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March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 1
IMPORTANT DATES
March 2014 3/3-7-Dr. Suess/Spirit Week at ES 3/4 – Red and White for Reading: Students can wear red and white (if they donate a $1 for charity) 3/5 – Read in Your Pajamas: students and staff can wear their pajamas to school 3/6 – Favorite Hat Day: Students can wear their favorite hat 3/7 – Twin Day (in honor of Thing 1 and Thing 2): Students can pair up with a friend or sibling and dress alike 3/7 – Deadline for 8th grade students and alumni to apply for MPTCS Foundation Scholarships for tuition based high schools and college 3/21-Half day for students; Full day for staff 3/24-MPTCS Board of Trustees Meeting at 6:00 PM at MS
∞∞∞∞∞
April 14 2014 4/11-3rd Marking Period Ends 4/15 – Junior Achievement Day, Wells Fargo Professionals will visit the school to teach students about financial literacy 4/16-Half day for students; Parent-Teacher Conferences 4/17-Half day for students; Parent-Teacher Conferences 4/18-27-Spring Break 4/28-School Reopens 4/28 – MPTCS Board of Trustees Meeting @ 6:00 PM at MS
NOTE: ES-Elementary School;
MS-Middle School
The
Voice of the Village “It Takes A Whole Village To Raise A Child”
March 2014 • Volume 5 • Issue 4 • www.mptcs.org
It’s official, the proposed
Marion P. Thomas Charter School and
Visions Academy Charter High
School consolidation was approved by
the state. The merger will unite both
schools into one entity and provide a
“crayons to college” educational
experience allowing students to move
seamlessly from prekindergarten
through 12th grade.
The NJ Department of
Education has made history by
approving the consolidation of two
African American founded charter
schools. By combining MPTCS and
Visions we will create the largest
African-American led charter school
in the City of Newark, ensuring
diversity to the charter school
landscape. Together, MPTCS and
Visions will help insure more
effective instructional consistency by
building a student culture of high
achievement, as well as develop a
clearly articulated prekindergarten
through 12th grade academic and non-
academic program for college and
career readiness,
The new school will become
the Marion P. Thomas Charter
Schools, including the Marion P.
Thomas Charter Elementary School
for prekindergarten to 4th grade
students; The Marion P. Thomas
Charter Middle School for 5th through
8th grade students, and Visions
Academy would become the Marion
P. Thomas Charter High School,
which is presently located on two
campuses: 88-108 Shipman St. and
17 Crawford St. Additionally,
MPTCS will begin construction of a
new state of the art building. The
new building will house the high
school, eliminating the need for two
buildings.
“We are looking forward to
becoming a part of the Marion P.
Thomas Charter School Village,”
said Joyce Caine, Visions Academy
principal and school leader. “For
years, MPTCS has provided Newark
youth with a strong academic
foundation, equipping them with the
skills necessary to excel in high
school. Visions mission – to prepare
students academically and socially
for college – serves as a continuation
of MPTCS’ goal,” stated Ms. Caine.
We are thrilled to make this
announcement and will continue to
offer innovative programs like pre-
school, SELECT, Honors classes,
College tours and Foundation
scholarships for our children.
Dr. Karen Thomas
CEO
MPTCS
Visions Academy Charter High School to become
a part of the Marion P. Thomas Charter School
Village!
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 2
Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment
The public celebration of women's history in this country began in 1978 as "Women's History Week" in Sonoma
County, California. The week including March 8, International Women’s Day, was selected.
Presidential Message 1980 Following is an excerpt from former President Jimmy Carter’s Message to the nation designating March 2-8, 1980 as
National Women’s History Week.
"From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and
women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions
went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as
vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.
As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, “Women’s History is Women’s Right.” – It is an essential and indispensable heritage
from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this
heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2-8, 1980.
I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for
equality - - Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, LucyStone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and
Alice Paul. Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the
law for all our people. This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution,
which states that “Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state
on account of sex.”
