I was so fortunate to be able to attend the Annual METCO Directors Assoc. Conference again, which was down at the Four Points, Norwood, Mass. on Friday, December 4th, 2015.
It proved again to be the highlight of my school year. The METCO Directors do a great job of organizing this wonderful day of relevant workshops, inspirational and informative speakers, music of the African American tradition and vendors with fantastic wares, art, jewelry, and inspirational, helpful literature.
First, if you're not familiar with METCO, let me share two links. Here is the official DESE link, and here is a basic history and overview of METCO.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Omari Simmons, and my take-away was learning the importance of a K-16 bridge. He came to us this day, as an advocate, but to learn about his current professional work, you can look here.
His family started a wonderful non-profit, the Simmons Memorial Foundation, which helps high school students in North Carolina to get into college, and then continue with support, all the way to graduation, with success. I was moved by his powerful stories about the many students they've helped, but also learned about how we, as a society, need to be concerned about the many young people who might do well in high school, but aren't always making it onto the next level, college. I support Dr. Simmons' points of view on the need for K-16 bridges.
I also was inspired in a fun and relevant workshop, by Alvin Glymph, on how teachers can use Hip Hop and the Hip Hop culture, to engage students. He notes that it can be a tool in your toolbox, and you should totally follow him here, on Twitter. Also, I need to buy his book.
I then got to find some inspiration in a great workshop, by a Boston school Principal, Mr. Craig C. Martin. He spoke about how to support black and brown males, in our ever-changing world.
Thank you all, for a day of hope, inspiration and great ideas I will use soon, in my classroom.
Many thanks,
Adam Chiocca
P.S. Oh, hey ... and if you haven't yet, please follow me too, on Twitter.
P.P.S. Finally, let me share that the picture above, is my student club, at BHS, the African American Student Association.
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