Umoja News
March 2020 Newsletter
A Newsletter for Parents of Black Students at BCCHS
Umoja (Unity):To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
A Message from the Principal
I'm grateful to our BSU Support Team who believe in relentlessly pushing our school forward to do more in support of our students from African descent. Umoja is the perfect name for this newsletter because it aligns our Community Charter name with our intent to strengthen the unity of our African American students within our larger community. When I began as principal at BCCHS in July, one of my goals was to organize our personnel in a way that provides more support to our students with an emphasis on uplifting subgroups that have historically been neglected.
We are fortunate at Birmingham that the overwhelming majority of staff members believe in the unlimited potential of our students. My job then becomes to leverage their commitment and talent to serve our students and in some cases, like with this newsletter, to just say, "Yes!" With this in mind, I'm thrilled that the leadership of the BSU Support Team has led to creation of this 1st edition of "Umoja." I'm confident that this newsletter will prove to be an important resource to uplift and empower every one of our students and families from African descent. Please feel free to reach out to me or any of the members of the BSU support team as we partner together to support the success of our students.
Ari Bennett
BCCHS CEO/Principal
A Note from the Advisors for Students of African Descent
Your advisors for students of African descent on campus are Ms. Tracie Bowdoin, Administrative Director, Ms. Jeri Holden, Counselor, Mr. Will Covington III, Chief Business Officer and Ms. Amber Frazier, Physics Teacher. Our goal is to help, enhance and enrich the experience of students of African descent on campus. We are reaching out to parents to discover what your child needs to be successful in high school and be eligible to attend a college of university of their choice. We encourage you to reach out to any one of us if you need help navigating the high school experience. Ms. Holden examines transcripts to ensure students are on track to graduation. She talks to students about their high school experience and determines where they need help. Ms. Bowdoin works with the Black Student Union to help unify students of African descent and help them learn how to run an organization as well as provide cultural experiences outside of school for them. Mr. Covington tutors individual students in Math and provides a positive role model for our African American males. Mr. Covington also connects with outside individuals who come to school to help students learn about scholarships, provide tutoring, and enrichment classes. Ms. Amber Frazier is a physics teacher who supports the Black Student Union, helps students become successful in her physics classes, and is a positive role model for girls who want to enter STEAM professions. If you would like to contact us, please call 818-758-6541 and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
BCCHS BSU Support Team
Ms. Tracie Bowdoin
Email: t.bowdoin@birminghamcharter.com
Phone: 818-758-4404
Mr. William Covington, III
Email: w.covington@birminghamcharter.com
Phone: 818-758-5251
Ms. Amber Frazier
Email: a.frazier@birminghamcharter.com
Phone: 818-758-5200
Ms. Jeri Holden
Ms. Maya Holden
Email: m.holden@birminghamcharter.com
Phone: 818-758-6522
BSU at Skateland!
BSU at CSUN | February 25, 2020
Being a Black Patriot...
Mason White
Isis Jackson
Jade Johnson
This February during Black History Month, Ms. Akemi Webster, President of the BSU, provided black history information school wide, each Monday and Wednesday to educate the BCCHS community on the contributions persons of African descent have made to this country. The BSU also had a fundraiser at Skateland to raise money to purchase items for the club and so club members have funds to participate in outside activities. On February 29, 2020 the BSU will collaborate with other BSU’s from the valley and Los Angeles area at Notre Dame High School. Our BSU will provide decorations and decorate the event as well as learn about the activities in which other BSU’s participate.
School Sponsored Events and Activities
Additionally, during February, students of African descent attended the Black College Expo at the convention center in Los Angeles. Many colleges and universities were at the Expo to provide information to students regarding how to get into college and secure financial aid. Many colleges were taking applications and students were able to get accepted into college that day. African American students also attended Harambee at CSUN in February. Harambee is a cultural event that celebrates African American culture, heritage, and accomplishments.
BCCHS BSU Students at the Black College Expo!
February 1, 2020
The first 6-week grades reports of the Spring semester have been mailed and are available on Aeries. Please be sure to review with your students. Also, please connect with your students’ counselors and teachers to discuss your students’ strengths and opportunities for growth. If you need additional support, do not hesitate to reach out to the Advisors for Students as well. BCCHS is committed to support you and your students.
March 20-22, 2020
United Black Student Unions of California (UBSUC) - 2020 State Leadership Convention. Our BSU students will be attending the State Black Student Unions Convention for the first time this year. There students will learn how to successfully organize and run organizations. They will bring what they learned back to Birmingham to enhance the BSU here.
Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 6:00 pm
We are inviting you to an end of the year social to celebrate our students’ success within the African American school community. All families with students in grades 9 through 11 are invited to attend.
Monday, June 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
We will honor our graduating seniors with a Black Graduation celebration. Kente cloths will be distributed to graduating seniors to wear over their robes during the graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 4, 2020.
June 22-26, 2020
Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU’s) – Summer College Experience Tour (Grades 10 & 11) (Morehouse, Spelman, Clark-Atlanta, Johnson C. Smith, Howard, North Carolina A&T)
July 6-12, 2020
UCLA Bruins – Village Nation Summer Camp (Grades 9)
There are many more organizations for parents to get involved in at Birmingham. Please attend our PTSA meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. Dinner is served, Mr. Bennett our principal shares information and it’s a good way to learn about what’s happening at school. Also please plan to attend our Governing Board meetings. The Board steers the policies and procedures that are put in place at Birmingham. They need to hear your voice your concerns about what your child needs from the school. Please check the website for meeting dates as the meetings alternate between Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings.
For more information about Birmingham, please visit our website at www.birminghamcharter.com. For specific information regarding parents, please click on the Parent Section. For general information about the school, please explore the website as there is a wealth of information for you.