We’re starting a PowerSchool User Group right here in St. Louis! We want you to be a part of it! Come connect with other PowerSchool Users, set a path for future collaboration.
Get ready to kick off the new year with a bang! Join our vibrant community of Connected Learning Ambassadors from across the region for an exciting networking event. Haven't become an ambassador yet? Don't miss out – sign up today for FREE!
Join us on March 4th at the Eye See Me Bookstore for a special event discussing the importance of incorporating African American history in all subjects. From 10am to 12pm, we will explore the ways in which understanding and acknowledging the contributions and experiences of African Americans can enrich our understanding of the past and present. This event is open to all and is sure to be both informative and thought-provoking. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and perspective. See you there!
Educators should attend this event because it offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of incorporating African American history in all subjects. This understanding can help educators create a more inclusive and well-rounded curriculum for their students and foster a more diverse and equitable learning environment. Additionally, the event will provide educators with new perspectives and ideas for how to teach African American history and culture in their classrooms. By attending this event, educators will be better equipped to promote understanding and awareness of the contributions and experiences of African Americans. equity starts with understanding.
Our mission is to be a resource to parents, teachers, and schools in providing the very best children’s books on the market that promote positive images and stories about African American culture and history. As a tool to help increase literacy, African American children will benefit by seeing themselves respectfully represented in the literature they read. Non-African American children will benefit by helping to dispel negative and inaccurate stereotypical images of people of color and that despite our many differences, all people share common feelings and aspirations.
We are parents of four lovely children. Together, we have created EyeSeeMe based on our years of experience raising four high achieving children. Our children have been tested in gifted programs; participated in leadership conferences; selected for public speaking engagements; and have attended Harvard University, Columbia University, and Bard College. How did we do it?
Our children were always inquisitive. After history class they would often run home and recite the many stories they learned about the great men and women of the past. But, they often seemed to have a presumption that their own heritage began at slavery. Yet, we could tell that they yearned for historical stories that included themselves as heroes, victors, founders, creators, and contributors to society. This yearning forced us to do our own research. We did find some very valuable historical information; but it wasn’t packaged in a way that was appealing to children. Furthermore, to our surprise, there were no educational or historical games geared for African American children. Therefore, we had no choice but to create our own.
We knew that if we could instill within our children a pride in their heritage and awareness of the great accomplishments of their forefathers that this would be the foundation that would allow them to grow into their full potential. We also realized that children learn by playing and interacting; not by simply memorizing and regurgitating dates and events during Black History Month. We created an environment for our children, which bridged the gap between education, identity, history & fun. We would sit around our dining room table for hours playing and learning. As we began to explore our vast heritage together as a family, we could see the excitement in our children’s souls as they embraced their nearly lost legacy. This excitement for learning transferred into their studies.
As our children grew we saw them approach school with purpose and a clear understanding that they are truly “standing on the shoulders of giants” and have a responsibility to do their best in everything that they do. Others noticed their achievements and upon inquiry we shared our games and products with them as well. Over the years we have had numerous responses from parents and teachers alike, that our products have been instrumental in helping children realize their full potential by seeing themselves in history.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Children need to have black role models and need to have a sense of history in order to understand who they are and build their self-esteem. When children see the many contributions that people that look like them have accomplished and have contributed to the world, they begin to believe in their own limitless potential.
Furthermore, children learn by playing and interacting with others. Eyeseeme’s products encourage and stimulate a child’s imagination and unleash their true potential through game playing and active learning.
EyeSeeMe African American Children's Bookstore was created in order to help bridge the cultural divide, so that African American children can benefit from exposure to literature that respectfully mirrors themselves, their culture and their families. EyeSeeMe, is the only children’s bookstore devoted exclusively to promoting positive African American Images and African American History while advocating for Academic Excellence. We believe that competent, caring, and properly supported teachers and parents are essential to student learning. EyeseeMe is here to help provide that support.
