Too Much Violence and Abuse in Schools!!

 Over the past week and a half I've read some very disturbing reports of people whose job classifies them as 'education officials' but their actions define them otherwise; ignorant human beings. Teachers locking students in closets, verbal and physical abuse of students, and the use of racial slurs between pupils and in one horrid example a principal. How are we to expect students to focus on the importance of education when they are steadily side tracked with numerous, ominous situations that test their resilience constantly?

While the situation maybe considered to have been blown out of proportion a little, its still blatantly clear that the use of the N word was inappropriate and possibly uncalled for within the situation at hand. Principal Claudia Alves, of an elementary in Washington, opted to explain to students of the fifth grade why the word 'negro' is better than the N word. Students from the fifth grade class had become uncomfortable using the word negro in preparations for a play n observance of Dr. Martin Luther Kings holiday program, so principal Alves decided to explain why they shouldn't be uncomfortable with the word negro, but the N word. While there is no dialogue that outline the complete conversation, it is clear that her explanation only served to make matters worse. While one can empathize with the sensitivity of the situation, as an administrator, this principal should have been able to conclude that such a conversation with fifth grade students would have been controversial in some context.

In more disturbing news, high schools in Wake County, N.C are apparently 'flooding' the 'school to prison pipeline' with offenses as little as skipping line in the cafeteria. Students engaged within altercations over racial bias are sent to juvenile courts and placed on probation. One student engaged in such a situation after he was verbally assaulted with racial slurs and punched in the face, ended up being sent to juvenile court as well, where students receive juvenile criminal records; a stigma that never leaves them. Such incidents and others more gruesome attribute to the need for the new first federal legal guidance on school discipline.

Last, but certainly not least, a young man in high school was assaulted by officers for what apparently was a misunderstanding that lead to a straight A. high school basketball player receiving a ruptured testicle! Reports state that an patrol officer reported seeing teenagers in ski masks, while school officials with the team says they where given scarfs along with other gear to dress appropriately for the weather. Officers stopped this teen, who didn't give chase as other members of his team did, and reported a struggle, but their where no injuries reported to any officers. According to statements made by the teenager, a female officer whom searched him sexually assaulted him during the search while squeezing his testicles until he 'felt a pop'. The following day the teen underwent surgery and is now in a wheelchair pending recovery. Statements made by the teens mother state this may affect his ability to reproduce. He is the sole victim of this encounter and its because everyone else knew to be afraid of the police, although they hadn't done anything wrong, and to run away. Is this what we should be teaching our children? To fear the police, those who have sworn to protect us?

These incidents, while all different by nature, all have lasting negative effects/impacts that if left untreated, may become harmful to student morale. I was enlightened to read about an NFL figure that stood up against those bashing him as a 'thug' because of his actions at a football game. Football is well known for taunting, as are other sports, so why would reporters nationwide describe this black male, a college graduate and professional athlete as a 'thug' is unbeknownst to many. I do however agree with him that the word 'thug' is being used as a racial slur to describe black males, and while it may or may not be sued as a substitute for the N word, I do empathize with him and I'm sure each case must be judged individually.

Racial bias within schools has dramatically changed, as have the times but it isn't to an acceptable rate given the laws and ideals that we as humanity have set forth; it starts within the community.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/24/claudia-alves-washington_n_4661483.html?ir=Black%20Voices&utm_campaign=012414&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-black-voices&utm_content=Photo

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/school-to-prison-pipeline-wake-county_n_4654351.html?ir=Black%20Voices

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/darrin-manning-testicle-rupture_n_4651700.html?ir=Black%20Voices

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/22/richard-sherman-thug-n-word-press-conference_n_4646871.html?ir=Black%20Voices&utm_campaign=012214&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-black-voices&utm_content=Photo

Children's Corner; Short Stories

The Negro Mother

Children, I come back today
To tell you a story of the long dark way
That I had to climb, that I had to know
In order that the race might live and grow.
Look at my face -- dark as the night --
Yet shining like the sun with love's true light.
I am the dark girl who crossed the red sea
Carrying in my body the seed of the free.
I am the woman who worked in the field
Bringing the cotton and the corn to yield.
I am the one who labored as a slave,
Beaten and mistreated for the work that I gave --
Children sold away from me, I'm husband sold, too.
No safety , no love, no respect was I due.

Three hundred years in the deepest South:
But God put a song and a prayer in my mouth .
God put a dream like steel in my soul.
Now, through my children, I'm reaching the goal.

