Community Schools

No everyone is meant to attend a four year college or university. And yet, we all need to do SOMETHING after high school. That's why after five years working at a community college I can emphatically say that this is a GREAT idea for students just out of high school OR returning students finding a new career. This is Book 2 of the "Making 'Work' Work for You" blog collection from SilverPeak Development

In the rural town of Paxton, Alabama, a high school junior lives in the shadow of a father he never knew—a railroad stationmaster who died after being drafted into WWII just before his birth. Years after his father's death, a twist of legal fortune granted his family ownership of the abandoned rail yard adjacent to their home. It is here where the boy and his new girlfriend, Samantha, discover an incredible secret: the “Tullahoma,” a forgotten Civil War-era locomotive of historical significance tucked away in an old repair shop on the deserted property. Aided by their history teacher,...

In 1978, when Jamiyla was two years old, her mother, Ummi, quit her job, converted to Islam with her husband, and moved into an exclusive Muslim society in Brooklyn. Once inside the Community, the family was separated by its powerful and charismatic leader, Dwight York, who was hiding behind the name Imam Isa. Instead of the devotional refuge they’d imagined, the Community was a nightmare of controlled abuse and unspeakable secrets. Forty years later, Jamiyla was ready to excavate and understand a past buried in bad dreams, disturbing memories, and inexplicable rage.

Discover a groundbreaking, authoritative guide that illuminates the path to transforming America’s inner cities. BREAKING THE CYCLE: AN INTEGRATED BLUEPRINT FOR TRANSFORMING AMERICA’S INNER CITIES provides a deep, data-driven exploration of the systemic challenges facing urban communities—from educational deficits and health care disparities to chronic unemployment and economic stagnation. This comprehensive work interweaves rigorous economic analysis with inspirational policy insights, offering innovative, real-world solutions designed to empower marginalized communities and break ...

In Who's in My Classroom?, accomplished educator and author delivers an inspirational and practical combination of true stories from teens in Youth Communication's award-winning writing program and the most current educational research. The book links theories of adolescent development and identity formation to best practices in real-world classrooms where teachers strive to form supportive relationships with students.

Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya on a day of discovery filled with valuable life lessons, sound effects, and childhood wonder! In this delightful addition to the beloved "What Shall We Do Today?" children's book series, three curious friends embark on an adventure celebrating three special holidays that fall on the same day. Perfect for elementary school readers ages 6-9, this engaging story combines entertainment with educational content that parents and teachers will appreciate. When Maya arrives with an exciting flyer announcing a triple celebration in their town, the children's day ...

The Big Neighborhood Clean-Up A Heartwarming Story About Environmental Responsibility, Community Action, and Teamwork for Children Ages 4-8 The second adventure in the beloved "What Shall We Do Today?" series that parents trust and teachers recommend When seven-year-old Imani and eight-year-old Tommy notice their neighborhood is scattered with litter, they don't just complain—they take action! With colorful posters and boundless enthusiasm, these resourceful children organize their entire community for a neighborhood clean-up day that transforms not just their physical environment, but ...

Discover the transformative power of community with "Building Community," your essential guide to creating a robust support network for your family. This comprehensive eBook dives deep into the myriad resources and opportunities available right in your own backyard, offering practical strategies and actionable insights to enhance your family's well-being and connectivity. Start your journey with an introduction to Family Support Networks, where you'll learn the significance of community, identify your family's unique needs, and uncover the myriad benefits a strong support network can offer....

For those who declare that Sunday school doesn't work anymore, here is a book that can revitalize this often neglected ministry. Steve Parr encourages churches to re-energize traditional Sunday school by making it intentionally evangelistic, using proven methods and strategies already implemented in hundreds of growing churches. He guides churches through the process of analyzing their present programs and moving in a new direction to fulfill the Great Commission.

