Dreamers Tour USF (Tampa, FL.)

Our Dreamers participated in our annual end of year college tour on July 26 and 27th.  This year we spent two days in Tampa, FL. to visit the University of South Flordia.  As always, I was very impressed with the attention each dreamer gave to the campus personel, taking detailed notes and asking questions.  The Dreamers were very satisfied with the buffett style lunch (thanks Chef Charles) and our student guide did a wonderful job of presenting her campus.  At the conclusion of the tour, the Dreamers spent the remainder of the day at the hotel swimming pool or lounging in their rooms until dinner time.  After everyone enjoyed a long and peaceful nights sleep (if you consider 2 hours long and peaceful), the group headed south towards St. Petersburg to visit the Salvador Dali Museum and Exhibit.  There, the Dreamers were taken on a guided tour that discussed many of Dali's most prominent pieces.  The drive to Miami ( a quick 5 hours) was smooth and more importantly, each parent was patiently waiting as we arrived back.  It was the perfect conclussion to another academic year.  Our Dreamers are now entering their 10th and 11th grade years.  We are ever so close to graduation days in 2015 and 2016. 


ELL

 

Summer Academy 2013

During our annual IHAD Summer Academy,  our rising 10th and 11th graders (and one senior Jamee :-)) spent 20 days on the MDC Wolfson campus participating in ACT Math, ACT Language Strategies, and Reading/Vocabulary sessions.  In addition, all of our Dreamers who wanted to, were given paid apprenticeships.  This allowed them an opportunity to learn while they earn!!  Finally, we capped off our academy with an overnight trip to Tampa, FL. and the University of South Florida.  There, we were taken on a guided tour of the campus by current USF staff and students.  As always, our Dreamers were very attentive, taking copious notes and asking great questions.  On top of all that, we even had time to stop in St. Petersburg on the way back to Miami and visit the Salvador Dali Museum.  Special Thanks to Kaleena Waters our outgoing VISTA, what can I say, You are absolutely amazing!  Thanks to our dedicated IHAD Summer Staff: Mr. Major, Mr. Boldon, and Mrs. Richardson for keeping our Dreamers focused.  Thanks to MDC Wolfson Staff (especially Josh Young, Tamika Ramos, and Tom Albano.  Thanks to The Children's Trust, without your continued support, we would truely be lost.  Most of All, THANKS to the incredibly devoted Dreamers and Parents who through it all (even the rain) make time, NOT EXCUSES.. See you Aug. 19th.

IHAD Events: Dec., Jan., Feb.

Here is a review of some of the events, activities, and overall happenings from December 2012 until today.

 December is normally a short enrichment month due to the two week winter break.  However, we were able to squeeze in a field trip to enjoy lunch and  a movie.  The Dreamers with appropriate conduct grades were invited to see: The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey at the Sunset AMC theatres and then have burgers and fries at: The Shake Shack.

As the kids returned from Winter Break in January, IHAD Overtown began planning for our annual MLK Day of Service event.  January 19th was a "Day On" as Dreamers reported to West Perrine Park joining hundreds of students, citizens, and agencies assist with a beautification projet.  Dreamers swept the park for litter, helped plant, repainted, and spend the day doing something for someone else.

As we enter the month of February, Dreamers have already attended a college seminar at MDC's School of Justice and are preparing for our upcoming Men's College Basketball game (MDC vs. Brevard) field trip.
ELL

IHAD Oct. and Nov. events

We are quickly approaching the midway point of the school year.  October and November are typically busy months for our Dreamers as they are finishing the first quarter grading period (CONGRATS TO: Madeline, Jaimesha, Christian, Estrella, Precious, Milton, Sendy, Demani, Myeisha, Jamee, Rolange, Delpria, Luiza, and Diana for earning a 3.0 - 4.0 GPA).  In addition to everyday school work, the Dreamers attended a College Prep Workshop at Florida Memorial College, went to Floridean Nurning Home to spend a day with some wonderful senior citizens, and took time on a Sunday to assist the Dave & Mary Alper JCC assemble hundreds of Thanksgiving baskets for needy families.  Special thanks to: Ms. Kaleena W (our amazing VISTA), Dr. Bicola A (Florida Memorial), Analise (Floridean), Shelia S. and Maya G. and ALL the Dreamers and Parents who attended.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING a WONDERFUL WINTER HOLIDAY BREAK and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
ELL

