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| February 2010 Volume 4, No. 2 |
1. Feature Articles
2. The Book Corner
3. On the Web: Resources for February
4. Events and Resources
5. Calendar of Events
Special Announcement: Submit Your Essay for Earth Day Perspectives 2010! Click Here to Learn More.
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Ecuadorian embroidery artisan Imelda Iñuca demonstrates how to wear a traditional Quichua shawl during a presentation for students at Lincoln Elementary School. Click here to learn more about Quichua embroidery and Imelda Iñuca's visit to JCPS. (photo courtesy of Aukram Burton) |
Feature Articles
"Green News from Cane Run Elementary" by Darleen Horton
How does Cane Run go about becoming a successful environmental magnet program? How does that program impact the lives of children and staff, as well as the surrounding community? One word -- partnerships. Click here to read the article.
"JCPS Center for Environmental Education Hires New Staff" by Bryan Thompson
Beth Inman and Caryn Walker have been hired as new resource teachers in the JCPS Center for Environmental Education. Click here to read the article.
"Building Blocks for Cultural Competence Within JCPS: Part II" by Aukram Burton
In the second of a two part article, Aukram Burton discusses the Institute for Cultural Competence and CARE for Kids. These two district programs are designed to provide positive adult-student relationships and culturally relevant/responsive pedagogy that responds to the rapid growth in the number of students of color, culturally and linguistically diverse students, and students from low-income families. Click here to read the article. Read Part I.
"The Anatomy of Prejudice: Jane Elliott Visits Louisville" by Aukram Burton
Educator and diversity trainer Jane Elliott visited Louisville to deliver the keynote speech at the 14th Annual Race Relations Conference, hosted by the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission on January 20. While in Louisville, Elliott met with educators from JCPS and U of L for a discussion about her experience with the controversial “blue-eyed/brown-eyed exercise," which she created in the 1960's, and about eliminating racism and addressing diversity in schools and society. Click here to read the article.
"Celebration of Chinese New Year" by Dr. Wei-Bin Zeng
The Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, will be celebrated on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Dr. Wei-Bin Zeng describes how Chinese families and communities traditionally celebrate the New Year with many elaborate and colorful customs. He also provides a list of Chinese New Year events in Louisville. Click here to read the article.
"JCPS and Sister Cities Happenings" by Aukram Burton
In 2008, JCPS established a formal relationship with schools in Tamale, Ghana, one of Louisville's sister cities. Aukram Burton describes how that relationship continues to grow and details his recent visit to schools in Ghana. Click here to read the article.
"Native Threads From Northern Ecuador" by Aukram Burton
Students at Lincoln Elementary, Smyra Elementary, Foster Traditional Academy, and Frost Middle were treated to a slice of Ecuadorian culture in December. Embroidery artisan Imelda Iñuca visited the schools to share the embroidery work practiced by the Quichua (Ki-ch-wa) women in the Cayambe Quichua village of Pijal in Northern Ecuador. Click here to read the article.
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The Book Corner For a full description of these books, click on the Wild About Reading link on the JCPS Center for Environmental Education Web site. All of these books are currently available. |
 Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2002 |
No More Vegetables! by Nicole Rubel Environment Theme: Humans & Their Societies Outdoor Classroom: Gardening Science Module: New Plants Reading: Literary Level: Primary Description: Ruthie agrees to work in her mother's garden in exchange for not having to eat vegetables. She discovers she likes gardening and vegetables. |
 Greenwillow 2003 |
On the Way to the Beach by Henry Cole Environment Theme: Living Environment Science: Interdependence Social Studies: Geography Reading: Informational Level: Intermediate Description: In this engaging book, the author explores and compares forest, salt marsh, sand dune, and beach ecosystem. |
 Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 1987 |
When Clay Sings by Byrd Baylor Environment Theme: Earth's Physical Systems Outdoor Classroom: Literacy Outdoors Science: Earth and the Universe Social Studies: Culture and Society Reading: Informational Description: Byrd Baylor writes in poetic language about clay, an earth material that is transformed into objects of beauty and function. |
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On the Web: Resources for February
The Food Literacy Project
http://foodliteracyproject.org
The Food Literacy Project is a non-profit education agency partnering with a working farm to teach the Louisville community about the processes and products of organic and local agriculture.
WorldFocus
http://worldfocus.org
WorldFocus is a thirty-minute news show that features stories from around the world and from an international perspective. The companion Web site features a blog, messageboards and videos. WorldFocus can be seen locally on KET2 every Monday-Friday from 7:00 to 7:30 PM.
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Events and Resources
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Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest will provide nature and environmental programs for children and adults this winter. The events include:
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February 6 and 20 and March 6 and 20
On the first and third Saturday of every month between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Bernheim’s Every Child Outside initiative (ECO Kids) features plant, animal and ecology Discovery Stations at the Visitor Center.
