Introducing: Think Together’s Enrichment Accelerators!

For summer 2024, Think Together piloted its newest innovation, enrichment accelerators, to select school districts to immerse students in enriching programs that open them up to the world of competitive sports, STEM skills and arts.

According to data collected by the After School Alliance, 57% of parents decide not to enroll their children in an expanded learning programs due to high costs for registration. With Think Together’s innovating enrichment accelerators, parents do not need to worry about paying the typical high price that comes along with their children participating in sport or art programs.

By partnering with community organizations like Street Soccer USA and Arts and Learning Conservatory, Think Together, along with the support of our school district partners, have been able to bring in expert coaches to teach students the game of soccer and show them what it takes to put on a theater production.

Arts and Learning Conservatory provided professional theater directors and technical directors who prepared students over the course of four and a half weeks of classes teaching them what it takes to put on a play.

Students not only learned how to embody a character but were also exposed to STEM career skills through the immersive interdisciplinary program.

This program provides hands-on experience in the tech field, such as lighting engineering, sound engineering, coding and functional design.

“A lot of them have never even been on stage, so it’s exciting and rewarding that we get to give them that first experience,” says Cybelle Kaehler, Arts and Learning Conservatory teaching artist. “We taught them a lot about vocal technique, about how to sing, the basics of acting and what it means to pretend to be a character.”

Street Soccer USA coaches worked with Think Together students for eight-to-ten-weeks to prepare them for a culminating soccer tournament. At the elementary level students competed with peers from other schools within their district, something they may not have the opportunity to do until middle or high school.

“The biggest thing with students is sportsmanship, teamwork, relationship building and trusting each other,” says Megan Rucker, Street Soccer USA coach. “Throughout the whole program we’ve been working on skill building, but it really all comes down to being a good teammate and that’s what we get to see out on the field with students. Street Soccer USA has loved working with Think Together.”

Fifth grader Miguel is proud of the work he put into learning the ins and outs of soccer and cultivating how to work together as a team to reach their goal.

“I’ve learned that it’s a hardworking sport and it has helped me improve a lot,” Miguel says. “We put a bunch of work into and hopefully we do good in our game!”

Parents of students have also responded immensely positive to Think Together’s enrichment accelerators. Think Together parent, Judith Quiroz shared how the accelerators are impacting her son Aiden.

“These extra program offerings are great! He looks forward to going to his program every day because it’s something different. It’s a different activity, a different field trip and he just loves it. It’s something great for them to do,” Judith shared.

Think Together is mission focused and aligned with community partners that have been implementing their curriculum and skills into the enrichment accelerator programs. Through strategic partnerships, we strive to build exciting experiences for students that go beyond the regular school day and academics.

Jaclyn Aviles, Senior Strategist and leader of the enrichment accelerator initiative for Think Together says, “It’s important for us to bridge strong intentional partnerships to help provide these experiences to our youth because they demonstrate engagement. Our students show up more to school because they want to be a part of these programs. They give them the skill sets, experiences and tools that they can use as they continue to develop.”

Cisco Foundation has renewed its $50,000 grant to Think Together, continuing its support for early literacy and numeracy programs in the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District (ARUSD). This funding will further the implementation of the Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) program for students in transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten.

SIPPS is now integrated into Think Together’s early learning and kindergarten academies, equipping staff with essential training to effectively deliver this structured literacy approach in the classroom. By focusing on phonological awareness, sound spelling, and sight words, the program plays a crucial role in enhancing literacy skills among young learners.

Our seven-year partnership with ARUSD has been pivotal to the success of the SIPPS implementation so far. Regular meetings and shared goals have helped hundreds of students achieve critical academic benchmarks.

“We value our partnership with Think Together. Through our collaboration, we are setting Alum Rock students up for future academic success,” said Director of Early Learning for Alum Rock Union School District, Dr. Diana Ballesteros.

In the 2023-24 school year, Think Together enrolled 226 students across four ARUSD schools, witnessing significant progress in academic achievement:

  • 94.73% of TK students improved in letter recognition.
  • 96.6% advanced in number recognition.
  • 82.34% showed progress in counting objects.

“Programs like SIPPS are vital for advancing the academic development of the students we serve,” said Amina Flores, Assistant Site Coordinator at Lyndale Elementary School. “They align perfectly with Think Together’s mission to change the odds for kids.”

According to Evidence for ESSA, SIPPS supports both new and struggling readers through a systematic, structured literacy approach that emphasizes language comprehension and word recognition.