High Quality Products
We carry thousands of African American and Multi-Cultural Children's Books at our store on 6951 Olive Blvd, in University City and through our website. We spend countless hours researching all the major publishers and distributors including Random House, JustUs Books, Scholastic, & Capstone, looking for the very best books that will further our mission. Our books range from Baby/Toddler to High School, most of which meet Core Curriculum Standards.
Eyeseeme offers parents and teachers a very unique and diverse product line that fosters educational excellence and promotes educational family fun.
Community Services
In addition to being a full service bookstore we also provide the following services:
Book Fairs - Research has shown that the number one predictor to academic success is related to the number of books in the home. In order to increase the number of books in the home we offer Book Fairs , which can also be a means of fundraising. The excitement of an Eyeseeme Book Fair is one of the best ways to encourage reading and introduce children to new literature.
African American Reading Mentors - Encouraging literacy and a love for reading is our highest priority. We have found that when children are presented with literature that looks like them and are read to and encouraged to read by people that look like them, they are significantly more likely to become excited about reading.
Literacy and African History & Culture Presentations - We can assist with Teacher Professional Development and Parent Organizations on the latest research on literacy and the importance of African American History and positive Black Images
Plus we provide many more Literacy, STEM and History Classes in our store
We are a family owned and operated business that takes great pride in our ability to offer exceptional service and products to each and every customer. As parents we understand that you want the very best for your children; and provide nothing less. We hope to count you among our satisfied customers soon!
Pamela & Jeffrey Blair,
Owners and Founders
Join the zoom, be ready to share the best things you've found across the web. We'll throw out some topics, you share some great things you've seen or read on the web or in various apps. It'll be a blast and you'll leave with tons of new resources from all of your colleagues. Should be a blast!
The best thing I saw this week was....
Did you see the...
Did you see that Tweet from.....
This post was awesome.....
What's trending on TikTok....
I subscribe to this Newsletter, it's great....
I read this Article recently....
The research shows.....
I thought this was so crazy it might be real...
Not to get political but….
This recipie is a great Cocktail/Mocktail
I read these quotes and motivation this week and it rocked....
Going on in St. Louis...
Bring on another year and celebrate the back to school season!
Maybe you’ve started a new gig, maybe you are reenergized in your current gig, maybe you realize you haven’t seen anyone in a year or so and it’s time. Let’s get together!
Join us for an informal get together at the ever amazing Biergarten at Anheuser-Busch. Your first round and snacks are on us!
Come celebrate, bring your colleagues, your team, your department, your evaluating administrator, your cousin’s former roommate that now teaches and drives a bus for your district. Come one come all!
Connected Learning STL invites you to participate in our future program planning and would like you to join one of two scheduled focus groups where a facilitator will ask a series of open-ended questions about your programming interests. The focus groups will be limited to 10 people in each group.
We’re giving away 6, $50 gift cards to participants. Sign up today to win!
As a leader in nonprofit operations and professional development serving healthcare professionals and volunteer leaders for over 15 years, Elena has developed a passion for creating targeted programming for multi-disciplinary audiences that allows individuals to grow in their profession while serving a greater cause. Her expertise includes designing and implementing strategic initiatives and stakeholder analysis in nonprofit organizations spanning education & training, operations, technology design & implementation, staff development and resources. She has a special interest in social emotional learning and how it impacts organizational culture, staff wellbeing and motivation. Elena is a life-long resident of the Chicago area and is currently pursuing her MA in Organizational Development & Leadership at Fielding Graduate University. In her free time, she enjoys dancing in the kitchen while cooking and baking recipes from various nooks and crannies of the globe. She is also the world’s greatest aunt according to her nieces and nephew and enjoys Pilates and yoga. Once we can safely hug complete strangers again (post-covid), Elena plans to take up the tango.
A student with Fielding Graduate University, Jolene Etsitty, enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a student of Fielding Graduate University studying Organizational Development Leadership (ODL). Jolene is experienced and self-motivated in Human Resources over 18 years of working with people and working with changes that enhance the company, knowledgeable about employment law and effective organizational planning. A commitment to protect our collective families and communities was the focus from the start and continues today as a Human Resources Adjudicator/Delegated Supervisor serving to protect the interest of the employer and the rights of the vulnerable population.
