Baker PD’s Achievers Academy prepares for the first day of its afternoon program

BAKER, La. (WAFB) – Baker Police Chief Carl Dunn is preparing for the first day of afternoon classes tomorrow, part of the Baker Police Department’s Achievers Academy, which provides after-school tutoring to children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

It takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and continues throughout the school year. Chief Dunn says he started this program in May 2023 because he wanted to help the kids succeed.

“Reading is so fundamental and it opens so many doors. We want to create some of the most productive, positive and confident kids imaginable,” says Chief Dunn. “Reading has always opened so many doors for me. I know that every success I experience can be attributed to me and my love of reading. I want every child to have more success than I have had in my life.”

The program is completely free for interested families and is open to students throughout East Baton Rouge Parish. The Achiever’s Academy has about 10 volunteers, some assisting and cooking, the rest teaching the students. Chief Dunn says the children will first do their homework and work with local schools to make sure they are on track, and then they will work on advanced reading. Chief Dunn says the goal is for each child to be reading two grade levels above their age. He says he started this program in May 2023 because it helps positively influence the way a child sees themselves and their abilities.

“I’ve noticed a difference in their gait, I’ve noticed a difference in their speech, and their confidence has gone up immeasurably just because they’ve progressed and learned to read,” says Chief Dunn. “When the teacher calls everyone to read, they don’t just raise their hand and say, ‘I can read the next paragraph, Ms. Rylee, I can read it!'”

Chief Dunn has been in the police force since 1983 and says he has always loved working with the community. He says the Achievers Academy is a way to do just that while also shaping our children through education.

“We can change that story because we are the good guys. And you know what? That’s what we’re committed to. We’re committed to being your helper in the community. And you know what – we’re going to live that every day with a smile on our faces,” says Chief Dunn.

The first day of afternoon classes begins on Tuesday, August 27th, right after school. Chief Dunn says all EBR students are welcome to come and learn. They also always accept donations of books, school supplies, snacks, etc.

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