CONTENTS Huntington Viking Power………………………….. o Vikings in training Hines Spartan Success…………………………………… o Total Commitment to the Total Child o Community Sponsors Help Spartans Soar Crittenden Cougar PAAWS……………………………… o Scratching the Surface o Tech Talk Newsome Park Navigators………………………………. o Lynn Bacchus Takes it Personal o Ashe Knows Academics Hidenwood Huskies……………………………………... o A Community Connected o and A Little Child Shall Lead Them o Majors’ Mastermind Sedefield Soaring to Success……………………………. o Tag Teaming With the Coordinators o Tech-Talk
Mr. G’s Corner
“Kids are not only our future; they are also our right now.”
2012
Hello 21st Century Parents, Community Partners, and Students! I am pleased to announce our newest publication “i-Century”, which will illustrate the wonderful components of our Newport News Public Schools 21st Century Community Learning Center programs, and share with you just some of our many successes. As the Program Administrator, I am honored and truly humbled by the contributions, collaboration, dedication, and support from the participating schools, parents, partners, and students! I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with you during the second half of this school year, and sharing the many more successes that are sure to come. A thought to remember: Parents, it takes a village to successfully raise a child, and WE, the 21st Century staff, thank you for allowing us to be members of your village. Sincerely,
Corey L. Gordon
CLG
Click here for Mr G’s Message
Huntington Viking Power’s Vikings in Training Are Viable Parts to This Successful Program
Vikings in Training, or V.I.T.s, is the next tier of mentoring and tutoring in the 21st Century Community Learning Center. The high school program was started by Corey L. Gordon & Mrs. Marcia Little, who realized that Viking alumni were not ready to go to the next level without a support system. V.I.T.s are students who have successfully graduated from the Viking Power program and were selected based on their academic performance and mature behavior, to go through a training course.
The quiet and reserved 6th grader who entered Huntington Middle School with uneasy trepidation over four years ago is no more. Now confident and carefree, Serenity AbdullahMuhammad saunters through the halls beaming, eager to assist current Viking students who now sit where she sat only a short while ago. Serenity maintains perfect attendance and is a contributor to Menchville High School’s writing club, MHS Writes. When asked why Serenity is the tutor she looks for, LaKira Nicholson simply states, “She listens,” proving that Serenity Abdullah Muhammad is indeed a calming force to the students in Huntington Middle School’s 21st Century Program.
This course is designed to develop the communication and career readiness skills that will best prepare them to assist the program participants with literacy, mathematics, technology, and social competencies.
V.I.T.s are responsible for assisting teachers and senior tutors with small groups and one on one tutorials around academics and homework assistance. They also serve as bus monitors to ensure safety, and providing companionship to current Vikings.
Serenity Abdullah- Muhammad and Isaiah Stevens are high school freshman who know from experience the difficulties students have balancing social and academic life. Honor Roll students, Muhammad and Stevens have committed themselves to giving back to help current Vikings accomplish the right balance.
Isaiah Stevens, freshman soccer player from Warwick High School, is not only scoring on the field, but also in the classroom. A selfproclaimed rule follower, Stevens models the importance of a focused mind both in the classroom and on the field. Isaiah demonstrates his scholarship by previewing all assignments before students are given the task in order to troubleshoot possible challenges. Once he does this, Isaiah works with teachers and tutors to devise the most comprehensible teaching strategy to ensure students are successful. When asked why he goes the extra mile, Stevens declares, “I know what it’s like. I’ve been there.”
Hines Middle School Total Commitment to the Total Child The 21st Century Community Learning Center at Hines Middle School may be the new boots on the middle school circuit, but it is certainly holding its own. With enrollment for the sixth grade only program booming at an average daily attendance rate of 65 students, the Spartan camp is more than showing promise. Teaming with community partners like Newport News’ Parks and Recreation gives program participants access to a wide selection of enrichment activities from Art, Technology, Fitness and Zumba. Enrichment classes are offered as a complement to the literacy and mathematics based academic classes in the afterschool schedule.