The Magic of the Forest Floor: An Exhibition of Children’s Art
February 6 – May 15
Education Center Gallery, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. daily
An exhibition of color illustrations from 4th and 5th- grade students from St. Matthews and Smyrna elementary schools. Images include insects, reptiles, amphibians, native flowers, plants and fungi. You are invited to submit your choices for the Visitor’s Pick Award.
Searching for Native Toads and Frogs
February 13
10:30 a.m. –noon
$7 Members, $10 non-members, advance registration and payment required
On this walk in the research forest you will discover the mating habits of winter breeding toads and frogs and their importance to the environment.
The Emeralds of Winter
Saturday, February 20
10:30 – noon
$7 members, $10 non-members, advance registration and payment required
This walk explores the stories of mosses, lichens and the organisms that roam in the minute landscapes of rocks, roots and tree trunks.
Vernal Equinox Welcome Spring Night Walk
Saturday, March 20
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
$7 members, $10 non-members, advance registration and payment required
This walk celebrates one of the two times each year when the sun crosses the celestial equator and the length of day and night are approximately equal, marking the coming of spring. Our night programs are timed to start near sunset. They cover open territory, but not necessarily established trails. Please dress for the weather. And don’t forget to call (502) 955-8512 between 3:00 and 4:30 on the day of the program to confirm. Certain weather conditions may cause last minute program cancellations.
For more program information go to www.bernheim.org or call (502) 955-8512 M – F between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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Blackacre State Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead is hosting the annual Winter Lecture Series from January until March. The public can attend the remaining lectures listed below:
Dr. Daryl L. Harris
"Lift Evr'y Voice and Sing!"
Sunday, February 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Presley Tyler House
Celebrate Black History Month at Blackacre with Daryl L. Harris who will share spirituals which kept the Underground Railroad moving. Due to Kentucky's geographical and political position, the state developed its own unique African-American music and expression. Not all African Americans were enslaved in our state, leading to a reservoir of rich folk culture. So come, take a musical tour through the many emotions African Americans felt during a time of hurt and joy, healing and happiness, and finally-- freedom.
Dr. Daryl Harris is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Theatre and Dance at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). A 40-year veteran of traditional, experimental, and educational theatre, he has studied and worked as a producer, writer, director, actor, costume designer, professor, and lecturer throughout the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, West Africa and China. Dr. Harris' work involves projects that link the Underground Railroad Movement to the fields of theatre and dance, connecting themes emerging from the Movement to current social problems in ways that promote understanding and greater social harmony. This lecture is made possible with support from the Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc.
Susan Reigler
"Why Queen Anne's Lace Is Our Enemy and Poison Ivy Is Our Friend"
Sunday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Presley Tyler House
Blackacre's resident biologist, Susan Riegler identifies plants and animals which were introduced to the natural habitats in our area and are invasive. These plants crowd out native species and destroy the biodiversity of an area. Invasives are second only to habitat destruction as a cause of native plant extinction. Sometimes these introductions have been accidental and sometimes they've been planned. (The intentions were good. The results were terrible.) Find out what invasive plants and animals are problems locally, how they have effected our environment, what's being done about them, and how you can help.
Biologist and writer Susan Reigler has lived, researched and taught at Blackacre since 1985. Among her books is The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks (University Press of Kentucky, 2009.) In addition to her work on the preserve, Susan is a member of the biology faculty at Indiana University Southeast where she has recently been named a Research Associate. She earned her masters degree in zoology from Oxford University.
To reserve a seat for these lectures, please contact Blackacre Conservancy at (502) 266-9802. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
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Teachers who are interested in classroom resources on the earthquake in Haiti can refer to the following Web sites:
TeachUNICEF
http://youth.unicefusa.org/teachunicef/units-and-lesson-plans. Click on Haiti Resources.
The Public Broadcasting Services (PBS)
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7548/preview/.
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Teaching Banished
Facing History and Ourselves is proud to announce Teaching Banished. This written resource is the companion to the documentary Banished by Marco Williams. When thousands of African Americans were driven from their communities by violent mobs in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the victims left behind their land, homes, and businesses, never to return again. The film focuses on these events in three towns in the United States and places this history in the context of present-day race relations.
Teaching Banished examines the efforts of current residents, descendants, journalists, and politicians to address this history. The guide takes the experiences of those in the film and delves deeper by asking critical Facing History and Ourselves questions about memory, justice, and the possibility of reconciliation: How does a community reconcile past wrongs and move toward justice? How can addressing the past restore the dignity of victims, perpetrators, and bystanders?