Etsitty received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO. She then went on to receive an MBA from University of Phoenix, and currently she is pursuing her Master’s in ODL with Fielding Graduate University.
WHAT IS CUPPING?
Cupping is the industry term used to describe a professional coffee-tasting. Using this method, coffee is evaluated all around the world. We use this tool many times a week to select our coffees, train the palates of our staff, and determine the flavor notes that we put on our bags.
Cupping provides a consistent method for evaluating coffees. All coffees receive the same treatment when brewing in a cupping bowl and the process itself allows for many different coffees to be brewed at once and thus be ready for drinking at a similar time. As our staff walks around the cupping table, we take quick notes of tastes, body, sweetness, and other attributes before moving to the next bowl. Many passes may be required before we are ready to complete the evaluation by giving the coffee a "score".
One of the hallmarks of cupping is the use of a cupping spoon and the notorious "slurp". The slurp is not just the completely deterioration of manners - it is a pivotal part of tasting! The act aerates the coffee and spreads it fully over the tongue, giving the tasting a much fuller view of the tastes a coffee than simply drinking out of a mug. This can be a little odd to those just getting into the world of cupping coffee, but you quickly get used to it, especially when you really start grabbing all of the delicious notes. All this to say that the cupping room is simultaneously a very thoughtful yet noisy place!
There is no better way to truly know a coffee than through context and mindful drinking. Cupping provides both of these things. This is why a visit to our Roastery will more often than not involve seeing our team in our Cupping Lab, walking around a table full of cupping bowls, and enjoying coffees from around the world so that we can bring that same enjoyment to you.
Connected Learning is Partnering with Renaissance Financial to put on a fun, informal event. We’re going to play pickleball (or in my case learn pickleball), discuss and learn about your financial planning opportunities that Renaissance Financial can support you with, and have some yummy beverages (and other snacks but advertising them didn’t fit with the theme).
No Pickleball experience required.
No commitment to any financial planning seminars, time shares or anything ridiculous.
Come expecting the learn something new, meet new people and have fun!
Sponsored By:
CAMERON MCGINLEY
Financial Advisor
Phone: 314-932-4328
E-mail: cameron.mcginley@rfconline.com
Give thanks to your favorite 501(c)(3) nonprofit during this one of a kind FUNdraising event!
Tickets include drink delivery, snacks, and a zoom call with beer experts for an online tasting event.
Purchase today
We’ll drop off the order at your front door
You’ll log on to the zoom call to learn about the awesome beverages from experts at the brewery
6:30 - 6:45 welcome
6:45 - 7:00 4 Hands Brewery
7:00 - 7:15 New Belgium
7:15 - 7:30 Question/Answer - General Merriment.
An amazing selection of beverages personally selected from our partners at:
HINT: This event is a great holiday gift for your child's teacher. They certainly deserve a cheers during this unique year.
Formal speeches = nope,
Formal attire = nope,
Rubbery chicken = nope.
The 4th annual UNgala supports the work of Connected Learning: a STL non-profit connecting educators and transforming schools. Help us raise funds for the NEXT normal in education.
Connected Learning exists to provide resources to educators and create opportunities to collaborate in order to improve learning and teaching.
Fundraising Goals:
$20,000 to begin the work of:
Providing content-rich professional learning for educators during the summer institutes in 2022
Creating a database of the areas most innovative, collaborative and talented educators across our region
Building a platform of performance tasks that will assist our region in evolving the way we think about grading and assessment.
Connected Learning: Disrupt. Transform. Connect.
Each ‘ticket’ gets you
Prior to the event, you’ll order your food and give us an approxiamate arrival time
At the time of the event there will be a check in station. You’ll check in, get a swag bag and a video introduction
You’ll pull ahead to the parking lot, VIPs will find a spot to park, they will get waited on and get to mill about around the bon fire
When you reach the food truck, your food wil be brought to your window and handed to you inside the car.
You’re ready to roll.
At home there will be a virtual event to connect with others online (Thursday) and we’ll invite you to our upcoming events and experiences!
