21st century summer of innovation
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
MUSIC MAKERS
RISING 6TH
GRADERS CREATE
NEW SONGS USING LOGIC PRO
SOFTWARE AND KEYBOARDS
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Summer of Innovation
Reusing Resources for New
Creations Solar panels, solar ovens, plastic, miniature turbines, and a reusable resource house are all the innovative creations in 21st Century’s STEM class. Rising 8th graders Jameesa Jones and Whitney Rogers, both students at Crittenden Middle School, thoroughly enjoyed making and using their solar ovens. The s’mores they created left them wanting to share their creations with their families. Whitney’s dad wants her to bring her solar oven home so she can cook with it. Jameesa said that her dad wants the whole family to build one together. In addition to creating delicious treats after building a solar oven, the STEM students are exploring how to repurpose the light for a solar panel that will be a part of the reusable resource house the students are creating for the school’s courtyard.
Every facet of the reusable resource house has driven the experiences in the class. The young scientists, under the direction of Nicolas Phillips III, a designer from Newport News Shipyard, stripped wire to make
electrical connections to build circuits that will be used to wire the house. In addition, Mr. Dyronn Goggins, whose background is in electronics, material science, and aviation, helped students create miniature turbines from cardboard and duck tape. When attached to a generator, these turbines create hydroelectric power. Students also created their own plastic. Using resources such as milk, vinegar, glue and borax, the STEM students created polymers, which are long chains of molecules that stick to take on a new form- plastic. Making sure the solar village is a thriving place also required the students to take soil samples to check for the correct compounds, such as nitrogen. Mr. Erick Francis, who has a horticulture background, helped students record the soil data and draw conclusions about the information they attained. All of these student-made creations made an impact on Tileah Robinson, 13, who admitted, “I never really liked science, but I enjoy this because you get to do everything you are learning about, and you get to do it yourself.
21ST
CENTURY CHEFS
YOUNG CHEFS COOK UP
CULINARY DELIGHTS
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TRICKS OF THE TRADE
STUDENTS LEARN AND APPLY
THE BASICS OF COSMETOLOGY
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You get to see what you can do
for yourself, but you can get help
if you need it.” Not only is the
STEM class creating usable
gadgets from reusable
resources, but it is creating
future scientists as well.
July 7- August 7 2014
Robots on a Mission Lego robots are everywhere; some
are hooked up to computers, some
are rolling around on tables, and
some have missing heads. It’s 21st
Century’s robotics class, where
students are learning to build and
program robots to perform specific
tasks. Rising 7th grader Kaija
Bratcher and rising 8th grader
De’vohn Farrar, both from
Crittenden Middle School are
building robots. De’vohn is learning
a lot about what robots are capable
of doing. He says, “Robots can do
anything we program them to do.
Say we had a hurricane, they can
guide airplanes to go on the safe
runways. They can put up the exit
signs for escape routes, and even
rebuild houses.” Kaija’s interest in
robotics was sparked from seeing
other people build robots. She took
the robotics class this summer
because she, “wanted to see how
hard it was and it’s teaching me
about trial and error, which is a
plus.” De’vohn, who plans to be an
engineer, believes the robotics class
is helping him prepare for his future
career, and according to him, “I’ve
always had a thing for robots.”
The students are programming
their robots using Mine, a
software by Lego, that allows
them to program the arms, head,
and body. According to De’vohn,
“the body is the brain, and the
head is the sensor.” Both
students had a little bit of trouble
constructing their robots. Kaija
said, “It wasn’t that hard because
I did it last year, but I struggled
with building the back tires.”
De’vohn struggled to follow the
instructions in the manual
because technical reading is not
something he usually does;
however, he pushed through and
began to understand how
manuals work. This exposure to
new information and trial and
error is teaching the students to
persevere towards their end goal.
Both students, along with their
classmates, successfully built
and programmed their robots
under the guidance of Mr.
Dwayne Banks. The students
agree that Mr. Banks was a
critical part of their success in
robotics this summer saying, “He
is a great teacher; he’s always
there when you need him and is
just always helping out.”
