FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

Continuing to empower our scholars and engage our families By Executive Director, Dr. Troy A. Monroe

In keeping with this year’s theme of “Empowering Our Scholars & Engaging Our Families”, the Academy has continued its focus on programming, events, and parent education workshops that have been planned with ensuring that our entire community is informed. Those programs and events include a new partnership with the Ethel Walker School’s Horizons program, our recently completed Saturday Academy for scholars, Smarter Balance and Science CMT Assessment parent workshop, a workshop for fathers designed to support their children, an exciting sports and enrichment program, and a renewed partnership with the Hartford Conservatory which offers after school lessons for scholars in chorus and theater, and the art of

deejaying! In addition to these events, the Academy had its 1st Annual Heritage Gala! As a result of these efforts, our scholars are better prepared and aligned with the mission of Jumoke Academy where we are preparing “children to successfully compete in the global market place, overcoming any cultural, social or economic challenges”. I am very encourage by the commitment that we have made as a community to ensuring that our children as well as the adults who support them “keep on keeping on”… (Article continued on Page 11)

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Winter Issue JUMOKE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS DISTRICT EDITION OF

“THE JUMOKE JOURNAL”

“HOME/SCHOOL COLLABORATION”

BY A 5TH GRADE JAH-HC PARENT

“WE GOT GAME” AN UPDATE ON THIS SEASON AND AN

INTERVIEW WITH JUMOKE PLAYER AND SCHOLAR CAIRO MCCRORY

“… the Academy has continued its focus on programming, events, and parent education workshops that have

been planned with ensuring that our entire

community is informed..”

JUMOKE JOURNAL

“CALLING ALL DADS”TED-JA ELEMENTARY HOSTED A

FATHER’S WORKSHOP THIS JANUARY.

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

The Importance of Home/School Collaboration By 5th Grade JAH-HC Parent Glenda Burgos   I recently attended the Family Curriculum Night at JAH-HC facilitated by the 5th and 6th grade teaching team. As a parent of a 5th grader it is critical for me to be part of these discussions since communication is key to the success and development of our kids.  The workshops with the teachers allowed the parents the ability to provide beneficial feedback to our children's teachers, as well as, allowed the teachers to share with us what our children are doing in their classrooms. 

It was nice to see how both parents and teachers engaged in conversation to find solutions to our children's challenges. I was quite pleased to see the enthusiasm of the teachers trying to find ways to help our kids improve. The collaboration between parents and teachers was refreshing and allowed me to feel confident that my child’s success was at the forefront of all the teachers’ minds.

Having a strong partnership with the school, allows us to build positives relationships with our children's teachers, as well as, with other parents. Our involvement is essential because it helps us find the tools and the resources necessary to benefit our kids. I truly encourage all the parents to attend these workshops, as it contributes to the success of our children.

“Having a strong partnership with the school, allows us to build positives relationships with our children's teachers,

as well as, with other parents.”

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PARADE OF FLAGS AT TED-JA

Parents learn at JAH-HC Curriculum Night.

The Parade of Flags kicks off our Black Heritage celebration each February. The flag ceremony started many years ago and many of the flags represent the countries from which many of our Jumoke families and their extended family originate. Displayed are 18 flags from 18 different countries. Scholars from each grade recite the significance of the flags to the country of origin and what the colors of the flag represent. -Karen Bell

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

When the Glory Comes

By JAH-HC Principal Nichelle Woodson

It is imperative we use education not only to foster the thirst for knowledge and inclusivity of cultures, but also, education should empower our young scholars. I would wager that nearly every scholar knows that Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, but how many of them know the origins of that dream and the incredible contributions and sacrifices made by countless individuals in an effort to make that dream a reality. To go deeper than the typical biographical exposure of black leaders, at the HC we seek to instill in our scholars a sense of empowerment and foster in them the critical thinking skills that will allow them to have a more authentic view and appreciation of Black History.