The total child concept is the foundation of the success of the program. Focusing on the mental, physical, and socio-emotional wellness of each student ensures measurable success found in each 21st Century Learning Community division wide. Program Co-Leads, Juanita El and Yolanda Oliver, know all too well that academic success is directly impacted by social and emotional factors. “Students don’t care what we know unless they know that we care. 21st Century gives students that opportunity to interact with adults without their guards up in a warm learning environment.”
“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” Marianne Williamson
Community Sponsors Help Students Soar
When schools and community affiliates work together, students benefit. The partnerships forged with Sonya Silverio from One Life Fitness and Marhonda Williams from Parks and Recreation allow 21st Century students to benefit from sharing and maximizing resources with the collective goal of promoting healthy behaviors today that will foster productive citizens tomorrow.
Cougar PAAWS: Doing More than Scratching the Surface PAAWS’ students participate in courses such as Culinary Arts, Drama and Dance Corp, Cougar Creations (News Crew), and STEM with an emphasis on financial literacy as well as a host of exciting physical fitness activities that strengthen their minds and their bodies. Crittenden Middle School’s Cougar PAAWS has started off its sophomore year in the 21st Century Family with a bang! With enrollment spiking at over 110 students, there is plenty to be proud of. Crittenden PAAWS is the forerunner of the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and social studies initiatives, which provide additional academic support for achievement and cultivates an atmosphere of advancement.
The dedicated tutors provide an exceptional example for our students as they mentor and encourage our PAAWS students to achieve their dreams. Community partners Joe Clark, owner of A Perfect Style beauty
and hair salon in Newport News, and Angela Martin, owner of Angelica’s Beauty Salon in Hampton, have been 21st Century partners since the program’s inception. These successful business executives have touched the heads and hearts of children from the all over the city, tip to tip. With over a decade of collective entrepreneurial expertise, Mr. Joe and Ms. Angie provide more than shape ups and styles; they are committed to equipping tomorrow’s leaders with pride and purpose today.
“Being able to build positive relationships and equip (the students) as they progress into high school ensure a positive them and the community in which we live and work.”
S.T.E.M.
STUDENTS: Touching Tomorrow Today
“Kids are not just our future; they are also our right now! We don’t know what the future holds. I love dealing with the young folk. They are like sponges, absorbing everything we teach them. They all have different personalities and since 2007, I have the pleasure to watch them mature th from 6 graders to mature students ready to progress into high school and beyond.” ~Miss Angie
~JOE CLARK
21st Century Tech Talk
21st Century is committed to surpassing the technological expectations of the division by standing out as an innovator in computer science. Aiming to close the achievement gap, 21st Century Learning Communities are equipped with onsite TCIS expert, Mrs. Bonnie Adams. “Technology doesn’t replace solid classroom instruction. It enhances it.” Corey Gordon, 21st Century program administrator ,explained to the Cougar PAAWS staff during the roll-out talks for the new iPad labs. He wanted to make sure that the students maintained access to the research proven best practices that have set Newport News Public Schools apart from other divisions. Danielle Treiber, newcomer to the 21st Century family, has brought a fresh approach to applying understanding in the classroom. Her 7th graders explored the web-based zooming presentation application phenomenon, Prezi.
“Technology labs and small groups allow me to solidify instruction and extend the learning without borders.” ~DANIELLE TREIBER, TEACHER
A COMMUNITY CONNECTED
The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is a longstanding partner with Newport News Public School Division and the 21st Century Program. Last year alone, the Foodbank distributed 9,243,449 pounds of food and related products, with the largest percentage going directly to the families within the city. Virginia Peninsula Foodbank aims to eradicate hunger and promote healthy eating through community partnerships and education.
