Ready Set Go 2020: Week 7
Dear Families,
I do not know about you but I certainly feel like with everything that is going on life has certainly become a little less than normal. For children it can certainly feel like this summer break is not like anything they have experienced before. It is summer and it should be fun so here are some ideas for activities that are fun and educational.
Scavenger hunt - Get out to a local park to “hunt”. Before you go, make a list with your child of things that can be found in a park or wooded area. With that list in hand go to one of the many Cleveland Metroparks in the area. You can find a list of parks at https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/. Help your child to “hunt” for the things on the list you made. Collect some of things you find in an old book bag or plastic bag.
Build a nature board – When you get back home lay the things you collected during your scavenger hunt out on an old towel. They are going to be a little dirty. Wipe them off and begin to paste or tape them to a piece of cardboard. You can use a box that you split open and lay flat. Make sure to have a place on your cardboard for each of the items you found and for a nametag.
Make a nametag - Help your child to write out the name of the things you pasted to the cardboard. Depending on the age of your child, this can be a good time to practice holding a pencil, recognizing letters, or spelling. You can use a piece of notebook paper or index cards for the name tag. Your child can be creative and decorate the name tag with crayons, markers, pens, etc.
This can be a safe way to get out and enjoy summer.
Kareemah
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Kareemah Williams
Parent of Two Breakthrough Alum
Former Board Member of Citizens Academy
Former Board Member of Breakthrough Schools
Current Director of Enrollment & Engagement
Office: (216) 367-5720
Email: kwilliams@breakthroughschools.org
Activities & Resources
Inspire Hope (Formerly Warrensville Heights Ward Four Youth Program) food distribution program to support families in need
Date & Time: every Thursday, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Leasing Office Parking Lot 4340 Clarkwood Pkwy in Warrensville Heights
Related Notes: All are welcome regardless of where you live.
Momentum Tutoring - Virtual Summer Camp
Age Range: K-12 Grades
Dates & Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 AM starting on July 12
Cost: Free for Cleveland residents
Contact Information: 216-403-0120, email momentumtutoring10@gmail.com
Related Notes: Programming is focused on Reading and Math!
Harvard Community Services Center
The Yoruba Arts Peace Circle
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 29, 6:00-6:45 PM
Location: Harvard Community Services Center, 18240 Harvard Avenue
Contact: P. Michelle Brown at 216-991-8585, ext. 3103 or email perenthiab@gmail.com
Masks are MANDATORY
Refer Your School!
If you know someone who may want to enroll their child/ren in our schools, let them know we would love to have them as we have space for new scholars. Submit your referral at the button below!
Reading Ideas for Fun - eBooks
The Cuyahoga County Library and Cleveland Public Library are now open for drive-through window and curbside service at 13 locations.  Fortunately for all of us both libraries are offering continued access to their digital and streaming services. You will need a library card to access these materials. If you do not have a library card you can apply for a library card online here for the Cuyahoga County Library or here for the Cleveland Public Library.
Grades K-2
I am Loved
by Nikki Giovanni
There is nothing more important to a child than to feel loved, and this gorgeous gathering of poems written by Nikki Giovanni celebrates exactly that. Hand-selected by Newbery honoree Ashley Bryan, he has, with his masterful flourish of color, shape, and movement, added a visual layering that drums the most important message of all to young, old, parent, child, grandparent, and friend alike: You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. As a bonus, one page is mirrored, so children reading the book can see exactly who is loved—themselves!
Grades 3-5
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson brings Bass Reeves' story to light with vibrant writing, a wealth of resources, and a strong sense of time and place. Reeves had a long, successful career as a renowned lawman, but his story is overshadowed by such contemporaries as Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok. A glossary explains some of the “Western” expressions, such as dry-gulch, shooting irons, and tumbleweed wagon; less patient readers might struggle with the unfamiliar expressions, but more likely kids will be drawn in by the sense of adventure. Micheaux does not romanticize the Old West, instead giving a gritty account of the hard realities of the late 19th century.
Grades 6-8
Hoodoo
by Ronald L. Smith
A vividly rendered setting, a deep background in Southern tall tales and folklore, and a likable reluctant hero of a protagonist distinguish this creepy supernatural thriller. Author Ronald L. Smith hits the middle-grade sweet spot with a gripping historical tale, providing plenty of suspense without overindulging in gore. Readers are likely to be captivated by Hoodoo's first-person voice and will root for him as he struggles to define his identity while facing off against a nemesis schooled in the arts of black magic. Strong language includes a couple of instances each of "ass," "piss," and "hell." Sexual content is limited to some first-crush flirting. Adult characters drink hard liquor and smoke cigars.
Hear from Our Alumni
We are so proud of our alumni! Hear from two of them, Alura and Teon, in this conversation with Breakthrough co-founder John Zitzner. In it they discuss where they are now, how they are navigating life during these uncertain times, and how Breakthrough helped them discover their own strengths to set themselves up for success through high school, college, and beyond.
Get Involved
If you are interested in getting involved at your school specifically, or with me at the citywide level, let me know. We always welcome parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents interested in volunteering and getting involved in several ways. Email me here or call me at 216-367-5720 and ask for Kareemah. I look forward to hearing from you!
