What’s

theGoldenEagle

May 20

11, Volume 4

The official newspaper of A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy [www.awbrown.org]

INSIDE

Pg.6

Pg.8

“Learning today, Leading tomorrow -- We make the connection.”

Recommended..Still excited about learning, and moving forward.

By: ishaGAINES

In 2011, there can still be found students that enjoy going to school. Lucky for us, we have several and we didn’t have to put out a search warrant to find them. Tori Hardy, Thais Stone and Taylon Owens, three 6th grade students - graduates of AWB - made the cut. These students stand out for their high-or-der thinking skills, campus involvement and infectious personalities.

Darius Frasure, 6th grade Language Arts teacher has taken pride in knowing that the work load he has put on the students has went over well. Mr. Frasure said these stu-dents are capable of analyzing and evaluating literature. “Anything that I put in front of them, it is guaranteed that they’re going to take it and actually do what a student is supposed to do,” he said. “…Not color it, not underline this and highlight that.” For Tori Hardy, on a point-of-view lesson, she was the

Chess Club end their Victorious Season

By: Dorothy Gentry

Pre-K Campus: Samba and La Bamba Kind of Day

Continued on Pg.3

The Ana Martinez Folkorico Dancers

Photo

by: I’

sha G

aines

Campus Events

Student Spotlight

Finalizing a week of Cinco de Mayo activities, the Pre-K campus hosted The Ana Martinez Folkorico dancers. After last year’s Mexican Hat Dance performance, dancers returned with traditional and fiesta-style dancing. Twirling in decorative outfits, the students

learned the phrase ARRIBA! to chant as the dancers entertained their curious faces. Through the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Maria Arreguin, Pre-K 3 Teacher’s Assistant, coordinated the program that began May 4, 2011 at 1 p.m. Students sat outside and enjoyed a little fun in the sun as they ate icicles and watched the performance.

Students learned that the styles of traditional Continued on Pg.8

Photo

by: I’

sha G

ainesThais Stone

Tori Hardy

Taylon Owens

By: ishaGAINESStudents celebrate Cinco de

Mayo in style.

‘Hats off to Great Moms’ - Mother’s Day

reCAPBy: Myronda Sowell

Graduation Issue

6th Grade Awards and Recog-nitions Ceremony

Education/Assessments

Soon AWB students will go to Hollywood, but for this trip it’s not about entertainment – it’s about what they know. For the 2011 – ‘12 school year, students will take the new state-mandated STAAR Test. The STAAR Test or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness will replace the TAKS test as the new more rigorous test that not only assesses students, but tracks academic progress from grade level to grade level. Pronounced “star”, the test focuses heavily on ensuring that students have the skills needed for life after high school. According to the Texas Education Agencies website, the test will have more open-ended questions, particularly in the math and science subject areas. Students will have to come up with original answers for these kinds of questions. The test will not be timed and will be compared with national and international standardized assessments. By the end of the decade, the goal is to have Texas among the top 10 states for graduating college-ready students. In 2007, the Texas legislature passed SB 1031 mandating that End of Course

Almost FamousStudents say bye-bye to TAKS test -

hello STAAR Test.By: ishaGAINES

Exams replace the high school TAKS test. The Texas Legislature then passed HB 3 in 2009 requiring a change in the elementary and middle school testing programs. The end result is the STAAR test. It will be used for 12 end-of-course assessments mandated by Senate Bill 1031 in 2007 and the new 3rd – 8th grade assessments mandated by House Bill 3 in 2009 legislative session. The 3rd -8th grade STAAR tests for reading and math must be aligned from grade-to-grade to meet performance expectations for the English III and Algebra II end-of-course assessments that students take in high school. “It’s basically vertical alignment, every grade has to do their part,” Venita Ellingberg, 5th grade Science and Social Studies teacher said. “The state is really putting more accountability on each grade level. They’re expecting you to know a certain amount of material.” Ellingberg said the STAAR test is similar to an unexpected electric shock that will challenge the students. She said

Continued on Pg.5

Pg.5

GoldenEagle....

Editor:ishaGAINES, Pre-K 4 Teacher

myrondaSOWELL, pre-k 3 teacher

Design:

theCREW

Advertising:

Pg.2

Contributors: Carla Butler, Pre-K 4 Teacher, Miles Johnson Pre-K 3 Student, Comic Strip by Devonte Moore, Dariel Johnson, 6A

Photographers:ishaGAINES , robertWHITE, rwhite@awbrown.org,

Copy Editors: Cynethia Belton, Alex Kurian, Benny Dunn, Marc Morrow

Writin

g Staf

f:

ishaGAINES, igaines@awbrown.org

angelaCISNEROS, TA elementaryacisneros@awbrown.org

bjDUNN, 3rd grade studentigaines@awbrown.org

dorothyGENTRY,4th grade teacherdgentry@awbrown.org

ishaGAINES, igaines@awbrown.org

Oops! We apologize:We made a few mistakes in our last issue, here are the correctios...

