Black History Brain Bowl: How Black history

Black History Takes Center Stage in Hillsborough Schools

by Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Who is Barack Obama? Who is George Washington Carver? Who is the Father of Black history?

On a Wednesday afternoon two days before winter break, about 40 students gathered in the media center at Chiles Elementary School to answer those questions, and many more. They are members of Chiles’ Black History Brain Bowl Team. Hillsborough County Public Schools joined forces with the Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE) to create the Black History Brain Bowl. Each school in Hillsborough County creates a team, and during January and February, these teams compete against one another in Black History trivia. Chiles took it one step further, however. It had so much interest that the school created several teams that will compete against each other in a school-wide competition. Linda Rosen and Jasmin Brown are both teachers at the school and the team’s co-sponsors. “I think this team is important,” Rosen says. “I think the students need to have good role models and learn about history. They need to feel pride. They’re learning about Black scientists, educators, and inventors. I see the pride in the students’ faces and it makes me very happy.” Brown agrees: “Having wide diversity in our school, this allows students to learn more about their heritage and gives them a chance to see themselves in these important people. The team meets once a week after school for an hour. They have discussions, take notes, use flash cards and even play Black History Jeopardy! Arwa Ahmed is a 5th grade student at Chiles and captain of the competition team that will compete in the district-wide Black History Brain Bowl. “I joined the team because it’s really fun to learn more about African American heroes that helped us form this world,” she said. “My favorite person is Harriett Tubman. I love learning about her. She really helped change this world in a lot of ways.” It's those types of comments that make all the work worthwhile for Ms. Rosen and Ms. Brown. “It’s important that students learn about the contributions of Black History young,” Rosen states. “If you feel pride in where you come from and who you are, you’re going to have a better chance at being successful in life.” For Ahmed, that success begins now. “I think we are going to win the first-place trophy at the district competition,” she says. “Just like we did last year!” The finals of the Black History Brain Bowl for elementary, middle and high schools will be held Feb. 11 at Middleton High School.

To learn more about the Brain Bowl and Black history in Hillsborough County Public Schools, visit our website.

(VISUAL, PERFORMING, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1355; hillsboroughschools.org/muller

The only elementary magnet school to host TWO programs--arts and environmental science--Muller Magnet meets the needs of students of all interests! Daily, students experience strings, dance, music and art classes. They engage in the orchestra and rock band, performance groups and our annual musical. Students can explore the outdoor classroom, global gardens and take part in the National Honor Society and student government.

NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0801; northtampaca.com

North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA) is an accredited college preparatory private school, serving students in grades K-12. Located in Wesley Chapel on 44 acres, NTCA provides immersive on-campus education that encourages innovation through project-based learning and an engaging thematic structure. When life demands flexibility for an off-campus option, we also provide the Titan Teacher Network, a "teacher-centric" live online learning experience.

ODESSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 19521 Michigan Ave., Odessa 33556 813-792-1825; odessachristianschool.org

OCS is a Christ-focused school for motivated learners who want to dive into learning with an emphasis on mastery and application. Using inquiry, collaboration, exploration and discussion as well as field trips and travel, students gain unparalleled responsibility, experience, perseverance and confidence in learning and public speaking.

ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

3415 16th St., Tampa 33605 813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove

Be a shining star at Orange Grove, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus includes two professional dance studios, video production, visual arts with a MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites. We help our students prepare for their next step if they choose to apply to Blake High School or to hone their skills so they can "wow" their families. Our kids get a well-rounded education.

PEPIN ACADEMIES | pepinacademies.com 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa 33610; 813-236-1755 9304 Camden Field Parkway, Riverview 33578; 813-533-2999 7710 Osteen Road, New Port Richey 34653; 727-233-2961

Pepin Academies are non-profit, tuition-free, independent public charter schools serving students with learning and learning-related disabilities. Qualified as Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Center schools, we provide a diversified curriculum driven by the student’s needs in a positive educational environment, as well as a transitional job training program for post-high school students who choose to defer receipt of their diploma.

PINELLAS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo 33771 727-536-3600; pinellasprep.org

Pinellas Preparatory Academy is a high performing, "A" rated, tuition free K-8 public charter school. Besides our strong academics, you will find a culture of strong character and community. The school focuses on developing the talents of each student, while emphasizing high academic standards.

PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa 33619 813-671-5110; hillsboroughschools.org/progressvillage

We are proud to offer the largest dance and culinary arts programs in Hillsborough County. We're routinely recognized as a Magnet School of America national award winner and show our craft to organizations and events around the district. Students can try exciting electives such as Costume and Fashion Design, orchestra, journalism and more. The spotlight shines on students at Progress Village. Enrollment: 441 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 500 Class-Size: varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $13,745 - $18,230

Enrollment: 70 max Class-Size: 20-25 max Grades: K-12 Tuition: $10,500 - $12,000

Enrollment: 521 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,200+ students between three campuses Class-Size: 13:2 Grades: 3-12 and a Transition Program for ages 18-22 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 800 Class-Size: K-3 18, 4-8 22 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 824 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE