

March 2024
Fighting for Equity and Excellence in Education

NEXT MEETING: March 27, 2024
Meeting Information
Some members had an issue last month accessing the meeting link. Below is the full Zoom information in case you need the phone number or need to copy and paste the link.
OABSE Moderator 1 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Metro CABSE's General Meeting
Time: Mar 27, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Fourth Wed, until Jun 26, 2024, 4 occurrence(s)
Mar 27, 2024 07:00 PM
Apr 24, 2024 07:00 PM
May 22, 2024 07:00 PM
Jun 26, 2024 07:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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Meeting ID: 874 4619 7395
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Meeting ID: 874 4619 7395
Passcode: 392838
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Agenda
Opening Prayer
Litany
Secretary Report- Sandi Patterson
Treasurer Report- Pamela Gray-Mason
President's Updates- Midwest Conference, Notre Dame, Goals and committee sign-ups
Committee Reports:
Parent Commission- Caroline Peak
Black Men Teach: Superintendent Donald Jolly II
Public Relations/Newsletter/Website: Latia Taylor
Membership: Beverly Lloyd and Latia Taylor
Parliamentarian: Herman Noland
Juneteenth: Pamela Gray-Mason
Coordinator: Dr. Mary Rice
A Call to Action: Addressing Lead Poisoning in Our Community
Miss last month's meeting? You missed A LOT!
We want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Yvonka Hall, MPA, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, for her invaluable contribution during our recent meeting. Her wealth of information regarding lead poisoning has ignited a sense of urgency within our organization to address this critical issue head-on. After the meeting, Ms. Hall joined Metro CABSE!!! Welcome to the family!
For those who were unable to attend the meeting, we urge you to take the time to watch the recording. Ms. Hall's insights and expertise shed light on the devastating impact of lead poisoning on our community and our families. It is essential that we all familiarize ourselves with this information to understand the urgency of the situation.
A Personal Challenge: After watching the recording, we challenge each of you to bring up the issue of lead poisoning within your respective districts and schools. This is not just a public health concern; it is a matter that directly affects OUR community and OUR families. We cannot afford to remain silent on this issue.
Starting the Conversation: Ms. Hall has urged us to initiate conversations about getting our kids tested for lead poisoning. This simple yet crucial step can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of our children. It is incumbent upon us to take this issue personally and push the agenda forward in our schools and communities.
Informing Our Families: Furthermore, we must take proactive measures to inform our families about the dangers of lead poisoning and how it can adversely affect their child's education. By raising awareness and providing resources, we can empower parents to take the necessary steps to safeguard their children's health.
Let us unite in our commitment to addressing lead poisoning and advocating for the well-being of our community. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter, healthier future for our children.
Thank you for your dedication and advocacy on this important issue.
January 2019 Early Childhood Lead Exposure among Cleveland Kindergarteners by Neighborhood and School Enrollment by Rob Fischer, Ph.D., Stephen Steh, M.A., & Tsui Chan
CLASH has some additional studies and news stories about lead and schools at https://www.clashcle.org/advocacy-goals-2023/schools-as-partners-in-lead-safety
WANTED: Volunteers- Literacy Tuturing Program
The Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center is recruiting VOLUNTEERS to participate in our
LITERACY TUTORING PROGRAM
9300 Quincy Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Start Date: September 2024
Monday or Friday – One hour anytime between 4pm and 8pm once a week
*You will work one-on-one with a struggling reader who is presently a resident in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center.
*You will be required to do a background check at the Detention Center which will take about 15 minutes. Contact Jacqueline Brackett, Volunteer Coordinator, to make the appointment. Email: Jbrackett@cuyahogacounty.us Phone number: (216) 443-3348
*There will be a zoom orientation for all volunteers.
If you are interested, contact Meryl Johnson at itsaboutjustice@gmail.com. Write VOLUNTEERS in the SUBJECT LINE.
A Message from President Dr. Robin Simmons
Dear Metro CABSE Members,
As we embark on Spring Break, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to those who are already on break or are preparing to take a well-deserved respite before the Easter holiday. Whether you're taking a getaway or simply enjoying some downtime at home, I encourage you to approach your break with intentionality and purpose.
My dissertation was on Teacher Burnout, I understand the importance of scheduling time off with intention. It's essential to prioritize self-care and balance in our lives, especially in professions as demanding as education. While stress is a natural part of life, it's crucial not to confuse it with burnout. However, neglecting self-care and balance can indeed lead to burnout over time.
For those school leaders who may not have the luxury of a traditional Spring Break, I urge you to utilize your vacation time with purpose. Whether it's taking a day off to recharge, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, make sure to prioritize your well-being.
Remember, life is full of challenges, but by playing defense and equipping ourselves with self-care practices, we can better navigate whatever comes our way. Let's use this Spring Break as an opportunity to rejuvenate, refresh, and return to our roles with renewed energy and focus.
Wishing you all a happy and intentional Spring Break! Please invite someone to our meeting this Wednesday, March 27th!
Sincerely,
Dr. Robin Simmons
President, Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators (Metro CABSE)
2024 BIG 3 Goals
2024 BIG 3 Goals:
To further amplify our impact in 2024, we have set three significant goals:
Increase Membership by 50%: Strengthening our alliance by expanding our membership base, ensuring that we have a diverse and robust community dedicated to our cause.