3-2-1 Blastoff! 3-2-1 and the rockets are up, up, up
and away! However, before the
launch, rising eighth graders
conducted research on bottle rocket
design to better understand how to
create a rocket that has a longer
flight. After conducting research,
each of the students were given a
soda bottle, card board for the
wings, a ruler, and access to hot
glue to create a winning rocket.
Once the rockets were assembled,
it was time for the trial blast-offs to
record data and give students a
chance to record their flight data
and perfect their wing design if
needed. The winning
rocket, which will be
determined the last day of
the summer program, is the
one that shoots the highest
and has the longest flight
time.
2
Producer, tempo, music engineer,
session musician are words that
flowed off the tongues of 10 and 11
year old students from 21st
Century’s music engineering class.
The students in the music
engineering class are learning new
vocabulary and new skills as they
make new music. Two future
Crittenden sixth graders, Layla
Kem-Bumbala from Lee Hall
Elementary School and Spencer
Hoe from Hilton Elementary School
both enjoy using the software
Logic Pro to create beats and
produce their own music. Layla
announced that “producers make
20-30% of the funds from songs
that they made the beats for.”
According to Spencer, “the
producer makes the music, the
music engineer prepares the
equipment, and the session
musician makes or plays with
sound.”
Layla and Spencer, along with 22
other rising sixth grade students,
are learning to use software and
play the piano to create new music
with different tempos and beats.
Because of what he is learning in
the music engineering class,
Spencer is interested in a career as
a music producer. He stated, “We
are learning shortcuts in Logic Pro
like how to record and play the
music we made. We are also using
the built in piano to make sounds
and music. I love being able to
choose whatever instrument I
want to use and when you press
the keys it makes a sound.”
Layla then said, “We are leaning
about the many instruments you
can use in Logic Pro, such as
drums, piano, guitar, and much
more.”
Music Makers
“I want students to know the power of
music and to understand it as a great
outlet for expressing emotions.”
-Aarian Lassalle, EMA Music and Arts
Recording Engineer, Producer, and
Instructor
physical and health needs.”
Students also play flag football,
capture the flag, and basketball.
In addition to games, a physical
fitness test is another component
of the class; the test includes
push-ups, pull-ups, sit and
reach, the trunk lift, and the
pacer test. Each of the students
also leaves the sports class
learning how to check their
heart rates.
Rising 8th
graders Melvin
Lunsford and Damone Davis-
Gatewood, who both attend
Crittenden Middle School, enjoy
the class. “I like being active
and just playing sports,” shared
Melvin. Damone stated that he
likes, “running around, being
active”. Damone’s favorite class
activity is flag football while
Melvin prefers basketball.
Exploring Sports The sound of scuff marks echo
throughout the gym as a rubber
ball zips through the air toward
an opponent who darts to get out
of the way- just in time. A
player from the opposing team
catches the ball and quickly
sends it flying through the air-
boom- he’s out! Scatterball is
just one of the many games
Coach Eric Nicholson uses to
keep students active, while
teaching them teach team work
and communication skills.
According to Coach Nicholson,
his fitness class this summer is
all about, “exploring sports with
a goal of creating an
environment where students can
experience positive social
interactions, while meeting
3
Young chefs in the 21
st Century
Program are learning how to
prepare an efficient five course
meal. Students are not only making
dishes that taste good, but they are
good for the body as well. Thirteen
year old chefs Dadia Jones and
Ariana Jackson, both students at
Crittenden Middle School, are just
a couple of the students learning
new recipes and the importance of
preparing healthy snacks. Dadia
chose to take culinary arts this
summer because, “[she] wanted to
learn how to cook different things,”
while Ariana stated that she “just
loves to cook”. Dadia went on to
share that she wanted to learn how
to measure ingredients properly,
and she also wanted to better
understand when to use different
kitchen utensils. Both young chefs
are looking forward to helping their parents more in the kitchen. One
special cooking tip that Dadia
learned and plans to share with her
parents is the important of putting
sugar on the cake pan when
making cake because it helps to
enhance to the flavor.
