IMPACT Volume 4 issue 2 Winter 2017 by IDEA Public Schools

IMPACT A magazine for IDEA students, families, and supporters. VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2017

Student Takeover!

IDEA students are ready to show and tell why IDEA’s approach is different, and how it works!

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

 Vanessa Segovia's Non-Best Sellers. Thanks for saving, mom!

We published the first issue of IMPACT in 2014. We wanted to highlight the heart and soul of IDEA Public Schools—our students and families. WE SET OUT TO WRITE THIS PUBLICATION once a year around summertime, to inspire students for another school year and invest our scholars in the importance of a quality education. Over the past several years, the issue has evolved into a multiple-issue-a-year publication that has given our families a glimpse inside every facet of our network. While IMPACT was my first professional publication, it’s not the first book I ever wrote. In fact, I’ve been writing since I was a child. I wrote my first book in 1990 when I was in upper elementary school about a Magic Garden. This was followed by one about Best Friends and another about my teacher. While they weren't best sellers, they weren't tossed either, which means my amazing mom knew they were something to be treasured one day. I have always enjoyed telling stories about people, highlighting their strengths and unique characteristics, places, some real, others made up, and everything in between. It's funny to look back and see how this passion started as a child and has continued into my now thirteenyear career.

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The past several issues, you’ve heard about IDEA through our voice—the network. This issue is different. We’re bringing you stories from the voices of your children, and our students. They are the proudest outcomes of everything that we do. There is something captivating about looking at the writing and the work of a student firsthand. I know I get excited when my daughter brings home work to show me. Even more, she's excited when she brings home tests and papers that have earned her a bright and shiny "A". I'm sure you all can relate. Enjoy the next 80 pages as our students take over our winter issue of IMPACT Magazine. We hope you get that same thrill, and maybe you’ll even spot your child’s amazing work!

Sincerely,

VANESSA BARRY Vice President of Marketing & Communications

IMPACT | CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vanessa Barry EDITORS-AT-LARGE Irma Muñoz Dolores Gonzalez DEPUTY EDITOR Sharise Johnson COPYWRITERS IDEA Scholars COPYEDITORS Sharise Johnson Matthew Dougherty Tripti Thomas-Travers TRANSLATORS Karina Macotela ART DIRECTOR Phil Chairez DESIGNER Phil Chairez PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Quiroz Mitch Idol CONTRIBUTORS Thank you to our Academic Services and College Success Teams for helping us showcase our amazing scholars and their awesome work. A special thank you to IDEA Alamo, IDEA Allan, IDEA Brownsville, IDEA Bluff Springs, IDEA Brackenridge, IDEA Carver, IDEA Donna, IDEA Frontier, IDEA Harvey E. Najim, IDEA Mission, IDEA Mays, IDEA North Mission, IDEA Pharr, IDEA Rio Grande City, IDEA Riverview, IDEA Rundberg, IDEA Quest, IDEA South Flores, IDEA Tres Lagos, IDEA Walzem, IDEA Weslaco, and IDEA Weslaco Pike for partnering with us on this issue. ON THE COVER IDEA McAllen Pre-K Scholar, Olivia Chapa Muñoz, is ready to showcase her amazing work and tell you her favorite thing about school. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Email marketing@ideapublicschools.org IMPACT is produced for IDEA students, families, employees, and supporters by the Marketing and Communications team at IDEA Public Schools. CONTENTS © 2017 BY IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

MISSION IDEA Public Schools prepares students from underserved communities for success in college and citizenship.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

02 04 06 10 12 16 18 20 24 30 34 38 40 44 45 48 52 56 60 68 74

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR LETTER FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & SUPERINTENDENT ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE LETTER FROM AN IDEA STUDENT MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT SCHOOL SWEET EMOTION LOOK HOW FAR I'VE COME MATTER, MIXTURES, SOLUTIONS, AND...DINOSAURS! ROYAL READERS AND MATH GENIUSES WHAT HEALTH AND WELLNESS MEANS TO ME: HEALTHY KIDS HERE YEAR OF FIRSTS PASSIONS, CLUBS, AND SPORTS RESTORATIVE CIRCLES MY ROUTE TO EXCELLENCE A RESPONSE TO LITERATURE CREATIVE EXHIBITION ONE ON ONE GEARING UP FOR THE CHALLENGE ACADEMIC AND INTELLIGENT ARGUMENTS EXPLORING INJUSTICE A TRULY PERSONAL STATEMENT IMPACT WINTER 2017

LETTER FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & SUPERINTENDENT As a Duke TIP Scholar, Gael was fortunate to take the pre-ACT test in school. I remember getting a call from him one day. I picked up the phone, and he was crying and claiming the test was way too hard. Of course, my heart went out for my son, but I told him he had to get back in there and finish the exam. Because I love him. And because it was for his own good. Gael is learning that through the process of being challenged, and overcoming challenges, he’s developing grit and determination— two essential qualities of a successful person. And so, in the spirit of this issue of IMPACT Magazine, I’ve asked if he can showcase his own writing for us. He even had a few nice things to say about his mother! One thing you want to tell us about your mom:

My mom inspires me to read, become a Royal Reader and to go

to the Royal Reader celebration. That’s a celebration where it’s really fancy and they take you in a limo, or party bus. Boys wear tuxedos, and girls wear blue dresses. You also go with other people who are Royal Readers.

At IDEA Public Schools, we really challenge our students. This begins in Pre-K, as our youngest scholars learn what it means to be an IDEA student at a young age, and also learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, math, and science.

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My mom looks after the schools and helps them, and also supports

them in any way she can! I know that she goes to the new schools more than old schools, because the old schools already got it down. It’s the new IDEA schools that needs a little extra support. What is your favorite subject? Why?

My favorite subject is reading. I love reading because of my teacher. Mrs. Alanis is amazing. She helps us with expository text. We are currently reading about a lion that has been cooped up in a cage his whole life, but is later adopted by adults and then set free.

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AND…WE DON’T LET UP. Our college preparatory scholars take a minimum of 11 Advanced Placement or at least 5 International Baccalaureate classes by the time they leave our classrooms, ready to excel in college and in life. When asked why IDEA is so challenging, I’m reminded of a phrase I often used to say to my students, back when I taught at the very first IDEA school in Donna, Texas: “I’m doing this because I love you, and I want you to succeed.” I tell my son, Gael, the same thing. He may not believe me, but he will someday. He is an IDEA 5th grader, and last year he was a Duke TIP Scholar, which means he was part of a national program known for providing extra challenges to students who are excelling in the classroom.

What does your mom do for IDEA?

JoAnn and her whole family stress the importance of college identity and learning every day.

Not to be outdone, my daughter, Jimena, wanted to answer a few questions about IDEA herself. What do you like most about having your mom work at IDEA?

I like that my mom works at IDEA, because she gets to be on stage in front of all IDEA schools. What do you think is your mom's favorite part of her job?

My mom’s favorite part of her job is College Signing Day. She gets to see 100% of seniors off to college. What’s your favorite subject and why?

My favorite subject is math, because in math we do fun problems. My teacher, Mrs. C. Gonzalez makes learning fun. What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up, I want to be a math teacher like Mrs. C. Gonzalez. What do you like most about attending IDEA?

What I like most about IDEA is that we have Fun Fridays. I also love to attend all my classes daily. The AR Zone is fun too because we get to read books and then test on them. I am already a Word Master with over ten thousand words. Gael and Jimena have improved so much in their writing, thanks to the hard work of their teachers, their parents (a little), and themselves. Becoming a really great student is not always an easy, fun road, but the more my children travel on it, the more enjoyable it is becoming for them. They’re proud of their work, and they should be. Gael, Jimena, and every IDEA student gives 100% every day on the road to and through college. It takes a lot of hard work to achieve excellence in anything. We are committed to excellence. I am proud of my children, and I am proud of every IDEA student. I invite you to enjoy the amazing work, writing, and stories our students have to share. Sincerely,

JOANN GAMA Co-founder, President & Superintendent

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IDEA’s Organizational Update Since you last read IMPACT Magazine, our students and

staff have announcements, great news, and new happenings to share from across all of our regions. We had a phenomenal year, and we're on track to make the 2017-18 year our best year yet. We've enlisted the help of some of our Flagship, IDEA Donna, scholars to help share our latest organizational highlights. Tom Torkelson | CEO & Founder

1. College Matriculation

Nearly every IDEA student who graduated in the Class of 2017 matriculated to college! We had 99.8% matriculate, two students enter the military, and one will matriculate in the spring! Congratulations to the IDEA Class of 2017!

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2. Best of the Best The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released annual campus distinctions and 2017 state accountability ratings, and we did great! A special shout-out to the eleven IDEA schools that received every distinction, or designation of academic excellence and improvement, for which they were eligible:

IDEA Academy Edinburg

IDEA Quest College Preparatory

IDEA College Prep Edinburg

IDEA Academy McAllen IDEA College Prep McAllen

IDEA College Prep Weslaco Pike

IDEA Mays College Preparatory

IDEA Monterrey Park College Preparatory

IDEA South Flores College Preparatory

IDEA Eastside College Preparatory

IDEA Academy Weslaco

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IDEA'S ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE

3. New Schools! New Students! We’re growing! IDEA wants to serve more students so they are successful in college and life. In the fall, IDEA celebrated groundbreakings in our newest regions of El Paso and Southern Louisiana, as well as in Elsa, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley! These schools will open in 2018. That’s not all! We also celebrated new campus ribbon cuttings in the Rio Grande Valley at IDEA Tres Lagos and IDEA Rio Grande City.

