Selma Middle and Clayton High Schools in Selma, North Carolina

School Spotlight commends Selma Middle and Clayton High Schools’ students celebration honoring Black History Month. As their program states, these young African-Americans are “Remembering the Past … Shaping the Future.” (To read the original article in its entirety, click here.)

Source: TheSelmaNews.com

Students from Selma Middle were invited to attend a “Black History Month” event hosted by “Men of Distinction” — a community organization including members of the local Smithfield chapter of the Kappa fraternity and nine members who are students at Clayton High School. The purpose of the event was multifaceted:

• A kick-off in helping them celebrate “Black History Month”
• To encourage Selma Middle’s minority male students to pursue their education,
• Encourage and help them understand the importance of making wise decisions,
• Encourage them to realize and aspire to achieve their fullest potential.

Marlon Lee, advisor for Men of Distinction was happy with the outcome of the event stating, “I think hearing from the high school students was really good for [the Selma Middle students].” Selma can be a tough area to grow up in, but they do not want that to become a reason not to try. So, it helps when someone close in age tells them they can accomplish whatever they aspire to do. That kind of encouragement goes a long way.

At the event, Selma students learned it is necessary to do more than just strive to “pass their classes,” — they want them to excel. These young minority students are learning that there is still a chance for them to be pioneers in many areas of the world, things that they can be first at. Lee reiterated this with his becoming the first black man to become coach for Clayton High School at the varsity level.

Source: DiscoverBlackHeritage.com

The students from Clayton High are already “Men of Distinction” and well on their way to becoming leaders for their younger counterparts. Add to this the willingness of Selma Middle’s students to listen and follow Men of Distinction, and it creates a recipe for great success. Perhaps these two schools have hit upon an integral part of the equation that is missing — youth inspired youth leaders.

The encouragement of young men by schools, community and organizations to grow their knowledge of minority figures in America’s history helps get them in touch with greatness that they can identify with. These students from Selma Middle and Clayton High already possess the fibers found in some of the greatest figures in all of history.

As more schools participate in projects for Black History Month, more heroes and leaders are being identified and revered for their part in edging America toward becoming a better place. Do you know of a special project or program going on in your community that is helping to promote and cultivate young leaders? Use the box below to fill us in on the beautiful details.

Project Learning in Portland, Maine

In today’s School Spotlight, State of the Re:Union shares a video showing the great progress and success of Edutopia‘s  hands-on learning technique being used by one now-thriving school in Portland, Maine. (To view original web page, click here. To watch Edutopia’s video, view below.)

King Middle School paint a challenging picture: 54 percent of the student population receiving free or reduced lunches, around 25 different languages among its students, and a limited English language proficiency of 26 percent. However, these students are testing above every district and state average levels in every curriculum area at every grade level.

Ask what the secret to their success is, they will say it is because they follow a curriculum design of “expeditionary learning, integrated studies and 1-to-1 laptops.” In other words, the students and staff of King Middle learn about real experiences through the process of doing them. They learn about the ups and downs and interaction between others and necessary relationships that it takes to make something work in the real world — their world.

A group of teachers customize project models with an intended goal and finish date in mind for students that incorporate the use of science, math, media graphics, social studies, the arts, and many other subjects.  Just like in the real world, these students must complete their tasks within an allotted time frame. (An eight to 12 week time frame.)

Source: cooa.unh.edu--Tim Moore giving a presentation to a group of Middle School Students at King Middle School in Portland, Maine. The talk cover such topics as carbon cycle, climate change and phytoplankton.

To help students, community members who are professionals in these fields are brought in to assist through guidance and answer questions. This helps students understand the necessity in forming relationships and help forge important communication skills.

Once students are ready to present their finished products, the community attends the “Culminating Event” where they engage with students who are there to explain the completed project and how the results were achieved. The students display not only their projects, but developed skills of “creativity, cooperation, and problem solving” — all which are invaluable tools they can and will use throughout their lives.

This hands-on approach is helping the children and teachers, and what is more impressive is that students are learning to use critical thinking skills. Getting students (and teachers in many cases) engaged can be a daunting task, but King Middle has found a formula that is working for their students, teachers, families and community.

Know of a school who is using a different learning system to engage students, teachers and community? Use the box below to tell us what they are doing and how it is working for them.

The Vito Marcantonio School in East Harlem, New York

This week’s School Spotlight is highlighting one school in East Harlem, New York, where students and staff, with the help of a City Year corp member, are serious about their commitment to and practice of “whole student” philosophy of learning and living.  In fact, to them, it’s just “Common Sense.” To read the original GOOD.is article in its entirety, click here.

Source: America's Promise Alliance: The Vito Marcantonio School in East Harlem, NY, was given the award, along with a grant of $100,000, in recognition of the school’s commitment to and practice of its “whole student” philosophy of learning and living.

