Homework, Chapters 1-3, (pg 57-107) Summary and Analysis

Kelley School is located in Holyoke, a neighborhood also known as the flats. Holyoke was one of America's first planned industrial communities. Chris actually grew up in the flats and returned after she graduated from college. Her father had worked for a paper company called National Bank Book. In the 1970s, however, growth was stifled as Holyoke's industries started to decline. The city's population fell and sections of the Flats deteriorated. Lately, state and local governments had begun putting money back in the Flats. Kelly School was supposed to start the revival of the Flats. The school is the largest and fanciest of the city and outfitted with two large gyms and a playground. Over time, the exterior of the building has been worn down by vandalism and graffiti.

The demographic breakdown of...