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IDEA'S ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE

4. Grants to Support IDEA’s Mission

IDEA Public Schools received more than $85 million in grants to support college matriculation, growth, and expansion! The U.S. Department of Education awarded IDEA with $67.2 million under its Charter Schools Program (CSP), which funds the creation and expansion of public charter schools across the nation, a $14.9 million Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant to support the development of IDEA’s Health Professions School in Austin, and a $3.9 million Education Innovation and Research grant to create a college-identity program. We will use the CSP award to support the creation of 46 schools, which includes 20 expansion schools in Austin, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and the opening of IDEA Tarrant County. It’s the single largest investment IDEA has ever received!

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LETTER FROM AN IDEA STUDENT

Hi, my name is Gesselle Sanchez, and I’m a senior and soon-to-be 2018 graduate from IDEA College Preparatory Donna. Go Titans! I am honored to kick off this issue of IMPACT Magazine, “Student Takeover,” by telling you about my journey at IDEA. MY STORY AT IDEA BEGINS when I entered the 3rd grade. Coming here at such a young age was the best decision, because I was able to completely immerse myself in the IDEA culture. IDEA culture at my school revolves around the following principles, or what we call “Learner Profiles:” Caring, Risk Taker, Principled, Inquiring, Knowledgeable, Communicator, Open-Minded, Balanced, and Reflective. IDEA does an amazing job ensuring that every student is living up to his or her fullest potential. Their message? The only person who can stop you from reaching your goals is yourself. As the years went by, I knew that IDEA was the place for me. It was my home. The teachers here are extremely involved in the education of their students. A teacher who made an impact, not only on myself, but on other students was my 7th grade history teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Flores. Ms. Flores was a very challenging teacher, but she did it with our best interest at heart. She wanted to ensure that each of us was learning the proper knowledge and skills to not only pass our history final exam, but to earn a commended score. I really appreciated the way she took the time to stay after school for tutoring or to just get to know us as people outside of the classroom. IDEA educators go above and beyond to get to know us, and to challenge us to be our best selves. At IDEA Donna, our campus follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program in high school. IB is an international program known to challenge students and

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encourage us to grow personally and academically. Let me tell you, this program is rigorous. In the true IDEA way, this program pushes you to your limits. At times, you may even cry, feel angry, and lose sleep. But, when were the most important lessons ever learned easily and without a little grit? Now, as a senior, I understand everything that I went through was to benefit me. We grow through the challenges we face, and I am so proud of what I have accomplished. My graduating class of 2018 is united as a true Team & Family. We have potlucks that open up conversations, not only about school, but about life - our joys, our challenges, our fears and our successes. Somehow, the struggles we faced and overcame academically and personally give us the foundation to build deep connections with each other. Being a student at IDEA has taught me to see the world through a different lens. The ability to understand the way the world and different cultures work has given me the desire to want to explore the outside world. I can’t wait to tell you about my adventures when I graduate from college in 2022. Read on to learn about more educational adventures at IDEA Public Schools from my fellow scholars. Enjoy!

Best, GESSELLE SANCHEZ IDEA College Preparatory Donna Senior Class of 2018 e

Get To Know Gesselle Name: Gesselle Sanchez Grade: 12th Favorite food: Wings from Wingst op Dream College: Lafayette College

 Gesselle Sanchez has her sights on the college of her choice.

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My Favorite Thing About School We asked our Pre-K scholars to share their favorite things about being an IDEA scholar, the knowledge they are acquiring, and the work they’ve been up to on campus. Check out what they had to show us.

 IDEA Harvey E. Najim Pre-K scholar Rayanna Rice is ready to excel during class time. 12

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 Beyond rigorous reading, writing, mathematics, and science instruction, IDEA Pre-K students love to be creative!

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 IDEA McAllen Pre-K scholar Cody Aguilar loves to work in groups.

IDEA McAllen Pre-K scholar Trinity Storm Gonzalez is proud of her work.

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MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT SCHOOL

Lifework October 16, 2017

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Write your name: __O .....

Practice tracing cross-out marks.

First, trace with a pencil. Then, retrace with crayon.

More stellar Pre-K work samples, and information abouts. IDEA's Pre-K curriculum can be found at ideapublicschool org/impact-magazine. Be sure to check it out!

 IDEA Brackenridge Pre-K scholar Geovany Soriano's favorite part about Pre-K at IDEA? Getting to know his numbers!

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IDEA Brackenridge Pre-K scholar Sophia De La Cruz is becoming a great reader.

 Obinna Oparaocha, Pre-K

scholar at IDEA Harvey E. Najim Academy, works hard in class to deliver his best work.

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Sweet Emotion:

Emotional Learning at IDEA South Flores At IDEA South Flores Academy, and schools across the IDEA family, students use mood meters to discuss and share their feelings. Emotional intelligence is a crucial factor in the success of every student, so while kids as early as Pre-K are excelling in their academics, they’re also making sure they’re in tune with their emotions and able to express how they’re feeling on a given day.

“I'm Gonzal o Garcia, Kindergartner, and started my day in the yellow because I was feeling happy and excited. So, I was in the top right corner of my paper."

“I'm Graciela Nava, and I started my day in the blue. I felt sad. But being sad is okay. It's a part of every one. I was in the bottom left corner."

“I'm Gabby Rodriguez, and I started the day calm, happy, and ready to learn. I was in the bottom right."

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IDEA South Flores Academy Kindergartners Alejandro Morales Rodriguez, Gonzalo Garcia, Gabby Rodriguez, and Gracie Nava utilize mood meters to discuss and share their feelings in class. IMPACT WINTER 2017

LOOK HOW FAR I'VE COME

Look How Far I've Come by Katia Luna

Hi, I’m Katia Luna, a proud 1st grader at IDEA Riverview Academy. I’ve come a long way in my math, reading, and language skills here at IDEA, and I want to show you how. I have improved in reading and math. I am currently in the highest group for reading with only 57 lessons to go to finish the first-grade program, and it's not even 2018 yet! IDEA has taught me to do Whatever It Takes to accomplish my goals. I am proud to improve in my academics because I want to be ready for 2nd grade and one day go to college. Let me show you some of my latest work!

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Get To Know Katia Name: Katia Luna Grade: 1st Favorite food: Tacos de Bistec Dream College: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The following 1st grade work samples demonstrate Katia’s ability to master vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and language. Did you know that 79% of our 1st and 2nd graders finished the year on or above grade level in reading, math, and language?

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Matter, Mixtures, Solutions,

And...Dinosaurs! By Jared Cardenas My name is Jared Cardenas, and I love science. We get to learn about new things! SO FAR, IN 3RD GRADE AT IDEA ALLAN ACADEMY, we’ve been learning about matter. You know--liquids, solids and gasses. What’s fascinating is how a solid can change to a liquid, and liquid, to a gas! If you leave an ice cube out in the heat, before long, it will be water, and if you let it stay out longer in the hot sun, it will evaporate. Everything around us - and I mean everything - is matter! I love matter, and I love learning about dinosaurs, which I have learned a lot about while reading books in the Accelerated Reader Zone. Do you know the difference between a tiborasaurusrex and a tyrannosaurus rex? Let me tell you. Tiborasaurusrex lived in Asia, ate different foods, like plants when they were sick (even though they were carnivores), and had different features in their fossils than the tyrannosaurus. The tyrannosaurus rex had shorter arms and lived in North America. Cool, right? I want to become a paleontologist once I graduate from college in 2031. I know science class will be very important as I grow at IDEA Public Schools, and I got the rare chance to check out a fifth grade science classroom experiment about the difference between mixtures and solutions. Come with me, let’s check it out!

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Get To Know Ja

red

Name: Jared Ca rdenas Grade: 3rd Favorite food: Too many to ch oose! Dream College: University of Tex as Austin

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MATTER, MIXTURES, SOLUTIONS, AND...DINOSAURS!

“We are testing and observing what makes a mixture and what makes a solution in Ms. Herriges 5th grade science class. So far, my lab group mixed rice and flour, but they didn’t combine or change. That makes it a mixture, because the materials didn’t dissolve.” CAROLINE RIVERA SANTOS IDEA Allan Academy

“In every lab, there are important team roles. Materials managers bring all the materials to the lab. Timekeepers make sure we are on task and keep track of how much time we have left. Today, I am the principal investigator of the group. These roles are important because everyone does their part. If we all don’t work together, the lab won’t be a success.” MAXWELL XAVIER COOK IDEA Allan Academy

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This is Caroline's journal she keeps during all of her experiments. Check out her findings above!

 Jared was thrilled to check in with IDEA Allan Academy 5th graders Caroline Rivera Santos and Maxwell Xavier Cook, as they experimented with what makes a mixture and a solution."

