Story by cnmAdmin2030 / October 17, 2019
Brentwood students rush into the gym. Some grab basketballs for some solo free throw time while others take their places on the court. They have a ritual. This group of students take turns shooting before throwing the basketball to Director of Athletics and Coach, Christopher Brown. “They expect me to shoot with one hand,” he explains, as students jump and attempt to guard him from making the perfect shot. When he misses, students yell. When he makes it, students yell even louder. It is easy to see that students enjoy their time with Brown who is new to the Meeting Street Elementary @ Brentwood team this year. Coming with more than 20 years of coaching experience, Brown is already working hard to implement a strong athletics program for MSE@Brentwood, including a brand-new swimming program for students. It is just one of the many new programs students have to look forward to and we are grateful for Brown to be leading the initiative.
To learn more about Brown and how he is changing the narrative, check out the interview below!
Are you a Charleston native? If not, where’s home?
I am from a little town called Sumter, South Carolina. I moved here at the end of 2013.
You’re not only the Director of Athletics at MSE@Brentwood, but the Varsity Basketball Coach at North Charleston High School. How did sports impact your life and what made you ultimately want to go into coaching?
I moved a lot at an early age and sports guided me. I knew early on that I wanted to give back in some form and coaching gave me that platform.
This is your first year at Meeting Street Elementary @ Brentwood, how did you hear about Meeting Street Schools?
I heard about Meeting Street Schools from my previous coworkers. Several had friends who work at Brentwood and they spoke highly of the place, so I did some research and was impressed. I turned down several jobs for this opportunity.
How long have you been working in the education/coaching field?
I have been coaching for over 20 years, including college basketball. This is my 5th year in education.
How do you feel being a male in the coaching/education profession impacts young people, particularly young men?
I notice a lot of the young men look up to me and that gives me a sense of purpose. My players always want to talk about life. I am like a father figure. I am someone they can count on and trust. They know I’m going to have their back.
Why do you think it is important for schools to have a strong sports program?
In the world we live in, you need to. Statistics show that parents will take their children to schools that do. A strong athletic program makes a school the “IT” school. You can see it around here in Charleston, not only do some schools have strong academics, they also have strong sports programs. We see a lot of schools losing enrollment when there is not a strong program present.
I also think it’s important because it gives a lot of kids an outlet. I teach basketball class here at Brentwood and many were not into it at first. Now they can’t wait to be here and they are coming out of their shell. The kids high five me when they see me.
What is your coaching philosophy?
I live by a model called trust the process. I had a kid who graduated and he went on and signed a basketball scholarship. During the summer, he was worried he would not get a scholarship. I told him, as long as you put in the hard work with teachers and sports, then you’ll have something. You’ll have a strong work ethic, even if you don’t get the scholarship. He ended up graduating with a 3.6 GPA and a college basketball scholarship. I think it makes players a better citizen in life if they trust the process. He actually texted me yesterday to tell me he is on the college basketball poster.
What is one thing you hope your athletes take away from you and carry throughout life?
Just to be a good person. Go off to college and play college sports and then come back and provide to your community. I hope they share the knowledge they’ve obtained and give it back to the youth.
What other sports programs are in development at Meeting Street Elementary @ Brentwood?
We are looking forward to having a swimming program, track and field, and possibly golf. We’ve already had 60 kids sign up for swimming. We are just waiting on the new pool to be finished in North Charleston. Our fall sports are doing really well. Our 5th grade football team is tied for 1st place, soccer team is tied for 1st place and 6th grade football is in 2nd place.
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Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), and MS-Jasper & Beaufort (Jasper, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
MSA Spartanburg stands as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. MSA Spartanburg is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
MS Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this school is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, MS Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. MS Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the MSS network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, MS Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at MS Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. MS Burns exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, MS Burns is forging a new path in public education.
MS Jasper represents the Meeting Street Schools’ dedication to community-based education with a global perspective. The school provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential and cultivate a love for learning. With its diverse programs such as Eureka Math, and Wit and Wisdom, MS Jasper puts a major emphasis on character development, specialized learning and equips students to become thoughtful, engaged members of society, reflecting the MSS ethos of empowerment through education.
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
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