Now, through my children, young and free,
I realized the blessing deed to me.
I couldn't read then. I couldn't write.
I had nothing, back there in the night.
Sometimes, the valley was filled with tears,
But I kept trudging on through the lonely years.
Sometimes, the road was hot with the sun,
But I had to keep on till my work was done:
I had to keep on! No stopping for me --
I was the seed of the coming Free.
I nourished the dream that nothing could smother
Deep in my breast -- the Negro mother.
I had only hope then , but now through you,
Dark ones of today, my dreams must come true:
All you dark children in the world out there,
Remember my sweat, my pain, my despair.
Remember my years, heavy with sorrow --
And make of those years a torch for tomorrow.
Make of my pass a road to the light
Out of the darkness, the ignorance, the night.
Lift high my banner out of the dust.
Stand like free men supporting my trust.
Believe in the right, let none push you back.
Remember the whip and the slaver's track.
Remember how the strong in struggle and strife
Still bar you the way, and deny you life --
But march ever forward, breaking down bars.
Look ever upward at the sun and the stars.
Oh, my dark children, may my dreams and my prayers
Impel you forever up the great stairs --
For I will be with you till no white brother
Dares keep down the children of the Negro Mother.

BY
Langston Hughes

A Tarnished Trophy; Progress

A Tarnished Trophy; Progress

On November 5, earlier this month the governor extended congratulations to two teachers within our territory Shabre Providence and Diana Tyson as District Teachers of the Year and to Ms. Providence who has been selected as the State Teacher of the Year. I too would like to personally graduate both women on displaying exemplary excellence in a time where their professions are considered stagnant (if recognized appropriately at all). Their dedication towards their profession and the children that they help to progress should be used as an example for all, but it is not. We do still have teachers and professionals within educational institutions that aren’t worthy of their positions or titles, and because of such children are suffering. During the past week I’ve heard of two accounts, one through public news/resources and the other a first hand account, of which undermine the norms and values that most teachers/ educational professionals work so hard to uphold.

One of my readers expressed to me earlier this week a problem that they noticed with their daughter who is two years of age. They had recently enrolled her in a preschool program from a daycare facility closer to home and was beginning to notice some changes. Their daughter seems to be having a lot of loud outbursts of hostility where she would scream and yell ‘NO’ repeatedly while threatening to hit or pointing her finger. The parent first assumed that something may be taking place at school that shouldn’t, and upon her visit for an investigation, she realized that the teachers yell harshly at the students. Children are very impressionable, unfortunately I was familiar with the preschool and could affirm their beliefs with my own knowledge. It is actually a common practice to use only one ‘tone’ when parents are present regardless of which child it may be, for it is suspected that parents would assume that it is truly their nature and practice with the kids. In such a case one has one of two options, enroll with another program or request that teachers utilize a ‘different technique’ with regards to verbal discipline, neither of which is necessarily going to be a pleasant experience. It was my suggestion to bring it to their attention at the next PTA meeting or at the end of the quarter when the children's progressions are assessed with parents. While it may seem as though the matter is being ‘pushed aside’, in truth it is not, by making note of such practices it makes the argument stronger for the necessary points to be considered for the best interest of the students.

On Saturday, November 9, 2013, The Virgin Islands Daily News detailed an account of a 15 year old student on the island of St. Croix where he alleged that he was choked unconscious, by a school monitor, causing him to fall down several flights of stairs and sustain several injuries. Injuries reported includes a laceration to his face that required 17 stitches and a busted lip. This student was reportedly treated by EMT’s and regained consciousness, but as of then no VIDE official nor school officials followed up with the family of the minor who went to the emergency room for treatment and stayed at home the following day to recover from the injuries he sustained that Thursday. Such actions undermine all the hard work that teachers and educational officials alike strives to maintain and progress. With our schools lacking teachers, much needed equipment and repairs, and new programs such negative actions from one member tarnishes an already rusted trophy. As Virgin Islanders we need to strive for a better USVI for all and our children, for if not we will be looking to a future of uneducated aggressors that can only cause our stagnant community to decline at a much more rapid pace.