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 IDEA Walzem Academy 4th grader Genesis Ward noted that becoming a Royal Reader isn't just about cool prizes, but also about preparing for college and a bright future.

Royal Readers and

Get To Know Genesis Name: Genesis Ward Grade: 4th Favorite food: Banana peppers Dream College: Prairie View A&M University

Math Geniuses By Genesis Ward, Joshua Shadron, Clarissa Rodriguez, and Tre'sean Harris Jones. At IDEA, reading and math are a BIG DEAL. But don’t take our word for it. Let’s hear from IDEA Math Geniuses and Royal Readers themselves! My Name is Genesis Ward, a proud IDEA Walzem 4th grader, and I am an IDEA Royal Reader. BEING A ROYAL READER DEPENDS ON COMMITMENT, and word count. You need goals, and you need to work very hard. You especially need to read books, of course, just like I did! Being a Royal Reader is much more than fame inside your school. It’s about achieving your yearly reading goal and being proud of yourself. When I became a Royal Reader, I was in fourth place in word count in the whole grade. It took me six months to become a Royal Reader. I read books like The Fourth Grade Fairy and Ramona and Beezus. I achieved my goal by working hard and never doubting myself. I choose books that are right for my level, and I tend to read whenever I have the chance—before class, eating breakfast, at night. My best advice to aspiring Royal Readers is IDEA 22: "Have a good book with you at all times." Those are some of the ways I became a Royal Reader. Just remember, never doubt yourself, and never quit, and you can be a Royal Reader too!

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ROYAL READERS AND MATH GENIUSES 

Hi my name is Joshua Shadron. I’m a 5th grader at IDEA Walzem Academy, and I became a Math Genius last year.

Joshua noted that to become a Math Genius, you have to stay focused in the iLearning Hotspot at all times.

MY GOAL IN THE ILEARNING HOTSPOT is to become a Math Genius. To do that I have to maintain 90% accuracy in the Reasoning Mind Program. I also want to exceed my longest streak from last year. A streak is when you get a bunch of correct answers in a row! I know I can accomplish this with hard work. My parents will encourage me and cheer me on. Becoming a Math Genius was not easy. In fact, it took hard work. My parents and my iLearning Hotspot Facilitator encouraged me to do my best and take my time. In the end, it paid off. My experience last year in my iLearning Hotspot was great! I was rewarded for my hard work throughout the school year. I reached one hundred questions answered correctly in a row, which is an awesome streak, and received a really cool wrist watch! I received awards for completing the Reasoning Mind lessons, maintaining the highest streak, maintaining the highest accuracy, and completion. Remember, hard work pays off.

Get To Know Joshua Name: Joshua Shadron Grade: 5th Favorite food: Waffles with honey Dream College: University of Notre Dame

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IDEA Royal Reader status depends on grade level. In academy, Royal Readers need to read one million words with 85% testing accuracy, and in college preparatory grades 6-8, Royal Readers need to read two million words with an 85% accuracy.

BEING A ROYAL READER is a source of so much pride. But, the accomplishment wouldn’t be possible without all the people helping you be a great reader behind the scenes—especially teachers and parents. Your teachers are the ones who work tirelessly and provide you with the tools to help you succeed. My English teachers make me read novels, and increase my love of reading. They are the ones who stand at the front of the classroom every day and teach you vocabulary, even when sometimes, it goes in our ears and out the other. They are the ones that never give up on us. Your parents are the ones who wake up at the crack of dawn and drive you to school, and make sure you complete all of your homework. They also take you to the library so you can read all the books you want. Royal Readers, when you see your teachers, be sure to give them a big high five. And when you see your parents, be sure to give them a huge hug. But don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for this amazing goal you have achieved. Appreciate yourself as well, because you are the one who has been reading and testing on all of these books to make it to two million words. Two million is a big number. In fact, two million-dollar bills stacked up is as tall as 60 story building. Just imagine how many words you had to read to become an IDEA Royal Reader! Wherever we go, all the places we see, whether across the world or at the local grocery store, there are words everywhere. They are there on billboards on the side of highway advertising the new Nike Dri-FIT technology, or trying to persuade you to donate 10 cents a day for a child in need. They tell you where to go. Look around. Words are everywhere. Now imagine if you didn’t know how to read. Imagine if all those letters were just "mumbo jumbo" and symbols that didn’t make any sense. You can claim that you’d be fine, but you wouldn’t. More than 80 million children struggle every day because they are illiterate, which means they can’t read.* So consider yourself lucky. You wouldn’t have been able to read all the incredible books that got you here. You are rewarded every second that you are reading. Sometimes a book can be companion when no one else is. When times are rough, you can open a good book, snuggle up in covers, and transfer yourself into another world. You feel like you’re right there with the main characters. Some people might give you weird looks if you laugh out loud in the AR Zone when reading, but that’s okay. Some books might make you cry, but it’s okay to show your tears when characters go through tough times. Some books might make you happy when you’re down.

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My name is Clarissa Rodriguez, and I’m an 8th grader, and a mighty Colt from IDEA Weslaco.

Clarissa follows the belief that all books, no matter what, give you knowledge.

One thing is for sure, all books, no matter what, give you knowledge. Not just vocabulary, or how to write better stories or essays, but lessons in life, such as how to deal with the loss of a loved one, move to another state, or stay determined to accomplish a goal. Never be afraid to show your love for books. It’s simply brave to open a book and be captivated by the mesmerizing words.

Get To Know Clarissa Name: Clarissa Rodriguez Grade: 8th Favorite food: Mexican food or pizza Dream College: University of California, Davis

* https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/global-rate-of-adult-literacy84-per-cent-but-775-million-people-still-cant-read/article4528932/

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ROYAL READERS AND MATH GENIUSES

Hello. My name is Tre’Sean Harris-Jones. Since starting school at IDEA Eastside College Preparatory, I have become goal-oriented. I LIKE THE CHALLENGE OF A GOAL. Every goal I conquer makes me one step closer to my college dream. I wouldn’t say math is my strongest subject, which is why I was unsure about reaching the Math Genius goal of 100% completion in ST MATH, the program I work on in the iLearning Hotspot. I knew that I couldn’t leave 7th grade not accomplishing every goal put in front of me, so there were many days I sat with my teacher, Mrs. Gordon, during lunch and after school on objectives I struggled with. The proud feeling I got at the end of the year when she announced I was a Math Genius and received a medal was because of hard work and determination. The skills I used in my math class were the skills I used in ST Math and I was able to pass my STAAR test with flying colors.

Get To Know Tre'Sean Name: Tre’Sean Harris-Jones Grade: 7th Favorite food: Southwest egg rolls Dream College: Boston College

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ROYAL READERS AND MATH GENIUSES

IDEA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: IDEA QUEST SCHOLAR SETS MATH PROGRAM RECORD

We are so proud of IDEA Quest 3rd grader, Mariem Banales, for her outstanding work in the iLearning Hotspot. Just recently, Mariem broke the RM (Reasoning Mind) City program record for the longest streak ever! A “Streak” is a run of correct answers in a row without getting a question wrong. As of December 4, 2017, Mariem got 1700 answers correct in a row! Mrs. Caldwell, Mariem’s teacher, explained that Mariem is a very hard worker and a smart young student who is working on a 4th grade curriculum in the RM City Program. Even after previously losing 600, 800, 900 streaks by getting just one question wrong, Mariem never lost sight of the 1000-streak goal. “Mariem has set the bar very high, which is something we like to see our students achieve,” Mrs. Caldwell said. “I know that this will motivate more students to try to reach it and beat it.”

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What Health and Wellness Means To Me: Healthy Kids Here

Exercise at Home and at School By Daniel Gutierrez

We asked two scholars at IDEA Academy Pharr to tell us about what health and wellness means to them, and how they are making health a priority at home with their family and friends. At IDEA, we believe in healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy results.

In school, I have learned a lot of important health habits, such as how to eat healthy, practice sports and try new things, and before you go running, have a stretch. We even monitor our heart rates using wrist monitors! MY COACH TELLS US we need to stretch so that when it’s time to exercise, we’re loose, ready for anything, and don’t get injured. I would hate to pull a muscle or worse, break a bone, such as the tibia, humerus, mandible, or even the fibula! The knowledge I learn in P.E. class I use at home as well. For example, I love to run, jump, reach down and up, and even stand on my phalanges. My favorite exercise at home is to run all the time with my dog. We walk, too, for the warm up and cool down. I even jump with my dog! I try to jump over his toys. We do all sorts of physical activities together, and it brings my dog and me closer together. And, we get in better shape together! Now I just need a wrist monitor to measure my heart-rate at home, too! In conclusion, you need to find a way to adapt physical movement to your life. It’s really fun at home and in school. For me, that means working hard in P.E. class, staying healthy, and of course, staying active at home with one of my favorite friends -- my dog!

 Daniel runs with his dog, Rosco.

Get To Know Daniel Name: Daniel Gutierrez Grade: 4th Favorite food: Sushi Dream College: Harvard University

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 Daniel Gutierrez, 4th grader at IDEA Academy Pharr, does squats during P.E. class to work his core, heart, and legs.

