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At just ten years old, Amaru is already dreaming big. A fifth grader at I Dream PCS, he envisions a future where he brings stories to life through animation, creating movies that captivate audiences and spark imaginations.
Amaru’s passion for animation began with videos that sparked his curiosity. “I watched a lot of videos about animating, and I liked it,” he shares. “I want to animate a movie.” Dream Time in Action During Dream Time, Amaru is taking his first steps toward mastering animation. Using the Toy Theater Animation Station, he’s learning how to make objects move frame by frame. His excitement is evident as he explains, “Each frame, you make the thing move slower so it looks fast when it plays.” Though he’s currently focused on practicing, Amaru is already showcasing his progress to his family. “I enjoy showing it to my parents and brothers,” he says proudly, recalling their surprise when he created a digital explosion on his tablet. The Tools of a Dreamer While Amaru is honing his skills, he’s also keenly aware of the limitations of his current tools. “I don’t have a computer at home,” he explains. “On Toy Theater, when I make a new frame, it deletes the drawing. With a PC, I could find better apps that save my drawings or let me copy and paste to make animation smoother.” Amaru dreams of having a PC to take his skills to the next level, explore advanced animation software, and one day bring his movie ideas to life. Dreaming of Tomorrow When asked to imagine his future, Amaru lights up. “Me animating my own movie,” he says confidently. Though he hasn’t settled on a storyline yet, he’s already planning to share his work on YouTube, where his talent and creativity can inspire others. Be a Part of Amaru’s Story Amaru’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and taking the first steps toward turning those dreams into reality. Through the Fund the Dream campaign, we’re working to provide learners like Amaru with the resources they need to explore their passions and shape their futures. Your support can make a world of difference. Donate today to help Amaru and other young dreamers at I Dream PCS achieve their goals and create a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for supporting I Dream PCS and helping our learners dream loud, proud, and BIG! At I Dream PCS, we believe every child has the potential to change the world. That’s why our mission is to provide purposeful, self-directed learning experiences where students can explore their passions and design their future. Through our end-of-year fundraising campaign - Fund the Dream - we are celebrating the incredible dreams of our students and inviting you to join us in making those dreams a reality. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Chasity, a 5th grader with a bold and creative vision for her future. Dreaming Big: Chasity's Vision “My name is Chasity, and when I grow up, I want to be a fashion designer,” Chasity proudly shares. But her dream goes beyond just making clothes. Chasity envisions creating her own fashion line, Fashion Squad, and opening a boutique in Los Angeles where she’ll showcase her unique designs to the world. She’s already preparing for her dream during Dream Time, a special period at I Dream PCS where students work on projects that inspire them. Chasity has been developing a presentation on the steps to becoming a fashion designer, complete with an attention-grabbing opener: “Hello fellow audience!” Her slideshow includes detailed steps like gathering materials, watching videos to learn about fashion, and experimenting with fabrics and textures. Chasity even created a vision board filled with sketches, design ideas, and inspiration from styles ranging from Parisian elegance to bold Egyptian designs. Turning Inspiration Into Action Chasity’s creative process is rooted in exploration and self-expression. She uses a notebook to collect her favorite design ideas, noting how she would add her unique twist to them. “Some dresses in here are inspired by Egyptian and Parisian designs. I like how creative they are, and they inspire me to make something in my own way,” she explains. If she had a magical tool to help her dream, Chasity knows exactly what it would be: a sewing machine. “I don’t really know how to sew yet, but a sewing machine would help me create clothes faster and better,” she says with determination. When asked how she feels during Dream Time, Chasity lights up. “I feel excited because I know I want to be a fashion designer. It’s fun because I really know what my next step is going to be.” A Bright Future in LA Chasity’s dream doesn’t stop at creating clothes. She imagines a vibrant life in Los Angeles, living in a dream house with crystal floors, open windows, and a fancy car parked outside. She sees her fashion line, Fashion Squad, being worn by people everywhere and plans to greet her audiences with her signature opener: “Hello fellow audience!” Her passion, creativity, and determination are the perfect example of why Fund the Dream is so important. Help Make Dreams Like Chasity’s Come True Chasity’s story is one of countless dreams being nurtured at I Dream PCS. Every contribution to Fund the Dream helps provide the resources, guidance, and opportunities our students need to explore their passions and create a future full of possibilities. Join us in turning