Ms. Caronette Jones wants to make sure every child has the same opportunity to succeed that she had as a child. She understands that she is where she is because a teacher saw something in her.

HISD’s current teacher appraisal system simply does not meet students’ or teachers’ needs. Teachers often go years without being observed by an appraiser under the current Modified Professional Development and Appraisal System and receive little or no constructive feedback about their job performance, while HISD students continue to lag behind other area districts in academic performance. Not surprisingly, a 2010 survey of thousands of HISD teachers and principals found widespread dissatisfaction with the current system.

Kemba Walker completed three years of college without reading one book.

 How does one get into and complete three years of college without reading one book? Ask University of Connecticut basketball star Kemba Walker, who not only managed to do so, but is set to graduate a year early from the institution.

Rev. Leslie Smith 

When the Apollo Space Program began fifty years ago, it was devoted to the goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth, within the decade of the 1960s.  At the time President Kennedy outlined his vision of going to the moon, many people thought it was unachievable, and some thought it was downright impossible to attain within a decade.  He cautioned the nation that it made no sense to agree to take action to explore outer space, unless the country was “prepared to do the work and bear the burdens to make it successful.”  

 Links Incorporated, Port City Chapter Members

The South Central Sportz’s 10th Annual Opening Day ceremonies were celebrated in perfect spring weather at Sunnyside Park. The 200 boys and girls on 15 teams named in honor of the Negro League also enjoyed extra festivities at the simultaneously held Health, Science and Education Fair sponsored by The Links, Incorporated.

Principal Dameion Crook gives Bruce Elementary student Lyell Davis a wristband after accepting his application to HISD’s new all-male college preparatory academy.

The phrase “minority achievement gap” resonates with Crook who admits HISD must do a better job at meeting the needs of its African- American male students. “It’s not just about academics, it’s also about meeting the social, cultural, and community needs of these young boys,” says Crook. “We need to show them that there are many pathways to success, and they don’t all involve carrying a football or dribbling a basketball.”

The 2011 Westside JV Basketball Team

“The first time this has happened in 5 years,” Coach Lee recalls.  Crushing the myth that Westside High school is not a school for basketball!!  The Westside Wolves defeated the Westbury Rebels in the last game of the season 48 to 40. 

North Forest High School ‘s  National Society of Black Engineers proudly display their achievements.

The North Forest High School National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Junior Chapter members traveled to Texas A&M University recently,  to participate in the NSBE Olympiad Design Competition.

Debutante/Beautillions Cotillion Ball, which benefits “Devine Prom Project 2011.”

Jaylon and Zerrick

ZERRICK GIBSON
Contributing Writer

“Life is good. Life is gold. Life is what we make it.” I’ve heard that statement repeatedly throughout my childhood, and now, as time ticks, I realize that quote has been the basis for much of my decision making and the way I view life. For a minute, I felt like the relationships in my life reflected the lyrics of Alicia Keys’ song “Unbreakable.” This was especially true when it came to me and my little brother. But now, I see all that glitters is not gold.

DALLAS-  The “Whut it Do?” Peacefest and Hip Hop Competition takes place this Saturday, August 14^, 2010 at the Martin Luther King Park & Recreation Center located at 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.  Community leaders and hip hop artists join hands to make changes in the South Dallas community. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. in the indoor facility with workshops on education, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and healthy living, along with group cardio, CPR & fire safety training. At 4:00 p.m. join us for a concert in the park where rising hip hop artists compete for cash, free studio time, & radio airplay.   Come with your families to enjoy food, fun, & plenty of entertainment.  The day ends with a celebration of Unity as the community is asked to make a pledge for overall change.  Young Nino takes the stage and will record a song with the competition winner. This event is sponsored by the Millions More Movement Ministry of Arts & Culture (The MAC) and the Dynasty Hip Hop Mentoring Program.  Although it is FREE and open to the general public, the focus is geared toward youth and young adults ages 10-25.  “This event is the bricks & mortar our youth need to lay a foundation on which they can build and rise to greatness.” says Ife Mahdi one of the event volunteers.

Four years after watching her sister win the title, it was Morgan Jacobé Ned’s turn to be crowned Miss Black Texas USA Talented Teen 2010. The thirteen-year-old entered the competition thinking that it would be a fun experience. To her surprise, it was also a very memorable one as well.

Morgan Ned

A study that came out a few months ago by Northwestern University
revealed that the number of high school dropouts who are serving time
is increasing. Nearly one in four young, Black, male high school dropouts
are incarcerated or institutionalized on an average day.
                                                                    Photo by BOSSIP

It is no secret that the nation’s public school system is in crisis. It is a crisis that hits home. Houston has the fifth highest dropout rate among the 50 largest cities in the nation. According to Education Week, the graduation rate for Houston ISD is only 42.2 percent and at least 53.5 percent of students living in Harris County are at risk of dropping out. Hispanics and African-Americans have the largest numbers (52 percent and 45 percent respectively).

U.S. Congressman Al Green (TX-09) reports, “Fifty to 60 percent of our children are not graduating on time with a regular high school diploma.” He adds that, nationally, about 7,000 drop out each day, adding up to more than 1.2 million per year. Much has been done locally and nationally to stem the tide of attrition. But in order to solve the problem, it is important to understand the cause of the problem. Why are America’s youth abandoning the system their grandmothers and grandfathers sacrificed to be included in. Is it a matter of the students’ failing to learn or are the educators failing to reach them?

First Lady Michelle Obama addresses the audience at a student rally at Wayne State University. Photo by D. Rich

This is the time of year for graduates to cross the stage and pick up their diplomas.  Before the diplomas are handed out and the caps are tossed, the administrators and class leaders will surely offer remarks about the future.  If I were delivering a commencement address, here are some recommendations I would offer to those launching into their college careers or job prospects.

HOUSTON– Ranecia “Raen” Denson may be small in stature, but not in talent and dreams. The young Acres Homes performer recently climbed another rung on the ladder to success when she auditioned for the International Presentation of Performers (iPOP)! and out of thousands of talented entertainers, was one of 30 chosen to represent Houston.