sankofa freedom academy charter school -...
TRANSCRIPT
letter. If you are interested in
going to the meeting with us,
please call Sis. Lisa at 215-324-
2726 and leave your name and a
number where you can be
reached. The work of Sankofa
has just begun. We have gotten
off to a great start. If given five more years we are sure to go
from good, to better, and then
ultimately to best. Come sup-
port the renewal of Sankofa
Freedom Academy!
As many of you know, this
has been our year to apply for
the renewal of our charter.
During this process, we have
had parents, students, teachers,
and members of the community
speak up for the work that
Sankofa Freedom Academy is doing here in Frankford. Based
on the progress that our stu-
dents are beginning to make, an
examination of our financial
health, management of our or-
ganization, the charter school
office is poised to recommend
that Sankofa Freedom Academy
is given a five year charter. This
is such exciting news! We had
hoped that the renewal commit-
tee would come to Sankofa
Freedom Academy and be able
to truly appreciate the ways that
we are striving, growing, and
changing lives.
The Charter School Office
plans to recommend us for
renewal but the School Reform
Commission must make the final
decision. On Thursday, March
29 and April 19, we would like
to have as many people as pos-
sible attend the School Reform
Commission Meeting with us to
stand for the renewal of the
charter for Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School. Eve-
ryday, we try to stand up for
our children, our families, our
community, and our people. It’s
now time for all of us to stand
together and let the School
Reform Commission know that
we want Sankofa Freedom
Academy to continue as a char-
ter school in this community.
Even if you cannot come, we
would love for you to write a
letter of support. Let the SRC
know why you would like to see
Sankofa Freedom Academy
continue. If you bring your note
to the main office or send it by
your child, we will make sure
that the SRC receives your
Peace and Blessings from Dr. Mama::
PSSA’s Are In Full Swing
Our PSSA exams are in full
swing and we are so proud of
our children and parents. Each
day nearly 100% of our children
have been coming to school on
time and ready to go. Thank
you parents for making sure
your child is in school daily, well
rested, and eager to show what
they have learned in their class-
rooms.
We ask that you keep up the
good work. Our children will
complete the reading and
mathematics portion of the test
this week on March 23. Our 5th
and 11th grade students will take
the writing test from April 16 to
April 20. The 4th and 11th grade
students will take the science exam
from April 23 to April 27. Our
goal is that 100% of our children
will complete all of their tests and
show how they are growing and
learning each day. Let’s keep en-couraging our children to try their
best, remember their strategies,
and take the PSSA with confidence
in themselves and in the fine
preparation they have received all
year from their facilitators. Let’s
go!
March, 2012 Volume 3/ Issue 5
The Sankofa Bird Newsletter of
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School 4256 Paul Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19124
Telephone #-215–288-2001
Sankofa Freedom
Academy Charter School
Leadership Team
Dr. Mama Ayesha Imani, CEO Bro. Isa Clark, Director of
Operations Mama Geraldine Newton,
Business Manager Bro. Elisha Tigah, Technology
Coordinator Sis. Nieka Brown, Lower
School Lead Teacher Mama Pat Morales, Lead
Teacher k-1 Baba Norman Bayard, Dean
of Students—Upper School Bro. Maurice Patterson, Stu-
dent Support Specialist,
Lower School
Sis. Dr. Kelli Mickens, Transition & Servant Leader-
ship Coordinator
Transformation
Newsletter Contributors:
Bro. Indi Ekanayake
Sis. Dr. Kelli Mickens
Sis. Crystal Jones
Mamalaika Hart
Bro. Sadeeq Abdullah
Bro. Jeremiah Rodriquez
Bro. Isaiah Thomas
Bro. Khaleef Alexander
Sis. Emma Blackson
Sis. Taylor Duncan
Photo: Sankofa Servant Leaders standing up for
education!