Culinary arts instructor, Ms. Angela
Ellsworth, has been teaching
young chefs new recipes for the
past five years. Ms. Ellsworth
states that, “Food brings people
together and brings out hidden
talents of those who may struggle
with academics.” She is proud to
say that this summer, she is
impacting over 20 students through
culinary. Ms. Ellsworth began
cooking when she was just 9 years
old. This summer she is
collaborating with Ms. Lauren
Carpenter, a nutritionist from the
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Service. Not only will the young
chefs leave the 21st Century
kitchen knowing how to make
dishes packed with flavor, but they
will also know how to read labels,
count calories, and prepare well
balanced meals. Ms. Carpenter is
teaching the young chefs how to
read menus from local restaurants
to determine the healthier food
options when dining out. Each
young chef will a create recipe
book of all the dishes they’ve
prepared with Ms. Ellsworth and
Ms. Carpenter. Some of the
recipes include trail mix, chicken
and broccoli alfredo, quiche,
chicken salad, tuna salad, potato
salad- and one of the young chefs’
favorite appetizers, Road Kill,
which tastes a lot better than it
sounds!
The culminating event that will
give the chefs a chance to
showcase their skills in the kitchen
is a full five course meal where the
students will prepare h’orderves,
appetizers, salad, main course,
and desserts that promise to look
good, taste good, and be good for
you!
21st Century Chefs 4
Young Chefs’ Favorite Recipe
Road Kill Ingredients
2lbs of regular Jimmy Dean sausage 2 boxes of cream cheese a bag of Tostitos Scoops
Turn the stove top to its highest setting. Place the skillet on the heated burner. Once the skillet is hot, put the Jimmy Dean sausage in the skillet until it turns dark brown. Then, add the cream cheese and stir consistently until it has melted into a creamy texture. Remove from heat. Place the Tostitos Scoops around a plate; arrange the dip in the center. “Presentation is everything,” states Ms. Ellsworth, culinary arts teacher. Once the Tostitos Scoops and dip are arranged on the plate, dig in and devour!
A Glimpse of France As each of student steps into Ms.
Kasanga’s classroom they pause
and greet her; however, something
sounds different about this greeting-
it is spoken in French! This
summer 21st Century’s rising sixth
grade students are learning French.
Ms. Njiba Kasonga is teaching her
students French greetings, the
alphabet, days of the week, months
of the year, as well as introducing
them to French cuisines and
culture. Speaking games, video
clips, singing, repetition, writing, and
alphabet Bingo are just a few of the
tools used to help each of the
students remember the new
language. Ms. Kasanga, who is
fluent in four languages, believes,
“learning French gives students a
broader understanding of their
environment, allows them to make
connections in English, and
expands the depth and breadth of
their understanding of language.”
Marcel Grant, an 11 year old from Yates Elementary School, who will be joining the Crittenden family in the fall, said he loves learning French because his name is French, and he loves to learn new languages.
He said, “I sometimes try to teach
my parents what I’ve learned, even
though my mom knows more
French than me and my dad
learned French, along with many
other languages, while he was in the military.” Jade Jones-Christian,
11, from Carver Elementary
School, who will be attending
Huntington Middle School in the
fall, said she loved learning French
because of all the help she
received from Madam Kasonga. “I
love everything about the class.
Madam Kasonga has made
learning French really fun, and she
always helps me understand things
better before she moves on,” said
Jade.
5
Tricks of the Trade
The whirling heat of blow dryers
hovering over wet locks and the
snip snip of shears trimming edges
are the ordinary sounds of a hair
salon, but this is not an ordinary
salon- it’s 21st Century’s grooming
class. Rising seventh and eighth
grade students, who are donning
black aprons, are all learning the
tricks of the cosmetology trade.
Their lessons in grooming include
learning about the materials, such
as neck strips and conditioners;
proper preparation, such as the way
to drape a client with a towel;
Huntington Middle School told us
that she loved the class because it
gave her a chance to find new ways
to do her own hair. She also shared
that she now does her little sister’s
hair as well. “I plan to be a
cosmetologist when I’m older and
this class helps me prepare for
that,” stated Mozell.
Naté Dixon, 12, who is also a
student at Huntington Middle
School told us that she has learned
how to properly drape, shampoo,
and even blow dry hair. She also
stated that she wanted to become a
hair stylist in the future and loves
the fact that the grooming class is
preparing her for her future.
