February 2015 School Newsletter

Issue 5
THE TIGER TIMES
The
Tiger
Times
February 2015
WALIPP-TSU PREPARATORY ACADEMY’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Scholars Attend “Black In America” Lecture
Series With The Lawsons To Hear Soledad O’Brien
On February 24th, several 8th grade scholars,
who were chosen by their teachers, had the
opportunity to attend an exciting panel
discussion at the University of Houston led by
Broadcast Journalist Soledad O’Brien.
Ms. Williams and Mr. Thomas chaperoned
the students to the event, where they joined
Rev. William Lawson and Ms. Melanie
Lawson to hear Ms. O’Brien discuss current
events and issues effecting the black
community. After Ms. O’Brien’s presentation,
which included video footage that cast a
critical light on police tactics used during the
arrest of a black young man, the panel of
guests sat down to an engaged discussion on
racism and social injustices still present in
today’s society. Dr. Julianne Malveaux,
Alderman Antonio French and Dr. Leonard
Baynes made up the panel of guests.
When the panel opened up the discussion to
the audience, inviting them to pose their
questions, 8th grade student Tiana Smith
said the line to speak to the panel was
incredibly long. She said that while she was
standing in line to ask her question, a
gentleman said that because time was
limited, not everyone would be able to
address the panel, and he asked Tiana, and
several other adults who were waiting, to
have a seat.
Well, Rev. Lawson, who saw this, walked over
to speak to the gentleman, and before she
knew what was going on, Tiana said she was
the only one asked to come back up and pose
her question to the panel!
group and take pictures with them. Ms. Williams says that it was one of her proudest
moments as a teacher, saying she just looked
at Tiana up there and thought, “I am so
honored to teach her!”
She asked, “From everything we’ve learned
today, what can our generation do to solve
this problem in the future?” Tiana says she
was most impressed with Dr. Baynes’ response, when he told her that the problem
can’t ever be solved, because we can not
“wash our hands of racism” but that her
generation should focus on
continuing with discussions
like the one they engaged in
that evening to help the
situation and avoid these
problems in the future.
After the event wrapped up,
so many individuals were
impressed by Tiana’s
outspokenness that
complete strangers came up
to speak to the WALIPP
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Issue 5
THE TIGER TIMES
WALIPP’s Feature Teacher
This month we showcase Mr. Sow!
Even from a very young
age, Mr. Thierno Sow
knew that he wanted to
be a scientist. He can
recall times as a boy when
he would go off exploring
in a local forested area
that was part of a neighborhood park and
would think to himself how he wanted to
know more about his environment and work
in the science field one day. And for the past
seven years, Mr. Sow has been living out that
childhood dream as both a science teacher
and a researcher in the field of microbiology.
Before he came to WALIPP, Mr. Sow taught
Human Biology for both college and high
school students. When he first began
teaching at the middle school level, he says
that the difference in attitudes and behavior
took some getting used to, but he has been
pleasantly surprised by the shift in their
energy levels, saying that having students
who are so active and upbeat is a refreshing
change of pace.
Mr. Sow says that teaching science was
always his ultimate ambition and he has a
passion for it. He says, “When you teach, you
are giving a part of
yourself to someone
else.”
Quaterra Wilson, an
8th grader, loves
science class and
says Mr. Sow will go
to creative lengths
to get his students
interested in the
material. Quaterra
says, “Since we like rapping,
he’ll find rap videos about Science to get us
into it, and before you know it, we’re rapping
the lyrics and learning Science!”
Quaterra also says that Mr. Sow pushes his
students to achieve higher than what they
think may be their academic limit. “Even
though we might have an 80 in class, Mr.
Sow wants to see a 100; he wants us to strive
for our best.”
