Page 2..…………………...…..………Spotlight on Youth Page 5……………….…....……GAME ON Birmingham Page 9……..……....……………………...……Tech Corner
AUGUST / 2015
William A. Bell, Sr., Mayor Cedric D. Sparks, Sr., Executive Director 1608 7TH AVENUE N | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 | PH: (205) 320-0879 | FAX: (205) 297-8139 | www.bhamyouthfirst.org
UPCOMING EVENTS August 5, 2015
August 7-9, 2015
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ALABAMA 2015 BACKFOR BIRMINGHAM CITY TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX STUDENTS HOLIDAY For more info: (205) 231-4600
For more info: (866) 576-6531
It was another successful year for the Kids and Jobs program! After a summer of hard work, pay day finally arrived. The City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) proudly awarded certificates of completion along with paychecks in July to the hundreds of young people who participated in the program this summer.
August 8, 2015
MOTIVATIONAL SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY
August 8, 2015
August 22, 2015
19TH ANNUAL 1ST ANNUAL EVO 5K FIT R.E.S.P.E.C.T. BACK-TOCHALLENGE 8:00am—12:00pm SCHOOL RALLY Linn Park
11:00am—2:00pm
12:00pm—3:00pm
Roosevelt Community Center
More Than Conquerors Faith Church
For more info: (205) 324-8797
For more info: (205) 322-2644
For more info: (205) 936-9679
professionals in finance, marketing, legal services, medical, education and nonprofit services fields. Kids & Jobs is designed to help cultivate the professional development necessary for youth and young adults to become an integral part of the workforce.
Birmingham youth received the opportunity to work with several city companies such as the Birmingham Police Department, WBRC/FOX 6, D1 Sports, Birmingham Athletic Partnership and Alabama Splash Adventure. Others experienced shadow opportunities with some of Birmingham’s seasoned
In addition to the professional experience obtained, the young people also had the opportunity to connect with professional employees throughout the city of Birmingham. DYS congratulates all of our Kids and Jobs participants on a job well done! Be sure to get those resumes ready for next year!
August 8th 12:00pm - 3:00pm More Than Conquerors Faith Church Don’t miss the 20th Annual R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Back to School rally beginning at 12:00pm on Saturday, August 8th, at More Than Conquerors Faith Church. We’re giving away book bags filled with school supplies on a first-come first served basis! There will be free food, rides, inspiration, and entertainment for all. The YWCA is in need of volunteers for their after school enrichment program.
The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (Respect Every Single Person Ever Created Today) Organization is a community based youth outreach program.
Our focus is on the moral and academic state of the youth in schools throughout this city, state and nation. Since our inception in 1994 we have endeavored to mentor and challenge students to respect every man's purpose, as we instill within them-character, integrity and moral stability. For more information, visit www.mtcfc.org.
This program gives children living in community shelters the extra attention and support they need during
with caring, adult mentors who have been thoroughly screened and trained.
the school year. Volunteer tutors work with elementary and middle school children on homework, reading skills, classroom projects and special events. Volunteers must complete the volunteer training program and have good interpersonal skills with children and adults. For more info: ywcabham.org or CLICK HERE
IMPACT Mentoring is a program of IMPACT Family Counseling. IMPACT Family Counseling has provided professional counseling services to “atrisk” youth and their families in Birmingham, Alabama since 1991. IMPACT was a grass roots initiative founded in 1991 to intervene and prevent youth from entering a life of crime. IMPACT Mentoring provides one-on-one mentoring services to children in the Jefferson County area who have been impacted by incarceration or children with disabilities through matching them
The vision that created IMPACT Family Counseling and the services that have been provided since its inception makes IMPACT uniquely suited to administer a mentoring program for children in need. IMPACT has a thorough enrollment and matching process to ensure that every young person receives the best guidance possible. For more information, visit www.impactmentor.org.
students with homework, reading, math, drama, dance, music, chess and cultural arts, says Rev. Vee Crockrom, executive director of JJ's Freedom Center.
By Chanda Temple
Two West End Academy rising second graders recently received top awards at the PUSH Excel 2015 Inspirational Speech contest in Chicago.
"They had to speak before hundreds of people, and I think that's such an Ta'Nayia Edwards won first accomplishment,'' Rev. Crockrom Cayla Cain, left, and Ta'Nayia Edwards won top honors at the place after reciting "The Giving says. "They competed against PUSH National Inspirational Speech contest in Chicago. Tree,'' and Cayla Cain won children from across the second place after reciting "Democracy.'' In order to compete at nationals, both country. Hopefully, this will continue.'' students had to compete and win at the state level during a contest at Miles College this summer. Ta'Nayia placed second and Cayla came in first at the state contest. The students, both 6, competed at nationals thanks to JJ's Freedom Center, an after school and summer program that provides enrichment programs and activities to assist
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. For more info: (205) 324-2424
Seven other Birmingham City Schools students in JJ's Freedom Center’s after school program also competed at nationals. This was the first time Alabama competed in the event.