“Studies have shown that investing in high-quality childcare and pre-K programs offers a significant return on investment,” said Rosie Navarro at Cisco Systems Inc. “Think Together’s programs are based in East San Jose where I was born and raised.  As a Cisco employee and volunteer with the Cisco Foundation, it is so fulfilling to promote the Cisco Foundation CIG Program that brings resources to community groups such as Think Together. By supporting children at a young age, Cisco and beneficiaries of the Cisco Foundation CIG Program like Think Together lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success for both this generation and future generations.” 

Think Together is proud to partner with Cisco to expand educational opportunities and help children succeed.

For more stories, follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Meet Natalie Corona, a Site Program Manager for Aptitud Academy in the Bay Area region. Natalie’s journey started as a Program Leader in the Riverside region and over the course of five years she became a strong advocate for her students and their parents. The work Natalie does has made her a pillar of support and change in her community. Read more about Natalie Corona!
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here. 

It’s my students, they inspire me to continue my work here. I enjoy watching them grow and develop both socially and academically. Seeing their success reminds me that we are truly making a difference in their lives and changing the odds for them.

What is one of your favorite memories from Think Summer 2024?

One of my favorite memories from Think Summer 2024 was seeing the excitement of our students from the Alum Rock school district during their trip to the Oakland Zoo. The students had so much fun seeing the different animals, and for some, it was their first time visiting a zoo! This experience was the highlight of my Think Summer.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

One story that stands out for me is about a McKinney-Vento student, facing difficult circumstances with her family. I became an advocate for them, helping the mother obtain a bus card for public transportation and buying a Halloween costume for the student when they needed assistance. As the year progressed, the mother’s situation improved, and I noticed a significant, positive change in the student. It brought me great happiness to know I could support and advocate for them during a challenging time.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years? Why?

My favorite affirmation is, “I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing.” This affirmation is especially meaningful to me because the job can sometimes become difficult and stressful, causing me to lose sight of what’s important. By repeating this affirmation, I remind myself that my work with students and the community truly matters and that I am making a positive difference in their lives. It reassures me that I am exactly where I am meant to be in that moment.

What are your goals for the 2024-2025 school year? How do you plan to reach your goal(s)?

My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all my students and their families. I plan to reach this goal by making Think Together a family affair and thinking of the parents, too.  I aim to provide parents with the peace of mind that their children are secure and well-cared for at Think Together.

What has been your favorite event during your career at Think Together? Why?

It was the 2024 Harvest Festival I hosted for my students. We organized a carnival with a variety of games, and the students wore their Halloween costumes and participated in a costume contest. Parents attended the festival, and everyone had a lot of fun. It truly was a wonderful community event!

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

When I’m not at work, I love to travel. I spent the summer in Italy, enjoying the beautiful scenery and culture. In the upcoming school year, I will be continuing my education for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development. When I am not working or in school, I am very family-oriented and cherish the time I spend with my loved ones. Additionally, my partner and I enjoy attending weekly dance classes together.

Think Together and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) have joined forces to change the odds for kids! AVID is a nationally recognized education nonprofit dedicated to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve success.

AVID typically operates within school hours, but now they are branching their methodology to the afterschool hours for Think Together students. The partnership with AVID is a unique one, as Think Together is the first and only expanded learning partner they’ve collaborated with.

“We are so proud to be the first expanded learning partner able to offer its staff the exceptional professional development opportunities provided by AVID,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “We both have a shared vision of changing the trajectory of kids’ futures through education and we couldn’t be more thrilled to broaden those opportunities for our students and the schools we serve.”

Think Together’s new partnership with AVID means our middle school and high school sites benefit from additional access to AVID’s student activity materials, curriculum resources, and core strategies. The partnership initially began with nearly 60 schools that were already offering AVID curriculum during the school day and separately offering Think Together programming afterschool.

With the additional implementation of strategies and methods, Think Together knows this partnership to be a critical support for our students. The AVID partnership supports students in confidence building and boosting efficiency when it comes to their schoolwork and planning for their bright futures ahead.

One of the major benefits of Think Together’s collaboration with AVID is the enhanced college and career readiness preparation students are offered. The AVID Professional Learning framework allows students to take control of their own academic destiny.

“Students that need the help are often the most resistant to ask for help. So, what we’re able to do at AVID is provide the tools, resources, strategies and support for students to get what they need to be as successful as possible,” said AVID Program Specialist Dr. Trent Mohrbutter.

