Education
Michael Atkins : From Custodian To Principal
Colorado native, Michael Atkins has proven anything is possible by moving his way up from custodian to principal of Stedman Elementary School.
Colorado Native, Michael Atkins, has proven anything is possible by moving his way up from custodian to principal.
Michael Atkins inspiring story
Atkins, who is now Stedman Elementary School’s new principal, has spent more than three decades as a part of the Denver Public Schools System.
His first job was as a student, with no plans to stick around after graduation.
“Growing up in Park Hill, there weren’t many positive influences and/or opportunities in the neighborhood. So, I didn’t really have any aspirations to be in education,” said Atkins.
From custodian to principal
But after realizing his passion for working with kids, his plans changed. Shortly after, he applied to the Denver Public School system where he landed a job as a custodian.
“I was the part-time custodian at Smiley Middle School which is now McAuliffe,” said Atkins.
The part-time gig became full-time employment, and Atkins said he enjoyed his work.
“There were times where I got comfortable within my custodial position, and I loved the work. I loved the people that I met. I was still able to be in front of youth. But I knew that was just the first chapter of my journey,” said Atkins.
When Atkins reflected on his journey from custodian to principal, he remembers some advice his grandmother gave him when he was a child.
“Don’t let someone write your story; make sure you write your own story. And if someone has something to do with your story, let them edit it, do not let them create it,” said Atkins.
As Atkins prepares for a new school year, he hopes to help edit dozens of unique stories that each student will carry with them as they walk through Stedman’s doors.
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Culture
‘A Different World’ cast set to reunite for 10-City HBCU tour
The tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by stops in Washington DC, Montgomery, Alabama and more.
In celebration of the sitcom’s 35+ year legacy, the cast of ‘A Different World’ will reunite for a national 10-city tour across HBCUs, reports PEOPLE.
A Different World HBCU tour
Darryl M. Bell (Ronald ‘Ron’ Johnson), Charnele Brown (Kimberly ‘Kim’ Reese), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Marion Gilbert Wayne), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Cleophus Wayne), Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson Taylor), Cree Summer (Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks), Glynn Turman (Col. Bradford ‘Brad’ Taylor) and Sinbad (Walter Oakes) will participate on the tour.
The tour will feature panels and other events and will also be joined by producers Debbie Allen and Susan Fales.
Dates
The HBCU tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Georgia at Atlanta University Center, which include Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College.
Other locations include Washington, D.C. (hosted by Howard University) and Montgomery, Ala. (hosted by Alabama State University and Tuskegee University). Both will be in April but no date has been released yet.
More dates will be announced soon.
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Unheard Voices Magazine LLC is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
Education
Spelman College receives $100 million donation, the highest in the college’s history
Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
$100 million donation for Spelman is a blessing
The $100 million comes as the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women celebrates 100 years since its official name change from Spelman Baptist Seminary in Sept. 1924.
The college says the gift will help retain the best and brightest students by eliminating financial barriers during the admission process.
“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College during an interview on CBS Mornings.
“This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”
Spelman is Top ranked
Spelman College has been ranked as the #1 Historically Black College and / or University by U.S. News for 17 consecutive years.
The college has a variety of degree/major offerings but they produce the most graduates who pursue a PhD in science, technology, engineering or math, according to The National Science Foundation.
About Ronda Stryker
Ronda Stryker is an American billionaire heiress and granddaughter of Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of Stryker Corporation.
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Unheard Voices Magazine LLC is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
Education
Maryland principal accused of making racist and antisemitic comments
A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.
A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.
Maryland principal accused of making racist comments
In it, a person purported to be Pikesville’s High School principal, can be heard making disparaging comments about the test scores of African American students.
The person on the recording then makes an offensive comment about an African American staff member at the school and members of the Pikesville Jewish community.
Is the audio real?
There is an investigation into the validity of the recording. Some officials believe the audio is fake and is A.I. constructed. Baltimore County schools said they are taking the matter seriously.
Statement from school district
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued a statement in response.
“Hate, discrimination, and prejudice have no place in our community — especially in our schools. The statements being circulated are abhorrent, and my administration is providing our full support to BCPS as they conduct as they conduct a thorough investigation. Following the conclusion of this investigation, I know swift action will be taken to hold those involved accountable.”
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Unheard Voices Magazine LLC is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
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