sankofa freedom academy charter school -...

letter. If you are interested in

going to the meeting with us,

please call Sis. Lisa at 215-324-

2726 and leave your name and a

number where you can be

reached. The work of Sankofa

has just begun. We have gotten

off to a great start. If given five more years we are sure to go

from good, to better, and then

ultimately to best. Come sup-

port the renewal of Sankofa

Freedom Academy!

As many of you know, this

has been our year to apply for

the renewal of our charter.

During this process, we have

had parents, students, teachers,

and members of the community

speak up for the work that

Sankofa Freedom Academy is doing here in Frankford. Based

on the progress that our stu-

dents are beginning to make, an

examination of our financial

health, management of our or-

ganization, the charter school

office is poised to recommend

that Sankofa Freedom Academy

is given a five year charter. This

is such exciting news! We had

hoped that the renewal commit-

tee would come to Sankofa

Freedom Academy and be able

to truly appreciate the ways that

we are striving, growing, and

changing lives.

The Charter School Office

plans to recommend us for

renewal but the School Reform

Commission must make the final

decision. On Thursday, March

29 and April 19, we would like

to have as many people as pos-

sible attend the School Reform

Commission Meeting with us to

stand for the renewal of the

charter for Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School. Eve-

ryday, we try to stand up for

our children, our families, our

community, and our people. It’s

now time for all of us to stand

together and let the School

Reform Commission know that

we want Sankofa Freedom

Academy to continue as a char-

ter school in this community.

Even if you cannot come, we

would love for you to write a

letter of support. Let the SRC

know why you would like to see

Sankofa Freedom Academy

continue. If you bring your note

to the main office or send it by

your child, we will make sure

that the SRC receives your

Peace and Blessings from Dr. Mama::

PSSA’s Are In Full Swing

Our PSSA exams are in full

swing and we are so proud of

our children and parents. Each

day nearly 100% of our children

have been coming to school on

time and ready to go. Thank

you parents for making sure

your child is in school daily, well

rested, and eager to show what

they have learned in their class-

rooms.

We ask that you keep up the

good work. Our children will

complete the reading and

mathematics portion of the test

this week on March 23. Our 5th

and 11th grade students will take

the writing test from April 16 to

April 20. The 4th and 11th grade

students will take the science exam

from April 23 to April 27. Our

goal is that 100% of our children

will complete all of their tests and

show how they are growing and

learning each day. Let’s keep en-couraging our children to try their

best, remember their strategies,

and take the PSSA with confidence

in themselves and in the fine

preparation they have received all

year from their facilitators. Let’s

go!

March, 2012 Volume 3/ Issue 5

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter of

Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School 4256 Paul Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19124

Telephone #-215–288-2001

Sankofa Freedom

Academy Charter School

Leadership Team

Dr. Mama Ayesha Imani, CEO Bro. Isa Clark, Director of

Operations Mama Geraldine Newton,

Business Manager Bro. Elisha Tigah, Technology

Coordinator Sis. Nieka Brown, Lower

School Lead Teacher Mama Pat Morales, Lead

Teacher k-1 Baba Norman Bayard, Dean

of Students—Upper School Bro. Maurice Patterson, Stu-

dent Support Specialist,

Lower School

Sis. Dr. Kelli Mickens, Transition & Servant Leader-

ship Coordinator

Transformation

Newsletter Contributors:

Bro. Indi Ekanayake

Sis. Dr. Kelli Mickens

Sis. Crystal Jones

Mamalaika Hart

Bro. Sadeeq Abdullah

Bro. Jeremiah Rodriquez

Bro. Isaiah Thomas

Bro. Khaleef Alexander

Sis. Emma Blackson

Sis. Taylor Duncan

Photo: Sankofa Servant Leaders standing up for

education!

