1. education
2. school

FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
Winter Issue
JUMOKE ACADEMY
CHARTER SCHOOLS
DISTRICT EDITION OF
“THE JUMOKE
JOURNAL”
“HOME/SCHOOL
COLLABORATION”
BY A 5TH GRADE JAH-HC PARENT
“WE GOT GAME”
“CALLING ALL DADS”
AN UPDATE ON THIS SEASON AND AN
INTERVIEW WITH JUMOKE PLAYER AND
SCHOLAR CAIRO MCCRORY
TED-JA ELEMENTARY HOSTED A
FATHER’S WORKSHOP THIS
JANUARY.
JUMOKE JOURNAL
Continuing to empower our
scholars and engage our families
By Executive Director, Dr. Troy A. Monroe
In keeping with this year’s theme of
“Empowering Our Scholars & Engaging Our
Families”, the Academy has continued its
focus on programming, events, and parent
education workshops that have been
planned with ensuring that our entire
community is informed. Those programs
and events include a new partnership with
the Ethel Walker School’s Horizons
program, our recently completed Saturday
Academy for scholars, Smarter Balance and
Science CMT Assessment parent workshop,
a workshop for fathers designed to support
their children, an exciting sports and
enrichment program, and a renewed
partnership with the Hartford Conservatory
which offers after school lessons for scholars in chorus and theater, and the art of
deejaying! In addition to these events, the Academy had its 1st
“… the Academy has
Annual Heritage Gala! As a result of these efforts, our scholars are
continued its focus on
better prepared and aligned with the mission of Jumoke Academy
programming, events,
where we are preparing “children to successfully compete in the
and parent education
global market place, overcoming any cultural, social or economic
workshops that have
challenges”. I am very encourage by the commitment that we have
been planned with
made as a community to ensuring that our children as well as the
ensuring that our entire
adults who support them “keep on keeping on”…
community is
informed..”
(Article continued on Page 11)
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
The Importance of Home/School
Collaboration
By 5th Grade JAH-HC Parent Glenda Burgos
I recently attended the Family Curriculum Night at JAH-HC
facilitated by the 5th and 6th grade teaching team. As a parent of a
5th grader it is critical for me to be part of these discussions since
communication is key to the success and development of our
kids. The workshops with the teachers allowed the parents the
ability to provide beneficial feedback to our children's teachers,
as well as, allowed the teachers to share with us what our
children are doing in their classrooms. It was nice to see how both parents and teachers engaged in
conversation to find solutions to our children's challenges. I
was quite pleased to see the enthusiasm of the teachers trying
to find ways to help our kids improve. The collaboration
between parents and teachers was refreshing and allowed me
to feel confident that my child’s success was at the forefront of
all the teachers’ minds.
Having a strong partnership with the school, allows us to build
positives relationships with our children's teachers, as well as,
with other parents. Our involvement is essential because it
helps us find the tools and the resources necessary to benefit
our kids. I truly encourage all the parents to attend these
workshops, as it contributes to the success of our children.
“Having a strong partnership with the school, allows us to
build positives relationships with our children's teachers,
as well as, with other parents.”
PARADE OF FLAGS
AT TED-JA
The Parade of Flags kicks off our Black
Heritage celebration each February. The
flag ceremony started many years ago
and many of the flags represent the
countries from which many of our
Jumoke families and their extended
family originate.
Displayed are 18 flags from 18 different
countries. Scholars from each grade
recite the significance of the flags to the
country of origin and what the colors of
the flag represent. -Karen Bell
Parents learn at JAH-HC Curriculum Night.
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
When the Glory Comes
By JAH-HC Principal Nichelle Woodson
It is imperative we use education not
only to foster the thirst for knowledge
and inclusivity of cultures, but also,
education should empower our young
scholars. I would wager that nearly
every scholar knows that Martin
Luther King Jr. had a dream, but how
many of them know the origins of that
dream and the incredible
contributions and sacrifices made by
countless individuals in an effort to
make that dream a reality. To go
deeper than the typical biographical
exposure of black leaders, at the HC
we seek to instill in our scholars a
sense of empowerment and foster in
them the critical thinking skills that
will allow them to have a more
authentic view and appreciation of
Black History.
