Newsletter Winter 2012 - Innovations High School

Phoenix
Winter 2011-2012
Volume 3, Issue 2
The Official Newsletter of CIRCLE Foundation/Innovations High School
CIRCLE Foundation
Board of Directors
LaShaun Jackson, Chairman
Omar Moore, Co-Chairman
Andricus Hutcherson, Secretary
Latisha Smith, Board Member
Paul Sakol, Board Member
Steven Skinner, Board Member
Tim Lee, Board Member
STAFF
LaShaun Jackson, CEO/Executive Director
The Newest Gems on Jeweler’s Row!
Fr o m t h e
D ir ec t o r ’s
D esk
Mr. LaShaun
Jackson,
Co-Founder/CEO
Omar Moore, COO/Principal
Melissa Fleming, Assistant Principal
Oscar Argueta, Comptroller
Crystal Braboy, Communications &
Human Resources Manager
Dolph Ireland III, Associate Dean
Tierra Powell, Associate Dean
Matthew Wehrmann, Lead/Hist.Teacher
Essie Rush, Registrar 1
Marshea Wright, Registrar 2
Lolita Paul, Registrar 3
Marion Anderson, Office Manager
Jessica Oliver, Post-Secondary Dept. Mgr.
David Ashkenaz, Science Teacher
Benereta Lamaj, Math Teacher
Elizabeth Serilla, English Teacher
Tina Fakhrid-Deen, English Teacher
Abby Ghibaudy, English Teacher
Alexandra Merritt, Science Teacher
Tsegaye Lobban, Aventa Instructor
Abdul Goler, African-Amer. Studies Inst.
Chris Krypel, Studio Instructor
Hunter Husar, Math Instructor
Rebecca Plourde, Math Instructor
Constance Moore, YES Mentor
Jennifer Adams, YS3 Mentor
David Rimmer, YS3 Mentor
Kalisha Buckhanon, Literacy Tutor
Joanne Rodriguez, Math Tutor
Karen Muzzall, Specialized Services
Sectonius Watson, Specialized Services
Blake Carthan, P.E Instructor
Jelani Ricks, Lead Security
Andrea Turner, Security
Elizabeth Perez, Accounting Clerk
Philimino Gallon, Post-Sec. Dept. Asst.
Imani Walton, Comm. & HR Assistant
Latrita Windfield, Lunchroom Mgr.
We did it! In the middle of the second
semester, over a three-day weekend,
during chilly mid-November days,
through the congestion of downtown
traffic, with financial challenges and
under time constraints—against all
odds—we‟ve moved! Although we are
still settling in, and there is still some
minor construction taking place, we are
up and running in our new facility. Our
new address, 17 N. State (guest
entrance)/16 N. Wabash (student
entrance), is located in the heart of the
downtown Chicago Loop, in the historic
landmark area known as Jeweler‟s
Row.
Our relocation has several benefits. First
and foremost, it provides a safe, central
location for all students to travel to
school from various Chicago
neighborhoods. Secondly, it provides a
business-filled environment within
which our students will absorb the
culture of the professional working
world. Thirdly, there are loads of
academic and cultural resources
(colleges, libraries, museums, parks,
etc.) within walking distance. And
lastly, but certainly not least, everyone
is happy about the fact that the world
famous Garrett‟s Popcorn is right down
the street!!
We are extremely happy with our new
settings and are looking forward to
establishing great relationships and
partnerships within our new community.
We have already received quite a warm
welcome from our neighbors. Some
have even already reached out and
supported us through donations; these
neighbors include Broadway in Chicago,
Millennium Park Garages, Cortiva
School of Massage Therapy and Dunkin
Donuts.
This move pushes us one huge step closer
toward achieving our overall vision as a nonprofit and more specifically, toward
achieving the vision of our school. In today‟s
ever-changing educational climate, it is of
crucial importance to have a facility that has
the capacity to not only support the emerging
technological needs of students, but also
which promotes a safe, innovative and
engaging academic atmosphere. Now more
than ever, educators are recognizing the
importance of school atmosphere and its
contribution to academic success.
Although it is urgent that facilities are kept
contemporary, there are age old academic
needs that have not changed (regardless of
facility) since the beginning of time. Those
needs include students engaging in the
education process with the appropriate
attitude and putting forth industrious efforts.