Donae Thomas

Lovella Askins

Omar Balouch

Samira Brown

Isaiah Copeland

Jamil Desouza-Kenan

Iyannah Price

John Winchester

Kush—2nd Grade

Jamauni Askins

Ajai Bogan-El

Tyrell Brown

Zynae Conover

Miya Felder

Diamana Giddings

Ade Hopson

Amataadi Latham

Dashel Little

Sweet Charlotte Moore

Lashawna Reynolds

Shaun Snyder

Shania Walden

Cheyenne Holliday

Isaiah Webb

Matalai Lee

Nana Ankoma-Darko

Mzyah Heck

Jasmine Hunt

Riyaadh Lewis

Joshua Lubin

Daneisi Mejia

Cashmear Moore

Nadira Moore

Alleya’h Murphy

Malik Thompson

Zulu—4th Grade

Tahirah Arter

Jeremiah Butler

Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School

Congratulations to the Second Report Period Honor Roll Scholars

Eva Davis

Jayda Gill

Quadir Hines

David Lavine

Luis Padilla

Nyree Shelton

Emani Thomas

Jahmir Gleaves

Rasa Watson

Jasmine Winchester

Dogon—5th Grade

Chamera Abdullah

Nyarkoa Ankoma-Darko

Rajaa Bint-Idris

Alfonse Bowman

Nadira Brown

Ian Chappelle

Savannah Gaffney-Glenn

Keolebogile More

Jenesis Ryan Shaun Sanders-

Bradford

Nailah Smith

Samarah Tahir

William Taylor

Tayanna Thomas

Omayrah Wallace

Jamiah Blackwell

Ijnanya Briggs

Ryan Brown

Ishtar El

Eric Gentry

Natural Guerra

Dasir Thompson

Ny’kyah Watson

Saniyah Wilkins

Songhai—3rd Grade

Martin Gillis

Elijah Mitchell

Khadijah Nuruddin

Paulinda Nicolson

Cion Rawls Sabrina Schoen-

McCullough

Zakariyya Toomer

Alexandria Coates

Dia Lee

Jada Patterson

Heavenlei Reyes

James Savage

Aniyah Shelton

Yusef Smith

Bambara—6th Grade

Kwabena Ankoma-Darko

Ruqiyyah Bint-Idris

Lariq Byrd

Martiyanna Gillis

Aliyah Johnson

Shy’erra Ladson

Wharriniah Lee

Nyam Long

Tariq Mines

Viviana Padilla

Stephanie Rodriguez

Marayah Roher

Amore Stephens

Tyeana Cebollero

Christian Colon

I’Shaeya Gary

Anaiah Issac

Tamir Jackson

Edward Leak

Omar Long

Jose Luciano

Jada McLeoad

Tionna Redding Rashae Rochester-

Cottle

Nicole Rodriguez

Adryanna Smith

“We will learn so that we can teach and we will teach so that we can change the world” -SFA pledge

Ronald Lee Griffin

Layla Hamlin

Reginald Joseph

Aaliyah Seriki

Brian Teagle

Kaiyana Allen

Samiah Harper

T’keyah Lewis

Braxton cNeil

Sameer Robinson

Zhair Williams

Kongo—1st Grade

Tytiana Andrews-Rowe

Nekaya Austin

Faith Banks

Taina Benitez

Sanaya Church-Webb

Omobolanle Dada

Murray Frasier

Jazmine Heck

Subour Nuruddin

Yoruba

(Kindergarten)