We began our Black History month
focus on the Civil Rights Movement
by having the entire school, all 143
scholars and 20 staff members, attend
the viewing of Ava DuVernay’s
critically acclaimed film, Selma. I saw
the film the weekend it nationally
debuted in the theaters, and was so
moved by its portrayal of history I
immediately knew this was an
experience I
wanted for our
scholars. I sent
out a message to
anyone who
would listen to
assist in making
this become a
reality for the
scholars. I was
Selma Director: Ava DuVernay
fortunate enough
to get free admission for the entire
school at a local Hartford theater.
As I sat in the theater with the
scholars of JAH-HC, the energy in the
theater was hair raising. The scholars
watched so intently and with such
purpose. I could see their minds
soaking in and processing new
knowledge. I could feel their intense
emotions, from their laughter, to their
sighs of despondency, to their cheers
of exuberance. At the end of the
movie no one moved. They all sat still;
taken in by the melodic and powerful
words of Common and John Legend’s
song Glory:
“Every day women and men become legends
Sins that go against our skin become blessings
The movement is a rhythm to us
Freedom is like religion to us
Justice is juxtaposition in us
Justice for all just ain't specific enough
One son died, his spirit is revisitin' us
Truant livin' livin' in us, resistance is us
That's why Rosa sat on the bus
That's why we walk through Ferguson with our
hands up
When it go down we woman and man up
They say, "Stay down" and we stand up
Shots, we on the ground, the camera panned up
King pointed to the mountain top and we ran
up…Oh, glory, glory, glory”¹
When the credits began to roll they
responded with such an emotional
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
applause. I watched in awe, knowing
this would be one of the best and
most memorable experiences I will
ever have as a principal. When we
returned back to school a teacher told
me one of her scholars said to her he
was no longer going to fool around in
school and was going to take his
education seriously. Powerful!
Remember, education should always
be about empowering our youth.
¹Source: http://www.directlyrics.com/john-legend-glorylyrics.html
A New Face At Jumoke Academy
Charter Schools: Melissa Gagne
By Communications Manager Samantha Stigliano
Parents and students may have noticed a new educator on all three
Jumoke Academy Campuses: her name is Melissa Gagne, and she has
joined us as the Director of Academics and Operations. Jumoke
Academy is thrilled to have an educator of such caliber join us in our
quest to achieve excellence. If you see Melissa, introduce yourself!
Here is a little bit more about Mrs. Gagne’s career history:
Melissa Gagne is Pre-K-12 educator who has been working in schools Welcome, Melissa Gagne!
around the country for over 20 years as a teacher, Department Chair,
Assistant Principal, Principal and now as a consultant. Melissa
specializes in leadership and program development and has
"I am overwhelmed by the warm
developed Data Team Protocols; Special Education Parent
welcome I have received from the
Education Programs; After-School Programming for Students with
entire Jumoke community. I look
forward to meeting more families and
Disabilities; Literacy and Arts Programming; Assessment and
am delighted to have this opportunity
Instruction Revision. Melissa works with districts to improve their
to work with the dedicated staff of
Early Intervention Process to help identify potential learning gaps
Jumoke Academy.” -M. Gagne
and determine appropriate interventions to promote achievement
for all students. Melissa works with the Yale University Center for
Emotional Intelligence to help bring Social and Emotional learning into school communities
and corporations with the RULER program. Melissa is a certified Yale RULER trainer and
coaches school and district leaders around the
country to maximize program effectiveness.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in
Music and Theatre from the Boston Conservatory
of Music, a Master of Arts and Teaching Degree
from Connecticut College and a Sixth Year Degree
in Education Leadership from Sacred Heart
University. Melissa also completed the SchoolTurnaround Seminar at Harvard University.
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
We Got Game
By JAH-SMaRT Dean Amy Beardsworth
The Jumoke Jaguar boys’ and girls’
basketball teams are enjoying one
of their best seasons ever! Students
from JAH-SMaRT and JA-HC have
been busy fitting in practice time
between demanding academic
schedules and crazy snow storms.
Every Saturday both teams can be
found at the elementary school
gym practicing hard with their
coaches. This dedication is paid off.
The Boys team won the
Championship for their league, and
the girls team made it all the way to
the semi-finals!
Jumoke
Academ
y Girls Bas
Eight grade Basketball Co-Captain
ketball p
layers
in 8th grade when I am
trying to get into a good high school
next year.”
and Honors Scholar: Cairo McCrory
High honors student and Co-Captain Cairo
McCrory gives the first interview of his
basketball career:
What do you attribute your team’s
success to?
“Basically, I am not the only scorer on
the team. Everyone contributes, even
the last person off the bench.