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of adolescent development and support with "Empowering Youth," a groundbreaking eBook dedicated to driving positive change in the lives of young people. This comprehensive guide takes an in-depth look into the pivotal role of school-based support, offering educators, counselors, and school administrators a blueprint for fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Adolescence is a time of tremendous change and growth. Understanding this developmental stage is crucial, and "Empowering Youth" lays the foundation by elucidating the...

What Shall We Do Today?: 16th May: The Purple Bandana Adventure Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya on an extraordinary day of discovery, kindness, and friendship! In this heartwarming addition to the beloved "What Shall We Do Today?" series, three curious children embark on a special adventure celebrating five important themes: community service, environmental awareness, peace, safety, and togetherness. When knowledge-loving Maya arrives with purple bandanas and news of several special celebrations happening on the same day, the friends transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary journey of ...

This book focuses both on how educators can cultivate compassion within themselves and lead together to cultivate humanizing school environments. Teachers, librarians, counselors, resource specialists, mental health professionals, and social workers who are working to create conditions for compassion and dignity in schools are all leaders who can impact change.

"What Shall We Do Today? - The Shelter Adventure" Children's Educational Story for Ages 6-9 Perfect for Classroom Reading & Family Discussions About Pet Adoption Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya in their heartwarming new adventure as they discover the importance of animal shelters on National Pet Day! Following their farm visit, our curious trio becomes junior volunteers at Happy Tails Animal Shelter, learning valuable lessons about compassion, responsibility, and the joy of helping animals in need. In this engaging children's story, young readers will: Experience a day as animal shelter ...

Today’s learners face a complex future, where multilayered technological and societal issues will require new ways of problem-solving. This inspirational yet practical guide helps educators, counselors, and youth-development leaders build on students’ talents and interests to develop their desire for a better world, entrepreneurial mindset and personal leadership skills—so they can make a difference to their families, their communities, and society.

The Secret Garden Project A Short Story About Patience, Nature, and Community for Children Ages 4-8 The fourth heartwarming tale in the beloved "What Shall We Do Today?" series that nurtures young minds and warms young hearts When Imani, Tommy, and Maya decide to transform the newly cleaned vacant lot into a community garden, they discover that creating something beautiful takes patience, teamwork, and a little bit of magic. With dirt-smudged cheeks and hope in their hearts, these determined friends embark on their most rewarding adventure yet. This sweet short story helps children learn ...

What does it mean to be a good citizen at school? Young listeners will learn what it looks like to be a part of a school community.

Confessions of an English Teacher: How High School and Community College English Departments Can Improve Instruction is designed to help English departments improve the instruction they deliver to students. It is a follow-up to the book Confessions of an English Teacher: A Memoir of My Teaching Years. In the memoir book, I discovered several vital things English departments can do to radically alter their approach to teaching English. Teaching English has fallen into patterns that research has indicated need to be revised.

Get ready for the fifth installment in the Terrance the Terrific Series, "The Missing Lunches." Terrance and his friends, Paris and Lance face new challenges when 14 lunches come up missing from the school cafeteria! Where did they go? Who ate the lunches? Why 14 lunches? Join Terrance on another thrilling adventure as he, Paris and Lance solve the mystery, make new friends and lead a new school venture in this captivating new book, Terrance the Terrific & The Missing Lunches!

A teenager dies under questionable circumstances, rocking the lives of residents in a small Florida town. Another teen, held responsible for the death, commits suicide. Not Without Anna, shows how the town and families cope with the tragic deaths to become a closer, more involved community that truly cares enough about its children and their future to take control and fight back.

"What Shall We Do Today? The Day of Five Celebrations" Inspire curiosity and learning with this delightful children's adventure story perfect for readers ages 6-9! Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya on an exciting journey through their community as they discover five special celebrations happening on the same day! This engaging story combines education and entertainment while teaching valuable lessons about: Scientific discovery – Learn fascinating facts about dandelions and the chemistry of making caramel Cultural appreciation – Explore the origins of Chicago's famous deep dish pizza Ethical ...