Community Assets Map

Neighborhood Borders

Neighborhood Borders

• Pan American is located within the Kensington Neighborhood of Philadelphia
• Because Kensington is a large area whose boundaries have evolved over time, many sources list different boundaries for the neighborhood (ex: Fishtown is no longer considered to be part of Kensington)
• A generally accepted boundary is Frankford Ave to the East, 5th St. to the West, Cecil B. Moore as the Southern border and Trenton Ave. to the North
• Pan American's neighborhood is also sometimes described as Fairhill, which is a neighborhood within Kensington

Kensington

Demographics/Background

Kensington Demographics

• 47.9% of residents primary language spoken at home is not English (more than double the percentage of Philadelphia as seen in table 1)
• Large population of Puerto Rican and Dominican immigrants
• Many other schools in the area including Lewis Elkin Elementary, Kensington High School, Stetson Middle School, etc.
• Kensington Voice is a news source for residents which highlights service projects, community events, and gives students spotlights

Mural

"a poem from the community"

Community Poem

I also found that the poem related to the "Navigating Contradictions" section of Farmer-Hinton's paper where the narrator describes how they can "see the existence of both good things and bad things in my neighborhood"( Farmer-Hinton 28). In a similar way, the community poem comments on "promise and pain / laughter and rage / hope and heartache". It is a poem of contradictions, but filled with the love and support of the community. It is a testament to the community's strength.

Congreso

Across from the school is a Congreso office, which is a non-profit that aims to support economic self-sufficiency in predominantly Latinx communities. This is just one example of community supports that can be a part of social capital.

Community Support

An Early Childhood Care Center

I passed by an childhood care center and was drawn in by this mural showing children and older generations alike. I felt it demonstrated familial and social assets of the community

Community Support

This is a popularly smoothie truck, when it is open there is always a line with lots of people catching up

Linguistic Capital

Depicted are some visual representations of the bilingualism which is present in Kensington (although hearing Spanish on the streets is one of the predominant ways I witness this asset daily)

Linguistic Capital

Cultural Capital

Pictured are representations of Dominican and Puerto Rican culture and a restaurant right around the corner from the school

Cultural Capital

I always used to always pass this street last year leaving my old school. The picture doesn't do it justice, but there are Puerto Rican flag pennants across the street, painted sidewalks, and colorful houses.

Encourage Bilingualism

Pan American has 50/50 dual language model. This means my students will spend half the day learning in Spanish. In my role as an English teacher, I want to encourage students to embrace both languages through:

Linguistic Capital

• creating a cognates wall in my class so they can recognize English/Spanish cognates they use daily
• using visual aids to support English Language Learners
• promoting the benefits of being biliingual through information and art around the room

Embrace Cultural Diversity

I want to show my students that each of their unique cultures is valuable and makes them who they are. Many students have family in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic-- this offers a perspective that is extremely important.

• Have morning meeting topics that encourage students to share about their family's culture and traditions
• Select books that are representative of my student's cultures

Cultural Capital

Build Strong Foundations with Families

Student's families know their needs and interests better than anyone. They will be a postive resource for me to have and offer a support system for students.

• Keep frequent contact with families, being sure to keep them connected on any student progress and achievements as well as asking for their perspectives
• I will attend any schoolwide events for families, to see my students and their families outside of the classroom
• I will work to connect student's families with any resources they might need from the school or the community

Familial Capital