Multiple people have a part in our
success. Even someone who may not
score a lot helps by playing good
defense.”
How do you balance the demands
of playing a sport and staying on
high honors?
“That’s a good question! Actually I try
to get all my homework done during
homework and organization at
the end of the day. If I don’t, I
get it done after our games or
practice as soon as I get
home. It is very important to
keep good grades, especially
How does playing sports relate to,
or help, your academics?
“Actually it helps with time
management. If I don’t get my work
done at school then I am not going to
be able to play, so it is very important
to manage my time and get school
work done first.”
What are your plans for high school
and beyond?
“For high school I want to do the
same. I want to get nice grades and
be strong on the basketball team.
After high school, I want to keep
playing basketball and graduate from
a Division 1 college. I want to go to
school for free. It is hard getting a
scholarship now, so I have to work
hard. My dad played Division 1
basketball for University of Hartford.
I go to him for all my sports and
academic related questions.
He has been very
supportive of me, gives
me time and doesn’t rush
me in the transition to
high school.”
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
Upcoming events at
Jumoke Academy
March 10th: Jumoke Academy Board
of Directors Meeting
March 12th: JAPA General Meeting
March 17th-18th: Report Card
Conferences.
March 19th: Poetry Slam at JAHSMaRT
March 20th: Coffee Chat with Dr.
Monroe and James Michel, Cultural
Celebration @ JAH-SMaRT, Middle
School talent show.
March 27th: Career Day
March 28th: Theblackmancan
Institute workshop @Windsor High
(See pg. 9 for more info)
Dr. Monroe with Rep.
Brandon L. McGee Jr
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Horizons Program:
Get Involved!
Horizons at The Ethel Walker School
is thrilled to be partnering with
Jumoke Academy. This program,
specifically for girls, will provide your
daughters with access to summer
enrichment designed to reduce and
prevent summer learning loss.
This is an exciting time for Horizons,
as we develop the first program in the
Hartford area and the first all-girls
program in the entire country. This
six-week summer program will
consist of a kindergarten and first
grade class in the first year. Horizons
provides exceptional academics by
blending cultural enrichment
activities into the curriculum,
particularly swimming. We have
found that learning to swim helps
children build confidence that spills
over into academic and social
achievements. Horizon’s at Ethel
Walker’s commitment to young
scholars is what drives them to create
these enriching opportunities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE
HORIZONS PROGRAM VISIT: http://
www.ethelwalker.org/horizons/ !6
FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
Jumoke Middle Schools Coming Together!
By JAH-­‐SMaRT Principal Justin Pistorius While Jumoke academy has 2 distinct
middle school campuses, separated by
a few miles, the scholars at both
schools are finding ways to come
together as a community of learners.
As has happened for the past several
years, 8th graders at JAH-SMaRT and
JAH-HC will come together in the
month of April to take a joint trip to
Washington, D.C. This is an
opportunity for scholars to enrich
their American History curriculum
lessons with visits to national
museums and monuments as well as
enjoy a little bit of down time together
during meals and back at the hotel.
JAH-SMaRT and JAH-HC scholar
also are continuing the Jumoke
tradition of competing in an oratorical
contest. This year’s theme “Only
Light, Only Love” is based on Dr.
Martin Luther King’s belief that
“darkness cannot drive out darkness,
only light can do that. Hate cannot
drive out hate; only love can do that.”
JAH-SMaRT and JAH-HC scholars in
grades 5-8 have the opportunity to
compose speeches and hone their oral
presentation skills while representing
their schools during the contest that
occurs at JAH-SMaRT on Thursday
February 26th at 10:00 a.m. All
Jumoke parents are encouraged to
attend!
Jumoke Middle schools also provide
after school opportunities for
students to come together socially
during events that are designed to
promote healthy social interactions
amongst scholars from both buildings
all while having fun after school. This
month, a joint school
“… We hope that you as parents
dance for 7th and 8th
will consider joining our
graders dubbed “The
community celebration to enhance
Winter Ball” will occur
our family feel..”
at JAH-SMaRT where
students are sure to
have munching on snacks and
dancing to their favorite tunes. There
will also be a Talent Show for scholars
in all grades at both middle schools
from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on March 20th.
Every year, the show is very highly
attended and the scholars blow the
audience away with their talents!
Jumoke Academy Charter School
aims to provide high level instruction
at all campuses
while also
providing
opportunities for
its scholars to
experience their
“family members”
between the
campuses. We
hope that you as
parents will
consider joining
our community
celebration to
enhance our
family feel.