Features include:
the full transcript of the film Banished
organization that allows for easy planning for all educators
pre-viewing and post-viewing sections that help initiate and stimulate classroom discussion
guiding questions
images from the film
project ideas for the classroom
suggested resources for further study
To learn more about Banished and to download the Teaching Banished guide, go to: http://www.facinghistory.org/news/teaching-banished
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The Iroquois Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library will host the Civil Rights Film Series on each Saturday in February at 2 PM. Each film will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Dr. Mari Mujica. The following films will be featured:
Children's March, February 6th
The chilren of Birmingham brought segration to its knees, and today's young people possess that same power.
A Place at the Table, February 13
Ages: Grade 9 to adult
American teens of diverse backgrounds relate their family history around a campfire setting.
Viva la Causa, February 27
Ages: Grade 6 to adult
Cesar Chaves and Delores Huerta lead the grape boycott and Delano strike.
For more information, please contact the Iroquois Library at (502) 574-1720
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Volunteer with ESL Learners at Iroquois Library
Volunteer at the Iroquois Library with children in need of homework assistance. Students arrive between 4:30 and 5:00. Most of students are from Somalia and are at the elementary and high school levels. There is little homework on Monday and the library closes on Friday at 5:00 PM.
Each Saturday in February at 3 p.m. the Iroquois library will hold an English Conversation Club where participants will work in pairs to practice conversational English. People come from diverse backgrounds and have very different educational needs. Most ESL learners are adults, but there is a small group of teenagers and children, as well. Many of the learners are from Bhutan, Iraq, Burma, Vietnam, Congo, Somalia and elsewhere.
Volunteers are encouraged to come meet the library's large, diverse and ever lively community.
Those working with afterschool homework help will be required to fill out an application and police check form. Those volunteering on Saturdays in 2010 may simply show up before 3:00 p.m.
For further information, please contact:
Sophie Maier
Community Outreach Coordinator
Iroquois Library
601 West Woodlawn
Louisville, Kentucky 40215
502- 574- 1720
http://www.lfpl.org/forms/volunteers/volunteer-iroquois.htm
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Since 1995, the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana has presented the Global Forum Series program that highlights current issues of global importance with internationally-known presenters. This winter and spring, the Global Forum Series will include the following presentations:
Global Warming: How Environmental, Economic, and Political Crises Will Redraw the World Map
Dr. Cleo Paskal
February 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Galt House - East Tower - Carroll Ford Room
Dictatorship to Democracy: Iraq to the U.N.
Ambassador Feisal Amin Istrabadi
March 11, 2010 7:00 PM
Galt House - East Tower - Willow Room
The U.S., India, and the World: 2020 and Beyond
His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
April 12, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Louisville Downtown
Co-Hosted by: World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, Greater Louisville International Professionals, India Community Federation, and the University of Louisville
The Global Forum Series presentations are open to the general public. For information about ticket prices and all other inquires, please contact the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana at (502) 561-5422. Visit their Web site at www.wacaky-in.org.
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Leadership Training Opportunity for Kentucky/Southern Indiana Teens
Travel and train with Iraqi peers! The World Affairs Council is recruiting Kentucky and Southern Indiana teens for a four-week leadership training program in Vermont, Montana, and Washington, D.C. Selectees will travel and train alongside Iraqi peers.
This program aims to expand the horizons of American and Iraqi young leaders who have a strong sense of civic responsibility, a commitment to community engagement, an awareness of global issues, and leadership skills.
Dates of Exchange: July 13-August 8, 2010
Application deadline: March 1, 2010
Final selection date: April 1, 2010
Student applicants should be no less than 15 and no more than 18 years of age (birth years between June 30, 1993-June 30, 1995) and have a graduation date of 2011 or later.
This event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Matt Madden or Jessica Barousse. Please call (502) 561-5422. Suitable applicants will be notified and interviewed before the final selections are made.
Click here to download the program application.
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Interested in School Gardens?
The Kentucky School Garden Network is collaborating with Brightside, the JCPS Center for Environmental Education and the Partnership for a Green City to sponsor a survey and needs assessment of schools and gardening. Click here to take the survey.
Participants are encouraged to take the survey even if you only have an interest in school gardens, but have yet to create one. You may also take the survey if you are interested in or are currently working with a garden that is not located at your school, such as a community garden. There are several advantages to working with existing gardens in your community, if they exist.
By completing the survey you will:
-- Have the option to receive regular updates on grants, professional development opportunities and assistance in getting started and/or maintaining your school outdoor classroom.
-- Demonstrate the level of interest in expansion of school gardening and/or the use of outdoor environments.
-- Help focus future initiatives of the school gardening community to work on projects that will help your school.
Educators are encouraged to share this survey with colleagues, parents and involved students. Those who complete the survey by February 16 will be entered into a drawing for free garden equipment, complete soil analysis assessments and other related material.
