Tonight some of the students at my school were featured on a CBS news piece entitled Students offer hope for America's racial divide and I couldn't be prouder! While I have not taught most of them I have interacted with many in the hallways and at school functions and I am glad that we were able to showcase the deep thought and intention behind what we do at BCS. 

The students in the main classroom were seated in a circle - something we do quite frequently at BCS. The circle creates and atmosphere of openness and respect so that when debates like these occur students can feel safe enough with each other that they can share thoughts without reprisal. Yes, there will be disagreement (as one student did to another in the video) but that is a part of life that is wonderfully internalized and accepted by our kids. Instead of going up in arms at each other, they debate peacefully and discuss important news in the world around them.

Yesterday I had a similar conversation with my Crew wherein many students had some strong opinions about how they might feel backed into a corner by the police and what would they do. Some disagreed with opinions mentioned by Mayor de Blasio and others agreed. Yet they are still able to interact positively in the room. It is a site to be seen.

I am proud to be a part of the BCS community and reflect in its warm, compassionate glow.

I just returned home from the annual NYC Outward Bound Schools (NYCOBS) holiday celebration at the New York Times building in Manhattan. While I do not usually enjoy going to the Times Square area this was one of those unique events that drew me out in the middle of the week. I found myself mingling with members of my school staff as well as other schools across the city, in addition to all the great staff who work for the organization. There were a small number of speeches including two awards given to NYCOBS staff who have been integral to the strength of the community - it was inspirational.

One of the items mentioned in the speeches was the idea that our students are being taught not just to understand content and explore new ideas and themes in class; they are also being pushed to reflect on their own lives and how they can be responsible members of communities. This philosophy is really what potential employers are looking for - who can work well in a team; who can navigate interpersonal relationships well; who can think critically on their feet. Our work at the Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies is a part of that and I am glad to be a part of the team!