MUSIC MAKERS

RISING 6TH

GRADERS CREATE

NEW SONGS USING LOGIC PRO

SOFTWARE AND KEYBOARDS

................................... 3

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 duct 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. Erik Francis, who has a, Earth science/meteorologist 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

................................... 4

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

STUDENTS LEARN AND APPLY

THE BASICS OF COSMETOLOGY

................................... 5

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

21

ST CENTURY NEWSLETTER TEAM

ANTHONY DIXON, AMBASSADOR

ADRIA MERRITT, TEACHER

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 Davida 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. Davida

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”. Davida 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 Davida

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

Madame Kasonga’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.

Kasonga, 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.

Madame 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 Hicks 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.

Sewing 101

Rising seventh and eighth graders are learning how to thread needles, cut fabric, read patterns, run a sewing machine, sew on buttons, and make pillows, aprons, and t-shirts. The class is under the direction of Mrs. Constance Ward, who has been sewing since fourth grade when she was in a 4-H club. She is also the daughter and granddaughter of a seamstress, so she has lots of expertise to share. She bragged, “I have a phenomenal group this summer, and they are very comfortable with the sewing machine.” Tyrek Lee, a student from Hines Middle School, is the only male in the class, so he could be following in the footsteps of fashion giants Russell Simmons of Phat Farm and Daymond John of FUBU. He is proud that he can now fix his own clothing if he tears a whole in the fabric or loses a button. Rising 7th grader Tinaiya Everett from Crittenden Middle School wants to teach her brothers and sisters how to sew, especially because no one in her family knows how. Tinaiya’s favorite part of the class is “using the sewing machine and actually making things.”

The View From Above

21st Century Summer of Innovations students had the

opportunity to attend Freedom Aviation’s Open House on

Saturday, July 19 at the Newport News/Williamsburg Regional

Airport. In addition to free food, the students had the chance to

view displays about flight, experience a flight simulator

challenge to win a free iPad, and enjoy a free flight from

Newport News to Virginia Beach and back on a new Cessna

Aircraft.

Brianna Coleman, one of the 21st Century students, won the

iPad.

8

9

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 Liesel 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.

10

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 Shavar Bland. Cynthia Barnes taught both pre-algebra and Algebra II. 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.”

11

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.

12

It’s A Celebration!

On Friday, August 7 21st Century students,

teachers, Ambassadors, parents, and

community partners gathered in the Crittenden

Middle School auditorium to celebrate the

innovation that took place during the five week

summer program. The celebration kicked off

with the music engineering students sharing

the news songs they created. After the

audience clapped and swayed to the music, the

sign language students performed John

Lennon’s “Imagine,” paying careful attention to

their movements as they signed the lyrics. The

Zumba students rocked the staged with a Latin

flair as they executed their choreographed

moves before their parents and peers.

After the showcase in the auditorium, the

celebration continued in the classrooms where

parents were able to sample some of the

instructional activities their children enjoyed

during the Summer of Innovation. While

parents were learning, 21st Century students

enjoyed a variety of inflatables that were

arranged throughout the gym.

Of course, no celebration is complete without

food! Under the direction of Ms. Ellsworth, the

culinary arts teacher, members of the 21st

Century instructional staff prepared hot dogs

and hamburgers for students, family, and

community partners to enjoy.

21st Century partners from Home Depot,

Newport News Shipbuilding, and Wright

Solutions enjoyed the celebration that

culminated with their tour of the summer’s

capstone innovation- the reusable resource

house located in the school’s courtyard.

August 7 was a great way to end a great

summer of learning and innovation.

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.

13