October 2011, Issue 5
GoldenEagle the
“Learning today, Leading tomorrow -We make the connection.”
The official newspaper of A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy [ www.awbrown.org ]
District News
Let’s F.L.Y.
Let’s F.L.Y.
The “FLY Guys” introduce the A.W. Brown uniform hand sign for immediate communication, quietness, and control.” By: i’shaGAINES
A.W. Brown has implemented a communication and control system to better help quiet students and staff. A team of five teachers and teacher’s assistants called the “FLY Guys” created the sign as a means to unite both campuses and all grade levels. Students, teachers, and staff members can use the FLY signs at any point in the hallways, cafeteria, classrooms, etc. A video presentation highlighting the expectations and purpose of the hand signal was presented to staff members in September. The video showed the District News
use of sign language, where the hand signs can be used verbally and non verbally. The signs used were, the letters F, L, and Y. The letter F was chosen as the main hand sign. The three fingers of the letter F remind students/staff to respond with three steps so they can ‘Focus, Listen and Yield’ into academic excellence at AWBFLA. Meaning: “Let’s FLY” means to extend your arm while raising the letter F in sign language. When the letter F is lowered it means to Focus. The following letters L and Y stand for Listen and Yield.
To check out the video presentation of the FLY sign, log onto to www.awbrown.org Extracurricular
Do You Hear What I Hear? These Three Women Expansion survey solicits parent responses. By: i’shaGAINES
AWB-FLA is set to expand to 7th grade in the 2012 2013 school year and then to 8th grade the following year. Notices went out to parents to participate in a survey at the beginning of year. Parents were asked to check yes, if they felt A.W. Brown should lease the Toys-R-Us/Mervyn’s/Mall area for the next 3 to 4 years until a permanent facility is built at the AWB-FLA Duncanville property. The expansion survey also said that students in the Pre-K4 grade level could be better accommodated if some grade levels were moved. While we’re waiting for the tedious details to be ironed out, we’re looking forward to great things to come.
Women staff members head new extracurricular activities. By: dorothyGENTRY
The passions of three staff members and an on-going quest to continue enriching the lives of its students both academically and culturally, has resulted in the addition of two new extracurricular activities at AWB-FLA. Golden Eaglettes The Golden Eaglettes Dance Team is a new dance team sponsored by Shae’La Scales, special services assistant and Anika Maiden, reading intervention teacher, which will expose its participants to various types of dance. The girls will be learning multiple dance styles and performing at school programs as well as outside events and competitions. Auditions were held shortly after school began with more than 50 students performing a short
Technology
Universal Hand Sign & Control System.
F
L
Y
Illustration by Bianca Bodwin, Pre-K Dept.
Focus on Me:
“Requires Immediate Attention”
Listen to Me “Requires Active Attentiveness”
Yield to Instructions: “Requires Adherence to given Instructions”
dance routine in front of a panel of judges to Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls).” Chosen for the team were: Alexandria Culpepper, Kiara Johnson, Terah Johnson, Ciara LeBlanc, Clarke Lott, Philan Morgan, Jazmyn Gaspard, Rayven Joubert, Samirah Skeeter, Kennedi Griffin, Nicole Curtis, Tiyana Ford, Kennah Burleson, Jewels Armstrong, Liyah Williams, A’Rayon Washington, Kiera Paige, Alanna Lockett. “I believe those girls selected will benefit greatly from participating,” said Ms. Scales, whose passion for dance and children led to the creation of the dance team. “This is more than just a dance team; they will receive professional training in various dance styles such as ballet, modern jazz, hip hop, African and liturgical (praise dance). They also will gain valuable performing experience, and become more culturally aware by attending professional dance and theatrical performances,” she said. ...continued on Pg.11
The elementary campus has upgraded its computer lab to Macintosh mini computers. Are we so very thankful? Oh, Yea! Check us out: www.awbrown.org
What’s
INSIDE
Holy Smokes!
With a pit and an extra 13 hours, an AWB-FLA parent BBQ’s the old school way.
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Student Files
Student reporters report about AWB-FLA Homecoming, Constitution Week, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
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On to Grambling...
Grambling State Cheerleaders put on a flying performance at AWB-FLA.
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In Our World
The GoldenEagle gets an up close and personal picture of the new MLK Memorial in Washington D.C.
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Staff Spotlight:
Editor: i’shaGAINES, Pre-k 4 Teacher igaines@awbrown.org
News Editor:
jaquinSIMS, 6th grade student eaglereporters@gmail.com myrondaSOWELL, Pre-k 3 teacher msowell@awbrown.org Contributors: Brenda Daniels, Madison Shaw
Cartoonists: Devonte Moore, Billy Thomas III, Jeremiah Bodwin Photographers: Various Staff members at AWB-FLA Design: ishaGAINES, igaines@awbrown.org
Advertising:
ishaGAINES, igaines@awbrown.org
Oops, we’re sorry!
Sometimes we make mistakes. Here are the corrections below:
Editor’s Note: The Eagle
Michelle Briscoe sees all of life - challenges, disappointments, victories, triumphs and more - through a unique set of eyes; literally. The newest member of the A. W. Brown family is a popular, local Bible Study leader, fluent speaker in Russian, wife and mother of two adult sons, and she has an eye disease – or ‘visual challenges’ she calls them - that has resulted in several surgeries and requires her to use a magnifying glass to see clearly. After 18 years of normalcy with her sight, Dean Briscoe began experiencing an inflammation of the iris and retina, making any kind of light very painful. “I just woke up one day and the light hurt, she said. Doctors were able to get it under control and all was well until the late 1990s. “A blood vessel broke in the middle of my retina and it formed scar tissue on the retina of my right eye,” she explained. Then in 2003 she began experiencing problems with her left eye. She eventually had cataract surgery and now has limited vision that requires both her glasses, which she has always worn, and a magnifying glass. “Glasses make things clearer but not better,” said Dean Briscoe, who has routine doctor visits for check-ups. The disease grew from a fungus found in the south near the Ohio and Mississippi River Valley where her mother grew up and she spent summers.
True Visionary: Michelle Briscoe
Staff Writers:
bjDUNN, 4th grade student eaglereporters@gmail.com ShimeseFLOWERS, TA Pre-k 3 sflowers@awbrown.org ebonyKENNEDY, 6th grade student eaglereporters@gmail.com marissaMOORE, Pre-k 4 teacher mmoore@awbrown.org philanMORGAN, 6th grade student eaglereporters@gmail.com
A.W. Brown parent cooks up some ‘smokin’ hot treats.
By: dorothyGENTRY
Marc Morrow, Cynethia Belton, Alex Kurian, Benny Dunn
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Holy SMOKES!