Think Together started incorporating AVID strategies at schools like Sierra Vista Middle School in the Baldwin Park Unified School District and has seen a significant increase in student attendance and grade improvements. Currently, the site is at max capacity at 155 enrolled students attending the afterschool program, in comparison to the 100 students attending the year prior before AVID was fully implemented.

“AVID at the Think Together program helps me to stay organized and do homework after school. My grades improved because it helps me understand… I’m understanding more of what to do and I have more time to do it,” shared sixth grader Xavier.

AVID continues to support Think Together to ensure this partnership is aligned and well-positioned for success by supplying the resources needed to excel. AVID has provided specialized training and a dedicated “AVID Center Staff” to Think Together regions, ensuring our Program Development Team, regional leadership and site staff are able to offer and implement focused and consistent programming.

Raylene Vasquez, Sierra Vista’s Think Together Site Coordinator, shared that the new AVID methods are making it easier for her and her team to support each student’s academic journey.

“The partnership with AVID is great because the learning component has [been] strengthened a lot. Having all these AVID strategies, homework and the intentional check-ins gave us the power to be able to check in on them (the students) and help them improve,” Raylene said. “It further bridges the gap between a school day and program so we’re all one big team.”

A prioritizing shift coming up for Think Together is working on transitioning the elementary and TK-2nd grade sites toward the AVID strategies and structure. Think Together is ecstatic to partner with AVID and continue expanding the tools provided for students to support building a strong educational foundation where every student can be college and career-ready!

Watch the video below to learn more about Think Together’s partnership with AVID!

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This summer, Think Together and its partners are coaching the next generation of champions in the classroom and on the field. Think Together students had the opportunity to visit SoFi Stadium, participate in an all-girls golf clinic and receive invaluable advice/knowledge from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s College & Career Accelerator.

Summer learning is crucial for preventing the “summer slide” and keeping students engaged; ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed. By combining education with fun and enriching activities, Think Summer helps students develop essential skills that last a lifetime.

Baldwin Park Unified School District Students Kick Off Summer with a Win at SoFi Stadium

Nearly 180 middle school youth from Sierra Vista, Olive and Jones Middle Schools in Baldwin Park Unified School District took a tour of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Students were given backstage access to the professional football stadium which hosts both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

To cap the day, students got a surprise visit from Los Angeles Ram’s Wide Receiver, Puka Nacua. Site Program Manager Jasmine Gonzalez shared, “SoFi was an amazing experience, and we got to see our students’ smiles. We were able to meet a Rams player who spoke to our students and posed for pictures. He also provided encouraging words. Think Together provided such an amazing opportunity for our students to experience.”

Think Together Girls Go for A Hole-in-One

Think Together middle school students from Rivera Middle School, STEAM Academy at Burke and North Park Academy of the Arts in El Rancho Unified School District were going for a hole-in-one at the four-day Tee It Up Janice Hahn Golf Initiative of Southeast Los Angeles girls’ golf clinic.

This initiative is designed to introduce the many benefits of golf to women who may not have had the chance to experience it; from physical fitness to personal and professional growth. The Latina Golfers Association provided instructors who coached students in the game of golf.

Over four days, students from each school rotated between three stations to learn basic golf skills. The first station taught students about chipping where students practiced this technique by chipping the ball into targets for accuracy.

At the second station, students honed their putting skills. They played a game that required them to gently hit the ball into hula hoops to score points. This made the students learn to be mindful of the force behind their putt so the ball wouldn’t go past the hula hoop and would stop inside.

The final station was on the driving range, which proved to be the most fun but the most difficult for students; even for students who had played golf before. STEAM Academy at Burke student, Casey, shared how she met the challenge on this particularly tricky station. She shared, “Always make sure your feet are aligned with the ball and always keep your eye on the ball.”

Sylvia Vela-Amaya, the ELOP Coordinator for El Rancho Unified School District, also attended the clinic and mentioned the impact these opportunities have on the students they fund. “They look forward to it after school. Our attendance is high. Our increased enrollment continues to grow at all the school sites, including our three middle schools.”

Finally, to wrap up the day on the green, students heard from guest speaker Dr. Monica Sanchez, Councilwoman of Pico Rivera, who shared that she hopes students find an interest in golf and the many benefits it can bring.