The Kids Ultimate Fitness Challenge is the nation’s largest mobile fitness event for kids dedicated to helping keep kids healthy and active. Kids of all ages can flex their physical fitness on a 20 foot obstacle course that includes sprinting, wall crawls, and tunnel crawls. For more info: (206) 489-8056
The one day jazz festival will take place on the streets and venues of the city’s downtown Historic Fourth Avenue Business District. The Festival is a FREE community event providing first class entertainment, a diverse selection of food vendors and children's village for all to enjoy. For more info: (205) 820-9310
Birmingham youth and youth service providers gathered at the Boutwell Auditorium on Friday, July 10th for the 3rd Annual GAME ON Birmingham, the ultimate gaming experience and technology expo. GAME ON Birmingham took summer enrichment camps through the evolution of gaming with open play on over 20 classic consoles such as the Atari, original Nintendo (NES), Sega Genesis and original Playstation. It also featured open play on some of today's most popular systems including Nintendo Wii, Xbox One and Playstation 4. Competitors battled for the top spot in Mario Kart 8, Madden 2015 and Just Dance 2015. In between the competitions, gamers, GAME ON vendors and the DYS staff danced and played the day away celebrating the end of summer learning. GAME ON provided attendees with a unique opportunity to feed their love for virtual gaming while being exposed to tech education and career opportunities with its Technology Expo. Attendees got to learn about the future of electronic transportation with Alabama Power and their TESLA and BMW electronic powered vehicles! A special thanks to the event partners: Real Deal Gaming, Alabama Power - Electric Transportation, Goodfellas Gaming, McWane Science Center, Birmingham Public Library and DJ Big Sweatt of HOT1077 FM. enough to shoulder.
The first day of class is August 5th! It is time to hit the books! Birmingham City School students will head back to school on Wednesday, August 5, 2015. As summer prepares to wind down, it’s time to get ready for a new school year. Buying notebooks and scoping out sales is the easy part. So how can you help your child(ren) make a smooth transition back to class? 1. Re-Establish School Routines Use the last few weeks of summer to get into a school-day rhythm. Practice getting up and getting dressed at the same time every morning. 2. Nurture Independence Get your student(s) ready for independence by talking ahead of time about responsibilities he's old
3. Set Up a Time and Place for Homework Head off daily battles by making homework part of your child’s everyday routine. Establish a time and a place for studying at home. 4. After-School Plans You might find an afterschool program through the school itself, a local YMCA, or a Boys and Girls Club. 7. Attend Orientations to Meet and Greet Schools typically hold orientation and information sessions before the start of each academic year. These are good opportunities for you to meet the teachers, the principle and other key players 8. Talk to the Teachers
When you talk to your child’s teachers, ask about their approach to homework. Some teachers assign homework so kids can practice new skills while others focus on the accuracy of the assignments they turn in. Ask for the dates of tests and large assignments so you can help your child plan accordingly. For more back to school tips, CLICK HERE!
YOU'RE INVITED TO AN EVENING GALA FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY—the 2015 Fairy Tale Ball, which features a live dance band, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, adult and children’s beverages, a “candy bar” and interactive entertainment. You and your family will delight in fairy tale characters, and whimsical entertainers. The setting for this year’s gala is the Cahaba Grand Ballroom. A family ticket includes access for up to 2 adults and 2 children to all entertainment and activities, heavy hors d'oeuvres and two beverage tickets. For more information, CLICK HERE.
On display at the Birmingham Museum of Art until September 6th!
01 Shrek the Musical August 1st - 4th @ Virginia Samford Theatre The VST STARS (Students Take a Role at the Samford) present a tale that takes place in a faraway kingdom turned upside down where things get ugly when an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess.
02 BabyPalooza Birmingham
In 1938 Atlanta-based artist Hale Woodruff was commissioned to paint a series of murals for Talladega College, Alabama, one of the first colleges established for blacks in the United States. Installed in the institution’s newly constructed Savery Library, the six murals portray noteworthy events in the rise of blacks from slavery to freedom. Though he painted the murals for a local audience of students and faculty, Woodruff intended their impact to reach beyond Talladega’s campus. They attracted national attention. Cultural leaders in the African American community, in particular, championed
August 15th @ BJCC Exhibition Halls For new, expectant, and hopeful parents. The expo will feature baby and maternity exhibitors, health seminars, interactive entertainment, shopping for the latest and greatest products and services and much more.
