Winter 2016 Newsletter
Transcription
Winter 2016 Newsletter
news Samantha Elliott Briggs, Ph.D., Editor Winter 2016, Vol. 2 GUA Region 3 Coordinator, Elaine Munn, poses with Dallas County Site Facilitator, Jennifer Rogers, before the first Parent Scholars Night program got underway at WCCS. ACCS, WCCS & GUA Team Up to Host First Parent Scholars Night Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) showed great leadership by offering to host the first of many ACCS—GUA Parent Scholars Night events. These post-secondary preparedness workshops were designed to further introduce parents to GEAR UP Alabama and the pledge made by Dr. Mark Heinrich, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), to provide the legal guardians of GUA students a tuition waiver to attend the ACCS school of their choice. The WCCS event titled, “Parent Night Out: New Beginning,” was held Tuesday, February 16, 2016 in the school athletic building and brought in nearly 60 parents and over a dozen GUA students. A brief program overview and greetings were provided by Dr. James M. Mitchell, WCCS President; Ms. Donitha Griffin, WCCS Dean of Students; Dr. Russ Rothamer, ACCS Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer; and Dr. Veronique Zimmerman-Brown, GUA Project Director. The program continued with two rousing testimonials from non-traditional students at WCCS who offered words of encouragement to parents and challenged them to push beyond their fears. Fablion Flemming, who returned to school at WCCS after a 27 year hiatus, left many in the audience in tears, which resulted in a line of mothers, faculty and staff waiting to hug and thank her. Continued on P. 4 In This Issue GUA Leadership Parent Scholars Family Wellness Regional Spotlights Vendor News Congratulations GUA Gives Back Great Ideas A MESSAGE FROM... Dr. Lawrence E. Tyson, Principal Investigator [email protected] Welcome to 2016! We began this year by attending the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) conference in New Orleans, LA. The GUA staff and our Regional Coordinators attended sessions centered on the following three themes: EXCEL (i.e., teaming, continual improvement, change management), PROVE (i.e., data literacy, data decision making, program evaluation), and MOBILIZE (i.e., effective messaging, art of persuasion, community building). The highlight for me was a special meeting held with Mr. James Davis (Director, GEAR UP Programs, U.S. Department of Education) and his staff; Dr. Russ Rothamer (Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer, Alabama Community College System, ACCS); and the GUA staff. In this meeting, we discussed the collaboration between the ACCS and GUA. The one hour meeting allowed an exchange of ideas and the agreement another meeting would be held in Washington D.C. in July between GUA, ACCS, the GU DOE, and NCCEP staff. 2016 has already proven to be another exciting year for GEAR UP Alabama. Our collaboration with the ACCS is going to reap huge benefits for our students and parents. Over the next few months we will host regional “Parent Scholars” events. These events serve to provide information to our GUA parents about the college application process and wrap around services provided by the community colleges they wish to attend. This summer, our first GUA parents will be attending college seeking to further their education and assume the status of role models for their children. GUA, the ACCS and the state of Alabama are receiving national attention for this unique initiative. We are proud and honored to have this kind of relationship with Dr. Mark Heinrich, Chancellor of the ACCS. His vision regarding the partnering with GUA has been key in moving this initiative forward. During the summer of this year, many GUA students will again have the opportunity to participate in residential camp experiences at several of our institutions of higher education (the University of Alabama, the University of Montevallo, the University of West Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, and Alabama State University)! Additionally, GUA students will have the opportunity to participate in day camp experiences at several of our local community colleges, as well as attend enrichment opportunities in several school districts. MEET THE CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS Dr. Royrickers Cook Ms. Tamara Lee, J.D. Ms. Felicia Jones Lucky Dr. B. Joyce Stallworth Auburn University Alabama State University Black Belt Community Foundation The University of Alabama Assistant Vice President Director of Research & President Associate Provost of Outreach Sponsored Programs for Special Projects A MESSAGE FROM... Dr. Veronique Zimmerman-Brown, Project Director [email protected] The Importance of the “Team Voice” GEAR UP Alabama is composed of many moving parts. In order for “gears” to initiate movement, there must be linkages. These linkages are at the family, school, district, GEAR UP Alabama, and community/ business levels. GUA asks that school teams include parents, community, and business representatives so their voices can be included. Their input is valuable and promotes sustainability. However, there is an element of caution in this process/request. We must work towards more inclusion. By having stakeholders at the table, it does not necessarily mean their voices are being heard. When conducting meetings, are we allowing everyone to provide input? Is there a strong facilitator making sure that dominant personalities are not allowed to silence others? I am becoming more aware and appreciative of those who can masterfully facilitate. I too have been reeled by these “masters”. Once I stepped back and allowed others to talk more, a wealth of ideas sprung forth. It was an empowering moment; we all left knowing “our voice” was heard. In order for GUA to reach levels of progress needed to provide sustainable opportunities for our students, we must hear and respect the “team voice”. Let us make sure we: have a facilitator who makes sure all members feel safe to provide feedback schedule, plan, and conduct regular team meetings (it is suggested that the GUA school team be a pre-existing team like the RTI, PST, or School Improvement team) have updated relevant data at all meetings and data is factored in decision-making compose an action plan where all actionable items have an “owner” include an action plan report-out time, for accountability purposes take meeting minutes and distribute them in a timely manner to team members for needed revisions and/or additional feedback have a time where any accomplishments/improvements are celebrated I believe the GEAR UP theme speaks volumes-Together We Rise! Our “ team voice” is our most valuable asset. It is the super glue needed to help us stick together through tough times and hard decisions. Let us all do what is necessary to make that voice heard and respected. WCCS Region 4 Coordinator, Valerie Crawford (R), greets Ms. Flemming (2nd from right) after her tear-jerking testimonial. Flemming received her Associates in Applied Science degree from WCCS and currently works in their campus Police Department. She plans on returning to school to earn a bachelors degree in the very near future. Parent Night, Cont. During the event parents had the opportunity to learn more about the tuition waiver and support systems in place to assist them with gaining admissions into the ACCS school of their choice, including GED preparation. A variety of booths were set up for one-on-one conversations with representatives from each technical and academic department, as well as admissions and financial aid staff. There were several computer stations set up by the Office of Admissions and counselors were on hand to assist parents in completing the online application process during the event. President Mitchell, Dean Griffin, Assoc. Dean Tammie Briggs, Felicia Pettway and Ebony Rose (among others from WCCS and ACCS) circulated throughout the event to answer questions, provide encouragement and make sure every parent was served. Judy Frank, School Improvement Consultant with SREB, reflected: “The format was well thought out and provided the participants with lots of information in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. This event was a testimony to your dedication to improving the lives of GEAR UP families and creating positive change in our communities. I am always proud to be a partner with GUA, and appreciate all that you do!“ After GEAR UP Alabama and the Alabama Community College System has an opportunity to debrief on the Wallace event, plans to host Parent Scholar Nights at other regional ACCS schools will be announced. FAMILY WELLNESS WORKSHOPS REGIONS BANK $$ UAB COLLAT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS $$ GUA After a successful fall semester, Regions Bank, UAB Collat School of Business and GEAR UP Alabama are teaming up again for a second round of Family Wellness Workshops. The goal of the FWW is to help GUA families establish a healthier lifestyle and get on the path of financial and nutritional wellness. Using the Regions Bank Financial Literacy curriculum, local Regions Bank employees volunteer to teach the financial portion of the evening, while GUA Site Facilitators and Team Leaders work together to present the nutritional lesson for the evening. Below are the dates of the spring Family Wellness Workshops. Please contact your Team Leader or Site Facilitator to find out the time and location of an event near you. Feel free to use the flyer opposite of this page to advertise your event. February 2/18 Bullock County 2/18 Lowndes County 2/22 Hale County 2/22 Pickens County 2/25 Russell County 2/25 Phenix City 2/25 Greene County 2/29 Choctaw, Marengo, and Wilcox Counties March 3/15 Barbour County 3/15 Perry County 3/17 Selma City 3/17 Pike County 3/22 Butler County 3/24 Sumter County April 4/5 Montgomery County 