Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 December 2003 — Page 5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2003

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A5

EDUCATION DOES MAHER

The Jayhawks of IPS School 109 have jumped out to a 5-0 record and are winning games in impressive fashion. Jayhawks point guard Michael Brown, a third grader, is averaging a near double-double in points and assists in the fifth grade basketball league.

Jayhawks take no

prisoners in rise to the top

By BARATO BRITT Recorder Correspondent Rarely does one refer to a group of elementary school student athletes as a dynasty. But a group of kids on the city's VVestside are trying to build a dynasty unlike no other. And, they are defying the odds to do it. In between their classes and homework, the Jayhawks of Jonathan Jennings School 109 have quietly risen to the top of the Indianapolis Public Schools Western conference . < j ,h grade boys' basketball league in impressive fashion. The fi"' grade and under team is undefeated, with their most recent victory coming last week in an overwhelming <>8-13 victory over IPS School 74- Three Jayhawks pulled down double-doubles, the first time this season that a team in their league has accomplished that feat. At 5-0, it is not the manner in which the Jayhawks are beating opponents, although they have won by an average of 29 points per game. What stands out about this team is its makeup. On paper, the team may appear to be ^-outmatched, but as their opponents have found thus far, 109's perceived weak-

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An open letter to parents of child who brought gun to school

nesses are huge strengths. Four of the team’s key contributors are girls, in what is supposed to be an all-boys league. Fifth-grade center Monique Sherrells, in fact, is one of the league leaders in rebounding. The squad's roster is also made up primarily of students in the “and under” category of the league. The Jayhawks’ leading scorer and assist man, Michael Brown, is only in third grade. Brown, who has been on various 109 teams since kindergarten, averages nearly a double double, in points and assists, and has been named the league’s most outstanding player the last two years. Ironically, the youngest player on the team is better known as “old school," for his seasoned play on the court and his throw back converse sneakers. Already a savvy young point guard. Brown is also mastering the skills of leading a team, despite his diminutive stature. “I don't care about all that stuff I just love to play basketball," said Brown, when asked about facing bigger guards. “I pray and ask God to let me do my best and don't let me get hurt. Some of those 5"' graders are

pretty big."

The Jayhawks hope to extend their win streak this week as they will face IPS School 107 at home. In the meantime, the members of this budding dynasty will get back to the books off the court to stay dominant on

the court.

By LEROY ROBINSON Note: This is an open letter to the parents of the Pike Township student who brought a gun to the school in which my son attends. It is also addressed to the parents of the students who put my son’s name on their “death list" at Longfellow Middle School, Shelbyville High School, and Westfield High School: To Whom It May Concern: I want to first thank you for taking the time to read my letter. It is with great pain and anguish that I address this letter to you. Your child attends the same school as my child. This in itself may not concern you, but it concerns me greatly. My main concern is that the mother of my son and myselfhavc spent agreat deal of time raising our son in a loving and nurturing environment that values open-communication, determination, education, responsibility, and self-discipline. The reason why I write this letter to you is because your child could have possibly brought a tragic end to all of the hard w ork that we have put into raising our child. Let me take a moment to tell you about our son. He is in the academically gifted program in his school and has been on high honor roll since entering the Firstgrade. He has greatly enjoyed each of his classroom teachers, guidance counselors, and principals. Each of these educators has helped him and fostered his love for his school and the educational environment by allowing him to participate in a variety of intramural sporting programs along with many academic activities and musical clubs. Your child came to school with the potential of ruining the school environment that my son and so many other students like him enjoy. It frightens me each day knowing that parents like you have neglected your parental responsibilities and have given birth to a child who could one day destroy or end the life of my child or

any other positive, responsible and innocent child. My son and my thoughts arc not the only issue here. There arc millions of parents and students throughput the public schools in America who often relive and play back the images of Columbine High School. To have a gun in the hands of yourchild at my son'sschool or to have my son's namconyourchild's “death list" not only tells me a little about the thoughts of your son, but it also tells me a little bit about you. I am sure you blame your son’s absent and neglectful father for not being around to help you discipline your son. Maybe you blame the neighborhood in which you live. Maybe the video games that he plays so often or the mush' v ideos that he watches on television are to blame Oh, I know; it is the other students’ fault that your son brought the gun to school, because the other students were teasing or threatening your child. Sure you may say that it was a BB gun, it wasn't loaded, or your son brought it to school by mistake. Maybe you blame my son or the other students on the list for your son's irresponsible and criminal behavior. But whichever excuse you would like to use, you and your son’s father are ultimately responsible for the actions of your child. The administration at the school acted properly and handled the situation before my son or any other student could be hurt. The guidance counselors were on hand to meet vv' a students who may have feared for their lives. And I am sure the teachers were available to comfort the students as well. When you and your son put the school officials in this type of negative situation, it makes it very difficult for them to do their job of educating my son and the many other students who are in school to learn. When a tragic event like this happens, it is not the fault of the sehool officials. Also, you cannot blame President Bush and the