One of our Jumoke Academy Campuses during one of the many snow
days this marking period. Its almost over!
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FEBRUARY 2015
Calling All Dads
By TED-­‐JA Principal Dr. Michael Finley On January 29th, TED hosted an
exciting workshop, “Calling All
Dads” which was an Interactive
Workshop for Dads and other
interested male role models. We are
pleased that 13 of our school’s Dads
attended the workshop (despite the
snow storm!) The workshop was
facilitated by Mr. Doug Edwards,
Founder of Real Dads Forever. Dads
watched a slide show presentation
and discussed a variety of topics.
Attendee evaluations stated that the
workshop was informative and
helpful and that they would
incorporate some of the suggestions
into their daily lives. Attendees
strongly stated that they would like to
see and would attend more programs.
Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance
Provides Free Help
Filing Taxes
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
Details about all of the
Connecticut VITA sites
can be found on the
2-1-1 www.211ct.org or
by dialing 2-1-1,
including hours of
operation and details
about whether help is
available by appointment or walk-in. Self-service online appointment
scheduling is also available for the
following towns: Hartford,
Manchester, Middletown, Putnam,
Stafford, West Hartford, Willimantic,
Windsor Locks, and Vernon. Just visit
the 2-1-1 Tax Help page to review the
eligibility criteria and then click on
the link labeled "Book Your Own
Appointment."
For more information, including
details about other free tax filing
assistance and a list of documents to
bring along when filing taxes, read the
2-1-1 E-Library paper on Free Tax
Assistance or dial 2-1-1.
A Message from Richard
Porth: President/CEO of United Way
of Connecticut
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) program offers free tax
preparation services to individuals
and families with total household
income below $53,000 in 2014. The
program recruits and trains
volunteers who help taxpayers
prepare and file basic tax forms at
VITA sites throughout the state
beginning in January and ending on
April 15.
You may have seen this photo (and here is an out take) in the Hartford Courant
during the month of February and also on the cover of the North End Agent
newspaper!
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
TheBlackManCan.org
and Brandon Frame
By Communications Manager
Samantha Stigliano
If you attended this year’s
First Annual Heritage Gala
on February 28th, you
would have listened to the
insightful keynote speech
given by Mr. Brandon
Frame. Brandon is the
founder of the digital
Scan this Code with
platform
your smartphone to go
theblackmancan.org, and
to the registration
also The Black Man Can Institute
page for the Windsor
TBMCI Event.
(TBMCI). Besides being a gifted
speaker and creator of
theblackmancan.org, Brandon
takes his empowering brand of support and
education, to young men of color all over the
country with his TBMCI workshop events
aimed at “providing comfort and support for
boys of color.” According to TBMCI website:
“Boys of Color attending TheBlackManCan
Institute can be assured that their cultural
needs will be addressed and they will be free
to express themselves while fostering
brotherhood.”
Events include workshops on: Health and
Wellness, Academic Excellence, Financial
Literacy, being politically engaged, being
well written, being well dressed, the African
Diaspora Leadership, dealing with the
police, hip hop, and media literacy. All
students who attend will receive a neck tie
and a copy of “Theblackmancan Journal:
Define Yourself, Redefine the World.”
Brandon’s workshops are open to boys who
are in grades 6-12, so if your Jumoke
Academy Middle School Scholar would like
to attend, the next event in the Hartford
area is on Saturday, March 28, 2015
from 9am to 3pm with registration starting
at 8:30am. The event will be held at Windsor
High School
Brandon Frame can also be seen as an
example for young boys of color everywhere
on his public access show on AccessTV.org,
and as Director of Business Partnerships and
Program Development for Hartford’s High
School, Inc.
Register at: http://
tbmcinstitute.theblackmancan.org
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
A Note from the Facilities
Department
By Facilities Manager Elizabeth Grey
Hello Jumoke Academy Families,
I would like to quickly post this short piece
that is now being added to the student and
employee handbooks at Jumoke Academy
Charter Schools. We have done all of the
necessary inspections required of us and
information relating to those inspections is
available upon request.
We will continue to work hard and ensure
your scholar’s safety and well being every
day. Thank you!
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTICE
In compliance with the United States Environmental Protection
(EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and
the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH)
we are required to inspect our school buildings for asbestos
every three years and develop a management plan to responsibly
control what material may remain in the school buildings.
