Breakthrough Teacher Shout Out!

Breakthrough Miami teacher Zoe Witzeling talks about what she learned through her experience with us. Check it out!

A Trip to Remember

This year, a group of highly motivated and deserving Breakthrough Scholars traveled to Boston, MA for a hands-on and first-hand look at some of the country’s best institutions. We took 20 Breakthrough students to Boston during the Miami-Dade Spring Break week to develop their interest in the variety of schools found in Boston, which is a micro-representation of the schools found across the country.

While our experience was highlighted by the cold weather and constant riding on the Train System, the students had the once in a lifetime opportunities to sit with admissions officers from the following schools: Boston College, Emerson, Boston University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts Boston, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. Along with the in depth conversations with the admissions officers, our Breakthrough Students had the chance to tour all the campuses to get a hands on experience at the schools.

Furthermore to enhance the Boston experience and the experience of traveling a major city we visited many parts of Boston, including Faneuil Hall, the Freedom trail, the TD center, Harvard square, Fenway Park, and Arts for Humanity (A non-profit youth art organization). The students were fully immersed in Boston culture for a full week, including being in Downtown Boston during St. Patrick’s Day!

Our students have been in Breakthrough Miami, mostly, since 2006 and 2007. They are comprised of current juniors and sophomores. They are highly motivated and in college preparatory tracks. Here is a first hand account of the trip through two of our students:

"On the college trip to Boston, I was exposed to things I never seen before. My colleague’s and I enjoyed ourselves as we explored the beautiful city of Boston, Massachusetts. The whole trip for me was an amazing experience because mostly everything that happened was a first for me. It was my first time on a plane, my first time in Boston, and my first time seeing colleges out of the state of Florida.

We had a chance to see Harvard University, Boston College, Boston University, Tufts University, Emerson College, University of Massachusetts, and Northeastern University. I learned a lot from the admissions officers from the different schools. I will take in to consideration all of the advice that they gave me while filling out my college applications."

-Keane Carter-Reaves, Young Men’s Preparatory Academy, 16

"One word for Boston is amazing. You can learn so much by just looking at the buildings and the surroundings. Traveling through the town of Medfordgave me a great all around experience of what life would be like in Boston. And the colleges are extraordinary. The college tours were amazing. They gave us a tour of some of the most prestigious schools and their amazing campuses. My personal favorite was Boston College. The campus gave us insightful information, such as one of the halls was being designed to resemble characters from the Wizard of Oz. I was amazed by the Catholic designed buildings… everything! Also, the Tufts University tour was amazing. The uphill campus is beautiful-- you get an amazing view of downtown Boston. I also really enjoyed all of our tour guides. They gave us much needed information that we could greatly benefit from."

-Jared Allen, Hialeah Senior High School, 15

Breakthrough Scholars Set Sail with Sea Club

Breakthrough scholars set sail with the Ransom Everglades Sea Club. Scholars spend a wonderful afternoon out on the Bay with picturesque blue skies washed in warm golden rays of crisp sunlight. Once every scholar and SEA club member is outfitted in a helmet and life jacket, divided into several groups, students board 6 rakish sailboats. Captain Medina flails sailing terminology towards the SEA club members in one word sentences. Quickly, the small fleet of sailboats deploy in a southeastern direction. SEA Club members operate the small crafts dutifully, as Breakthrough scholars take in the ambiance at sea. The bay lays still like a large opaque mirror; an expansive frozen plain, sailboats skiing in unison. The scene is crowned with a cloudless sky. Cool and crisp winds propel sailboats swiftly across waters, every breathe colored by the smell of salt waters. Once all 6 sailboats establish smooth sail, Breakthrough scholars take turns at the tiller. Their bright smiles rival the golden cascade on the sails. Moved by the elements, at this moment they are free and one with nature.

The SEA Club has committed 5 to 6 days to Breakthrough Scholars for the remainder of the school year. For a fairly young group of Ransom students this group embodies admirable qualities. They are passionate about their work as a club and deliver services with enthusiasm. Our Breakthrough scholars are fortunate to work with such fine young people.

By Webber J Charles

Ransom Everglades Admission Open House

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 3:30 PM

Our Fall Open House is for those candidates interested in grades 6,7,and 8.

Ransom Everglades Upper School Campus
3575 Main Highway in Coconut Grove

Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart Admissions Showcase

Thursday,October 14, 2010
Showcase for all grades. Families interested in attending Carrollton should attend at 9:00 a.m.

