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#UnlockingExcellence

#UnlockingExcellence

October 26, 2016 By Mark Gaskins

tvm-family-night-6840

What happens when a child believes in his or herself and becomes a visionary? Their goals, combined with a positive self-identity, become a compass for their future and a barometer for their expectations in life. A child that is pursuing his or her dream needs a community to pave the way with love, encouragement, support and resources.

As Frederick Douglass has told us:

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Strong children lead to even stronger families and communities that thrive. Schools aim for each and every student to succeed. Service providers seek to deliver this with their resources. Families want this for their children. In Southern Alameda County (Union City, Hayward, Fremont, Newark) it is widely known and seemingly accepted by some, that students of African descent perform academically at the bottom compared to their counterparts.

At the same time, they are represented at the top of the disciplinary distribution. While graduation rates are over 80% in some districts,we’ve learned that students are not eligible to apply to a 4-year college due to not completing the required courses in high school. Of all the resources and service providers available in this rich area, youth and families of African descent still travel outside of their immediate community or never receive the support they need.

So, whose problem is this? Who do we hold accountable? The children, their parents, or the community? In less than two years, The Village Method (TVM) has impacted the lives of over 200 youth and families. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the children and families allowing us into their lives. We never would have imagined the amount of learning required to develop a program that is responsive and adapts to the unique needs of our community. We are humbled and thankful to all those who have supported our vision of services.

As we press forward, TVM is narrowing its focus to the effect of implementing a greater degree of academic rigor and guidance into our programming. The theme for our 2016-17 academic school year is

#UnlockingExcellence

…and it represents a chapter in our larger vision: “From the Bottom to the Top”. With this initiative, we intend to increase the number of our students represented in the upper 25th percentile of academic performance. Students and their families are excited! The school district is on board! TVM is staffing up for the challenge! To be successful, it will take the efforts and collaboration of the entire village as we rally for support. Incentive programs, celebrations of success, establishing partnerships, financial support, and plain old sweat-equity will all contribute to our collective success.

Are You Ready?

Filed Under: Academic Excellence, Village Method Tagged With: #UnlockingExcellence, Achievement, Black Scholars, It Takes A Village

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Testimonials

TVM Gives Hands on Experience

My son’s favorite subjects in school are Math and Science and it’s great that The Village Method includes programs that introduces him to hands on experience. They include coding, trips to UC Berkeley, and guest speakers that… Read more “TVM Gives Hands on Experience”

The Village Method at Alvarado Middle School

“I really appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Gaskins bring The Village Method to Alvarado Middle School. My daughter is enjoying it immensely!” –Parent of a Sixth Grade TVM Scholar

The Village Method is a Beautiful Thing

“Your program is a beautiful thing! I am thoroughly impressed.”  –Father of a Seventh Grade TVM Scholar

Informative and Fun Family Night

“Thank you Mark and Mahea for organizing such an informative and fun family night! I loved listening and seeing The Village Method students speak and present to the audience. It was also great to see… Read more “Informative and Fun Family Night”

The Village Method is a Family

“The Village Method is a family and we are learning about one another so that we can see that we are alike even though we are not related and we are also a team” —… Read more “The Village Method is a Family”

The Village Method is a place for Black people

TVM Scholars

“The Village Method is a place for Black people where we have the freedom to express ourselves, go on field trips, learn about our culture, and practice stepping formations.” — Sixth Grade TVM Scholar

From being immature to a proud young scholar

7th Grade TVM Scholars

“The Village Method teaches us to be an awesome scholar not just in class but for the whole community. TVM also helps us to turn from being immature to a proud young scholar.” Seventh Grade… Read more “From being immature to a proud young scholar”

TVM Can’t Stop

“Can’t tell you how much this community means to us! TVM is great for our son, but it means as much (if not more) to our family. This can’t stop! Thank you Mahea and Mark… Read more “TVM Can’t Stop”

Impressed with TVM Leadership

“I volunteered for the better part of a school year with TVM. I was really impressed by the TVM leadership; their continued commitment and drive to have the program succeed was inspirational. (The only reason… Read more “Impressed with TVM Leadership”

It takes a village

The Village Method (TVM) is dedicated to teaching our children not only how to manage their academic success but how to make good life decisions through knowledge and love for our rich African history. I am… Read more “It takes a village”

TVM from a student’s perspective

I like TVM because the people there are so nice. They are always supportive and help whenever they can. They always are willing to teach us about our culture. They are funny and I look… Read more “TVM from a student’s perspective”

Read more testimonials

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The Village Method is a nonprofit 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to creating a united community that is invested in the success of its youth and families.

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