Mr. Sow likes to tell the girls that although
some of the lessons and concepts they are
trying to wrap their heads around seem
unimportant, in ten years they will find true
value in the science that they are learning
today.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MR. SOW
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Born in Dakar, Senegal
Went to UCAD for his undergraduate degree
and lived in France for 3 years while earning
his PhD in the effects of green fertilizer and
organic and inorganic fertilizer on soil
Likes martial arts and to play soccer, dance,
and listen to music
Has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and does
freelance work as a body guard
Speaks Pulaar, French and English, and is
learning Dutch and Spanish
WALIPP Celebrates Black History Month With Program
On the afternoon of February 25th, the students, staff, and families of
WALIPP gathered for an afternoon of entertainment, celebration and
reflection, as we culminated our month-long celebration of Black History
with a spectacular program entitled, “Don’t Let The Dream Die” put on
by Ms. Stewart and the Music and Theater Arts Department.
Mr. Daigle and his art students created the perfect backdrop for the
event — a powerful vision of Barrack Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. on a banner of red, yellow and green. The event opened with a moving
piano solo by 7th grader James Burton, and he set the tone for what was
to be an afternoon of impressive acts. The WALIPP Boys Choir made
their debut performance by singing “Keep the Faith” and “We Shall
Overcome”, Ms. Comeaux’s cheer squad dazzled the audience with their
acrobatics, and the co-ed drill team paid tribute to Michael Jackson with
a dance.
After the musical productions, scholars put on a skit to honor MLK, which
led into a powerful speech from special guest Mr. Jesse Muhammad, who
talked about knowing your purpose and having a winner’s attitude.
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Issue 5
THE TIGER TIMES
Sassy Ladies Go Red For Women
new red dress, black shoes,
and a string of pearls to don
during the three-hour event.
The girls listened to guest
speakers from the medical
field discuss matters dealing
with heart health, and
recount their own stories of
how they deal with patients
who face heart issues on a
day-to-day basis.
Tigers Help Usher In Mardi
Gras In Galveston
It was a very early morning bus ride out to
Galveston on Saturday, February 14th, but
the Tigers were full of energy as they made
their way down to the Island to take part in
the annual Mardi Gras Parade!
The event was well attended by both school
faculty and parents, and the cheerleaders,
majorettes and drum line put on a truly
exceptional performance, as always!
On Saturday, February 21, 2015, the Sassy
Ladies group of girls from WALIPP attended
an event held at Yellowstone Academy in
recognition of the American Heart
Association's Go Red For Women campaign.
The Missouri City Chapter of the Links, who
coordinate the Sassy Ladies program,
provided each of the girls with a beautiful
The girls also participated in
a live rap battle while at the event. They had
been put to the challenge to write an original
rap about heart health. Several groups of
girls from both academies took the stage to
perform what they’d written, and coming
away with the 1st Place title were Tiana
Smith, Khamryn Tucker, Olivia Humphrey,
KaMaya Dolison and Kyran Dickerson!
COMING UP AT WALIPP
March 7—Sassy Ladies Field Trip to Baylor
College of Medicine
March 10-12—Spring Picture Days
March 12—”Roundup for STAAR” Parent
Meeting
March 13 — Rodeo Carnival Field Trip for all
Students
March 16-20 — Spring Break! No School!
March 27—Report Card #3
March 30—STAAR Testing for 7th Grade
Writing
March 31—STAAR Testing for 7th grade
Writing and 8th Grade Reading
Entire WALIPP Community Gathers
For Afternoon Science EXPO
On Thursday, February 26th, WALIPP
faculty, staff, students, tutors, mentors and
parents all gathered for the most dynamic
science fair WALIPP has ever seen!
It was evident that Mr. Sow and Mr. Thomas,
who coordinated the event, wanted to get
everyone excited about science when they
opened up the event with a performance
from the drum line and high-kicking
Tigerettes! There was also a skit about the
solar system, a heated boys vs. girls quiz
bowl, and even a series of rap performances
that students created dealing with science!
Of course, the main attractions were the
incredible projects, and students, guests and
judges were invited to tour the displays that
students had created to showcase their
research. With topics ranging from “Which Is
The Healthiest Cheeseburger” to “Will A
Watermelon Power A Cell Phone”, the
judges have a tough decision ahead of them!
Winners will be announced March 2nd.