Donae Thomas
Lovella Askins
Omar Balouch
Samira Brown
Isaiah Copeland
Jamil Desouza-Kenan
Iyannah Price
John Winchester
Kush—2nd Grade
Jamauni Askins
Ajai Bogan-El
Tyrell Brown
Zynae Conover
Miya Felder
Diamana Giddings
Ade Hopson
Amataadi Latham
Dashel Little
Sweet Charlotte Moore
Lashawna Reynolds
Shaun Snyder
Shania Walden
Cheyenne Holliday
Isaiah Webb
Matalai Lee
Nana Ankoma-Darko
Mzyah Heck
Jasmine Hunt
Riyaadh Lewis
Joshua Lubin
Daneisi Mejia
Cashmear Moore
Nadira Moore
Alleya’h Murphy
Malik Thompson
Zulu—4th Grade
Tahirah Arter
Jeremiah Butler
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School
Congratulations to the Second Report Period Honor Roll Scholars
Eva Davis
Jayda Gill
Quadir Hines
David Lavine
Luis Padilla
Nyree Shelton
Emani Thomas
Jahmir Gleaves
Rasa Watson
Jasmine Winchester
Dogon—5th Grade
Chamera Abdullah
Nyarkoa Ankoma-Darko
Rajaa Bint-Idris
Alfonse Bowman
Nadira Brown
Ian Chappelle
Savannah Gaffney-Glenn
Keolebogile More
Jenesis Ryan Shaun Sanders-
Bradford
Nailah Smith
Samarah Tahir
William Taylor
Tayanna Thomas
Omayrah Wallace
Jamiah Blackwell
Ijnanya Briggs
Ryan Brown
Ishtar El
Eric Gentry
Natural Guerra
Dasir Thompson
Ny’kyah Watson
Saniyah Wilkins
Songhai—3rd Grade
Martin Gillis
Elijah Mitchell
Khadijah Nuruddin
Paulinda Nicolson
Cion Rawls Sabrina Schoen-
McCullough
Zakariyya Toomer
Alexandria Coates
Dia Lee
Jada Patterson
Heavenlei Reyes
James Savage
Aniyah Shelton
Yusef Smith
Bambara—6th Grade
Kwabena Ankoma-Darko
Ruqiyyah Bint-Idris
Lariq Byrd
Martiyanna Gillis
Aliyah Johnson
Shy’erra Ladson
Wharriniah Lee
Nyam Long
Tariq Mines
Viviana Padilla
Stephanie Rodriguez
Marayah Roher
Amore Stephens
Tyeana Cebollero
Christian Colon
I’Shaeya Gary
Anaiah Issac
Tamir Jackson
Edward Leak
Omar Long
Jose Luciano
Jada McLeoad
Tionna Redding Rashae Rochester-
Cottle
Nicole Rodriguez
Adryanna Smith
“We will learn so that we can teach and we will teach so that we can change the world” -SFA pledge
Ronald Lee Griffin
Layla Hamlin
Reginald Joseph
Aaliyah Seriki
Brian Teagle
Kaiyana Allen
Samiah Harper
T’keyah Lewis
Braxton cNeil
Sameer Robinson
Zhair Williams
Kongo—1st Grade
Tytiana Andrews-Rowe
Nekaya Austin
Faith Banks
Taina Benitez
Sanaya Church-Webb
Omobolanle Dada
Murray Frasier
Jazmine Heck
Subour Nuruddin
Yoruba
(Kindergarten)
Savanna Babb
Ayala Branham
Jeremiyah Carter
Nakel Chambers
Jazmyn Covington
Vaughn Fleming
Asad Hopson
Keon Kenner
Sanaa King
Janiyah Lott
Mekhi Millien
Alexis Murphy
Jovanica Raphael
Zikirah Reynolds
Silina Rivera
Semaiah Wallace
Gabriel Wilkes
Bashir Brister
Shawn Copeland
Axum—9th Grade
Joshua Camacho
NaJean Johnson
Aminah Wilkinson
Talia Nelson
Kenny Richardson
Alexis Cofer
Leah Thornton
Joshua Rhoades
Dane-Lore Cadet
Ciani Fleming-Evans
Kemet—10th Grade
Ashley Cruz
Drew Jones
Sakwon-Ali Epps
Aboubacar Doukoure
Jaylen Price
Zainabou Dabo
Janiaye Brown
Nihjae Barlett
Nubia—11th Grade
Briana Robinson-Wallace
Jeremiah Rodriquez
Cristian Garay
Najah Ross-Green
Najla Ross-Green
Sa’de Duke
Shanel Lynn Thomas
Christine Lindsay
Rayon Hurde
Shakiyyah Franklin
Messiah Hopson
Janee Robinson
Dache Talbert
Sadeeq Abdullah
Emma Blackson
Erina White
Felicia Richards
Kendra Mickens
‘
NE
Thanks to Sis. Crystal Jones, poetry is alive, well, and flowing in Sankofa Freedom Academy Upper School . The Sankofa Freedom Poetry Club meets on Monday and Thursday and includes students from each of the upper school nations. On Friday, March 9, the Poetry Collective led by Sis. Jones hosted their first Open Mic during Upper School Community Meeting. The artists read poems that touched on a wide array