New Dean of Administration is a true visionary.
dorothyGENTRY, 4th Grade Teacher dgentry@awbrown.org
Copy Editors:
Parent Spotlight
By: i’shaGAINES
It started out as just something to do on the weekends, but after purchasing a BBQ pit and getting his food handlers license, Ken Shackelford, owner of the Brisket “Shack” BBQ Kiosk, has it made in the shade. “It started out as something to do on the weekends, but it’s kinda grown Photo by: Dorothy Gentry into something more,” Shackelford While the disease may be said. “People just like it when I cook.” limiting to some, Dean Briscoe sees You can spot him and his crew off it as yet another way to share her the service road of Interstate 35 strong faith and magnify Jesus. in Desoto in the Ross Retail Store “My whole life I’ve always parking lot. With approval from the been taught to depend on God,” city, Shackelford said his contacts saw said A.W. Brown’s new dean of how serious he was about starting his administration. “So when this business and fully supported him. happened it didn’t really matter. God What makes Shack’s BBQ stand out has allowed it.” is that it’s BBQ’d old school where he “My whole life is a miracle so smokes the BBQ over night for 13 to I’m not going to whine,” Dean Briscoe 14 hours. continued. “Of course I wish I could “A lot of people don’t BBQ old school see (better), but that’s not my reality. anymore,” he said. “Most restaurants Ms. Briscoe, a former teacher boil their meat so that it can cook who has served in Dallas ISD for faster.” the last 17 years, said she always Shackelford said he’s always loved admired A.W. Brown from afar and to cook and that many of friends was attracted by three things that frequently ask for his catering “made me, without a doubt, want to services, where he cooks food like join the A.W. Brown family. fried fish or homemade chicken “First I was aware that God strips. Good for him, the “Shack”, was here. Second I was keenly aware already had a fan base before he that God called me to be here,” she began selling his BBQ. said. “And lastly it was the whole Recently, the “Shack” has received package; the mission, the vision, a contract to cater concessions at the leadership, the fellowship, the Friday night football games for the testimonies, the training and the Dallas Independent School District. support for teachers and students… It doesn’t stop there; Shackelford it was all so amazing,” she said. is a parole officer and father. His “Could such a wonderland exist in the children attend AWB, another claim middle of urban Dallas.” he was proud to make. Shackelford “It was like a dream come true!” volunteered at Daddy Daycare last year where he was “overworked.” ...continued on Pg. 8 Willfully he said he would do it all over again. He plans to volunteer again this year.
Hope you’re just as excited as we are, about the first issue of the ‘11 -‘12 school year! This issue is a glimpse V.I.P. changes and additions our campus has underwent and will soon undergo. We are appreciative of the exciting of ourScrapbook administrative staff and how they’ve encouraged us along the way. Gratefully, at AWB-FLA, we continue to grow and with the new additions to the AWB-FLA mission statement, our eyes can be set on a new prize as we embrace the old ones. Our newspaper staff has grown as well. Together we can cover the news that’s important to our school community. In this issue we’ve added the “In Our World” and “The Student Files” sections. The new student reporters are unbelievably excited about journalism and the picture that reporter Melissa Moore’s mother took for us in Washington D.C.(Pg. 7) is nothing short of amazing! But don’t take our word for it, let us know what you think. At anytime, we’re happy and available to listen! -I’sha Gaines, Editor-n-Chief igaines@awbrown.org
Contact Ken Shackelford The Brisket “Shack” 214.680.8051 Brisketshack@gmail.com Photo by: I’sha Gaines
GoldenEagle.... theCREW
Owner Ken Shackelford and cousin pose next to BBQ pit.
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy Student Reports
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www.awbrown.org
The Student Files:
Three 6th grade students have joined the GoldenEagle reporting team. Here’s their take on what’s happening at A.W. Brown...
Eagles, Non-Stop
Student reports about upcoming AWBFLA Homecoming Week. By:philanMORGAN
As Homecoming week approaches, teachers, parents, and students are gearing up for the events ahead. Usually during homecoming week there are a host of events to boost the spirits of the A.W. Brown community. During this week students are allowed to dress funky, participate in pep rallies and root on parents and staff that participate in the Homecoming Football game. Benny Dunn, teacher assistant and coach of the teacher’s football team said the purpose of Homecoming week is to give the parents and teachers another way to
Rightfully Bound
Student reports about Constitution Week. By: jaquinSIMS
In Mrs. Twanna Mead’s class her students know their rights. As a part Constitution week, Mrs. Mead’s class learned The Preamble and The Bill of Rights. She gave students one week to learn the preamble and the Bill of Rights. “I feel good about the Constitution, because the kids learn more about it,” Mrs. Mead, 6th grade teacher said. Former president, George Bush, declared September 17th - September 23rd the week set aside for Constitution Week. During this week, teachers at AWB-FLA teach about the constitution and other concepts that fall under U.S. History. Our history is full of different events. One important one that reminds many people about our constitutional rights is the war in Iraq and the fight on terror. 2011 marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a sad time in our history. Thankfully at AWB-FLA we can keep the faith. Lined along one elementary hallway are “welcome back” posters students created to welcome back troops this month. As apart of the H.E.R.O.E.S project headed by Character Education Teacher, Marc Morrow, students welcomed troops with a host of handmade signs. As apart of the ‘welcome home a troop’ events that are hosted by DFW Airport, groups have the opportunity to welcome home soldiers as they visit for two-weeks of rest. Although constitution week has come to an end, what our constitution stands for
interact and celebrate alumni. “I think it lifts the spirits of the parents and staff, as well as of the students,” Dunn said. This year the game will be held at Old Panther Stadium in Duncanville on October 21st. Dwain Thompson, 6th grade Mathematics and Science Teacher, is a player on the staff football team. “I’m super excited,” said Thompson. “We get to play as a team. I love football. I love the people. I just know we are going to beat the parents.” The Homecoming Pep Rally will have several performances including the Lovely Ladiz and Golden Sigma Eagles step teams, the Pep Squad and Cheerleaders. The new Golden Eaglette Dance Team will also perform at the will never grow old. With the welcome signs still aligning the hallways, we can continue to give honor where it’s definitely due.
jaquinSIMS eaglereporters@gmail.com
What to do if...
Someone bullies you.
The GoldenEagle student reporters decided other students needed a little advice on things that are affecting the student body. Advice column #1, Bullying...
