FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leah Lamb
Chief of Institutional Advancement
llamb@seeforever.org

First Ever Convening Was Held to Break Down Silos and Promote Collaboration

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2024 – On September 26 – 28, 2024, the See Forever Foundation, which runs the Maya Angelou Schools, held its first From Silos to Solutions: A Convening to Coordinate Supports for Opportunity and Justice-Involved Youth & Young Adults.  The event was held in Washington, DC at the historic National Union Building and provided the perfect space for transformative conversation, greater collaboration and networking. The close to 125 attendees represented a myriad of practitioners—educators, mental health clinicians, policymakers, public defenders, healthcare providers, community advocates, youth service providers, leaders from both the non-profit and private sectors, and students. The convening included adults and youth from the DMV as well as New Orleans, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Mexico and as far as New Zealand. The two and a half day gathering was kicked-off by Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education at American University and Chair-Elect of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School Board.  Dr. Holcomb-McCoy eloquently stated the goals for the convening:

To create a cross-sector space that unites as practitioners and policymakers, a safe one that allows attendees to dialogue openly and learn from one another. 

To better understand both the systemic and on-the-ground realities of serving this particular population of young people—examining the roles that each of us play, as well as the barriers that fellow practitioners face in their respective sectors. 

To engage with national scholars, thought-leaders, and change makers who will challenge us to push our thinking and consider new ideas and possibilities when it comes to supporting our young people. 

To be in this community of practice to re-energize!

“I know the work that these professionals are doing is never easy and they sometimes feel isolated.  We wanted to create a forum for them to know they are not alone…and provide the space for them to engage with people who share their passion and commitment for this tough but often rewarding work,” says Dr. Holcomb-McCoy.  Day One also included a keynote address and breakout exercises lead by Kristen Henning, J.D., Blume Professor of Law & Director of Juvenile Justice Clinic & Initiative at Georgetown University School of Law.  Her topic was “De-Criminalizing Normal Adolescence: Letting All of Our Kids Be Kids and Thrive”, which helped practitioners understand the inequities young people of color face in and outside of our juvenile justice system.  Her session was followed by various workshops including Leveraging Data & Policy for Opportunity & Justice-Involved Youth: Collaborative Policy in Action; A Walk Through the System where participants simulate the experience of a youth navigating the justice system after arrest; and Opportunity & Justice-Involved Youth as Exceptional Learners: An Intervention-Based Approach to Accessing Special Education.  Following the workshops, A robust Panel Discussion was held entitled Catalysts for Change: Sparking Innovation in Youth Justice.  The panel, moderated by Dr. Holcomb-McCoy, featured U.S. Representative Tony Cardenas, Chief Legal Officer and Co-Founder of the Juvenile Law Center, Marsha Levick Esq.; Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff at the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Marc Shindler; and Senior Justice Assistant Reginald Belle from the Leadership Conference on Human & Civil Rights.

 On Day Two of the convening, the audience heard from the Co-Founders of Maya Angelou Public Charter School.  James Forman, Jr. J.D. and J. Skelly Wright Professor of Law, Yale Law Schools, spoke about how the justice system ahs impacted our youth over the past 40 – 50 years.  Followed by David Domenici, Executive Director of BreakFree Education who led the group in an exercise and discussion centered on “Flipping the Script: What Might Work” in carceral settings.  Day Two included the panel discussion “From Surviving to Thriving: Building Ecosystems of Support for Opportunity Youth” moderated by Moderated by Julie Johnson, Ed.D., Founder & Principal, Strategy Forward Advisors and featuring Cheryl Aguilar, Founding Director of the Hope Center for Wellness; Rachel Black, Clinical Social Worker at YET Counseling Services; Dr. Ximena Gates Harstock, Co-Founder & CEO of Build Within; and Felecia Hayward, Deputy Chief of Secure Settings and Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools.  Day Two Workshops included Navigating the Road Home: Challenges and Opportunities for Justice-Involved Youth After Incarceration; Building a Brighter Future: Coordinated Solutions for DC’s Emerging Adults; and Identifying Policy and Practice Opportunities to Support Youth Vulnerable to Juvenile Justice Involvement Using the SIM Mapping Process.  The day ended with a closing reflection and call to action led by Jasmine L. Tyler, Executive Director of the Justice Policy Institute. 

