Nothing About Us Without Us
I Dream Public Charter School Elevates with Bridge Builders
By Princess Whitaker Taylor, I Dream PCS Community Liaison
Thriving children come from thriving families. Thriving families come from thriving communities. The elevation of a family in a community cannot be achieved until the vast needs of the community are understood and responsive, meaningful actions are delivered. The educational success of a child requires schools to include the family and the community.
On Saturday, February 8th, school leaders and board members of I Dream PCS were immersed in an exploratory tour of the District’s Ward 7 and 8 to understand and become responsive to the families and communities I Dream will serve. “Nothing About Us Without Us: Training on Community Engagement”, presented by Dionne Bussey – Reeder of DTR and Associates Bridge Builders, LLC, provided the I Dream Team an awe-inspiring journey through the social – economic imbalance east of the Anacostia River that is in alarming contrast to west of the river. Dionne’s detailed synopsis of the rich history and culture of the citizens and the historically intentional inequities prevalent in Wards 7 and 8 raised the consciousness of the I Dream Team as they were able to feel, see, breathe, and gain greater levels of respect for the plight of the families and communities they have committed to serve through the elevation of education.
Thriving children come from thriving families. Thriving families come from thriving communities. The elevation of a family in a community cannot be achieved until the vast needs of the community are understood and responsive, meaningful actions are delivered. The educational success of a child requires schools to include the family and the community.
On Saturday, February 8th, school leaders and board members of I Dream PCS were immersed in an exploratory tour of the District’s Ward 7 and 8 to understand and become responsive to the families and communities I Dream will serve. “Nothing About Us Without Us: Training on Community Engagement”, presented by Dionne Bussey – Reeder of DTR and Associates Bridge Builders, LLC, provided the I Dream Team an awe-inspiring journey through the social – economic imbalance east of the Anacostia River that is in alarming contrast to west of the river. Dionne’s detailed synopsis of the rich history and culture of the citizens and the historically intentional inequities prevalent in Wards 7 and 8 raised the consciousness of the I Dream Team as they were able to feel, see, breathe, and gain greater levels of respect for the plight of the families and communities they have committed to serve through the elevation of education.
Many pivotal moments evolved as the I Dream Team embraced the layered fibers of Wards 7 and 8. By walking through the Lincoln Heights community (Richardson Dwellings) and Stoddert Terrace, engaging in dialogue with and attentively listening to the natural leaders of those communities, consciousness was raised through a deeply impactful firsthand view of children, their families, and the communities in which they reside. An increased urgency to serve well and consistently with unconditional positive regard was consummated as the I Dream Team encompassed the concept of nothing about the children, without the families and communities that shape their trajectory.
I Dream PCS will continue to collaborate with Bridge Builders out of necessity, commitment, and determination to transform educational experiences for young learners, families, and the community in totality.
I Dream PCS will continue to collaborate with Bridge Builders out of necessity, commitment, and determination to transform educational experiences for young learners, families, and the community in totality.
About the Author
Princess K. Whitaker Taylor. Wife, Mother, Caregiver, Humanitarian, MSW. Passionate about caring for the entire community has been evidenced by her intentional dedication to serving, and empowering residents of the District of Columbia, for more than thirty years. An unrelenting work ethic has produced a plethora of learning experiences in Grassroots Community Programs, Non-Profit Organizations, Academic Environments, Corporate Companies, and Government Agencies. Principal of XLNLIFE, LLC, which she established out of necessity in 2011 as a result of an innate belief that community engagement empowers the lives of others; embodies the spirit of hope; restores communities; and enriches lives in totality. She is a lifelong learner with a consecrated investment in humanity, yielding tremendous gratification through sheer connectivity. Philosophically she believes a spirit is healed through nurturing. Life’s purpose is realized as we learn, grow, and experience. She is the Community Liaison for I Dream PCS.
Princess K. Whitaker Taylor. Wife, Mother, Caregiver, Humanitarian, MSW. Passionate about caring for the entire community has been evidenced by her intentional dedication to serving, and empowering residents of the District of Columbia, for more than thirty years. An unrelenting work ethic has produced a plethora of learning experiences in Grassroots Community Programs, Non-Profit Organizations, Academic Environments, Corporate Companies, and Government Agencies. Principal of XLNLIFE, LLC, which she established out of necessity in 2011 as a result of an innate belief that community engagement empowers the lives of others; embodies the spirit of hope; restores communities; and enriches lives in totality. She is a lifelong learner with a consecrated investment in humanity, yielding tremendous gratification through sheer connectivity. Philosophically she believes a spirit is healed through nurturing. Life’s purpose is realized as we learn, grow, and experience. She is the Community Liaison for I Dream PCS.
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I Dream has a new home!
I Dream Public Charter School
Education Center of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church
2220 Branch Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20020
For the 2020-2021 school year, I Dream PCS is located at 2220 Branch Ave SE, in the Education Center of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church (EWHBC). The location will be our temporary home for the next two years while we continue to search for our forever home in Ward 8. Thanks to the welcoming members of EWHBC, I Dream will be a place where our learners will know they are loved and valued, not only in their classrooms, but every time they enter through the doors of our dragonfly home.
I Dream has a new home!
I Dream Public Charter School
Education Center of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church
2220 Branch Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20020
For the 2020-2021 school year, I Dream PCS is located at 2220 Branch Ave SE, in the Education Center of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church (EWHBC). The location will be our temporary home for the next two years while we continue to search for our forever home in Ward 8. Thanks to the welcoming members of EWHBC, I Dream will be a place where our learners will know they are loved and valued, not only in their classrooms, but every time they enter through the doors of our dragonfly home.
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