of topics including missing fathers and having confidence both for sisters and for brothers. At its conclusion , many more ser-vant leaders expressed their desire to be featured at the next Open Mic which will happen on Friday, April 13. Servant Leaders should sign up with Sis. Jones (pictured on the left) in order to perform To check out some of the awesome work of the Sankofa Freedom Poets check out their blog at http://sankofapoets.blgspot.com. (Submitted by: Dr. Kelli Sparrow-Mickens and Sis. Jones)
Poetry Flows in the SFA Upper School
Picture This—Imagery in Axum
Featuring Dane-Lore Cadet and Ciani Fleming
The Servant Leaders of Axum are currently reading Black Boy
by Richard Wright. There is a section of the first chapter that
exhibits the beautifully descriptive imagery of Mr. Wright’s
childhood in the countryside. Imagery describes a noun by
appealing to any of our five senses: taste, sight, smell, sound or
feeling. The following pieces were inspired by Richard’s child-
hood imagery, but reflect the memories of the Servant Leaders.
I hope you enjoy!
Childhood Imagery There was the desk; it was gray and dusty. It was cracked and it
wobbled when you moved. There was a playground, very muddy and large with the laugh-
ter of children. There was a broke-down house: it was bruised and hurt; it was
lonely and scared. There were sad mothers with two to three kids, but no father
around.
There was the sound of hate, the disagreements and arguments There was the scent of fresh flowers and a sweet-bakery smell
of bread as I walk back home from school.
There was a blue moon and the stars were bright at night. There was a hand so strong, but yet so soft and delicate
around your waist.
And these were my childhood memories.
By: Dane-Lore Cadet 9B
Page 3 Volume 3/ Issue 5
Childhood Memories My childhood was like jumping in puddles of water, and hear-
ing the water splashing all over the place. My childhood seemed to be as good as smelling freshly
baked cupcakes and cookies. There were days when the wind blew and whistled sweet
tunes that I hummed as I walked down the black charcoaled
streets. There was the park that was filled with a lot of young kids all
yelling and running frantically. The house I grew up in was always cream, green and black
on the outside; and brown, cream, and glittered on the in-
side. My childhood was like a newborn baby. It was so new and
overwhelming. Something new happened that brought me
joy. My family and I are like bees bringing honey pieces to
the queen.
By: Ciani Fleming 9B
Wisdom
We Are The Champions! Sankofa Freedom Academy Brothers Take First
Place at the Lincoln University Heritage Bowl
The Heritage Bowl
(Adapted from an article in the Sankofa Scoop Newspaper)
by Khaleef Alexander
Over the weekend five young brothers
from Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter
School embarked on a journey for 1st
place in the Annual Heritage Bowl. The
five brothers were Simeon Brown, Anto-
nio Dill, Aboubacar Doukere, Jaylen
Price and myself. We studied and worked hard for two months. Our jour-
ney began as a dysfunctional team, by
calling out answers, arguing with one
another and letting our big egos get the
best of us. However, once we started to
study hard and work together as a team,
we began to believe that we were un-
beatable.
We traveled to Lincoln University on
March 17 for the Heritage Bowl. We
went up against tough competition in the
first few rounds but prevailed. In the
first two rounds we only got one ques-
tion wrong. By the quarter finals we
were ranked second out of 25 teams.
