Colorado Youth for a Change’s Post

Mike Simmel, Mighty Mike, is the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group's quarterly newsletter (September's) Epilepsy Star and if you look at what he does, you will see why he was chosen as this issue's star! BTW, Mike also has an excellent book called: Mighty Mike Bounces Back and is now working on a second book!

The Dear Younger Me Message What would you say to your younger self in middle school if given the chance? 🤔 This past Friday, March 1, I lived that moment, thanks to Brandy Hobrough, Principal Cox, and everyone at the Leesville Road Middle School in Raleigh, North Carolina who made it possible. Decades ago, as a valedictorian in Liberia, my fear of being mocked for my stutter led me to skip my own middle school/junior high graduation speech. Yes, I simply didn't show up. Fast forward to this past Friday, I was there to encourage students celebrated for their contributions and cooperation with a powerful lesson: "Start with Who." I emphasized the importance of seeking allies, knowledge, and shared experiences in facing challenges. This was also a personal milestone, granting myself the acceptance to be present, stutters included, and to contribute to the community that mattered. 🌟 Choosing March 1 for this engagement—unintentionally matching the start of the Liberian school year back then—felt like destiny's way of crafting a full circle moment. 🔄 The emotions I had locked away since my own middle school days surfaced, reminding me of the growth and second chances life offers. What message would you share with your younger self in middle school today? Let's inspire each other with stories of courage and permission to be imperfectly ourselves. 💬 #leadership #courage #education #personalgrowth #couragehacking

New Blog Post! More of a thank you letter to Sandra Duff Anderson! Join me as I talk about one of the biggest influences of my childhood. It takes a lot to build a village, but it will only be done with people who are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others. "As I reflect on God's Church Christian Academy (GCCA), I can't help but ask the question, "Was it a better school than Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary would have been for me or Wilkerson Middle for my sister?" If I'm honest, the answer to that question is probably not, but it's complicated. GCCA wasn't a wealthy school, nor a segregation academy (schools started after the 1954 Brown v Board ruling meant to curb integration); it was an all-Black school founded to provide hope and second chances. GCCA was in an older building and housed students from Kindergarten to twelfth grade. It was a large red brick building with a basketball court across the street and always seemed full of life and energy. Its original purpose was either a large church or a small school, but my memory fails me to recall its original design. I had many experiences there. I will share a few enjoyable memories, but here are a few, shall I say, traumatic ones that shaped my childhood at this school." #communitybuilders #communitybuilding #servantleadership #teachers https://lnkd.in/era8GuYa

Leadership

When I think of all the hard work being asked of special education teachers, the last thing I imagine is them not being paid well. I mean, it takes intensely gifted and highly-skilled individuals to join that team in the field. #specialeducation #specialeducationteachers #InclusiveEducation #SpecialNeeds #marylandschools #baltimoreschools #baltimoreteachers #marylandteachers

For our first blog of the new year, we have an insightful article which delves into how Oasis Community Learning is committed to nurturing active citizens who make a positive impact in their communities. Our Curriculum Leader & National Lead Practitioner for PD, Ruth Brown, and our National Lead Practitioner for PSHE/PD in Primary, Sonia Goddard, provide a deeper understanding of how our curriculum, rooted in the Oasis Ethos and 9 Habits, empowers students to develop essential skills, challenge discrimination, and champion inclusivity. From understanding British Values to standing up against bullying, our students are equipped to be upstanders and use their voices for positive change. Read more about our approach to active citizenship: bit.ly/3HbN6do