.
procedures, such as how to
shampoo hair; and completions and
cleanup routines, such as
disinfecting the shampoo bowls.
Certified cosmetologist, Angela
Ford, the owner of Angelica’s
Beauty Shop, and barber, Joe Clark
of Perfect Styles, model how to use
shears, the blow dryer, clippers, and
the curling iron. Each of the
students then applies and practices
their newly acquired cosmetology
knowledge on mannequins. Ms.
Ford, who has been a stylist for 27
years, eagerly shares the tricks of
the trade with students because she
knows that everyone does not have
the money to go to a salon on a
regular basis, so they should know
how to take care of their own hair,
which helps build confidence.
Rising seventh grader Mozell
Hardy, 12, who attends
A New Way to Communicate
6
Room 110 is completely silent, but people are still communicating. Some students are moving their hands with meticulous detail, while their partners are focused intently on decoding the message. Ms. Tammie Fisher, who was first introduced to sign language in the 80s, steps in as needed to demonstrate a hand movement or adjust a students’ hand. Rising sixth graders are learning a new way to communicate- American Sign Language. During their five week study, the 21
st Century
students are learning a plethora of signs including the manual alphabet, numbers 1-20, family relations, introductions, colors, feelings, animals, days of the week, tense, and time. Ms. Fisher uses a variety of resources to help the students learn to sign. Her students watch videos, interact with a deaf person, and play games.
Ms. Fisher also introduces her
students to deaf culture so they are
more sensitive to the needs of those
they may sign with. For example,
tapping, waving, and pointing are
perfectly acceptable in deaf culture
because they are visual ways to
communicate.
Rising sixth graders Cordell Jones
and Iyana Hick are both learning
how to sign. Both Cordell and Iyana
are thrilled to be learning sign
language and believe it’s important
to learn so they can communicate
with deaf people they may meet.
Cordell is teaching his brother and
sister sign language. Iyana is
showing her mom and dad because
she wants them to know what she is
learning in 21st Century.
Game Time!
Fitness 101
“That was easy!” bragged rising seventh grader
Eugene Johnson after he quickly defeated
Ambassador Shadae Childress in a game of Connect
Four. Eugene was proud of his accomplishment
because Shadae was on a 13 game winning streak
against other students who were huddled around
different games in room 721. In addition to Connect
Four, Monopoly and the Wii are available for students
who enjoy a bit of competition. Ambassador Jamar
Smith, a recent graduate of Hampton University,
interacts with the 21st Century gamers as they
demonstrate team work and problem solving through
play. Whether playing Wii Sports or Mario Brothers,
the gamers are engaged, actively thinking, and
collaborating in an effort to achieve a common goal-
the chance to chant, “I won!”
Tucked in the rear of Crittenden Middle School’s
gymnasium is a small studio where body balls,
yoga mats, and step platforms line the wall.
These tools are used by the 21st Century
students learning about fitness from certified
personal trainer, Mrs. Sonya Silverio. Ms.
Silverio is using her 28 years of experience as a
boot camp trainer and personal trainer to teach
her students how to work their core, proper form,
and the purpose of various exercises. In addition
to focusing on physical movement, Ms. Silverio
also introduces basic nutrition.
7
Exercise in Disguise
Base booms through the air as bodies rhythmically sway to the beat. Deedra Smallwood, a licensed Zumba instructor, leads 25 young ladies through choreographed movements that are a blend of soca, salsa, raggaeton, and merengue. Each class begins with 10-12 minutes of stretching then the 30 minute jam session begins, followed by a cool down to stretch the warm muscles and bring the heart rate down. Zumba is a fun and effective way to get 21st Century students active. The summer Zumba studio,
which is located in Crittenden’s spacious band room, creates a judgment free zone for the students to move- there are no mirrors; just the rhythm of the music and the clear directions of Miss Deedra as she stands in front of the young ladies to demonstrate the moves.
La'monee said, "I love the fact that I
don't know that I'm exercising and
getting the chance to dance to my
favorite songs.” Lillian chimed in, "I
love the fun moments I have in the
class and the flow of the music and
beats. “ Both students agreed that
they enjoyed the workout and use
Zumba moves to workout at home in
their free time. Lillian went on to add
that she shows her older sister what
to do, while La’monee stated that she
was already familiar with Zumba
because her mom is a part of a group
who does Zumba workouts every
Friday. The 21st Century Zumba
class is packed with enthusiasm as
the young ladies increase their
flexibly, move their bodies, and get
their heart rates up. Zumba is the
epitome of healthy fun!