Mr. Norelus on College Requirements



Dreamers and other high school students



Delpria lending a listening ear



Estrella, Johanna, Sendy, Kiki spending time at the fish pond



Dreamers at Floridean Nursing Home

Dreamers at Dave & Mary Alper JCC after making Thanksgiving Baskets

Markayla, Estrella, Christpher, and Cristian assembling baskets

Malik, Lonnie, Mr. B. and Mat' making Thanksgiving Day cards for the baskets

Sendy, Rolange and Ms. Wilson (pink shirt) working hard

The Girls being creative

 

Mrs. B showing Keondreah how it's done

Vernon getting the details before starting the baskets

IHAD Overtown Sept. and Oct.

The first quarter of the 2012-13 school year is already upon us.  Here is a look at some of the activities that we have done:   September - FIU football game, Broward College Tour, Homeless Coalition Workshop.  October -Roots in the City Service Learning Activity.

 Special thanks to the dreamers, parents, mentors, volunteers, speakers, and agencies that collaborated with us.

Summer Academy 2012

     I Have a Dream-Overtown, Inc. with collaborations from: Florida International University, MDCPS Summer Services and The Children's Trust conducted it's annual Summer Academy from July 2 - July 31 2012.  The academy focused on academics in the mornings (math, reading, creative writing) and enrichment activities in the afternoons (guest speakers, presenters, and workshops).  I would like to thank the staff members who dedicated thier time, efforts, experiences, and energy into making our academy a success (A. Callo, B. Bush, H. Major, P. Romaniuk, K. Waters,).  I would also like to thank each individual, group, and agency that presented, spoke, and conducted workshops.  Your input was well received and more importantly appreciated.

    
    At the conclusion of our academy, each Dreamer that attended was invited to Ft. Myers, Fl. for a guided tour of: Florida Gulf Coast University, The Edison Museum, and The Miccosukee Indian Village.  As our Dreamers enter their sophomore (and freshmen) year of high school, my goal is to encourage each of them to recognize and use their resources in a way that makes them flourish. 

 I want to especially thank those Dreamers who attended the academy, participated in activities, and represented IHAD-Overtown amazingly.  Enjoy the pics.. E. L. Lewis

Law School working with our Dreamers. Thanks Prof. Kotey.

FIU Leadership Workshop

Dreamers at FIU Agro Ecology presentation

Project U-Turn Workshop

FIU library tour

IHAD Staff: P. Romaniuk, K. Waters, E. L. Lewis



Mesha, Wendell and La-Kayla going over their case (FIU Law School)

On on tour of FIU School of Theatre w/Prof. Church

Malana and Demani rehearshing at Theatre Workshop

Using the electromicroscope to see the sun

Dr. Webb (Astrology) w/Ashley, La-La, Kayla

IHAD 2012 FCGU Tour

On our way to FGCU

Nathan, Alejandro, Chris, Star, Sendy, Maddy, Jo-Jo

The Tour begins with Mia.



Ricky, FCGU Mascot, Mat'

Lewis and the Cruz's

Learning about FCGU from Mia.

Mr. B, Patrica and the Dreamers

At the campus book store

Jeremiah speaking about the day

About to begin our tour



Airboat rides for the Dreamers

Cristian and Nathan lead to way

The Jumbo Vessel

IHAD Overtown Inc. Ready for departure

"Albert the Alligtor"

Everyone watching "Albert"

Our guide at the villiage "Alligtor Joe"... I think

Karen, Kayla, Ross all want to hold the baby gator.

Waiting for the wrestling to begin