GROW

Dear Valued Community Members,

Today marks a pivotal moment in our democratic process—Election Day. As citizens head to the polls, we're reminded that education and civic engagement are linked, forming the foundation of an informed and participatory democracy. This intersection of civic duty and educational empowerment perfectly frames this week's G.R.O.W. (Guidance Redefines Our Way) newsletter, where we will discuss the heart of American education, exploring its challenges and the incredible opportunities ahead.

As mentors and community leaders, we understand that education extends beyond textbooks and test scores. It includes teaching our youth about civic responsibility, critical thinking, and active participation in our democracy. Just as we exercise our right to vote today, we're continually voting for our future through our commitment to education—building futures, opening doors, and creating pathways to success for future generations.

This edition will explore the current state of education, uncover valuable resources available through the Department of Education, and share inspiring insights from our own community leader, Jennifer Roberts. Her work in Prince William County demonstrates how educational advocacy and civic engagement strengthen our communities.

Let's embark on this educational journey together as we discover how guidance truly redefines our way. And if you haven't already, we encourage you to exercise your right to vote today—because education and democracy thrive when every voice is heard.

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GROWTH GATEWAY

The Changing Face of Modern Education

The landscape of American education is undergoing a remarkable transformation. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the traditional classroom is evolving rapidly, with 95% of teachers incorporating digital learning tools into their instruction—a dramatic increase from just five years ago.

Technology's Double-Edged Sword

The combination of technology in education has opened new horizons while presenting unique challenges. Virtual reality labs allow students to examine organisms without ethical concerns, while artificial intelligence tutoring systems provide personalized learning experiences. However, this digital revolution has also highlighted the digital divide, with approximately 16.9 million children lacking home internet access, which is essential for modern education.

Bridging the Achievement Gap

The achievement gap in American education remains one of our most pressing challenges, representing not just a disparity in test scores but a fundamental inequity in opportunity. Recent research from the Education Trust reveals a sobering reality: students from low-income families are five times more likely to drop out of high school than their more affluent peers. This gap has been further exacerbated by recent global events, with the National Assessment of Educational Progress reporting that math and reading scores have seen their steepest decline in decades.

The Numbers Tell a Story

• 82% of high-income students graduate on time compared to only 67% of low-income students

• Students of color are three times less likely to be enrolled in advanced placement courses

• Schools in low-income areas have 42% less access to STEM resources

• The digital divide affects 16.9 million students who lack adequate internet access

Breaking Down the Barriers

However, hope emerges through innovative programs and committed organizations making significant strides in addressing these disparities:

1. Early Intervention Programs

• Reading First initiatives show a 40% improvement in reading levels

• Head Start programs demonstrate 35% higher kindergarten readiness

• Early math intervention reduces achievement gaps by 45% in elementary grades

• Parent engagement programs increase student success rates by 28%

2. Community-School Partnerships

• Reduced absenteeism by 30% through family support services

• Increased parent participation by 45% through flexible meeting times

• Improved student nutrition through community garden programs

• Extended learning time programs show a 25% improvement in core subjects

3. Mentor-Based Initiatives A Few Good MENtors stands at the forefront of this battle; below are some goals we hope to accomplish through our comprehensive approach:

• Our goal is to increase college enrollment by 25% among mentored students

• Mentored students will maintain better-than-average attendance

• Improvement in behavioral metrics

• 90% of mentored students report increased confidence in their academic abilities

Innovative Approaches That Work

1. Personalized Learning Plans

   • Individual goal setting

   • Regular progress monitoring

   • Customized intervention strategies

   • Quarterly achievement celebrations

2. Technology Integration

   • Digital literacy programs

   • Virtual tutoring sessions

   • Online resource libraries

   • Parent technology training

3. Cultural Competency

   • Diverse mentor recruitment

   • Cultural awareness training

   • Multilingual resources

   • Community cultural events

Taking Action: How You Can Help

The achievement gap isn't just an educational issue—it's a community challenge that requires collective action:

1. Become a Mentor

   • Join A Few Good MENtors

   • Commit to weekly mentoring sessions

   • Share your expertise and experience

   • Make a lasting impact on a student's life

2. Support Resource Equity

   • Donate educational materials

   • Volunteer in local schools

   • Advocate for equitable funding

   • Share technology resources

3. Advocate for Change

   • Attend school board meetings

   • Support education legislation

   • Join parent-teacher organizations

   • Share success stories

The Path Forward

While the achievement gap presents significant challenges, our community's response through organizations like A Few Good MENtors demonstrates that positive change is possible. By combining early intervention, community partnerships, and dedicated mentoring, we're creating pathways to success for all students.