Rising 9th graders and former
Crittenden students La'monee
Hymom, who will be attending
Denbigh High School in the
fall, and Lillian Hall, who will
be attending Heritage High
School, are twisting their
bodies and burning calories.
Rewarded for Being Responsible
Forty four students wore an accessory that separated them
from others- a wrist band. This wrist band provided access to
the much talked about pizza party and laser tag challenge.
While all 21st Century students had the opportunity to earn a
wrist band, only those who earned points for being focused,
ready and willing to learn, and responsible donned the prized
possession. In an effort to ensure that students are citizen,
career, and citizen ready, they earn points each day for writing
their daily work in their agenda, completing classwork, and
demonstrating positive behavior. Parent involvement is also a
factor since a weekly parent signature earns students additional
points towards the incentives. Point sheets are kept in
students’ Summer of Innovation Binder, which are a daily
requirement in each class.
8
Bringing Literature to Life Walking into room 717 is walking past a crime scene into a
court room. Exhibit A: the body sized outline of Steve
Harmon posted across the wall. Newspaper articles about
survival obscure the cinder block in the back of the room.
Once the rising eighth graders take their seat, they are
challenged with a Question of the Day: Should parents be
responsible for the actions of their children? Are there
instances when it is acceptable to try a juvenile as an adult?
Should the death penalty be applicable to juveniles? The
dialogue that follows sounds more like a courtroom than a
middle school classroom; students state their opinion using
current events and details from Walter Dean Myer’s realistic
fiction novel Monster for support. Mrs. Marcia Little, who has
been teaching English for 39 years, encourages the
conversation celebrating students who adeptly weave in
relevant background knowledge and make connections. The
pictures, current events, student exemplars, and book
vocabulary that cover the wall are all working together for the
good as Mrs. Little uses every tool at her disposal to help her
21st Century students bring literature to life.
According to Davida Jones, 13, the English class is set up like
a mystery you have to solve. She goes on to say, “During the
summer we get to talk more than we get to talk during the
regular school year.” However, it’s not only the rich
discussion that brings the literature to life- it’s the right book
as well. Donovan Pennant, 13, says he appreciates “the way
the author tells the story. He goes all the way to the smallest
detail to show how the character is treated subhuman.”
Donovan opens his copy of Monster to show evidence that
supports his comments. Mrs. Little is pleased with the
progress of her students who she refers to as future lawyers.
“I want my students to understand the importance of
interacting with literature. They can’t just sit back. They must
think about what they read; what is the personal connection
and impact? I want them to think about how what they read
influences or is influenced by real life.” The rich conversation
among Davida, Donovan, and their classmates are evidence
that the literature in room 717 has come to life!
The 21st Century English team brought literature to life for rising sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Historical fiction, dystopian fiction, and realistic fiction were used to challenge students to question, analyze, evaluate, and make connections. Chanel Hill and Adria Merritt guided rising sixth graders back in time as they read Fever 1793, while Leisel Jones and Nicole Francis traveled with students to a future society as they read Hunger Games. Marcia Little explored the legal system with rising eighth graders as they read Monster.
9
The 21st Century math team gave rising sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth grades a glimpse of what the school year has in store. Students were able to preview the math classes they will be enrolled in during the 2014-2015 school year. This head start is designed to give the 21st Century students a solid foundation and increase their opportunity to be successful math scholars. William Keane and Amani Dawson taught rising sixth grade students, while rising seventh grade students were taught by Stephen Bland. Angela Ellsworth prepared students for Algebra I and those who will be taking geometry were taught by Wilbur Powell. Mrs. Claudette Hawkins could be spotted in both 6th and 7th grade classes offering up her 37 years of experience as a math teacher.
Moving Ahead in Math
Rising seventh and eighth graders
are getting jump start on high
school level math this summer. Mr.