It is a part of the A.W. Brown mission statement to promote a learning environment where teachers feel safe and free to teach, but also one where students feel safe and motivated to learn. Sometimes adversaries come to hinder the school climate that AWB-FLA fosters. Bullying is one of those things. According to kidspower.org, there are 8 things students can do to face bullying with confidence. 1. Walking with Awareness, Calm, and Confidence “Awareness, calm and confidence means keeping one’s head up, back straight, taking assertive steps, looking around, having a peaceful
Homecoming Pep rally. Shae’ La Scales, special services assistant and founder of the Eaglette’s dance team, said she’s pleased the dancers are excited about their possible performance. I wanted to start a dance team to give the girls in grades 3rd – 6th another [after school activity]. “I wanted to use the group to promote self-confidence and self-discipline,” Scales said. Clarke Lott is a stepper on the Lovely Ladiz step team and is an Eaglette dancer. She said she was very excited about making the cut. “I love to dance,” Lott said. “I’ve been dancing since I was five. I felt really good because I made it. I think I did really good.” Unselfishly, this year’s lineup for the
Allllll Abroad...
Student reports about Hispanic Heritage Month. By: ebonyKENNEDY
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month set-a-side to help kids understand the Hispanic culture. This year for Hispanic Heritage month AWB-FLA will conduct individual celebrations. The celebration will be a week full of activities that teachers can do with their classes individually, Mr. Alex Kurian, 5th Grade Teacher said. The celebration of Hispanic Heritage month encourages students to learn a new language and also encourages the teachers to help students better understand their fellow Hispanic friends and staff members. Mrs. Kimberly Wright, science lab teacher, whose grandparents are from Spain said she has “Hispanic” running though her blood. She believes Hispanics are important to our culture. “I like the history of Hispanic Heritage face and body, and moving away from people who might cause trouble.” IDEA: “Show your child the difference between being passive, aggressive and assertive in body language, tone of voice and choice of words. Have your child walk across the floor, coaching her or him to be successful, by saying for example; “That’s great!” “Now take bigger steps”, “Look around you” “Straighten your back,” etc. 2. Leaving in a Powerful, Positive Way “The best self-defense tactic is called “target denial,” which means “don’t be
2011 Homecoming activities offer something for everyone. Just a friendly reminder: Don’t forget to register for Homecoming Court! Congratulations to last year’s Homecoming King, Ralph Hayes and Homecoming Queen Rayven Thurmon!
philanMORGAN eaglereporters@gmail.com
Month,” Wright said. Katie Aguilar, a 2nd grade student who speaks English and Spanish said her family is from Mexico. She said she knows they have parades in Mexico and “they have good food and celebrate!” Aguilar has even taken a trip to Mexico to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with her cousins. “[I] love to celebrate because, [I] dance to the Mariachi music and eat tacos,” Aguilar said.
ebonyKENNEDY eaglereporters@gmail.com
there. IDEA: Coach your child to veer around the bully in order to move out of reach. Remind your child to leave with awareness, calmness and confidence - glancing back to see where the bully is. Let your child practice saying something neutral in a normal tone of voice like “See you later!” or “Have a nice day!” while calmly and confidently moving away. Point out that stepping out of line or changing seats is often the safest choice. 3. Setting a Boundary “If a bully is following or threatening your child in a situation where she or he ...continued on Pg. 11
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy
Campus Events
Grandparents Day
Grandparents are honored at 2011 Grandparents Day celebration. By: shimeseFLOWERS
For the people whose names are often butchered, for those who are often the greatest baby sitters, for those who take the back and knee pain for one last hug, the Grandparents Day Celebration at AWB-FLA just doesn’t do their services justice! Humbly, we do what we can. Here at AWB-FLA, Rachel Bolden, Pre-K3 Teacher and Grandparents Day Coordinator, upholds the Grandparents Day tradition. This year the “Our Grandparents are Golden theme describes one of the many attributes of what Grandparents are. On September 16, 2011, the Golden Eagles honored the many grandparents with certificates, photos of their grandchildren, fellowship, and wonderful refreshments, but not before unselfishly engaging the students in various class projects. “The Grandparents Day Celebration is to honor and highlight our grandparents for their hard work and love they show on a daily basis to our students,” Mrs. Bolden said. Grandparents Day was founded by Marian McQuade in 1978 and then declared a National Holiday by former President Jimmy Carter. The purpose was for grandparents to impart wisdom and heritage onto their grandchildren. Retired DISD educator and Grandmother of LaMya Jordan,
Mrs. Elizabeth Jefferson delighted some Pre-K3 students as she read Bernard’s Bath. Students listened attentively as she animated each page. Of course, the day ended with many tears from the students as Papa, Nana, Granny, and Mimi departed from their classes, but lucky for some, Grandpa and Grandma were just a pick-up away.
waste. Learning does not stop in the classroom! We would like to include a special thank you to all of our parents for their support.”
Photo by: Marissa Moore
Student pose with a “special” guest at the Math and Health Fair.
Sketches: Between the Lines
Students Illustrate their summer opinions. Seeing how students feel about kicking off another school year is always amusing!
Illustration By: Jeremiah Bodwin
By: marissaMOORE On Sat. August 27, 2011, the AWBFLA elementary campus was abuzz with excitement. The annual Math and Health fair took place and was double the usual fun! Not only did the Pre-K campus parallel the overall Monopoly theme by creating a Monopoly Jr. theme for their games, but also over 22 vendors were present to pass out fliers and information to families. Additionally, the Café served boardwalk favorites such as hot dogs with chili and cheese, nachos, chips, pickles, hot links, sodas, and Frito pies.
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Opinion Section
Come on Board the Mathtastic Voyage at the 2011 Math and Health Fair!
asked how this could help benefit the children, Mr. Harmon said, “We’ve got hot chocolate as well, with the Ganoderma in it!” There was a dual benefit for vendors at the Fair. They were given a chance to market their businesses and also to receive information themselves. Sam’s Club Vision, SMU, and Geico also had a presence at the fair. To motivate students to come to the fair, a popcorn party was awarded to the teacher with the most students in attendance. Mrs. Carla Butler’s Pre-K 4C class won the competition. When asked how she encouraged her students to get involved Mrs. Butler said, “Pre-K 4C is number one! We motivate our students to always be learners. They are taught that all time is learning time, and there’s no time to
Photo by: Shimese Flowers
A grandparent reads to a Pre-K3 Class during Grandparents Day 2011.