By the time we moved to the semifinals,
we were ranked first. In the finals we
faced Masterman High School and Mas-
termen middle school along with two
other teams. Before the finals we
formed a unity circle determined to
work together using Umoja and Imani.
At the end of the contest, the five of us had come together and prevailed,
becoming victorious, winning $4000, and
giving Sankofa Freedom Academy its
first trophy as a school. Each of us also
won trophies and medallions. The five
of us working together, Khaleef Alexan-
der, Jaylen Price, Simeon Brown, Anto-
nio Dill, and Aboubacar Doukere be-
came the winners of the 2012 Heritage
Bowl. (Pictured on the left, the broth-
ers form an Umoja circle before the final
round)
Page 4 The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Everyday our high school students declare themselves to be ser-
vant leaders and intellectual warriors. On Saturday, March 17, five
awesome brothers from the nations of Kemet and Nubia proved
to the an auditorium full of spectators from around the Delaware
Valley exactly what that means! When I say this tournament was
exciting, I mean it was like Akilah and the Bee and the Great De-
baters meet Remember the Titans. Those of us in the audience
could not even sit down in our seats. We are so proud of these
brothers: Khaleef Alexander, Simeon Brown, Antonio Dill,
Aboubacar Doukoure, and Jaylen Price all from the nation of
Kemet with Antonio Dill from the Nation of Nubia. The coach
of the team was Mama Kilolo Moyo-White with Bro. Dane serving
as a key supporter. These young men defeated a total of 42
schools and community groups who entered the competition.
They were the only all male team and Sankofa was one of the few
schools who only entered one team! We are all so very proud of
these young men. One of the team members Bro. Kahleef Alexan-
der tells the story best below in his own words! (Pictured to the
right is the team preparing for the competition in Mama White’s
Classroom)
Congratulations to the Team
and to Mama Kilolo Moyo-
White ! Asante Sana to Bro.
Dane for driving the team to the
competition and supporting
This year ,Sankofa Freedom Academy entered the prestigious
George Washington Carver Science Fair in the 4—8 middle years
division and in the high school division. We are extremely proud to
say that we emerged from both awards ceremonies with young sci-
entist who were recognized for their projects. Below you will find
articles from our Carver Winners and a description of their Pro-
jects. Asante Sana to their sponsors Mamalaika and Bro. Indi.
Clean Water is a Human Right!
(Article submitted by Mamalaika Hart) Did you know that 5000 children die each day because of dirty wa-
ter? We believe that clean water should be accessible to all people.
That’s why some of our MG scholars decided to research effective
and easy to build water filters. Our scholars found that the Biosand
water filter is being used all over the world and cleans out 99% of
the dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Miya Ingram,
Nicole Rodriguez, and Rasa Watson decided to build a Biosand
Filter and enter it into the George Washington Carver Science Fair.
They came in second place in the city and won a special environ-
mental award from the Academy of Natural Sciences. Dia Lee and
Alfonse Bowman were also recognized for entering the Science Fair.
Continuing the Legacy of Scientific Genius Sankofa Freedom Academy Winners from the George Washington Carver Science Fair
Page 5 Volume 3/ Issue 5
Reflections by Emma Blackson
The George Washington Carver Science Fair gave me the opportunity to use scientific inquiry to find a problem, research infor-
mation, and conduct an experiment. I discovered that there are
many challenges in running your own experiment, but it can also be a
source of great pride. I researched the effect of listening to different
kinds of music upon impulsive behaviors in teenagers, and I found
that listening to fast paced music actually made my subjects make
more impulsive and hasty decisions. I received an Honorable Men-
tion in my category, and I look forward to building on this next
year. It was an extremely fun process.
The Illusion of Caffeine by Sadeeq Abdullah and Jeremiah Rodriquez The name of our project was the Illusion of Caffeine. The project's purpose was to determine whether caffeine gave us the illusion of be-
ing productive or whether it was actually useful in completing a task to the best of your ability. We tested this on Sankofa students in Nu-
bia. Each student was given a test of 10 SAT questions. 5 were to be answered first, and then they would drink caffeine (mountain dew).
