Is This Microphone Working?
Believe it or not, some parents are unaware of the laws governing the use of personal information and images when it comes to their children. For instance, it is against the law to photograph or produce video imagery that can identify a child under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent. In…
The Pain of Colorism
One of the difficulties with parenting is not knowing all of the obstacles your child faces daily from their peers, especially when it comes to teenagers. Unless your child is one who is vocal about everything that bothers them, which most teens are not, it becomes difficult to navigate their hurts and frustrations. That is…
Denial is not a River Flowing Through Egypt
When it comes to mental health, teachers are limited in how to engage students who don’t have reliable support networks. They can recommend testing when a child displays recognizable symptoms of some disorder but ultimately, and for good measure, it is the parents/guardians (hereinafter, the word “parents” encompasses both titles) who render the final say.…
I’m Just a Kid
I recently had the privilege of teaching at a school that contained a Nest program component. Nest is a term that denotes how children with autism tend to find security within themselves. To my understanding they are Nesting within the comfort of their own thoughts. People who are neuro-diverse, which simply means their brains process…
In the Presence of a Legend
During my sophomore year of high school my English teacher invited me and about 4 or 5 other students to attend a question and answer session with the incomparable James Baldwin. At this point I had read several of his books and was in awe of the man. I immediately jumped at the opportunity not…
It Takes a Village
After graduating from college I returned home to pursue other career goals as did many of my friends from high school. It was during the fall of that year that an article appeared in one of the local New York City (NYC) newspapers listing the worst fifty schools in New York State. This rating included…
Tawking, Wawking and Drinking Cawfee: Ode to the Big Apple
Anyone who truly knows me understands that no matter where I live, I will always be a New York girl. My upbringing becomes quite evident when my vernacular automatically shifts while among family and friends who are also native to the lower portion of the state. I am also the consummate tourist, scouting out new…
My Biggest Regret
There are few things in my life that I regret because I believe in the philosophy that life is a journey with unchartered paths and detours. However, I had one encounter with a student during my first official year as a teacher that keeps me wondering to this day. What happened to that student? It…
The Bridge
One of my favorite old-school hip-hop songs is “The Bridge” by MC Shan. This song not only captivated me with its soul stirring beats, but it was Shan’s impeccable delivery and lyrics that epitomized New York City. While I suppose Shan was merely trying to idolize the bridge itself because it lends its name to…
Teen Domestic Violence (Originally posted May 3, 2021)
The sun shines brightly through the windows as a multitude of birds serenade the first days of spring. It has been months since we have been able to drink in the aroma of freshly cut grass, honeysuckle bushes, and the queen of the south, the enchanted lady herself, the magnolia flower. I open the windows…
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A Paige from my Book 