Transcript

OCTOBER 2014 SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

ACCPA ElementaryAfrican-Centered College Preparatory Academy

6410 Swope Parkway Kansas City, Mo 64132 Phone: 816-418-1175Volume 2, Issue 3

Message from the PrincipalClaire Thornton-Poke

THE ANCESTORS

REMEMBERING THOSE ON WHOSE SHOULDERS WE STAND Through the celebration of Marcus Garvey and our ancestors, during the month of October, we are given the opportunity to honor the trailblazers whose shoulders we stand on today. As we reflect on the many contributions, famous Africans and African Americans have made across our country and the world, we also must not forget those in our families who have been our heroes and sheroes. We remember our relatives who marched, prayed and fought for the rights we have today. This is why we will be recognizing Marcus Garvey and others, both known and unknown, throughout this month at AC Prep School. As a staff we understand that the journey we now take would not be possible without the courage and sacrifices made by so many who relentlessly fought and prayed for justice in their churches, quality education in our schools and for peace and jobs in our communities. While some of these individuals have passed, others are still alive today serving their communities and promoting justice. As we continue to reap the harvest they sowed, the least we can do is share the stories of these extraordinary men and women so that their contributions will have their proper reference in our nation’s history and in our own personal studies. Their impact on us individually, this nation and the world are immeasurable. This month we will be reflecting on and appreciating the many people on whose shoulders we stand. Their lives and contributions have eased our path. We've been the beneficiary of the hard work, achievements, scrimping and saving, sacrifices, inventions, services, risk-taking, genius and generosity of all who've come before us, and those who are here with us now. With every event comes an opportunity to mine it for gold. Used well,

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MONTH OF OCTOBER

Oct. 3rd – Fun FridayOct. 6th – Haircuts and Hair braiding begins every first MondayOct. 10th – End of 1st quarterOct. 14th – SAC MeetingOct. 16th – Parent Teacher ConferenceOct. 23rd – LINC’s Lights On ProgramOct.24th – Math ContestOct. 30th – Ancestors Day

MONTH OF NOVEMBERNov. 13th – SAC Meeting 6-7 p.m.Nov. 14th – Umoja FeastNov. 20th – Picture DayNov. 24th – Prepare Kwanzaa Doors

DON’T FORGET!

Is every Tuesday morning at 9:00 A.M. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend! Awards and

medals are given during this time.

whatever happens helps us learn, grow and evolve. We appreciate each opportunity. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, the ones who have passed on, with reverence, respect and gratitude. There is an Afrikan saying that states, “I Am because You Are.” Alone, we do nothing. Alone, we've created nothing. Alone, we've accomplishedCont’dnothing. To all who have helped us, been diligent for us, inspired us, stood for us, and shown us a better way, we appreciate you and say, "Thank You!" No matter where you are in the world, taking time to reflect on and remembering those on whose shoulders you stand, is a good investment of time and energy. You don't need a special holiday to celebrate and honor all of the good, wonderful people who have lifted you. Honor those on whose shoulders you stand - those who have come before you and paved your path in significant and subtle ways. It is our sincere hope that all will join us this month in honoring those who made our journey today possible.

MARCUS GARVEY

AN INSPIRATIONAL FIGURE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS Garvey was a Jamaican-born black nationalist who created a 'Back to Africa' movement in the United States. He became an inspirational figure for later civil rights activists. Marcus Garvey was born in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica on 17 August 1887, the youngest of 11 children. He inherited a keen interest in books from his father, a mason and made full use of the

extensive family library. At the age of 14 he left school and became a printer's apprentice where he led a strike for higher wages. From 1910 to 1912, Garvey travelled in South and Central America and also visited London. He returned to Jamaica in 1914 and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). In 1916, Garvey moved to Harlem in New York where UNIA thrived. By now a formidable public speaker, Garvey spoke across America. He urged African-Americans to be proud of their race and return to Africa, their ancestral homeland and attracted thousands of supporters. To facilitate the return to Africa that he advocated, in 1919 Garvey founded the Black Star Line, to provide transportation to Africa, and the Negro Factories Corporation to encourage black economic independence. Garvey also unsuccessfully tried to persuade the government of Liberia in West Africa to grant land on which black people from America could settle.

In 1922, Garvey was arrested for mail fraud in connection with the sale of stock in the Black Star Line, which had now failed. Although there were irregularities connected to the business, the prosecution was probably politically motivated, as Garvey's activities had attracted considerable government attention. Garvey was sent to prison and later deported to Jamaica. In 1935, he moved permanently to London where he

died on 10 June 1940. In 1964, his body was returned to Jamaica where he was declared the country's first national hero.

There are many other Ancestors that contributed to the cause as well as coonsidered heroes. A few consist of:Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - widely considered the most influential leader of the American civil rights movement. He fought to overturn Jim Crow segregation laws and eliminate social and economic differences between blacks and whites.George Washington Carver who was offered a horticultural position by Booker T. Washington at the Tuskegee Institute and went on to discovering countless uses for the peanut and other important crops.Ida B. Wells was an African-American journalist and activist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT AC PREP ELEMENTARY

What’s it going to take for Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) to regain full accreditation? What’s it going to take for your school to regain/sustain full accreditation? How can we retain and attract students? In order to answer these questions and more, School Improvement Advisory Committees (SIACs) will begin work in Fall 2014 to address strategies for each KCPS school and the district as a whole. Each school's SIAC will include representatives from school staff, parents and the community. Each KCPS school is now seeking parents interested in serving on the SIAC. The committee will meet monthly through the end of the school year. KCPS staff, students, parents & partners will be visiting neighborhoods Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., to share the great things happening in KCPS schools! For more information visit kcpublicschools.org/rise.

