Three days a week at the Neighborhood House Charter School, whether in passing through the third floor hallways or walking the nearby streets surrounding the school, you can hear the rhythmic sounds of African drums. At times, the rhythm is sweet and may induce a certain swagger to your step, maybe even a dance move. At other times, the lack of rhythm may make you cringe. Either way, this auditory experience is a part of my daily routine at NHCS, as I have the privilege of leading the drum circle enrichment with a diverse mixture of middle school students.

Enrichment classes, led by City Year corps members and several teachers, are offered to students whose academic standing allows them the privilege of learning through these enlightening electives. The 40-minute session is the last official class of the day for middle school students at NHCS, and the time corps members spend with students in enrichments help free up time for teachers to offer specialized support to other students who need individual help to excel academically.

The only specification for enrichments is that they are in some way educational, enlightening, or give students an opportunity to experience something new.

This year, corps members have lead enrichments in lawn games, music appreciation and songwriting, team building, cooking, and jewelry making. As the new round of enrichments begin, corps members and students alike look forward to the enjoyment involved in learning from one another.