It’s a winter wonderland outside. I did a lot of plowing and shoveling yesterday, but also was able to have some fun, sledding and building a snowman with Moziah.
This upcoming week we will be following up on our investigation of racial disparities in America. It was very interesting to see how relevant and timely this topic is locally, nationally, and globally. Students talked about disparities they have seen in their own communities, we examined data regarding disparities in RI and the US, and we heard about disparities that exist in other parts of the world. For example, we connected our discussion to the current situation in Australia where the prime minister formally apologized to Aboriginal people for the country’s 70 year policy of forcibly removing Aboriginal children from their families so that they could be assimilated into the white culture. Another great connection came on Friday, when Clarice Odhiambo came and spoke to our students. Clarice is the founder and CEO of Africa Center Engineering Social Solutions, she is from Kenya and has been there over the past few months, so she has seen first hand the disputed election and resulting violence. Clarice was able to explain to us how much of the tension and violence in Kenya now has less to do with the election and more to do with the ethnic disparities that have existed there for the past 45 years.
This week we will look more closely at responses to racial disparities in America, including cultural responses through music and art, urban uprisings, political protest, organized activism, Affirmative Action, and the call for reparations. On Friday we will be going to the Black Rep in Providence for a showing of “The Bluest Eye,” a play adapted from the novel by Toni Morrison.
Throughout the week students should be focusing on project work as we gear up for the Student Showcase on Thursday, March 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
You may have noticed the new heading on this blog, “The Dream Team,” this is our advisory’s name. Finally! The new moniker was inspired during our latest visit to the YMCA when Seana was singing one of the songs on the radio and managed to incorporate everyones name into the song. The artist who sings the song calls himself The Dream and our advisory is a team, hence the name “The Dream Team.” I think this new title is truly appropriate as we definitely have an amazing group.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Week of February 11th
Some important information that parents should know about:
It is SALT survey time again. Students and staff have finished the survey and surveys have been sent home with students for parents to complete as well. It can be a bit time consuming but the information is really important to the work that we do so we appreciate your cooperation in getting the surveys filled out and returned in a timely fashion.
The next exhibition of student work will be the Student Showcase, a science fair style evening, on Thursday, March 13th from 6:00 - 8:00. Each student will have a booth/table where they exhibit their portfolio and highlight a project that they have completed. Students will be expected to explain how their work was rigorous, what relationships were involved in the project, why it is relevant for them and the world, and how they reflected on the learning experience. The students will not give a formal presentation, rather the evening will consist of many informal conversations around their work and learning. Last year the Student Showcase was a tremendous success in part because it gave parents an opportunity to see project work from all the freshmen. I am very much looking forward to this years Showcase, it should be an exciting evening.
In advisory we have been continuing with the Black History Month theme. This past week we read a portion of a speech by Frederick Douglass titled, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” It is arguably one of the best orations in our countries history and provides a scathing criticism of the United States. We also read a selection from the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in which he discusses how he learned that his path to freedom was education.
We debated the merits of celebrating the Fourth of July since in 1776 many Americans did not enjoy independence, freedom, and equality. Additionally, we read an article about Juneteenth which is now a recognized holiday in 24 states. Juneteenth refers to the week in June of 1865 when the last slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that Abraham Lincoln had freed them through the Emancipation Proclamation. We also argued the merits of celebrating Juneteenth given the complexity of the Emancipation Proclamation and all that has taken place in our history following the Civil War, including, segregation, lynching, disenfranchisement, etc.
This upcoming week we will take a look the issue of equality and freedom in America through the lens of Quantitative Reasoning (QR). We will be investigating some of the racial disparities that exist in our country in terms of income, education, health care, incarceration, homeownership, etc. This topic should be very interesting to interrogate as it provides great opportunities for discussion and debate.
It is SALT survey time again. Students and staff have finished the survey and surveys have been sent home with students for parents to complete as well. It can be a bit time consuming but the information is really important to the work that we do so we appreciate your cooperation in getting the surveys filled out and returned in a timely fashion.