Dream Come True - did I say DREAM!!Com

ic Stri

pIllu

strate

d by: D

evonte

Moore

Can you smell the Bluebon-

nets?

AWB-FLA and A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leader-ship Academy are hyphenated in all references.

In the Staff Spotlight on Pg.2, Ama Grand-berry was misspelled.

In the Spelling Bee Winners brief on Pg.3, Reagan Leslie and Marshayla Berkins were misspelled.

Angela Cisneros BJ Dunn Dorothy Gentry Myronda Sowell

2010/2011 GoldenEagle Newspaper Staff

Lette

r from

the E

ditor

I’sha Gaines

If anyone saw me on the day Mrs. Paula Brown said I could start a school newspaper, you would have seen me ...ecstatic...and doing my happy dance! If anyone saw me on my way to the initial meeting to present the project to Mrs. Brown you would have seen me panting like a wild animal, driving fast because I was almost late and hoping I would say something meaningful. I think the mixture of emotions on that day, prepared me for the time and effort it takes to produce a newspaper. Let me say in the BEGINNING - I could not have done it with-out the help of the people listed to the LEFT and the many others that have helped me behind the scenes. I’ve never wanted to be one of those annoying reporters that are selfish in their interviewing, but more like a friend you can have a conversation with. I can only hope, my reporting personality is more of what I’m going for...if not - thanks for smiling anyway :) This year has been the best first year at any NEW place I’ve ever been too. I tell people all the time. A.W. Brown is not like any school I’ve ever heard of or saw. The school culture has inspired me and continues to do so. The administration didn’t turn me away and even encour-ages the newspaper project. This means a lot to me. I feel like I’ve been given the green light to be who I am. I see A.W. Brown as a stencil to other charter and public schools in the nation. The A.W. Brown Stencil - priceless of course - would serve as a guide to help foster the inspi-ration that I’ve felt throughout the school year. So I’m imagining, when I have little people of my own - I’ll have a great story to tell. I’m proud to say that A.W. Brown is a great part of my story! The GoldenEagle Newspaper has been a dream come true. I’m amazed at the opportunity to do something I love and I’ve en-joyed the support of the administration and school community. My goal is to keep all of our campuses informed and on the same page. I think we have ample enough GOOD news to share with other. We - the writers - just want to make the shar-ing easier for you. So here’s to the news and the words I live for ...some words I can’t spell, some words I defi-nitely have to Google and those special words that sum it all up. Of course! There’s always something to write about.

“So here’s to the news and the words I live for

...some words I can’t spell, some words I definitely

have to Google and those special words that sum it

all up.”

igaines@awbrown.org

TA, Elementary Campus 3rd Grade Student 4th Grade Reading Teacher Pre-K 3 Teacher

Pre-K 4 Teacher

- I’sha Gaines

msowell@awbrown.org

Campus Briefs:A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy www.awbrown.org

Briefs, Quotes, and Did-U-Know sections were completed by: angelaCISNEROS

acisneros@awbrown.org

STAAR TEST continued from Pg.1although teachers’ delivery method will change, they have to be knowledgeable about their subjects and use creative approaches to accommodate the student’s different learning styles after the STAAR test is put into place. “It’s like if someone is getting married, if you change your last name will that change who you are? The fact yet remains you’re still an assessment,” Ellingberg said. “…Whether it’s TAKS, whether it’s STAAR, whether it’s TAAS - every so often, the requirements get a little higher and higher. They’re trying to keep everybody on their toes.” The new performance rating system for schools will debut in 2013. This means, the rating that AWB students scored on this year’s final TAKS test will remain in place for the next two years.For more information visit: (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/)

Pg.3

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the “fifth of May”. It is a holiday celebrated in the United States and regional parts of Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla. On May 5, a celebration occurs all around the U.S. to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. It is done to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. This day is often confused to be Mexico’s Independence Day, which occurs September 16th. Actually this day marks the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. A.W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership Academy celebrated Cinco de Mayo by bringing in a fabulous Mariachi band. They came in the gym during morning arrival and played for the students. Mr. Jason Walton, Dean of the elementary campus, catered in Mexican food for the staff from Herreras. It was delicious! Thank You Mr. Walton and the rest of the Hispanic heritage committee for making this day special for the A.W. Brown family.

Each year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. This day marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. This is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. A.W. Brown students and staff came back from spring break wearing their Earth Day shirts and colors. They created different crafts to celebrate the enviroment.

