NATIONAL MEN MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

October 8, 2012

Meet

Mr. William E. Rogers

2010 Writing Mama Publishing, LLC.

Father of the Year

And

One of the millions of Engaged Fathers

William E. Rogers is a single father of four children who works extremely hard as an entrepreneur. He does not usurp his role as a dad. He is very determined to help his children become successful in every area of their lives! Déjà Roger, who is 13 years old, attends Science and Technology High School. She is in the 9th grade and is establishing a 4.0 GPA. She, scored advanced on the State Assessment Test in both Reading and Math, takes Honors English, scored a 275 on the science and tech entrance exam, even though a score of 212 was needed for acceptance into the program, participates in the Science Bowl, takes Algebra 2/Trig.

Her previous School, which as a French Immersion school she became the President of the Student Government Association, played on girls’ soccer team, and helped the girls’ basketball team reach the playoffs for the first time! She is an all around super daughter.

Talia Rogers, who is nine years old, attends a French Immersion School. She is in the fourth grade and has a 3.97 GPA. She scored advanced on the State Assessment Test in both reading and math, and is currently taking 5th grade math. She is a Tae Kwon Do student and her instructor expressed that her skill level is ahead of kids that have been there longer. She is definitely a little leader in the making.

William, III and Edward Rogers are seven year old twins who attend North Elementary. They are in the second grade and are both above grade level in Reading and Math, testing on a third grade level. They are Tae Kwon Do students and enjoy the movements. They are very energetic and loving sons who have interests in PC’s and Science. The budding little scientists are following in their daddy’s footsteps.

Mr. Rogers said, “My children are definitely making me look good! I am so proud of them!

How To Keep Black History Alive After Black History Month Is Over

In just two days, we will bid farewell to a month full of celebrating the accomplishments of people of African descent. The kente cloth will be stored, the old Negro Spirituals will be shelved, and the lecturers will shift their focus to what we’ll celebrate next. As grateful as I am for the extra day this month to enjoy the exhibits, theatrical productions, and chorales, 29 days is merely a drop in the bucket. It’s just not enough time to consume the contributions of those African American’s who have changed our nation and even the world.

My passion to instill a sense of self worth, value, and dignity in my children is ever at the forefront of my mind. One of the ways I’ve chosen to do that is by incorporating black history into their everyday lives. My children are greatness in motion and I desire not the validation of social media websites, hip-hop moguls, and the latest pair of sneakers. Those by products, if you will, are temporary and fleeting. However, teaching them from where they came is lasting and will certainly propel them to where they’re going.

In his book, Brainwashed: Dispelling the Myth of Black Inferiority, author Tom Burrell quoted these words spoken by Haki Madhubuti, a nationally known educator, poet, and editor:

“You can’t minimize the importance of cultural knowledge…you cannot build a healthy child – most certainly, he or she will not have a healthy world view – if he or she does not see himself or herself directly involved creatively in the development of civilization, culture, industry, science.”
Upon my return from Egypt in the summer of 2010, a trip that has forever changed my life, I pledged to make the sacrifice of my mother and other ancestors redemptive through my conscious and committed resolution to keep black history alive after Black History Month and all year long.

Here are three ways I’m honoring that pledge:

1. Read a daily black history fact: Dr. Carl B. Mack, the Executive Director of the National Society of Black Engineers, authored Black Heritage Day, the most comprehensive and unique perpetual calendar boasting 365 days of black history. Taking turns, we dive into the life of a phenomenal human being and walk away just a little more enlightened.

2. Visit museums and other points of interest. As I anxiously await the ribbon cutting ceremony in 2015 for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I make it a point to visit the African Art Museum, the “American I AM” exhibit hosted by Tavis Smiley, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial on the national mall.

3. Create fun and engaging activities. Grow a sweet potato as you explore the life of George Washington Carver. Take a walk through the woods and imagine it’s the trail of Harriett Tubman. Put on some music and pretend you’re sharing the floor with Sammy Davis, Jr. In so doing, you and your children are sure to understand their lives just a little bit better.

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). To date, she has written three books and has helped nine children between the ages of nine and nineteen write and publish books of their own. Leave a comment about this blog below and visit Kimberly’s website at http://www.writingmomma.com/. Kimberly is a professional writer, author, publisher, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children

The Role of African American Fathers

Kimberly K. Parker: THE POWER OF ONE WORD

Time was of the essence this morning as I prepared for work. I knew that in order to make it out of the house chop-chop (quickly, right away), I had to pick up the pace. There was literally not a moment to spare because tardiness brings about a bit of anxiety (uneasiness, concern).

It took me a moment to accept my outfit. Although I was not convinced I chose the right two-piece for the day, I gave myself a big “high-five” and celebrated the final touches. I smiled, looked in the mirror, pointed to myself and said, “You’re not going to be late today, Queen!”

Just as I turned to exit the bathroom, there stood my baby boy, Kalonji. It was obvious he had just arisen (got up, awakened); he appeared to be a bit transfixed (motionless, awe struck). I could not tell if he was partially sleep, in a heavy day dream, or asking himself, “What is Momma wearing today?” Before I had an opportunity to inquire (ask, investigate) if he was well, he simply said “Wow!” as he took note of my jewelry matching my outfit.