Savanna Babb

Ayala Branham

Jeremiyah Carter

Nakel Chambers

Jazmyn Covington

Vaughn Fleming

Asad Hopson

Keon Kenner

Sanaa King

Janiyah Lott

Mekhi Millien

Alexis Murphy

Jovanica Raphael

Zikirah Reynolds

Silina Rivera

Semaiah Wallace

Gabriel Wilkes

Bashir Brister

Shawn Copeland

Axum—9th Grade

Joshua Camacho

NaJean Johnson

Aminah Wilkinson

Talia Nelson

Kenny Richardson

Alexis Cofer

Leah Thornton

Joshua Rhoades

Dane-Lore Cadet

Ciani Fleming-Evans

Kemet—10th Grade

Ashley Cruz

Drew Jones

Sakwon-Ali Epps

Aboubacar Doukoure

Jaylen Price

Zainabou Dabo

Janiaye Brown

Nihjae Barlett

Nubia—11th Grade

Briana Robinson-Wallace

Jeremiah Rodriquez

Cristian Garay

Najah Ross-Green

Najla Ross-Green

Sa’de Duke

Shanel Lynn Thomas

Christine Lindsay

Rayon Hurde

Shakiyyah Franklin

Messiah Hopson

Janee Robinson

Dache Talbert

Sadeeq Abdullah

Emma Blackson

Erina White

Felicia Richards

Kendra Mickens

‘

NE

Thanks to Sis. Crystal Jones, poetry is alive, well, and flowing in Sankofa Freedom Academy Upper School . The Sankofa Freedom Poetry Club meets on Monday and Thursday and includes students from each of the upper school nations. On Friday, March 9, the Poetry Collective led by Sis. Jones hosted their first Open Mic during Upper School Community Meeting. The artists read poems that touched on a wide array

of topics including missing fathers and having confidence both for sisters and for brothers. At its conclusion , many more ser-vant leaders expressed their desire to be featured at the next Open Mic which will happen on Friday, April 13. Servant Leaders should sign up with Sis. Jones (pictured on the left) in order to perform To check out some of the awesome work of the Sankofa Freedom Poets check out their blog at http://sankofapoets.blgspot.com. (Submitted by: Dr. Kelli Sparrow-Mickens and Sis. Jones)

Poetry Flows in the SFA Upper School

Picture This—Imagery in Axum

Featuring Dane-Lore Cadet and Ciani Fleming

The Servant Leaders of Axum are currently reading Black Boy

by Richard Wright. There is a section of the first chapter that

exhibits the beautifully descriptive imagery of Mr. Wright’s

childhood in the countryside. Imagery describes a noun by

appealing to any of our five senses: taste, sight, smell, sound or

feeling. The following pieces were inspired by Richard’s child-

hood imagery, but reflect the memories of the Servant Leaders.

I hope you enjoy!

Childhood Imagery There was the desk; it was gray and dusty. It was cracked and it

wobbled when you moved. There was a playground, very muddy and large with the laugh-

ter of children. There was a broke-down house: it was bruised and hurt; it was

lonely and scared. There were sad mothers with two to three kids, but no father

around.

There was the sound of hate, the disagreements and arguments There was the scent of fresh flowers and a sweet-bakery smell

of bread as I walk back home from school.

There was a blue moon and the stars were bright at night. There was a hand so strong, but yet so soft and delicate

around your waist.

And these were my childhood memories.

By: Dane-Lore Cadet 9B

Volume 3/ Issue 5

Childhood Memories My childhood was like jumping in puddles of water, and hear-

ing the water splashing all over the place. My childhood seemed to be as good as smelling freshly

baked cupcakes and cookies. There were days when the wind blew and whistled sweet

tunes that I hummed as I walked down the black charcoaled

streets. There was the park that was filled with a lot of young kids all

yelling and running frantically. The house I grew up in was always cream, green and black

on the outside; and brown, cream, and glittered on the in-

side. My childhood was like a newborn baby. It was so new and

overwhelming. Something new happened that brought me

joy. My family and I are like bees bringing honey pieces to

the queen.

By: Ciani Fleming 9B

Wisdom

We Are The Champions! Sankofa Freedom Academy Brothers Take First

Place at the Lincoln University Heritage Bowl

The Heritage Bowl

(Adapted from an article in the Sankofa Scoop Newspaper)

by Khaleef Alexander

Over the weekend five young brothers

from Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter

School embarked on a journey for 1st

place in the Annual Heritage Bowl. The

five brothers were Simeon Brown, Anto-

nio Dill, Aboubacar Doukere, Jaylen

Price and myself. We studied and worked hard for two months. Our jour-

ney began as a dysfunctional team, by

calling out answers, arguing with one

another and letting our big egos get the

best of us. However, once we started to

study hard and work together as a team,

we began to believe that we were un-

beatable.

We traveled to Lincoln University on

March 17 for the Heritage Bowl. We

went up against tough competition in the

first few rounds but prevailed. In the

first two rounds we only got one ques-

tion wrong. By the quarter finals we

were ranked second out of 25 teams.

