Film Friday featuring Summer Camp

Summer is nearly here! We're so excited that we wanted to take a look back at Thriving Minds Summer Camp 2010 at Dallas ISD which served nearly 8,000 elementary school students. Thriving Minds Summer Camp 2011 is expanding to serve not only elementary students but nearly 2,000 middle schoolers. We can't wait to share stories and photos from the upcoming camps!

Hill Middle School Receives $3,000 Grant

It’s no secret that teens want to stay up on the latest fashion trends, but a group of students at Robert T. Hill Middle School are using fashion as a tool to boost school pride and develop career skills. The school’s student government club, part of the Thriving Minds after-school program, was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from MetroTex Association of Realtors (MetroTex) to purchase a silk screening machine and other materials to create t-shirts for the entire student body. The project was one of only four that received funding this year through the organization’s annual grant competition, say MetroTex representatives. The group received proposals from more than 25 schools across the North Texas region.

“These students were chosen because the idea behind what they want to do is special,” says Rene Barrera, a director with MetroTex. “What you want to do will empower you and other children in the school,” he added as he addressed the student government representatives during a check presentation at the school on May 20.
 

MetroTex looked to fund projects that would benefit the entire student body, not just individual students or groups, say representatives of the organization. They also gave preference to proposals that would leverage support from other sources in the community.

Once the equipment and materials are purchased, the student government will develop various t-shirt designs that will be reproduced for the school says Jasmine, a sixth grader involved with the project.

“There wasn’t enough stuff to benefit kids at the school,” Jasmine says. “We want to make these shirts to show how much we love our school, and to make other students feel good about the school.”

Students will also use the equipment as a way of developing vocational skills, and train other students in the art of screen printing.

In addition to Jasmine, the student government includes sixth graders Nicole, Zitalli, Stephanie and Aaliyah, as well as eighth graders Stephanie and Itzel.

Photo Friday: Conner Elementary Students Perform at Japanese Celebration

On Saturday, May 7, a group of Thriving Minds after-school students from Conner Elementary had the chance to perform their dramatic interpretation of The Cloudmakers, a kabuki-style theatrical performance, as part of the Crow Collection of Asian Art’s Japanese Children’s Day celebration.

Dallas City Council recognizes stars of SLANT 45 The Movie

On May 4, many of the stars of SLANT 45 The Movie gathered at Dallas City Hall for a special City Council recognition ceremony. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano acknowledged the students for their efforts to improve and give back to their communities through their SLANT 45 projects.

Representatives from Team Do Something Great of the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, Team FROGs (Friends Reaching Our Goals) and the Clarke Cougars Anti-Graffiti team attended the ceremony and spoke about their projects and how they impacted their communities. They also received a certificate from Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Medrano and signed movie posters for each council member.

We applaud these teams (along with the thousands of other teams that participated in SLANT 45) for their creativity, dedication and hard work to transform their schools, neighborhoods and cities.

Click here to see a video of a portion of the ceremony filmed by Will's dad.

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano congratulates Veronica Tovar of the Clarke Cougars Anti-Graffiti team with a high five.

SLANT 45 teammates, coaches and parents with Mayor Dwaine Caraway and members of the Dallas City Council.

Will Lourcey of Team FROGs (with teammate John-Thomas Bolger) explains the impact of his service-learning project to City Council members.

Photo credits:  Margarita Martin-Hidalgo

Photo Friday - A look at Thriving Minds after-school

Here are just a few of things parents, volunteers and kids have said about the Thriving Minds after-school program:

"I love Thriving Minds after-school because it is fun, fun, fun. The best thing I like is Mr. Nic and how he teaches us about different kinds of art. Also, all of the teachers really respect all of the students." - Jose, student

"Thriving Minds has been a wonderful experience for my son and our family. I appreciate all of the opportunities that Thriving Minds has afforded Urban that otherwise would not had been able to experience. Each day he has an opportunity to learn about different cultures and to share of his own in a friendly and safe environment. He has learned to work together as a team, but more importantly is given an opportunity to tutor when needed. This is Thriving Minds greatest attribute. Many many thanks to those that sponsor and assist in the administration of such a wonderful program. Thank you for allowing Urban to ‘Thrive’ and open his ‘Mind’ to all the Thriving Minds has to offer. We look forward to participating in the coming years.  Thank You." - Monica, parent

"I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to volunteer with the Cooking Class of Thriving Minds this past year.  Your attentiveness to details, safety and inclusiveness of all student needs were exceptional on every level.  I especially liked the fact that the deaf-education children were included in learning new things.  I even learned some sign language. You have a very special group there with Thriving Minds!  Keep up the great work and keep those minds thriving!!" - Victor, parent & volunteer

"There a two things that I most like about Thriving Minds after school program and Big Thought.  First of all I really like the homework help.  Having the children's homework done makes for much more enjoyable and stress free family evenings.   Secondly as grandparents raising grandchildren, we have limited funds.  Big Thought has given us opportunities to go the ballet and several of our wonderful museums.  These  experiences, have expanded and enriched our grandchildren's already tremendous interest in the arts, and have made them understand their talents and potential." - Mrs. Rodriquez, Grandmother

Congratulations to Dallas ISD student David Andrews

David Andrews, a 5th grader at Moseley Elementary School, was accepted into the Debbie Allen Dance Institute. David was among nearly 200 students who auditioned for a spot in the prestigious dance institute, which is now in its 13th year. David began studying dance recently under the tutelage of Chris Champion, a dance instructor in the Thriving Minds after-school program at Moseley. Champion, along with David’s family members, were on hand for moral support during the audition, which took place on April 30. Of the experience, David said, "What I liked…was that I got to dance with Debbie Allen, I learned new dance moves, I got new friends, and it was very fun." The Debbie Allen Dance Institute will run June 20 – July 1 at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.