2 dinners provided by Farmtruck (You get to select)
1 maker kit to have fun at home
A curated playlist on spotify by The Party Inc.
An exclusive zoom invite to a hangout
CL Swag
Smiles from educators from all over our region
a seasonal dessert item (TBD)
Masked and gloved concierge service which includes a limited bar
Parking for a mask-friendly socially distance hang out with your friends
Connected Learning is Partnering with Renaissance Financial to put on a fun, informal event. We’re going to play pickleball (or in my case learn pickleball), discuss and learn about your financial planning opportunities that Renaissance Financial can support you with, and have some yummy Pumpkin Ales (and other snacks but advertising them didn’t fit with the theme).
No Pickleball experience required.
No commitment to any financial planning seminars, time shares or anything ridiculous
Come expecting the learn something new, meet new people and have fun!
Connected Learning is Partnering with Renaissance Financial to put on a fun, informal event. We’re going to play pickleball (or in my case learn pickleball), discuss and learn about your financial planning opportunities that Renaissance Financial can support you with, and have some yummy Palomas (and other snacks but advertising them didn’t fit with the theme).
No Pickleball experience required.
No commitment to any financial planning seminars, time shares or anything ridiculous
Come expecting the learn something new, meet new people and have fun!
Give thanks to your favorite 501(c)(3) nonprofit during this one of a kind FUNdraising event!
Get drinks delivered to your door!
It’s a fundraiser with DRINKS and the profits are GIVING educators a chance to connect, learn and transform their classroom practices for 2020 and beyond!
Tickets include drink delivery, snacks, and a zoom call with beer experts for an online tasting event.
Purchase today
We’ll drop off the order at your front door
You’ll log on to the zoom call to learn about the awesome beverages
An amazing selection of beverages personally selected from our partners at:
COVID-19 brought about a tremendous change in education. The question worth discussing is, Was what happened a tremendous opportunity for revisioning what could be in education, or a tremendous disaster of which we will have a generation of students forever impacted?
Maybe the answer is neither, maybe there’s a happy medium. Discussing what happened, what we can learn from what happened and how we might grow as educators is at the core of the discussion.
Get ready to listen, learn, share, participate. It should be a fun, creative, collaborative online discussion. Register today and receive a zoom link to participate!
Connected Learning is hosting a virtual happy hour to connect with our region's best educators and provide them emotional, technical and professional support in order to help teachers THRIVE.
Our agenda:
Check in - Who's here and where do you work?
What are you drinking :-). Recommendations for 'Quarentini' recipes
How is online learning going?
What is the best meme or online video you've seen (be prepared to share)
What can CL provide for you?
Check in again soon!
Connected Learning is hosting a virtual happy hour to connect with our region's best educators and provide them emotional, technical and professional support in order to help teachers THRIVE.
Our agenda:
Check in - Who's here and where do you work?
What are you drinking :-). Recommendations for 'Quarentini' recipes
How is online learning going?
What is the best meme or online video you've seen (be prepared to share)
What can CL provide for you?
Check in again soon!
Formal speeches = nope,
Formal attire = nope,
Rubbery chicken = nope.
The 2nd annual UNgala supports the work of Connected Learning: a STL non-profit connecting educators and transforming schools. Celebrate the best in education innovation with us as we disrupt the typical gala experience with a night of creativity, interactive maker stations, and delicious food and drink!
Join a group of Connected Teachers that will meet on a regular basis to discuss various topics. In this series, teachers will come together to discuss issues related to Social-Emotional Learning such as restorative practice, parent perspectives, researched-based resources, etc. This will be a wonderful opportunity for both general and special education teachers to gather, connect, and share ideas about how to address the social-emotional needs of our students.
2/2/19 - Resources Swap
3/2/19 - BalancED - Self-care expo
4/6/19 - Parent Perspective on SEL
5/4/19 - Restorative practice and social justice
All sessions are from 9-11 am and will be held at Webster University in Webster Hall room 204. We have a hard cap of 40 but I would like to be able to stream sessions. Joining the group will also ensure you have access to a site that will house resources, meeting notes, etc.
