Today, I read a tweet from Dr. Steve Perry expressing his frustration with the lack of effort he sees from our student-athletes. It is definitely a recurring theme, especially in our African American community. My oldest son, a graduating senior, was a two sport athlete that had to work hard in the classroom. He didn’t…
Author: Blog Master
Some Say My Son Doesn’t Count. They’re Wrong!
By Shawanda Tyson My son, Marell, has attended School 42 for three years now and I was concerned about its transition to an innovation school because of the fear of the unknown. I will never forget the day my son got off the bus, tears streaming down his eyes and screaming that Mrs. Long, his…
National Poetry Month: Finalized Classroom Playlist
Written by Sylvia Denice It may be the last day of April, but it’s going to take more than a slash on the calendar to close National Poetry Month in Room 18. Throughout the month, we have added songs to our classroom playlist, celebrating music and lyrics as poetry. The final additions to our National…
Tracks to Add to Your Classroom Poetry Month Playlist
Written By Sylvia Denice As we embark on our final full week of National Poetry Month, Room 18’s classroom poetry playlist has unavoidably expanded. Through the celebration and study of song lyrics, students’ figurative language skills are obnoxiously strong. The new favorite question to and from students in Room 18 has become, “What do you…
Dubarry Determined
Barack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” When I took over Tindley Summit Academy in October of 2017, I wanted to do more than lead a school. I wanted…
Why I Write: Sylvia Denice
Written by Sylvia Denice My first year teaching was filled with an abundance of blessings I carry with me even still today. Frankly, the bulk of the blessings surfaced from the abundance of mistakes I made. Don’t be misled–I have not stopped making mistakes. They just look much different in year three versus year one….
Why I Write: Barato Britt
I suppose as a writer I should contribute to this series a flowery soliloquy which paints this predestined fate of leading through written communication. I could paint a picture with my words some tale that suggests I may have known all along this form of advocacy to be my calling. But truthfully, it’s much simpler…
Why I Write: David McGuire
Eric Thomas, respectfully known as the “Hip Hop Preacher” is a person I listen to for motivation. One of my favorite motivational videos of his is “What’s Your Why?” The video reveals the story of why NBA Superstar Kevin Durant wears the number 35 and explains how the “Why” behind the number 35 motivates him…
Black Panther For Girls
By Sylvia Denice Historically, I am not a fan of the superhero movie genre. Most superhero films leave me, to my despair, bored or disengaged. In addition, the marketing of superhero movies has been geared toward more of a masculine audience. When it comes to superhero movies, I more often than not assume my time…
Classroom Playlist: National Poetry Month
By Sylvia Denice I have the honor and privilege of co-teaching with my school’s resource teacher, Mrs. Burcham: the same teacher I student taught under to earn my Special Education licensure. We have worked collaboratively for a few years now, and are fortunate to have an organically cooperative approach to teaching all students. Mrs. Burcham…