MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A North Memphis community is seeking its own solutions to keep students out of trouble. The program just finished its first full year at Douglass K-8 working to improve student academics and conduct.
The program is called “The Overwhelming Program,” hinting at an overwhelming amount of love, generosity and support for the community.
Pastor Torrie Wilson and others with the church bring the program to the school every Thursday. Throughout the semester, students’ behavior and grades are analyzed, and students who improve are rewarded. It’s an incentivized program that parents are very happy with.
“It says a lot about a pastor. It says a lot about a community saying that we’re not going to let our children fail,” parent Chasidy Harris said.
The students have turned a page since the program started in the winter of 2022.
“They are now responding to us where they were seemingly somewhat out of control [last year],” Pastor Wilson said. “Now, we’re using discipline tactics to get them to understand the importance of academics, conduct, attendance.”
The goal is for the program to continue for years to come and hopefully be guidance for other churches and schools across the Mid-South.