Each year Texas students have to take a state standardized test. The students at A.W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership Academy always work so hard to pass. Every year the 3rd thru 6th grade students are rewarded with a wonderful field trip. This year all the children got a chance to go iT’z, formally known as Incredible Pizza. All day they got a chance to play games, eat plenty of food, have fun, and spend time with friends before the year comes to an end. Luckily there were plenty of staff and parent volunteers present to help keep about 600 students in order. The A.W. Brown family had the whole place to themselves and iT’z easily accommodated the load.

Cinco de Mayo

TAKS Outing

Earth Day

Did-U-Know?Did-U-Know? The police officers that assist with morning arrival, dis-missal, and events are actual Dallas PD. They are an essential part of A.W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership Academy’s efforts to keep our staff and students safe. Their time and dedication is greatly appreciated!BTW: The Dallas DP Women’s Bowling Team took first place in the 2nd Annual Women’s Bowl-a-Thon sponsored by the AWB Education Foundation on Saturday, March 14.

Did-U-Know? The AWB-FLA school population issteadily growing. Every year it seems more and more people are interested in getting their child on board the golden eagle that is “soaring to success”. Along with all the prospective students on the waiting list, Pre-K 4 has to participate in something called a lottery. I’m not talking about the Texas Lottery! A school lottery is a public lottery available to all the students on the waiting list. It is a random way to fill up the available spots in each grade level without having skepticism or bias. With a waiting list of more than 2,000 interested students, a lottery is the only way to fairly fill up the little spots AWB has available each year.

Did-U-Know? According to Mrs. Daphne Guy, Elementary reception-ist/Yearbook committee member, “We have the yearbook distribution party scheduled for October 13, 2011.”

If you could grow a garden, what would you grow?

Kadence Pre-K 3H said, “Sunflowers because they are pretty.”

Jalissia KB -“I would grow fruits like apples and oranges to help the Earth,” she said.

Janell KB- “I would grow toma-toes because they are nice and juicy,” she said.

If I could grow a garden, I would grow sunflowers, blue bonnets, red roses, tomatoes, and an apple tree,” said Ka-tie 1B, “They are pretty and healthy for your body!”

Janise 2D said, “If I could grow a garden I would grow sunflowers. Sunflowers are perfect they have orange in them and yellow, just like the sun. The sun shines so bright, it’s just like the stars at night. And sunflowers have green stems that are like grass. Sunflowers are ev-erywhere because people like them. They are beautiful, cute, pretty and special. Sunflowers are pretty at night and during the day.”

“If I could grow a garden I would grow roses. They’re the most beautiful flowers,” Elexia 2D said, “If I had to vote I would pick a rose. I like red roses they’re beautiful. You could give roses to people, you could use roses for decorations, and you could use them by putting them in a vase. Roses smell so sweet. If I get roses I would keep them forev-er. Roses are the best flowers ever.”

“If I had a garden I would grow tomatoes, strawberries, mangos, cabbage, and spinach. I would plant an orange tree,” said Jimmy 2F. “I would water my plants and take care of them.”

The AWB Girl Scouts sold 8,000 Boxes of Cookies:Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.Troop 9286 changes girls. We instill courage, confidence, and character. Troop 9286 had a wonderful year. We sold over 8,000 boxes of cookies this year. Thanks to all the teachers, parents, friends, and family who supported us. - Sherrie Thurmon

I am Mr. Otis White a mentor for M.Y.O.A.T.H (Mentoring Youth for Outstanding Achievement Through Healing) male mentoring program. Our organization provides mentoring and activities for boys ages 9-14. Youth mentoring works best when goals focus on developing trusting relationships with peers and adults. Our mentoring programs try to help children develop socially, because social skills benefit the child in other areas of his or her life. Although behavioral goals, such as achieving better grades are important it is not our chief goal. I have had the pleasure of being on your campus for about six weeks now. I have been mentoring some of your male students on Friday evenings. Our mentoring sessions involve structured activities that include decision making, team building exercises, influences and peer pressure. - Otis White

Men’s Youth Mentoring Program

Studen

t Quot

es, Pr

e-K - 2

nd

Pg. 4A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy www.awbrown.org

Features

Do You Believe in Magic?

Do you believe in magic? Kinder does!They also believe in corsages, glittering tiaras, floor touching gowns and the classic black tux.AWB-FLA Kindergartners jazzed up for the 9th Annual Kinder Prom held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Duncanville, TX on April 15, 2011. The kindergartners arrived in style with dates and smiles. For their star-studded entrance, the Kinders marched into the ballroom to “Do You Believe in Magic,” a 1965 pop-hit made popular by a host of Disney movies like Peter Pan and the Parent Trap. In their enchanting entrance, the Kinders held magic wands and sprinkled pretend magic dust on the attendees sitting in the ballroom. The Kindergarten teachers, some glistening in red satin and decorative dresses, guided the students into the ballroom.Magician Carl Jones, the spotlighted act of the evening, had many tricks up his white-cuffed sleeves – including blowing bubbles into the crowd of awaiting Kindergartners seated on the ballroom dance floor. Wigglers they were, as Jones pulled a chicken out of a hat, solicited volunteers, and used enlarged props to wow the little viewers. As the evening unfolded, the Kinders