Don't Miss Out!
Join Color Art and Connected Learning for an evening conversation about the power of space design and how it can support the joy and engagement of learning. Speaker will highlight ideas, resources, and best practices.
5:30 - Network (15 minutes) - K-12 showroom
5:45 - Speaker 1 - Norval Nivel (20 minutes) - Classroom
6:05 - Design Sprint (30 minutes) - Groups will meet in Various Spaces in Color Art
6:35 - Share Designs (15 minutes) - Classroom
6:50 - Speaker 2 - Jim Brockman (20 minutes) - Classroom
7:10 - Speaker 3 - Dr. Dillon (20 minutes) - Classroom
7:30 - End
Jolene Levin, NorvaNivel Director
Topic "How Purposeful Space design impacts learner autonomy and engagement"
Bio:
'Jolene is passionate about designing creative and innovative spaces that allows all students' needs to be met for learning success. Since NorvaNivel was founded in Australia in 2010, she has personally partnered with hundreds education leaders to help their schools navigate from traditional teaching and classroom design to create agile learning spaces to support the pedagogy of today and tomorrow. With a view to the direction of education, Jolene creates the vision of learning spaces of the future. She brings with her hundreds of successful case studies and a commitment to improving education in the United States with inclusive learning spaces. She is inspired by her children and transforming the world in which they learn'
Jim Brockman, Assistant Principal and Director of Admission as CBC High School
Topic "Why Innovation? Why Now?"
Bio:
I graduated from the University of Missouri in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in the Science of Education. I earned my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Lindenwood University in 2009. I have been at CBC for 16 years. I spent the first 5 as a Social Studies Teacher. The next 7 years were spent growing and improving the Admissions Program as the Director of Admissions. The last 4 have been spent in my current role as Assistant Principal for Enrollment Management. During this time, I have been part of several projects and the creation of programs and processes at CBC, both big and small. The latest project was the redesign of the library into the Dunne Family Innovation Commons, an 8,000 square foot space completely dedicated to innovative thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and connected learning though experiences that cannot be replicated in the "traditional" classroom setting.
We will break up into 5-7 small groups. Each group will move to a different area within Color Art and be grouped with one our designers/application specialists with technology to share and create. In our furniture designing software, each designer will have a prebuilt classroom with preselected 'inventory' of furniture (located outside of the classroom to begin) to be placed and arranged in the room. The groups will be able to use whiteboards to sketch out ideas. Each group will be able to watch their classrooms and ideas come to life 3-dimensionally. At the end of the sprint, each designer will send Ashley and I a 2D & 3D of their classroom. We will then gather back in our classroom and share these with the group and have a little time to discuss. I am super excited about the design sprint and the ability to let our guests design in 3D!
A small group of passionate educators gathered in August to begin a journey. Each telling their story of innovation, creativity, change and personal growth. These stories, with the help of Dr. Robert Dillon, have come together to truly highlight the amazing stories of our region. Without a publishing company, without pre-sales, without support from many foundations we sought for financial support, we persisted. Our region's educators deserve to be heard, celebrate their success!
Join us for our second of three book release parties!
The Flexibility to Teach and Learn
Lori Kitrel - Rockwood
Making Math Add Up
Bob Deneau - Rockwood
A Forest, A Classroom and The Harmony of Seasonality -
Jessica Buckner - Raintree School
Demon Summoning and Stargazing
Dr. Michelle M. Oyola - Grand Center Arts Academy
STEM TEAM - Creating and Sustaining a Counterspace in a Co-Curricular Setting
Marie Draper and Chris Sellers - Jennings School District
Leveled Literacy and the Path to Focused Growth
Audrey Henebry - Troy School District
Conversations on Justice
Glenn Barnes - Saint Louis Public Schools
Episode 23
Matt Weld - Regional Office of Education- IL
Getting Ready for Reality
Dr. Kia Turner - Park University
Volume 1 and 2 will be on sale at the event, preorder 3 or the complete series here.
