by Basilisa Perkins, mother of 2 and public health educator in Broward County, FL. Advocate for her girls and, at times, homeschool teacher to her daughter with special needs. Kate and I started a reading challenge 2 years ago. We would read 100 books together. I want Kate to love books, but not just because learning to read and reading to […]
A Powerful Response That Stopped Me Dead In My Tracks
She responded. And, she’s doing something about it. When we tell educational stories our strongest desire is to connect people. That’s it. Because if we see ourselves in someone else’s life then maybe we behave differently. Maybe we will be a little more patient; not look away from the uncomfortable conditions; strike up a conversation […]
Trying To Read Turned Her Into The Most Unhappy, Miserable Version Of Herself
by Basilisa Perkins, mother of 2 and public health educator in Broward County, FL. Advocate for her girls and, at times, homeschool teacher to her daughter with special needs. Exciting. Delightful. A joyful experience for the mind and soul, escaping into other worlds. This is the power of reading. Frustrated. Discouraged. Feeling like a failure. Being locked […]
Broward Schools SmartPhone App: Most Of What We Want, Some Of We Need
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) launched a new app last year. I downloaded it immediately. School information in the palm of my hand? Yes please! Knowing how my kids did and how schools are doing is important to me… and to all parents. And though no one source can really paint the full educational picture, this app […]
His Mom Was Shot On The Front Porch While Reading Her Bible
I really had no idea! From a 3-room house where he never felt poor to Harvard University, the Superintendent of Broward County Schools, Robert Runcie, knows first hand what educational opportunity does for kids. Through tragedy, like his mother being shot in the face as she sat reading her bible on her front porch, and struggling through school, […]
Open Letter To My Village Of Education Warriors
Dear Education Warriors, I gotta tell you something. I spent 3 days…barely even that…more like the 48 hours with you, and I am in awe. You are the most passionate voices I’ve ever met. You use every keystroke as if it was the very last chance to save our kids…to save my kids. I watched your fingers type […]
Before We Hate On All Charter Schools Here’s An Example Why They Are Not The Enemy
I never really understood the charter school vs. district school debate. My goal as a parent was to send my kids to the very best school I could find or afford (district, charter, private, you name it), and work hard to make sure they didn’t become anyone’s educational statistic. Fight mode Today, the hottest news in […]
Teacher-Leader Sells Out Conference in 72 Hours
I’ve always been baffled why everything surrounding the art and science of working with children feels like a second-class career. From the afterschool and camp counselor to the classroom teacher…undervalued and underpaid. To add insult to injury, they have to leave the classroom, becoming an administrator, to make the real bucks. So I’m kinda loving this […]
The Ones Who Disappear Into The Cracks Can Still Find Family At HANDY
Only 3%! Did you know that only 3% of foster kids graduate college compared to the Florida rate of 76%? I had a chance today to attend the HANDY Organization Scholarship Breakfast for 17 foster kids who graduated college. Breon Callins was one of the graduates. As a little boy, he and his brothers were removed from their […]
She Survived, Then Public Schools Failed Us So We Home-Schooled
by Basilisa Perkins, mother of 2 and public health educator in Broward County, FL. Advocate for her girls and, at times, homeschool teacher to her daughter with special needs. We found an at-home early intervention program just after she started chemotherapy. Outside of her medical needs, we knew Katie would need a lot of help. Unlike her older […]