A plan has been prepared for each school building and a copy is
available at the school office as well as the main office, to all
parties that may be concerned. Persons wishing to review this
document may do so during regular school hours.
Curriculum Corner
By The Director of
Curriculum and Professional Development Dawn Lazarus To empower our students and engage our
parents, we must also do the same for our
dedicated Jumoke staff. The focus of
professional development this year has been
just that: education, empowerment and
engagement.
With the infusion of new technologies,
including assessments tools such as NWEA’s
Measures of Academic Progress (MAPS),
Children’s Progress Academic Assessment
(CPAA), and Compass Learning, teachers
across the district have been immersed in
training related to computer adaptive tests.
Training sessions targeted implementation,
reporting and data analysis and using data to
inform instructional practices in the
classroom. Guiding scholars in the use of
computer-based technology will improve
their chances of success on the Smarter
Balanced Assessment (SBA), a standardized
test mandated by the State of Connecticut
and scheduled between April-May.
Jumoke Academy teachers have also been
developing performance tasks and writing
prompts that will ready our scholars for the
research and writing portion of the SBA.
These tasks give scholars an opportunity to
think critically and demonstrate
mastery in a variety of ways.
We have engaged our parents as
partners in the preparation of our
scholars. We hosted a parent information
session on SBA on March 2nd, and our
family resource coordinator has been
working with parents to set up PowerSchool
portals to monitor scholar’s progress on line
and learn about any technology programs
being used in our schools. The Jumoke
Saturday Academy recently concluded its
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
six-week service to over 145 scholars grades
1-8.
Jumoke Academy seeks to excel in all areas
of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
In an effort to provide the most effective
assessment practices, the curriculum
department will be conducting an important
survey throughout the district. Teachers
have recently completed a survey regarding
the type and frequency of assessments our
scholars take. On March 18th during parentteacher conferences, parents will have an
opportunity participate in this survey.
Students will respond to the survey during
the school day. A small group of scholars,
parents and teachers will participate in a
focus group on March 23rd empowering all
stakeholders and giving them a voice in the
creation of the district’s assessment policy
and schedule moving forward.
The focus on literacy will continue
throughout the district with the purchase of
new leveled and guided reading materials.
Over the next several months, a large portion
of our staff will further develop their
instructional practices in reading through
guided reading professional development
based on the scientifically research-based
approach developed by Irene Fountas and
Gay-Su Pinnell.
Get Informed with
Professional
the Jumoke
Development Days
Community
for Spring Marking
(Dr. Monroe’s
Period:
Article
continued from
March 18
Page 1)
…During our recent
April 15
1st Annual Heritage
Gala organized by
May 20
the Jumoke
Academy Parent
Association (JAPA),
guest speaker Brandon Frame,
addressed our entire community as an
example of the Gala’s theme, “The
Next Generation of Leaders”.
While the event featured many of our
scholar leaders, it also was designed
to focus on communicating a message
to the adults about what we must do
to support scholar development as
leaders. In his address, Mr. Frame
reminded us that “our work as a
community is bigger than
individuals”! He challenged us to
have honest communication, manage
our expectations, validate ourselves,
surrender and release judgment and
the need to control, accept
responsibility, and mine for lessons so
that we continue to grow in support of
our mission. If these things are taken
to heart, we will see very quickly that
the future of Jumoke is bright and
that our scholars will be the ultimate
benefactors of this new chapter that is
unfolding before our very eyes.
Thank you for your continued support
of our scholars!
Sincerely,
Dr. Monroe
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FEBRUARY 2015
“EMPOWERING OUR SCHOLARS, ENGAGING OUR FAMILIES”
Jumoke Academy Basketball teams excelled this winter. The Boys Team won the
Middle School Championship, and the Girls Team made it to the Semi-Finals!
Jumoke Academy Track teams
excelled this year as well! Girls
Mr. Cummings at his retirement send off assembly at TED-JA. Mr. Cummings
Team won first place, and the
retired after 17 years of service to the Jumoke community.
Boys team won Third place!
Congrats to our athletes!
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Jumoke Academy Charter School is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. Jumoke Academy Charter School does not discriminate
in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual
orientation, disability (including, but not limited to, mental retardation, past or present history of mental disability, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or
any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Jumoke Academy Charter School does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and
licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Inquiries regarding Jumoke Academy Charter School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:
Valena R. Smith
Jumoke Academy
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834 Asylum Avenue, Hartford CT 06105
(860)904-5859