By the time we moved to the semifinals,

we were ranked first. In the finals we

faced Masterman High School and Mas-

termen middle school along with two

other teams. Before the finals we

formed a unity circle determined to

work together using Umoja and Imani.

At the end of the contest, the five of us had come together and prevailed,

becoming victorious, winning $4000, and

giving Sankofa Freedom Academy its

first trophy as a school. Each of us also

won trophies and medallions. The five

of us working together, Khaleef Alexan-

der, Jaylen Price, Simeon Brown, Anto-

nio Dill, and Aboubacar Doukere be-

came the winners of the 2012 Heritage

Bowl. (Pictured on the left, the broth-

ers form an Umoja circle before the final

round)

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter

Everyday our high school students declare themselves to be ser-

vant leaders and intellectual warriors. On Saturday, March 17, five

awesome brothers from the nations of Kemet and Nubia proved

to the an auditorium full of spectators from around the Delaware

Valley exactly what that means! When I say this tournament was

exciting, I mean it was like Akilah and the Bee and the Great De-

baters meet Remember the Titans. Those of us in the audience

could not even sit down in our seats. We are so proud of these

brothers: Khaleef Alexander, Simeon Brown, Antonio Dill,

Aboubacar Doukoure, and Jaylen Price all from the nation of

Kemet with Antonio Dill from the Nation of Nubia. The coach

of the team was Mama Kilolo Moyo-White with Bro. Dane serving

as a key supporter. These young men defeated a total of 42

schools and community groups who entered the competition.

They were the only all male team and Sankofa was one of the few

schools who only entered one team! We are all so very proud of

these young men. One of the team members Bro. Kahleef Alexan-

der tells the story best below in his own words! (Pictured to the

right is the team preparing for the competition in Mama White’s

Classroom)

Congratulations to the Team

and to Mama Kilolo Moyo-

White ! Asante Sana to Bro.

Dane for driving the team to the

competition and supporting

This year ,Sankofa Freedom Academy entered the prestigious

George Washington Carver Science Fair in the 4—8 middle years

division and in the high school division. We are extremely proud to

say that we emerged from both awards ceremonies with young sci-

entist who were recognized for their projects. Below you will find

articles from our Carver Winners and a description of their Pro-

jects. Asante Sana to their sponsors Mamalaika and Bro. Indi.

Clean Water is a Human Right!

(Article submitted by Mamalaika Hart) Did you know that 5000 children die each day because of dirty wa-

ter? We believe that clean water should be accessible to all people.

That’s why some of our MG scholars decided to research effective

and easy to build water filters. Our scholars found that the Biosand

water filter is being used all over the world and cleans out 99% of

the dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Miya Ingram,

Nicole Rodriguez, and Rasa Watson decided to build a Biosand

Filter and enter it into the George Washington Carver Science Fair.

They came in second place in the city and won a special environ-

mental award from the Academy of Natural Sciences. Dia Lee and

Alfonse Bowman were also recognized for entering the Science Fair.

Continuing the Legacy of Scientific Genius Sankofa Freedom Academy Winners from the George Washington Carver Science Fair

Volume 3/ Issue 5

Reflections by Emma Blackson

The George Washington Carver Science Fair gave me the opportunity to use scientific inquiry to find a problem, research infor-

mation, and conduct an experiment. I discovered that there are

many challenges in running your own experiment, but it can also be a

source of great pride. I researched the effect of listening to different

kinds of music upon impulsive behaviors in teenagers, and I found

that listening to fast paced music actually made my subjects make

more impulsive and hasty decisions. I received an Honorable Men-

tion in my category, and I look forward to building on this next

year. It was an extremely fun process.

The Illusion of Caffeine by Sadeeq Abdullah and Jeremiah Rodriquez The name of our project was the Illusion of Caffeine. The project's purpose was to determine whether caffeine gave us the illusion of be-

ing productive or whether it was actually useful in completing a task to the best of your ability. We tested this on Sankofa students in Nu-

bia. Each student was given a test of 10 SAT questions. 5 were to be answered first, and then they would drink caffeine (mountain dew).

