Ready Set Succeed is a new approach to the kindergarten transition for Black families in Flint. Ready Set Succeed includes all the important people in a child’s life: community partners, preschools, elementary schools, teachers, families, and of course 4-year-old children. We will all work together to make the transition to kindergarten easier for you and your child. The new approach focuses on racial equity and lifting the voices of Black families.
Ready Set Succeed is starting family meetings this spring. You are invited to come to the family meetings to learn more about your child’s move to Kindergarten. Ready Set Succeed also offers training for teachers, time for preschool and kindergarten teachers to meet and work together, and field trips for your child to visit local elementary schools.
What it offers the Flint Community:
- Support for families to advocate for their children’s needs
- Culturally responsive education that celebrates your child's background
- Training for teachers to reduce bias and create welcoming classrooms
What's happening now:
- Teachers are learning new ways to teach that consider different cultures through collaboration and professional development
- Pre-K teachers are working with kindergarten teachers to plan for Buddy Visits, where your child will do a pen pal activity, visit a kindergarten classroom, and read Lola Goes to School
What's next:
- Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers will reflect on their teaching to make sure it's inclusive for all students
- There will be meetings for families to learn more about kindergarten and gain tools to advocate for their children. Dinner will be included!
- Want to learn more? Check out our website www.readysetsucceed.org or contact Jalen Nunn (jnunn@theflintcenter.org) for more information about Ready Set Succeed.
As we wrap up the 2023-2024 school year, we're thrilled to come together for our final Network for School Excellence Meeting of the year! It's a time to honor the incredible dedication and hard work of our educators at the Network schools.
This gathering isn't just about discussions and planning – it's a celebration of the remarkable accomplishments made by our devoted educators throughout the year. We want each and every educator to feel appreciated for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to student success.
As we bid farewell to this school year, we're already looking ahead to the next round of sessions for 2024-2025. We're excited to continue our journey of excellence and collaboration, knowing that together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
This month marked an important milestone as we embarked on a highly successful site visit to the International Academy of Flint in collaboration with the Michigan Community School Coalition. This visit was not only an opportunity to bridge the gap but also served as a warm invitation for a deeper understanding of our school sites' inner workings and the collective impact we can make on the lives of our children.
Throughout the day, participants were immersed in a rich tapestry of experiences, including enlightening tours of the community school spaces, engaging discussion panels, and interactive workshops and learning sessions. Each facet of the event was meticulously crafted to provide insights into the essence of the Community School model, fostering meaningful connections and fostering a shared vision for our educational community.
As we reflect on the success of this site visit, we're inspired by the collective dedication and passion displayed by all involved. It's through collaborative efforts like these that we can continue to nurture environments where every child thrives and flourishes.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 25th, from 2-6 PM, as the Flint Parent Collaborative teams up with Brandon Corder of BeatsXBBQ for an unforgettable community field day!
At this exciting event, families from across Flint are invited to gather for a day filled with food, music, field games, activities, and more. It's a fantastic opportunity to bond with your children and fellow parents while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
But it's more than just a day of fun – it's a chance to make a difference. The Flint Parent Collaborative is on a mission to empower families to drive positive change for our children. By joining us, you'll become part of a dynamic community dedicated to creating a brighter future for Flint kids.
We're aiming to engage 65 new parents to sign up for the Parent Collaborative and join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of Flint children. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of something truly special! If you'd like to get involved, sign up here.
In our recent Community Council meeting, we delved into the concept of results-based accountability through collective impact, marking another step forward in our shared mission.
During the session, we examined critical data points, including the alarming number of children living in poverty and the enrollment statistics for 3-4-year-olds in schools. These insights laid the foundation for our discussions on enhancing the quality of learning experiences for children across our community.
Our gathering was enriched by the presence of representatives from various sectors, including philanthropy, economic development (Flint and Genesee group), health coalition, superintendents, community members, and out-of-school time providers. Together, we explored strategies to uplift our youth and improve educational outcomes.
A highlight of the day was the interactive MAP activity. Participants placed stickers on the map to indicate areas of service provision and the locations of the communities they serve. This visual representation offered profound insights into where our efforts are most needed and where we can make a tangible difference.
As we collectively charted our course, the overarching goal remained clear: to identify opportunities for supporting residents and fostering growth in every corner of our community. Together, we're committed to building a brighter future for all.