enchanted parents, guests, and administrators with a Ballroom Waltz, where kinder couples danced hand-in-hand. The dance was sprinkled with whimsical twirls from the ladies followed by the beaus taking a knee to catch a glimpse of their waiting dance partners.The night progressed with the last appearance from the ’09 – ’10 prom king and queen who gracefully sat on their “throne” for the last time. The Kinders then cheered as the new royal court was adorned with hefty crowns and dainty tiaras. The Kindergarten teachers knighted the winners and gave them gift bags to further congratulate them. Raellen Buffington, Knighted 2011 Duke, said he figured he would win because he is polite and a gentleman. Ms. Ellingberg, 5th Grade Science and Social Studies teacher at AWB and Buffington’s mother said raising money was the hardest part. Mrs. Ellingberg, who started a few weeks prior to the prom, was able to raise $810 for her son. Buffington, who said he had wanted to be on the royal court since Pre-K 4 said they created a photo album/ advertising book with his mom was fun. “I used my manners and I told them ‘Hi my name is Raellen Buffington and I’m running to be the Kindergarten Prom King if you would like a picture that touches your heart, please make a donation and sign at the back’,” he said. “I liked my mama’s plan.”Maiya 6B, remembers when she attended her Kinder Prom. She

Kindergarten department hosts annual prom with ‘Do You Believe In

Magic’ theme.

reminisced on how excited she was and all of the dancing she did. Raising close to $900 and winning prom princess, she said it was a nice experience that was special to her.“[At my prom] I took pictures on a grand staircase and danced the ChaCha Slide,” she said. I [also] had a very special teacher, Mr. Holmes that taught me how to read.”The 2011 Prom concluded with tunes from D.J. Don Juan, where students danced with teachers and parents.

The magic didn’t end there; surprisingly the Kinders had a few old school dance moves up their miniature sleeves. The little people danced the night away and some even had limo service waiting to whisk them away. On a night to remember and for a prom celebration that usually doesn’t come till high school, we guess these AWB students just couldn’t wait.

PrinceDorian Williams

DukeRaellen Buffington

Knight Christopher Smally

Mr. Red and GoldJulian ColemanPrincessAja Hurst

DuchessBria Brown

MaidenKayla Benton

Miss Red and Gold Desiree DelaRosa

2011 Royal Court

Features

Classically Trained

It was April Fool’s Day, but what took place in the A.W. Brown – Fellowship Leadership Academy gymnasium on Fri., April 1st was no practical joke. It was a time of elegance, class, pomp and circumstance. AWB-FLA held its first “A Day with the Dallas Symphony” concert on campus. This “in-school” field trip featured all students, staff, parents, and administrators dressing up for the momentous occasion. The event showcased the strings and brass sections of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra who performed as part of the Symphony YES! Program that brings classical music into schools.

The result was a beautiful,

educational and inspiring performance that enthralled all who witnessed it. Students learned about different string and brass instruments, asked questions and gained valuable knowledge of classical music – all due to the perseverance of Kindergarten teacher Chavalla Arnold.

“I’ve wanted the symphony to come to our school for a few years and this year I decided that I would try to book the symphony myself for our students,” said Arnold. School principal Ms. Paula Brown was “the one who gave her blessing” and helped the concerts become a reality. After I received her blessing I called (the symphony) back and began setting up the concerts.

“Our wonderful leaders have been so clear from day one that our school’s mission is more than just to educate our students in the classroom but to also educate them and expose them to culturally rich and diverse experiences that they

may not otherwise get to experience,” Arnold said. “You can see their commitment to this with their vision for the school’s performing arts building.” Arnold said she received many e-mails and calls from parents and teachers expressing their enjoyment of the concert and appreciation of the exposure it gave our students. “We are a Leadership Academy now and I want our students to have experiences that most of today’s leaders have had, like going to the opera, symphony, even traveling across the world!” “I thought the tuba was really cool,” said third grade student Billy Thomas. “I liked getting to see it up close and hear how it really sounds. When you see it on TV it doesn’t look as big as it does in person.” Events such as Symphony and Orchestra performances underscore the importance of today’s youth – especially youth of color – learning

about classical music and other cultural arts. “I think it’s important for our youth to be well rounded and experience a variety of music, theater, and fine arts as a whole,” Ms. Arnold said. “Also, we have all read the stories about the “Mozart Effect” and how classical music is advantageous in learning. Ms. Arnold said she hopes this will become an annual event at AWB-FLA, and added that she would really like for the entire school to go downtown (Dallas) to the Dallas Meyerson Symphony Center for a concert and a tour. “This was the first year we have had both the opera and the symphony to come, but I have a feeling with our new auditorium and Performing Arts building, it won’t be the last.”

