Education is OUR future: make sure everyone has the opportunity.
"Having been an educator for 17 years education - I have had the privilege of working with some of the most amazing, strong and creative students. These were students that I had the joy and excitement of being a part of their life and although there were days that were challenging there were also days of complete and utter joy. I was lucky enough to earn the trust of some of the most amazing humans on this earth. I am pained to say that the system, did not love these students. It is hurtful and sad and if you don't believe that racism still exists than you need to take a look at OUR schools. You need to look at communities and their political borders. You should take a look how YOUR tax money is supporting some schools but not all schools. The system of education is broken and the NO CHILD left behind act is false. There are so many students, loving students left behind and left tracked for jail, death, destitution, pain and suffering. That is a FAIL.Schools are failing children everyday. I taught high school and many students we at a 1-5 grade level. Many blamed the students themselves or the parents. But if as a school and a community we don't help the families who have also be struck by a poor education system... then we have FAILED. Every school should care about EVERY family. Your family is important. Your neighbor is important. The family that lives 3 blocks over is important. The family that is homeless is important. Even writing this I am brought to tears. Nothing will change if we continue to turn a blind eyes at schools. Nothing is perfect but doing nothing causes devastation. Richmond, Ca has not found success in getting our youth to college. As many of us know... to have a fighting chance in this country even if you don't become what you studied to become- you need a college education. You need that piece of paper to be validated by our greater community. Everyone deserves the chance, opportunity and the option to say YES or NO. Caliber is in its second year of trying to make a difference. What can you do to help? - Jennifer"Learn more about Caliber in this interview with Natalie Walchuk.
Mission
The mission of Caliber Schools is to provide a high quality education program through challenging, engaging, and personalized curriculum and instructional strategies that equip students with the knowledge, character, and skills to succeed in college, career, and community. Caliber’s core components include: high expectations, personalized learning plans (PLP) for every student, exceptional teaching and instructional leadership, rigorous and relevant curriculum, and a supportive school community based on rights, responsibilities, and respect.Our educational philosophy derives from lessons we have learned from high-performing urban schools and research on effective practices that can raise student achievement. In addition, our dedication to personalization and our desire to deeply engage students in taking responsibility for their learning requires innovation in how we structure our learning environment.
How is Caliber different?
Caliber Schools are special in many ways. We intend to build a strong community of students, staff, and families. Many elements of our programming including family style meals, daily community meetings, and a focus on social emotional learning, work to strengthen relationships and provide a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn.We are passionately working to prepare every student for a four-year university. Personalized English language arts and math instruction allow for all students receive support at their present level while they push to exceed grade level standards. Through daily computer science, writing, science and social studies, students will engage in rich and challenging curriculum that reinforces core skills. We want our students to develop curiosity and persistence to couple with academic skills with the goal of a university degree.
Where will the funds from this dinner and any other donations through this event go?
The funds will support our Passport program that worlds to bring our students a new and exciting real life experiences. Field trips, guest speakers, and in-school visits are all part of the Passport program.
Community and compassion are Sanctuary Bistro missions. How does Caliber share that mission?
Traits such as resilience, persistence, and grit are emphasized and embedded throughout the curriculum and school life. Research on the ability of students to persist to and through college clearly identifies that academics alone do not determine success. Caliber will offer a robust set of social emotional programming including Restorative Justice, Mindfulness, The Toolbox Project, and Positive Behavior Intervention Systems. Caliber will also focus on cultivating rich student relationships. Students will engage in activities together, share family style lunches, and practice conflict resolution skills. Natalie WalchukExecutive Vice President of Schools, Founding School Leader Caliber Schoolswww.caliberschools.org