From NYPD 120 Pct to McKee on Sept. 8 - Opening Day

Hats off to Principal Bowen for reaching out and having one group of essential workers take a moment of time to surround with spirit another group of essential workers. So cool the amazing shout out from NYPD Precinct 120 to the McKee faculty on the opening day of school. NYPD 120th Precinct on Twitter TWITTER.COM NYPD 120th Precinct on Twitter “Welcoming teachers and staff of @McKeeCTHS back to the 1st day: https://tinyurl.com/y4d6vva9

Why We Pause on 9/11

In trying to explain to those who were not around 19 years ago why the nation traditionally pauses on September 11, the word that comes to my mind is "stunned." We as a nation were stunned, collectively blindsided by the force of the blow, and briefly staggered. We as a nation understood that a series of orchestrated attacks occurred meant to bring us to our knees. We also understood the importance of being a united front. We acknowledged the blood, ash, horrendous loss, and grief. We organized to provide support. We leaned on each other to help stand up, regroup, and honor the bravery, resilience and sacrifice of countless lives. When those who are young look quizzically at those of us who are older as to why such an issue is made of the date, September 11, say the word "stunned" and then have a conversation.

Read the 1619 Project for Yourself

Just came home from church and saw this article: "Trump says Department of Education will investigate use of 16129 Project in schools": https://tinyurl.com/y6qx5xpz

Has the Secretary of Education or those in the White House read the 1619 Project? Just asking.

I know I've read it. Here's the extremely brief version of the purpose of the 1619 Project. The project was spearheaded by Nikole Hannah Jones who is an essayist, NYT reporter and member of the Black Lives Matter Organization. The 1619 Project is a special New York Times magazine issue of over 20 written submissions that provide context about how slavery, since 1619, has impacted the scope and shape of America. The magazine issue has articles and poems that cover the contributions of African Americans to America. The booklet of essays is being added to the DOE Curriculum to provide context when Social Studies is taught, particularly American History. I encourage all to read the 1619 Project for themselves.

Click here or copy and paste the following link into a web browser: https://tinyurl.com/yywarl8d to read the 1619 Project.

Curriculum resources are being developed. Here is just one example:  https://pulitzercenter.org/lesson-plan-grouping/1619-project-curriculum