 Day Three of the convening was held at the Maya Angelou Learning Center in Northeast DC.  It gave attendees an opportunity to see the Maya Campus where two of our schools are located.  CEO of the Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, Clarisse Mendoza Davis, Ed.D., addressed the group in Following Through on Our Action Plan followed by three workshops: Breaking Barriers: Unlocking Innovation in Youth Science Education; Surviving ACE’s While Striving for College & Career Readiness; Advocating for the Education Rights of At-Risk Young People; and Leading with L.O.V.E. – Evolving Supports for Our Youth.  According to Mendoza Davis, “this convening was conceptualized several years ago.  I am so glad we were finally able to bring it to life!  Practitioners in these fields of work and the scholars/young people we serve are often ignored, overlooked and marginalized.  We wanted to create a space that was affirming and provided the inspiration and tools needed to break down the silos that we often find ourselves in to provide even greater education and wraparound services to your young people and their families.”

For more details on the convening, key presenters, and workshop information contact the Conference Director at conferencedirector@seeforever.org or visit event webpage at: https://www.seeforever.org/convening/#conveninghome

About Maya Angelou Schools/See Forever Foundation

Maya empowers all students, including opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives.  We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice.  With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed…they will thrive.  Our Community Schools–MAPCS high school, Young Adult Learning Center and Academies at three secured settings–New Beginnings Youth Development Center, Youth Services Center, and DC Jail—provide a comprehensive education in non-traditional settings to all students including those who have not been successful in their educational experiences. We achieve this through a demanding academic program, socio-emotional learning support, and tiered interventions that focus on the whole child. Our students will leave us with a foundation to be successful in their pursuit of education and careers.

Revisit our Miles for Maya Facebook Group for a week full of fitness-based, self-care challenges to prepare yourself for next Saturday’s race. Whether you hike or bike, run at top-speed or walk the dog – signing up for the Maya 5K is the gift you give yourself and our students!

CHALLENGE: Love Your Body

GOAL: 75 minutes of aerobic activities*

*Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness

Ahh! Push iiiit on our Twitter Timeline, Instagram or up on Facebook

January 25, 2023

Dear Maya Community of Students, Alumni, Families, Faculty and Staff:

In an effort to remain as transparent as possible, we are informing you of two separate incidents that occurred on and near the Maya Angelou Learning Campus on Monday, January 23, 2022. You may have already heard via local news outlets or from unsubstantiated social media accounts, but we at the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Schools want to ensure that you have accurate information directly from our organization.

Monday morning during our regular screening process at the entrance of the Young Adult Learning Center, one of our staff detected and confiscated a firearm from a student. The Metropolitan Police were called onsite, which is our safety protocol for all weapons. MPD officers arrived, interviewed and subsequently detained the student without incident. At no time were our staff or students in any danger. 

Separately, at approximately 1:30pm that day, a non-related shooting occurred along the 57th Place NE block near the school. An undetermined number of shots were fired. The entire Maya Angelou Learning Center was immediately put on lockdown until further investigation and clearance by MPD.  Additionally, MPD remained in the area to assist with safe departure and passage from the area during dismissal. Parents and guardians received information and updates about these incidents via our Alert Now system and will be kept abreast of any new pertinent information.  The wellbeing of our students and staff at the Maya Angelou Learning Center are of utmost importance. We will continue to work with MPD and other city agencies to ensure the safety of every student, staff and faculty member under the charge of Maya Angelou Schools. 

We are proud of the diligence, professionalism and strict adherence to protocol exhibited by our staff and school administrators.  Because of them, our students, staff and community members remained safe and there was minimal interruption to campus operations. As a school, we were able to maintain our teaching and learning and focus on the core of our mission.  It is, therefore, crucial to remind the entire DC community that Maya Angelou PCS and the YALC provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment to all. We will continue to do our utmost to create a space where learning and community building can take place daily.