To view the photo gallery of this event visit www.awbrown.org

By: dorothyGENTRYThe Dallas Symphony visits the

Elementary Campus

KingAlexander Ellison

Queen Aliya Larzeia

At the

Prom

Top Left: A student takes a bathroom

break during the prom.Top Right: Students watch the magician while sitting on the

ballroom floor. Bottom: The Royal

Court takes a photo after being announced

winners.

Photo

s by:

I’sha

Gain

es

By: ishaGAINES

Pg. 5A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy www.awbrown.org

rewrote a pre-written passage in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person. Hardy said she reads often at home and is cur-rently reading a book called “Geek.”“She was one of few that could complete the high-order thinking assignment,” Frasure said. “They can create a piece of writing that re-flects depth-of-thought and insight. They bring something original ev-ery single time in discussion as well as on paper.” To better her sketching abilities, Hardy plans to attend, W.E. Greiner Middle School and Exploratory Arts Academy. Thais Stone’s memorable moment came by way of an oral presentation on the 7 major world religions. On a presentation about Buddha, Stone used voice animations and a Power-Point presentation that referred to Buddha, a spiritual leader who pio-neered Buddhism, as The Buddha.“She turned her research into a narrative,” Frasure said. “Referring to him as The Buddha was comical, but accurate. Thais’ presentation was so colorful and animated.” Accuracy is something Taylon Ow-ens, prides himself on. Frasure said Owens checks his own PowerSchool account, a computer database where his class grades are posted. Frasure said Owens’ intellect and drive are appealing. Owens plays on the basketball team and is a Golden Sigma stepper. “All of these things that he has extra curricular going on does not prohibit him from being at the top of his class,” Frasure said. “He’s excited about his learning and his actual actions don’t waiver, Every-day he’s excited. He’s consistent.

He’s responsible for his own learn-ing. That’s the thing that really sets him apart. He doesn’t have any excuses. He could say I have basket-ball practice.” The students agreed that they’ve enjoyed Frasure’s class. They all agree that the challenging work kept them focused on their learning.“It was not regular teaching,” Owens said. “It helped me paint an image in my mind so that I could relate it to me.” They are also looking forward to 7th grade because their work load will be harder. Owens has currently been accept-ed into the Barack Obama Academy for Boys. Like Owens, Stone plans to go a gender-based middle school, which will hopefully help her get into a good college. “You need an education in order to get a good job and go to a good college,” she said. I want to be an actor, because I’m good at it. [For my oral project, I watched a movie about Buddha. I’m really creative, so I went on PowerPoint and used tons of colors. It was cool.” Frasure was proud to say that he used “good questions” to stimulate his student’s thinking throughout the school year. “I focus mainly on asking good questions. I feel like as a teacher the best thing you can do is come up with a good question. Kids have to be willing to show what they know…some are able, but are not willing. [These students] keep me inspired.”

RECOMMENDED continued from pg.1

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Congratulations to the 6th Grade Class of 2011!

The 6th Grade Awards and Recogni-tions Ceremony took place on May 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony was

held in the new school auditorium for the 121 students. The program consisted of a video presentation,

musical selections from the 6th grade choir and a motivational speech given by Mr. Bryon Lawson. After a musical

tribute from Morgan Scott and Rev. A.W. Brown, students were recognized

for their academics and accomplish-ments throughout the year. We

congratulate them and wish them the best! Their presence on campus will

be greatly misssed.Photo by: Robert White, 6th grade student shakes hands of Paula Brown, Principal and CEO Rev. A.W. Brown after receiving awards.

Ms. Twanna Mead, 6A

Ms. Akia Smith, 6BMrs. LaToshe Smith, 6C

Mr. Darius Frasure, 6DMr. Dwain Thompson, 6E

Mrs. Chejuana Martin, 6F

2011 6th Grade Teachers

G

By: Dariel Johnson, 6A

oal- Oriented

R espectful

spiring AD

UA

TI

ONetermined

seful

ctive

enacious

nspiring

bedient

evergiving up!

Student Submissions

What Graduation means to me...

The Values.com Ads are sponsored by the AWB Character Ed Program

Pg. 6A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy www.awbrown.org

Extracurricular Activities

Socceer Players

The AWB-FLA Kings and Queens of Chess team ended the 2010-2011 school year on a high note with major wins at two tournaments in one month. The stakes were high for the Kings and Queens on April 30th during the Dallas Area Chess in Schools Tournament, which was hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas. The winner of that tournament, held at Dealey Montessori Academy in North Dallas, would take home not only the customary trophy, but a scholarship to UTD’s Annual Summer Chess Camp, a prize worth hundreds of dollars.