Afterwards they would answer 5 more questions and the answers were compared based on time and accuracy. We found that after con-

suming caffeine, it took test takers longer to finish the next 5 questions and with worst scores then the first 5. The Carver fair was a

great experience and we enjoyed it a lot. There where a lot of schools present and we were very proud and happy to represent Sankofa

at the fair. Though we only received a honorable mention we are not discouraged. We will bring back a first place prize next year ( and

yes we are speaking it into existence). (Sadeeq and Jeremiah are picture above and to the right)

Pictured Above: Rasa Watson, Miya Ingram and Nicole

Rodriquez

On Friday, March 9, all of Sankofa Freedom Academy’s testing

grades plus Grade 2 gathered in Harambee Hall for a spirited

Pep Rally to celebrate our on-going efforts toward meeting

the state requirements in the specified testing areas. The

rally started with the mighty second grade nation of Kush

serving as the cheering section as all of the testing grades filed

into Harambee Hall for this very special Harambee. Of

course we started off with libations led by Zulu our 4th grade

nation. Once the rally got started it was really red hot! The

PSSA Pep Rally featured a delightful play and rap by the nation of Songhai Allen under the direction of Sis. Katina. The play

was complete with fairy god mothers and fathers along with a

few munchkins thrown in for good measure. It was really

wonderful. The Sankofa Step team, under the guidance of Sis.

Brown, really rocked the crowd with a drill routine designed

to get the scholars confident and hyped. Bro. James facilitated

a game of SFACS Jeopardy and the mighty Iwa Pele cheerlead-

ing squad from the Upper School encouraged the scholars and

servant leaders to just DO IT! Special thanks to our Lead

Teacher Sis. Brown for organizing such an awesome

Event. (To the left: A scene from the play by Songhai

Allen. Pictured below the Iwa Pele Cheerleaders)

Songhai)

We did it! Our cheerleading squad, Iwa Pele entered its first competition this

year. This truly makes Sankofa Freedom Academy history. Our squad this year

has been through many changes, but by the PSSA Pep rally, it was evident that

they have grown and are poised for a stronger season next year. Many thanks

to Mama Holliday for coaching them this year. Asante Sana also to Sis. Jones,

the founding coach of Iwa Pele, who supported Mama Holliday and the cheer-

leaders throughout their season.

PSSA Pep Rally - Let’s Go!

Congratulations to Iwa Pele

The Sankofa Bird Newsletter

Calling All Sankofa Freedom

Academy Parents. Please do

not miss the next Wazuri

meeting on April 10th. We

are scheduled to have the

highly anticipated computer

give away and reduced Com-

cast internet service for fami-

lies who qualify for free and

reduced lunch. This evening is sponsored by State Represen-

tative Tony Payton’s Office and

Comcast in partnership with

Sankofa Freedom Academy.

This evening will be the first of

its kind. The meeting will begin

promptly at 6:00 am. We have

been told that there will be

approximately 15 computers

given away that evening and

opportunities for families to

sign up for reduced internet

service right on the spot.

In addition to the give away, we

will discuss how to use the

internet to support our in-

structional program here at Sankofa. All are invited, espe-

cially our Title One parents of

children who can greatly bene-

fit from computer supports.

From 5:30pm to 6:00 pm. We

will hold a meeting for the

parents of our special needs

students so that we can dis-

cuss supports available for

them on line as well.

Let’s help close the digital

divide that exist in our com-

munity. If our children are to

compete in the 21st century

they must be computer savvy.

We are excited about this meeting and can’t wait to see

which of our families will leave

with free computers and

internet service. Mark your

calendars for April 10th.

When working with the scholars, I enjoy it very much. Every third period on Wednesday, I spend my

time with the young scholars in Mama Pat’s class. When reading with the scholars, we have time to

connect, interact and focus on the literature. It is evident that these young scholars enjoy their time

also. They love to read aloud, work to get and try new things. For example, when the scholars and I

work together, they love to take immediate charge. They always want to try reading by themselves

and try reading the bigger words a little above their levels. If one scholar struggles a little more than

the other, the other scholars are always ready to help them through their difficulties. This shows

determination and partnership. I believe that the generation of these scholars will be very successful

in life and will be our next judges, teachers, professors, etc. They have very bright souls and I love working with them. The young scholars in Mama Pat’s class are very positive and always bring a smile

to my face when I walk in. I wish these scholars the best of luck during their years in Sankofa Free-

dom Academy and hope that they keep up the good work!