Student/Parent Engagement: Actively involving students and parents in the educational process, fostering a collaborative environment that supports and uplifts our youth.
Visibility - Branding, Networking: Enhancing our visibility through strategic branding and networking initiatives, ensuring that our message reaches a broader audience and garnering support for our mission.
Is Your Yearly Membership Due?
Please renew your yearly membership with Metro CABSE.
Juneteenth Committee Upcoming Meeting
Monday, Apr 1, 2024, 07:00 PM
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Juneteenth Committee Meeting-April 1, 2024
OABSE Moderator 1 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Metro CABSE Juneteenth Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
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Meeting ID: 814 9638 7682
Passcode: 770331
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WE NEED YOU TO SIGN UP FOR A COMMITTEE NOW!
Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future of our organization? We invite you to join our dynamic committees and play a vital role in driving our mission forward.
Email: president@metrocabse.org
1. Juneteenth Committee: It's time to plan for our annual Juneteenth Awards Celebration! Join our Juneteenth Committee and help us organize this important event that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Your creativity and dedication will contribute to making this year's celebration memorable and impactful.
2. Black Men Teach in CLE: Calling all male members! Join our Black Men Teach in CLE committee and be part of our mission to recruit, retain, and sustain Black male educators in our districts. Your perspective and expertise are invaluable as we work towards creating a more diverse and inclusive educational landscape.
3. Parent Commission: We're seeking members to join our Parent Commission and help us plan informative parent events for the upcoming year. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, your input and involvement are crucial in supporting and empowering parents to be active participants in their child's education.
4. Social Media/Newsletter/Public Relations Committee: Are you savvy with social media platforms, skilled in crafting engaging newsletters, or experienced in public relations? Join our Social Media/Newsletter/Public Relations Committee and help us amplify our voice, connect with our community, and share our message far and wide. Whether you're a seasoned professional or looking to gain experience, your creativity and expertise are invaluable assets to our team.
5. Membership Committee: Are you enthusiastic about growing our community and engaging with new members? Join our Membership Committee and play a pivotal role in expanding our reach, welcoming new members, and fostering a sense of belonging within our organization. Your passion for advocacy and dedication to our cause will help us strengthen our alliance and make a lasting impact.
6. Education Legislative Committee: Our Education Legislative Committee is dedicated to monitoring legislative developments, analyzing policy proposals, and advocating for policies that promote equity, diversity, and excellence in education. By collaborating with lawmakers, stakeholders, and community leaders, we strive to enact meaningful change and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education.
How You Can Make a Difference: As a member of the Education Legislative Committee, you will have the opportunity to:
Stay informed: Stay updated on legislative developments, education policy trends, and advocacy opportunities.
Analyze policies: Review proposed legislation and analyze its potential impact on our students, educators, and schools.
Advocate for change: Advocate for policies that address systemic inequities, promote diversity and inclusion, and support the academic success of all students.
Collaborate with stakeholders: Engage with lawmakers, policymakers, community organizations, and education stakeholders to build coalitions and advance our advocacy priorities.
Join Our Team as Co-Coordinator!
This crucial role will assist Dr. Mary Rice in setting up meetings for our President, Dr. Robin Simmons, who is eager to engage with our stakeholders and expand our reach to include charter and private schools, as well as additional public school districts.
Email: president@metrocabse.org
Responsibilities Include:
- Collaborating with Dr. Mary Rice to schedule and coordinate meetings with superintendents, CEOs, and school leaders.
- Assisting in preparing agendas and materials for meetings.
- Communicating effectively with stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination and participation.
- Strengthening connections with public schools and expanding outreach to charter and private schools and surrounding suburbs.
Qualifications:
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
- Passion for education and commitment to the mission of Metro CABSE.
Initial School districts:
Bedford; Cleveland Heights; Cleveland Metropolitan Schools; East Cleveland; Euclid Hts.;
Garfield Hts; Maple; Richmond Hts.; Shaker; Solon; Warrensville Hts.
We will like to re-connect with those districts and add:
Beachwood; Mayfield; Orange; South Euclid Lyndhurst; plus a few charter and private schools.
Spotlight on Opportunities for Our Youth - Our gateway to Empowering Futures🔌
Monthly Newsletter Analytics: Insights into Our Content
In efforts of meeting one of our BIG 3 Goals of visibility and spreading our message, we are going to provide you with a snapshot of our monthly newsletter analytics, offering insights into the content that resonates with our community. We can not expect what we don't inspect.
Sign up with our
Stay tuned for more updates and valuable content in the coming months!
Analytics Snapshot: Views per month
February 2024: 1,247 January 2024: 881 December 2023: 1047 November 2023: 518
October 2023: 316 September 2023: 1,520 August 2023: 337 July 2023: 393
June 2023: 2,437 May 2023: 1,068
Contact US!
Email: president@metrocabse.org
Website: www.metrocabse.org
Location: P.O. Box 21176, Cleveland, OH 44122
Phone: 440-296-3262
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioAllianceofBlackSchoolEducators
Twitter: @oabseducators