4/5 Dallas County 4/7 Montgomery County THE KAPLAN ADVANTAGE Written by, Tynisa Williams, Math Teacher and Technology Coordinator, Brewbaker Middle School What can I say about our Kaplan Foundations and Advantage workbooks? They are just what the doctor ordered! My students have been able to use them in so many ways. For my students who may miss lessons due to being absent, the workbooks cover what I have taught in class as well as provide a foundation, pun intended, with vocabulary, work samples, and real world examples to drive the lesson home. Guided practice has been an excellent resource for me to reinforce lessons. Students are able to interact, follow along, or work ahead. They also let me know that they LOVE the ability to write in the book. The ability to write in their books empowers them to take control of their education. I have witnessed students taking comments and tidbits of information that I give during the lessons and writing them down in their workbooks. This gives them the opportunity to go back to that lesson and use their side notes as context clues to reinforce lesson understanding. Independent practice can be assigned for students who missed class work or as an alternative assignment and even that extra credit that we know our students love to ask for. The advantage books take my advanced students to the next level. The lessons are very in-depth and cause students to use their critical thinking skills to work out solutions to problems. Better than just question and answer, the real world examples and applications show students how their learning can apply in life. My students have also been able to utilize their workbook to work ahead to the next lesson after taking a test. I am so glad that our school is a part of the GEAR UP program and thankful that we have our Kaplan workbooks. They definitely make up for what our textbooks miss. Kaplan K12 Learning Services and GEAR UP Alabama have partnered to support students and educators in all GUA schools. The partnership includes targeted English Language Arts and Mathematics resources for students in middle school, and professional development sessions that promote student achievement, increase performance, and build the skills needed to graduate high school and become college and career ready. Kaplan K12 and GUA are honored to work with so many talented educators and look forward to celebrating student outcomes. SREB PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Written by, Judy Frank, SREB School Improvement Consultant The Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB)/Making Middle Grades Work (MMGW) and High Schools That Work (HSTW) are proud partners in the GEAR UP Alabama project. The purpose of this partnership is to help support the overlying goal of the project which is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. To accomplish this goal, SREB provides professional development and coaching opportunities to GUA schools and districts. These opportunities give participants the framework and tools they need to make the necessary changes in their schools to ensure that ALL students leave middle school prepared for the rigor of high school. To this end, school practices must focus on helping students develop a strong foundation through engaging learning experiences and support. SREB’s goal is to serve the unique needs of each GEAR UP school and district by facilitating collaboration and coaching. Schools and districts have utilized the data in their technical assistance visit reports to drive personalized professional development. We have supported districts with sessions in the following areas: A common understanding of rigorous state standards Alignment of standards to instruction and assignments The importance of cognitively demanding questions Developing a comprehensive system to support students to meet grade level standards Facilitating effective student learning experiences through differentiated instruction. Recognize the instructional shifts that take place when rigorous standards are implemented with fidelity. Focus attention on instructional leadership through observations and recognizing evidence of instruction and learning. Identify teacher behaviors that support rigor. Identify classroom assignments that are evidence of rigorous instruction. Utilizing data to make instructional decisions Several GUA schools and districts have engaged in personalized PD and coaching, including: Bullock, Selma City, Macon, Dallas, Perry, Marengo, Pickens and Hale County Middle School. One school that has demonstrated growth is Tipton-Durant in Dallas County. I have been able to provide professional development and coaching to their teachers. They have invited me to observe their lessons and I have been able to provide them with feedback. In addition they are an LDC (Literacy Design Collaborative)/ MDC (Math Design Collaborative) site. They were offered this SREB opportunity because they were a