dreams into reality. Donate to Fund the Dream today and be a part of shaping the future for learners like Chasity. Together, we can empower the next generation of dreamers and creators. Make Your Impact Here → https://donorbox.org/fundthedream Thank you for supporting I Dream PCS and helping our students dream loud, proud, and BIG! I dream. I learn. I become  The Dreaming is Power series encourages you to pursue your dreams and embrace the challenges of dreaming through the inspiring stories of people who are dreaming big. You met Fly Zyah in November 2020. Today's post introduces you an extraordinary writer and artist, Tameron Colbert. Tameron is also Mr. Colbert, PK Co-Coach at I Dream PCS and Urban Teacher resident working to complete his master's degree in Elementary Education. Tameron the I Dream PCS staff a glimpse of his genius when he threw together a poem during orientation that blew us all away. In the video below, Tameron shares how he fell in love with writing, what is a lyrical playwright, and his Broadway dream. Listen to his thought-provoking advice about pursuing a dream, for all of you dreamers out there. The I Dream community is keeping our eye on this rising star. Tickets to see his work will sell fast! Eclipse Of Hearts
Love, A Horizon compelled between Two Suns and a Moon Tread carefully Because love is yet an eclipse that can Darken your path towards Enlightenment Depiction of such a beautiful horizon That composes a muse of blues, purples, and gentle yellows To form a song sung for the petals in the sun I Have you yet to feel the empathy? Brighten, to make the perfect day Seem elegant.. And turn the tide of beauty and essence That enriches the love of your life? Have you ever been stoned into trickery? That loving the sun and putting it On your shoulders, could forever Put an eclipse over your heart ~Tameron Colbert When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision, it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. ~audre lorde
"Happy". Fargo, Season 4, Episode 10. Perf. Edwin Lee Gibson (right), Laurent Crawford (left). FX, 2014. Netflix, Nov. 22, 2020. REAL POWER is what happens when people connect what they do to who they are." ~Rick Miller, Forbes Magazine, "What is Power, Really?" 10/25/18
A Power Shift @ I Dream PCSOur Graduate Profile describes the 6 ways of being I Dream PCS learners embody when they leave this unique community to enter middle school. To learn more about the I Dream PCS model, visit or browse our website: idreampcs.org. Dream big!
Some people have visions of a dream job. Others are called through their passions to find their purpose. Is your dream a job or a calling? How can you find out? Do you have a dream job?
Either way, continue to DREAM BIG! Hold on to what is good, even if it's a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, even if it's a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do, even if it's a long way from here. ... ~ First 3 Stanzas of a Pueblo Prayer 2020 has been a year of unimaginable challenges and hidden blessings. Has this year made you want to give up on your dream? What can you do to hold on for 2021? When I'm feeling the urge to give up on my dream, I read the Pueblo prayer above that is posted on my office wall. I came across this poem while struggling through many months of writing the I Dream PCS charter application. I spoke this poem aloud, over and over, when the search for a school building made my hair fall out and drove us to consider waiting another year to open. When I'm feeling overwhelmed with the daunting task at hand, so much so that I want to give up, I go to this poem for strength. A Dream Loud & Proud post didn't happen last week because I was in that doubtful place again. The challenges of opening I Dream PCS with a group of humans in the midst of a pandemic had me thinking about walking away to live an easier life. I will be 58 years old next month. Many of my friends and loved ones are retired, with dreams of traveling to far away places to lay in the sun when it is safe to do so. I have the same vision for my retired life. A mango cart ( just to earn pocket change) and a Caribbean beach with the man I love are all I would need. Why am I enduring the headaches of creating a school? When I'm in this place of doubt, someone or something always reminds me: This is my calling. Hold on. The Pueblo poem shouted in my face again. I continued to see number patterns - 404, 808, 1212 - when I looked at a clock. A spiritual leader I admire called me to say she has my back. A colleague showed me an inspiring quote that I don't remember saying from a video I am in. I've moved out of that doubtful place and back onto my path by paying attention to the signs and messages given to me. Pay attention to messages and signs. Has someone, out of the blue, sent you words of encouragement? Did you hear a song or see something that you KNOW was a message for you? Are you seeing number patterns? All are signs you must hold on, that you are living what you are here to be and to do. Listen. Change is coming. A 90's flashback for ya! Listening to Sounds of Blackness every day got me through some rough times - divorce, financial woes, death and loss. "Optimistic" was in heavy rotation on my CD player. Remember CDs? Stay encouraged, beautiful people. I wish you blessings and abundance in 2021. YouTube video provided by Universal Music Group.
