Did You Know?
The word shero has been in circulation since the 19th century and refers to women worthy of admiration. SHEROES are women who display strong heroic traits under tremendous pressure and who overcome their circumstances. SHEROES are Women who are active givers, examples of what is possible, and are brilliant inspirations to people of all ages. SHEROES are those women that have been through extraordinary experiences and have proven to be “SHEROIC” in their efforts. During Women's History Month and every month, let's help our students celebrate the sheroes that have made an impact on their lives.
Who is Your Shero?
Ask your students to think of three women who have inspired them and why they feel they are special. Finally have them write a note of appreciation to each of their sheroes.
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Kimberly Bryant
Kimberly Bryant earned a degree in electrical engineering and spent years working as a product manager in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2011 she decided she wanted to help girls of color to get involved with computing and launched Black Girls Code. Black Girls Code is a nonprofit organization designed to encourage students to learn more about technology. Bryant said that though much has changed since her college days there is still a lack of interest in the field. Bryant feels that with access and exposure to STEM these young ladies will become builders of technological innovation. “Imagine what impact these curious, creative minds could have on the world.” Lang, Marissa. "Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls Code founder, opens doors in tech."San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2017. Web. 16 Feb. 2018. | Dr. Crystal Jensen MooreDr. Crystal Jensen Moore, a member of the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma, completed her Doctor of Education in Learning Technologies in May 2013. She utilizes her degree to help Native American/Indigenous Peoples’ to culturally preserve, revitalize, and build capacity, especially in rural and remote locations. Dr. Moore views herself as an empowered servant leader and has a tremendous desire to serve those that are in need. Crystal is the Founding President of Integrity Technologies which promotes future use of communication and technology in remote areas. Due to overall cultural decimation, lack of access to technology, and money Dr. Moore’s efforts are a work in progress. However, she is dedicated to completing the task she has started. “Dr. Crystal (Jensen) Moore.” Educational Instruction Leadership, www.se.edu/dept/eil/faculty/dr-crystal-moore/. | Amy ShengErick Douglas and Amy Sheng co-founded CellScope with the expectation of designing tools for better health care. Initially they worked with smartphones to enable remote diagnosis of infectious diseases. This product would allow families to access health care more conveniently. The culture of their company is open and collaborative. Erick and Amy are looking to hire people who are inspiring, driven, and inquisitive. People who are good at something and excited to share their enthusiasm. N.p., n.d. Web. ttps://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/when-it-takes-a-woman-to-design-products-for-women/ |
Kimberly Bryant
Kimberly Bryant earned a degree in electrical engineering and spent years working as a product manager in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2011 she decided she wanted to help girls of color to get involved with computing and launched Black Girls Code. Black Girls Code is a nonprofit organization designed to encourage students to learn more about technology. Bryant said that though much has changed since her college days there is still a lack of interest in the field. Bryant feels that with access and exposure to STEM these young ladies will become builders of technological innovation. “Imagine what impact these curious, creative minds could have on the world.”
Lang, Marissa. "Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls Code founder, opens doors in tech."San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2017. Web. 16 Feb. 2018.
Dr. Crystal Jensen Moore
Dr. Crystal Jensen Moore, a member of the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma, completed her Doctor of Education in Learning Technologies in May 2013. She utilizes her degree to help Native American/Indigenous Peoples’ to culturally preserve, revitalize, and build capacity, especially in rural and remote locations. Dr. Moore views herself as an empowered servant leader and has a tremendous desire to serve those that are in need. Crystal is the Founding President of Integrity Technologies which promotes future use of communication and technology in remote areas. Due to overall cultural decimation, lack of access to technology, and money Dr. Moore’s efforts are a work in progress. However, she is dedicated to completing the task she has started.
“Dr. Crystal (Jensen) Moore.” Educational Instruction Leadership, www.se.edu/dept/eil/faculty/dr-crystal-moore/.
Amy Sheng
Erick Douglas and Amy Sheng co-founded CellScope with the expectation of designing tools for better health care. Initially they worked with smartphones to enable remote diagnosis of infectious diseases. This product would allow families to access health care more conveniently. The culture of their company is open and collaborative. Erick and Amy are looking to hire people who are inspiring, driven, and inquisitive. People who are good at something and excited to share their enthusiasm.
N.p., n.d. Web.
ttps://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/when-it-takes-a-woman-to-design-products-for-women/
What's In Your Tool Box?
When it comes to bullying there are different modes and types including direct (directly in the presence of a target youth) and indirect (one person, or group of people, undermines or tries to ruin someone’s reputation by spreading rumors and gossiping behind his/her back). Bullying can occur in different places, and by different methods: online through cellphones, e-mail and internet chat rooms.
Who Is at Risk? No single factor puts a child at risk - bullying can happen anywhere, at any time, in any city or neighborhood or school. Some targeted groups include those from the LGBTQ, youth with disabilities, and youth that are socially isolated. Children that experience bullying may have one or more of the following risk factors. However, these factors do apply to every child.
- A perception that a child is different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider “cool.”
- Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves.
- Are depressed, anxious, or have low self-esteem.
- Are less popular than others and have few friends.
- Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention.
What Can You Do?
When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Research shows this alone can stop bullying behavior over time. There are simple steps all adults can take to stop bullying on the spot and keep kids safe.
- Intervene immediately. It is ok to get another adult to help.
- Separate the kids involved.
- Make sure everyone is safe.
- Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs.
- Stay calm. Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders.
- Model respectful behavior when you intervene.
- Recognize that as parents, school staff and caring adults we all have a role to play in preventing bullying.
“StopBullying.gov.” StopBullying.gov, www.stopbullying.gov/.
Book of the Month
Girls Think Of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
by Catherine Thimmesh
Women have been instrumental in inventions that have made life simpler and convenient. Their inspiration was a result of necessity, and they have invented everything from chocolate chip cookies to windshield wipers. Some of these young ladies were only ten and eleven years old when they started. Featured in the book Girls Think of Everything are some of the worlds greatest inventions and inventors. The book shares the stories of these inventors and what inspired them to pursue their ideas and dreams.
Girls Think of Everything Can be found in Springfield Public Schools Libraries.