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Issue 5
THE TIGER TIMES
Two Terrific Tigers
Keeping the Home Court Advantage
10Easy Tips to Great Parental Involvement
By: Dr. Raney
In any sport, playing the game on the home court
has many advantages; however, the single most
important plus is the roar of excitement and
participation of the crowd which “hypes” the team
up and moves them towards winning the game.
How can having home court advantage be related
to your involvement as a parent in your child’s
success? The answer is obvious— you are your
child’s best fan, cheerleader and advocate, always
rooting, cheering and encouraging your child
towards success in school. Research states, that
positive parental involvement in school is a key
factor in improving students’ academic and
behavioral performance. Studies reveal that
showing up at school has dramatic results on
student success. Here are a 10 simple tips that
outline how to maximize your child’s potential to
being an award winning student:
1.Make a commitment to be visible at school by
volunteering in the classroom for just 3 hours over
the course of the entire school year. See “Three for
Me”( http://www.three4me.com/).
2.Plan time in your busy daily schedule, and take 15
minutes to meet or call the teacher that teaches
your child’s favorite subject. Share the praises with
your child.
3.Join the Parent Teacher Organization – attend
meetings as often as you can to stay abreast of
school activities.
4.Get to know the Principal, teachers and office
staff; build a positive relationship by dropping in
just to say hello.
5.Follow the appropriate steps as outlined by the
school when addressing problems or concerns.
Seek the facts first, and proceed with courtesy.
6.Check in with teachers as often as needed to
monitor your child’s grades and behavior.
7.Review and sign homework assignments every
night. Don’t just take your child’s word that there
is no homework.
8.Develop a schedule of surprise visits to the school
and classrooms.
9.Have lunch at school with your child.
10.Celebrate your child’s successes both small and
large. Always speak words of encouragement.
Lastly, use your home court advantage as a parent
to help your child score winning points in school
and in life. Feel free to write me to share your tips
to helping your child win in life. Your advice may be
published in our upcoming newsletter.
mraney@walippacdemy.org
Our Feature Where We Shout-Out WALIPP Stars!
Nya Dicks (pictured top left) is a 7th grader at the girls’
academy. She is a very talented young lady who loves to sing
and has played piano since the 4th grade. Nya maintains all
A’s and B’s on her report card, and always exhibits exceptional
conduct and character at school. Nya’s teachers say she is
always so poised and focused, with a great personality, and is
a joy to have in class. Her favorite subject is English, and she
enjoys reading all types of books. When Nya grows up, she
wants to be an artist.
Jordan North (pictured bottom left) is an 8th grader at the
boys’ academy. He is a hard-working and determined student
who is well-respected by both his classmates and his teachers.
The staff say Jordan is a very compassionate young man and
is a pleasure to teach. Jordan loves basketball, and was on
WALIPP’s winning team this year. He also likes to play video
games, and his goal is to become a game designer when he
grows up. Jordan hopes to finish this school year with strong
grades and attend Chavez High School in the fall.
Opportunities Abound For
Intensive Math At WALIPP
On Tuesday, February 17th, 8th
graders were introduced to a new
learning resource that the Math
team of teachers have developed
to hone their math skills—
WALIPP Afternoon Math Camp!
During the 2 1/2-hour intensive
camp, students broke out into
small groups in the cafeteria for
hands-on instruction in Algebra,
Geometry, Graphing Calculator
Usage, and Problem-Solving via an
interactive game of Jeopardy!
Ms. Simmons, Mr. Greenidge, Ms. Guidry
and Ms. Calhoun have all been working hard
to come up with inventive ways for our
scholars to reach their academic goals in
math this year, and Math Camp, which will
become a regular event for 8th graders, gives
them intensive practice with math skills that
will prepare them for STAAR, SATs, and
beyond, Ms. Simmons says.
Also new this month on the boys campus, is
the Open Math Lab, which is available every
afternoon during the tutorial period.
Scholars of all grade levels can drop in to the
math classroom and get individualized
attention and instruction on whatever they
need. Some scholars come in for homework
help, or further clarification over a topic
covered in class, and teachers use resources
like videos and the smart board to help
deliver the material in another way. The
program is working so well for our young
men, that it will soon be implemented at our
girls’ campus as well!
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