We began our Black History month focus on the Civil Rights Movement by having the entire school, all 143 scholars and 20 staff members, attend the viewing of Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed film, Selma. I saw the film the weekend it nationally debuted in the theaters, and was so moved by its portrayal of history I immediately knew this was an

experience I wanted for our scholars. I sent out a message to anyone who would listen to assist in making this become a reality for the scholars. I was fortunate enough to get free admission for the entire school at a local Hartford theater.

As I sat in the theater with the scholars of JAH-HC, the energy in the theater was hair raising. The scholars watched so intently and with such purpose. I could see their minds soaking in and processing new knowledge. I could feel their intense emotions, from their laughter, to their sighs of despondency, to their cheers of exuberance. At the end of the movie no one moved. They all sat still; taken in by the melodic and powerful words of Common and John Legend’s song Glory:

“Every day women and men become legendsSins that go against our skin become blessings

The movement is a rhythm to usFreedom is like religion to usJustice is juxtaposition in us

Justice for all just ain't specific enoughOne son died, his spirit is revisitin' usTruant livin' livin' in us, resistance is us

That's why Rosa sat on the busThat's why we walk through Ferguson with our

hands upWhen it go down we woman and man up

They say, "Stay down" and we stand upShots, we on the ground, the camera panned up

King pointed to the mountain top and we ran up…Oh, glory, glory, glory”¹

When the credits began to roll they responded with such an emotional

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Selma Director: Ava DuVernay

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

applause. I watched in awe, knowing this would be one of the best and most memorable experiences I will ever have as a principal. When we returned back to school a teacher told me one of her scholars said to her he was no longer going to fool around in

school and was going to take his education seriously. Powerful!

Remember, education should always be about empowering our youth.

¹Source: http://www.directlyrics.com/john-legend-glory-lyrics.html

A New Face At Jumoke Academy Charter Schools: Melissa Gagne By Communications Manager Samantha Stigliano

Parents and students may have noticed a new educator on all three Jumoke Academy Campuses: her name is Melissa Gagne, and she has joined us as the Director of Academics and Operations. Jumoke Academy is thrilled to have an educator of such caliber join us in our quest to achieve excellence. If you see Melissa, introduce yourself!

Here is a little bit more about Mrs. Gagne’s career history:

Melissa Gagne is Pre-K-12 educator who has been working in schools around the country for over 20 years as a teacher, Department Chair,

Assistant Principal, Principal and now as a consultant. Melissa specializes in leadership and program development and has developed Data Team Protocols; Special Education Parent Education Programs; After-School Programming for Students with Disabilities; Literacy and Arts Programming; Assessment and Instruction Revision. Melissa works with districts to improve their Early Intervention Process to help identify potential learning gaps and determine appropriate interventions to promote achievement for all students. Melissa works with the Yale University Center for

Emotional Intelligence to help bring Social and Emotional learning into school communities and corporations with the RULER program. Melissa is a certified Yale RULER trainer and

coaches school and district leaders around the country to maximize program effectiveness. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music and Theatre from the Boston Conservatory of Music, a Master of Arts and Teaching Degree from Connecticut College and a Sixth Year Degree in Education Leadership from Sacred Heart University. Melissa also completed the School-Turnaround Seminar at Harvard University.

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"I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome I have received from the entire Jumoke community. I look

forward to meeting more families and am delighted to have this opportunity

to work with the dedicated staff of Jumoke Academy.” -M. Gagne

Welcome, Melissa Gagne!

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

We Got Game By JAH-SMaRT Dean Amy Beardsworth

The Jumoke Jaguar boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are enjoying one of their best seasons ever! Students from JAH-SMaRT and JA-HC have been busy fitting in practice time between demanding academic schedules and crazy snow storms. Every Saturday both teams can be found at the elementary school gym practicing hard with their coaches. This dedication is paid off. The Boys team won the Championship for their league, and the girls team made it all the way to the semi-finals!