Among the many outreach programs sponsored by the Foodbank is the annual Harlem Wizards exposition. On May 18th, 2012 at 6:00pm, the Peninsula Foodbank will welcome the Harlem Wizards at Heritage High School, in Newport News. The Harlem Wizards offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks, and hilarious comedy routines. While much fun will be experienced at this event, we are also hoping to
The United States Tennis Association Partners with the Newport News Public Schools 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has partnered with the Newport News 21st Century Community Learning Center programs to bring 10 and under tennis to our school division. With the enthusiastic support of USTA Virginia Tennis, our 21st CCLC students have been given the opportunity to get involved with the game of tennis through the new Quick Start program. Quick Start allows beginners to learn the game using smaller rackets, sponge balls, and shorter tennis courts. Many thanks to Janine Underwood, Executive Director of USTA Virginia Tennis and her staff for all of their support in helping to bring Quick Start to our 21st Century programs. Parents are asked to please take advantage of a new USTA promotion to provide free memberships to 10 and under kids across the nation. Just complete the application and have your child return it to his/her 21st Century site coordinator. The free USTA 10 and Under membership is a $20 value, so make sure your child gets to participate!
raise funds to continue on with and grow our Child Hunger Programs. Save the date, tickets on sale soon!!!
A COMMUNITY PROTECTED
YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Police Advisory Board Newport News high school students meet weekly to plan an annual project that will have a positive impact on young people in our community of Newport News. Students meet regularly with the Chief of Police to provide input for youth focused solutions and updates on annual project progress. Field trips and hands on knowledge of the NNPD are part of this youth leadership program. Mayors Youth Commission Selected Newport News high school students meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month to work on policy and procedures affecting youth. During the year, students have the opportunity to present their work to the Mayor and discuss outcomes. Mentor Task Force Task Force meets every 3rd Wednesday and is open to any youth mentor organization. Task Force members share resources and best practice information on current mentor initiatives.
Application and interview process are required for all.
Youth Programs is a division of Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism that provides fun, quality and supervised out-ofschool time experiences for youth ages 3-16. We currently have 19 afterschool locations in Newport News and have been a staunch supporter of the 21st Century program since the beginning. So, if you are looking for an exciting summer camp or a special event for your child and family, check us out! For more information about Youth Programs, visit www.redefiningplay.com or call 926-1400.
The City of Newport News has played a role in providing quality parenting education and other family friendly courses, workshops and presentations since 1993. We employ programs such as the Nurturing Parenting Programs®, Active Parenting of Teens TM, the Strengthening Families Program©, the Virginia Supreme Court Co-Parenting Seminar for parents or others seeking custody of a child and the International Association of Infant Massage classes. Our parenting courses utilize Developmental Assets ™ research from the Search Institute in Minneapolis, MN; Ruby Payne’s Framework for Understanding Poverty; current research on the development of the “Teenage Brain”; and other prevention and personal growth information for adults, children, youth and the family. As a member of the City of Newport News’ “Keeping Our Kids Safe” Initiative, the office offers quality parenting programs to help fulfill Goal II, of the initiative which states, “To increase the capacity of families to provide a safe nurturing environment.” [for children and youth ] We also offer Anger Management for adults 17 years and older the last Saturday of every month. Teens as young as 13 to 16 years may also attend this 8 hour class, however, a parent or a designated adult over the age of 18 must accompany the younger teen. All of our programs are open to the community and there are no fees attached. To find out more information or to register for any upcoming program call Ms. Scott at 757.369.6807.
21st Century Parents enjoy complimentary coupon in gratitude for your dedication to our program.
Crittenden Middle School was one of the many stops on the Career Pathways Egg Competition, a Newport News regional competition which features students in middle and high school. Each school is broken into teams which compete to construct a model that secures an egg during each drop. Huntington Ingalls Industries, in partnership with Newport News Public Schools, has created Career Pathways “to mentor students and provide opportunities to experience future careers” in the field of science, technology, English and mathematics, better known as STEM.
“This competition helps students with teamwork and problem solving and allows them to interact with professionals in the STEM related fields,”
Students in the Green Group listen intently as the rules are laid out. Ann Ifekwunigwe, Career Pathways Instructional Supervisor explained. “We are guided by the purpose to get all students to become College, Career, and Citizen ready, and it shows.” Huntington Ingalls’ employees volunteered their time to provide expertise to guide the event and make it spectacular, adding the fun quotient the students clamored for.