The achievement gap may be persistent, but it isn't insurmountable. Through continued commitment, innovative programs, and community support, we're building bridges to success for every student, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Parent-Teacher Partnership: A Blueprint for Success

The most successful educational outcomes occur when parents and teachers work in harmony. Here's how to strengthen this crucial partnership:

1. Regular Communication

   • Utilize school communication platforms

   • Schedule monthly check-ins with teachers

   • Participate in parent-teacher conferences

2. Support Learning at Home

   • Create dedicated study spaces

   • Establish consistent homework routines

   • Engage in educational discussions during family time

3. Get Involved in School Community

   • Join the PTA

   • Volunteer for school events

   • Attend school board meetings

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BRIDGE BUILDERS

Understanding the Department of Education

The DOE's Critical Mission

Established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, the Department of Education (DOE) has grown from a modest federal office into one of the nation's most significant government agencies, managing an annual budget of approximately $68 billion. Its fundamental mission extends far beyond bureaucratic oversight—it's about ensuring equal access to education and promoting educational excellence nationwide.

Historical Development

• Pre-1979: Education oversight was combined with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

• 1979: Created as a separate Cabinet-level agency through the Department of Education Organization Act

• 1980-Present: Expanded role in civil rights enforcement, data collection, and federal aid distribution

Current Impact in Numbers

• Oversees education for 50.6 million K-12 students nationwide

• Administers $150+ billion in federal student aid annually

• Supports over 7 million higher education students

• Manages assistance to 18,000+ school districts

• Employs approximately 4,400 people

The Debate Over DOE's Future

The Department of Education's role has become a subject of significant public discourse, with various stakeholders offering different visions for American education governance:

Arguments for the Current Structure

• Federal Oversight of Educational Equity

  • Enforces civil rights in education

  • Ensures consistent standards across states

  • Provides crucial data collection and research

  • Administers essential federal aid programs

• National Educational Leadership

  • Coordinates interstate educational initiatives

  • Responds to national educational challenges

  • Provides emergency assistance during crises

  • Facilitates educational research and innovation

Arguments for Restructuring

• State-Centered Approach Advocates Suggest

  • Greater local control over education policy

  • Reduced federal bureaucracy

  • More direct allocation of resources

  • Increased flexibility in program implementation

• Financial Considerations

  • Potential savings in administrative costs

  • Direct funding to state education departments

  • Streamlined grant processes

  • Reformed federal aid distribution

Critical Services and Programs

Regardless of the ongoing debate, the DOE currently provides essential services that directly impact American families:

1. Educational Access Programs

• Title I Funding

  • $16.5 billion annually to high-poverty schools

  • Serves 25 million students

  • Supports targeted intervention programs

  • Provides supplemental educational services

• Special Education Support

  • Ensures rights of 7.5 million students with disabilities

  • Provides specialized training for educators

  • Coordinates assistive technology programs

  • Monitors compliance with IDEA regulations

2. Research and Innovation

• National Center for Education Statistics

  • Conducts critical educational research

  • Provides transparent data on school performance

  • Tracks national educational trends

  • Informs evidence-based policy decisions

• Educational Technology Initiatives

  • Supports digital learning programs

  • Guides online education

  • Promotes cybersecurity in schools

  • Facilitates distance learning solutions

Making the Most of Current Resources

While the debate continues, families and educators can maximize available DOE resources:

1. Direct Support Programs

• Federal student aid applications and guidance

• Grant opportunity information

• Civil rights complaint procedures

• Educational resource libraries

2. Information Access

• School performance data

• College scorecards

• Educational research findings

• Best practices guidelines

3. Community Engagement

• Public comment opportunities

• Local educational forums

• Grant writing workshops

• Parent resource centers

Looking Ahead

As discussions about the DOE's future continue, it's crucial for communities to:

1. Stay informed about proposed changes

2. Understand current available resources

3. Engage in local educational decision-making

4. Plan for various potential outcomes

Taking Action

• Research your school district's federal funding usage

• Connect with local education advocates

• Attend school board meetings

• Share success stories of federal program impacts

The debate over the DOE's structure shouldn't overshadow the immediate need to utilize existing resources effectively. Whether the department changes or remains as is, the focus must stay on ensuring quality education for all American students.