High honors student and Co-Captain Cairo McCrory gives the first interview of his basketball career:

What do you attribute your team’s success to? “Basically, I am not the only scorer on the team. Everyone contributes, even the last person off the bench. Multiple people have a part in our success. Even someone who may not score a lot helps by playing good defense.” How do you balance the demands of playing a sport and staying on high honors? “That’s a good question! Actually I try to get all my homework done during homework and organization at the end of the day. If I don’t, I get it done after our games or practice as soon as I get home. It is very important to keep good grades, especially

in 8th grade when I am trying to get into a good high school next year.” How does playing sports relate to, or help, your academics? “Actually it helps with time management. If I don’t get my work done at school then I am not going to be able to play, so it is very important to manage my time and get school work done first.” What are your plans for high school and beyond? “For high school I want to do the same. I want to get nice grades and be strong on the basketball team. After high school, I want to keep playing basketball and graduate from a Division 1 college. I want to go to school for free. It is hard getting a scholarship now, so I have to work hard. My dad played Division 1 basketball for University of Hartford.

I go to him for all my sports and academic related questions.

He has been very supportive of me, gives me time and doesn’t rush me in the transition to high school.”

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Eight grade Basketball Co-Captain and Honors Scholar: Cairo McCrory

Jumoke Academy Girls Basketball players

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

Horizons Program: Get Involved!

Horizons at The Ethel Walker School is thrilled to be partnering with Jumoke Academy. This program, specifically for girls, will provide your daughters with access to summer enrichment designed to reduce and prevent summer learning loss.

This is an exciting time for Horizons, as we develop the first program in the Hartford area and the first all-girls program in the entire country. This six-week summer program will consist of a kindergarten and first grade class in the first year. Horizons provides exceptional academics by blending cultural enrichment activities into the curriculum, particularly swimming. We have found that learning to swim helps children build confidence that spills over into academic and social achievements. Horizon’s at Ethel Walker’s commitment to young scholars is what drives them to create these enriching opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HORIZONS PROGRAM VISIT: http://www.ethelwalker.org/horizons/

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Upcoming events at

Jumoke Academy March 10th: Jumoke Academy Board of Directors Meeting

March 12th: JAPA General Meeting

March 17th-18th: Report Card Conferences.

March 19th: Poetry Slam at JAH-SMaRT

March 20th: Coffee Chat with Dr. Monroe and James Michel, Cultural Celebration @ JAH-SMaRT, Middle School talent show.

March 27th: Career Day

March 28th: Theblackmancan Institute workshop @Windsor High (See pg. 9 for more info)

Dr. Monroe with Rep. Brandon L. McGee Jr at the MLK Day Event

Kene Daley and daughter Zolah Daley won

this year’s JAH-HC Iron Chef Competition.

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

Jumoke Middle Schools Coming Together! By  JAH-­‐SMaRT  Principal  Justin  Pistorius  

While Jumoke academy has 2 distinct middle school campuses, separated by a few miles, the scholars at both schools are finding ways to come together as a community of learners. As has happened for the past several years, 8th graders at JAH-SMaRT and JAH-HC will come together in the month of April to take a joint trip to Washington, D.C. This is an opportunity for scholars to enrich their American History curriculum lessons with visits to national museums and monuments as well as enjoy a little bit of down time together during meals and back at the hotel.

JAH-SMaRT and JAH-HC scholar also are continuing the Jumoke tradition of competing in an oratorical contest. This year’s theme “Only Light, Only Love” is based on Dr. Martin Luther King’s belief that “darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” JAH-SMaRT and JAH-HC scholars in grades 5-8 have the opportunity to compose speeches and hone their oral presentation skills while representing their schools during the contest that occurs at JAH-SMaRT on Thursday

February 26th at 10:00 a.m. All Jumoke parents are encouraged to attend!

Jumoke Middle schools also provide after school opportunities for students to come together socially during events that are designed to promote healthy social interactions amongst scholars from both buildings all while having fun after school. This month, a joint school dance for 7th and 8th graders dubbed “The Winter Ball” will occur at JAH-SMaRT where students are sure to have munching on snacks and dancing to their favorite tunes. There will also be a Talent Show for scholars in all grades at both middle schools from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on March 20th. Every year, the show is very highly attended and the scholars blow the audience away with their talents!