The Eagles never doubted for a moment that they had the winning formula and player Donovan Stiles from class 3B was

the victor, winning first place in the 3rd -4th grade division and the camp scholarship. Third place in the K-2nd grade division went to Taylor McLeod from class 2C. In addition, the Kings and Queens K-3rd grade team won third place overall.

Earlier in the month, on April 2nd, the team continued their winning ways at a tournament which was also hosted at Dealey Montessori.

Perennial winner Stiles placed first again in the K-3rd grade division and Jeremiah Bodwin from 2E placed 7th Honorable Mention. The K-3rd grade team won first place overall in their division. The year was both challenging – they lost several players, but perseverance and determination carried them through, according to Strategies Coach Darius Frasure. “We started out with a larger group, but for various reasons ended the year with a small group. The few that remain should take pride in their progress,” he said. “They worked hard and began to see the value of both winning and learning from their mistakes.”

However, Coach Frausre let it be known at the beginning of the year that the Kings and Queens are about more than just winning; they are about building character and teaching values like perseverance, determination and critical thinking skills.

“Chess is a game that can be used to teach life skills--especially the habits that are emphasized here at A.W. Brown – Fellowship Leadership Academy,” he said at the start of the school year. “Concepts such as being proactive, empathetic, and being smart, effective, efficient, disciplined students are all a natural part of chess culture. If a “W” [win] will do that for us then great, but if taking the “L” [Loss] disciplines my morality and sharpens my character, then we can take that in stride as well.”

Kings and Queens Logistics Coach Kestin Wheeler said he was especially proud of the way this year’s team progressed in their play and understanding of the game. “In many of the tournaments we participated in this year, our players competed against students in higher grades and we still won,” Wheeler said. “That is something to be proud

of. Our players took it to the next level each time we competed.”

Frasure said the Kings and Queens are looking forward to improving their game next year. A future goal is for the team to host its own tournament at AWB-FLA. “We have a lot to look forward to. I’m proud of the Kings and Queens this year. The best is yet to come.” Tryouts for the King and Queens of Chess begin in the fall at the start of school. For more information, contact Coach Frasure or Coach Wheeler at chess@awbrown.org.

By: dorothyGENTRY

Made Victorious: Chess Team Prevails

Chess team hold trophies at the end of a tournament.

Steven Banks / 4DKayla Brown / 2AAshleigh Ekwenugo / 4BBraylen Smith / 2FJoseph Tinner / 2FTra’Veon Johnson / 3BBria Tutson / 2EJaylon Looney / 2FKenydi Smith / 2D

Tai Bolden / 3EPayton Ceasar / 2ELaila Dotson / 2AJaedon Tubbs / 4ERahiem Ancar / 2EDevyn Holloway / 2CKayla Jordan / 4CKalan Johnson / 2ECameron Carroll / 2AKenneth Walker / 2C

Alanna Lockett / 3FBlessing Reid / 2FJared Durham / 2BDarius Durham / 4FShaleigha Aubrey / 2AAvionna Lovings / 2FSynia Pruitt / 4CDavid Johnson / 2DLondon Wright / 3E

Jeda Harrison / 2BKhalvin Harrison / 4BTrenton Mead / 2ARayshawn Guy / 4CRagine Guy / 4BKed’lissia Fowler / 2EDamarrien Smith / 3ADestiny De La Rosa / 4DBenny Dunn Jr. / 3APaizja Cisneros / 2E

Breayja Abercrombie / KEAniyah Davis / 1FNadia Jones / KBMyah Williams / KBKyre Moore / 1CQuintin Morris / 1AKimora Smith / 1FKylie Smith / KFDraion Carroll / KC

Katie Aguilar / 1BJai Sheffield / 1DNicole Hardison / KBLaDarion Davis / 1FHaley Stevens / KDKyle Oliver / 1EJaniyah Tubbs / KCJeremiah Tubbs / KD

Andrew Brooks / 1BTatiana Alexander / KFAlexander Ellison / KBTyla Harper / KEZakiyah Kennedy / KEDracorry Stevenson / KBRaegan McKinney / 1DJavion Looney / 1C

Ashalyn Bryant / 1BTyler Flowers / 1DJaimi Coleman / KBJulian Coleman / KDSean Knox / 1DKaleb Dorsey / 1BJa’lissia Fowler / KBEve Franks / 1D

If you didnt make it to a socceer game, you missed a treat! This year, Marc Morrow, Benny Dunn, Mr. Looney and Mr. Ancar coached the soc-ceer games played in Grand Prairie, TX. Their season ended April 16, 2011. Grade levels were split into A-D teams, here were the 2011 players....

We are eager to announce that the AW Brown Golden Eagles Pep and Cheer Squads competed in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders National Champi-onship and won the National Title!