Think Together Students Go Up to Bat for Their Futures

As part of Think Summer, Think Together high school students from Bassett High School in Bassett Unified School District headed to Dodger Stadium to attend a College & Career Accelerator workshop hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. The College & Career Accelerator initiative aims to expose high school and college students to college and career opportunities.

Students in attendance sat with USC College Advising Corps staff for small group discussions on topics ranging from strategies for succeeding in high school to tips for applying for college. Financial aid and managing tuition were also important subjects shared with the students to help set them up for success.

Attendees were treated to food, a Los Angeles Dodgers hat, a workbook for notes and responses and two free Dodger game tickets as a bonus for participating in the event.

Think Together is proud of our partners who help us provide our students with new and exciting summer experiences beyond the traditional classroom. For more exciting stories and news, follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

The impact on students and the drive to change the odds for kids is what has led Crystal Navarro to go from Program Leader to Site Program Manager at Chaparral Hills Elementary in just two years. Crystal is a pillar of support to the Riverside community as she leads with consistency and student growth as her motivators. Read more about Crystal Navarro!
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here. 

I was raised in a single parent household where we moved so often that I never got a chance to join sports programs or afterschool clubs. When I started working for Think Together, I was drawn to the impact the program has on the families we serve and the support we offer. Our program does not stop at the students, and this allows us to be the community that struggling parents can lean on. It’s being that support system for not only the students, but also the parents, that inspires me to continue growing with Think Together. 

What is one thing you are proud of your team accomplishing this school year? What were some challenges, and what were some successes?

We faced many challenges in the beginning of the school year, primarily with enrollment and engagement. Through collaboration between staff and students, we were able to create clubs that brought in new faces and a student committee that allowed student voices to be heard. We have all grown together in our roles and I’m very proud of the team I have.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

Working at Think Together means that you meet students with different personalities, talents, quirks, and backgrounds. All students make an impact on your life in a different way. But one student story that stuck with me must be when I was promoted from Site Assistant to Site Program Manager. I dreaded leaving my site and students and was met with many tearful goodbyes. At the very end of my day, the students gave me a giant poster signed by all of them and filled with special messages. I realized that my success wasn’t measured by how big or little my impact was, but by how I helped create memories within our program and how I provided a safe learning environment. This gave me a burst of confidence and motivation to continue to create welcoming programs for my students.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years? Why?

 “Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader…they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role – always about the goal.” It’s a reminder for me and my team to always keep our main goal in mind which is to change the odds for kids! No matter your role, you can make a difference in our students’ lives by ensuring their success and growth through our afterschool programs.

What procedure/system/standard do you feel has been the most beneficial to your site and your career?

To hold myself accountable and consistency matters for the students and my staff. These are important standards to ensure my staff have the tools and support needed to create a successful classroom environment.

How would you describe your role to someone thinking of becoming a Site Program Manager? What tips would you give them to prepare for this role?

My advice would be to stay true to your “why” and let the rest follow.  When I started as a Program Leader, I did not see myself on this path. But I wouldn’t change this career for anything. I get to see the changes in students’ attitudes daily and I know it is because my team and I are putting in our best effort. Even in challenging moments, I always know the work we do matters most to the families we serve.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work, I usually go to amusement parks with my husband and daughter, or binge watch our favorite movies and shows.

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Cultivating a safe and nurturing space is always key to making people feel seen and understood. For Think Together Site Program Manager Juliana, that place was and continues to be Think Together.

She began her journey with Think Together in the third grade, when her parents noticed Juliana needed extra support in her schoolwork due to a significant shift at home that was deeply affecting her. Juliana’s parents first language is Spanish, so it was difficult for them to provide her with the full support she needed to excel in school and Think Together became the best option for them.

It was then that Juliana forged a very special relationship with Corinna Mendoza, a Think Together Program Leader at her elementary school. After a heartfelt conversation with Corinna on Juliana’s first day in program, Juliana felt an instant change in herself.

“When I started, I gave all my teachers and program leaders a hard time. Once Ms. Mendoza had that one-on-one conversation with me, I felt seen, I felt heard,” Juliana said. “She saw my potential and she saw that I could do great things. So, the following day I had a whole 180. I wanted to show her that what she saw in me is not going to be in vain.”

From that point on, Juliana fell in love with the Think Together program and strived to make her Program Leader Corinna proud. Most days, Juliana would beg her mom not to pick her up until she was the very last student left in the afterschool program because she wanted to make the most of her time there.