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/woman-says-monitor-at-alternative-education-s     chool-on-st-croix-choked-student-till-he-was-unconscious-1.1582772

http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-government/2013/11/05/fyi-dejongh-congratulates-state-teacher-year-and-district-t

www.usviearlychildhoodlearning.blogspot.com

Children's Corner; Poetry

The Child

I was the child
Who got raped
I was the child
That held it all in
I was the child
Giving the dirty slate
I was the child
Given this sin
I am the child
Who told a friend
I am the child
My pain now ends
I am the child
With a fresh start
I am the child
Forgiveness in my heart
I am the child
My love will show
I am the child
Who has let this go

 

Brie Carter

 

Importance of Play Part II: Physical Education

       I wanted to personally encourage everyone to facilitate more play time for our students. Research has taught us that rich, varied play experiences boost a child's learning significantly. Games/ play help children to develop coordination skills, as well as confidence and pride. While I'm sure that we all create the appropriate timing for play experiences, structured play that is purposeful and has intent has proven to be the best way for younger learners to progress. Through different types of play students develop new skills as well as knowledgeable concepts about different things or even issues present within their lives. Structured play with intent facilitates/ promotes; cultural awareness, aesthetic awareness, cognitive and language skills, social skills, time and space concepts, cause and effect, helps to differentiate real from pretend, and it is also a great way for children to express their emotions and whatever anxiety they may be feeling, among many other things.
       Through my various employments at different private preschools/daycare on St. Thomas there are many practices being used, and in most cases they are lacking any practices at all. Children are left to discover and care givers only give the appearance of teaching. I can recall specifically seeing a preschool teacher (K3) ridiculed for doing what she was supposed to, being called names by the owner/director for 'wanting to be a super teacher'. I learned quickly that I would not thrive in such settings and then begged the question, how could children be expected to learn and thrive in such an environment where it is not encouraged to facilitate such learning. Needless to say I (the ambitious college student) didn't last long, for I was 'taking my job to seriously'; I wasn't fired, but I did seek out employment where learning was encouraged. Through play children learn a variety of things that, while we may teach them verbally, will never understand until they are able to experience it. Through play we discover who we are and who the people around us are; we discover ourselves. Allowing children to interact with each other in different settings promotes different social skills that are also necessary for growth and development, both academically and throughout their lives endeavors. This applies to children of all ages including those in the more intermediate stages of growth and development. While they may not be able to interact as other children do, they still are able to make connections and interactions through smiles and the mimicking of movements made.
       This brings me to another aspect of play that is neglected within preschool/daycare programs, physical education. With this regards physical education professionals and advocates have argued this cause around the world; the earlier one is exposed to physical activities the more likely they are to develop healthy exercise habits and can progress this skill to a lifetime of fitness. With obesity constantly rising within our nation the best form of curing this disease, as all others, is to prevent it. Many have begged to question how or should schools implement quality physical fitness programs; I can't understand why with all the information available on the development and nurturing of young children how this subject could be left out of any curriculum. This disconnect can lead to students avoiding physical activities throughout their adolescence which can lead to the development of a bad habit for their futures. Children should be given the opportunity to engage in structured outdoor play for a minimum of two hours for at least three days a week, as well as structured indoor play through the use of different learning stations (i.e. kitchen sets, costume center, etc.) to allow room for growth and progression in all areas. I implore everyone to check with your child's care provider and find out their practices, if your children are only allowed play for once a week outdoors, and there are no learning centers within the facility, chances are your child isn't being provided the time necessary to explore themselves and the world around them and we all want for our children to grow to their fullest potentials.

Children Are Dying

           For some of you this may hit a little closer to home than it does for me, but we all know that any blow of these circumstances can change anyone. There has been a recent rash of shootings and deaths within our territory, the U.S Virgin Islands, within the past two weeks. While there where no fatalities known to me of infants and toddlers, children are still dying. Regardless of their age, many teenagers, adolescents, and even college goer's are still children and we are loosing them to drugs, violence, and other spoils of poverty. I found out two days ago that a young man that I watched grow up died from fatal gun shot wounds. At first I questioned it, saying it seemed so highly unlikely. But then I saw condolences from the community and was too scared to offer my own, out of fear. What can you truly tell one who has lost a loved one? What could be said that wouldn't sound commercial or generic? what could you say to ease the pain? Throughout my tenure in this life I've meet this situation before, but it never gets better; one can never truly know the right words.

        It would benefit us a society/community to come together in these situations and to prevent these situations from happening. While many efforts are being made in forms of marches and picketing to prevent violence and drug abuse, but we can't just say it we need show it too. Reliable drug abuse and violence programs need be implemented in nurturing environments to promote progression, this is something that is also lacking within our systems. Creating rehabilitation centers and learning institutions in stagnant, violent environments cannot possibly promote progression, as is the intent of these institutions.  To quote one of my favorite artists, 'if you speak about it then you should be about it not just preach about it all day'; we all have a part to play. 