Illustration By: Devonte Moore
It Takes Two
“That was our biggest day ever,” said Ms. Delois Linley, Assistant Cafeteria Manager. “The cafeteria sold twice the amount of food as they did last year.” For some organizations and vendors it was their first visit to A.W. Brown. They shared positive thoughts about the Math and Health Fair. “It was a good experience,” said Levoris Harmon of Organo Gold. “There was a lot of excitement and a lot of other vendors sharing information that I didn’t realize.” Harmon’s company represents an approach to leading a healthy lifestyle through the use of herbal teas and coffees. The beverages contain an herbal supplement called Ganoderma that helps detoxify and bring oxygen to the body. When
Opinion Section
Campus Events
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The Eagle V.I.P. Scrapbook
Opinion Section Continued on Pg.10
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy Campus Events
Lil’ Princesses
Dance Academy host semester sessions. By: i’shaGAINES
“Every little girl deserves to be a princess,” believes Gaylen Johnson, Director of the Dallas Black Dance Academy. In addition to her generous beliefs, she also thinks every girl deserves a dance class. So a twirling invitation to join the Dallas Black Academy is what she brought to AWB-FLA in September. Through a long-awaited partnership, dance instructors will teach the basic elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance to interested AWB girl students. Students learned to plie with a guest dance instructor on Photo by: I’sha Gaines their first day of practice. The academy will test the program for 6 weeks at AWB to gauge the participation of the students. In about 4 weeks, Johnson and the academy will assess the girls Johnson’s hopes are that the girls will become good enough to dance with the professional dance academy in a huge production at the majestic theatre. “It’s very serious,” Johnson said. “We’re very happy to offer it to you at [$45]. This is a weeding out process. Some may be involved with other activities and not have the time. ” Johnson said the academy prides itself on bridging cultures together through dance. The academy teaches many types of dances like African and Hip Hop. She said the academy also teaches life skills and the discipline the girls may need for success in their everyday lives. “We like to instill respect for others, respect for ourselves, respect for our community,” Johnson said. “All of the self-discipline they learn in dance, usually you can see it when it’s time for class.” Students will practice in the A.W. Brown auditorium. Contact Galen Johnson at g.johnson@dbdt.
www.awbrown.org
Leadership Training
Leadership Training
Letting Go
4th Grade teacher creates program for parents. By: shimeseFLOWERS
Founded on biblical principles, Project Hannah is creating a buzz at AWB-FLA. Ms. Shelley Wallace, a fourth grade teacher at A.W. Brown was inspired to follow her passion in creating and facilitating this particular project for such a time as this. The African Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” reigns true today at AWB-FLA. Project Hannah has strategically outlined a plan to equip parents to mentally prepare for letting their children go – freeing them to learn. The goal of the program is to get young parents to examine the attitude and behavior of experienced parents whose children have successfully transitioned from ‘dependent consumers’ to ‘interdependent contributors’ within their school community. Project Hannah is a social and spiritual movement designed to show parents how they can practically and effectively lead their children to a life of immeasurable significance and personal fulfillment.
I’m Every Woman
Mentoring program mentors young girls. By: dorothyGENTRY
On a Friday afternoon in September, more than 50 fifth and sixth-grade girls packed the multipurpose center to find out more about becoming women – the right way. A.W. Brown’s Girls-to-Women Mentoring Program, now in its 10th year, “is one of the most favorite parts of my job,” said program coordinator and Vice Principal Cynethia Belton. “I love to see ladies grow and develop into women.” Assisting Ms. Belton with leading the ladies in lessons on class, etiquette and self-esteem are Nurse Brenda Daniels, Lisa Martin, kindergarten teacher, Annette Wingo, third grade teacher and new Administrative Dean Michelle Briscoe. Girls-to-Women, open to fifth- and sixth-grade girls, provides an opportunity for the girls to further their social, mental and psychological development. They deal with character, class, and charisma, with a special focus and emphasis on self-worth, character, etiquette and sisterhood. Participants must serve as positive role models at all
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times and they must demonstrate leadership characteristics in and out of the classroom. “I am looking forward to watching each of you turn into women of God and I am so excited to be here,” said Ms. Briscoe. In addition to field trips and tips on etiquette and dressing for success, the girls will spend a lot of time discussing the importance of self-worth. “You are somebody,” Ms. Belton told them. “Embrace your own self-worth and know how important you are. Know that God broke the mold when he made you.” Ms. Belton said the girls will deal with sisterhood as well. “When you become a part of this program, all the girls become your sisters. We have each other’s backs; that is what sisterhood means. During the initial interest meeting Keyarius Johnson, a 10th grader at Life Charter School, a former Brown student and a graduate of the Girls-to-Women program spoke to the girls about what she learned. “While here I learned that there are a lot of people that love and support you,” Johnson said. “You need to learn to respect others and more importantly to respect yourself. Always keep a positive attitude and keep your head up.”
Photo by: I’sha Gaines
Banners on the elementary and Pre-K campus advertise Project Hannah on Wednesday nights.
Photo by: Dorothy Gentry
Girls listen to Vice Principal Cynethia Belton in a Girls-toWomen meeting.
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy
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Flying High
Grambling State Cheerleaders stop by for spirited visit on AWB-FLA “College Day”
nursing major at Grambling State said “College Day” is important so students can begin thinking about college early. Perry, radiating her school spirit said, she didn’t choose a school until the 12th grade. “We don’t want that to happen to these kids,” she said. “You don’t want to start thinking about college in high school and junior high, you need to start thinking about it now, so it’s definite that you go where you need to go.” Breian StewPhoto by: I’sha Gaines art, 6D, was encouraged after the Grambling Cheerleaders performed. Wearing a Prairie View A&M T-shirt she said she thinking going to PV like her older sister. “She’s been on the Dean’s list,” Stewart said. Stewart favorite subject is Math and she plans to be a pediatrician. Michelle Briscoe, Dean of Administration, agrees that visualization is key. She said that was the purpose of “College Day”, where the students are not merely listening to people “talk” about college, but she wanted to give them a chance to actual see other college students that they can aspire to be like. Ads sponsored by the H.E.R.O.E.S Project, Marc Morrow
Because life is more than a game. PERSEVERANCE
Grambling “flyers” stand a top fellow cheerleaders during a cheer routine. Photo by: I’sha Gaines
In college networking is extremely important. For Dean of Administration, Michelle Briscoe, having a brother that works for a college is not so bad either. As the coordinator of the AWB-FLA College Day, Briscoe and brother Coach Terry Lilly, brought the Grambling State Cheerleaders to perform on College Day.” As a part of the rally, students in extra curricular activities like the eaglettes dance team, step teams, pep squad, AWB Cheerleaders and honor choir were the opening acts for the Grambling Cheerleaders. Directors of the groups, assembled acts that displayed what to expect in futureperformances. The Honor Choir sung a quick rendition of “Oh Happy Day,” and indeed it was. Students, along with teacher staff and student danced in the crowds and cheered for their favorite groups. The host, Winfred Dalcour, alumni of Grambling State, didn’t hush the crowd for one minute. Excited himself, it’s safe to say some students were motivated to attend college. Alexandra Perry, sophomore and
Photo by: I’sha Gaines
By: i’shaGAINES
Ready...Okay! AWB cheerleader takes a photo with Grambling Cheerleader.