Facilities play a crucial part in supporting
academic success, but the fundamental makeup of each student's mindset is still of the
utmost importance. In line with this, we
continue to push our students and mold them
to develop the attitudes and efforts necessary
to overcome the rigors of the secondary
education process.
HIGHER STANDARDS!!
In reflection of this molding process,
and in consideration of our new
location on Jewelers Row, I am
reminded of the long and arduous
process that it takes to create a
precious gem. Gems are created from
rough and raw material within the
earth‟s mantle. High pressure and
high temperatures create the
appropriate atmosphere that helps
mold raw materials into new,
crystallized forms that we call gems.
Our move into our new space—
combined with our continual focus
on academic excellence, social
responsibility, creative expression
and personal development—are
creating an atmosphere that will
mold our students into the priceless,
shining gems that we know that they
are transforming into. That being
said, we look forward to seeing our
“gems” shine as bright as the
brightest jewels down here on
Jeweler‟s Row.
Top left: Students Xavier Gadlin and
Cyerra Salter pose outside of the new
IHS location, in Chicago‟s Loop, on
Jeweler‟s Row; Right: Cyerra and
Xavier don proud IHS smiles in the
school corridor.
See more pictures of our new
facility on page 4!
2
Snap it Up! The Innovations High School Poetry Club
By Ms. Kalisha Buckhanon
The Innovations High School Poetry Club has kicked in for a brand new year of words, words, and more words--and the stage is fast approaching for it. The team
currently has about 14 members, some returning and some new, across all grade levels at Innovations. Daniel Dockery, a senior at Innovations and top competitor on the
teenage poetry circuit, is returning to the club as President this year.
Last year, Dockery joined club sponsor Melissa Fleming and about a dozen team members at Louder than a Bomb--the world's largest competition for teenage poetry and
performance. Started in 2001 by Young Chicago Authors and held each winter in Chicago, the competition selects winners in the categories of "Individual" and
"Team." Dockery competed well in both, and went on to compete at the ASN Alternative Idol competition and publish his poetry in ASN's Poemlab anthology.
Participation in the Club and the competitions teach students discipline, revision in writing and teamwork. The public performances and shared writing with peers boost
confidence and offer fortifying channels for self-awareness, community examination and artistic careers. Innovations High School alum Chanel Strain was also a
member of the 2010-2011 Poetry Team; she went on to score well at Louder than a Bomb, win the Walgreens city-wide Expressions Poetry Contest, and read her poetry
at Rahm Emmanuel's 2011 Inauguration. The club generally appeals to Innovations' strongest minds.
"I joined the Poetry Team because I wanted to find another way to express myself besides music," says Kiara Furtute, a senior at Innovations who was a member of the
team last year. Furtute came to Innovations late last year and joined the Club at a field trip viewing of Louder than a Bomb, a documentary film based on the
competition and covering the lives of 5 teenagers as they prepare for it. She writes rap and song lyrics, and wanted to compliment her talents with the formal study and
teamwork emphasized by the Poetry Club.
The Poetry Club will meet on Tuesdays in the 2nd or 3rd floor Conference Rooms, during B Lunch. Other days and times may be added closer to the Louder than a
Bomb competition, with finals held on March 8th, 2012 (Individual) and March 12th (Team) at the Biograph and Victory Gardens' theaters. Please wish your Innovations
High School Poetry Club members good luck and winning spirits, or show your support by participating in one of their fundraisers this year!
HOMECOMING WEEK 2011
By Mr. Matt Wehrmann, Student Council
Advisor
Innovations hosted its annual homecoming dance in
October. Students elected the theme “A Red Carpet
Affair.” The paparazzi were out to snap some great
images of Innovation‟s finest as they walked across
the red carpet. As the night got going, DJ Trey
Plus kept the students on the dance floor. The
student body chose the Homecoming Prince
Lamont Felton, Princess Kecia Comer, King
Devonta Roebuck, and Queen Alicia Martin.
Student council president, Xavier Gadlin, crowned
the royalty at the end of the dance.
