If there’s been one main point of contact for the newest MTS Charter School, Banaadir South, that person is parent liaison Sharmarke Elmi.
Through much of the summer, he recruited students and families for the new K-5 school. Elmi’s cell phone was ringing, and he was dialing, reaching out to many Minneapolis residents with east African roots.
As a leader in that community, Elmi’s influence is substantial. He eagerly shared the MTS message of small schools and class sizes, good teachers and good administration.
“It’s exciting, yeah. A new school, so it’s easy, we advertise more and take more time,” he said. Personally visiting businesses, religious centers and residents, Elmi distributed fliers and answered many questions. A friend also helped out.
And, once the new students were signed up, Elmi makes himself available to families to support their continued success in learning.
With 85 students, Banaadir South also hopes to offer basketball and soccer, Elmi explained. An MTS veteran, he brings five years of experience to the school from Banaadir Academy in north Minneapolis, which has close ties to Banaadir South.
In the first part of the new school year, students at Bannadir South were being tested, and students in different grade levels were attending classes together, said Director Rani Hayden.
A Title One parent night is scheduled for November 10 at the school.