As Juliana moved on to middle school, so did Corinna who was promoted to a site program manager role at Think Together and coincidently placed at the middle school Juliana attended! With the continued support of Corinna, it allowed Juliana’s academic journey to flourish.

“She went to my middle school promotion and my college graduation. She’s one of the reasons why I took the path to go to college. As a first-generation Mexican American, it’s a big accomplishment for me and my family. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today, which is why I hold Think Together so dear.”

Juliana discovered many new aspects of herself during her time with Think Together as a student. She found her love for sports and enjoyed learning about healthy living.

After leaving the program as a student, Juliana became a tutor within Think Together, then a program leader. As a program leader, she received Think Together’s Changing the Odds award, a great accomplishment within the organization that recognizes Think Together staff who go above and beyond. Juliana is now a site program manager at a school site in Think Together’s Santa Fe Springs region.

Many of her colleagues, especially Sam, who’s one of the program leaders at the site Juliana manages, are grateful to have such a supportive leader like Juliana who has both the students’ and staff’s best interest at heart.

“Juliana has given me room to explore the educational aspect of expanding students’ minds. She was the biggest supporter when it came down to the learning curve as a new program leader,” Sam shared.

Juliana only hopes to grow from where she is now. She strives to remain a line of support for the students she guides towards their academic success.

“I encourage my students to continue school and to do great things because I know they are capable of it. I see a lot of me in them and a lot of those students that are challenging,” Juliana said. “I hope that I’m able to give them that safe space in Think Together and encourage them just the way my program leader did.”

Think Together’s Partnership with California Academy of Sciences’ Science Action Club Sparks Change to School Campuses

Think Together’s partnership with California’s Academy of Sciences’ Science Action Club (SAC) has been featured in the Association of Science and Technology Center’s Dimensions digital magazine. Through our partnership, Think Together and SAC have been able to provide 350 Think Together 5th grade sites the opportunity to embark in outdoor adventures and learn fascinating facts about topics that range from weather, insects and bird species.

SAC’s dedication to rally diverse communities across California to advocate for environmental causes and participate in community science, complemented Think Together’s mission to bring educational opportunities to children that will prepare them for college and career. We are delighted to provide this experience to our students and look forward to the impact it will make

Think Together School Partner Compton Unified School District Is Named Finalist in the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation

Think Together is honored to announce Davis Middle School from the Compton Unified School District has been named as a finalist in the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation by T4 Education. Davis Middle School is the only school in the United States that was included in the Top 10 for the Innovation category, joining other schools from Chile, Brazil, Italy and several other countries.

As a finalist, Davis Middle School is also competing for the #1 spot for the Community Choice Award for the World’s Best School and become a member of T4 Education’s Best School to Work program.

For over 14 years, Compton Unified School District has been one of Think Together’s district partners equally dedicated to creating an impact in its community. Their efforts have created waves of success for students throughout the school district, allowing for opportunities of growth to spread across multiple campuses. 

Congratulations to Davis Middle School and Compton Unified School District!

Parenting OC Nominates Think Together as “Best After-School Program” for 23rd Annual Reader’s Choice Awards

The locals of Orange County have spoken and nominated Think Together for “Best After-School Program” for the 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards hosted by Parenting OC. This nomination is an honor as we continue to support underserved communities in Orange County and across California, making it our mission to expand our reach to as many children and families as possible.

Support Think Together by clicking here to vote!

Summer is here and Think Together is making it its mission to bring the summer fun into your home! Think Summer is filled with curriculum-based enrichment activities that actively engage the minds and encourage curiosity for our students. In the list below, you will find some of our Think Summer activities that you can easily do at home.

It’s a Solid…It’s a Liquid…No, it’s Oobleck!

Is it a solid or liquid? Think Summer students were fascinated by the mystery of oobleck. This simple mixture combines to make the perfect STEM experience where kids can learn to have fun with science. With an activity like this, kids can learn the difference between the distinct states of matter.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • 1 Container
  • 1/2 cup of corn starch
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • Utensil to mix with

Instructions:

  1. Pour 1/2 cup of corn starch into container.
  2. Pour ¼ cup of water and mix with corn starch.
  3. Continue mixing combination until smooth.
  4. Have fun and enjoy!
Create Fan-tastic Paper Windmills