In Our World 6th grade student, Madison Shaw receives a little response letter from the PRESIDENT. Way to be Proactive!
From the White House with Love!
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy In Our World
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In Our World
Stone of Hope
Never to Forget 9/11 Dedication Ceremony opened in Washington D.C.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial opens in Washington, D.C., after 25 Years of fundraising and planning.
By: marissaMOORE
By: marissaMOORE
The long-awaited Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial has opened to the public in Washington, D.C., near where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. This is the first memorial to a person of color and to a non-president on the National Mall. Dr. King certainly earned his spot here among our nation’s greatest leaders through his tireless fight for equality, justice, and the right to freedom for all. “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The design of the memorial includes a gateway of two giant towers of granite representing the “Mountain of Despair” and the “Stone of Hope.” Emerging from the Stone of Hope is an image carved in Dr. King’s likeness. Etched in the “Inscription Wall” running along the perimeter of the monument are fourteen quotes from some of King’s most memorable speeches. However, none of the quotes come from the “I Have a Dream” speech. The designers of the memorial believed that it would be more beneficial to bring attention to some of Dr. King’s less well-known, but equally inspirational, speeches. The dedication of the memorial was supposed to take place on August 28, 2011, but it had to be postponed
Portion of the MLK Memorial in Washington D.C. Photo by: Betsy Heigle, Mother of reporter Marissa Moore. – Amissville, Virginia
due to the weather threat imposed by Hurricane Irene. Nevertheless, the National Park Service welcomed the Memorial as America’s 395th National Park on that day. “Forty-eight years ago, Dr. King took to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and challenged our nation to fulfill his dream of equality for all Americans,” said the National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “On the anniversary of that speech, we are proud to add the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to National Park System as a lasting tribute to this American hero. We look forward to working with the MLK Foundation to reschedule the formal dedication and hope that many of the tens of thousands of people who had planned to attend will be able to participate.” Special Thanks To: Betsy Heigle, Mother of reporter Marissa Moore, from Amissville, Virginia for stopping by the memorial to snap this great photo.
On Sunday, September 11, 2011 the 9/11 Memorial had a dedication and opening ceremony, attended by President Barack Obama as well as the families of the nearly 3,000 victims. The following Monday, for the first time, the public was able to visit the beautiful, yet solemn, 9/11 Memorial. Visitor passes must be reserved in advance through the 9/11 Memorial website, and already over 350,000 of the free passes have been requested for specific dates and times. Michael Arad, the architect who won the design competition for the memorial, said his “design is meant to convey the presence of absence.” The massive voids shaped in the footprints of the original towers hold shallow pools of water, fed by cascading waterfalls on all four sides. The nearly 3,000 victims’ names are etched in bronze. Surrounding the area where the Twin Towers once stood is a serene plaza, planted with lush swamp white oak trees, Kentucky bluegrass, and beds of ivy. At the dedication ceremony, the names of all the victims of 9/11 were read, including those who died in New York, Washington, DC, and
Shanksville, Pennsylvania. There were also several moments of silence to mark the major events that occurred on that tragic day ten years ago. Although the work on the memorial pools and walls with the victims’ names has been completed, the adjacent 9/11 Museum will not open until September 2012. Additionally, the construction of One World Trade Center is still in progress.
The Memorial Foundation has an excellent website with a special page dedicated to “Teaching 9/11.” As elementary educators, this is an excellent resource since the children we teach were not yet born when September 11 occurred. The page, http://www.911memorial.org/ teaching-guides-0, contains lesson plans, tribute art, webcasts of news coverage from that historic day, and also a page called “Talking to Children About 9/11.” This tab covers tips and talking points for parents and educators. It is important to teach children about this day in American history, while being sensitive to the frightening nature of the attacks. It is important to emphasize the roles of firefighters, policemen, and ordinary citizens who acted as heroes that day, and also the impact that day had on bringing our citizens together to grieve, heal, and rebuild.
The 9/11 Memorial opened in New York City on 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Ads sponsored by the H.E.R.O.E.S Project, Marc Morrow
Failed, failed, failed. And then... PERSISTENCE
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The 9/11 Memorial, Internet photo ‘wandermelon.com’
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy
Sound Off
Chess Club compete in summer camps and workshops. By: dorothyGENTRY
Silence. Concentration. Focus. Determination. Competition. Practice and more practice. These were the sights and sounds of summer for several members of the Kings and Queens of Chess, AWB-FLA’s award-winning chess team. Some team members spent part of their summer further enriching their chess and critical thinking skills by participating in various camps and workshops. Donovan Stiles (4E) and Kings and Queens teammate Jeremiah Bodwin (3C), attended the Dallas Young Arts Institute in Education Summer Chess Camp at George Washington Carver Elementary School.
Stiles and Bodwin were among approximately 50 students throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex who spent three weeks
Staff Spotlight:
...continued from Pg.1
Dean Briscoe’s strong faith has helped her live a life that has included the death of her parents while she was young, many years spent working in corporate American as a banker and not following her true calling to be a teacher, the aforementioned eye disease and caring for a special needs child; her youngest son, Shannon, who has cerebral palsy. “I have to have my faith. I believe God is using me to glorify Him,” she said. “If you don’t let things be your challenge, they won’t be.” She is a member of the Bible Study Fellowship International, a non-denominational, non-profit 8-year Bible study program. Currently she serves as the teaching leader for the Dallas-Cedar Hill Texas Evenings Women’s Class. She has been a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church for more than 30 years and serves as the coordinator for the Children’s Ministry Praise Dance, Jubilee and as a Deaconess. Dean Briscoe said her faith, humor, exercise and being around fun people are what keep her going.
daily learning new chess skills, movements and tricks. Their reasoning was tested, critical thinking skills enriched and learning capacity increased. “Chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen a child’s mind,” James Kemp, founding director of the YAIE said during the summer camp. “Children can develop the ability to analyze and deduce from a set of general principles to make tough decisions and to solve problems flexibly.”
Stiles’ brother and AWB-FLA graduate Louis Stiles – now a student at Bishop Dunne High School – also attended the YAIE camp.
Stiles later spent much of the month of July participating in the world-renowned University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Summer Chess Camp. Stiles, a member of the chess team for three years, won a scholarship to the Camp which helps students refine and hone their skills in this thinkingman’s game.
