Blog — Motivate Our Minds

Ending the Month on a “High Note”

The last week of February we had two experiences for our students that involved music. We would like to give a special thank you to Orchestra Indiana for bringing instruments for our students to try and discover. They brought a violin, a viola, and a flute.

We also had a jazz group from American Hometown Band. Our students listened to songs from movie clips and the ensemble as they rearranged each song into jazz. Our students learned about the history of jazz and its African roots. They heard the sounds of a soprano sax, alto sax, drums, keyboards, and even an upright bass!

Family Night & Black History Month

Also this month, we celebrated Black History Month. This included learning about key people in black history from Bellen Woodard, founder of More than Peach project, to George Washington Carver, to Nelson Mandela and many more. We wrapped up the month with a Family Night, on February 22nd, centered around soul food. We had 75+ people in attendance. Families enjoyed delicious food, fellowship and a student production of a play titled Color My World. Students taught us about how diversity in life makes life exciting and that regardless of our differences, we can always find things in common with people around us. I invite you to attend our next family night on April 11th from 5:30-7pm.

We also had Ms. Mattie Coleman who came to our program to encourage students to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they face. Ms. Coleman was born in 1922 and was a fashion designer for many years. Students enjoyed asking her questions.

Dr. John Anderson came to speak to our students as well about education and the 7 pillars of African culture.

Science Buddies

On February 24th, MOMs had 4 students represent our program. 5th grader Caylani Lindsey was awarded 3rd place in the Junior Physics and Astronomy division. 4th grader Yazmin Gomez-Lucero was awarded 3rd place in the Elementary division. 3rd grader Levi Barrow was awarded an honorable mention in the Elementary Division. 3rd grader Ares Wesby was awarded the Motivate Our Minds participant award. The students worked very hard from October until February to complete their projects with the help of Ball State students. We want to take a moment to thank parents, sponsors, teachers, and Dr. Rona Hill-Robinson and Angie Boyles.

February Birthdays

On February 29th, we celebrated 4 of our students birthdays with popcorn, cupcakes, singing and an awesome game of “Keepy Uppy”. At the end of the day, those students went home with a little gift.

Donations

We are ALWAYS appreciative of any gifts that people give us, whether its time, gifts, or money.

MOM is looking for community volunteers who would be willing to come and spend time with our students.

We are also looking for small items for our store. Our students LOVE play-doh, squishmallow stuffed animals, lip balm, stickers, special journals and fidget toys.