Third Grade EC Students

Third Graders working with Mrs. Corpening

On March 17th, I observed the EC teacher working with my two third grade students. Parkview Village Elementary is so privileged to have Mrs. Corpening (Mrs C) as one of our EC teachers. She works with first, third and fifth grade students. The students in the picture above are both in my class. The little boy just transferred from Triangle Lake Elementary two weeks ago.
Mrs. C was working on finding the answers in the text. The students have been reading the same text all week. They've orally discussed the meaning of each paragraph.

 The text they were working on was given by the EC teacher. They two students would read the question together and then they would locate it in the text and highlight it. If it was correct they would then write it down on the answer sheet. I really like this small setting for the students. They don't get distracted easily and can get more one-on-one attention from the teacher.

I noticed that the EC teacher gave a lot of praise and encouragement. They loved getting the praise. I noticed that the little boy would work more to find the right answer before the little girl. He actually finished his work first and got to go to the gym, to play, as a reward. The little girl didn't want to do much. This is how she acts in my classroom as well. The EC teacher told her that she cannot leave until the work is completed. I noticed that she started to work a little harder. The EC teacher guided her a little more to encourage her to finish.

I really enjoyed watching this lesson because I know how much they both need the extra help. After watching this lesson, I will ask the EC teacher if she could use the passage we are using in class so that they get extra help with the skills we are focusing on. Since we are working on identifying the text structure between two paragraphs this week, it would be beneficial to have that extra help in this small setting.

The EC teacher expressed how difficult it can sometimes get because she has a first grade student that loves to run out of the room. At times she has to stop what she's doing to go and get him. She also  works hard and documents behavior to update the IEPs in order to meet the needs of her students.

High Point University Diversity Q & A

Dr. Nido Qubein 

On Tuesday, March 29th, 2016, the faculty Diversity Committee address an open public discussion with  Dr. Nido Qubein. Dr. Moses is the founder and head of the committee. The committee asked a series of questions to  Dr. Qubein about diversity issues happening at HPU.

1. Why don't we have an office of diversity (Multicultural Office)?

Dr. Qubein answered this question beautifully. He is all for it. He takes pride in being a global University. He considers himself to be a minority, even in his own country, Jordan, he felt like a minority. Jordan is made up of 95% muslims, and he was a Christian. When he moved to the US he was considered Arabic. He mentioned that it takes time and money to implement new offices. When the Multicultural Office takes place he wants it to be streamline. It's going to be a process. It is difficult to just quickly start something. 

2. The next questions had to do with Freedom of Expression. Can students have protests on campus?

Dr. Tuttle, Vice President For Student Life, answered this question. She mentioned that there is a poster policy and that the comments are managed because the University doesn't want it to be used for hate and anger towards other students. She also said that protests were allowed on school grounds. They have to be orderly and adhere to policies.

3. African American Students feel security is unfair to them. Is there a reason why there is more security at African American parties?

Dr. Qubein answered this fairly upset. He wanted to know specifics, when, who and where. He wanted to get to the bottom of this. Every student has the same rights and should be treated equally. He will take responsibility for anyone that doesn't get the answer they need. He does not like silos. If one office doesn't know the answer they should call somebody to find out the answer instead of just sending them to another office. If they cannot find an answer ask Dr. Qubein, he'll be happy to answer.

4. Diversity in curriculum. How or where is this being offered?

Dr. Carroll answered this question. He said currently there is diversity in the curriculum offered, especially in education and communications majors. He also mentioned that there is talk about starting a minor in diversity. They will do a better job at making students aware of what classes offer diversity. 

There was also a follow up question about hiring minorities as professors at HPU. Dr. Carroll said they hope that the biology position that was offered to a black male is accepted. They offered it to him and now they are waiting for his response. 

Dr. Qubein added that HPU has about the same number of African American students as Elon. HPU has about 6% and Elon has 8%. He mentioned he's unsure why it is like this and how to change it. He also said that students needed to be here when he first got there. They had nothing. The current students are spoiled because they weren't here when it was old buildings and much smaller. Now they have everything they could want. 

