"The mission of KIPP Gaston College Preparatory Public Schools is to empower all of our students with the skills, knowledge and character necessary to strengthen their communities, succeed at the colleges of their choice and fight for social justice."  

 

How am I strengthening my community and fighting for social justice outside of the classroom?  

 

How can I strengthen my community when I don't yet know and understand the history of the area?  The strengths, the areas of growth of where I live?  

 

"Restoration comes from the choice to value possibility and relatedness over problems, self-interest, and the rest of the stuck community's agenda.  It hinges on the accountability chosen by citizens and their willingness to connect with each other around promises they make to each other.  

 

Restoration is created by the kinds of conversations we initiate with each other.  These conversations are the leverage point for an alternative future.  The core question that underlies each conversation is 'What can we create together?'"

 

I'm a teacher, no doubt I am connecting with my kids, their parents, and my colleagues around the promises we make to our kids.  No doubt we are creating an alternative future filled with choices for our kids.  

 

We are, I am, more than just teachers, though (Feel free to chuckle at the phrase just teachers).  I am more than Mr. Brock.  What does this look like, though?  What am I connecting with others around outside of school (if at all)?  What can we create together (outside of school)?  Is there space (both time and place) for that?

 

Do I make time and space to reflect on questions like the ones above and below?