The Innovation‟s dance team paired up with the
Making the Band star Zack Crawford to cap off the
night. Zack Crawford sung tracks from his
upcoming album while the Innovations dance team
performed beside him. The choreography was a hit
with the student body. Senior Chikyra Hill stated,
“I really enjoyed watching students perform next to
Zack Crawford.” The fun night proved to be the
last dance at the old Innovations location.
Mariah Carthen and Mekiya Menefee dance the night away with Zack Crawford of Making the Band 4 fame.
The homecoming dance was the culminating event
of IHS‟ Homecoming Spirit Week. Please enjoy
pictures from some of our themed days, where
students came out of uniform and showed their
school spirit in unique ways!
Below: Mr. Wehrmann, Ms. Powell, Mr. Bryant and Ms. Wright
pose with students Mariah Carthen, Desiree Turner and
Princess Brown on Nerd Day!
King Devonta Roebuck, Left; Prince
Lamont Felton, Right
Queen Alicia Martin
Princess Kecia Comer
Innovations’ Students and Staff of the Month!
CONGRATULATIONS on your outstanding achievement, to our September 2011 through
January 2012 honorees!! Students of the Month (1 male, 1 female) are nominated and voted on by
staff members, and the Staff Member of the Month secured the greatest number of nominations
amongst his/her co-workers. Each of you has demonstrated true leadership and excellence!!
Keep up the outstanding work!
Students
Staff
September- Bran'Di McGowan and Davonte Cline Ms. Melissa Fleming, Asst. Principal
October- Torri Patton and Javontae Knox
Mr. David Ashkenaz, Science Teacher
November- Kiara Furtute and Wallace Scott
Ms. Marshea Wright, Registrar 2
December- Short Month—No Students Selected
Ms. Jennifer Adams, YS3 Mentor
January- Fatima Henry and Joshua Hardy
Ms. Crystal Braboy, HR Manager
3
Social Responsibility and the Modern Day Student
By Mr. Omar Moore, Co-Founder & COO, CIRCLE Foundation/ Principal, IHS
"The workings of the human heart are the profoundest mystery of the universe.
One moment they make us despair of our kind, and the next we see in them the
reflection of the divine image." - Charles W. Chesnutt
In a time where the United States faces global
competition with regard to financial security,
technology, industry, and education, we find
scholastic rigor in the company of the economy,
housing, and healthcare in the forefront of
conversations and debates about the future of the
nation. The U.S. has always prided itself on being
the world‟s leaders in many ways. In maintaining
that competitive edge, it is of the utmost
importance that we remember that character must
balance content. As we are pushing our students to
be the best in reading and math, we must also
remember that what matters most, are the kind of
humans who are reading and doing the math. In
this regard, moral development, conscience, and
civil habits will make the difference when the
intellectual playing field is evened out.
When many are asked about the importance of
education, they often say that it is essential for
getting a good job, providing for a family and
having an acceptable quality of life. While these
are all true, they are basically individual and
personal goals, and not the whole of what
education can provide. One essential quality that
education has the potential to equip young people
with is the ability to be upstanding citizens:
Individuals who act to benefit the society at large.
This is at the core of social responsibility and as we
see advances in science and technology making the
world more accessible, social responsibility must
advance to match the times.
In recent media, we have witnessed tragic
misconduct of our youth massively spread across
You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of
social network media. Websites such as
www.worldstarhiphop.com have gained notoriety
for their display of the type of homemade media
that many would call questionable or disturbing,
that has become commonplace in the social lives of
the very students that occupy our classrooms each
weekday. While many of the sites I mentioned
help connect the world and serve a viable purpose,
the misuse of them has all but become the norm
and our youth are faced with a social conscience
dilemma that did not exist in this form 20 years
ago.
There is a debate on whether social media networks
serve practical purpose in the classroom to promote
education and technology. It is certain that this
medium is the modern norm and greatly engaging
to children and young adults. It is also true that
when student, peer and teacher-driven interaction
extends further and further beyond the physical
walls of the school, particularly in the “virtual”
world of the internet, the lines of appropriateness
need to be clearly defined. We have all heard of
tragedies that have ensued via cyber-bullying and
teacher gross misconduct via technology, and while
things like this have gone on for a long time, the
modern-day student is bombarded at an increased
rate. Social responsibility must stand as the bridge
to maintain the integrity of these modern
technological advances.
