Teaching to Transform

I am coming back from the Teaching to Transform 

2020 Winter Roundtable at Columbia University recharged, restored, and ready to serve our community in ensuring that EPS is inclusive of and meeting the needs of ALL of our students, families, and staff.

 

The Winter Roundtable is the longest running continuing professional education program in the United States devoted solely to cultural issues in psychology, education, and social work. The Winter Roundtable continues its tradition of bringing together scholars, practitioners, researchers, social change agents and students interested in the intersections between race, ethnicity, social class, gender, ability status, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation in psychology, education, and social work.

 

I am proud to have shared my research and am grateful for the conversations and connections with colleagues from throughout the country!

Coming Together @ East Prairie

East Prairie had the privilege of hosting the Bulgarian Dance Ensemble Horo and Romanian folkloric activities as part of the Niles Township Coming Together program this past weekend.

The horo is a traditional Bulgarian folk dance in which everyone in a community can take part. Its main form, a circle, symbolizes the unity of humankind. The steps in a horo dance are very diverse; there are over one hundred types of horo dances in Bulgarian folklore. Dance Ensemble HORO was created 17 years ago here in Chicago to preserve and present the beauty and richness of Bulgarian folk dance culture. Join us for a dance tour around beautiful Bulgaria.

 The Romanian event included a history of Romania and presentation of film, as well as, combination of folkloric activities.

It is wonderful for us to showcase our facilities while hosting this type of impacting community and cultural programming!

What a night!

Good food brings good folks together!

 

This sentiment was beautifully fulfilled at last night's return of Cooking With Cultures.

Thank you for the incredible spread of delectable international cuisine and for your tremendous show of support!

Events like this demonstrate the shared values and beliefs that we hold as a community, as well as, the importance placed on coming together, connecting, and learning more about one another. 

Last night highlighted just how special, unique, and closely knit our East Prairie community is!

Remarkable Robotics!

Congratulations to the East Prairie Robotics team - Ryan, Meera, Aiden, Jenna, Bryan, Claire, Fiona, and Mrs. Shields - on another outstanding performance at last night's Little 9 Robotics Competition.

The critical thinking, teamwork, engineering and mechanical know-how, and creativity involved in this work is incredible.  The in the moment problem-solving and tinkering extraordinary. 

It is a most impressive mindset and set of skills these students have worked hard (and together) to develop!  Way to go Panthers!

Countdown to cooking!

Gather your ingredients and kitchen gear,

For it is time to “cook up” some tasty cheer!

Get ready to grill, bake, roast, simmer, and amaze,  

Because Cooking With Cultures is in only two days!

The table is set, the venue crafted with care,

The only thing missing is to see you there.

Cooking With Cultures is an opportunity to break down the four walls of your kitchen and spend an evening with friends, neighbors, and fellow Panthers.  It is an occasion for our entire school community to connect, share a meal, and celebrate one another!

PreK Open House

Thank you to Ms. LaPata and Ms. Hernandez for putting together a sensational PreK Open House.  Thank you to the many families who came out to learn more about our excellent early childhood programming.  

This weekend program was an outstanding opportunity for us to share with families the incredible experiences that await their children at our school.  Our aim is to connect with and serve every family within our community as early as possible. Extra efforts like this go a long way in making that vision a reality.

4th & 5th Grade Honor Roll Night!

Congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade honor roll scholars!  These young men and women have distinguished themselves in important and meaningful ways.  They have devoted themselves to not only their studies, but to the belief that knowledge empowers individuals, communities, and societies.  They know that deep understanding is built one idea at a time and requires constant care and attention, as well as, the strength to take a risk, push yourself, and try something new in hopes of reaching the highest heights of one’s fullest potential.  

This ceremony is just as much an acknowledgement of the families, teachers, and communities that shape a child’s learning and help to inspire their future.  It is the best version of this partnership that opens doors and creates opportunities for children to shape, create, and impact their own destiny.

Family Art Night (part one)

Thank you to Ms. Wade-Kuzwayo for putting together an incredibly creative and fun artistic experience for the entire family!

Thank you to our many families for coming out to spend an enjoyable evening drawing, designing, painting, and of course connecting!

We will be finishing these Rangolis art masterpieces at our March 5th follow-up event.

And will then feature them throughout the Atrium!

Jasmine Warga author visit

Thank you to author Jasmine Warga for an enjoyable evening discussing the power of stories and importance of telling your own. Jasmine's messages about identity, representation, and the power of literacy were impacting for kids and adults.

East Prairie was proud to host Jasmine as part of the Niles Township Coming Together Program.

Congratulations to Jasmine on her very recent honor of having Other Words for Home named a Newbery Honor book!

Jim Jones assembly

Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring today's Jim Jones basketball assembly.  The students were beyond excited all day (it was literally all I heard about at lunch time).

Jim certainly did not disappoint.  The assembly was upbeat, interactive, and POSITIVE!  Jim weaves together audience participation, tricks, and a really outstanding message for kids and adults.  Like we say everyday on the morning announcements, "remember who you are makes a difference.  So choose to make today and everyday, a great day!"

Smile!

What a fun way to start the week!

Thank you, EPS!