offered on a staggered schedule (children only attend on certain days or weeks). If that is the case, children that attend school on a given day will be eligible to attend the After School Program that day. Children that did not attend school that day will be eligible for the Day Program.

The program is limited to 48 students, and follows an extensive COVID-19 Health Protocol.

Obviously, these programs require funding to operate, and we deeply appreciate your continued financial support and prayers!
Thought for the week:

“Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering. The love of God is of a different nature altogether. It does not hate tragedy. It never denies reality. It stands in the very teeth of suffering.”
―  Elisabeth Elliot
Peacemakers of Rocky Mount | 252.212.5044 | www.rockymountpeacemakers.org