Social responsibility can be passive, by avoiding
engaging in socially harmful acts, or active, by
performing activities that directly advance positive
social goals. In education, we have historically
seen students who have become involved in social
justice concerns through the education of such
issues and the desire to make a difference. Such
resolve and active participation has led to
phenomenal changes in society, including the
desegregation of schools in 1954. In modern times,
passive and active social responsibility can still
make substantial changes in the world. We saw the
same media that was used to exploit children
beating a helpless student be used to apprehend
those responsible. We have also seen the same
tools used to exploit be used to bring classrooms
across the world into the United States.
As we teach our students to compete in this everchanging world, we must also teach them that their
conduct and the way they treat one another are just
as important as the grades they get, the college they
attend, and the jobs they will ultimately have. As
we mold the future doctors, lawyers, and
technicians of tomorrow, we must mold their
character as well as their intellectual content. The
modern day student must be taught the modern day
social responsibility of the plethora of gadgetry
found in smart phones, computers, Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, etc. and use these things as weaponry for
civil advancement and not anarchy. We
underestimate our youth when we allow them to
overindulge in the pageantry of adolescence and not
encourage them to embrace the opportunity to make
the kind of difference that only their youthful
energy and optimism can achieve.
By Mrs. Tina Fakhrid-Deen
In November, the Broadway in
Chicago organization donated forty
tickets to our school so that students,
staff and parents could see the awardwinning Broadway musical, Memphis.
Inspired by actual events, Memphis is
set in the 1950‟s at the height of racial
tension and segregation in the South. It
is the story of a white radio DJ who
wants to change the world and falls in
love with a black club singer who is
ready for her big break. IHS students,
their families, and the staff had a
wonderful time and were wowed by all
of the stellar performances. As a
follow-up to the performance, Shannon
Strodel, Rachel Staelens, and Tony
Soto of Broadway in Chicago, shared
acting tips and provided improvisation
training to the African-American
Literature & Drama class as part of its
arts integration focus.
Thanks BIC!!
This is why I applaud our young Innovations
students for their efforts in community service and
embracing their change of environment as an
opportunity to learn about and explore the city and
push their academics to a higher standard. As a
school, we hold equal regard for scholastic
excellence, intelligent creative expression, personal
development, and social responsibility. We firmly
believe that focus on these four areas will help to
make the citizens that will invest in and change our
world for the better. As our students grow and
acclimate to their IHS experience, I have no doubt
that they will be among the upstanding citizens of
the future. I was once told, “Youth is wasted on the
young.” When I walk the halls of IHS each day, I
say to myself, „I think not.‟
Top, Middle,
Left:
Students in
Mrs. FakhridDeen’s class
enjoy Improv
training from
actors with
Broadway in
Chicago!!
4
IHS/CIRCLE
Foundation Open
House 2011
Innovations unveiled its new campus to its
parents, partners and supporters on
Wednesday, December 14, 2011. By all
accounts, it was a success! Attendees
received guided tours by excited IHS
students (pictured), and got the opportunity
to experience lessons and demonstrations by
some of our teachers. All twelve classrooms
and our gymnasium are equipped with their
own Smartboard ©, and students were happy
to demonstrate to visitors how they enhance
classroom learning.
Students from our new neighbor school,
Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy, were
on site to give complimentary chair
massages to our guests. A fundraising raffle
was held, and the prizes included two
Cortiva Institute Massage Certificates, a
certificate from Broadway in Chicago to the
opening night of “In The Heights” (for two),
and a $50 certificate to Park Grill Restaurant
in Millennium Park (with parking!),
courtesy of Millennium Garages. Our
winners were Mr. Marvin Garcia, Ms. Maria
Mendoza, Mr. Craig Stubler and Mr. Roger
Boyd. A great time was had by all!
Save the Dates!
We cordially invite you to attend our
Phoenix Gallery After-Work
Networking Social
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
IHS Campus, 17 N. State St., 3rd Floor
See our spectacular arts integration
projects, and mix and mingle with
CIRCLE Foundation Staff!