Armed with fresh new moves She “sharpens the saw” and stays in balance with a full schedule by staying true to her morning devotions which she “never leaves homes without. “I pray for time management,” she said. “I ask the Lord to order my schedule. I have visual challenges so things take me a lot longer. I just ask God to direct my life and my schedule and maximize my time.” She said she encourages teachers to laugh often, eat well and exercise so their bodies “are fit to endure strenuous overload. The state of education is in turmoil, not just locally but nationally,” she said. “We are definitely in a storm. But I remember when my great-grandmother used to sing this song, ‘The Storm Is Passing Over.’ No storm lasts forever.” Dean Briscoe said she loves the way A.W. Brown has and is dealing with the crisis affecting education. “Instead of fixing our eyes on the storm and reacting with paralysis and in despair, we see the storm and we are proactive in embracing our vision and executing our mission. Both (mission and vision) have been given by God,” she continued. Who can change it? God’s plan cannot be thwarted! Our responsibility as parents, teachers
and coming off of a 9-0 record in tournament action last year, the Kings and Queens Chess Team is ready for a new school year. An initial recruitment meeting has already been held with team tryouts forthcoming. The team motto, “Focus is the key to success,” is crucial in the lives of the students, on the chess table and off. Students are held to high academic standards, with routine checks of grades and academic progress. “This is a privilege that can be taken away,” said Kestin Wheeler, logistics coach for the Kings and Queens. “We care more about you getting school work done.”
“It takes a very smart and intelligent person to play chess and to be able to sit down for a long period of time, thinking and concentrating,” Wheeler said. “Chess is more than just a game; it helps with academics and with mental focus. Everything they learn here will help them in life.”
Darius Frasure, sixth-grade teacher and strategies coach for the team said a major goal this year is to encourage and administrators is to understand that we are all part of the solution,” she said. “We are partners in creating our student’s thirst for academic excellence, servant leadership, character education and discipline.” Spoken like a woman who sees life through a unique set of eyes.
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Photo by: Dorothy Gentry Members of Chess Team pose after chess tournament.
and work with students one-on-one to become better chess players and to take advantage of opportunities. “There is a whole culture of chess that is not being tapped into,” he said. “You can actually furnish your college education with chess. You just have to bring a willing mind and imagination to the game.” The Kings and Queens of Chess meet Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in room 412. For more information contact chess@awbrown.org.
All Hands on Deck
Dean Michelle Briscoe FUN FACTS:
Weaknesses: Oreo cookies, Mountain Dew, chocolate and Rudy’s Chicken Favorite Pastime: Jogging or walking and movies Favorite Book: Holy Bible Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music (I know every song!) Favorite Childhood Game: Tie between double-dutch, jump rope and Jacks Favorite Motto: His grace is sufficient for me…for His power is made perfect in weakness. Favorite Foods: Seafood, Chinese Favorite Travel Experience: Russia and Hawaii Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington – of course Favorite Artist – Israel Houghton Favorite Entertainer: The late Michael Jackson
Photo by: I’sha Gaines
Extracurricular Activities
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Auxiliary staff member and director shake hands before surprise dinner on “All Hands on Deck” day.
The Auxiliary Staff was honored as a part of the “All Hands on Deck” cleaning day. Instead of the usual helping hands, teachers and staff gave these helpful staff members the day off. Teachers and Staff cleaned hallways, classrooms and bathrooms. An additional THANKS for all you do!
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy
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ALLERGIES AND EPI PENS
Contributed by: AWB-FLA’s Nurse Brenda Daniels RN, ADN, BS Nurse Daniels speaks on how to properly use the Epipen for severe allergies. Over the past 15 years or so the number of children with food allergies increased by 18%. It is now estimated that four out of every 100 children have a food allergy; In the United States that is approximately 2.2 million school age children. There are eight types of foods that are responsible for over 90% of allergic reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish (such as shrimp), soy, and wheat. Even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause a reaction. Most people who have had an allergic reaction to something they ate thought that it was safe. In other words anyone can have an allergic reaction at any time! Allergic reactions can range from mild to extremely severe (life – threatening/anaphylaxis). So how do we help our students who have allergies to food or the environment? It takes a team effort! The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) notes, “Food allergies can be life threatening. The risk of accidental exposure to foods can be reduced in the school setting if schools work with students, parents, and physicians to minimize risks and provide a safe educational environment for food-allergic students.” Here is how they break it down:
Family and Student Responsibility:
Provide the school with updated instructions from his health care provider. Be sure medications taken at school are current and labeled.
Educate your child in self management of his/her condition. This includes knowing what allergies he has, not eating food offered by other students and when to seek help if having a reaction. Keep emergency contact
School’s Responsibility:
Be knowledgeable about and follow applicable federal laws including ADA, IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA and any state laws or district policies that apply.
Review health records submitted by parents and physicians. Include students in all school activities. Identify a core team of, but not limited to, school nurse, teacher, principal, school food service and nutrition manager/director, and counselor (if available) to work with parents and the student (age appropriate) to establish a prevention plan. Changes to the prevention plan to promote food allergy management should be made with core team participation. Assure that all staff who interact with the student on a regular basis understands food allergy, can recognize symptoms, knows what to do in an emergency, and works with other school staff to eliminate the use of food allergens in the allergic student’s meals, educational tools, arts and crafts projects, or incentives.
Coordinate with the school nurse to be sure medications are appropriately stored, and be sure that an emergency kit is available and medications are kept in an easily accessible secure location central to designated school personnel, not in locked cupboards or drawers. Students should be allowed to carry their own epinephrine, if age appropriate after approval from the student’s physician/clinic, parent and school nurse, and allowed by state or local regulations. * Allowable in Texas by - STATE OF TEXAS LEGISLATION EDUCATION CODE TITLE 2. PUBLIC EDUCATION; SUBTITLE G. SAFE SCHOOLS. CHAPTER 38. HEALTH AND SAFETY Sec. 38.015. SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION ASTHMA OR ANAPHYLAXIS MEDICINE BY STUDENTS. Review policies/prevention plan with
the core team members, parents/ guardians, student (age appropriate), and physician after a reaction has occurred. Discuss field trips with the family of the food-allergic child to decide appropriate strategies for managing the food allergy.
What is the EpiPen?
EpiPen is an injection (shot) containing epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. It works to reverse severe wheezing, severe skin itching, hives, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction (to insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens). The auto-injector device medicine comes in is a disposable single-use system that contains a spring-loaded needle. The EpiPen is also used to treat exercise-induced anaphylaxis. EpiPen auto-injectors may be kept on hand for self-injection by a person with a history of a severe allergic reaction. Some symptoms felt after use may include fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden and severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness, a feeling of passing out, wheezing, trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden problems with vision, speech, or balance. *The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. Accidentally injecting EpiPen injection into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness. If this occurs, seek emergency medical attention. There’s an APP for that! Learn more at www.epipen.com . Sources: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, www. foodallergy.org STATE OF TEXAS LEGISLATION EDUCATION CODE EPIPEN, http://www. epipen.com/how-to-use-epipen
Jiminy Cricket! Cricket Observation Lab By: myrondaSOWELL
In the fall, Texas is swarming with crickets. Parking lots, doorways, and sidewalks are filled with them. Why choose crickets for a science lab? I know it’s traditional to watch caterpillars as they turn into butterflies, but with crickets so convenient, why not observe them as well? You can pick them up in your local shopping center parking lot or you can buy them at any pet store. Here are a few ideas to use with your new cricket friends. Observation: Create science journals! Have children draw pictures of how crickets look and move. For older children, have them draw pictures and label the parts of the cricket. Reactions to Temperature: Observe how the temperature will effect the crickets’ movement. Place them in a jar to view how your crickets react in room temperature, cold temperatures (refrigerator), and hot temperatures? Do they slow down or speed up their movement?