The next exhibition of student work will be the Student Showcase, a science fair style evening, on Thursday, March 13th from 6:00 - 8:00. Each student will have a booth/table where they exhibit their portfolio and highlight a project that they have completed. Students will be expected to explain how their work was rigorous, what relationships were involved in the project, why it is relevant for them and the world, and how they reflected on the learning experience. The students will not give a formal presentation, rather the evening will consist of many informal conversations around their work and learning. Last year the Student Showcase was a tremendous success in part because it gave parents an opportunity to see project work from all the freshmen. I am very much looking forward to this years Showcase, it should be an exciting evening.
In advisory we have been continuing with the Black History Month theme. This past week we read a portion of a speech by Frederick Douglass titled, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” It is arguably one of the best orations in our countries history and provides a scathing criticism of the United States. We also read a selection from the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in which he discusses how he learned that his path to freedom was education.
We debated the merits of celebrating the Fourth of July since in 1776 many Americans did not enjoy independence, freedom, and equality. Additionally, we read an article about Juneteenth which is now a recognized holiday in 24 states. Juneteenth refers to the week in June of 1865 when the last slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that Abraham Lincoln had freed them through the Emancipation Proclamation. We also argued the merits of celebrating Juneteenth given the complexity of the Emancipation Proclamation and all that has taken place in our history following the Civil War, including, segregation, lynching, disenfranchisement, etc.
This upcoming week we will take a look the issue of equality and freedom in America through the lens of Quantitative Reasoning (QR). We will be investigating some of the racial disparities that exist in our country in terms of income, education, health care, incarceration, homeownership, etc. This topic should be very interesting to interrogate as it provides great opportunities for discussion and debate.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Shout Outs - 2/8
Ruth - Radio star! It was amazing to hear you on the radio last Thursday, you did a great job with the commercial and even though you didn’t shout me out, I’m giving you a shout out for the wonderful work you’ve been doing at your LTI.
Seana - For attending the Rally for the Homeless at the State House. I think you’ll see that the rally is very closely connected with the awesome project that you are doing on homeless children and youth. I’m confident that when you are done this will be one of the strongest 9th grade projects I’ve seen!
Lazandra - The first week at your LTI and you’ve already written three press releases, all of which were very good. Now you just have to learn how to cook African food so you won’t have to eat mine.
Jeramie - You asked some great questions in your interview/planning session with the architect. Your enthusiasm around this project is contagious, I want to design and build my dream home, keep it up!
To all PARENTS who completed and returned their SALT surveys, THANK YOU!
Seana - For attending the Rally for the Homeless at the State House. I think you’ll see that the rally is very closely connected with the awesome project that you are doing on homeless children and youth. I’m confident that when you are done this will be one of the strongest 9th grade projects I’ve seen!
Lazandra - The first week at your LTI and you’ve already written three press releases, all of which were very good. Now you just have to learn how to cook African food so you won’t have to eat mine.
Jeramie - You asked some great questions in your interview/planning session with the architect. Your enthusiasm around this project is contagious, I want to design and build my dream home, keep it up!
To all PARENTS who completed and returned their SALT surveys, THANK YOU!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Black History Month
This past week we took some time to debate the merits of Black History month. As I played devil’s advocate the discussion became quite intense and the students developed some excellent reasons around why Black History month is important. Following our conversation, we read a piece about Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History.” Although Woodson is not a household name, he has an extremely important place in history. In the early twentieth century public knowledge of Black history did not extend beyond the idea that Black people were enslaved. Woodson was confident that people would respect Black people and treat them equally if they only knew about Black history and all of the accomplishments and contributions of Black people. Thus, in 1926 Woodson started Negro History week, which 50 years later was expanded to Black History month.
On Wednesday we followed up on our discussion from the beginning of the week. Students read two articles about the pros and cons of Black History month and then each student wrote a five-paragraph persuasive essay on why we should or should not set aside this month to recognize and honor the achievements and leadership of African-Americans.
Throughout February we will be looking at themes related to Black history. The students will be forced to think critically and form opinions on controversial issues that have a historical context with present implications, such as, Juneteenth, racial disparities, and affirmative action, to name a few. It should be a great opportunity to engage in sophisticated dialogue on a variety of issues from a diversity of perspectives.