Bring It On!Top Photo:

Coach Marc Morrow and son take a photo with players after their last game.Bottom Photo: Coach Dunn places medals arounda player after his final game.

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Chess Team Wins Two Major Tournaments

A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy www.awbrown.org

Pg. 7Sowell’s Sizzling

Science

La’Davia 4F said, “ My brothers and I put a big moving fake tarantula in our mom’s bedroom. She spilled grape juice on her new sheets. It was funny!”

Floating M’s Project By: Myronda Sowell

MaterialsClear bowlOne bag of plain M&M’sWaterScience Journals

M&M’s IntroductionTeachers can use this M&M’s science activity to teach the terminology of the scientific method. Begin by holding up a bag of regular M&M’s. Ask students, “What do we know about this bag of M&M’s?” Ask the students what they think would happen if you were to put a few of the M&M’s in the bowl of water. Chart student responses to this question and explain to students that they are making “hypotheses” about what would happen to the M&M’s. Write the definition of hypothesis on the board. Proceed by telling students how they will test this hypothesis. Have a student open the bag and place a few M&M’s in the bowl of water. Allow children to use their Science journals to write down what is happening inside the bowl. Explain that this is “data collection.” After a few minutes the color will start to come off the M&M’s and the M will start to separate from the candy. The students can then go back and look at their hypothesis to see if they where correct. This introduction will give students a basic idea of the scientific method.

M&M’s Experiment

Put about an inch or two of warm water into the bowl. Select several candies that have nice, clear “M”s on them. Place them, M side up, in the water. Now watch carefully. Quickly, the candy coating starts to dissolve and the colors settle to the bottom around the candy. The last part of the color to go will probably be the part under the M. Slowly; a thin film with the M on it will separate from the candy and float to the surface. If you let the candy continue to dissolve, you will see a white candy layer under the colored one and finally the chocolate center becomes visible.

It is very interesting that the dissolved colors stayed separate and form very sharp boundaries. You could try the experiment again with cold water and you will notice that the color separa-tion is more profound.

Extension There are all sorts of things you can try to take this further. You might try seeing how the temperature of the water changes the rate that the candy dissolves. You can also try using different liquids to see if you get the same results.

 

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What was your favorite April Fool’s joke/prank?

“Telling someone that it was snowing outside and it was enough to go sliding,” said Tiara 5A.

Chase 5D said, “Telling a person you have something on your shirt and then when they look down flicking them on their chin.”

Michael 6A says, “Putting a bucket of fake spiders on a door and letting it fall on someone!”

Ina 6F, said “My favorite was when I put a bucket of water on top of the door and when my brother opened it, he was soaked!”

“My favorite April Fool’s prank is when my brother was asleep I poured a whole bunch of fake bugs around his bed and on his floor,” said Javen 6D. “When he woke up and saw them, he started screaming and trying to kill them all. Then I came in saying April Fool’s!”

April

Fools

!!

Photo by: Myronda Sowell

Family Activites

In November of 2010, A Pre- K 4 student, Miles Johnson, wrote a letter

to President Barack Obama. Miles received a response letter addressed back to him in March of this year!

What a great accomplishment if this is his first piece of mail! Way to be pro-active Miles, keep up the good work!

Student Submisisons

Pg. 8A.W. Brown - Fellowship Leadership Academy www.awbrown.orgOp

inion

Sectio

n: Pre-K 4A Parents Rock! We would like to send a shout-out to our won-derful parents who have supported us this year in the student’s educational journey.From volunteering in and outside the classroom to helping us with tie-dying T-shirts for our in-class Science project, they have been absolutely remarkable!We are just so thankful for the great partnership because it takes a village to raise learners. It was comforting to know that we could depend on them.

Rolling with the Punches, but Don’t Break a Nail

It was “a time of giving and giving back” at the second annual A.W. Brown Women’s Bowl-a-thon, held Saturday, May 14 at the USA Bowl in Dallas. Participants – specifically those who purchased raffle tickets - were winners walking or riding away with either a 2011 Honda Civic, 50 inch flat screen TV or a laptop. In addition, the top raffle ticket sellers won money ranging from $50 to a whopping $2,000 cash. The bowl-a-thon, which benefited the A.W. Brown Education Foundation, kicked off last year with 10 teams and 40 participants. “This was our time to give back,” said Melissa Gregg, chair of the bowl-a-thon. “This is our big, grand finale and we wanted to give back to

all those who have helped us with the Foundation.” The mission of the of the A.W. Brown Education Foundation is to provide financial assistance to merit-worthy alumni of A.W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership Academy who either attend or plan to attend partnering private secondary schools and colleges/universities. Since the foundation’s inception date of 2007, it has raised $165,750 in donations. As a result, the foundation has been able to grant 21 currently active scholars for AW Brown Charter School Alumnus. Of the current recipients, 5 are attending middle school, 7 are attending high school and 9 are attending college.