In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional
resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women's
History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire
month of March 1987 as National Women's History Month. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's
History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary
achievements of American women.
This year we honor the women of our Village – those who are a part of our staff; all the mothers of ours students
and those who contribute as members of our various boards. Thank you for all you do to help our students succeed.
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 3
A Look At Outstanding Women from
Our Past and Present
Anna Julia Haywood Cooper (1858 – 1964)
African American Educator and Author
Anna J. Cooper was an author, educator, speaker, and among
the leading intellectuals of her time. Born into enslavement, she
wrote "A Voice from the South," widely considered one of the
first articulations of Black feminism. Throughout her long life,
Anna worked for the betterment of African American women’s
lives, which she saw as the foundation for a more just society
for everyone. Cooper worked at Washington D.C.’s M Street --
now Dunham High School for nearly 40 years, focusing the all
black high school on preparing students for higher education,
successfully sending many students to prestigious universities.
Chipeta (1843 – 1924)
Indian Rights Advocate and Diplomat
Chipeta was a wise and contrary advisor to her husband, a Ute
Indian leader. Born into the Kiowa Apache tribe in the 1840s,
Chipeta was raised by the Uncompahgre Ute tribe in what is now
western Colorado. In her teens she wedded Ouray, who became a
powerful Ute chief during the often violent and brutal times of
western settlement. Chipeta was a peacemaker who did not
consider all settlers to be the enemy, often giving food to
starving white families. Chipeta lived 45 years on a reservation in
Utah, lauded as a wise elder and advisor to other Indian chiefs
and an honored guest in the homes of settler families.
Carmen Delgado Votaw (1935 – Present)
International Women’s Rights Activist
Carmen Delgado Votaw is a leading advocate for women’s rights both
nationally and internationally. She served on the International Women’s
Year Commission, collaborated with all United Nations Conferences on
Women, and significantly influenced the advancement of women in Latin
America. Born and raised in Puerto Rico and inspired to fight for social
justice by Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1963 March on Washington, she
has worked for over 50 years for the betterment of women, children,
Latinos, and other minorities throughout the world. In 1996, she wrote
“Puerto Rican Women,” a bilingual women’s history book. She received the
Veteran Feminists of America Medal of Honor in 1999.
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 4
After School Enrichment Program
Parents, if your child is a participant in the MPTCS Afterschool Enrichment
Program, please make every effort to insure that your child is at every session.
The 2013-2014 After school Enrichment calendar for March and April is below:
March
March 3
March 4
March 5
March 6
March
10
March
11
March
12
March
13
March
17
March
18
March
19
March
20
March
24
March
25
March
26
March
27
March
31
April
April 1
April 2
April 3
April 7
April 8
April 9
April 10
April 14
April 15
April 28
April 29
April 30
Marion P. Thomas Foundation
Offers Scholarships to
MPTCS Alumni
Marion P. Thomas Charter School is one of the few charter schools in the state of New Jersey to offer its
graduates scholarships to attend tuition based high schools, colleges and universities. The Marion P. Thomas Charter
School has awarded approximately 162 scholarships to MPTCS alumni, which amounts to approximately $250,000.00
in scholarship funds. To apply for a 2014-2015 scholarship students must complete an application, which can be found
on the school’s website at :
http://www.mptcs.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_2293982/File/ScholarshipApplication2014v2.pdf
In addition to the application, students must submit an essay; their current grades; two letters of recommendation and
complete community service hours. The deadline to submit an application is March 31, 2014.
The Fathers for Our Children awards ceremony serves as the primary fundraiser for our scholarships program.
This year’s program will take place on Wednesday, June 11th
at the Newark Museum. This annual event honors men of
outstanding character who serve as role models to our youth. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist with this
event, please contact Michele Griffin at [email protected], if you would like to offer your assistance.
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 5
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!