Get Ready… For the competition, each team was given a $1 budget to purchase the necessary supplies from the volunteers. Prices ranged from five cents to twentyfive cents and included materials such as rubber bands, paper cups, newspaper, loose string, and more. Teams were tasked with designing and building their model in 30 minutes or less.
Cougars analyze and strategize.
“Make sure the egg is protected, but not wrapped too tight,” volunteer Martin Givens advised the eager engineers-to-be. Givens brought 52 years of experience to the competition and told the students about the importance of precision and “sharp math and English skills”.
Get Set… After each team completed their task, it was time for the competition. Students raced to the testing area, each standing proud of their creation. To gain points from the drop, a volunteer measured the distance the egg landed from the target. Point totals are awarded in increments; such as 20 points were given for on target, 15 points within 6 inches, 10 points within 12 inches and zero points for more than 12 inches away. This score was added to the other data collected, which included how much was spent on material and egg integrity. Each team could earn up to 30 points for spending less than eighty cents and 30 points for a single crack to the egg.
“I’m focused, maaaaan!” team’s main focus was to protect their egg without spending all of their money.
“The students have a greater drive and are focusing on the opportunity and experience to test out their design, knowing the competition is at the end,” Shauntel Foster said.
Huntington Ingalls representatives pause for a photo op.
Go! “5,4,3,2,1…” Each team shouted their launching orders as they ascended the ladder in preparation for the egg drop competition to begin. Students assembled in small groups in anticipation as they watched their egg drop from 6 feet in the air, ensuring triumph or termination. “I can’t watch,” one student covered his eyes as he heard a powerful crack. It was the moment of judgment, evaluating preparation, strategy and cooperation. The winning team’s egg from Crittenden dropped two and a half inches away from the target. The green
Newsome Park Navigators: Charting a Course for Success Charting A Course for Success
Beyond the Basics with Lynn Bacchus
Lynn Bacchus Takes it Personally Students Take Notice charged with. Thankfully, st the 21 Century Community Learning Center partnership makes the assignment attainable.
Servicing nearly 800 students and their families is no easy feat, but that is the task Newsome Park Elementary School is
Site Coordinator, Lynn Bacchus, started as an st intern with the 21 Century family over three years ago. When asked why she remains connected and passionate, she beams, “I love knowing that I am making a difference.” Bacchus attributes making
Ashe Knows Academics Visitors to Newsome Park Elementary School would never guess what lies just beyond the array of print and digital media. Just keep walking to the back room of the library and there, Mrs. Arlene Ashe sits with her students, moving the theory of small group instruction from a theoretical best practice to an applied strategy. Student engagement is the first observation made st in this 21 Century classroom, yet equally remarkable are the invisible instructional tools
a difference to the opportunity for individualized instruction and personal touch the 11:1 teacher/student ratio the learning community provides. th
5 grader, Nashawn Crittle, has been with the program since the third grade. He verbalizes the personal touch Ms. Bacchus speaks of when he states, “A family takes st care of me, and 21 Century is like my family.”
Intervention Done Right
. The community of care that is obviously established creates a forum of trust whereby students are not concerned with making mistakes. They understand the process of thinking aloud and use it openly as they analyze text on their road to discover intellectual responses. In this class, thinking is respected and expected. Students use Kagan strategies to process internally and then aloud
with their peers. Students understand that the “right answer” is not found like a word in a word search puzzle, but like a scavenger hunt, where each clue is equally important to finding the ultimate prize. Students know this because Mrs. Ashe knows how to meet them where they are and guide them to where they want to be.
Hidenwood Huskies Page 2 of 3 A Community Connected Students are not the only people that have reservations about new quests. Mrs. Deborah Roberts also spoke candidly about her apprehension. “I was a K-2 special educator, and I didn’t know whether I had what it took to teach st the 21 Century students.” That was over a year ago, and Mrs. Roberts is now a star teacher and innovator at Hidenwood Elementary
st
School’s 21 Century Community Learning Center. What made the difference? According to Roberts, it was the training and support that the program provided to the staff. “I could talk about anything,” Mrs. Roberts declared. The students in Mrs. Robert’s class are fortunate to be in her class
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21 Century training and support transformed a terrific teacher into an exceptional educator.