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WHAT HEALTH AND WELLNESS MEANS TO ME: HEALTHY KIDS HERE

Staying Active, Staying Energized By Mischa Castaneda

Why is health and wellness important to me? It keeps me in shape! How? It keeps me alive, energetic, moving, and plus, it keeps me fit. Allow me to share a personal experience. My uncle Mark is working on his health. He started going to the gym when he weighed 245 pounds. Now he is 200 pounds! I am proud of him because my uncle Mark showed dedication to get healthier, and that will help him in life. Exercise helped me, too, not just my uncle Mark. I broke my leg, and you know how I recovered? Physical therapy! Boy, did it help a lot. I did all sorts of exercises to make sure I was back to normal health. My Uncle Mark and I both had to stay strong and work through challenges, and we did! Now, we both stay active by running and playing outside. These days, when I exercise, I feel like I have endless energy. It has been proven that the more you work out, the more active you are. Well, now that My Uncle Mark and I are healthy and in shape, we’re going to keep it that way. That is why health and wellness are important to me.

HEALTHY KIDS HERE:

Organizational Spotlight Four years ago, IDEA developed the Healthy Kids Here initiative to provide a healthy and active lifestyle for our students, increase student access to healthy and nutritious foods, and educate the IDEA Team & Family on health, wellness and nutrition. This year, we are taking on some exciting new initiatives, including one called “Watertopia,” which involved installing retrofitted

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traditional water fountains with EcoWater external water filtration systems and Elkay water bottle refilling systems in campus cafetoriums! Text "HKHIDEA" to 77948 for more wellness news.

Get To Know Mischa Name: Mischa Castaneda Grade: 4th Favorite food: Sushi Dream College: Harvard University

 Mischa Castaneda, 4th grader at IDEA Academy Pharr, noted that jumping rope is a good way to stay healthy.

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Year Of Firsts

While IDEA Public Schools has been around for 17 years, we are growing and opening new campuses every year to educate more students. In 2018, we’ll even be expanding to El Paso, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana!

My name is Fatima Gomez, a proud 6th grader at IDEA Tres Lagos, home of Los Lobos! WHEN I FIRST HEARD a new IDEA school was opening in the McAllen community, my family and I were excited to apply. You see, I have a cousin who attends IDEA Quest, and she always told me IDEA is the best school to help you get a great education. Others, though, told me, “Don’t go to IDEA. They are too challenging.” Well, I was up for the challenge, and so my family and I applied. And let me tell you, I’m sure glad we did. I just love the way teachers support me at IDEA. They never give up on you, and every teacher really makes learning fun and hands on. If I had to choose a favorite class so far, I think I would go with my math and coding lab. And while math and coding may be my favorite classes, I have also been amazed by the culture of reading here. Down time before breakfast? Read a book! On the way home? Crack open that book! I want to be a Royal Reader this year, which means I not only need to read two million words, but also maintain an 85% average on the books I test on in the Accelerated Reader program. My new teachers are showing me awesome reading strategies to make sure that happens. Beyond the classroom, I have dived into the awesome sport of volleyball! We recently played IDEA North Mission, and we pulled out the victory. I’ve really enjoyed the exercise, but my favorite part about being on the volleyball team has been getting to know my teammates and forming a bond with them. I definitely want to continue to play throughout my time at IDEA. Here at IDEA, my classmates and I are what we like to call, “college ready.” Yes, I might only be in 6th grade, but

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We are always curious to hear about the experiences of our students at our newest schools. We asked two founding 6th graders at our new Rio Grande Valley campuses, IDEA Tres Lagos and IDEA Rio Grande City, to write us letters, informing us on how their time at IDEA is going so far! I have a plan, and IDEA will help me get there. When I graduate from high school in 2024, I want to go to Stanford University and study to be a music teacher. IDEA educators and staff push us to our limits, but that’s because they know what we are capable of. And so I tell my friends at my old school, yes, IDEA is challenging, but I am up for that challenge, and you should be too! Sincerely, Fatima Gomez IDEA Tres Lagos 6th grader

Get To Know Fatima Name: Fatima Gomez Grade: 6th Favorite food: Pizza Dream College: Stanford University

 Fatima Gomez has her sights on excellence in sports, music, and academics.

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YEAR OF FIRSTS

IDEA is a school that welcomes each student to learn the knowledge and skills as we prepare for our college education. Every day is challenging for each of us. Our teachers teach us to strategize, and we expand our knowledge without limits. On the first day of school I was so eager to meet my new teachers and classmates. Yes, I was a little nervous, but I was put at ease when I was greeted with kindness and respect. I felt that people believed in me. I soon learned that we are a Team & Family here at IDEA Rio Grande City. Go Peacocks! No one teaches quite like an IDEA educator. All teachers have a unique ability to make the lessons hands-on, fun and memorable. My favorite class so far is English. I really want to become a Royal Reader this year! Another one of my goals is becoming the Student Council President this school year. Being a leader in a community is important to me, and serving the student council will show that. IDEA’s mission is for 100% of their scholars to go to college. Well, in 2028, I will graduate from college. I will represent my school, and my community. This may be IDEA’s first year in Rio Grande City, Texas, but we are starting strong. As we all say here at IDEA Rio Grande City, “Con Ganas, Si Ganas!” Emily Cadavez, 6th grader IDEA Rio Grande City

Get To Know Emily Name: Emily Cadavez Grade: 6th Favorite food: Mac and Cheese from IHOP Restaurant Dream College: Rice University

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 Emily Cadavez is a

leader. Get to natural-born Know Emily Grade: 6 Favorite Book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Favorite Food: Mexican food What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up? An actress or politician This IDEA Student Would Like to Thank: My mom Dream college: Cornell University

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Passions, Clubs, and Sports At IDEA, you have a lot to choose from when getting involved outside the classroom. Hear from IDEA scholars as they talk about their passions and the new adventures they’re embarking on in clubs and sports! MY NAME IS DAVID JONES, a 7th grader at IDEA Eastside College Preparatory, and I’m a Junior Master Gardener. Being a Junior Master Gardener keeps you active. I’ve learned so much this year about the amazing insects that help plants grow. I’ve learned about why it’s so important to eat the right foods. I am learning about food literacy. Food literacy is understanding the impact of your food choices on your health and the world around you.

To become a Junior Master Gardener (JMG), you have to complete the program, meaning you need to learn many lessons with your garden teacher, an IDEA Master Gardener. It was so fun to plant tomatoes, carrots, squash, cucumbers, you name it. We even helped praying mantis hatch in our garden with our garden teacher, Ms. Parrish!

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WHY DO I LOVE DRUMLINE? Well, there are several reasons that come to mind. First, going to drumline gives me a positive place to go after school. I have built tight bonds with my friends and the entire club overall. I look forward to the days we have drumline. Mr. Ramirez, the drumline sponsor, has given us a place where we can learn something new, hang out with friends, and express ourselves with music. Second, I have learned how to play several instruments. We first started out playing on buckets but eventually we got several drums. I have learned to play bass, cymbals, snare, and now I am learning how to play tenor. I enjoy music and we have learned several songs. Lastly, we have been able to perform live at multiple events. We participated with the cheerleaders in the Edinburg Parade of Lights in December. This was our first public performance and we were able to see other bands and drumlines. We also played at IDEA’s Art Exhibit at McAllen Incubator. Each school had a section of art displayed and the drumline played on opening night of the exhibit. Towards the end of last school year, we played at the RGV Toros soccer game. The crowd really seemed to like our music and it was a great way to end the year. Drumline has been one of the best experiences I have had in an extra-curricular activity so far. MIGUEL CARMONA, 7TH GRADER, IDEA QUEST COLLEGE PREPARATORY

IDEA ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT:

The IDEA Frontier Varsity Boys Cross Country Team also took 15th place as a team in the state championship 3A Division! I CAN RECALL THE FIRST TIME that my coach, Mr. Alanis, approached me and asked me to join cross country in the 7th grade. At first, I wasn't so sure I wanted to join, but after a little push of confidence, I joined and ended up developing a passion for running. Many years later, it makes me sad that this is our last season together. Thinking about leaving the team and my coach pokes a hole in my heart. I wouldn't be the person I am today without my coach, because over the years, he has believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. He has pushed me every day, from running in our concrete parking lot to our new developing trail. I’m surprised and honored that I have achieved success, placing 5th overall in the Division 3A State Championship. As my times have gotten better, making my coach proud was my greatest achievement. -SABRINA GARCIA, 12TH GRADER, IDEA FRONTIER

MANY PEOPLE SEE SPORTS AS A HOBBY or something to waste time, but I see soccer as a lifestyle. Growing up, I have always been involved with soccer, and now my life revolves around it. The passion and love I have for soccer is so intense that I am doing whatever it takes to be as successful as I possibly can be in order to accomplish my goals. This amazing sport has played a significant role in my life by giving me something that I truly enjoy doing. I hope to have it bring major beneficial opportunities in my direction. The world of soccer is open to anyone who puts the time and effort into it. This sport means so much to me because my goal is to receive a scholarship from a university in order to help pay my college tuition, and not make my family have to worry about my financial status in college. Soccer is so much more than just a sport to me. It is my motivation for life and school. -ALEXIS DAMIAN VALDES, 11TH GRADER, IDEA TOROS

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 Students pass the talking piece along through the circle. The talking piece is an essential item in a Restorative Justice Circle, as only the person who holds it is permitted to share their thoughts and feelings.