Come to the April 10th Parent’s Meeting and Win a Free Computer! (Sponsored by State Representative Tony Payton and Comcast)

“Working with the Scholars: A Reflection by Sis. Taylor Duncan

Sankofa Academy Attends Teen Author Series Submitted by Sis. Crystal Jones Sankofa Servant Leaders of Axum and Kemet

attended the “Teen Author Series”, sponsored by The

Philadelphia Free Library. This series gives students cur-

rent literature and allows them to engage authors in a

live book signing and Q&A session. The Servant Leaders

of Axum and Kemet did a wonderful job, asking chal-

lenging questions of Whittenburg in the areas of racial

and social stereotypes. These students took on an extra

reading assignment and let their light shine with their

brilliant questions and comments. Good Job, Good Job!

Volume 3/ Issue 5

Servant Leadership

“It’s the Sankofa Way”

Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School

4256 Paul Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19124

Phone: 215-288-2001

Fax: 215-288-2099

Email: :[email protected]

Upcoming Events: Calendar

March 12—April 30 - PSSA Examinations

March 24—SFACS Job Fair

March 28 Early dismissal (1:00 pm)

April 2—6—Spring Break

April 9—School Reopens

April 10- Wazuri Parent Meeting (6:00 pm) - Computer Give Away

April 11—Early Dismissal (1:00 pm)

April 16— Sankofa Board of Trustees Meeting (6:00 pm)

April 25—Early Dismissal (1:00 pm)

MICROSOFT

Ashe’ -Spotlight on Luis Munoz Rivera

Building Intergenerational Communities of Scholarship, Culture, and Activism

We’re on the web:

Www.sfacs.us

“We who believe

in freedom

shall not rest

until it comes!”

….Ella Baker

Introducing the Middle School Pledge (Adapted from the nation of Bambara, 2011-2012)

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of former slaves, Mary

Church Terrell was an educator, civil rights and women rights

activists. Although her parents were born in slavery, they both

eventually came to own their own businesses. Because they were

so successful, they were able to provide Mary privileges that were

enjoyed by very few women regardless of race. In 1884, Mary

Church Terrell received a masters degree from Oberlin College.

Eventually she served as a professor at Wilberforce University

and taught high school in Washington, D.C.

A true trendsetter, Mary Church Terrell, was the first President

of the National Association of Colored Women, In addition, at

the request of W.E.B. DuBois, she was a charter member of the

NAACP. During this time Mary Church Terrell stood up against

injustices against people of color and women. She was known for

standing up against lynching, for women’s rights, and against Jim

Crow laws.

Throughout her life, Mary Church Terrell spoke throughout the

country, working to improve conditions for her people. She

worked to insure that voices of women were heard and re-

spected. Mary Church Terrell became the prototype of the gen-

teel race woman who dedicated her life to the uplift of African

people and women. This month as we celebrate Women’s Her-

story month, let us do so remembering that we stand on the

shoulders of great servant leaders such as Mary Church Terrell.

Ashe’ - Spotlight On: Mary Church Terrell (1863—1954)

We are the emerging leaders and freedom scholars of Sankofa Freedom Academy

Charter School.

We boldly represent our ancestors who fought for the freedoms we have today.

We stand with hearts full of strength and determination. We reach our hands toward those who have come before us as we climb mountains of

faith and struggle. With new found knowledge we will help younger generations follow in the footsteps of

greatness.

We promise to continue guiding others as we all strive for success.

We move forward today, destined to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Looking for certified teach-

ers to join the Sankofa Free-

dom Academy family. Have

interested candidates con-

tact Mama Khem and regis-

ter for the SFACS Job

Fair, Saturday, March 24.

sankofa freedom academy charter school -...

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