In addition to the above, and based on our scholar-centric and holistic approach, we are doing the following:

• Providing classroom, group, and individual counseling through our Clinical Counseling Team to those students who may be experiencing anxiety, having difficulty concentrating or acting indifferent because of Monday’s incidents. 
• Working with MPD Student Resource Officers to ensure safety during the arrival and dismissal times of the school day.
• Continuing to keep an open and honest dialogue going between the school and parents/guardians toward a strong partnership of supporting our scholars.
• Conducting a school-wide Town Hall Meeting to address concerns, answer questions and determine additional ways in which supports are needed for our students and staff.

This update is meant to communicate factual information to our Maya Family. While the events of Monday were addressed and our campus remained safe, the ongoing violence significantly impacts our young people, Ward 7, , and the broader ecosystem of charter, DCPS and independent schools here in the District. It is imperative that we all continue to work together to address the ongoing challenge of violence in our community. Please know that Maya remains committed to doing so.

– See Forever Foundation & Maya Angelou Public Schools

Throughout the country National Principals Month is celebrated every October. recognizes the vitally important role that principals play in making a school great, a community close and a neighborhood safe. Principalship, school administration and campus management roles are among the hardest working, yet some of the most unsung professions of our time. However we at Maya Angelou Public Schools would like to say thank you!

Thank you for all you do, Maya School Leaders. You make a difference in the lives of students every day. As we enter the last days of Principal Appreciation Month, let’s remember all that our Principals are people – click, scroll or swipe to get to know each Maya School Leader just a little bit better than you did before.

Want to put the MORE in MAYA? View our handy and low-cost tips for how to appreciate that special principal or teacher, past or present in your life – no matter what day, month or year it is!

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Public Charter School
[Emoji] 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Asa Daniels, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “I attended Virginia Union University for undergrad; American University for graduate school in Education and Trinity University for Leadership and Administration.”

What is a saying you live by? “The objective in life is not to make the same mistake twice!”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “I began in July 2022.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I believed that I could make a difference in the life of children by giving them my time and energy.”

What are your guiding principles? “Keep things simple and practical.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I’m originally from Hampton, VA, but grew up in Southern Maryland.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My biggest inspiration in high school was my AP History teacher Ms. Marie Grouby.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Public Charter School
[Emoji] 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Shantelle Wright-Cunningham, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “Bowie State University (B.S. in Biology), University of Maryland University College (B.S. in Criminal Justice), Trinity Washington University (Masters in Educational Administration).”

What is a saying you live by? “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. -Dr. Maya Angelou”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “I started at MAPCS in 2005 as a Science teacher. Over the past 17 years, I have been a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal.

Why did you decide to become an educator? “When I graduated college I had no idea that I would be an educator. However, within a short amount of time, I realized I had found my calling. I enjoy seeing students grow academically and challenge themselves to be great. I also enjoy mentoring and providing support to teachers.”

What are your guiding principles? “I believe that all students have the right to a high-quality education. I also believe schools should be safe places where they can be appropriately challenged and pushed so they can be the best versions of themselves.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I am from Washington, DC.”

🏫 Maya Angelou PCS
📍 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
🍎 Getting to Know: Peter Smith, Assistant Principal of Culture 

What college or university did you attend? “Tennessee State University (Undergraduate) and Trinity University (Graduate).”

What is a saying you live by? “To whom much is given much is required!”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “Tuesday, August 23, 2022.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I love sharing information, showing people how to do things and being a servant to others.”

What are your guiding principles? “Love, faith, diligence and unselfishness.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Washington, DC.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My Mama!”

[Emoji] Young Adult Learning Center
[Emoji] 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Dr. Sean B. Yisrael, Director of YALC

What college or university did you attend? “Miami University (Oxford, Ohio).”

What is a saying you live by? “Trust in Yah with all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 2016.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I wanted to give back to the youth and my community in a positive way.”