 Students pass the talking piece within the Restorative Justice Circle. Whoever holds the talking piece holds the ability to talk. Everyone else shows respects by listening attentively.

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Restorative Circles At IDEA Bluff Springs College Preparatory, students often participate in Restorative Justice Circles, so they can problem solve and bond together as a Team & Family. Read firsthand what scholars (and the teacher who started the practice at IDEA) had to say about Restorative Circles.

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RESTORATIVE CIRCLES

“Restorative Justice is a circle. It’s a circle where people come to talk to each other, and to fix an issue. When the circle is done, everyone ends on good terms. The process looks like this—everyone forms a circle in the classroom with chairs, and there is always a talking piece. This talking piece is for people to take turns talking and so no one interrupts each other. The thing I like most about Restorative Circles is that they always give you a chance to fix an issue that you’re having with somebody. It will also help you be honest with your classmates. I want to be a therapist when I grow up, because I always like to help people and make people feel cared for. I would like to thank Mr. Mendoza for showing me these circles, and for being a great teacher. He is always there for me, and ever since the first day I walked into his classroom I always felt cared for as a person. ‘Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!’”

“Restorative Justice Circles is a safe place where you can express yourself, your feelings, and your thoughts. The circle is meant to fix problems, friendships, bullying, etc. The number one rule is to just be honest. We all sit together and norm on rules. For example, we listen to our peers, we respect each other, and we are honest. The talking piece is important because whoever has it is the one to talk, and everyone else listens. My teacher, Mr. Mendoza, is proud of us, and he is very helpful. He never gives up on us, and so we never give up on ourselves.” - Jerrika Campos

-Amy Zamarron

Get To Know Amy

Get To Know Jerrika

Name: Amy Zamarron Grade: 7th Favorite food: Enchiladas Dream College: Texas State University - San Marcos

Name: Jerrika Campos Grade: 7th Favorite food: Mexican food Dream College: Texas State University - San Marcos

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 When one person talks, every one else listens. That's the expectation Mr. Mendoza has set with his students.

 Are you interested in learning more about Restorative Justice? More information on Restorative Circles, including Mr. Mendoza's manual for teaching it, can be found at ideapublicschools.org/ impact-magazine

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

My Route to Excellence The following is a letter from Mauro Vela, a 12th grader at IDEA College Preparatory Alamo, about his special education teacher, Corina Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson is helping me achieve academ ic excellen ce by helping me develop writing skills and reading strategi es I will use forever. The addition al one-on- one instruct ion time I receive in this class has also helped me to have a better underst anding of the topics we learn about. The skills that I’m learning have helped to improve my persuas ive essay writing skills. For example , I have learned how to write a strong thesis and hook stateme nt for the persuas ive essay. I have also learned how to better organiz e my ideas in my body paragra phs. These writing skills have also helped me in my regular ELA class. The work I am proudest of is the way I have improve d overall in my writing skills, especially because this is my area for growth on the English I and II STAAR exams. I also feel better prepare d for college because of this class. I know the skills I am learning in this class will help me with my college essays. Sincere ly, Mauro Vela IDEA College Preparatory Alamo Student

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For Corina Johnson, it is all about a balance of challenge and support for her students.

A Response to Literature

Hi, I'm Oscar Cantu, and I'm Daniela Martinez. We’re 8th graders at IDEA College Preparatory North Mission. We want to tell you about the connections we’ve been making with great books in our Pre-Advanced Placement English class. It’s called a “Response to Literature” essay.

IN A RESPONSE TO LITERATURE ESSAY, WE: • Closely read a text and analyze the literary elements within the piece • Address a prompt that asks us to explore a literary element within a text • Use examples from the text to connect our analysis to the meaning of the work The Response to Literature essay is getting us ready for the AP Literature exam in the years to come. For the work we want to show you, we addressed the wonderful novel, I am Malala. Check it out on the next pages!

Get To Know Daniela

Get To Know Oscar

Name: Daniela Martinez Grade: 8th Favorite food: Chocolate chip cookies Dream College: University of Texas at Austin

Name: Oscar Cantu Grade: 8th Favorite food: Pasta Dream College: Oxford University IMPACT WINTER 2017

A RESPONSE TO LITERATURE

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A RESPONSE TO LITERATURE

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Creative Exhibition

Artwork by Yolizbeth Lozano, 12th grader, inspired and created in her studio art class at IDEA Frontier. 48

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At IDEA, we aim to prepare students for success in college and in life. Colleges seek wellrounded students who are both academically prepared, but also grounded in extracurriculars and the arts. Check out some artwork created by IDEA scholars.

THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE By Christian Anthony 10th grader, IDEA Carver

Petals falling ever so slowly as the wind flows like a river. The tree stood tall and firm, almost like a skyscraper. When things got rough, and there was nowhere to go, the tree stood out like a lighthouse in the midst of a storm.

INSANITY OF LOVE By Giovanni Leyva 9th grader, IDEA Alamo An ardent ember Blossoming at ages sight, and A stone rehearsing a diamond’s glare. Ablazed in time I see, no change no glory For what a nighttime’s ambition may seek a spark At sea. She, my essence, who once was the magic in My vivacious soul. How dare I, speak of love. She who Held me true to the most righteous of thoughts. How Dare I, speak of truth. She, who I was mended Onto an illusion of trepidation. How dare I, speak Of reality. But clocks within thy soul, let love bloom. Her, who restored the averted future with zealous Fortitude. How dare I, speak of hope. Her, who once was the guileless beginning. How dare I, Speak of the end. Her, a moon’s glare Shining at timid tide, ice breaking Chill upon wind shells and the Preserving of cerulean sea. How dare I, speak of Love. For it is all that rests upon Us, life, a virtuality Filled with the Insanity of Love.

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CREATIVE EXHIBITION

CARLOS BROCH 9th grader, IB Visual Arts, IDEA College Preparatory Donna

Want to check out more IDEA student creativity? Visit ideapublicschools.org/impact-magazine

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CREATIVE EXHIBITION

THE TREE

By Madelynn Shields 10th grader, IDEA Carver For every terrible storm that has struck her Path, her leaves fall to the bottom of her trunk. Tons and tons of leaves fall, just as if they were tears. People who see her branches say: “this tree is too skinny” “her branches aren’t big enough” “maybe she’s defective” But through all the hate and problems in her own life. She finds sunshine her happiness. In her mind she is unique just as any tree should be; unique and loved not only by friends and family. But she is learning to be loved by herself.

MY POEM By Amanda Medina 3rd grader, IDEA Quest We were on a big ship, that sank in the sea. We floated to an island, my sister and me. Scared and alone, we started to scream. When no one responded, I knew we were a team. Our tummies were hungry, and cried for some fish. Off to the water, to catch a great dish. We had no fishing rods, so we made us some spears. We knew at that point, that was all of our gear. We made us a fire from grass and from twigs, and soon we were eating like 2 little PIGS! Then it got dark and it got really cold, we sat by the fire and stories we told. IMPACT WINTER 2017

ONE-ON-ONE

Hi, my name is Karyme Tovar, and I love to read and write. I want to work in journalism or as a writer when I grow up. I’m currently an 8th grader at IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory, and my favorite thing to do is participate in my model United Nations club here at school, where we play the role of different countries. I recently sat down with a 2017 IDEA graduate from IDEA Frontier, Paulina Garcia, to ask her about her career at IDEA, and her transition to college. On the next page, you can read my interview with her. I hope you learn as much as I did!

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 Karyme and Paulina chat about the support IDEA provides post graduation.

* Disclaimer: Fridays are spirit days at IDEA, and students are encouraged to wear jeans and a college or spirit shirt. IMPACT WINTER 2017 |

ONE ON ONE So they gave you a lot of support? Yes, and I see it everywhere now that I’m in college. I meet a lot of people here in Austin who tell me about their experience applying to college, and I just had no idea how different the support is at IDEA. IDEA really helped me every step of the way to college: from the classes I took, to support with my college application, to financial aid. There is just so much that can overwhelm a student applying to college, and IDEA was so supportive in that way. Because of IDEA, I received so many scholarships I would have never even known to apply for on my own. Currently, like 95% of my college tuition is covered by financial aid. That’s amazing. Do you think IDEA did a good job preparing you for college? IDEA did prepare me for college in the sense of what strategies to use, what college life would be like, and helping me transition to UT Austin. I will say, you need to stay on your toes at college, because of the flexibility of your schedule. Since there is so much reading, you don’t know exactly what’s going to be asked on the exams, and that’s been a little challenging.