Afterwards they would answer 5 more questions and the answers were compared based on time and accuracy. We found that after con-
suming caffeine, it took test takers longer to finish the next 5 questions and with worst scores then the first 5. The Carver fair was a
great experience and we enjoyed it a lot. There where a lot of schools present and we were very proud and happy to represent Sankofa
at the fair. Though we only received a honorable mention we are not discouraged. We will bring back a first place prize next year ( and
yes we are speaking it into existence). (Sadeeq and Jeremiah are picture above and to the right)
Pictured Above: Rasa Watson, Miya Ingram and Nicole
Rodriquez
On Friday, March 9, all of Sankofa Freedom Academy’s testing
grades plus Grade 2 gathered in Harambee Hall for a spirited
Pep Rally to celebrate our on-going efforts toward meeting
the state requirements in the specified testing areas. The
rally started with the mighty second grade nation of Kush
serving as the cheering section as all of the testing grades filed
into Harambee Hall for this very special Harambee. Of
course we started off with libations led by Zulu our 4th grade
nation. Once the rally got started it was really red hot! The
PSSA Pep Rally featured a delightful play and rap by the nation of Songhai Allen under the direction of Sis. Katina. The play
was complete with fairy god mothers and fathers along with a
few munchkins thrown in for good measure. It was really
wonderful. The Sankofa Step team, under the guidance of Sis.
Brown, really rocked the crowd with a drill routine designed
to get the scholars confident and hyped. Bro. James facilitated
a game of SFACS Jeopardy and the mighty Iwa Pele cheerlead-
ing squad from the Upper School encouraged the scholars and
servant leaders to just DO IT! Special thanks to our Lead
Teacher Sis. Brown for organizing such an awesome
Event. (To the left: A scene from the play by Songhai
Allen. Pictured below the Iwa Pele Cheerleaders)
Songhai)
We did it! Our cheerleading squad, Iwa Pele entered its first competition this
year. This truly makes Sankofa Freedom Academy history. Our squad this year
has been through many changes, but by the PSSA Pep rally, it was evident that
they have grown and are poised for a stronger season next year. Many thanks
to Mama Holliday for coaching them this year. Asante Sana also to Sis. Jones,
the founding coach of Iwa Pele, who supported Mama Holliday and the cheer-
leaders throughout their season.
PSSA Pep Rally - Let’s Go!
Congratulations to Iwa Pele
Page 6 The Sankofa Bird Newsletter
Calling All Sankofa Freedom
Academy Parents. Please do
not miss the next Wazuri
meeting on April 10th. We
are scheduled to have the
highly anticipated computer
give away and reduced Com-
cast internet service for fami-
lies who qualify for free and
reduced lunch. This evening is sponsored by State Represen-
tative Tony Payton’s Office and
Comcast in partnership with
Sankofa Freedom Academy.
This evening will be the first of
its kind. The meeting will begin
promptly at 6:00 am. We have
been told that there will be
approximately 15 computers
given away that evening and
opportunities for families to
sign up for reduced internet
service right on the spot.
In addition to the give away, we
will discuss how to use the
internet to support our in-
structional program here at Sankofa. All are invited, espe-
cially our Title One parents of
children who can greatly bene-
fit from computer supports.
From 5:30pm to 6:00 pm. We
will hold a meeting for the
parents of our special needs
students so that we can dis-
cuss supports available for
them on line as well.
Let’s help close the digital
divide that exist in our com-
munity. If our children are to
compete in the 21st century
they must be computer savvy.
We are excited about this meeting and can’t wait to see
which of our families will leave
with free computers and
internet service. Mark your
calendars for April 10th.