Preorder your copy of the series here or just volume 2.
10:30 - 11:00 Welcome and networking
11:00 - 12:00 8, 6-minute presentations with a short break in between, TED-style delivered by the authors of Volume 2.
12:00 - 12:15 Throughline of the stories and setting up of the next storyline found in Volumes 1-3 delivered by Dr. Robert Dillon
12:15 - 12:45 Book signing by authors/educators.
Join other educators as we tour this amazing space, play on the laser cutter, CNC router, embroidery machine and have fun MAKING together. You can even learn about how to become a member of MADE.
MADE is the place where St. Louis Makers, Artists, Designers, and Entrepreneurs create and collaborate. Our co-founders, Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer (the guys who brought you Third Degree Glass Factory), acted quickly when a makerspace chain went bankrupt in St. Louis, leaving over 500 local makers in the lurch. Our friends at Cortex gave Jim and Doug the tools they needed to get started, literally. We snagged all the machinery from the old place and hustled on out of there. After a year spent rehabbing a 100-year old brick bunker of a building on Delmar, we plugged in our gear, polished up the terrazzo floors, and opened our doors in November 2018. There is work in this world only you can make. Your side hustle, your bright idea, your passion project. MADE is where it’s going to happen. From the ground up. With your own two hands.
Demo on the laser cutter
Demo on CNC router
Demo on the embroidery machine
Create with a hands-on activity
Tour the amazing space
Learn more about MADE and the thriving Maker community
Walk away with something YOU made
Learn about how you and/or your school can become members of MADE
A small group of passionate educators gathered in August to begin a journey. Each telling their story of innovation, creativity, change and personal growth. These stories, with the help of Dr. Robert Dillon, have come together to truly highlight the amazing stories of our region. Without a publishing company, without pre-sales, without support from many foundations we sought for financial support, we persisted. Our region's educators deserve to be heard, celebrate their success!
Preorder your copy of the series here or just volume 1.
Join us for our first of three book release parties.
5:30 - 6:00 Welcome and networking
6:00 - 7:00 8, 6-minute presentations with a short break in between, TED style delivered by the authors of Volume 1.
7:00 - 7:15 Through-line of the stories and setting up of the next storyline found in Volume 2 delivered by Dr. Robert Dillon
7:15 - 7:45 Book signing by authors/educators.
We are kicking off Black History Month by raising a glass to Black and Brown educators!
This event will provide a space for Black and Brown educators to connect with each other, network with school leaders and recruiters, and hear from local education entrepreneurs.
We are partnering with @darionrobinson and The Black and Brown Teaching Trust to host this cool event, Join us!
Giving back never tasted so good!
Stop by Chipotle for our fundraiser and they’ll donate 33% of the proceeds to support the cause.
🌯Just Bring along the flyer below, Print this page, or show this flyer on your phone!
Join Us for a community fundraiser at the Blaze Pizza in Kirkwood. 20% of all purchases are donated right back to our organization. 100% of our money raised is spent on learning opportunities for our area teachers!
Present this flyer either on your device, or print this page and bring it with you!
Please show flyer at purchase
RSVP on the Event's Meal Page: RSVPing is super easy (Click the button above), plus it lets the group organizer and restaurant get a better idea of the turnout!
Show Up: Once you've committed, come show your support! Bring friends too--even if they haven't RSVPed online. In a hurry? Some restaurants may include take-out orders as well! However, be sure to clarify this with the organizer beforehand.
Be Mindful: Please remember that for every GroupRaise fundraiser you are treated as a regular restaurant customer. The Bonus: a percentage of your meal goes to a worthy cause!
Inform The Cashier/Server That You're A Supporter: The restaurant only counts sales from supporters during the specified time frame. Let your server know you're a supporter to make sure your check is counted towards your group.
Have Fun! Chow down on delicious food, chat with your friends, and have a good laugh! Who knew changing the world could be so easy?
Present this flyer at check out!
With EdcampSTL on 2/11/17 we need a time/space to gather, meet one another and begin brainstorming fun and engaging session ideas.