5. What concrete steps is HPU taking to increase diversity with faculty?
Dr. Qubein responds by saying nothing would please him more to have a more diverse faculty and staff. HPU will begin to advertise positions nationally, just as they did for the biology position.
6. What scholarships are offered?
Dr. Qubein believes in scholarships. He gave away 800 from his foundation. HPU can't be compared to Duke who has $8 billion, and HPU only has $30 million. He mentioned that they enhanced scholarships 6 times since the beginning. He also said that the MLK scholarships happen because of HPU who pays for them. He paid for first generation college students. He even said that just looking out in the audience there are two students he'd given scholarships. He says the day will come when they can offer more scholarships. He does what he can to increase that, but there's never enough money to fund everything.
7. What year do you see us to grow?
Dr. Qubein said that millions of dollars have been raised to build attractive, pleasing buildings, that way they can attract more students. HPU still needs a science undergraduate building, library, and another residence hall. He hopes that in 4 or 5 years the infrastructure will be taken care of and then they can focus on endorsements. He also mentioned that a lot of people don't want to give in a fund somewhere. Dr. Qubein mentioned how he borrowed $100 million and everyone thought he was crazy. But he persevered and believed it would happen. Dr. Qubein envisioned something great and made it happen. He wants students to have a good experience. He never wants to hear that students hate this school and that they're just here because they are on scholarship. He strongly believes that HPU is one community and family. He even mentioned his goal, which is to be excellent, not perfect.
One can easily tell how much Dr. Qubein loves HPU. He is open to add a multicultural office and he encourages someone to step-up and make it happen. Don't just come to him with an idea. Make it happen. He will always support. This was a great discussion and I don't think anyone left feeling upset or disheartened. Dr. Qubein has students from all over the world attending HPU. This is a multicultural school. He is very supportive of the idea. 

Community Outreach

Feeding the Homeless

Saturday, March 26th, 2016 I had the opportunity to feed the homeless. My church, Hope City, provides food, prayer, and groceries every Tuesday and Saturday at 5:30pm. We served approximately 500 BBQ sandwiches and 100 hot dogs with baked beans. They also provided drinks. They had a choice of water, gatorade or milk. On the other side of the fence the church setup stations for the children to participate in games and activities.
It was a humbling experience to provide food to those that are in great need. The families that lived in the neighborhood also joined us. The church purchased this property to be apart of the community. The building seemed to be an empty store. They painted the outside blue and black (which are the colors of the church). Inside the building is where they store groceries for the people. There wasn't much else in the building except shelves and many boxes. It is located at 1005 East Green Dr in High Point. This is a pretty rough part of High Point. Right across the street is Green Street Grocer. It looks very run down and has bars outside the windows. I wouldn't want to be driving down the street, by myself, and have my car break down. I would be scared. To be honest, I was kind of scared of some of the homeless people I was serving. I kept praying in my head, do not be afraid. God is bigger. There was a couple that seemed to be addicted to drugs based off of their behavior and mannerism. It was my first time serving them, so I didn't know them. The church members that come every Saturday and Tuesday have built relationships with them. They know what they've been through or what they are going through. They know each other by name and they are welcomed with a high five or hug.
I recall this one homeless lady who was very dirty, her hair was messy, she didn't have any shoes on and her skin was so damaged. She was standing in line by herself having a conversation with herself. She would ask herself something and then she would answer it. I handed her a plate and just smiled. I couldn't begin to imagine what she's been through in life. I had so many questions I wanted to ask her. What happened to cause you to be homeless? Do you have family? Where do you sleep? I didn't say anything. I just let her pass by and she got some food. I can vividly picture her in my mind and I think about her often. Her fingernails had so much dirt inside, and her clothes were so worn out. I wonder when the last time she ever felt loved.
I knew some of the children that were there. They attend the school I teach at. They recognized me and gave me a big hug. It breaks my heart to see children being raised in these conditions. They don't know anything else. I always think about the lives of my students. I hope that I instill the love of learning and they'll continue to go to school and graduate from college. I would love to see them achieve their goals and dreams.
Since it was the day before Easter, the church provided boxes of candy for the children. There were about 4 boxes full of candy. The children left with hands full of candy and chocolate. There was so much candy that even the adults started making their way over to get some. People left with bags of candy. I couldn't imagine taking home that much candy, and I mean that with a saddened heart. I guess when you are hungry you will eat what is available. They took what they could. Some even came back around through the food line to get another BBQ pork sandwich. Some wanted two to-go sandwiches to take home for their families.
I recall one day, asking my husband if we can go to Haiti and help feed the hungry children. He didn't oppose but he informed me of the hungry children right here in High Point. My eyes were finally opened. After experiencing this, I saw a great need. I am aware that most of the students at my school come from extreme poverty. The community provides so much for our students. Every student receives breakfast, lunch and a snack. But what happens in the evening? Or the weekend? I can't imagine what they've seen or experienced. Something needs to change. But what?
It's easy to get caught up in our everyday lives, everyone is busy. I think people should make time for others. It can be a humbling experience. At times, we may take for granted what we have. Experiences like this can make us appreciate what we have instead of wanting more. It can be difficult to appreciate what we have because in today's society people want bigger, better, faster. Technology is forever changing, so when a new phone or tv comes out, we want it. Why can't we be satisfied with what we have? Not everyone is like this, but there are many. There are many programs out there that help those in need. I hope that everyone could experience and make a difference in somebody else's life.