Parents, We encourage you to come out or send a representative to come and experience our Scholars’ leading the

Parent/Teachers Conference. It is important that we stay active in out childrens education, so they can have the support that they really need to

succeed. Conferences are Thursday, October 13th, 2014.

We would like to thank all of the Fathers, Uncles, Grand Dads, and Step Dads who came out to our Dad’s breakfast. This was a huge as well as a succesful event. We look forward to double the size at our next event in

January.

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The Before and After-school program will be having their

Lights On Celebration on Monday, Oct. 28th, 2014 at

5:00.

Please come out and support our Scholars’ and they put on a special presentation for you.

The LINC choir, Boys II Men, Sister Girls, LINC drummers, all

the scholars’ in LINC, and special guests will be

performing at this event.

Invite your family, friends, loved ones, and everybody!

This is an event that you don’t want to miss!

For more information, please contact Mrs. Newsome or Ms.

Camille at 816-418-1207

School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC)

Dad’s Breakfast

Scholar Lead Conferences

SLC’s

AC PREP IS ON THE RISE!

BUILDING OFF THE BLOCKS OF OUR PAST

Step Pyramid Contest Winners

Class Winners

Classes were judged on how well they could collaborate as a team to build a Step Pyramid. The purpose (Nia) of the project was to encourage Professors and Scholars to use the Nguzo Saba in the lessons that we teach. What we were looking for was:•Creativity – (Kuumba) thinking outside the box•Teamwork- (Ujima and Umoja) the whole class to be involved.•The classes that showed and displayed the best work received a popcorn party.

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School Contests

1st PlacePre-K

Professor Brown/Carla

2nd Place5th GradeProfessor

Arnold

3rd Place Tie3rd Grade/5th Grade

ProfessorsDayse / Golson

These Scholars’ are our Individual winners of the Step Pyramid Contest. The Scholars’ have shown excellent self-determination.

ACCPA Elementary Ancestor’s Day Essay Contest

After the processional on October 31, 2013, Ancestor’s Day prizes will be awarded in the field house.

There will only be 3 prizes awarded for the entire school. The grade level will be taken into consideration when judging.

First Prize $40Second Prize $25Third Prize $10

The requirements for the essays by grade levels are:

6th grade must write 350 words5th ---------------------- 300 words4th ---------------------- 250 words3rd ---------------------- 200 words2nd ----------------------150 words1st ---------------------- 100 wordsKdgn------------------- 2 to 3 sentencesPre-K ------------------ 1 sentence

As a college preparatory academy, we encourage our scholars to do more. While the essay project is not a requirement, it is an opportunity for growth and learning for the scholars. Please take this into consideration as you are planning for

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Pictured above is the baobab (BOUGH-bob) tree. This tree is known for its size and spiritual significance in many African cultures.

1st PlaceLaChrista

FuQua

2nd PlaceKahilRidge

3rd PlaceNavaehMiller

Congratulations

Scholars!

your participation in Ancestor’s Day. Scholars can wear ancestral costumes and not submit an essay, but only essays will qualify for the prize.

Scholars are to do an essay (research project-performance event) on an “ancestor.” This can be a “family project.” Scholars can choose a deceased family member, well known, famous or influential African- American ancestor.

Scholars are encouraged to interview grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, any family member, or close family friend to get factual information about a deceased person, i.e. family member, friend or freedom fighter.

Pre-K and Kindergarten scholars may bring in a short essay that was developed with the help of their family. All Essays are due to Professor Poke or Professor Newson

no later than Wednesday, October 23, 2013.

Scholars may only wear “ancestral dress” and must be able to share knowledge/history of the ancestor he or she is dressed as or depicting.

ABSOLUTELY NO HALLOWEEN COSTUMES ARE TO BE WORN TO SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013.

NO HALLOWEEN CANDY IS TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL CHURCH OR

SHOPPING MALL FOR HALLOWEEN TREATS.THE SCHOOL WILL GIVE COOKIES TO SCHOLARS IN EACH CLASSROOM.

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Contest Rules:This is a whole class contest and the entire class must participate equally. The class

must put together your best interpretation of the Black Star Line Ship. The Ship

must be able to float for at least a minute. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Winners will receive a Nacho Party!Whirlwind Contest

Marcus Garvey

This contest is about Whirlwinds. Marcus Garvey said in one of his speeches “You’ll see me in the Whirlwind”; We are looking to see the best examples of Whirlwinds.There will be 1st - $10, 2nd - $5, and

3rd - $3 place winners.

ANCESTORS DAY ESSAYSScholars can choose a deceased family member, well known, famous or

influential African- American ancestor.  Scholars are encouraged to interview


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