When you have finished observing the insects, have a cricket “release party” and watch them go!
Crickets in a Jar
Be sure the school is notified of your child’s allergies and work with the school on a plan that will help your child actively participate in all school activities. Make sure his/her Food Allergy Action Plan is readily available to appropriate school staff.
information up to date.
Pg. 9 Sowell’s Sizzling Science
Sowell’s Sizzling Science is a section set aside to give parents an activity to do with their children... Knowledge is Power!
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy
AWB is once again a RECOGNIZED campus, congrats on your hard work and dedication!
To Advertise in the GoldenEagle Newspaper
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Pre-K Quotes:
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Marissa Moore interviews Pre-K4 students about what sea animal they would be. Commemorating a summer of ocean fun,they’ve said the darnest things!
Continued from Pg.4
Sketches: Between the Lines
Students Illustrate their summer opinions. Seeing how students feel about kicking off another school year is always amusing!
Illustration by Billy Thomas III
Kadence Cross (Pre-K4): “I’d be a dolphin because I like them. They’re so cute!” Kadence Cross said.
Naryah Maloney (Pre-K4):
“I would be a dolphin because it swims,” Naryah Maloney said.“I like to swim, but I don’t like big water that goes up and down.”
Donavon Howard (Pre-K4): “I would be a baby sea turtle,” Donavon Howard said. “A falcon might get me if I don’t get to the water.”
Mackenzie Colby (Pre-K4):
“I’d like to be a dolphin and have a tail to splash sharks,” Mackenzie Colby said.
Bradyn Ingram (Pre-K4):
“I’d want to be a sea turtle because I like how they crawl across the beach,” Bradyn Ingram said.
Opinion Section: Granville’s Music Class Playlist
By: i’shaGAINES
Like the power of words, the power of music can be life changing. Ms. Antoniece Granville, 2nd year music teacher at A.W. Brown not only believes in the power of music, but the power in different kinds of music. For the first 6 weeks of the 2011 – 2012 school year, students learned about a variety of music styles. Ms. Granville has compiled a list of songs for you to enjoy. The question Granville posed to her students was, “Name one featured instrument heard in each song listed.” Let’s see if you, with your child, can do the same.
Jazz:
Hip Hop:
Classical:
“All Blues” by Miles Davis “Old MacDonald” by Ella Fitzgerald
“ Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
“Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi “Surprise Symphony” by Franz Joseph Hadyn
“I play chicken with the train” by Cowboy Troy “Cotton Eyed Joe” “I’ll Fly Away” by Charlie Pride
“Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
“Victory” by Tye Tribbett “Not forgotten” by New Breed
Country:
Rock & Roll:
Gospel:
A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy 3 Women...Continued from Pg. 1
Ms. Scales, a professional dancer and member of the Dallasbased dance company, Exhibit Dance Collective, said students will also learn valuable leadership skills participating in Golden Eaglelettes. “My goal for this team and the young ladies participating is to instill an increased sense of selfconfidence and self-discipline, which are two essential character traits that any leader should possess.” Ms. Maiden agreed. “This is the first dance team at A.W. Brown and our vision is to make sure that the girls are exposed to different dance genres and encouraged to become involved,” said Ms. Maiden, a professional dancer who has loved to dance, “since I was knee-high.” “We want to help the girls build up their self-esteem and to open up to them the possibility that they truly can become a professional dancer,” Maiden said. Routine exposure to health and fitness is another key benefit of participating in the dance team. “There is so much control that is involved in some of the moves. You have to have a lot of balance doing the turns and jumps,” said Scales, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in dance from Stephens College in Columbia MO. “It also helps develop inner strength, builds up your balance and your stamina.” Current and future members of the Golden Eaglettes can thank Ms. Scales’ and Ms. Maiden’s passion for dance and children, along with courage, for having a team. A meeting with Principal Paula Brown – “who was completely supportive” – was all it took. “I met with her and expressed my idea and goals of starting a dance group and she encouraged me to get started,” Ms. Scales said. “I wanted to share my love and passion for dance with our students and expose them to the unlimited possibilities of the arts,” she said. “As a leadership academy, I believe it is our duty to encourage our students to think outside the box and expand their horizons.” Ms. Maiden, who danced from pre-school thru high school to her college days at Grambling State University and on to a professional dance group in Dallas, admits to formerly feeling insecure as a dancer. “With hard work and practice and having people to work with me, I saw I could achieve and go a long way. That is what I want
to do with these girls on the dance team,” she said. “We saw the potential in a lot of the girls who made the team and we want to work with them and build their confidence and just encourage them to go as far as they can.”For more information on the Golden Eaglettes Dance Team, contact Ms. Scales or Ms. Maiden.
Speech and Debate Team A love of speech and debate, and experience as a member of her college debate team has led to the creation of the AWB-FLA Speech and Debate Team, sponsored by Bianca Anderson, second grade teacher. “Communication is a cornerstone of great leadership, and here at A.W. Brown, we continually strive to train our students to become great leaders in all realms of life and education,” Ms. Anderson said. Ms. Anderson said after the oratorical contest last year she was “overwhelmed by the amount of students we have that are talented public speakers. This summer I began to make plans for a speech and debate team that would allow more students to express their creativity on a regular basis,” she said. Not only does speech and debate enhance our student’s public speaking and critical thinking skills, Ms. Anderson said, but by participating in the speech and debate team, “the students will also inspire their other classmates to perform with excellence when they are speaking during class, at home and in general conversation. “This speech team will give root to our theater arts department, and competitive speech and debate team in years to come,” said Ms. Anderson, who competed in speech and debate during junior high and high school, was a two- time state champion, and a nationals winner. The team is open to students in elementary grades (K-6) and gives students an opportunity to creatively express themselves while learning about different forms of public speaking such as: declamation, poetry, duet acting and debate. More than 125 students are enrolled in the speech and debate team. Students meet with their grade-level speech team once a week as practice toward participating in mini-competitions and performance showcases throughout the year. For more information on the Speech and Debate Team contact Ms. Anderson.