AWB Education Foundation

So Built We The Walls

A much-awaited dedication ceremony took place Sunday night in the newly-built AWB-FLA school auditorium. Under the direction of gospel recording artist Walt Whitman of the Chicago Soul Children, the A.W. Brown Angelic Voices Children’s Choir spurred a movement of joy and pride as spectators, staff, and the community enjoyed a concert that has been in the planning for months. The program began with patriotic salutes from a guest violinist and music teacher Antoniece Granville. After a video dedication entitled “We Made It” featuring John P. Kee and Dorinda Clark Cole, Rev. Armond Brown gave guests a preview of the gospel “sangin’ “ that was pleasantly prepared for them by Ms. Granville, AWB Choral Instructor, and Rev. Maxx Frank, Pastor of Worship and Music at the Fellowship Baptist Church of Oak Cliff. After presentations to Mother,

Father, Male and Female Teacher of the Year, the feature presentation began. The Angelic Voices marched on stage to an African samba melody and began singing a variety of songs, some of which were sung in African languages. Full of life, the choir entertained guests with their energy and powerful vocals. Some students even led songs and danced with audience members to keep the momentum going. The program

ended with much singing, dancing, and the celebration of the AWB vision and new auditorium. Reminiscent of a night at the Grammy Awards, this dedication ceremony was one to remember and

of course, the guest appearance of Senator Royce West further saluted all participants on a job well done!Vice Principal, Judy Carroll said the concert was a celebration that captured the true vision of A.W. Brown. Although the 11-year journey hasn’t been easy, the dedication ceremony of the auditorium proves that good things DO come to those who wait. “Rev. Brown did not want to verbalize the struggle; instead we did it through song.” Carroll said. “The concert truly touched the hearts of those who were there.”

AWB Hosts a Dedication Cer-emony with the Angelic Voices Children’s Choir and Interna-

tional Recording Artist

Facilities/Campus Events

By: dorothyGENTRY

By: ishaGAINES

AWB Education Foundation raffles Honda Civic at bowling event

Campus Events

Hat TricksPre-K Campus Celebrates Mother’s Day.

Teachers begin thinking about Mother’s Day long before May arrives. It is expected that children will make some sort of handmade craft in school to bring home to their mothers. This year, Pre-K teachers and staff exceeded those expectations! Mrs. Bolden and the Pre-K team welcomed mothers with the “Hats off to Great Moms!” theme.From Mrs. Butler’s class and their extraordinary in-class performance to Mrs. Bolden’s adorable ladybug paper plate craft, Pre-K teachers really outdid themselves.Moms visited their child’s classes, they were pampered with a continental breakfast and a warm

welcome from the staff.In the midst of the festivities, I caught up with Ms. Bolden and asked her inspiration behind the celebration. “I wanted to have this celebration to highlight our mom’s and show them how much we appreciate their hard work,” Rachel Bolden, Pre-K 3 Teacher said.After leaving her child’s class Ms. Danielle Samuel said, “I appreciate how A.W. Brown celebrates holidays! Hats off to Mom was organized, thoughtful, and tons of fun! Thank you for celebrating us!”

Bolden and Pre-K teacher S.Washinton wear hand-crafted hair pieces

Photo

by: I’

sha G

aines

Abundant thanks,

Mrs. Carla Butler, Pre-K 4A TeacherMs. Christale Thompson, Teacher Assistant

By: myrondaSOWELL

and party dresses from Mexico are inspired by the region from where the dancer is from. The Folkorico dancers wore ruffled dresses from the ocean regions and tropical colored dresses from regions that are close to or located in jungles. Martinez said it is now more common to wear traditional and party dresses because of their increased popularity. Students also learned, in addition to every region having their own costume, they also have their own dance.

The festivities concluded on May 5, 2010 with a Mariachi Band who sang to the children and played the popular tune “La Bamba”. Students waved the flag of Mexico and clapped as the band played.

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a day observed nationwide, as a celebration of Hispanic heritage and pride.

In addition to the Cinco de Mayo festivities, students also

enjoyed a “Caught You Being Good” celebration earlier in the week. The program held on Mon. May 1, 2010, awarded students for displaying good behavior throughout the school year. Students were given certificates, gift bags, and a CYBG necklace. The Caught You Being Good award system is apart of the AWB Character Ed program.

Later that afternoon, students were given a tour through the Dallas Police Department’s impact RV and police cars as apart of the “Safety Event.” A team of Dallas Police Officers stopped by to teach children about safety at home and out in the community. The Dept. hopes to encourage students to be more responsible and see the police in a more positive light.

“A lot of times there are by themselves. They got to be safe and know about stranger danger,” Officer Ehlinger said.

LA BAMBA continued from Pg.1

Photo by: Robert White, Whitman and AWB the Angelic Voices