When working with the scholars, I enjoy it very much. Every third period on Wednesday, I spend my
time with the young scholars in Mama Pat’s class. When reading with the scholars, we have time to
connect, interact and focus on the literature. It is evident that these young scholars enjoy their time
also. They love to read aloud, work to get and try new things. For example, when the scholars and I
work together, they love to take immediate charge. They always want to try reading by themselves
and try reading the bigger words a little above their levels. If one scholar struggles a little more than
the other, the other scholars are always ready to help them through their difficulties. This shows
determination and partnership. I believe that the generation of these scholars will be very successful
in life and will be our next judges, teachers, professors, etc. They have very bright souls and I love working with them. The young scholars in Mama Pat’s class are very positive and always bring a smile
to my face when I walk in. I wish these scholars the best of luck during their years in Sankofa Free-
dom Academy and hope that they keep up the good work!
Come to the April 10th Parent’s Meeting and Win a Free Computer! (Sponsored by State Representative Tony Payton and Comcast)
“Working with the Scholars: A Reflection by Sis. Taylor Duncan
Sankofa Academy Attends Teen Author Series Submitted by Sis. Crystal Jones Sankofa Servant Leaders of Axum and Kemet
attended the “Teen Author Series”, sponsored by The
Philadelphia Free Library. This series gives students cur-
rent literature and allows them to engage authors in a
live book signing and Q&A session. The Servant Leaders
of Axum and Kemet did a wonderful job, asking chal-
lenging questions of Whittenburg in the areas of racial
and social stereotypes. These students took on an extra
reading assignment and let their light shine with their
brilliant questions and comments. Good Job, Good Job!
Page 7 Volume 3/ Issue 5
Servant Leadership
“It’s the Sankofa Way”
Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School
4256 Paul Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19124
Phone: 215-288-2001
Fax: 215-288-2099
Email: :[email protected]
Upcoming Events: Calendar
March 12—April 30 - PSSA Examinations
March 24—SFACS Job Fair
March 28 Early dismissal (1:00 pm)
April 2—6—Spring Break
April 9—School Reopens
April 10- Wazuri Parent Meeting (6:00 pm) - Computer Give Away
April 11—Early Dismissal (1:00 pm)
April 16— Sankofa Board of Trustees Meeting (6:00 pm)
April 25—Early Dismissal (1:00 pm)
MICROSOFT
Ashe’ -Spotlight on Luis Munoz Rivera
Building Intergenerational Communities of Scholarship, Culture, and Activism
We’re on the web:
Www.sfacs.us
“We who believe
in freedom
shall not rest
until it comes!”
….Ella Baker
Introducing the Middle School Pledge (Adapted from the nation of Bambara, 2011-2012)
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of former slaves, Mary
Church Terrell was an educator, civil rights and women rights
activists. Although her parents were born in slavery, they both
eventually came to own their own businesses. Because they were
so successful, they were able to provide Mary privileges that were
enjoyed by very few women regardless of race. In 1884, Mary
Church Terrell received a masters degree from Oberlin College.
Eventually she served as a professor at Wilberforce University
and taught high school in Washington, D.C.
A true trendsetter, Mary Church Terrell, was the first President
of the National Association of Colored Women, In addition, at
the request of W.E.B. DuBois, she was a charter member of the
NAACP. During this time Mary Church Terrell stood up against
injustices against people of color and women. She was known for
standing up against lynching, for women’s rights, and against Jim
Crow laws.
Throughout her life, Mary Church Terrell spoke throughout the
country, working to improve conditions for her people. She
worked to insure that voices of women were heard and re-
spected. Mary Church Terrell became the prototype of the gen-
teel race woman who dedicated her life to the uplift of African
people and women. This month as we celebrate Women’s Her-
story month, let us do so remembering that we stand on the
shoulders of great servant leaders such as Mary Church Terrell.
Ashe’ - Spotlight On: Mary Church Terrell (1863—1954)
We are the emerging leaders and freedom scholars of Sankofa Freedom Academy
Charter School.
We boldly represent our ancestors who fought for the freedoms we have today.
We stand with hearts full of strength and determination. We reach our hands toward those who have come before us as we climb mountains of
faith and struggle. With new found knowledge we will help younger generations follow in the footsteps of
greatness.
We promise to continue guiding others as we all strive for success.
We move forward today, destined to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Looking for certified teach-
ers to join the Sankofa Free-
dom Academy family. Have
interested candidates con-
tact Mama Khem and regis-
ter for the SFACS Job
Fair, Saturday, March 24.