“OUR VOICE” NEWSLETTER DECEMEBER 2005 3RD EDITION WRITTTEN BY: DENISE BRITT-FUSSELL

1. “OUR VOICE” NEWSLETTER DECEMEBER 2005 3RD EDITION WRITTTEN BY: DENISE BRITT-FUSSELL SEASON GREETINGS! DR. FRAYND MR. WRIGHTMRS. OSWALD STAFF MEMBERS PARENTS AND FRIENDS As we embark upon the season of goodwill, lets not forget the thousands of American soldiers over-seas and their families. Lets reflect on the many foreign countries where individuals, rights are infringed upon by tyranny. Lets consider the millions of Americans who have been displaced by disaster, and the numerous population who have perished due to health related issues. How very fortunate we at JCP are to be in the position to give. How blessed we are to be able to donate, sponsor, and even mentor those less fortunate. Lets benchmark ourselves against the best that the City of Chicago has displayed and be viewed as the best, standing second to none. If we believe in our greatness, we are the best. We must assume the responsibility of our school’s growth, direction and strength. We cannot respond to every negative event of the day, nor can we react to the agendas of others. We can instead be drum majors in seeing the value of all . I am very confident that the Jones College Prep students will be able to handle the difficulties of society, and become our future world leaders. Happy Holidays from the students in Room 205

2. Angel Network You better watch-out! Why? Santa Claus is coming to JONES!. Mrs. Moody and her extraordinary group of students have completed a enormous task. They have raised money, received sponsorships, and secured donations for the Noel Tide, for the students in room 205. The “Angel Network” has been hard at work for the past three months to make this season very special for their fellow Eagle classmates. The “Angel Network” members are: Kari, Gaby, Dolly, Vanessa, Nicolette, Leia, Besty, Julian, Dan, Malcolm and Fletcher The festivities are scheduled for December 21, 2005. Parents come out and enjoy the generosity of our special angels!

3. Competitive Action! This month, ten of our young men in rooms 205 and 503 competed for the job of newsletter “OurVoice” photographer. These students were to take three pictures each of tangible items. They will be judged on how well they focused the photo shoot, how well they can capture the subject matter, and the perfection of the finished product. Those participating in the competition were: Korey Terrell Richard Robert Emmanuel Antwon Anthony Kennedy Jaawan Film and processing were supplied by the Office of Specialized Service through the coordination of Ms. Jeanette Laurent. May the best photographer win!

4. Spotlight: Mr. Dubois Mr. Dubois has been chosen as our teacher of the month. Mr. Dubois educator, organizer, and committed humanitarian against social injustice. These are just a few adjectives in the description of a man that has devoted his life to enhancing the quality of life and social awareness of the students attending Jones College Prep. Mr. Dubois teaches World Studies and Law at JCP. Not only is his instructional legacy unique and informative to his students, he is able to maintain their undivided attention during the period. Using various forms of information on the topics, whether by means of personal lectures, group interactive activities, or video presentation the students walk away from his class with a clear understanding the subject discussed in class that day. On December 15, 2005 Mr. Dubois was interviewed by our reporters Tytiana B. and Mylan P. from the Special Education Department Newsletter “Our Voice.” In the interview Mr. Dubois was asked the following questions by Tytiana: Tytiana- Mr. Dubois can you tell me how long have you been teaching? Dubois “Over 28 years” Tytiana- What is the most rewarding part of your job? Dubois- “Working with young adults. Challenging them to excel to their full potential.” Tytiana- How many clubs do you sponsor/mentor at JCP? Dubois- “Only one. GSA.” Tytiana- What does GSA stand for? Dubois- “Gay/Straight Alliance.” Tytiana- What is the clubs fundamental purpose? Dubois- GSA was developed to bring a social awareness and working united environment to the diversified JCP community. Each of us as individuals are obligated to respect, honor and appreciate the uniqueness of others. In order to build a positive society, the whole individual, regardless of race,creed, nationality, gender or sexual preference must be accepted. Tytiana- Mr. Dubois the GSA has held two very important fundraisers this year. Can you tell us more about them? Dubois- “Yes” (continue)

5. Dubois- “In September, the GSA members, along with students from JCP participated in the annual walk-a-thon for AIDS in Grant Park.” It was a successful event. Students sponsored and collected donations representing their commitment in the fight against this deadly disease. Again on December 1, which is recognized as World AIDS Day the GSA made ribbons and collected donations at JCP. I am very proud of our young population for their dedication. Tytiana- Mr. Dubois what are your interest outside of teaching? Dubois- “I love to travel” Dubois- “I’ve seen 50 of our states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Mexico (4) and visited Europe (6) times.” Tytiana- Finally, Mr. Dubois what is the most fascinating culture you have encountered through your extensive travel? Why? Dubois- “I would have to say the Canadian, and the Polynesian culture.” Both societies support the ideas of diversity, unity, and are anti-war advocated. Mr. Dubois from All of Us, Have a Happy Holiday. As we go through life we come into contact with those special individuals that we will hold dear for our life time. Mr. Dubois will be one of those chosen few. Special Education Room 205

7. Getting Ready for the WORLD! In June room 205 will be losing four of their classmates in a good way. They’re seniors! Graduation!!!!! K orey M.- Upon completion of H.S, Korey aspires to enter into a vocational training program and seek employment. Derrick S.- Derrick is a self motivated young man. He enjoys making music. Derrick plays drums for the church he attends and has a passion for his art. He hopes to gain vocational training after he completes H.S. and enter the work force. Jaawan W.- Being the charistmic individual he is, Jaawan is looking to gain vocational training and to seek employment anywhere the female populous outweighs the male ratio! Artessa: Lets hear it for Ms. Artessa! The role model of room 205 is set to graduate also in June. The many things that make Artessa includes: She is an original Spalding School product. While attending Spalding, part of Artessa’s community service hours required by the CPS systems was spent in a classroom at the elementary level, reading stories to students who were severely disabled. Artessa would read story after story to those students as they were serenaded by soft music in the background. Artessa is visually impaired with several other physical health problems, but it has never stopped her from presenting an out going personality and polite mannerism. She excels to her highest potential academically without complaints. Ms. Artessa is always up for a new challenge. She is a true believer in her classmate motto: “Don’t let thewheelchair fool you.” Artessa will be applying to DePaul University, UIC and various other higher level institutions within the Chicago area. Her aspiration is to gain a degree in Psychology so as to help others. Artessa, be always a beacon of light with your beautiful spirit and your determination to get the best that life has to offer. Kudos, Your Classmate

8. Our Christmas Card List I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book, And every year when Christmas comes I go and take a look. That is when I realize these names are all a part, Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart. For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime, And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm in each rhyme. While it may sound fantastic for me to make this claim, I really feel that I’m composed of each remembered name. And while you may not be aware of any special link. Just meeting you has changed my life much more than you may think. For once I’ve met somebody that years cannot erase The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face. So, never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between. For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you, It’s because you’re on the list of folks I’m endeared to. By George A. Gladden, Sr. Merry Christmas Room 205