GUA school. I have observed teachers implementing engaging lessons that require students to write and solve problems based on evidence. This is one school that understands the importance of coordinating efforts to support student achievement. They are not resistant to having me visit their classes (unannounced) and working together to improve instruction. GUA students are college and career ready thanks to campus visits and college mentors working in the schools! On January 22, 2016 the seventh and eighth grade students of Lowndes County Middle School toured the historic campus of Tuskegee University. Submitted by: Cathey H. Hendricks, Site Facilitator and Jennifer Douthit, LCMS Counselor The tour was led by a university ambassador who gave students an impactful look at everyday life at Tuskegee University. The students were taken back in time, which allowed them to learn about the early days of the university. By having this opportunity to learn about first days of Tuskegee, the seventh and eighth graders learned about several educators whose assistance not only helped expand Tuskegee, but also change the world such as George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington. The tour showed how campus life was safe, fun, and most of all educational. With the vast opportunity to better individual’s lives, they offer majors such as education, veterinary science, aerospace studies, and philosophy to name a few. This engaged the middle school students to think outside the box and learn about different careers that are practiced world wide. Brendalyn Harper, a graduate of Pike County High School, visited Pike County High School and Banks Middle School this past November, along with Gerald Vines, to talk to the students about STEM opportunities at Alabama A&M. Brendalyn is a shining example of what the students at PCHS can achieve with some effort and making good choices. Major Points of the presentation included: 1. Choosing the College that caters to your interests 2. STEM and You: How STEM is incorporated in our Everyday Lives 3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Major: Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology 4. Benefits of Majoring in a STEM field 5. Ideal Careers in STEM 6. Networking Within STEM Brendalyn also led discussions concerning steps to prepare for college application season, scholarship opportunities, the importance of internships and co-ops, and the importance of being a well-rounded college student. There was a lot of student interaction and participation. The students were especially interested in the disclosure of what Ms. Harper earns in a year, that she is only in her early twenties, and a graduate of Pike County High School. Special thanks goes to Ms. Sullivan for suggesting Ms. Harper as a guest speaker and Ms. Kilpatrick for coordinating the visit. Submitted by Vicki Hagler, Pike County Schools Site Facilitator MENTORING AT PJHS Written by, Marva Smith, Greene County Site Facilitator “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” These words as spoken by Leo Buscaglia, are sentiments of the teachers and administrators of Paramount Jr. High School of Boligee, Alabama. This year, the teachers embarked upon one of life’s most rewarding and fulfilling experiences – mentoring students. The staff saw the necessity of initiating a small-group mentoring program that not only focused on the students’ academics, but socialization, self-esteem, goal setting and bonding with peers, as well. The mentors have a genuine desire to be a part of the lives of seventh and eight grade students in to help them with tough decisions and to see them become the best they can be. Each teacher mentor has six mentees he/she listens to and gives insight about their progress in school, including advice on what was done well or could be improved; career planning; personal development; as well as encouraging them to learn and make incremental improvements. School Counselor/GUA Team Leader Rosalyn Robinson said, “Although this is a new program at the school, there is already evidence of growth of the mentor-mentee relationship. Students actively and openly participate in discussion of sometimes touchy topics with more ease. The mentees are getting to know how “real” the mentors are and realizing that the mentors are individuals with feelings and imperfections just as any other individual. The mentors are being more present in mentees’ extracurricular activities as support. The teachers are being more alert for opportunities and teaching moments and exploring positive and negative consequences with the students.” At the offset of each group session, students read the “I Am Somebody” poem. They are also encouraged to speak only positive words during the session; nothing negative. Hopefully this type of behavior will spill over into their day-to-day encounter with peers and others. The overall goals of the program are to develop the mentees’ selfconfidence