~This an age 21 & older event~
___________________________________
Please mark your calendar for our annual
soireé—
CIRCLE Foundation’s 3rd
Annual Gala
to be held at Macy’s on State Street (Walnut
Room) on
Saturday, May 19th @ 7:30 p.m.!!
Please call Ms. Crystal Braboy @
312.999.9360 x113 for tickets or more
info!
IHS World Literature Class Participates in
Amnesty International’s
Write for Rights Global
Write-a-thon
By Ms. Kalisha Buckhanon
"As a member of the global community, I have a choice to be responsible for the rights
of others. Having been born in the United States of America, I have the right to my own
beliefs; therefore, I am not forced to help anyone unless I want to. In effect, I choose to
care about the rights of others because every human being deserves to be protected,
loved, and have freedom. We are not living in the age of slavery days anymore. To be
invisible means not to be seen."
--Excerpt from student Tatiana Clay's Human Rights Essay for World Literature
International Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10th, promotes awareness of the
importance of human rights issues around the world. In honor of this date, students in Ms.
Ghibaudy‟s World Literature class joined thousands of people in a Write for Rights
Global Write-a-thon with Amnesty International, a non-profit organization. Students
hoped to bring about positive change in the world by writing letters on behalf of
individuals whose human rights are being ignored. These letters were sent to various
governing entities around the world, including Cameroon, North Korea, Sri Lanka, China,
Mexico, and even Louisiana. Students learned about several important human rights
violation cases around the world, the various honorable titles necessary to address various
leaders and how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protect us.
Students examined case studies for many of Amnesty International's current campaigns for
justice around the world. These cases included Chinese scholar and Nobel Peace Prizewinning author Liu Xiaobo, Nigerian residents of the Port Harcourt Settlements, and
Cameroon citizen Jean-Claude Roger Mbede. Amnesty International has crusaded for
Xiabo's release as a prisoner of conscience, Port Harcourt Settlement residents as illegally
evicted renters, and Mdebe's exoneration on charges of "homosexuality" in the Cameroon
country where it is a crime.
Students were also enlightened to several cases of human rights injustice right here in
America, in examining the case of Christi Cheramie and Reggie Clemons; Cheramie was
imprisoned at 16 in Louisiana for life without the possibility of parole, and major activists
believe Clemons was wrongfully sentenced to death in St. Louis for the murders of two
young White women that he alleges he was forced to confess to.
Innovations High School students in Ms. Ghibaudy's 2nd and 3rd Period World Literature
courses wrote and mailed approximately 35 letters in support of several individuals'
releases from prison or harrowing circumstances. During the unit and project, students
contemplated the value of their own rights in America and the necessity of free members
of society to stand up for oppressed persons. For more information or future dates, please
visit: http://www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon.
Red Tails-- A whale
of a Tale...but true
too!
by Mr. Abdul Goler
African American & World Culture Studies
Inst.
As a kick-off to the start of Black History Month,
students from Innovations and around Chicago had
the privilege of screening the film “Red Tails.”
The film, set in Italy, focused on a close-knit group
of African American servicemen who were a part
of the Tuskegee Experiment. This "experiment," as
it was called by the U.S. Armed Forces, was a rare
opportunity for Black servicemen to receive
training and flight time as part of an elite team of
airmen charged with helping defeat the Axis of
terror: the German, Japanese, and fascist Italian and
Spanish forces that supported the Nazis.
The training of these Black men was considered an
experiment because society at the time was not
accepting of African Americans as capable of the
responsibilities associated with being a fighter
pilot.
Phoenix PARENT Corner!
We’re doing things a little differently, this ‘go
round!
Please read the following four quick tips from Mrs.
Tina Fakhrid-Deen for our IHS parents!
Have you wondered what you might be able to do to help your child
become more successful at Innovations? Studies show that student
success is increased immensely when schools and parents
collaborate and create a safety net of support for students. We know
that it is hard for you to get to the school often, but here are easy
things that you can do from home that will provide more structure
and support for your child’s academic success:
1) Insure that your children go to bed at a reasonable hour,
despite being teens. Staying out too late or staying up too late has a
detrimental impact on your children‟s success. It is nearly impossible
for them to concentrate in class when they arrive tired. Early to bed,
early to rise, keeps our students healthy, alert, and wise.