        There are still many of whom deserve recognition for showing resilience toward the 'wave of oppression' and empowering others along the way. Many of those whose story is and will never be heard; it is a shame that only the 'bad' news gets the major headlines and publicity, yet we wonder why the up and coming generations see it fit to live their lives in the influentially negative  manners that they choose. Like all learning skills that develop over time these behaviors are facilitated, by society and its member; all of us, we are the oppressors for we allow it to happen and we promote it. We, members of society are the light that shines, whether on the good or the bad we choose and our choices have lead us to a dark future for our children. The time to promote, encourage, and uplift our children and ourselves as individuals and nations is here; the actions we take now will determine tomorrow and the way we choose to live the rest of our lives.

Too Much Violence; USVI Shootings Near Preschools

Over the past week our Daily News has had headlines that a journalist probably prays for, but our community is being left with the stains and pains of these actions. We have lost another child to a senseless killing; my condolences to the mother although what do you tell a mother after she loses her son? Unfortunately, its something that many of us have thought of time and time again; I am personally tired of having such thoughts. I'm tired of having to bear witness to yet another mother mourning and suffering for reasons unknown to her and others. For each time that we've heard of the lost of another young life, we've heard promises from our legislators and commissioner's promising to 'clean up the streets' and make our community safer. The truth is, the only people that can make the community safe again are the members of that community; they are the only ones who will truly care.

Since the beginning of this year there has been a number of violent incidents within close proximity or directly within the areas of Head Start Centers in the Virgin Islands.  On St. Thomas there was a shooting reported directly in front of the Bovoni Head Start Center and in February, three employees of the Berg's Home Head Start Center found their cars with bullet holes and a security guard at the Dept. of Human Services was shot while being robbed of his cellular phone. Patrols where increased within the area, as promised by the police, but that didn't stop the violence from escalating. On Tuesday, April 9, 2013, gunshots erupted outside the Bergs Home Head Start (once again), children where asked to lie on the ground for fifteen minutes to ensure safety from stray bullets. While many parents, came with an urgency to check on the well being of their children and to take them out of harms way, they where unable to do so. Police had engaged the suspect within a gunfight that ended up directly behind the Head Start, so the center was placed on lock down, another measure to ensure the safety of students. The following Friday, angry & concerned parents spoke with officials from the Dept. of Human Services and the Virgin Islands Police Dept. expressing their concerns for the safety of their children. After a vote parents and officials came to the decision to send students to other Head Starts within the community that weren't experiencing such troubles due to violence in the community. 

Now, just last Thursday, a parent became a victim after dropping of his child at Head Start in Est. Williams Delight, on St. Croix. When returning to his car the victim was approached by four men who asked for his chain, and when he hesitated, they shot him and took it from him. In an attempt to escape the father ran into the Head Start, but was pursued and shot again from his assailant within the Head Start Center housing two employees and ten students at the time. Because of the violent nature of the crime the center has been closed until further notice. Earlier this year a store keeper was shot two blocks from another Head Start on St. Croix; when will this blatant disregard for human life end? I don't think that the blame should lie solely on those committing the crimes either, for what are our elected officials for? If we cannot expect our children to be safe within the learning institutions of our society then where are they safe? And while I thank the Lord that no one was hurt physically in either of these situations, I still can't help but wonder the effects of these incidents psychologically on such young minds, and hope that (if affected at all) it is irreversible and not a life long threat. Early childhood learners are very impressionable and such events can have negative effects, socio-emotional and psychological, that may past adolescence. I hope that as a community we will, one day soon, be able to rise above the violent crimes that are rampant in today's society and elevate ourselves to a more civilized way of living and thinking to secure a brighter future for our children. 

Should she Fry or Do time?! What kind of mother or human can put a baby in the microwave?!

https://plus.google.com/105836129499455555859/posts/LLZFe8ikBF5

Baby sitter not guilty in 4-month-old's death - News - Virgin Islands Daily News

Baby sitter not guilty in 4-month-old's death - News - Virgin Islands Daily News


Proper childcare is costly, within the Virgin Islands and abroad, but it is also necessary to ensure not only the progression of the children but their safety. My heart goes out to this family, I could never forget this story; I wish peace, solace, and justice for all loved ones who have lost.