and assuredness, help each student realize that he/she has potential, value education and realize that they are capable young persons. If every student could realize only one of these goals, the mentees feel that their involvement in the life of a student was well worth the extra time spent with the student. The mentors are committed and dedicated to this experience and believe that their relationship will directly influence the life and future of the child. JOB SHADDOWING Written by, Vicki Hagler, Pike County Schools Site Facilitator and LaToya Gay, Banks Middle School Team Leader On Wednesday, January 20, seventh and eighth graders at Banks Middle School participated in job shadowing throughout Pike County including Troy University, Troy Health and Rehab, ALFA insurance, Troy City Police, and ALDOT. Eighth grader Dakilyia Carlisle, who job shadowed at Dr. Gill's office, stated, "I enjoyed getting a chance to work with the patients, and I am glad we got the opportunity to do this." The students had to complete questions to reflect on their day and experience. Overall, the students had a great time and learned a lot. Eighth grade students from Pike County High School also participated in job shadowing across the county. They spent the day Wednesday, January 27, learning about various careers in the field. Students were mentored by business leaders at Piggly Wiggly in Brundidge, Collier’s On Main, Troy University, Pike County Elementary School, Pike County High School, National Guard, The City of Brundidge, Synco Drugs, The First National Bank of Brundidge, Jackson Hardware, Dollar General in Clio, and Charles Henderson Child Health Center. The students learned a great deal while out in the work force. One student wrote her mentoring teacher a note expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to shadow her, as well as revealing she had discovered how hard it is to be a teacher, even though teachers make it look easy. She went on to say that after having this job shadow experience, she may want to become a teacher now. Students were required to gather information concerning their chosen job shadow activity and turn that in to the school, with the mentor’s signature included. They were also asked to include where they might like to job shadow next year, if given the opportunity. From a “Dream” to a “Plan” On Monday, December 14, seventh and eighth grade Gear Up students at Banks Middle School went from a dream to a plan. Students reflected on the plans written in September during kick-off week and revisited them. They created a personal goal, academic, and professional goal. Students then drew the mascot of the college or university they hope to attend upon graduating and placed these on their plan sheets. Aubrey Maulden, an eighth grader, said, “Setting goals helps me because when I set goals it helps me think about what I am trying to reach. It also makes me think about my future, what I want to be, and how I can get there.” Students planning sheets were hung in a central location so that students can have a constant reminder of their plans on a daily basis. -LaToya Gay County Extension Agents at Work GUA students at Gordo High and Pickens County High have participated in various career related lessons throughout the year. Topics have been very varied and informative. Lamar/Pickens County Extension agent, Carla Lewis, has presented monthly programs on stress management, career choice and a reality check on being able to live on the salary of their chosen job or career. The programs have been both informative and engaging for students. Plans are for the extension lessons to continue throughout the student’s involvement in GEAR UP Alabama. -Lynne Marine Judge Milt Belcher challenged 7th and 8th grade students to research and write an essay on the Rosenwald Schools. Ashton Pitts of Dunbar-Ramer School won, and received a $50.00 prize! Carver Middle School students pose after getting treats for making the GUA Honor Roll at their school. Keauna Hooks, an 8th grader at Brewbaker Middle School won the Montgomery County Spelling Bee and a $300 cash prize, on Monday, February 1, 2016. She will move on to the State Bee in March. GEAR UP GIVES BACK Tuesday, February 2, 2016 West Alabama was devastated by storms that resulted in a tornado (or perhaps, tornadoes) touching down in several rural towns throughout Pickens County, including Sapps, Carrollton, Reform and Fayette. Multiple families from Aliceville Middle School lost their homes and all their belongings, while several others experienced significant damage and loss. Region 5 Coordinator, Dr. Samantha Elliott Briggs, GUA central staff and UAB colleague, Dr. Stephanie Yates, raised nearly $1500 in personal donations within 24-hours. With the guidance of the school administration and GUA Team, we were able to provide each student with a tote bag filled with at least one casual outfit, pullover, school uniforms, undergarments, and