Jumoke Academy Charter School aims to provide high level instruction at all campuses while also providing opportunities for its scholars to experience their “family members” between the campuses. We hope that you as parents will consider joining our community celebration to enhance our family feel.

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“… We hope that you as parents will consider joining our

community celebration to enhance our family feel..”

One of our Jumoke Academy Campuses during one of the many snow days this marking period. Its almost over!

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

Calling All Dads By  TED-­‐JA  Principal  Dr.  Michael  Finley  

On January 29th, TED hosted an exciting workshop, “Calling All Dads” which was an Interactive Workshop for Dads and other interested male role models. We are pleased that 13 of our school’s Dads attended the workshop (despite the snow storm!) The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Doug Edwards, Founder of Real Dads Forever. Dads watched a slide show presentation and discussed a variety of topics. Attendee evaluations stated that the workshop was informative and helpful and that they would incorporate some of the suggestions into their daily lives. Attendees strongly stated that they would like to see and would attend more programs.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Provides Free Help Filing Taxes A Message from Richard Porth: President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to individuals and families with total household income below $53,000 in 2014.  The program recruits and trains volunteers who help taxpayers prepare and file basic tax forms at VITA sites throughout the state beginning in January and ending on April 15.

Details about all of the Connecticut VITA sites can be found on the 2-1-1 www.211ct.org or by dialing 2-1-1, including hours of operation and details about whether help is available by appointment or walk-in. 

Self-service online appointment scheduling is also available for the following towns: Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, Putnam, Stafford, West Hartford, Willimantic, Windsor Locks, and Vernon. Just visit the 2-1-1 Tax Help page to review the eligibility criteria and then click on the link labeled "Book Your Own Appointment."

For more information, including details about other free tax filing assistance and a list of documents to bring along when filing taxes, read the 2-1-1 E-Library paper on Free Tax Assistance or dial 2-1-1.

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You may have seen this photo (and here is an out take) in the Hartford Courant during the month of February and also on the cover of the North End Agent newspaper!

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

TheBlackManCan.org and Brandon Frame By Communications Manager Samantha Stigliano

If you attended this year’s First Annual Heritage Gala on February 28th, you would have listened to the insightful keynote speech given by Mr. Brandon Frame. Brandon is the founder of the digital platform theblackmancan.org, and

also The Black Man Can Institute (TBMCI). Besides being a gifted speaker and creator of

theblackmancan.org, Brandon takes his empowering brand of support and education, to young men of color all over the country with his TBMCI workshop events aimed at “providing comfort and support for boys of color.” According to TBMCI website: “Boys of Color attending TheBlackManCan Institute can be assured that their cultural needs will be addressed and they will be free to express themselves while fostering brotherhood.”

Events include workshops on: Health and Wellness, Academic Excellence, Financial Literacy, being politically engaged, being well written, being well dressed, the African Diaspora Leadership, dealing with the police, hip hop, and media literacy. All students who attend will receive a neck tie and a copy of “Theblackmancan Journal: Define Yourself, Redefine the World.”

Brandon’s workshops are open to boys who are in grades 6-12, so if your Jumoke Academy Middle School Scholar would like to attend, the next event in the Hartford area is on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 9am to 3pm with registration starting at 8:30am. The event will be held at Windsor High School

Brandon Frame can also be seen as an example for young boys of color everywhere on his public access show on AccessTV.org, and as Director of Business Partnerships and Program Development for Hartford’s High School, Inc.

Register at: http://tbmcinstitute.theblackmancan.org

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Scan this Code with your smartphone to go to the registration page for the Windsor TBMCI Event.

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

A Note from the Facilities Department By Facilities Manager Elizabeth Grey

Hello Jumoke Academy Families,

I would like to quickly post this short piece that is now being added to the student and employee handbooks at Jumoke Academy Charter Schools. We have done all of the necessary inspections required of us and information relating to those inspections is available upon request. We will continue to work hard and ensure your scholar’s safety and well being every day. Thank you!