In the recent past, the 330 students of the Vito Marcantionio School decided to participate in the Penny Harvest program — a service learning project run by City Year and the nonprofit Common Cents. City Year corp member Meg Malone was somewhat surprised at the tenacity and desire of these children. Of her students Malone says, “I often tell people that just because my students have a higher risk of dropping out of school, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a desire to be active citizens and make a difference in their community.”

In an effort to create more interest in the Penny Harvest program, some students took it upon themselves to hop on the campaign trail and get their peers more involved. Songs were created and sung over the P.A. system to help generate more awareness about the program; and when one fifth grader decided there were not enough signs providing information on Penny Harvest, she created one she thought would get the job done of getting the information out.

Their enthusiasm for gathering funds to help others in need was quite astounding, especially given that a great many of the students are from a low-income background. This just further proves the students have incredible social awareness by recognizing that others around them are in need of help. It also shows their capacity for becoming even more outstanding humanitarians and civic stewards.

Source: GOOD.is. -- GOOD Magazine's: A City Education: When Students Give Back to the Community

After all of the funds for the program had been collected at the months end, a committee of students was needed to help with the allocating of funds. According to the article, “A team of fourth- through eighth-grade students was selected to be the voice of the student body. Throughout the year, they’ll learn more about various community issues and (with the vision of the student population in mind), they’ll choose an organization to donate the money.” Although this is a large and tedious project these students are taking on, they are up for the challenge.

This Penny Harvest project has brought about some teachable moments for staff and kids, alike. It has prompted them to look at the good others are doing in the country (and world). They are becoming more interested in what civic engagement means and how it enriches the community. They are seeing a change, and realizing, they are heroes for their community.

The biggest lesson they are learning: Students plus “Common Cents” equals great community. Making a change and helping others become more interested in the desire to partake in change need not be laborious, grueling or demanding. Most times it is the smallest ideas that produce impressive results. Have a similar story of teachable moments and making civic engagement fun? We love learning about the good growing in our country, so use the box below to share some of your stories.

Woodrow Wilson High School in Los Angeles, California

Within the past few years, aided by the decline of the economy, there have been a growing number of food deserts across America. This has become a serious issue in the fight to provide adequate nutrition to many children and families.  School Spotlight salutes Woodrow Wilson High School in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, for its role in working to eliminate this food deficit in their community to help make a difference. (To read the original Los Angeles Times article in its entirety, click here.)

Source: photos by Anna Summa found at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/06/peoples-garden-woodrow-wilson-high-school.html

According to the CDC, “food deserts are areas that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet.” After working with a nonprofit in doing a comparative study of El Sereno’s access to fresh foods versus other communities, one undeniable conclusion was found: they were in need of another community garden.

As an answer to these findings — and with the help of his class — Kevin Armenta, a teacher of Environmental and Urban Studies at Wilson, spearheaded a project to change this reality. They transformed a forsaken back entrance to the school that was sitting in disrepair and created a healthy food source option, the People’s Garden. According to the article, Armenta says of the garden “It’s a physical solution to a research topic about food deserts.”

They are also using it as a community-building tool. Different cultures representing the makeup of El Sereno are coming together to assist in the success of the People’s Garden, as it is aptly named. However, the physical labor — think planting, weeding, and watering — is done by the students and staff. The students began preparing the seeds last winter that are currently in the ground. They have a vested interest in this project, which is evidenced by their presence at workdays, where time is spent doing general maintenance. After all, the garden’s control ultimately lies in the hands of the few students, teachers and community members who are involved.

Because Wilson High School members want this project to blossom, they utilize the guidance of the Native Green Gardener Program, a group offering advice that teaches sustainable gardening and landscaping practices.

Source: photos by Anna Summa found at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/06/peoples-garden-woodrow-wilson-high-school.html

The members of the high school are focusing “on growing plants that reflect the communities of El Sereno.” Among other items, included in this garden menagerie are medicinal plants from China and the “three sisters” of Mesoamerica: corns, beans and squash.

The People’s Garden and Wilson High have endured a few setbacks due to vandals destroying the water delivery system — three garden hoses that snake down through the garden, lying in wait for someone to use — but they keep their eye on the prize. This garden is a living representation and physical manifestation of the will of a few to make lives of many better.

Food deserts are a hard fact to swallow, but it is a reality that many still live with. More and more people, organizations and groups are seeing the need and rallying to close the gap on a serious issue affecting too many in the United States. Schools, in particular, have been hit hard by this. A growing number of children and families are participating in free meal programs at their schools on a daily basis. Include in this the food deserts that are becoming more of a norm and it makes for a challenging future of a healthier America.

What these dedicated “urban gardeners” are doing to combat this issue deserves accolades. Thanks to the endeavors of Armenta, his students and community members, and Woodrow Wilson High School, what started out as a school research project for a few students has now become an invaluable lesson and tool for its community. Kudos!

Know of any plan(s) or organization(s) in your community or schools working toward a similar goal? Use the box below to tout the commendable efforts of those working to make a difference.

