Drumming for Peace with Ramon Roman

1. OUR VOICE Newsletter 2nd Edition November 2005 Written by: Denise Fussell In This Issue: Public Meeting Each month Tytiana, Derrick, Korey, Diamond and Artessa take part in the round table discussion on social issues that effect the Jones College Prep community. The students are able to voice their concerns and ask questions of Dr. Fraynd (Principal), Mr. Wright (Asst. Principal) and Mrs. Oswald (Dean of Student Development) as well as each other, in an attempt to formulate a solution to a particular problem. Fitness CenterEvery week Emmanuel, Derrick, Korey, Robert and Terrell, along with their teacher Mr. Berman march over to the fitness center adjacent to Jones on State Street at University Center. The young men are able to exercise as well as develop their socialization skills. “GET A JOB”As our senior students embark upon the end of their educational experience at Jones College Prep, the real world awaits them. Mr. Berman and Mrs. Scott have developed a program for the students in room 205 to become an included part of our society through gainful employment. Every week, Mr. Berman and his eligible students are in the community filling out employment applications (Downtown Chicago) to secure our students, vocational training and experience for their future endeavors. Drumming for Peace with Ramon Roman Mr. Roman is a very unique individual in the Jones College Prep Community. He is a musical philanthropist. Having an extensive background in the percussion arena, Mr. Roman is quoted “The drum is the heartbeat of music, as the heart is to the human soul”. A Moroccan native, Mr. Roman brings the rhythm of the African-Cuban experience to the students at Jones College Prep. Professionally Mr. Roman has been accompanied by a 12- piece ensemble in the entertainment lime-lite. He has played for the Mutu Dance Ensemble on previous occasions and this coming Spring will be featured in the Chicago Magazine as he embarks on his second musical project. November 16, 2005 Mr. Roman, along with his protégé Neal Coleman, a graduating senior, college bound in the fall of 2006, graciously conducted a workshop with our students from rooms 205 and 503. This was a truly amazing session! The rhythm our students produced on their percussion instruments was outstanding! Mr. Roman’s goal for this particular workshop is to compose and record a percussional selection, presenting the heart beat of the soul with our students, as they drum for peace.

2. Dr. B Dr. Beech-Craig, the speech therapist has worked in Special Education for over 30 years. She is known to the students who love her for her dedication as “Dr. B”. She fills their life with humor and valuable lessons as she prepares them to become more independent individuals. Kudos Dr. B.! Ms. Moody (Our Special Angel) Ms. Moody is a gift to the students in 205 & 503. Each day at second period she implements various activities for us as we participate in adaptive P.E. instruction. This year, Ms. Moody’s cheer team will sponsor an… Angel Network. The team will sponsor special surprises to those students in room 205 and host a Christmas party for both classes to celebrate the holiday season. Ladies of Grace We cannot deny that when it comes to generosity and compassion, the ladies of JCP cafeteria staff are to be praised continuously. There’s no match for their united teamwork! Not only is their professionalism to be commended, but each lady gives a kind smile and goes that extra mile to serve our students on an individual bases. Thank you ladies for your loving hearts.

3. Spotlight: Teacher of the Month: Ms. K. (ESPANOL) Many of the students in room 205 have a common interest – the pleasure of being enrolled in Spanish class with Ms. K.! We’ve selected Ms. K as teacher of the month. Ms. K is a graduate of Texas University. She instructs fives classes of Spanish per day at Jones College Prep. When asked by her interviewer: Tytiana: How long did it take her to perfect a second language? Her response was “I started Spanish when I was a sophomore in high school so, its been quite a few years”. Tytiana: What is more interesting to you, students interacting, groups communicating in Spanish, or board work? Ms. K.: “It’s the inactions of my students. As they learn about other cultures, as they practice communication on a regular basis, and their comprehension of the language.”. For extending open arms to us. Gracias Senorita K. Gallery 37 Mr. Berman, Mrs. Scott and their team venture weekly to Gallery 37, which is located at 66 E. Randolph. Gallery 37 is a quality art program, proud of letting the artist develop their awareness as it also empowers its students to achieve excellence in the community! It is sponsored by the City of Chicago, Richard M. Daley; Mayor; and the Dept. of Culture Affairs. Derrick, Tytiana, and Terrell, along with Ms. Garcia and Mr. Berman have learned a great deal regarding Asian art from Miriam Socoloff, who instructs each session.

4. Being Thankful This season brings about the idea of giving thanks for all the things we are fortunate to have. Many of us thank God, our parents, family and friends, yet sometimes we forget to praise those who do the little things in our lives from day to day. So we have composed a Thank you list to those individuals Dr. Fraynd - For being a trendsetter administrator (who) has faith in developing a Special Education Department to improve the quality of life for special need individuals. Mr. Wright- For working to enrich communication between students and staff. Mrs. Oswald- For working so diligently in making things happen for the Special Education Dept. Mrs. Kroeger- For taking the challenges of working with parents and students to meet their needs. Mr. Berman -For being the caring instructor you are in developing individual independence. Mrs. Scott- For teaching our students language art and math skill continuously. Mrs. Fussell- For pushing your students to be all they can be. No excuses! Mrs. Garcia - For the daily service and inspiration you contribute. Ms. Bee - For you instructional guidance to each student Mr. Cox - For your Advisory skills and dedication to the students. Ms. Sampson - For your dedication and communication zest with the Spec. Education Dept. Mrs. White - For your dedication to the students you serve. Nurse Gwen - For always going beyond your nursing duties to make a situation a little brighter for the students. Mr. Espinosa - For your dedication and professionalism daily. Mr. Dixon - For developing events that we can be included in. Ms. Moody - For helping with our safety and evacuation procedures. Dr. B.- For loving us throughout the years. Mrs. Henton - For her daily dedication to her student and professionally over looking her health concerns. So thank you all and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING The students in room 205