This small-voiced request is a testament to Mrs. Roberts’ instructional expertise. The students are not the only lucky st ones—21 Century is too! Web site and post it.
“And A LittLe ChiLd ShALL LeAd them…” Tekavia Breaux, has been st a 21 Century student since the third grade. Citing the use of digital media and technology, the bright eyed fifth grader discusses the highlights of committing her after st school hours to the 21 Century Program. “I like creating projects on the computer that help me with science and math. We don’t get to do that in the daytime.” Like most 11 year olds,
Tekavia is full of energy and eagerness to learn. The extension of the regular school day allows st her and the other 21 Century Community Learning Center students the opportunity to expend that energy in an upbeat, social environment that promotes healthy living and rigorous academic instruction. Along with her classmates, Breaux benefits from the small group instruction
Inside Majors’ mAStermind 97% of the students who attend Hidenwood Elementary School receive free or reduced lunch, and 21st Century site coordinator, Terri Majors, wants 100% of the students to succeed. According to Majors, 21st Century’s
and they know it. Before leaving for the evening, after a long school day, one student sauntered over to Mrs. Roberts, looked up to her teacher and said, “Can I have a math sheet to work on at home?”
curriculum based instruction provides the roadmap toward achieving academic success and much more. “I believe in the program and growth I’ve seen it provide,” Mrs. Majors says of the learning community
designed to remediate and accelerate student achievement. She strongly believes that the rapport built between students and staff creates a community of care that infects everyone touched by the 21st Century Community Learning Center.
and collaborative activities. “It doesn’t matter if I get up out of my seat to work with my friends and no one gets mad because, we are allowed to work together and it helps me understand better too.” Tutors, teachers, and a team of talented educators help to make students like Tekavia Breaux touch the tips of their dreams.
Sedgefield Elementary School Soaring Towards Success
Tag Teaming with Regina Forrest and Shaundalyn Thomas Sedgefield Elementary School is one of the newest st additions to the 21 Century Family. Eagles Soaring toward Success is just what the students needed as it brings a unique opportunity for learning. Although it is an extension of st the school day, 21 Century sets itself apart from other afterschool programs. The program is curriculum based and child centered, to st provide the 21 Century students an academic, fitness, and enriching energy boost for the mind and body. When asked what makes st 21 Century different from alternate options, Mrs.
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Regina Forrest, 21 CoCoordinator at Sedgefield unapologetically states, “Just st look at the title. 21 Century is geared towards training students for the time we live in now and preparing them to be the community leaders we will need for them to become for the future.” This assignment isn’t taken lightly by either Mrs. Forrest or Mrs. Thomas as they are not opposed to stepping outside of their Coordinator’s role to make sure the program runs smoothly and students are equipped with the necessary tools to achieve the highest academic honors.
Tech Talk with Patricia Young i-Journal: How do you decide what the students will create to synthesize the learning goals? Patricia Young: I consider the performance assessments built in to the curriculum, and include the tools and programs available to the division. I introduce students to programs like Wordle, Photostory, MovieMaker and KidPix3 so they can see how these programs help them use their critical thinking skills. Later in the year, all students will be working on their personal blogs, using Thinkquest.org as they move toward
becoming global communicators. What is the goal for the st students of 21 Century as it relates to technology? Students need to have basic skills when it comes to using a computer. They must know how to use a variety of “tech tools” to create projects or complete assignments. Students also need to navigate the internet safely. My overall goal for our 21st Century students is that each will build their own tech portfolio, with tools they can apply to class assignments.
These are skills that our students will take with them wherever they go.
Sedgefield Elementary’s fourth grade teacher, Ms. Patricia Young, has been teaching in Newport News, VA for 8 years. The self-proclaimed tech advocate says she loves learning new ways to use technology for education and enjoyment. Young believes that networking has helped her improve her skills in technology and aims to pass those skills to students and coworkers.
“I like teaching students to use technology as much as I like learning how to use it myself.”