📣 Observing Juneteenth at Charette High School 📚 Today, in observance of Juneteenth, our school community pauses to reflect on a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day, now a federal holiday, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the African American community. While our students and staff are not in school today, we encourage everyone to take this time to learn, reflect, and honor the significance of Juneteenth. Here are some ways we can all engage meaningfully: 📖 Learn: Explore the rich history of Juneteenth and its impact on American society. Numerous online resources, books, and documentaries provide deep insights into this important day. 💬 Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made towards equality and the work that still lies ahead. Consider how each of us can contribute to building a more just and inclusive society. 🤝 Support: Support African American businesses, artists, and organizations that work towards social justice and community empowerment. 🌟 Share: Share your thoughts and learning experiences with family, friends, and the community. Raising awareness helps keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive and promotes understanding and unity. At Charette High School we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and continuous learning. Let’s honor Juneteenth by coming together in the spirit of reflection, education, and community. #Juneteenth #CharetteHighSchool #ProvidenceEducation #ReflectAndLearn #InclusiveEducation #AfricanAmericanHistory #CommunityUnity

Response 📝 to Pedro A. Noguera What you ask is the minimal. We must not allow student to forget history but we must also embolden them to manifest their futures. As a life-long educator, I argue that those seeking to eradicate “wokeness” have linked themselves to legislation and school boards with hidden agendas. Opting to promote willful ignorance, welcome biased external influences, and I believe the most have a personal stake in hindering students academic acuity - never forget the adage an ignorant society (person) is easier to control. Educators must assume the onus of navigating flawed federal and state legislation, all the while cultivating the cognitive growth of students in the face of acknowledged obstacles such as antiquated academic standards; politicized school districts; inadequate funding; societal disrespect and community devaluation of educational institutions and educators; societal mental health challenges not to exclude educators, students, parents; problematic student discipline & harmful discipline practices - both can be true; insufficient educator compensation in a period of national inflation; unprecedented teacher shortages; parent apathy; just to name a few. Yet, good educators continue to show up and out for our students. Loving 🥰 the work and curating space of belonging for them. The incorporation of Black history into the curriculum should be regarded as a fundamental requirement for educators, as they endeavor to foster the ambitions of students and enable them to pursue their individual and collective brilliance. But it is as imperative to provide support to students on how to effectively critically think 🤔 on ways this history can be applied to the present circumstances and in some cases used to innovate viable solutions. If not, they’ll be no education system to set expectations because the issues will enivitavebly grow bigger than the work force and Robert Smalls efforts will have been for nothing.

Low-income Black + Latino students are 𝟴𝘅 less likely to graduate from high school if they are not reading proficiently by 3rd grade. When children cannot read, they cannot learn. When we say ""every child deserves to read"", we mean 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 child. Investing in high quality early learning through 3rd grade benefits ALL children, ALL families, and ALL communities. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wIRs9

1. I don’t keep an actual bucket list, but if I did, having the opportunity to be on a panel at the Foundation For The Carolinas with Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, James Ferguson, Arthur Griffin while honoring the legacy of Julius Chamber to kickoff the Southern Education Foundation’s national conference would certainly be at the top of it. 2. Between integrating then Harding, what would become Irwin Avenue Elementary, my first school, being a lead attorney on the Swann (1971) and Capacchione (1999) cases that created and ended race based desegregation respectively, and being the board chair who made sure students like me had more access to AP and other higher level courses when I attended West Charlotte High School, each of these folks were instrumental in my journey of education advocacy. 3. I strongly encourage folks to study each of these individuals and their contributions that influenced not only Charlotte, but this nation. 4. When you say things like “no one is from Charlotte” and “there is no history in Charlotte,” you’re unintentionally exposing yourself as not truly researching and/or respecting the community you now inhabit. 5. Charlotte wasn’t created in the last 1-2 decades, as many newcomers are told. It’s had a long and rich history, that too many are eager to gloss over for what feels new and shiny. 6. It was truly humbling to share space with and listen to these historical giants who received sound but under-resourced educations in segregation discuss the resilience they demonstrated in work in the space not only of desegregation, but in the overall fight for educational equity and Civil Rights overall. 7. As I am now a public school parent whose oldest asked to come to this discussion, I am committed to honoring their legacies, grabbing the torch and fighting for opportunities for all children, but especially for the children this nation and the south, in particular, never intended to learn in the first place: Black children. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools #education #equity #history