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What to if...Continued from Pg. 3 cannot just leave, your child needs to be able to set a clear boundary. IDEA: Pretend to poke your child in the back (do this very gently; the idea is not to be hurtful). Coach your child to turn, stand up tall, put his or her hands up in front of the body like a fence, palms out and open, and say “Stop!” Children need support to learn these skills. The idea is that your child takes charge of his or her space by moving away and, if need be, setting boundaries as soon as a problem is about to start.
4. Using Your Voice “If your child does get into a situation where somebody is trying to push or hit or knuckle her or his head, you could practice by holding your child gently and acting as if you are going to do the action gently.” IDEA: Coach your child to pull away and yell NO! really loudly. Coach him or her to say “STOP! I don’t like that!” Coach your child to look the bully in the eyes and speak in a firm voice with both hands up and in front like a fence. Teach your child to leave and go to an adult for help.” 5. Protecting Your Feelings From Name-Calling “Schools, youth groups, and families should create harassment-free zones just as workplaces should. However, you can teach children how to protect themselves from insults. Tell your child that saying something mean back makes the problem bigger, not better.” IDEA: Help your child practice throwing the mean things that other people are saying into a trash can. Have your child then say something positive out loud to himself or herself to take in. For example, if someone says, “I don’t like you,” you can throw those words away and say, “I like myself.” If someone says, “You are stupid” you can throw those words away and say, “I’m smart.” If someone says, “I don’t want to play with you” then you can throw those words away and say, “I will find another friend.” 6. Speaking Up for Inclusion “Being left out is a major form of bullying. Exclusion should be clearly against the rules at school. A child can practice persisting in asking to join a game.” IDEA: Pretend to be a bully who wants to exclude. Have your child walk up and say, “I want to play.” Coach your child to sound and look positive and friendly, not whiny or aggressive. Ask your child the reasons that kids give for excluding him or her. Use those reasons so your child can practice persisting. For example, if the reason is, “You’re not good enough,” your child
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can practice saying “I’ll get better if I practice!” If the reason is, “There are too many already,” your child might practice saying, “There’s always room for one more.” If the reason is, “You cheated last time,” your child might practice saying, “I did not understand the rules. Let’s make sure we agree on the rules this time.”
7. Being Persistent in Getting Help “Children who are being bullied need to be able to tell teachers, parents, and other adults in charge what is happening in the moment clearly and calmly and persistently even if these adults are very distracted or rude - and even if asking for help has not worked before.” IDEA: Practice being a busy adult that does want to listen to student who needs help from bullying. Teaching them to persistent and specific is getting an adult to listen to them. “Remind your child that, if the adult still does not listen, it is not his or her fault, but to keep asking until someone does something to fix the problem. Tell your child to please always tell you whenever she or he has a problem with anyone anywhere anytime. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of adults to create safe environments for the children in their lives and to be good rolemodels for our children by acting as their advocates in powerful respectful ways.” 8. Physical Self-Defense should be used as a Last Resort “Children need to know when they have the right to hurt someone to stop that person from hurting them.” Fighting is a last resort - when you are about to be harmed and you cannot leave or get help. IDEA: Because schools/families have different rules about where they draw the line, a discussion should be had every school year on appropriate ways to defend themselves. (Information provided by - By Irene van der Zande, Kidpower Executive Director. “Face Bullying With Confidence; 8 Skills Kids Can Use Right Away”)
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“There was a need in the community,” she said. “If we had space, then the families would come.”
Classified Ads: To advertise in The GoldenEagle email igaines@awbrown.org
Alumni student Brandi Gregg was recently eligible to attend the summer session of the DECATS-DeBusk Enrichment Center for students that excel in academics. These academically talented students have distinguished themselves in the area of academics throughout the metroplex. The result of her accomplishments forwarded her the opportunity to attend the summer sessions that challenged and enriched her educational area of interest. This year, the DECATS program was located at Bishop Lynch High School. Brandi completed the DECATS summer camp and majored in Mock Trial. Brandi and her defense team, competed in a mock trial competition as apart of the DECATS summer experience. -I’sha Gaines
Alumni Student Brandi Gregg
Technology ..www. rg. o n.
m w & I prove d Ne
Congratulations to Cecily Emanuel on completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Child and Family Welfare from Kaplan University. She graduated with a 3.65 GPA, cum laude.
Alumni Student Jonathan Dupard
Photo by I’sha Gaines
Many veteran teachers recall when AWB was much smaller and located only on the Pre-K campus. Through the bustle, Sandra Washington reminisces on AWB’s small beginnings. Washington, a 9-year Pre-K teacher, compliments the “sound vision, good board [of directors], and good financial office” for standing the test of time. Back then, Washington remembers how recruitment in the community increased student enrollment. She recalls recruitment even taking place at local grocery stores.
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Beyond the soda pop and bobby sock celebration, on the August 8th opening, AWB-FLA underwent summer construction to prepare for the start of school. Three new teachers have joined the Pre-K team, helping to fill the enlarged Pre-K3 classrooms, spacious new cafeteria, and on-site portables where the Pre-K4 classrooms are now housed. The elementary campus also underwent construction to create office space for the new Dean of Administration, Michelle Briscoe.
Enriched
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Alumni Student, Brandi Gregg, is forwarded a “rich” opportunity.
Alumni student Jonathan Dupard, of Duncanville High School, is a recent recipient of a scholarship provided by the McKool Smith Law Firm of Dallas. As one of four-area high school students, Dupard received the scholarship primarily based on his academic record, written record and contributions to the First Tee golf community. The First Tee is an organization that provides students with the opportunity to develop character education through the game of golf. Jonathan is currently a Freshman at Prairie View A&M University studying biology with aspirations to become an Occupational/Physical Therapist. -I’sha Gaines
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The root beer floats are pouring and the poodle skirts are swinging as AWB-FLA kicks off its 12th school year with a “Rock’N Academic Excellence Around the Clock” school-wide theme.
To the Tee
Alumni student, Jonathan Dupard, receives academic scholarship.
g.. or . n
By:i’shaGAINES
District-wide, enrollment at the Brown-Fellowship is now close to its 1,500 student capacity with 150 employed staff members. As a result of this continued growth, most teachers now have up to 27 students in their classrooms. Another result of our expansion is an increase in the wait time for those in the after school pick-up car lines. Thankfully, more students in the seats will contribute to the high attendance rating AWB currently has. So with our tight-cuffed jeans rolled up and in honor of the 50s era where everyone loved Lucy, lets toast to a Rock’N new year – this time, with a “Soaring to Success” twist!
e:www.awbro sit w
AWB begins new school year with a Rock'N district-wide theme.
And indeed they have.
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