2) Create mandatory study time. Although they may deny it,
there is always homework that students can do or reading to be done.
Many students wait until the last minute to do their work and risk
failing courses because they fail to do it at home. Don‟t fall for the “I
have no homework” line. Make your children study or engage in
educational activities (examples: reading, writing, researching for a
school project or college scholarships, ACT Prep, filling out college
applications) for at least two hours per evening. This will insure that
they complete all school work and it will help to prepare them for the
rigors of college.
3) Log onto PowerSchool. Did you know that you can easily see
what assignments your children are missing, what their current grade
is and how their attendance has been? The power is in your hands.
Check PowerSchool at least once per week. The website link is
http://psprem01.yccs.org/public/. Request your password from the
main office or any staff member and log in frequently to hold your
children fully accountable for their academic progress. Please note
that all students have access to this site as well. If they have lost their
password, it can easily be retrieved from any IHS staff member. There
is no excuse to fall behind. Higher Standards!
4) Improve attendance and the rest will follow. The first step to
success is showing up. It is hard for your children to keep up in class
if they are absent or tardy often. Please help us to help your child to be
successful. Don‟t give them a choice to stay home. Attendance equals
academic success. Despite winter weather, waking up late, a slight
cold, or other minor excuses, make your child commit to school and
attend regularly and on-time.
Please contact the deans, Mr. Ireland and Ms. Powell, or Mrs.
Fakhrid-Deen for more great tips to support your child and/or to
become an integral part of the Parent Team. We need your input and
support.
Together, we can do it!!
In other words, the military brass and society in general did not think that Black men were smart enough to be
fighter pilots. However, the airmen in the 332nd squadron would go on to be one of the most effective fighter pilot
groups in WWII, and prove the nation wrong. The film documents some of their greatest achievements and brings
reenactments of their flying and fighting prowess to the big screen.
The students all seemed to really enjoy the film. There was a high level of engagement based on overhearing
students commenting on the film, as well as the laughter and applause generated by the heroic deeds of the all-black
squadron. One of the things I found enjoyable as an instructor was the use of language in the film. It was language
befitting an officer. As such, it was witty, polished, and free of swear words--not a very common thing these days,
especially in regards to media portrayals of African American men. These men were highly educated and were
proud of it--and not in a haughty "I am better than you" way, but rather in a way that said: "I am as good as you."
The sacrifices made by these men through their heroic deeds was both emotionally stirring and a joy to behold.
These deeds helped pave the way for the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces and are one of the
historical reasons African Americans have seen the military as a viable career option.
Many thanks to AON Hewitt for donating the tickets to our students!!!
5
IHS Vision Statement:
Innovations High School
“Home of the Phoenix”
rd
17 N. State Street, 3 Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.999.9360
Fax: 312.999.9361
E-mail:
info@innovationshs.org
**Note: Our
Address and
Numbers
have
changed!**
“Higher Standards!”
We’re on the Web!
www.innovationshs.org
Our vision is to become an
innovative community of
learners that fosters creative
expression, social
responsibility, personal
development and scholastic
excellence.
IHS Mission Statement:
To provide opportunities for
all students to engage in
challenging and dynamic
learning experiences that
will inspire, motivate, and
empower them to succeed
in an ever-changing world.
CIRCLE Foundation owns and operates Innovations High School (A Campus of Youth Connection Charter School),
and encompasses programs of the Alternative Schools Network and City Colleges of Chicago.
CIRCLE Foundation
1448 E. 52
nd
St., Suite 360
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 312.999.9360
Fax: 312.999.9361
E-mail:
info@circlefound.org
INSPIRE. MOTIVATE. EMPOWER.
WE NEED YOUR DONATIONS!!
CIRCLE Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and
needs your support!
Visit our website:
www.circlefound.org
to make a donation to our school’s building fund through PayPal.
Your donations are tax deductible!!
With your help, CIRCLE Foundation can continue to provide vital
programs that improve our community!
Our Mission
To establish an institution that innovatively inspires, motivates and
empowers people to develop and realize their highest aspirations.
“Surrounded By Support”
Our Vision
To become an agency of change that encourages, promotes and
supports high intelligence, harmonious social interaction, personal
fulfillment and humanitarian advancement.