03 Birmingham City Middle School Volleyball Tournament August 28th @ Birmingham Crossplex This tournament will feature the Birmingham City middle schools. Action starts at 4:00pm on Friday, August 28.
04 17th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival August 28th—30th @ Alabama Theater 200+ movies, parties, panels, workshops, music, food and
more. One of MovieMaker magazine's Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World (2014)
Woodruff’s murals, adopting the project as a statement of pride and hope for racial equality. Today the murals remain symbols of the centuries-long struggle for civil rights. This project, a collaboration between the High Museum of Art and Talladega College, conserves these works and presents them to a national audience for the first time. For more information, visit www.artsbma.org.
and sponsored by a NABF member association
Being an athlete requires a lot of time and dedication. Some students are able to secure athletic scholarships from the college or university they will be attending, but others are not. Luckily there are some scholarships out there specifically for students who participate in sports. Jaime Horn Memorial Softball Scholarship Sponsor: The Babe Ruth League Amount: $1,000 Deadline: Sept. 1 Description: Scholarship is open to high school senior girls who played Babe Ruth League softball. NABF Scholarships Sponsor: National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) Amount: $1,000 Deadline: Sept. 1 Description: Scholarship is open to students enrolled in an accredited college or university in good standing. Applicant must be a current participant in a league properly sanctioned
The First Tee Scholars Program Sponsor: The First Tee Amount: $2,500 Deadline: Jan. 8 Description: Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who is a junior golfer of The First Tee who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and community involvement. Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Sponsor: Wendy’s Restaurants Amount: Varies Deadline: Oct. 2 Description: Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who have participated in one of the 43 sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games or the National Federation of State High School Associations and sponsored by their school. Applicant must have a GPA of at least 3.0. For more info, visit jlvcollegecounseling.com/
August 22nd Linn Park Birmingham! It’s time for the 5k to EVOlve! On Saturday, August 22nd, Curtis Starks, founder and owner of EVO Befit, will partner with Children’s of Alabama to bring you and the City of Birmingham the first ever EVO 5k Fit Challenge.
(such as jump ropes, tire runs, walking lunges, etc.) represent the fitness challenges. The event will consist of a standard 5K run that begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by 6 waves that will include Fit Challenges throughout the course. The first wave starts at 9am with a wave starting every 30 minutes. The Kid’s Fun Zone will be located in Linn Park where there will be a fitness obstacle course and games for the kids.
This is the first 5k of its kind to hit For more info: http://www.evofit5k.com our city. What makes this 5K different? Unlike previous 5K’s held in Birmingham, The EVO 5K Fit Challenge event includes race waves with exercise challenges throughout its course. Exercise stations “Success is not final, failure is not
fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchhill
Flourish or fail, Sink or sail, Fly or fall, Never give up. Sometimes - Get tired, Always - Be inspired, Forever - Keep going, Never give up. – Sankeithia Sellers
San-San Says: ALWAYS PERSEVERE
Caesar Chess and Alabama Power Company presents the 4th Annual Back-to-School Scholastic Chess Tournament for area K—12th graders. The tournament will be broken down into three sections:
Rated: Rook (K-12) and Not Rated: Novice (6th—12th) and Primary (K—5th). Registration is FREE and open to all Birmingham area youth. All participating players must have knowledge of chess rules. For more information, contact Caesar Chess at CaesarChess@yahoo.com or (334) 868-0271.
Growing girls have lots of questions— about their bodies, their feelings and relationships. But their friends may be misinformed, and they may not feel comfortable asking adults. Introduce them to GirlsHealth.gov.It has straight talk for girls on health and body image, drugs and alcohol, relationships, safety, bullying, and more. And it’s information you can trust, grounded in science and free of ads pushing beauty products or misleading messages.
With the school year underway, remember to sign up for the Birmingham City School District’s Text Messaging Service. The service will enhance communication by allowing us to deliver important information to parents and students via SMS text messaging. This service is not intended to replace existing means of communication – rather it will enhance them. The service is provided by SchoolMessenger. Information can be found at www.SchoolMessenger.com/tm. The district will use the service only to provide information that is timely and relevant. In order to participate in the new service you must indicate your willingness to receive text messages to your phone. The process is simple and only takes a few seconds to complete. Simply text any one of the following words to the number 68453: subscribe, option, yes. You’ll know you were successful if you receive the following reply message: You are registered to receive aprox 3 msgs/ mo. Txt STOP to quit, HELP for help.