How will we spot signs of THRIVING
in our neighborhood?
Regarding NEIGHBORKIDS: We will find ways to notice signs that kids are:
Happy and Emotionally Grounded
- Experiencing happiness and joy every day
- Expressing confidence and hope in themselves and the people around them
- Feeling attached to their neighborhood and community
- Developing self-control of their full range of feelings
Learning
- Expressing a hunger for learning every day
- Developing self-control of their full range of thinking abilities (skills like concentration, memory, planning and problem-solving)
- Being ready for Kindergarten when they start school
- Attending school every day
- Learning to read by 3rd Grade, & then reading to learn beyond 3rd Grade
- Developing math and conceptual skills consistent with their overall abilities
- Getting high grades
- Getting promoted every year
- Graduating from High School and moving on to college or other options they choose
In Loving Relationships
- Having a special somebody who is crazy about them -- not only in their family but also in their neighborhood
- Having close friends
- Being in two-way relationships that are kind-hearted, respectful and supportive
- Being able to live with family even during tough times (as reflected in low rates of children removed from their homes and placed in foster care)
Contributing
- Regularly sharing thoughts and feelings and actively helping out to make the neighborhood even better
Regarding THE NEIGHBORHOOD: We will find ways to notice signs of our neighborhood’s well-being in terms of:
Housing
- Homes that are affordable and in good shape so neighbors do not need to move so often
- Few vacant homes
- Renters rights respected and upheld
Economics
- High employment rate
- Enough family income
Social Justice
- Strong sense of fairness and justice
- Low crime and arrest rates
The Vibe
- Welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere sensed by all neighborkids and fellow neighbors
- Deep recognition of the rich cultural history of our neighborhood and our Newtown community
- Diversity of social opportunities open to all neighbors
- Enhanced beauty of the neighborhood