Our main sponsor, A Few Good MENtors, Inc., is lighting the way for the next generation, providing the mentorship and guidance young people need to confidently navigate their paths to success.

INSIGHT EXCHANGE

Educational Advocacy in Action: A Conversation with Jennifer Roberts

A Vision for Educational Excellence: Meet Jennifer Roberts

Jennifer A. Roberts stands at the forefront of educational innovation in Prince William County, Virginia, and has over two decades of experience creating transformative learning experiences.

Since 2023, Roberts has served as an esteemed member of the A Few Good MENtors, Inc. Board of Directors, where she brings her passionate advocacy for youth development and educational equity to the organization's mission. Her appointment to the board reflects her deep commitment to mentorship and community building, particularly in supporting young men's educational journeys.

Her latest and most ambitious project, the Sawubona School of Excellence, represents the culmination of her educational philosophy—creating learning environments that prioritize the needs of Black children while celebrating their heritage and cultural capital. Based in Northern Virginia, where she makes her home with her family, Roberts continues to set new standards in education through her principle of "educating with love" and building meaningful relationships with students and their families.

Q: Before we discuss your educational initiatives, could you tell our readers a bit about yourself and the journey that led you to become an educational leader in Prince William County?

I am a woman of deep faith. I believe that being an educator is a divine calling, not simply a career. I believe that God created me to be an educator. As a child, I remember “playing school” so much that my parents purchased and mounted a chalkboard for me in our laundry room. Over the duration of my life, I’ve had many opportunities to positively impact children in a variety of capacities, including as a classroom teacher.
When my two children were school-aged, I actively participated in their public school education. I volunteered at every school they attended and had the opportunity to work with faculty members and parents/guardians to develop high-quality programming for them and other students, such as the Global Studies Program and African American Achievement Celebration at Mountain View Elementary School and the H.O.U.S.E. (Helping Our Unique School Excel) after school club at Bull Run Middle School. I’ve served on the Principal’s Advisory Councils, where my children attended school and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for Instruction. I also attend and speak at school board meetings. I’ve been very intentional about learning how Prince William County Schools works and how I can help serve its students in meaningful ways.
I have had to advocate for my children’s education for many years. Other parents in PWCS are having similar experiences. I use what I have learned over the last 12 years to help other parents get their children the education that they deserve and explore non-traditional educational choices like homeschooling and micro-schooling.

Q: What inspired you to create the Sawubona School of Excellence, and how does the Zulu concept of 'I see you' shape your educational philosophy?

I first heard the word “Sawubona” in 2017 in a song that our Global Studies class was learning to sing for the upcoming school talent showcase. I didn’t think anything of it until, in 2022, a friend greeted me with Sawubona in a text message. It was like a light bulb came on; I instantly knew that would be the name of my school.
It is impossible to grow a child healthily without seeing and loving them. Someone can train a child to pass tests, follow directions, and perform tasks without seeing them, but I do not believe that a “trainer” who prioritizes “tasks” over relationships can help a child grow into who he/she was created to be; that takes love.
Sawubona means "I see you with my heart." It means that the humanity in me resonates with the humanity in you. Authentic education is not about fancy technology and expensive reading programs. Those things are icing on the cake. The cake is the love shared between an educator and a child that consistently shows the child that they are seen, heard, and valued. That is Sawubona.

Q: How has your experience as a board member of A Few Good MENtors influenced your approach to creating an emotionally safe learning environment?

My experience as an AFGM Board member reminds me of the importance of creating emotionally safe spaces for my Sawubona scholars and other children in our community. I think of our boys and young men as my boys and my young men.
Children get one childhood, and I have the privilege of positively impacting the childhoods of the boys and young men we serve. When researching opportunities to engage them, I think, “What needs does my son have?” “What choice would I make for my son?” My role reminds me of the tremendous need for children to be loved, heard, and affirmed in ways that are meaningful to them. As a trusted adult in these boys and young men’s lives, I consider it a privilege to help them learn and grow.