What are your guiding principles? “All students deserve a quality education.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Cincinnati, Ohio.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail
[Emoji] 1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Russell Waller, Director [Need photo]

What college or university did you attend? “Christopher Newport University.”

What is a saying you live by? “Hard work beats talent every time. There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 29th 2016.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “To motivate and inspire the youth.”

What are your guiding principles? “Faith, hope and love.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Woodbridge, VA.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Coach Custard.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail
[Emoji] 1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Shanon Redman, Deputy Director [Check Title] [No photo]

What college or university did you attend? “West Virginia University.”

What is a saying you live by? “Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “November 4, 2021.”

What are your guiding principles? “Positive mindset, reflection, acceptance.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Keyser, WV.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Ms. Diaz.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ New Beginnings Youth Development Center
[Emoji] 8400 River Road, Laurel, MD 20724
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Maurice Milline, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “Bowie State University (Undergrad), Trinity University (Graduate), Harvard University (Postgraduate Certificate).”

What is a saying you live by? “A mistake is only a mistake if you make it twice.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “January 2008.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “To ensure that our young people are given the same opportunities as their counterparts.”

What are your guiding principles? “Every scholar has the right to learn and be exposed to post-secondary options. Every scholar should have access to a safe learning environment that is engaging with rigorous instruction. MAA (Maya Angelou Academies) will consistently recognize and celebrate scholar growth and accomplishments.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Washington, DC.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Marion Jay.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ New Beginnings Youth Development Center
[Emoji] 8400 River Road, Laurel, MD 20724
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Taihra M. Jones, Assistant Principal

What college or university did you attend? “LaSalle University (Undergraduate), College of Notre Dame of Maryland (Graduate).”

What is a saying you live by? “I can do all things through Jesus Christ, who strengthens me!”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “September 2011.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “Growing up I despised school! I couldn’t connect with my teachers or what was being taught. I promised myself that one day I would teach children that looked like me in fun and exciting ways so that the knowledge would stay with them for a lifetime.”

What are your guiding principles? “Integrity, forgiveness and perseverance.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Philadelphia, PA.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My mother. She taught me about work ethic and how to stand up for myself. She would say, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ Youth Service Center
[Emoji] 1000 Mt. Olivet Road NE, Washington, DC 20002
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Dr. Darrlyn Harrison, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “I went to Western Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University.”

What is a saying you live by? “On your worst day, you’re still some child’s best hope!” “The question isn’t who is going to let me – it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 2021.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I was always able to explain concepts in math to my peers in a way that they could understand, so it was natural for me to become a math teacher.”

What are your guiding principles? “My guiding principles are as follows:
a. Begin with the end in mind.
b. Lead with love and good intentions.
c. Add value to everything I touch.
d. Keep God first.
e. Pray about everything.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I am from Detroit.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My inspirations came from home; my mother and my big sister were my role models.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ Youth Service Center
[Emoji] 1000 Mt. Olivet Road NE, Washington, DC 20002
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Adrian Dhanaraj, Assistant Principal

What college or university did you attend? “I attended New York University for undergrad and got my graduate degree at Columbia University.”

What is a saying you live by? “Dr. King’s ‘We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.'”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “I began my journey with Maya Angelou Schools as an English Teacher at the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings in 2018.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I had originally planned to be a lawyer who served justice-involved young people but wanted to get experience working with young people before going to law school; however, once I started teaching, I fell in love with this work.”

What are your guiding principles? “My guiding principles are equity, being a listener and anti-racism.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I grew up in Wheaton, Maryland – Mo’ County, where I moved back to in 2020.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “I don’t know if he was necessarily my biggest inspiration, but Barack Obama’s election during my senior year was really inspiring to me as a young man of color about to figure out my place in the world.”

Our School Leaders continue to engage, excite, and educate every dimension of students as they’ve done in years past. The challenges we face today may have been brought on by a new way of life since we’ve fully reopened our buildings but we know how much hard work Leaders put in, often without recognition, so we created have shared a few no-cost or low-cost suggestions to show educator and public service appreciation for what our Leaders do daily.