I sent quite a bit of time looking -- in vain, it turned out -- for some solid information about this school: how many students and in what grades, how many actual teachers (as opposed to "staff"), and how many students per class. You know, nothing particularly top secret. But it must be, b/c I surfed and surfed and surfed that site and all its little side-sites -- nothing. A lot of pictures, a lot of rah-rah, and... for Pete's sake, I had a time just finding anything solid. I finally stumbled on to the list of teachers/staff. Turns out it took so long b/c they are now called "teachers and/or staff",. Instead, they are refereed to as (I'm not making this up): "Nation builders" The females of whom are called "Mama (last name)", the males are called "Baba (last name)"
HOWEVER! My search was not totally in vain. I did discover the school's official song, and I hereto wit present: (NB: Formatting is from site)
Baba Michael Owens
musician and CAS 6th grade teacher
As I walk through the door I know that I have arrived.
Its rich, calming spirit gives me a sense of pride.
Its strength and its power gives me courage to succeed.
In the eyes of those before me, I see all that I can be.
Where else can I go, where my soul can really grow?
Where else can I go, where my love can truly flow?
Where else can I go, where traditions abound?
Where else can I go, where my culture is found?
Chorus
It's the Africentric School, we're the brightest and the best!
It's the Africentric School, we honor elders with respect!
It's the Africentric School, where learning is the key!
It's the Africentric School, where learning is the key!
It's harmony and family, inside of me!
Tradition has taught me, that we come from Kings and Queens.
Tradition has taught me, we can realize our dreams.
Tradition has taught me, we have a rich legacy!
It's harmony and family inside of me!
Great song. I think its sung to the melody of "Me and the Devil Blues" by Robert Johnson.
It's a happenin' place, according to the calendar at the website. Jesse Jacka** spoke to the assembled masses on Dec. 4, "winter recess" started today and tomorrow, best of all, is the Third Annual Kwanzaa Karamu (Feast). Calling employees nation builders is interesting, but what I like is that the PTA is called "village council" - reminds me of the TV show "Survivor" somehow.