The ACE Movement: Baltimore
In 2015, there was a significant need to assist Baltimore youth as they coped with increased fear, anxiety, and confusion following the uprisal of the community. With our work in Chicago well underway, The ACE Project saw an opportunity to replicate our efforts by expanding the joy of tennis in Baltimore and reducing trauma among community members. Four years later, there has been a significant boost of energy in the area, and we spoke with Dave Guzman, Principal at Mary E. Rodman Elementary, about the movement:
What was your reaction to President Trump's comments about Baltimore?
I was disappointed. Leadership should inspire and mobilize action & change. Unfortunately, Trump chose to demean the city and citizens of Baltimore. I began to think about how the masses would react...complain about the comments...I thought about what I could do and created the #WeAreBaltimore t-shirts. Many supporters have thanked me for creating the t-shirt, stating that it helps to create a sense of pride around our city. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds go towards a non-profit in Baltimore.
How do schools help move Baltimore forward?
Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." We are all aware that Baltimore has challenges with violence, substance abuse, etc. In spite of the number of challenges, Baltimore's students have proven to be resilient, talented and filled with potential. It is our responsibility as educators to help students develop the skills they need to be college and career ready. By meeting scholars where they are, engaging and motivating them so they can progress towards high school graduation and postsecondary success -- our school system can impact the next generation to create a different reality for Baltimore.
What are your focus areas, and how do you see the broader community joining together behind Mary E. Rodman in the upcoming year?
There are three major areas of focus (BIG ROCKS) at Mary E. Rodman ES:
Intervention with small group instruction - Here teacher teams focus on student data points within small groups and meet students where they are. There is a big push for equity in education and we see this as a viable way to meet students needs, close gaps and get students to grade level proficiency or higher.
Social Emotional Learning and Wholeness - We work on developing relationships with our students and teaching them how to manage emotions. We have a Wholeness room where students can opt to visit if they are having a challenge with their emotions. We understand that emotional intelligence is integral to being successful. As such, we see social-emotional learning as a key ingredient to getting our students ready for college and careers.
An inclusive setting - Just about every school has students with learning disabilities. How we service these students speaks to our beliefs and values. As such, the team at MER has decided to work with students and families to ensure they are in the least restrictive environment. We are moving away from self-contained classrooms and hope to be fully inclusive by year's end.
How does The ACE Project assist you in achieving your goals at the school?
There are built in aspects of the program that address character development. The work ACE does aligns to our school's social-emotional learning push. Moreover, as a rule of thumb, we look to create meaningful after school offerings. Giving our students access and exposure to tennis is an experience they otherwise would not have if not for The ACE Project.