First Lady Michelle Obama visit Philip’s Academy in Newark on April 7, 2016. Photo from the Philip’s Education Partners Facebook page
First Lady Michelle Obama made big news yesterday with her visit to Philip’s Academy Charter School in Newark.
The school’s mission includes balancing “a rigorous academic program with the student’s overall well-being.” Part of that overall well-being is met through the Academy’s healthy lunch program and roof top garden and indoor growing beds — which dovetail nicely with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative to “raise a healthier generation of kids.”
Amy Jo Curran of Maplewood is the Director of Secondary School Counseling for Philip’s Academy, which accepts children grades K-8. “I place the 8th graders in private day or boarding schools — part of the school’s mission for 25 years.”
Unfortunately, Curran was traveling with her family on Thursday and was not at the Academy; however, even if she were present, she probably would not have had access to the First Lady — nor to Al Roker of the Today Show who accompanied Obama. “You can not believe the security,” said Curran.
However, Curran is thrilled for the attention that her colleagues, the students and the school is receiving as a result of the visit: “It’s really a special place.”
See pictures of Obama’s visit on the Philip’s Education Partners Facebook page here or on NJ.com here.
See Today Show video of the visit and an interview with Michelle Obama here.