Hi, Paulina. Thank you for sitting down to chat with me. Of course! Let’s get right into it then: What are you majoring in at UTAustin, and what made you want to pursue that major? Video, Television, and Film. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been really into photography and media. One of my family members has his own production company in McAllen, Texas, and I worked as his assistant during the summers and spring break and absolutely loved it. I’d work behind the scenes, making sure the shot was perfect, and I want to continue work in that field after college. What was the transition like from IDEA to college? Really different. It was really interesting to go from classes from 7:15-3:45 every single day at IDEA, to way more flexibility in college. I had to learn how to manage my time. Also, there is a whole lot of reading in college. Getting used to that is difficult. It’s a challenge, but a good challenge. Did IDEA change your view on college? If so, how? Well, all throughout my childhood, I didn’t think I was going to go to college. I didn’t really even know what college was. I joined IDEA in 5th grade, and starting in 6th grade, that was when IDEA really implanted college into my mindset. It was because of IDEA that I realized the importance of college. Did you struggle with that transition? I did. I knew some English when I moved to Brownsville, but I was not fluent. I would come to IDEA on Saturday and practice my English with teachers and peers, and that helped a lot. Still, it took several years for me to become fluent. I received a lot of support at IDEA. They would pull me out of class every week to work with me 1-on-1, and that was crucial. 54

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Do you have any advice for a current IDEA student who will be in 9th grade? Freshman year is when your GPA really really starts to count. Take your classes seriously, be sure to not slack off, and take advantage of your Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes. I passed 4 AP exams at IDEA, which helped me get college credit before even stepping on campus, and that’s worth thousands of dollars in the long run. At UT Austin, AP classes alone saved me over $5,000. Also, be sure to take advantage of the extracurricular activities IDEA offers, because not only are they lots of fun, but it’s also great to put on your resume and applications. What extracurricular activities were you involved in? I mostly focused on cheerleading, dance, National Honors Society, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánicas. How about the college field lessons? Were they helpful? Super helpful, especially in my later years. Seeing so many universities in-state and out-of-state and seeing what each school offers really broadens your perspective of where you can go to get your degree. I visited a lot of colleges while at IDEA—like UT Austin, St. Edwards University, Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, I can’t remember all of them. One thing that really impacted me is called CSAP, or the Collegiate Summer Away Program. As a junior I got to go to American University. I absolutely loved it. I studied darkroom photography and film. It was actually one of the schools I applied to my senior year and got into, but I ended up making the final decision to attend UT Austin. Thank you for sitting down and chatting with me. Of course. You’re going to enjoy your next four years in high school at IDEA.

ONE ON ONE

Get To Know Karyme Name: Karyme Tovar Grade: 8th Favorite food: Mexican Food Dream College: University of Texas at Austin

“One thing that really impacted me is called CSAP, or the collegiate summer away program. As a junior I got to go to American University. I absolutely loved it." IMPACT WINTER 2017

Gearing Up For the Challenge: A Year in The Life of an Advanced Placement Course at IDEA Frontier

by Joahan Sandoval 10th grader, IDEA Frontier

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and Diego Alfaro 10th grader, IDEA Frontier

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GEARING UP FOR THE CHALLENGE:

What are AP Classes? by Joahan Sandoval

THESE ARE ADVANCEMENT PLACEMENT courses that consist of more rigorous work, which requires a higher level of knowledge and understanding. AP classes also require a higher effort because they demand more from you since there is more work, more homework, more reading, and more studying. I live near Brownsville, Texas. English is not my first language. When I get home in the evenings, I have a lot of homework, especially for AP Human Geography, because as my former IDEA teacher, Mr. Fadulto says: “This is not a STAAR level course, this is Advanced Placement.” Also, I’m an athlete, so I always have to balance practice and my after-school tutorials.

AP classes are challenging, but this doesn’t mean that they are impossible. There is always a response for everything. Something that really helped me as an AP student was my determination and my devotion to passing my AP exam. Also, in my free-time, I liked to study what we saw in class the day before, and every time there was an opportunity for tutorials, I stayed because I knew it was for my benefit. Teachers at IDEA often hold extra tutorials to help us. 58

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Get To Know Joahan Name: Joahan Sandoval Grade: 10th Favorite food: Italian Food Dream College: Harvard University

Someone that really helped to overcome the challenge of AP was my teacher, Mr. Falduto. I remember him always encouraging me to do better and better. He did everything that was possible to help not just me, but my partners too. Once, he held a camp of sorts for 3 days, weeks before the AP exam, just to review everything we saw since the beginning of the year. I really appreciate him. These were the main challenges I faced as an AP student. But challenges are worth it, as I passed my AP exam and received college credit!

GEARING UP FOR THE CHALLENGE:

Doubt. by Diego Alfaro

LET’S BE HONEST, we’ve all felt doubt before, especially after taking a test or exam. Doubt was what I felt after taking the AP Human Geography Exam. Before I go into detail about how I felt about the exam, I’ll take you back to the beginning of my freshman year of high school. As always, a new year begins and my confidence is at its peak. Social Studies is one of my favorite subjects, so I was already excited to take AP Human Geography. In the beginning, I never actually put all my effort into the class. Don’t get me wrong, the class was interesting and I understood everything, which was the problem. That’s why I felt that I didn’t have to put 100% of my effort into my work. That was until our final project for our first quarter came. You already know where this is going. I ended up failing the project, and my grade went down so low I almost had a heart attack. From that moment on I knew that if I had a shot at not only getting an “A” in the class, but also passing the AP exam, I’d have to put in 100% of my effort. The AP course lived up to its expectations: rigorous, challenging, and stressful. Throughout the year I had to find ways to balance my studies and my sports. This proved to be challenging since I would have days in which I would stay after school in the class for tutoring just so I could understand the material, but this meant taking time off from my training. This went on through the whole year. There were points when I was ready to give up, but I already had put in so much work that I couldn’t let it go to waste. I can’t go on without mentioning my teacher, Mr. Falduto. Honestly, he was great at his job and always pushed me to do my best. One day he sat me down, as he was interviewing us on why he should let us go to his three-day boot camp, and asked me why he should let me go. I replied saying that I wanted to pass the exam. He then went on to say he wanted a five from me on the exam. I replied with I’ll get that five. He then asked what if I didn’t get the five and I said I would get that five.

The moment of truth came. It was the day of the exam. There were questions on the multiple choice I didn’t know, and after taking the multiple choice I knew that if I had a shot at passing it would have to be with the writing portion of the exam. We got to the section, and I was greeted with questions that I knew the answers to. There was still a chance at passing. The exam ended and I felt doubt, but also relief. My year long journey finally came to a close, but I was doubting my skill on the exam. Summer came and I awaited my results. A few days after the grades were posted, I checked. Most of my friends had already received their scores, so I was already getting anxious. I finally signed in, and I immediately felt relief. I didn’t quite get that five, but I did pass the exam! Mr. Falduto, if you are reading this, you pushed me to do my best, and I was successful on the exam. I worked so hard because of the fact that you truly believed in me. Afterwards, I felt empty. So much work went into getting a passing score that I had nostalgia of being in the classroom again. After a few days of processing this, I was filled with joy, since I had also passed the class with an “A.” Now as I sit typing this, I face new challenges. Challenges that you might face too. I’ve learned from the past, and now I’m always doing my best and balancing my life. Reader, learn from my mistake of starting late and start now. An AP exam isn’t one of those exams that can be passed just by working in school. You’ll also have to put in work after school or outside of school. Like many of us, we would rather use this time to relax, but in the end your work will pay off.

Get To Know D

iego

Name: Diego A lfaro Grade: 10th Favorite food: Turbos (chips) Dream College: University of Pennsylvania

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Academic and Intelligent Arguments by Brianna Malone, Jhessail Benavides, and Alvrena General, 11th graders at IDEA Carver College Preparatory

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In Advanced Placement English Language and Composition class, students at IDEA learn to form academic and intelligent arguments that express a strong point and back up that point with logical reasoning. It’s a skill every person needs in college and in life. We’re excited to share with you three arguments we crafted in class. Hopefully, you see where we’re coming from. If you don’t agree, that’s fine too! Just don’t forget to provide evidence for your reasoning!

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 Brianna Malone loves to practice music on the ukulele.

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ACADEMIC AND INTELLIGENT ARGUMENTS

The Importance of Music By Brianna Malone

Plato once said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Music is a part of our everyday lives, whether it be at home, school, or out in public. Music impacts everyone and affects our emotions and changes our lives in ways that we can’t even imagine. Music can give us hope and change the way we think. In the movie August Rush, a young boy by the name of Evan Taylor is given up at birth. He goes into foster care and sets off on a journey to find his real parents when he is eleven. He tells people he is following the music and meets a homeless man and some street kids. The man by the name of Wizard gives him a guitar and he immediately starts to play with “natural born talent,” even though he has never played before. Many people try to discourage him along the way, but he ends up attending Julliard with the help of a priest at age eleven. He uses the sounds around him to make music and find his parents, who are both musicians, and ends up being reunited with them. The movie is inspiring and shows the audience that “the music is all around us, we just have to hear it.” Music can control our emotions every day. When I hear a song that reminds me of the past, it can often make me want to cry or feel sad. If I listen to a song like “Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, the song’s upbeat and energetic nature makes me want to sing or dance along. A teacher at a local middle school in Georgia downloaded a music app so she could play music aloud in class and let each of her students take turns choosing a song each day. Her purpose was to

get her students excited and ready in class, especially when the kids were having a bad day. It changed the attitude in the classroom and encouraged kids to want to come to school. No matter where you go, there will always be music. It’s a big part of our lives and continues to expand all around the world, changing the way we hear, think, feel, express, and experience our lives. Without music in the world, we’d all just be plain boring human beings, with nothing to encourage us. Music makes us unique and different. “Feel, hear, and be the music.”

