Week 6 -- 02/11/2018 -- 02/15/2018

Good Afternoon West Community,

I am more than comfortable writing this post now then I was 1 week ago, for a variety of reasons. Last week was certainly one of the more confusing and uncomfortable scenarios that this community, this school district, and this city have seen in over 20-years. I am talking about the DCTA/DPS negotiations that endured for 3-days, which became the main talking point for many around the city. I was not above talking about it, as I fielded many questions from students, colleagues and family members. It is only human nature to want to know what is happening, and what will become of a dispute. I am very glad to report that both parties were able to come to an agreement, and they certainly got everyone's attention.

What I believe is the most fascinating topic to come out of the negotiations is the students themselves. All around the city, we saw students who expressed themselves in a variety of ways. From students throwing hallway parties due to lack of supervision, to students simply staying home as they didn't see the value in coming to school. From students simply being in school but not participating in anything that was provided to them, to students who participated in the strike itself by joining their teachers outside in the cold weather, the city's inhabitants were made aware that the issue of teacher's pay and respect is one that should be taken lightly. Their voices were heard. Does that mean that's it and everything is fine and dandy? No, it does not. It only means that they're are more issues that we as educators need to tackle, and the staff here at WLA is more than prepared to address all of the issues that our student's are facing.

I am incredibly blessed to work in a community that values its teachers, and work in a building where our administration, our staff, and our students all care for one another, and work with one another. We are united, plain and simple.

Classroom Instruction:

My classes on Friday were able to finally finish up their anti-bullying posters for the school and this week we will be finishing up the lesson on Abuse and starting the lesson on Accountability.

Happy reading, y'all.

Cowboys, out.

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Week 17 -- 05/06/2019 -- 05/10/2019

Good Morning West Community, I want to start of by thanking those of you who are reading and keeping up with my class here at West Leadership. I truly appreciate the support I have received from all of you as we are finishing the school year. As I am writing this post, the classroom here at West Leadership Academy want to send out my deepest condolences to all of the students and families who attend the STEM School out in Douglas County for yet another senseless gun violence act in Colorado. I cannot imagine how this community is feeling right now, let alone how the family of the student, Kendrick Castillo, who was killed is feeling. This is a time we can all use to reevaluate what is important to us and at the end of the day, make sure we tell the ones closest to us that we truly appreciate them and value who they are. I have made a donation for Kendrick Castillo's funeral cost, I hope all of you join with me and do the same below. https://fundly.com/stem-star-hero-kendric...

Week 3 -- 01/22/2019 -- 01/25/2019

Good Morning YESS Community, Happy Snowy Monday! The classroom here at West today literally had 17 students show up as the storm that came through this morning presented some difficulties to some of our staff and our students. I am glad to report that the ones who did show up were in great spirits, even as the world outside was Frosty's igloo. For the most part, last week seemed to fly by immensely fast, seeing as how we had Monday off in remembrance of MLK Day. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we spent the better part of the day finishing up the student's presentations. The 3 biggest takeaway from this assignment were: 1. Resilience = Growth -- Our students here at WLA have shown to the rest of their classmates some of the challenges that they have faced and overcame. I had many students who, regardless of how nervous or shy or even afraid of presenting, still faced the challenge. Our students supported one another as they were presenting and encouraged one another i...

December, 2019 -- Always Finish Strong

Welcome back to the Westside. Thank you for coming back and reading this month's blog. I think I speak on behalf of all my students when I say we are doing a lot of great things in the classroom, mainly because we have great students here who are willing to come in and put in the work. As always, all of your words of encouragement and positive vibes from wherever you’re reading this from are always needed, wanted and appreciated. TOPICS: The month of November was extremely exciting here at West Leadership Academy. This months blog will be covering: 1. The lessons of Unit II, Healthy Relationships. 2. Our first Harvest Festival. 3. Our student's accomplishments inside the school. First up, the lessons we covered in class this month were on the unit of healthy relationships. The first lesson we covered was on your sphere of influence. In other words, the people who are surrounding you at all times. Some of the big ideas of the lesson ...

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