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Schedule a UofL Rep Play
The UofL Repertory Company is now scheduling performances at schools through Wed., Apr. 21. Performances include The Seven Labors of Arlecchino, a folk tale adapted and directed by James Tompkins, and How Vulture Saved the Earth, a Yoruba poem adapted for the stage by Nefertiti Burton. Performances are appropriate for students in P2 through grade five, and Arlecchino has been well-received by middle and high school audiences. Performances are free for any school or nonprofit organization in the metro Louisville area. The plays last about 30 minutes, and students and actors can participate in a discussion that follows the performances. The performances can be scheduled between 9 and 11 a.m. To print a flier that discusses the performances, click here. To schedule a performance, call Debbie Hudson at (502) 852-5922.
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Crane House, The Asia Institute, Inc. announces its 22nd Summer Teaching-in-Asia (TIA) Program from July 7 through July 30, 2010, and invites your application. Teachers who are selected will conduct short-term, intensive, conversational English training sessions and exchange cultural information for teachers and/or students in China, Vietnam, or Cambodia. Host teaching sites provide free rooming, meals, and short day-trips. In 2009, 26 teachers taught at seven Asian sites.
A cost is associated with the program, but generous subsidies provided by The Freeman Foundation are available to teachers who qualify. Classroom teaching experience is required. Both practicing and retired teachers in any discipline and from kindergarten through collegiate levels are encouraged to apply. Crane House provides the TIA curriculum and conducts training workshops between February and June. Crane House supplies all required training-related materials and their shipping ahead to Asia, and coordinates all travel arrangements (flights, visa, passport, insurance, etc.). An elective extension trip opportunity to a selected Asian site immediately following TIA also is available to teachers.
To download a TIA application or read more detailed information, please see www.cranehouse.org, “Education” page, “Teach in Asia” link. For additional information, call Crane House’s Director of Education at (502) 635-2240, or email cranehouse-ed@juno.com.
Chinese and Japanese Language Classes
Crane House, The Asia Institute, Inc. will offer beginning and intermediate-level classes in Chinese and Japanese, beginning in February through May. The course include:
Beginning Mandarin Chinese - Mondays, February 8 - May 17, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Intermediate Mandarin Chinese - Mondays, February 8 - May 17, 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Japanese Level 1 - Mondays, February 22 - April 26, 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Japanese Level 2 - Mondays, February 22 - April 26, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
There is a fee for the classes, which will be held at the Crane House. For more information, please call (502) 635-2240 or visit www.cranehouse.org/language_chinese.php.
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Calendar of Events
January 26 through February 21 - "16th Annual African-American Art Exhibition" at the Gallery at Actors Theatre of Louisville. The exhibition will be running concurrent with the Actors Theatre production of Ella. The opening reception is slated for Friday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. in conjunction with the First Friday Gallery Hop. Each year, over 20,000 theatre and arts patrons view the exhibition, which has become a popular highlight of the region’s visual arts season.
February 1 - The Greater Louisville Alliance of Black School Educators will hold an informational meeting at the JCPS Gheens Professional Development Academy in Flex Room A. Meeting times are as follows:
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for middle/high/central office staff
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. elem/central office staff
Come and meet GLABSE’s new president Dr. Geneva Stark Price and officers and discuss goals and objectives for this year. Click here for more information about GLABSE.
February 12 at 8:00 PM - Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience at the Kentucky Center Bomhard Theatre; Tickets are available by phone (502-584-7777, 502-562-0730 TTY), or in-person at The Kentucky Center box office.
February 20 at 1:00 PM - Cultural Showcase: Sudan at the Iroquois Library, 601 West Woodlawn. Kenyan-American filmmaker, Andrew Thuita, will present clips from his documentary Escape from Darfur (2007) and George Clooney's Trip to Darfur (2007). Dinka-American David Aciek will share his story of coming to Louisville. Light snacks will be provided and participants will have the opportunity to meet a diverse crowd of Sudanese who have made Louisville their home. For more information, call (502) 574-1720.
February 27 at 10:00 to 2:00 PM - Academic WorldQuest High School Competition at Bellarmine University - All high schools in Kentucky and Southern Indiana are eligible to compete. For more information, please contact Erin Herbert at (502) 561-5422.
March 15 - The deadline to submit essays for Earth Day Perspectives 2010. Send your essay, along with a digital photo of yourself, to catherine.collesano@jefferson.kyschools.us. Click here for more information.
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Global Connections: Staying in Touch with Culture and Environment is a monthly publication of the JCPS Office of Equity, Diversity and Multicultural Education and the JCPS Center for Environmental Education. All submissions to the newsletter must be sent to Catherine Collesano, Editor, at catherine.collesano@jefferson.kyschools.us or fax (502) 485-3762 the Monday before the publication date. If you are interested in becoming a subscriber or a contributor to Global Connections, please contact the editor at the above email address.
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