Get To Know B

rianna

Name: Briann a Malone Grade: 11th Favorite food: Chinese food Dream College: New York Univ ersity

IMPACT WINTER 2017

ACADEMIC AND INTELLIGENT ARGUMENTS

Get To Know Jhessail Name: Jhessail Benavides Grade: 11th Favorite food: Chicken abroad Dream College: Somewhere

IMPACT WINTER 2017

“It is projected that 50% of jobs will be replaced by machines within the next twenty years, and the transition has already begun."

ACADEMIC AND INTELLIGENT ARGUMENTS

IS HUMANITY BECOMING TOO CONNECTED? By Jhessail Benavides

Once upon a different time, humans cared more for others than for themselves. Once upon a different time, American society was dominated by social interaction, as opposed to the cold metal of a machine.

 Jhessail Benavides and her English teacher, Kathleen Martin. Jhessail's favorite form of communication? Face-to-face interaction.

MODERN GENERATIONS are all-too familiar with the many forms of technology recently made available, having been born and raised through their creation and innovation. Social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Ifunny have made sharing ideas exponentially easier, but also drastically decrease human interaction skills. Citizens of all ages spend hours a day checking the same accounts to see how many others have liked or commented on posts that will ultimately serve them no benefit in the long run. Children as young as three years of age are now being given tablets and iPads for entertainment, instead of being encouraged to interact with other children. My grandmother, once a dedicated craftswoman, now spends nearly every waking hour seated in front of her computer, browsing YouTube for craft tutorials and funny Ellen DeGeneres shows. My own mother sometimes fails to return my displays of affection because she is too preoccupied with funny quotes on Pinterest. The most mundane of tasks have been made easier by new era machinery; but while these simplifications are very convenient, extra caution must be taken to ensure that equipment does not do everything in our place. It is projected that 50% of jobs will be replaced by machines within the next twenty years, and the transition has already begun. Positions such as clerks, factory manufacturers, farmers, teachers, surgeons, as well as many other occupations have been seized by technology, putting hardworking civilians out of jobs and preventing adolescents from gaining social interaction skills and job experience. This change will only bring harm to America and its many inhabitants, increasing the already high unemployment and homeless rates. Now, this is not to say that we should reject technology and its many benefits, for where would we be without the many affects and conveniences that come with it? On the contrary, technology is an efficient and often fun way to spread ideas and share contact across time and distance. Unfortunately, as with any other good thing, it is best in moderation, a lesson not commonly utilized in our present-day economy and society. If the future of humanity is to have any hope for a safer and more peaceful world, it is best to limit the presence of digital technologies in the workforce and in personal time. Instead, spend that time being productive or interacting face-to-face with others. Use your knowledge and ideas to help make the outside world a more social place. IMPACT WINTER 2017

 Alurena reflects on her future goals of working in sports medicine.

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ACADEMIC AND INTELLIGENT ARGUMENTS

Plus-Size Modeling in its Finest Form By Alurena General

I believe society’s stereotypical vision of a model (bone skinny, tall and the unrealistic size zero) is well over played. With all of the new technology and creative apps, anybody can make anyone look like any person with just the click of a button. BUT WHAT ABOUT REINVENTING WHAT A MODEL IS? Seriously, what is a model supposed to look like? I want to inspire women to be comfortable in their own skin, instead of being body shamed by their own society. I want to give power to women and instead not make them feel like they have to look that certain way or else they’re ugly. But most of all, I want to change the way people view others and how women view themselves. To inspire women, and all people, to reimagine their image of a model, we first need to understand how we relatively think. We need to understand who the audience is and why we continue this cycle of models being bone-thin. How can we inspire society in the best way to reimagine norms that often live subliminally inside us? Communications and journalism mediums help ensure a vision stays the way it is. I want to always incorporate the voices of the people instead of just certain individuals who make the rules of the game in the media world. Let’s face it--I’m not the only person in this world looking for a model that really speaks to the plussize woman. The people, those fighting to break into the communications world, and those who do not have a major part in it, have to first be their own encouragement, and their own self-motivation. From there, it will spread. Using myself as an example, I want to progress into the fashion world. I want to learn from other models (plussize or not) while learning with experience from hands-on projects. I really flourish when I get up close and personal whenever I’m learning something, rather than just sitting at a desk or lecture hall taking notes. Another way I want learn is by having meet-and-greets with real people and, of course, plus-size women. I want to know what they’re thinking and what aspects relating specifically to them do they want me to focus on. This is where a degree in communications and journalism really will help me and allow me to read my target audience while best finding out what I can do to add encouragement to beautiful plus-size woman. Because that is where it stars for all of us: encouragement. I believe being hands on and personal with something really gets you to fall in love with something and allows you to really understand the beauty of positive change.

But for now, I’m still 16 and a junior in high school. Don’t let my age and grade fool you. My age encourages me to get a fast headstart in pursuing my passion of plus-size modeling. And as if my mind just won’t stop there, in due time I also want to become an entrepreneur and broaden the field of plus-size modeling all together. But let’s not jump ahead and focus on one dream at a time—reinventing society’s image of a model.

Get To Know Alurena Name: Alurena Genera l Grade: 11th Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo Dream College: Rutgers University

IMPACT WINTER 2017

 At IDEA Brownsville College Preparatory, students, teachers, and college counselors work together to view the world in a lens of cultural awareness.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Exploring Injustice WRITTEN BY: Andres Altamirano IB ELA teacher William Corbit Director of College Counseling Karla Camacho Alan Cepeda Ben Du Daphne Uribe 11th grade IDEA Brownsville students

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Often, the teacher-focus for student writing is on creativity and expression—creative writing, poetry, and short stories—rather than on the one skill any successful college graduate will attest is paramount: the ability to research.

To begin mastering these all-important research skills, all IDEA students prepare for their transition from 10th to 11th grade with a quarter-long research assignment that challenges them to think, speak, listen, revise, polish, and orally deliver their first attempt at college writing. Across the district, sophomores prepare research-based, interactive, oral presentations that show off their work. And the 2016-2017 sophomore class of IDEA Brownsville have created stellar examples of the written preparation that lead up to these presentations. You can read excerpts from four of our students on the next few pages.

Get To Know Alan

Get To Know Daphne

Get To Know Ben

Get To Know Karla

Name: Alan Cepeda Grade: 11th Favorite food: Sushi Dream College: University of Chicago

Name: Daphne Uribe Grade: 11th Favorite food: Peeps Dream College: Stanford University

Name: Ben Du Grade: 11th Favorite food: Chicken and rice Dream College: University of Pennsylvania

Name: Karla Camacho Grade: 11th Favorite food: Clam Chowder Dream College: Rice University

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Karla Camacho: During the final stretch of my sophomore year, I thought I was going to have the most difficult time of my life writing a tenpage final paper. I was wrong. After a couple of weeks dedicated to researching and outlining in class with full support from my English teacher, Mr. Altamirano, I could see all the pieces of the writing process coming together. While completing the first draft of my essay, with tons of sources and outlines scattered on the couch, I realized that ten pages were not enough. I no longer perceived writing as a requirement for English class; writing instead became a form of expressing my argument on topics that I value. The following excerpt is an example of my argument on one of these topics: Voices granted to minorities by political advancements towards equality are silenced by social oppression. Minorities in the United States have, little by little, gained political and economic opportunities equal to those of the majority social groups. This, however, has never stopped people from trying to diminish the positive impacts of these opportunities. For example, many government programs created to benefit American society have been used to disempower and oppress.

This is the case with redlining. A government program designed to mobilize the economy instead laid the foundation for redlining, the practice of denying loans and mortgages to people based on their race or ethnicity, an oppressive practice that continues to harass American minorities today. And so redlining, a practice which remains alive to this day, has had lasting negative effects on those subjugated by perpetuating willful marginalization. This excerpt best exemplifies my argument regarding the issue of redlining. First, I began my essay with an attention-grabbing statement which introduces the broad ideas to be conveyed in the essay. Second, the brief background information becomes more specific in each sentence until the final statement: the argument to be supported throughout the entire essay. I learned that the writing process serves a very specific purpose, and that is gathering all the individual components of the essay and facilitating the process of combining them to create a finished product. I have also learned that writing is not merely an academic requirement, but a form of expression.

“Voices granted to minorities by political advancements towards equality are silenced by social oppression." IMPACT WINTER 2017

EXPLORING INJUSTICE: AN IDEA ON WRITING Throughout this process, which my peers and I have gone through countless times at this point, I’ve learned that writing pertains much more to creativity and its connection to the art of argumentation and research. What stuck with me all this time, as was stated frequently by my English teacher, is that essay writing is the medium through which complex ideas can be conveyed to others.

