Blog

Building our Liberian Relationship

We continue to build our relationship with the B4YT youth organization in Liberia, West Africa. Yesterday we viewed a film of their young people answering questions we sent about the government in Liberia. Today we filmed a video answering questions from the Liberian youth about government and politics in the United States. They were curious about the impact of the change of U.S. Presidents and how young people get involved in issues. Each of our students reviewed the presubmitted questions so they were prepared when we filmed a video of their responses to share with B4YT.

We have settled on this format of sending videos back and forth because it is difficult to establish a good live video stream where we can talk together at the same time. Janiah represents TCS and works with Jalen from B4YT to coordinate the relationship and handle all of the technical needs. We alternate sending videos back and forth on the same topic with questions from each group and in between, each of us sends a reaction and followup video.

We deeply appreciate the commitment of the youth and staff at B4YT to building this international relationship across the Atlantic.

https://www.b4youththeatre.org/

Students Break Out!

Through the kindness of Mr. Don, the students went to Breakout Games in Timonium today.  The class was separated into 3 groups and each was given a different scenario and locked in a room with a one hour time limit to break out. In order to accomplish this, they would need to work together to solve clues while the clock is ticking.

Here were the 3 scenarios: 1) The Kidnapping: you wake up handcuffed and blindfolded.  Can your team escape before the kidnapper returns; 2) Mystery Mansion: An old mansion. An eccentric family. A looming presence. Race the clock to uncover its secrets; and 3) Runaway Train: A train laced with explosives is headed downtown.  you’re onboard.  Can you stop it in its tracks?

Everyone had a great time! Each of the teams put in a full team effort! Two of the teams  succeeded in their Breakout before the clock ran out.

Thanks for Mr. Don for a terrific time!

Conversation with Dylan Low Part II

TCS Volunteer and JHU PhD candidate Dylan Low came in today to continue his Conversation with the students. In the first he mainly talked about his home country of Singapore, but this one was far more personal.  Dylan talked about his early life and his educational journey.  This included schooling in Singapore, college in Thailand and Taiwan, military service all before landing in Baltimore.  He also talked about his research interest in cognitive neuroscience and linguistics. The students were particularly interested in his time teaching in a camp in Thailand for refugees from Myanmar.

In addition to his rigorous schedule at Johns Hopkins, Dylan makes time to volunteer at the school preparing curriculum materials.

We are fortunate to have Dylan as part of our community and thank him for his generous sharing of time and talent.

Environmental Science Course Begins!

We welcome Professor Sandra Nonyerem Bunmi Ukoh to TCS where she will teach Environmental Science. This three credit college course comes to us through our partnership with Baltimore City Community College. Especially in this time, learning about the environment and the natural world is critically important.

Professor Ukoh was born in Nigeria and studied at the University of Lagos. She holds three degrees in science.  She describes her interest this way: “My interest is in environmental pollution, health and toxicology which is the branch of public health that focuses on the relationships between contaminant, people and their environment; so as to promotes human health and well-being; and fosters healthy and safe communities.The study and effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment using the principles of biology and chemistry to ascertain the behavior of man-made and natural chemicals. The impact of this study is to advance policies and programs to reduce chemical and other environmental exposures in air, water, soil and food to protect people and provide communities with healthier environments.”

Students in the 11th and 12th grades are taking this course and they are already eagerly learning.  Thank you Michelle White from BCC for bringing this opportunity to our students. Welcome Professor Sandra to our learning community!

Conversation with Mario Armstrong

We had a high energy Conversation with Mario Armstrong, two time Emmy Award–winning talk show host and Digital Lifestyle Expert® on NBC’s TODAY Show, CNN, NPR, and more. Mario shared with the students lessons from his life while engaging with the students about their lives and goals.

After the Conversation, one student remarked, “This was one of my most favorite conversations. When people give life advice, they don’t usually use the people in the room as an example. He used everyone in the room as an example and told us things we could do to improve ourselves and grow. He was extremely passionate about all his projects and works. My favorite piece of advice was whatever you’re doing, give your 100%. If you are working, 100%, if you are with your family, give them your 100%. I really respect and want to apply that advice.”

Mr. Armstrong pledged to return for a followup Conversation in the upcoming weeks and also to plan a three seminar series for the next school year.  We are very thankful for his generous sharing of time and talent and are looking forward to his return!