In celebration of Dr. Suess’ 110th
birthday, Ms. Riley,
Elementary School Literacy Coach, is spearheading Suess
Spirit Week, from March 3-7. Activities include:
Monday, 3/3- Fun in the “Lost Zone” of Seuss: Fun in
the gym, students will visit various stations after taking
the “Read Across America Oath.” Fun stations will
feature: face painting, green egg race, Lost Books,
pattern bracelet station, race to “Fill the Hat” and a photo
with the “Cat.”
Tuesday, 3/4- Red and White for Reading: Students will
be allowed to wear red and white (but must bring a $1.00
donation to support upcoming literacy events) and they
will hear their teachers read their favorite Dr. Seuss
story.
Wednesday, 3/5- Read in your pajamas: Volunteer
readers will visit the school to read various Dr. Seuss
stories. Students and staff can wear their pajamas to
school.
Thursday, 3/6- Favorite Hat Day: Students can wear
their favorite hat and enjoy The 500 Hats of
Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss (read by members of
our safety patrol).
Friday, 3/7- Twin Day(in honor of thing1 &thing 2):
Students will pair up with a fellow friend or sibling and
dress alike. Additionally, a short Rocking Readers
assembly will take place, where teachers will hand out
mid-year certificates to students who have read 50 books
or more, and students will get to dance with that cool
“Cat.”
Interesting Facts about Dr. Suess
1. Dr. Seuss books often have a lesson in them,
and the lesson in 'Horton Hears a Who!' is the
smallest voice can make a difference. A 1953 visit
to Japan was part of the inspiration for the book,
which is dedicated to a Kyoto University
professor.
2.Dr. Seuss is not really a doctor and Seuss is his
middle name. Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Ted to
family and friends, started using the name Seuss to
evade punishment according to his biography 'Dr.
Seuss & Mr. Geisel'. He had been stripped of his
editorship of the 'Jack-O-Lantern' at Dartmouth
College for not following the rules and
participating in a party. He began using the name
Seuss to continue publishing cartoons.
3. Ever heard the phrase 'Quick, Henry, the Flit!’
Dr. Seuss was not a children's author in the
beginning of his career. He was a cartoonist, and
'Quick, Henry, the Flit' was his first big success.
4. Have you ever counted how many different
words are in 'Cat in the Hat'? There are 236
different words, and all those words came from a
list handed to Dr. Seuss in a challenge to create a
book first-graders couldn't put down. The success
of 'The Cat in the Hat' in 1957 led to the creation
of Random House's Beginner Books.
-Submitted by Asha Daley
(excerpts from Business Insider)
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 6
.
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Parental Writes By
Lesley Leslie
Women’s “Her”-Story Month
It’s that time again! Time to
honor, celebrate and reflect upon the major accomplishments of the
countless women that have made contributions to our society. It’s
Women’s History Month. This month there will be lots of different
festivals and events centered on famous women, heroic women,
women who were the first to do this or the first to do that. That’s a
good thing! People should be recognized and encouraged for their
good works. Every month of the year allows us to focus on
something that should be recognized.
Do you know how many people use the start of the New
Year to plan out what they will do for themselves over the course of
the year? Some make commitments to get out of debt. Others
engage in an exercise regiment with a goal to lose weight. While
others may make plans to buy a home or even go back to school to
further their education. Well, March is typically the time of year
that a considerable amount of women will actually make a
conscious decision to focus on themselves and their health. Almost
everywhere you go; you see something that invites women to get
their annual mammogram or well- women’s visit. Various
organizations may promote some sort of social or community event
to encourage women to get tested for the virus, get their blood
pressure checked, or get screened diabetes. Yet there will still be
those that do nothing to see about their health!
While stories about women who succeed against all odds are
inspirational to other women, stories about women whose lives are
cut short are heartbreaking. It’s a wonderful testament to know that
the woman in your life does a tremendous service to the people in
her community. But what does it say about that same woman to
know that she gives so much to others that she leaves nothing for
herself?