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTICE In compliance with the United States Environmental Protection (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) we are required to inspect our school buildings for asbestos every three years and develop a management plan to responsibly control what material may remain in the school buildings. A plan has been prepared for each school building and a copy is available at the school office as well as the main office, to all parties that may be concerned. Persons wishing to review this document may do so during regular school hours.

Curriculum Corner By The Director of Curriculum  and  Professional  Development  Dawn  Lazarus  

To empower our students and engage our parents, we must also do the same for our dedicated Jumoke staff. The focus of professional development this year has been just that: education, empowerment and engagement.

With the infusion of new technologies, including assessments tools such as NWEA’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAPS), Children’s Progress Academic Assessment (CPAA), and Compass Learning, teachers across the district have been immersed in training related to computer adaptive tests. Training sessions targeted implementation, reporting and data analysis and using data to inform instructional practices in the classroom. Guiding scholars in the use of computer-based technology will improve their chances of success on the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), a standardized test mandated by the State of Connecticut and scheduled between April-May. Jumoke Academy teachers have also been developing performance tasks and writing prompts that will ready our scholars for the research and writing portion of the SBA.

These tasks give scholars an opportunity to think critically and demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways.

We have engaged our parents as partners in the preparation of our

scholars. We hosted a parent information session on SBA on March 2nd, and our

family resource coordinator has been working with parents to set up PowerSchool

portals to monitor scholar’s progress on line and learn about any technology programs being used in our schools. The Jumoke Saturday Academy recently concluded its

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FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

six-week service to over 145 scholars grades 1-8.

Jumoke Academy seeks to excel in all areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment. In an effort to provide the most effective assessment practices, the curriculum department will be conducting an important survey throughout the district. Teachers have recently completed a survey regarding the type and frequency of assessments our scholars take. On March 18th during parent-teacher conferences, parents will have an opportunity participate in this survey. Students will respond to the survey during the school day. A small group of scholars, parents and teachers will participate in a focus group on March 23rd empowering all stakeholders and giving them a voice in the creation of the district’s assessment policy and schedule moving forward.

The focus on literacy will continue throughout the district with the purchase of new leveled and guided reading materials. Over the next several months, a large portion of our staff will further develop their instructional practices in reading through guided reading professional development based on the scientifically research-based approach developed by Irene Fountas and Gay-Su Pinnell.

Get Informed with the Jumoke Community (Dr. Monroe’s Article continued from Page 1) …During our recent 1st Annual Heritage Gala organized by the Jumoke Academy Parent Association (JAPA), guest speaker Brandon Frame, addressed our entire community as an example of the Gala’s theme, “The Next Generation of Leaders”.

While the event featured many of our scholar leaders, it also was designed to focus on communicating a message to the adults about what we must do to support scholar development as leaders. In his address, Mr. Frame reminded us that “our work as a community is bigger than individuals”! He challenged us to have honest communication, manage our expectations, validate ourselves, surrender and release judgment and the need to control, accept responsibility, and mine for lessons so that we continue to grow in support of our mission. If these things are taken to heart, we will see very quickly that the future of Jumoke is bright and that our scholars will be the ultimate benefactors of this new chapter that is unfolding before our very eyes.

Thank you for your continued support of our scholars!

Sincerely, Dr. Monroe

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Professional Development Days for Spring Marking

Period:

March 18

April 15

May 20

FEBRUARY 2015 “EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”

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Statement of Non-Discrimination Jumoke Academy Charter School is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. Jumoke Academy Charter School does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, disability (including, but not limited to, mental retardation, past or present history of mental disability, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Jumoke Academy Charter School does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Inquiries regarding Jumoke Academy Charter School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Valena R. Smith Jumoke Academy 834 Asylum Avenue, Hartford CT 06105 (860)904-5859

Mr. Cummings at his retirement send off assembly at TED-JA. Mr. Cummings retired after 17 years of service to the Jumoke community.

Jumoke Academy Basketball teams excelled this winter. The Boys Team won the Middle School Championship, and the Girls Team made it to the Semi-Finals!

Jumoke Academy Track teams excelled this year as well! Girls Team won first place, and the Boys team won Third place! Congrats to our athletes!