It’s heating up but Think Summer students kept their cool with their own windmill! This simple yet creative activity will help kids learn about the wind and how windmills work.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Paper
  • Crayons or markers
  • Push pin
  • Straw
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Take a piece of paper and cut into a perfect square. Fold the paper into a triangle, taking one corner and lining it up to the other side. This will leave excess on one side that, once cut, gives you a square!
  2. Use your imagination and create fun designs to both sides of the paper!
  3. Fold your paper diagonally to create a perfect triangle and press lightly. Do the same to the opposite side. Once unfolded, there will be a perfect “X” on the page.
  4. Cut halfway along creases, towards the center. Do not cut all the way.
  5. Bend each corner to the center of the page. Do not fold.
  6. Once all 4 corners are at the center, place straw behind the center and push the push pin to secure all corners.
  7. All done! Enjoy the cool breeze of your very own windmill.
Time to Clean Up!

A fun beach trip can also be educational! This Think Summer we taught our students the importance of keeping our oceans clean, while also showing them the science behind why oil and water don’t mix.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Clear container
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water
  • Spoon
  • Cotton Ball
  • Paper towel
  • Cotton Wool (Optional)
  • Sponge (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a clear container halfway with water.
  2. Drop a small amount of oil into the water and watch as the oil and water separate!
  3. Use different materials to try and sperate the oil from the water. (Spoon, Cotton wool/ball, paper towel, and sponge.)
  4. Pour dish soap into container and mix! Watch as the oil slowly begins to disappear.

Summer is a great time to relax and spend time with family and friends. It can also be a great time to learn new things, especially with students becoming more susceptible to the “summer slide”. The “summer slide” pertains to the loss of math and reading skills throughout summer break, which can cause subsequent skill loss each year. According to Scholastic, “…children in 3rd to 5th grades also showed that students lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent of their school-year gains in math during summer break”.

Think Together aims to prevent the “summer slide” by partnering with our school district partners. Programs like Think Summer provide students with a safe space to learn and experience new things every day, even after school is out of session. As a result, students can go into the school year with confidence and fun memories to tell their friends!

“When we talk about race, we honor who children and teens are as learners. A conversation with a caring adult allows children to feel safe and ask questions instead of drawing conclusions about race and racism based on implicit and explicit messaging from the world around them and their own limited knowledge. Reading is a powerful way to nurture a child’s sense of curiosity and build a foundation for having bigger conversations about race over time.” – Smithsonian

Juneteenth is an opportunity to pause, recognize and cement this moment in our nation’s history. June 19, 1865, signifies the date that Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free, two and half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

The holiday is also known as Freedom Day and has been officially celebrated as early as 1866 by the African American communities recently freed from enslavement in Texas. The holiday quickly spread nationwide and has been commemorated annually by African Americans for over 150 years. Early celebrations included the singing of spirituals and prayer meetings. Into the 21st century, Juneteenth observances grew to include festivals with parades, food, musical performances, family reunions and rallies to honor African American culture.

We join in the celebration of Juneteenth to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture. It’s a celebration of freedom, achievement and encouraging others to work on continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

Over the month of June, Think Together staff will engage students in lessons about the importance of Juneteenth to our nation, the meaning behind the day and will then apply their learning by holding celebrations!

What does that curriculum look like?

Think Together’s K-5th grade students will learn about what the Juneteenth flag symbolizes, decorate the Juneteenth flag, and wave it proudly! Our students will talk about the injustice done to enslaved people in Texas, whose message of emancipation was delayed for over two years. As the students wave their Juneteenth flag, they will be equipped to teach their family and friends about the importance of Freedom Day.

Our 6th-12th grade students take a deeper dive into learning about Juneteenth. After watching informative videos, staff and students answer a set of questions together. They ask, “Why are there two Independence Days?” “How does it make you feel that there were over 250,000 enslaved people that received the news that slaves were free two and a half years after it actually happened?” and “Why do you think it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate Juneteenth?”

Think Together embraces daily curricula that center and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for our students. To commemorate Juneteenth, students and staff at Think Together will encourage respectful dialogue, unlearn implicit bias, and educate ourselves on different perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures. It is equally important to continue these conversations at home to facilitate a growth mindset and encourage continuous learning.

We hope that you will join us in learning more!

Try the “Juneteenth Flag” Lesson for K-5th grade students.
K-5_Social-Awareness_Juneteenth-FlagDownload
Try the “What is Juneteenth?” Lesson for 6th-12th grade students.
6-12_Social-Awareness_What-is-JuneteenthDownload
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