Pittsburgh Dilworth Elementary, A Bright Spot for Pennsylvania

School Spotlight takes a peek at what one school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is doing to become a High Opportunity School and earn a Bright Spot in the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. (To read original article in its entirety, click here.)

Source: dancingclassroomspgh.org - Students from Pittsburgh Dilworth advancing to finals in a dancing competition for elementary Pittsburgh schools.

Pittsburgh Dilworth Elementary uses an arts-infused approach to help educate their Pre-K through fifth grade students. According to information gathered by The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, it is an arts-focused magnet school that has recently increased some students’ reading scores by 20 points in the past five years. This success is due, in part, to the school’s Principal Dr. Monica D. Lamar.

According to Lamar, she had her own struggles with reading as a student. However, working with a school-based reading specialist – combined with her participation in the arts – helped her find success in school. Her experience has manifested into the success that Pittsburgh Dilworth students and staff are experiencing today.

She believes students thrive when given diverse learning opportunities. Therefore, the elementary school has a “full complement of art, music, gym, library and academic teachers on board, as well as two artists-in-residence who infuse the arts throughout the curriculum,” according to The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

The school also utilizes the “Response to Intervention and Instruction Strategy.” This is a system of intervention curriculum with varying levels that uses frequent assessment to monitor students’ progress.

These children read throughout the day and have a goal of reading at least 30 books every year. This significant amount of reading for these youngsters is rewarded with positive accolades and fun trips.

Source: dancingclassroomspgh.org - Pittsburgh Dilworth Elementary students participating in a city-wide dance competition for elementary schools

In addition, these students are learning how “to manage stress and take care of themselves.” One strategy teachers use at test time is to let their students go outside and run after Morning Meeting (complete with their principal running with them!) In preparation for tests, they’re encouraged to drink lots of water and calm down with yoga breathing. And as a special treat students receive three tiny mints that also help stimulate their mental state during tests.

Lamar and her staff have helped create a great and fertile environment for learning at Pittsburgh Dilworth. Through providing support, promoting communication, and offering diverse learning opportunities, these students are learning – not only reading- but invaluable life lessons that will serve them well in their lives.

The arts have be proven time and again the importance it plays in the lives of people, especially children. Unfortunately, the arts are disappearing in budgets, but the need is not. It might have been a bit of a sacrifice for Lamar to substitute administrative staff for a chance to bring on staff for the much-needed “diverse learning opportunities,” but she believed in her choices, and they have paid off. There are quite a few other schools facing these challenges, and we want to know some other approaches being used to bring about success for students. Use the box below to share your stories that we would love to hear.

A Visit From St. Nicholas

School Spotlight takes us to Jacksonville, Florida, where one heart-warming program is spreading holiday joy, hope and cheer to some less fortunate students in challenged schools throughout the community.

“A Visit From St. Nicholas” is a program targeting schools that have 70 percent and higher free and subsidized lunches. It surprises these underprivileged children with books and gifts, and – you guessed it – a visit from the one and only St. Nick.

Source: HandsOnJacksonville.org

For more than six years, HandsOn Jacksonville has partnered with volunteers and businesses in the Jacksonville area to put smiles on the faces of thousands of children. A month in advance, they are hard at work, diligently collecting items to stuff into backpacks that will be given as gifts, lighting up the eyes of these students.

A Visit From St. Nicholas also allows many individuals and companies the opportunity to give back to their community. They express their charity and generosity through giving children in-need something special for the holidays.

And for some, this backpack filled with books, small trinkets and toys will be the only gifts that they receive. HandsOn Jacksonville Director Judy Smith says, “The principals and teachers are so grateful for this visit, because they tell us [HandsOn Jacksonville] that in many of the kids’ homes there are no books that they can call their own, or maybe there are no books at all.”

Community members partaking in event preparations enjoy coming together. Volunteers say that although it is only a few hours of their time, it makes them feel good that that time is going to make a difference in the lives of some less fortunate children and families. These volunteer elves assemble thousands of backpacks that will be distributed at selected schools on the first Friday in December.

Source: HandsOnJacksonville.org

Once the backpacks are ready to go, more volunteers show up to the recipient schools and put operation “A Visit From St. Nicholas” into action. The halls and classroom doors are decorated and a backpack is placed on the desk of each child. The children are then read a holiday story by a volunteer reader, followed by a surprise visit from St. Nick. The excitement is so incredible, and the looks on their little faces are priceless.

As one teacher says, “Just to have someone to come and share to them the unconditional giving – it’s an amazing treat for them, and it’s gonna teach them to be able to give on to others.”

During this season of charity and giving, it is wonderful to see community come together and make a difference in the lives of so many children and families. This efforts put forth by HandsOn Jacksonville and its community members embodies the essence of the season and serves as a great motivation to give a little more. To see a video about this project, click here.

This charitable vigor is alive in every city, town and parish throughout this great land. What are some of the ways your community is coming together to perpetuate the spirit of the holidays? Use the box below to fill our ears with encouragement and our souls with warmth. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!