Melissa Rodriguez Assembly Hall (All Female)
Duchesne Campus
3645 Main Highway
Location: Melissa Rodriguez Assembly Hall

Waiting For Superman

For a nation that proudly declared it would leave no child behind, America continues to do so at alarming rates. Despite increased spending and politicians’ promises, our buckling public—education system, once the best in the world, routinely forsakes the education of millions of children. Oscar®—winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH) reminds us that education “statistics” have names: Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily, whose stories make up the engrossing foundation of WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN.” As he follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth, Guggenheim undertakes an exhaustive review of public education, surveying “drop—out factories” and “academic sinkholes,” methodically dissecting the system and its seemingly intractable problems. However, embracing the belief that good teachers make good schools, Guggenheim offers hope by exploring innovative approaches taken by education reformers and charter schools that have—in reshaping the culture—refused to leave their students behind.

To watch the movie trailer simply copy and paste the link below into your web browser. http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi7669529/

Children's Movement of Florida Rally on Sept.29

Attend the Children's Movement of Florida Rally Sept. 29
Get on board with the Children's Movement of Florida and don't miss the "Milk Party Rally" at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler Street. Free and open to all, the rally features entertainment, speakers, take-home gifts and refreshments (milk and cookies, of course!).

The citizen-led, non-partisan Children's Movement of Florida is staging rallies around the state - 15 in all - to bring attention to the lack of funding and policy support for children in our state. Come out Sept. 29, and stand up for children! Visit the Children's Movement of Florida to find out more.

School Year Program - Miami City Ballet

Features classical and contemporary works with beautiful sets and costumes that appeal to audiences of all ages and tastes. Programming includes Jerome Robbins' tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, Twyla Tharp's Baker's Dozen, Paul Taylor's most powerful transient masterpiece, and John Cranko's Romeo & Juliet.

October 15-17
Decemeber 17-19, 21-23
January 7-9
February 11-13
March 25-27

Tickets are first come first serve, but please only reserve tickets if you will be able to attend the show.

Students that are interested in taking part in this activity should call Dwanita Fields to make reservations as spots are limited.

Dwanita Fields,
305-460-8928
dwanita@breakthroughmiami.org

School Year Program - Island Care Project

Students will take a short boat ride to Island E in Biscayne Bay to assist in keeping the island clean and making it into a public park. Students can earn community service hours.

October 28th, 2010
November 18th, 2010
December 16th, 2010
January 27th, 2011
February 24th, 2011
March 24th, 2011
April 14th, 2011

This activity takes place 4:00 pm - 6:00pm. Students should arrive at the Breakthrough office located at the Ransom Everglades Upper School at 3:30 pm.

Students that are interested in taking part in this activity should call Dwanita Fields to make reservations as spots are limited.

Dwanita Fields,
305-460-8928
dwanita@breakthroughmiami.org

School Year Program - Miami Science Museum

Students will participate in a Planetarium Experience, Gallery Tour of Featured Exhibition, Live Science Demonstration, Wildlife Center Exploration, and hands-on exhibit titled Newtons' Notions.

November 1st and 2nd, 2010 from 9:30-2:00

Students that are interested in taking part in this activity should call Dwanita Fields to make reservations as spots are limited.

Dwanita Fields,
305-460-8928
dwanita@breakthroughmiami.org

School Year Program - Island Fun

Students will take a short boat ride to Island E on Biscayne Bay and learn how to use a compass to follow a trail to hidden treasures.

January 21st and April 4th, 2011
from 9:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Students that are interested in taking part in this activity should call Dwanita Fields to make reservations as spots are limited.

Dwanita Fields,
305-460-8928
dwanita@breakthroughmiami.org

School Year Program - Breakthrough Saturday Dates

BT Saturday #1 October 16, 2010
Ransom Everglades and Carrollton Combined at Ransom Everglades School

BT Saturday #2 October 30, 2010


BT Saturday #3 November 13, 2010


BT Saturday #4 November 20, 2010


BT Saturday #5 December 11, 2010


BT Saturday #6 December 18, 2010
All Programs at Doctors Charter School

BT Saturday #7 January 15, 2011


BT Saturday #8 January 29, 2011


BT Saturday #9 February 12, 2011


BT Saturday #10 February 26, 2011
All Programs at Doctors Charter School

BT Saturday #11 March 5, 2011


BT Saturday #12 March 26, 2011


BT Saturday #13 April 2, 2011


BT Saturday #14 April 16, 2011