Wilbur Powell, who is a veteran on
the 21st Century math team, is
introducing his students to
geometry. As Mr. Powell and his
students explore right triangles, the
Pythagorean Theorem, conditional
statements, and distance formulas,
he wants to build foundational
knowledge and boost confidence.
Mr. Powell admits, “The
atmosphere in the class is different
from the regular school year.
Students are more relaxed as they
are learning since there is no
pressure of a looming SOL test.”
10
Making an Impact
21st Century has a secret weapon that helps
ensure students success- the Ambassadors.
College students who are currently enrolled
at Hampton University, Christopher Newport
University, and Norfolk State University are
available to provide students with the small
group and one-on-one assistance that helps
ensure mastery of the new concepts and
skills that are being explored. Not only are
the Ambassadors available in the classroom,
but they also forge relationships with students
by eating lunch with them and chatting about
decision making. As college students, the
21st Century Ambassadors inspire the middle
school students to aim high and strive to be
college students once they graduate from
high school. The Ambassadors also help the
program administrator, Corey Gordon, plan
incentives and manage the logistical aspects
of the Summer of Innovation. In addition to
the college Ambassadors, there are junior
Ambassadors who are high school students
from Newport News.
In the Spotlight: Meet Ambassador Alexandria Wheeler
Q: How long have you been a part of
the 21st Century team?
A: Five years
Q: What do you hope the students
learn from you?
A: I try to live by example. I hope
students learn to have a positive attitude. I also strive to teach them the importance of getting an education so that this doesn’t have to be a stopping point for them.
Q: How have you changed
over your five years as an Ambassador?
A: I have learned a lot about
myself. I have lot more patience. I also changed my career goal from forensic science to wanting to impact kids with science.
Q: What has been one of
your goals as an Ambassador?
A: I want the kids to know
that they are never alone. There is always someone who loves and cares about them.
Moving On: Ambassador Brandon Lamar
Christian vvLLamarCChriChristinan
them grasp a concept.
A graduate of Lafayette High School in Williamsburg and Christopher Newport University (c/o 2012, mathematics), Brandon is moving on to Arlington where he will work in education.
Brandon admits that he will miss the personality of the kids. He will, however, leave a footprint. “I tried to show the kids that they can be really good at anything, as long as they are willing to try,” states Brandon reflectively. He also admits that the students left their footprints on him as well. They showed him that an Ambassador must “have fun.
Brandon Christian has been a 21
st Century Ambassador since
2009. While attending a Men of Vision and Excellence meeting on the campus of CNU, he heard about a program that needed tutors. He applied and the rest is history- Brandon has been a part of the 21
st Century
team since 2009. Brandon’s roles as a member of the team included tutoring for STEM. Because of his strong math background, he has been able to effectively reinforce the skills and concepts taught in students’ classes. Brandon is able to pick up where a teacher leaves off and offers 21
st Century students
different techniques to help
Patience is a must. Treat the students like you would want to be treated. Remember that you were once their age.” Great advice from a great Ambassador who is moving on.
Ms. Deborah Williams, security
Each morning as 21st Century
students enter Crittenden Middle School, Ms. Williams greets them with a warn, “Good morning.” Ms Williams has been a member of the 21
st
Century team for seven years. As the summer security officer, Ms. Williams is often seen encouraging students; she calls it “motherly love.” When needed, she talks students through situations to help them reflect and change their behavior.
“I really enjoy seeing my children progress,” beams Ms. Williams when asked what she likes about being a part of the 21
st Century year. During the
regular school year, Ms. Williams can be found providing “motherly love” to the students at Huntington Middle School, where she has worked for 11 years.
Team Players
Mr. Corey Gordon, program administrator
This summer Mr. Gordon has expanded his ability to sign, added to his French vocabulary, and tasted culinary delights- and that’s just a sampling of his summer adventures. Mr. Gordon, leader of the 21
st Century team,
relishes learning along-side the students. In addition to being out and about in the classrooms, Mr. Gordon is frequently spotted interacting with the Ambassadors. He holds regular team meetings to discuss logistics, dole out responsibilities, and touch base to address any needs or concerns.
Mr. Gordon values teamwork, which is evident through his partnership with several community partners this summer. Community partners volunteered their time and resources to help make Summer of Innovation thrive.