Q: Looking ahead, what do you hope will be Sawubona School of Excellence's lasting impact on western Prince William County's early childhood education landscape?

Only what I do for Christ will last. The Sawubona School of Excellence has God’s name written all over it, and I believe it will have an enduring legacy. Sawbona is my love letter to our community.
It is my heart’s desire that Sawubona grow into a community hub that serves students from preschool to 12th grade, their families, and the surrounding community in practical ways. I pray that we will graduate students who love themselves deeply and are well-equipped to love others. I hope that we will be able to provide scholarships to scholars who need them and to scholars who graduate and pursue advanced education. I look forward to establishing local and global partnerships with other leaders who support our vision of growing strong children.
Prince William County’s racial and ethnic demographics have changed and are continuing to change. It is the most diverse county in Virginia. What a gift to be able to serve the needs of the children and families who make Prince William County their home.

I look forward to getting to know the very nuanced educational needs of our community members and helping to make space for them to be seen, heard, and valued. I am excited about providing real solutions that value their cultural capital and meet their educational needs.

Jennifer Roberts continues to advocate for educational equity while developing the Sawubona School of Excellence. To learn more about her work or get involved in educational advocacy, visit https://www.thesawubonaschool.com/

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Weekly Challenge

Education Awareness Initiative

This week, we challenge our community members to participate actively in educational advocacy. Here are your three action items:

1. Attend a Local School Board Meeting

   • Find your next meeting date at your district's website

   • Prepare one question about current educational initiatives

   • Share your experience with fellow mentors

2. Explore DOE Resources

   • Visit www.ed.gov

   • Identify one program relevant to your community

   • Share this resource with at least three families

3. Share Success Stories

   • Document an educational success story from your community

   • Please submit it to [email protected]

   • Inspire others with positive outcomes

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

This powerful statement from educational reformer John Dewey reminds us that learning isn't confined to classroom walls or limited by age. It's a continuous journey that shapes our understanding, decisions, and growth. In today's changing world, Dewey's words ring more accurately than ever, encouraging us to embrace lifelong learning as a fundamental aspect of human development.

WRAPPING UP and LOOKING AHEAD

As we conclude this week's exploration of education, we're reminded that knowledge and mentorship form the bedrock of societal progress. Jennifer Roberts's insights and our examination of educational systems highlight a crucial truth: effective education requires both systemic support and personal commitment. As mentors, we stand at this intersection, helping bridge gaps and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Today, on Election Day, we're particularly mindful of how education and civic engagement intertwine to strengthen our democracy. Just as we exercise our right to vote to shape our community's future, our mentorship efforts help shape individual futures, creating positive change that will impact future generations.

Next Week's Focus: Leadership

Our spotlight turns to 'Leadership' next week, examining how powerful leadership practices transform communities and spark positive change. We'll explore:

• The foundations of servant leadership

• Building tomorrow's leaders through today's mentorship

• Practical leadership skills for mentors and mentees

• Success stories from our mentorship programs

Upcoming Events

Special Appearances

• November 8: President/Founder Michael R. Morgan will be a featured speaker at Seabrook Elementary School in Lanham, MD, for their "Men Make A Difference Day" celebration.

Chapter Expansion

• November 9: Milestone Mentor Training Workshop for our new chapters:

  • Our new Central Virginia Chapter and Hampton Roads Chapter Introduction Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST Location: Virtual Session (link will be sent to registered participants)

Get Involved

• Follow us on social media for real-time updates

  • Facebook: @AFewGoodMentors

  • Twitter: @AFGMentors

  • Instagram: @AFGMentors

  • LinkedIn: A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

• Visit our website: www.afewgoodmentors.org

  • Access mentorship resources

  • Register for upcoming events

  • Read success stories

  • Make a donation

Remember, the strength of our organization lies in the dedication of our mentors and the support of our community. Whether you're a current mentor, considering becoming one or supporting our mission, you're part of building a stronger future for our youth.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

Together, we're building stronger educational foundations and communities, one mentee at a time.

Warmest regards, Mr. Michael R. Morgan and The G.R.O.W. Team