Alan Cepeda: AROUND THIS TIME LAST YEAR, I could not fathom attempting to write an extended essay before the International Baccalaureate Programme was implemented. I needed work in the “support your argument” department, and could not seem to achieve this despite all the thesis work I did. To be frank, I wasn’t sure if I understood how to prove my thesis even while writing this essay. I spent hours upon hours in class and after school, staring at a screen, only trying to create a thesis complex enough to cover multiple facets of the points I was trying to make from my research. Through time and effort, the project came together as I continued to trudge forward with the help of my English teacher and peers. The excerpt I chose is the paragraph that contains the foundation for my essay. The aforementioned platform revolutionized the way the world engages in business affairs on both a local and global level. From recruiting employees to gathering data on competitors, the ways that businesses utilize the Internet are numerous, as are the benefits of the Internet to the business community. The right to privacy is the protection against having a society in which the government completely controls the people’s lives, and requires the government to protect individuals from privacy invasion by other people, thus being essential to human dignity and autonomy in all societies around the globe. Many people are not concerned about their privacy and feel that they have nothing to hide, but privacy is not just about concealment and anonymity. The right pertains to self-possession, independence and integrity. The concept allows us to entail which details of our personal lives are private. One has the right to determine what kind of information is taken about them, and what the purpose of that information will be. Under the Fourth Amendment, all citizens are gifted freedom from unauthorized intrusion. Hence, privacy is a fundamental right and can be shown through the actions most governments around the world have taken to preserve this right. Governments have sought to protect citizens in their creed as it is recognized that every human being should be protected from intrusions of any sort. This paragraph is the best example of raw argumentative writing in my essay. First, the topic of privacy invasion was chosen because it relates to us more than it ever has as technology continues to evolve in this day and era. Second, this paragraph argues the importance of privacy, effectively synthesizing all that there is to this fundamental right. 72

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Ben Du: “TWO THOUSAND WORD MINIMUM?!” were my exact words when I found out about the requirements of my final English project. I was a 10th grader. Not a college student. Though, I figured that this was what I was being prepared for throughout the entire year. And on the bright side, the topic was any injustice that I felt strongly enough about to write this large of a paper. I began to explore my options. After crossing out several ideas, I realized I grew up the only boy in a house full of women. I knew about things that I was supposed to learn at thirteen by the age of eight or nine. This also meant that I adopted some of the views and ideals of the women in my household. For this reason, I chose to write about the topic of sexism in the media and how it could be fixed. Suddenly, two thousand words didn’t seem so difficult to achieve. The excerpt I chose is the paragraph that I felt best reflected my argumentation, my newly found analytical skills, and the extensive research that I did to support my claim. Though, simple viewership is not what triggered the implementation of these gender roles. Generally, when watching a

EXPLORING INJUSTICE: AN IDEA ON WRITING show or a movie, viewers can easily find a character that they can relate with, which according to Jacqueline Coombe and Shannon N. Davis, is an “essential part in absorbing the message of television programming” (209). Then, through consistent viewership, viewers will adopt the opinions and behaviors of those characters that they relate to. This was the case for several Americans during this time. As aforementioned, these television shows emulated real life scenarios and situations for Americans living in the post-World War II era. Essentially, every family had an on-screen counterpart, due to a popular idea during this time known as The Nuclear Family. This was the rubric, or standard, of a family during this time. It consisted of a working father, a housewife mother, and two kids, who were most commonly seen as a brother and a sister. Thus, members of society adopted the behaviors and ideals that they had seen on television and deemed it as normal, effectively creating and reinforcing gender roles. This paragraph is what I feel to be my best example of argumentative writing. In accordance with the topic of my paper, this paragraph provides a reason for the growth of sexist ideals that dates back to as early as the World War II era. It also gives an explanation as to how and why this took effect, effectively showing the research and analyzing I did to complete this paper. After writing this research paper, I learned more about the writing process. I cannot just copy and paste from articles and try to offer mediocre commentary. I must be analytical and purposeful with my writing. Overall, this project helped me to become a better writer, and I’m excited for the Extended Essay (an essential part of the IB diploma program) as it will allow me to further explore my interests and writing.

Daphne Uribe: LOOKING BACK AT WHAT I’VE WRITTEN, I’ve noticed recurring trends based on my subject matter and style, and wondered how I could connect them to a research report. With the help of my teacher and other IDEA staff, I quickly drew parallels between research and narrative writing. Both genres describe a specific issue and use language in creative ways to capture the interest of the reader. In this case, I chose a topic I was passionate about: the inclusion of minorities in film. With a vigor and determination to immerse myself and the reader into the details of this issue, I meticulously concocted the right blend of words and phrases in my head, and poured them out onto the paper: Diversity is needed to combat the stereotypes often present in films, and it should be enforced through the creation of industry policies, quotas, and government regulation. Industry policies help regulate the diversity in film through diversity initiatives that keep track of minority counts in film crews and casts. These initiatives are important in that they “force everyone to be aware of systematic oppressions” that minorities have to face in the cinematic industry (Gamble Where). Quotas would also help in that they require a certain number of minorities in casts and crews in movie studios, preferably with “50% women and 38% people of color” (Annenberg Inclusion). An example of quotas in the film industry would be Sweden’s 50/50 quota of female and male directors of which has been successful and very inclusive to date. Government regulation would indeed be useful, too, as “the whiteness of American movies seems proof enough that moviemakers openly

and consistently violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin” (Dargis Hollywood). With these suggestions in mind to stop the spread of harmful stereotypes, diversity may be fully embraced if only these regulations were put into action. This excerpt encapsulates the essence of my writing; in describing the perils of the exclusion of minorities in the cinematic industry, I bring about a solution that, though used infrequently, has been proven to work. I launch into the characteristics of these quotas, reaching for books and websites splattered around my desk and on my desktop to provide the evidence needed to convey their importance. Lastly, I decorate all this information with ornate words, so that they shimmer and shine to help the reader reflect upon the use of quotas in solving the issue of diversity on the silver screen. Furthermore, my written work has certainly motivated me to pursue the development of my linguistic skills. Pouring through and analyzing any text, whether it be a classical novel, news article, or song lyrics, has filled me with an innate appreciation for the language arts. I can only continue to practice for now, using class assignments and an upcoming International Baccalaureate extended essay as mediums through which I can reveal my ideas and ambitions by harnessing the power of writing. We hope you enjoyed our students’ work. We’re proud of what our students wrote last year in the 10th grade, but quality writing and writing instruction isn’t just happening in Brownsville. Throughout the entire district at every grade level, students are pushed to think and write creatively and persuasively. Making it to and through a four-year college or university requires effective writing skills, and IDEA teachers and counselors are preparing students at every step of the odyssey.

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A Truly Personal Statement Personal statements are an essential piece to a great college application. MY TEACHERS, COLLEGE COUNSELORS, FAMILY and friends advised me on crafting my statement. Some of the advice they gave me was to let my personality and my passions shine through. I am excited to send this essay to college admissions offices across the country, so they can get a sense of who I am and what my dreams are.

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Get To Know Macy Name: Macy Contreras Grade: 12th Favorite food: My mom's cooking, my dad's grilling, & pizza Dream College: St. Edward's University

The royal blue tape was placed at the edges of the thick piece of paper designed with various calm colors. Yellows, greens and blues shaped the emotion of the artwork. The Green Jay was perched in its natural habitat with tranquility flowing down its elongated tail, clearly expressing the dedication it took to create such a piece. Once the tape was taken off, and the piece was examined by viewers. The realization set in for both creator and teacher: this was the best she had done. This masterpiece was going to make it into IDEA’s Give Me 5 silent auction, sold for a good cause, and, an experience she, the artist, would never forget. I AM THAT ARTIST. Taking a step back, I see how much I’ve grown since I first picked up a paint brush. The lonely, fatherless child had begun to watch shows on Toonami which would come on after Cartoon Network finished, and the show I was most drawn to was Dragon Ball Z. I marveled at the style of the cartoonist’s animation and was in awe. I aspired to draw like that one day. I started with mimicry, as great artists often do. I pushed myself to imitate a picture at the very least, and it quickly became an obsession. I constantly wanted to surpass my current skills and ignored discouraging words from peers. I focused on the positive encouragement of teachers and my family, and used my life as the material I'd set to the canvas. My life was an outline, a rough draft of what was to come in the future no matter what happened in the past. While taking myself to another world, I eventually made friends, and they gave my canvas even more color. With each friend a new character was created, a blur in the background or the most vibrant color. Now, I know that the the connections I lose or gain prove their worth in many ways, adding further detail on to this grand masterpiece of my life. Having this perspective on my life has allowed me to overcome the challenges in my life. Now, as I step into the next realm of college, I know that the masterpieces will continue to grow in complex levels. I am the works I produce, and my sense of identity will be woven carefully within them. It is up to me to continue to build on each new experience. Each new step I take will be a new brush stroke on the canvas of my life. I am grateful for the people and experiences that have shaped my masterpiece so far, and I look forward to adding the new colors that a college experience and degree will add to my painting.

Macy Contreras 12th grade IDEA College Preparatory Weslaco

“I pushed myself to imitate a picture at the very least, and it quickly became an obsession." IMPACT WINTER 2017

By Luna San Miguel, 5th grader at IDEA Weslaco Pike Academy

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 Holiday wishes and work from proud IDEA Allan & IDEA Bluff Springs Academy scholars.

THE JOURNEY DOESN’T END HERE! Visit ideapublicschools.org/impact-magazine for an interactive IMPACT experience on the web.