A quick reminder, there will be no school on Friday, February 8th as it is a Met staff development day.
Also, the Bridge to Success program resumed this week, if you have any questions about the schedule for February please let me know.
On Wednesday we followed up on our discussion from the beginning of the week. Students read two articles about the pros and cons of Black History month and then each student wrote a five-paragraph persuasive essay on why we should or should not set aside this month to recognize and honor the achievements and leadership of African-Americans.
Throughout February we will be looking at themes related to Black history. The students will be forced to think critically and form opinions on controversial issues that have a historical context with present implications, such as, Juneteenth, racial disparities, and affirmative action, to name a few. It should be a great opportunity to engage in sophisticated dialogue on a variety of issues from a diversity of perspectives.
A quick reminder, there will be no school on Friday, February 8th as it is a Met staff development day.
Also, the Bridge to Success program resumed this week, if you have any questions about the schedule for February please let me know.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Shout Outs - 2/1
Lazandra - Great job at your interview on Monday, ou dressed and presented yourself professionally and you were prepared with your writing sample. I think you’ll have an amazing experience at your internship with the Women’s Resource Center. It took a while but I think this LTI will be a great fit for you so it was worth the wait, I hope you are as excited as I am.
Donovan - Our newest Met student, welcome! Your first week and you’ve already had an interview and you have two great project ideas. Let’s make it happen!
Seana - Sorry I couldn’t be at your interview but I heard you did really well. Have fun at your shadow day on Saturday. Also, nice job on your project proposal and persuasive essay!
Will - From everything I’ve heard the “Crank That” competition was a resounding success. A good time was had by all and many of the attendees were not from the Met, so you were able to engage students from other schools which was really the point. Nice work all around, you should be very proud of what you accomplished!
Ky - Really nice job with your persuasive essay, from what you wrote it seems like you are really passionate about some world issues, how can we get you engaged around those topics that interest you in a way that utilizes your creative and artistic talent?
Jeramie - Glad your interview went well on Tuesday. Your diligence and attention to detail with your house project make you a model for other students. Keep up the great work!
Josh - Your work ethic and effort with writing assignments has been terrific lately. Good job on the persuasive essay and I am looking forward to reading the story that you are working on.
David - I heard the meeting went really well on Tuesday. You’re doing some great work at your internship and it sounds like you have a really cool and important project that you will be working on, I can’t wait to read the project proposal. Also, though the students did not show up I appreciate your willingness to take your time to teach others about robotics programming.
Laura and Ruth - You both have made the most of your experience here at the Met. You each take advantage of every opportunity given to you and you consistently produce high quality work. You both will do some amazing work over your high school years and I am excited to be a part of it, keep up the great work!
Donovan - Our newest Met student, welcome! Your first week and you’ve already had an interview and you have two great project ideas. Let’s make it happen!
Seana - Sorry I couldn’t be at your interview but I heard you did really well. Have fun at your shadow day on Saturday. Also, nice job on your project proposal and persuasive essay!
Will - From everything I’ve heard the “Crank That” competition was a resounding success. A good time was had by all and many of the attendees were not from the Met, so you were able to engage students from other schools which was really the point. Nice work all around, you should be very proud of what you accomplished!
Ky - Really nice job with your persuasive essay, from what you wrote it seems like you are really passionate about some world issues, how can we get you engaged around those topics that interest you in a way that utilizes your creative and artistic talent?
Jeramie - Glad your interview went well on Tuesday. Your diligence and attention to detail with your house project make you a model for other students. Keep up the great work!
Josh - Your work ethic and effort with writing assignments has been terrific lately. Good job on the persuasive essay and I am looking forward to reading the story that you are working on.
David - I heard the meeting went really well on Tuesday. You’re doing some great work at your internship and it sounds like you have a really cool and important project that you will be working on, I can’t wait to read the project proposal. Also, though the students did not show up I appreciate your willingness to take your time to teach others about robotics programming.
Laura and Ruth - You both have made the most of your experience here at the Met. You each take advantage of every opportunity given to you and you consistently produce high quality work. You both will do some amazing work over your high school years and I am excited to be a part of it, keep up the great work!
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