Take a closer look at this image. Those kids aren’t lining up for candy or soda. They’re making book selections. I guess it started with vending machines selling snacks and sodas. Then we saw creative vending machines selling healthy stuff or electronics at the airport, then Redbox came out with DVD rentals. Heck, just yesterday […]
Because His American Dream Can Be Their American Dream- Superintendent Bob Runcie
Bob Runcie has led Florida’s Broward County Public Schools (the nation’s sixth-largest district) since 2011, after serving in several leadership positions in the Chicago Public Schools. Few have his experience or knowledge of what’s needed to—as he puts it: “dramatically transform public education in this country.” Coffee in South Florida in August? Is that even […]
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 […]
Confronting Hopelessness: A Journey To Unexpected Freedom
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. The Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, explains hopelessness in a way that resonated with me and has helped me to become a better parent to both my children. She […]
Principal Steven Larson Locks Arms in a Neighborhood United
I met Steven Larson last year. He was fresh in town and was stirring up some partnership conversations in Pompano. This former Assistant Superintendent in Hillsboro, Oregon had moved his wife and 3 kids to South Florida to be closer to family. He took on the role of Principal of Pompano Elementary, the last failing […]
True Schools Are Created By Those Who Own It
I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and came to the U.S. as a teenager. That journey took me from a strict Catholic private school to an inner city high school in Miami. The true definition of culture shock! I recall the pivotal first encounter at my American school when I was asked to define my […]