What’s New at Sewall – February 2021
Sewall established an Emergency Family Relief Fund in the Spring and Summer of 2020 to support families through the economic challenges related to COVID. A committee was established that met weekly through the most immediate crisis and continues to talk periodically. Through this committee, we were made aware of a tragedy for one of our Head Start families at the Zone. Their 19-year-old son was killed by gun violence. His
younger brother has been part of our Head Start program for 2 years. Obviously, this tragedy has impacted them greatly in addition to the poverty that they navigate. Jayden has been an important member of one of the Dahlia classrooms for 2 years. He is a gentle little boy who enjoys playing with his friends. He is the youngest in his family. His mother is dedicated to doing all she can to support him. She sends him off to class with love and reminders to do his best! Jayden’s father and older brother often pick him up and it’s a joy to watch their excitement when they see each other. Jayden’s family has had financial struggles this past two years, but their connections have remained strong.
Sewall established an Emergency Family Relief Fund in the Spring and Summer of 2020 to support families through the economic challenges related to COVID. A committee was established that met weekly through the most immediate crisis and continues to talk periodically. Through this committee, we were made aware of a tragedy for one of our Head Start families at the Zone. Their 19-year-old son was killed by gun violence. His
younger brother has been part of our Head Start program for 2 years. Obviously, this tragedy has impacted them greatly in addition to the poverty that they navigate.
Jayden has been an important member of one of the Dahlia classrooms for 2 years. He is a gentle little boy who enjoys playing with his friends. He is the youngest in his family. His mother is dedicated to doing all she can to support him. She sends him off to class with love and reminders to do his best! Jayden’s father and older brother often pick him up and it’s a joy to watch their excitement when they see each other. Jayden’s family has had
financial struggles this past two years, but their connections have remained strong.
In December, many members of the Sewall community and staff came together to support their neighbors during this very difficult time. Due to this support, a check was given to the family for funeral expenses as well as food.
Celebrating Black History Month
There’s no question of the influence black history has had on our everyday lives. It’s vast and immeasurable. In honor of Black History month, we are continuing to address equity in our curricula while celebrating throughout our classroom center times including art projects, literacy options and more. Classroom themes include:
The Ruben Valdez site is reading The Color of Us by Lauren Katz. Children are making different shades of skin color with coffee and milk.
Our remote learning group is focusing on books around music, courage, friendship, and social justice, as well as diving into influential people. Books include Mae Among The Stars by Roda Ahmed and Stasia Burrington (inspirational nonfiction biography that explores the childhood of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut) and Get Up, Stand Up by Cedella Marley (book based on the song “Get Up, Stand Up”, by Bob Marley). Lesson plans and classroom activities focus on the books, building positive identities and respect for differences.
If you’d like to learn more about black history, checkout the links below.
The undefeated 44 most influential black Americans who shook up the world
Black inventors of the 20th and 21st centuries
2021 Virtual Champions for Children Save the Date — Friday, April 30
You are invited to join us virtually along with Judith Heumann (internationally recognized disability rights activist, author of Being Heumann, featured on Netflix Crip Camp movie, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights under Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and one of Time Magazine’s “100 Women of the Year”).
You won’t want to miss seeing Judy. Champions for Children raises much needed funds to help us continue to provide essential inclusive high-quality early childhood education during this challenging time.
Over the past school year…
You have helped make a difference in your community! See how your support has impacted the world around:
 Students served: 600 |  Classrooms 25 |  Years serving our community: 76 |
Our Mission
Sewall is committed to providing inclusive, joyful learning environments
that use the power of partnerships, diversity and belonging to enrich the
social and academic growth of every child and family.
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