Slow down sister and take care of yourself, appreciate
yourself and love yourself. This month, when you celebrate those
wonderful women in history, start with the woman that answers to
your name. You! Now make an appointment and go see your
doctor.
Lesley Leslie is a parent of an MPTCS student and a member of the MPTCS
Board of Trustees.
Tips to help your child throughout the
school year
March
1. Read some more National Read Across
America Day is this month. Take time
at home to read aloud on with your kids,
and have them take turns reading to
you. Encourage older children to read
on their own and to their younger
siblings. Anything that interests them—
from comic books to the classics—
counts! And if you haven't taken the
pledge to have your kids read at least 20
minutes a day, go to
parenting.com/pledge and make the
promise now!
2.
3. Get art smart Exposure to art and
music can help your children excel in
math, problem solving, and reading, and
help them develop teamwork skills and
self-esteem. Check out the resources on
free.ed.gov, and then do your part at
home. Replenish your arts-and crafts
supplies. Let your kids experiment with
inexpensive music-makers like a
harmonica, a recorder, or an old guitar.
Check out child-friendly music CDs and
art books from your library. Urge older
siblings to join their school's choir,
band, or drama program.
4.
Help end bullying Take the time to talk
with your children about any bullying
behavior they may have seen going on
at school. Before you begin the
conversation, go to pta.org/bullying and
stopbullying.gov to learn what you can
do as a parent to instill an attitude of
acceptance in your children and get help
with bullying behavior if your family
needs it.
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 7
Since 1996, the Box Tops for Education program has helped schools across America earn cash for the things they need. Support your school today and see what a difference you can make! It's completely free and only takes a few minutes. Simply start looking for the pink box tops logo on a variety of products (for a full list of the products go to http://www.boxtops4education.com/products/participating-products). Once you start looking, you'll see these little pink coupons everywhere! Each Box Top coupon is worth
10¢ for your school. Each eligible school participating in the Box Tops for Education program may earn up to, but
not more than, $20,000 cash per year (beginning on March 2 of every year) from the Clip program. Please forward
all coupons to the attention of Jeanette Taylor, MPTCS Middle School Office Manager.
Marion P. Thomas Charter School Celebrates School Choice Week!
March 2014 ● Volume 5 ● Issue 4 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 8
‘
Elementary School
370 South 7th St Newark, NJ
07103
Phone: 973.621.0060
Ms. Christofferson
Principal
Mr. White
Vice Principal
Ms. Pierson
Principal’s Assistant
Mrs. Davis
Parent Liaison
Mrs. Munoz
Family Worker
Middle School
308 South 9th St Newark, NJ 07103
Phone: 973.792.0060
Mr. Gamble
Principal
Mr. Jackson Director of Support Services
Mrs. Taylor
Principal’s Assistant
Central Office
Dr. Thomas
Superintendant, CEO
Mr. Amorin
Business Administrator
Mrs. Brown
Human Resource Manager
Mrs. Griffin
Director of Marketing &
Development
VOV Editor
Mr.Tannis
Facilities and Technology
Manager
Mr. dela Cruz
Director of CIA
Queen Mary
Manager Food Service
Celebrating our Stellar Athletes!
Chanelle Hanifah
Zakirah
Phillip's Academy Charter School hosted the annual All
Sportsmanship Day. Our girl players took 1st place in all events.
Zakirah Graham (8th grade) 3 Point Contest; Chanelle Grier (7th
grade) Foul Shot Contest and Hanifah Donaldson(7th grade) Spot
Shot Contest. This year was the second year in a row that Zakirah
won the 3 point contest. Other notable performances were Sean
Sanders (8th grade) 2nd Place Boys Foul Shot Contest and Naseem
Cheek (6th grade) 3rd Place Spot Shot Contest. Representing
Marion P. Thomas in the All-Star game were Shakee Pearson for
the boys and Hanifah Donaldson and Zakirah Graham for the
girls.
