Thoughts, reads, happenings in my 'hood

Micro-community of tiny homes flourishes on rehabilitated vacant lot

Caroline's Carts are specially designed for those with special needs.

Mayor Annsie Parker not only commits her political efforts to community outreach, but her day to day meetings. She personally promoted and attended ReelAbilities 2014, and is looking forward to the upcoming Film Festival. Despite becoming especially popular once I no longer called Houston my home, Annise Parker was a household name which exemplified a female community leader with progressive politics. After I lived close to Detroit and had the privilege of seeing a phoenix rise from the ashes, I am so much more appreciative and aware of the urgency of a solid city-Mayor relationship. I am grateful for her forward thinking and reception to the needs of organizations. By getting the conversation started and setting goals, it is my hope that all of the moving pieces are working together harmoniously. And now she is recognized for it, go girl!

The History of KIPP

KIPP began in 1994 with a powerful idea: to create a classroom that helped children develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits necessary to succeed in college and build a better tomorrow for their communities. Founders Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin began by redefining what was possible for a classroom of public school students in Houston. The following year, they opened two KIPP middle schools, one in Houston and one in New York City. By 1999, these original KIPP charter schools were among the highest-performing schools in their respective communities.

In 2000, Mike and Dave formed a partnership with Doris and Donald Fisher, co-founders of Gap Inc., to train leaders to replicate the success of the original KIPP middle schools. As KIPP opened new schools in more cities, expanding from middle schools to elementary and high schools, our network began helping transform futures for thousands of children and families in underserved communities. Today, the KIPP network serves 58,000 students in 162 schools in 20 states (plus D.C.) across the country

Charter schools can employ lengthier school days and longer school years than union work rules typically allow. They can pay teachers based on skills and performance rather than seniority. And charter school principals can fire and replace staff who are underperforming.

Interested to see if they'll meet their goal, spread the news and learn more!

The Knowledge is Power Program currently includes 109 schools across the country and expects to expand to 200 schools that serve 55,000 students by 2015.

http://www.kipp.org/about-kipp/history#sthash.vG0NOJrg.dpuf

IN PARTS of the world where designer eyewear products are popular, it is sometimes easy to forget the problems that people with poor vision and limited means face in...