Imagine that...IDEA Academy

This week launched with my highly motivated new school design team settling on a name, motto and logo for our school: IDEA Academy of Brooklyn "Where Imagination, Discovery, Exploration and Achievement Connect!" With vision and guiding principals written, we forged ahead developing a code of ethics, preliminary budget and staffing plan, two power points, rehearsals and presentations this week. I have been charged with task of designing our curriculum for our small arts-integration, public elementary school proposal. Our initial feedback was good, and I am still feeling very confident that we are working well and will deliver a powerful presentation on August 1st. 3 weeks down, 3 more weeks to go!

The week was punctuated on Friday, as we were hosted at the Lincoln Center Institute for the arts in education with 50 other aspiring principals and educators for a special panel speaking to us about imagination in leadership. Incredibly inspiring! The panel was introduced by the legendary Maxine Greene, who later met with and spoke to our cohort about the critical role of education and the future of our nation. Wow! Truly an honor and inspiration! http://www.maxinegreene.org/about_maxine_greene.html The panel was mediated by Sade Baderinwa, local ABC Eyewitness News anchor woman, who featured us at the panel discussion on the 5 o'clock news that evening! But, what was most inspiring were the resonant revelations shared by the distinguished panel: Penny Hammerich -Education Dean at Queens College, Ricardo Khan - Writer and Director of many award winning plays and musicals, Doug Lasdon - Founder and E.D. of the Urban Justice Center in New York, Jonathan Mooney- Writer and activist who authored "Learning Outside the Lines" and "The Short Bus" and Dr. June K. Wu - Professor at Columbia of Pediatric Physicians and Plastic Surgeons, and volunteer surgeon for Children of China Pediatrics Foundation. Though all panelists made thought provoking contributions about leadership, education and imagination, I was most inspired by Jonathan Mooney who shared his story of suffering through school as a dyslexic student with ADHD, who didn't learn how to read until he was 12 years old! http://www.jonathanmooney.com/ His personal story and connection to imagination, leadership and education was about a teacher he had who changed his life by imagining a different future for him regardless of his poor behavior, learning challenges and other life obstacles. "Without that teacher seeing me for who I was and not for all of the crap everyone else had projected on me, I would have never been able to imagine and actualize these possibilities for myself." That single statement sent chills up my spine as I recalled the students I've had. The future presidents, authors, artists, engineers, scientists, teachers, etc. whom I've had the honor to work with and learn from.

Saturday came well refreshed and welcomed after a much needed 12 hours straight of restful sleep! Dancing around my tiny dorm room with my swiffer mop, and interval trips to the laundry room found me feeling normalized and content to be so. I even found my way to the local hair salon for a long overdue haircut. My buddy said I was beginning to look like cousin it with bangs to my chin. Later I met up with my buddy and her buddy for dinner and a show. I love the Eatery on 9th Ave. at 53rd St.! http://www.eaterynyc.com/ However, the award winning musical "Spring Awakening", not so much. Too much male masturbation for my liking.