socks. Each student also received a Swiss Gear backpack full of the school required supplies; a lunch bag full of snacks; and a drawstring tote with toiletries and other UAB themed surprises. On Wednesday, February 10, Drs. Briggs and Yates travelled to Aliceville to meet the students and present the goodies. The students were both grateful and excited (in the unique way that middle schoolers show excitement!). The highlight for each was a personal note and $35 gift card to the local Dollar General store! The highlight for Dr. Briggs was the kind man standing behind her in line at the Birmingham K-Mart who insisted on paying the $88.00 bill after overhearing her tell the cashier why she was purchasing school uniforms. His kindness allowed for the addition of a pair of jeans and tops from Old Navy for each student. In addition to the kind stranger, we are grateful overall to the GUA and Collat School of Business staff for their generosity! Berry Middle School, in suburban Birmingham’s Hoover City School System, made a second generous donation of books to GEAR UP Alabama. In the fall, Berry’s Ginger Hewitt and Dianna Minor donated books to Marengo County’s Austin Middle School. This spring they teamed up again to make a sizeable book donation to Hale County Middle School. Thanks Jaguars! GUA TEAMS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Beginning with a “Parent Information Night” during the September GUA Kick Off Week, Dr. Jacqueline Stennis, Site Facilitator at Aliceville Middle School in Pickens County (Region 5), exceeded our expectations of parent engagement. Since that time, Dr. Stennis developed and administered a parent survey to determine their needs, expectations and interest as it pertained to GUA. Out of 136 surveys, 121 parents completed the evaluation — from a researcher’s perspective, that’s impressive! Dr. Stennis, and Joyce Bryant (AMS Team Leader), have hosted several parent workshops including: GEAR UP 101; How to Help Your Child be Successful in School; Healthy Nutrition Tasting Party; and a College Information Fair. In December, the AMS parent engagement transformed into the “AMS Parent Academy,” which meets one Saturday each month for 3-hours. Each month the parents learn more about GUA and how to help their students at home, which includes AMS teachers who come in on Saturdays to teach parents what their students will be learning each six-weeks and how they can support their efforts. However, the greatest focus of the AMS Parent Academy is preparing parents to enter post-secondary education. Dr. Stennis has partnered with Bevill State Community College and Aliceville High School staff to introduce parents to the Pickens County Bevill Service Center (a BSCC satellite campus in Carrollton, AL); prepare those in need for the GED as well as the ABE and COMPASS exam; and help them navigate the BSCC and FAFSA applications. Just this week two AMS parents have been accepted into Bevill State and plan to begin immediately! Way to take the spotlight Aliceville! Congratulations! THANKS FOR SHARING THESE OTHER GREAT IDEAS! Montgomery area Site Facilitators meet on a regular basis to share ideas and best practices with each other, They also established a schedule to take turns submitting news and pictures to GUA throughout each month. All Region 5 Site Facilitators have monthly meetings with their Superintendents to get input as well as report on GUA activities. Region 5 SFs also scheduled a social outing together to get to know one another better. Renee Goss, Greeneville MS Site Facilitator, uses the “My Language” app to translate GUA news and infor- mation into Spanish for those parents in need. Ms. Ross also has a GEAR UP “room” at her school. Sweet Water and Marengo HS Site Facilitator, Annie Robertson, is working with her teams to establish a GUA “Brain Bowl.” Each GUA cohort (across the five regions) would compete locally in this Jeopardy-like activity, before winners advance to a Regional Brain Bowl. Ultimately winners from each of the five GUA regions would compete in a state-wide Brain Bowl. Questions will be developed by retired educators and the community. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS TO THE GUA IDEA BANK [email protected] SUBMIT YOUR NEWS If you have GEAR UP Alabama news and updates, please submit the following form to Samantha Elliott Briggs at [email protected] CONTACT INFORMATION (must be completed): Name Region, District and School Email Phone Submit a SUCCESS or IMPACT STORY (please submit up to 3 photos to accompany the story) Title Author(s) Story (300 word max) Include: Introduction General Description Challenges/Solutions End Result How Were GUA Resources Used Conclusion Submit an ONLINE RESOURCE for the web or newsletter Title of Resource Summary of Resource Web Link to Resource Submit a RESEARCH or NEWS ARTICLE for the web or newsletter Title of Article Author(s) Publication Title and Date Summary of Article Web Link to Article