The moment I met Elissa Frazier, I knew we were kindred. Her podcast, Designed to Thrive invites educators, leaders, and community partners to talk about how we are creating schools and spaces where all children are valued, empowered, and successful. Elissa invited me to explain why the dreams of Black and Brown children matter at I Dream PCS, and their dreams can matter in public schools.
"Got a chance to talk with Janine Gomez on DesignedToThrive Podcast about how she and her team at I Dream PCS cultivate the brilliance in Black and Brown children. She is nothing short of amazing." ~ Elissa Frazier
I appreciate you for taking the time to listen to Elissa's podcast.
The Save the Lakewood Y Project (2007) began with a group of 4th and 5th graders from Lakewood Elementary School in Durham, NC who decided to organize to save their neighborhood YMCA from closing. It turned into a yearlong movement. Interviews with community members, historical research, fundraising, and attendance at community and political meetings resulted in the Lakewood Y remaining open. Libby Montagne and I cultivated the skills they needed to achieve their dream. These young activists were memorialized in this mural as part of a series to honor Durham's community leaders. Mural by Brett Cook.
 I created Dream Loud & Proud to encourage you to pursue your dreams and embrace the challenges. You've heard pieces of my life story and how I was called to create I Dream PCS. In this new Dreaming is Power series, you will hear the stories of other loud & proud dreamers who are answering the call to live their destinies. Our first loud & proud dreamer is Fly Zyah. Fly Zyah is a young emcee and songwriter whose star is clearly on the rise. She is an activist committed to using her gift of rap to change the world. A few days ago, I talked with Fly Zyah about her gifts and the power of her dreams. Listen as she kicks off our conversation with a few bars from her inspiring song, "Keep Your Head to the Sky", then proceeds to share her wisdom with all of you. Photo: Fly Zyah and her sister, Morghan. Morghan is an I Dream PCS learner.
Black Violin's song, "Dreamer" sums up who Fly Zyah is, a grounded young woman and a true believer in her dreams. I dedicate this song to Fly Zyah, and to all of you. Keep dreaming! I'm blessed to live this life. I've been hurt or betrayed by friends, loves, and family, but, for the most part, my life has been free from personal trauma. The impact of white supremacy and being African-American in this country has done the most damage to who I am. In this post, I share two racist events I internalized and what I did to heal from the trauma and clear the path to my full being. Many of you have or are enduring experiences I cannot imagine. May my story inspire you to take action to heal and clear your path to wellbeing. The path to your calling. Also, learn how I Dream PCS embeds trauma-sensitive practices into our school culture to create a safe space for learners, families and staff to thrive.
1st Place Winner, Connecticut State Oratorical Contest, 1976 An early trauma that needed healing to clear my path.
Trauma shapes who we are. I heard someone say on one of my binge-watching shows that our traumatic experiences are "the fence posts on which our lives our strung." Those experiences create limiting beliefs, as our brains makes sense of the pain. I healed the limiting beliefs that block the path to my calling with the help of Erika Totten, Spiritual Life Coach. Erika taught me that pain lives in our bodies, feeding on the limiting beliefs about ourselves and our need to relive the trauma through other experiences. Once we identified the limiting beliefs and the trauma at the roots, she taught me spiritual tools to release the beliefs I was chained to and replace them with awareness of my strength and the ability to step into my power. When you're ready to do this transformative work, seek professional help. You don't need to do it alone.  Wellness is a value, not an afterthought, at I Dream PCS. The anecdote to the affects of trauma is relationships in a safe space. At I Dream PCS, a Zen Zone (see photo) provides a relaxing space for learners to start their day or reset during class time with a caring adult. Coaches and our Support Specialist speak regularly with families to build relationships and ensure basic needs are met. They connect families to resources when appropriate. Our partnership with Connected Psychology offers mental health support for learners and families. Our Wellness Consultant from 11:11 Wellness collaborates with school leaders to incorporate wellness practices into school meetings, professional learning plans, and social outings. At I Dream, well-being in community enables us all to heal, dream, learn and become. Dream Loud & Proud is now a Facebook page to create dialogue and sharing in this community of dreamers. Click here to join the conversation.
A job you can quit, a dream you can give up on, but a calling will chase you forever... ~Unknown  Mural by Eduardo Korba Dream Loud & Proud is now a Facebook page to create dialogue and sharing in this community of dreamers. Click here to join the conversation.
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