What a nice way to enhance my day…especially since I had second thoughts about my attire just moments before. With just one word, Kalonji added a little bit more pep to my step. I gave him a tight hug, grabbed my purse, and made my way out of the house. Oh — did I mention I arrived to work on time? Sometimes, all it takes is just one word to put a smile on a persons face. If I may, I’d like to offer a list of words…from A to Z…that is laced with lots of power:

Awesome
Beautiful
Courageous
Dynamite
Excellent
Fabulous
Grand
Helpful
Ingenious
Jubilant
Kind
Lovable
Magnificent Nice
Outstanding
Pretty
Quintessential
Radiant
Sweet
Terrific
Unique
Vivacious
Wonderful
Xenodochial
Yes
Zestful

What one word will you choose to add a little pep to someone’s step? I’d really like to know. Let’s keep it moving and make their day!


Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). This past summer, her company published three books for young authors age nine to nineteen! This fall, she will host “Write On!” an eight week writing program for youth and she is currently looking for a few young writers who want to participate. Visit www.writingmomma.com for more information. Kimberly is a ghostwriter, author and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

The Important Role Men Have In The Academic Success of Students Both In and Out of The Classroom

Living Education eMagazine Presents Men In The Classroom from Forest Of The Rain Productions on Vimeo.

Kimberly K. Parker Tells Us: YOU CAN DO IT

My commute to work this morning was as cool as a cucumber. Listening to the very insightful teachings of Joyce Meyers as I sipped green tea, I coasted with ease over the river and through the woods. There was no traffic as far as my four eyes could see and fellow drivers, at their most courteous best, allowed one another to segue with a smile. This, my friend, was mobile poetry in motion.

As I rounded a corner in a quiet residential neighborhood, I saw a plus size woman jogging with a look of “I can do it” on her face. She had earphones in her ears, weights on her legs and wrists, and a hand towel snuggly tucked in her waist belt. Her gait was slow, steady…which, by the way, wins the race. Victory was definitely in her future.

I became transfixed on that powerful sight. I tried to pull over, but the car behind me was trailing rather closely so my attempts were prevented. I anxiously felt my eyes widening and my smile broadening. My mouth was about to erupt as I struggled to capture what I felt would be appropriately encouraging words to scream out of my window. I could not contain myself any longer! I rolled down my window, gasped and swooned, and slowed down long enough to yell, “Go ‘head! You can do it!” The woman raised her fist in solidarity, smiled, and kept on moving.

Inspiration comes in the most unexpected form. That woman – who I may never see again – served as a reminder of my ability to be, to create, to live! Without speaking a word, she told me that I can do it…whatever “it” may be only if I pattern my actions around these five very simple yet profound thoughts:

1. Decide to take action. As I mentioned, the woman was plus sized. However, she made a decision to take exercise in an attempt to live a healthier life.

2. Determine that you must move forward. I can only imagine the defeating thoughts she internalized as well as heard from other. In spite of it all, she was determined to put one foot in front of the other.

3. Be driven. In case you did not know, you are already empowered. You have the wherewithal to accomplish your goals whether or not someone cheers you onward. Allow the powerful force of God on the inside to steer you in all of the right directions.

4. Just do it. Period.

5. Arrive at your destination. You have a goal in sight and it’s most attainable. As Michael Jackson said, “Keep on with the force…don’t stop! Don’t stop ‘til you get enough!” When you get to your expected end, do as that woman did: raise you fist in solidarity, smile, and keep it moving!

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). This past summer, her company published three books for young authors age nine to nineteen! This fall, she will host “Write On!” an eight week writing program for youth and she is currently looking for a few young writers who want to participate. Visit www.writingmomma.com for more information. Kimberly is a ghostwriter, author and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Funding Parental Engagement Services Is A Sound School District Policy

By:
Dr. Michael A. Robinson

It has been stated many times over that organizations fund what they believe is crucial to their mission. When a monetary importance is attached to a strategic objective or an organizational goal, one is made aware of its significance to the organization. This basic management concept easily applies to the educational arena. The funding associated with a school district’s departments or units of family and community engagement allows stakeholders to potentially evaluate the significance school districts associate with the importance of parent and community involvement.

If school districts desire a robust and effective parental engagement program, one where families, communities, and schools become authentic partners in forming a high performing school system those departments must be sufficiently funded. A sense of priority is communicated to internal and external stakeholders when parent and community outreach programs are satisfactorily provided resources. Seminal researchers in the area of parental engagement do not suggest parent and community support programs and services be funded at the levels of academic and or student services. Albeit, research has shown effective parental engagement and community involvement policies and programs have a direct impact on student achievement while reducing strain on student service personnel who perform home visits, parent conferences, and or counseling sessions with students.

School districts which have elected to eliminate part or their entire parental engagement department in the name of budget reductions have a very limited understanding of the indispensable role parent involvement plays in relation to the academic success of students and school systems. Abolishing family and community outreach services, specifically those aimed at increasing parental and community connections to their neighborhood schools and the school district overall will result in an eventual eroding of confidence from parents about the real mission of their public school system. Failure of school leadership to embrace the impact of parents supporting learning at home while working in concert with school based leadership can do damage to the educational community that possibly will take years to reverse.

A strong recommendation for school districts considering reducing or eliminating their family and community outreach departments would be not to do so, but to re-consider the benefits to actually adding more resources and what it would mean to overall school performance. Finally, for those school districts which have severely reduced or eliminated their parent and community outreach services restore them as soon as possible. Re-establish the relationship with your families and community by committing to ensure effective two-way unfettered communication. A sound and fully supported program of services in the area of parental engagement will help schools in achieving its schools in closing achievement gaps, increase in the number of students enrolled in advance classes, assist in preparing students to career and college ready.