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Republicans because you cannot find decent public housing, you cannot blame the terrorists of 9/ It because you lost your job, and you cannot blame the "thugs" in your neighborhood that iulluence your son. You gave birth to him and you are his primary iulluence. 't onand your.son's father are to blame and mysell along with parents like me hold both of you responsible. I know it is very difficult to raise a teen-age boy in today’s society. I know the inlluenccs are great and the peer pressure is more powerful than ever before. But if you could, please talk to your son. Don't scream at him, don’t beat him, and don’t send him away to live with distant relatives. You see, this is not solving the problem. And by all means, do not place blame entirely on your son. Talk to your son about my son and others like him. Talk to your son about the future, about his goals and aspirations. Talk toyour son about the things that bring him joy and happiness. Talk to your son about his life and the things that interest him. Explain toyour son that killing a classmate is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Explain to your son the seriousness of bringing a gun to school or creating a "death list." Tell your son that we live in a society w here conversations or threats of violence are punishable with severe penalties. Talk toyour .son about the need to hav e love and compassion for other people. Tell your son that there are other w ays to solve his problems without using violence or the threat of violence. Explain to him that there are some very cruel people in the world (and that he is not one of them) and that there are many young people who will say and do things that are cruel and hurtful. Please share with your son the joy of communication, whether it is with you. his teacher, or someone at his church. Reaffirm to your son that you still love him and support him, but make it clear

Community Summit and Marketplace Crispus Attacks Middle School is hosting The Community Summit and Marketplace Dec. 13 at 8:30 a.m., sponsored by the IPS Office of Multicultural Education and featuring Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, author and publisher. The event is free o* charge but you must preregister. For more information or an application to register, call 226-2430.

Breakfast with Santa The Rise Learning Center PTA invites everyone to attend its annual Breakfast with Santa Dec. 6 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the center on 5391 Shelby St. There will be all you can

eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice and milk. The cost for adults is $3 and $2 for children under 12. Pictures with Santa will be available for a small fee, and there will be kids crafts and drawings for prizes.

that his actions were uiiacccpt able. And In all means, be honest, and tell your son that \nti share most ol the respousibilitv in his lack ol guidance, sell esteem, and p<>or decision making. Yourson iscallingout for help. 1 le may never have had the intention of harming my son or any other student with that gun or any ol the students on his hit list. But using the past school shootings as a reference point, the intended victim is not alwavs the one harmed. In most cases, innocent bystanders are also wounded or killed In children likeyours. I am not angry w ith you or your son. I just want you to know that parents like me not only care about our own children, but we care about yours as well. One of the reasons w hy I care so much about your son is because irresponsible children like yours often bring pain and suffering to parents like me. I pray thatyouarcabletoget to the real reason why your son brought that gun toschool or created that list. Often times, it is a call out for some kind of attention. There are many resources available who ean assist you and your child with counseling or group therapy . You are not alone. I often talk to those responsible parents, and I tell them just because they have raised their children to be good and responsible young people; their job is not done. I challenge these parents to reach out to other parents like you. who have not had the same positive child rearing experiences that they have. I challenge them to help you and other parents like you. in an effort to guide your children down this same pathway of success. In hopes that one-day you will be able to enjoy those same precious m<mients with your school age child. And one last thing, tell your son that he can overcome any obstacle that is placed in his way, but only if he gets the needed counseling, maintains a positive attitude, acts responsible, and practices self-discipline. And. if you haven't realized. I love my son dearly ...why don’t you try loving yours. 1 anxiously await your response. Signed. Concerned Parent Fofspeiikingengagementsoreducation workshops, contact me at: educationdoesmattertii hotmail.com or write me at: 9701 E: b.'ird St.. Indianapolis, IN. t-fi'J. ifi. My contact numlxT is .'il7 5<>2-0272.

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Name: Karen F. Dailey Hometown: Sharon Hill, Pa. Colleges attended: Clark Atlanta University , University of Georgia. IUPUI Years of gradual ion: Clark Atlanta Univ ersity . 1971. University of Georgia, 1973. Regan teaching in: 1971 Unrrcnt school: Forest Manor Middle School How long: <> years Position: Principal tirade levels in school: <>, 7 and 8"' grades Why do you have the desire to educate? 1 believe that this has been a gift to teach and to educate. I havcalways wanted totcach since 1 was in the second grade. 1 love doing what I do anil I love being

surrounded by level children.

middle school

Whal has heen (he most rewarding thing you have done as an educator? When I see (be light bulb" go on in a student that has gained understandmg and a -amlc i .uli ales from their face. It alsoexcltcs me when l sec former students and they share their success sto t ics w itb me W hat has heen the niosl

challenging aspect of education? The most challenging aspect tor me a> a principal is supply mg necessary resources tor teaclici'> to deliver effective instruction to all students. In the future, what changes would you like to see in schools? I would like to mv adequate funding for m-IiooL based on the individual need-, ol all student-. from tin- federal and state levels